School Councils

The philosophy statement for the Catholic Independent Schools of Nelson Diocese recognizes parents as the child’s first teachers. Parents have the primary responsibility for the education and Christian formation of their children. Our schools exist to complement this responsibility, not to replace it. Parents have a right to the Church’s help with their responsibilities as teachers of their children.

Parents also play an important role as elected members of school councils. Through its constitution the Catholic Independent Schools Society of Nelson Diocese delegates some of its authority to these councils to ensure the effective operations of schools throughout the diocese. The objectives of the School Council are listed in the Catholic Independent Schools of Nelson Diocese Policy Manual.

Parent Support Groups

Parents are also invited to support our Catholic schools through their involvement in the work of the schools Parent Support Group.

These parent support groups operate within the jurisdiction of the Catholic Independent Schools of Nelson Diocese and are subject to its policies.

Principals and school councils are encouraged to promote the formation of these support groups. Such groups are guided by a constitution and a set of by-laws which identify and emphasize its supportive function to the school and school council. Historically, these support groups have undertaken both small and major fundraising activities. It is essential that the use of funds thus generated be a cooperative undertaking by the Parent Support Group, the school principal, and the school council who will have established a priority list for the needs of the school. A separate account is set up for money coming through Direct Access Grants and dollars that originate from provincially operated gaming accounts. In order to promote a close working relationship between the Parent Support Group and the school, it is suggested that at least one meeting per school term be planned with the Principal, the Chair of the School Council and the Chair of the Parent Support Group.