by Shannon Cook, Chair, CCSD Board of Trustees
As elected officials, the board of trustees play an integral role as advocates for Catholic education locally, provincially, and nationally. Our mandate is to ensure that students receive a quality education permeated by Catholic faith. We believe that all our students deserve the best learning opportunities so that they can reach their full potential and be healthy, successful learners in faith-filled spaces. Together, the board works hard to provide leadership and direction to our school district and to shine light on the value and importance of publicly funded Catholic education.
At the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD), we encourage parents and guardians to also participate in their child’s school community. Two of the most common ways are through school council or volunteer opportunities.
School Council: All parents/guardians with children attending school are members of their local school council and are encouraged to participate in council activities. The purpose of school councils is to provide an avenue for parents, school administration, teachers, community members, and students to work together to create teaching and learning environments where students reach their full potential and succeed in all areas of learning. During meetings, parents can hear about important news, upcoming programs and initiatives, and can provide input to the principal regarding important decisions that will affect the school community. In addition, school council chairs meet with one another, district administrators, and members of the board at district-wide meetings. In close collaboration with principals, school councils create a vibrant community spirit. They help bring the heart and uniqueness that makes a school more than just a school.
Volunteering: Our schools rely on parent volunteers to help activities and events run more smoothly and be more successful. Opportunities exist in the school for parents or guardians to volunteer in a number of capacities, such as in their child’s classroom or at school-wide events. The concept of service is central to the beliefs of a Catholic school district. Service is how we demonstrate our love and concern for others and is an expression of our faith. Parents and community members who gift their time and talents to our school communities provide students with authentic, real-life models of service.
The CCSD Board of Trustees, many of whom started as volunteers or school council members at our Catholic schools, are incredibly grateful for the time, commitment, and energy of volunteers, which help to make our school communities stronger and more vibrant.
Calgary Catholic School District, Board of Trustees
cssd.ab.ca/board-column | [email protected]
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