In this guide

Parent(s) refers to parent(s) and/or guardian(s). A guardian is a person who has lawful custody of a child. Review other key terms in this guide.

Overview

School councils help parents and families get involved in their children’s education. Strong partnerships with community groups can bring valuable skills, knowledge and connections to your council. They help build broader family engagement and support your council’s purpose and mandate. This page offers practical tips to help your council build connections and encourage meaningful involvement.

Strategies for parent and family involvement

You can help involve your school’s parents and families in:

  • welcoming their involvement in school council work
  • encouraging families to take part in school council and school activities
  • creating a welcome package for families new to the school
  • sharing clear, useful information about school programs and curriculum-related activities
  • communicating openly and regularly with families
  • inviting parents with special skills or knowledge to share their expertise (for example, a public health nurse speaking about nutrition or a marketing professional helping with communication)
  • celebrating and sharing school council successes and accomplishments with the community
  • recognizing parent and family time and effort
  • offering ideas to support student learning and well-being at home
  • finding and using community resources to support students and families

Your school council should:

  • welcome all families to their meetings and events
  • encourage their ongoing involvement through committees and volunteer roles
  • provide many ways for families to get involved

Every parent and family has something valuable to contribute.

Reaching your school community

Your school council represents all parents. It’s important to keep them informed and involved as part of your school council mandate.

Community outreach involves the whole school. It can include staff, families, students and school council members, and may become a regular part of how your school council connects with families and the wider community. The goal is to help the whole school community stay involved in school life.

Outreach methods your council may use include:

  • sending newsletters and posting flyers
  • using your school’s website and social media channels
  • setting up a physical display or bulletin board with council activities at the school
  • consulting members of the school community on their issues and needs
  • holding school council meetings or school events in community spaces
  • using interpreters for meetings
  • advertising in local media and on community networks
  • providing information in the languages of the school community
  • inviting diverse community leaders to share school council information and promote parent involvement
  • avoiding scheduling meetings that conflict with religious observances and days of significance
  • holding events at varied times and locations, including virtual and hybrid options
  • asking teachers, parents and council members to actively recruit more parent members and invite more families to school council meetings

Tips for successful outreach include:

  • using surveys to understand parent and guardian needs
  • creating an outreach committee with diverse members
  • hosting brainstorming sessions with parents and community representatives
  • treating all parents and members of the school community with respect and courtesy
  • offering workshops and info sessions to help families support their children’s learning
  • including families in planning these activities when appropriate
  • setting up a process for families and community to share feedback and for school council to follow up on concerns

Grants for school councils and PICs

We provide funding to school boards to support parent engagement. Parents Reaching Out (PRO) funding may be available to school councils of your board. This funding supports projects that:

  • identify and respond to local parent needs
  • remove barriers that stop parents from taking part in their children’s learning and progress

Contact your school board to find out more.