The Sea to Sky School District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) needs a new captain.
After five years at the helm, Cathy Jewett is stepping down as chair. Jewett's children are no longer in the public school system, which means she doesn't qualify for the job. However, the Whistler resident will finish her term on the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils' board, a position to which she was named this year.
A lot of parents don't understand what parent advisory councils are all about, Jewett said, opting instead to volunteer at schools for things such as fundraisers. What the councils do is ask the tough questions, such as why is there a need for schools to hold fundraisers, she said.
The DPAC is comprised of parent advisory members from the schools throughout the corridor. It helps pass information between the school district and parents, Jewett said, noting that it ensures that the school board hears parents' voices.
Some important issues that parents should be involved in are just now coming to the fore, Jewett said. The B.C. Teachers Federation is negotiating its contract with the B.C. Public School Employers Association, while the Ministry of Education is in the midst of changing its kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum to reflect the ideals of personal learning, Jewett noted.
Whoever steps into Jewett's shoes needs to remember two things, Jewett said. First, the DPAC makes decision for all children, not just your own; and secondly, it is vitally important to create a rapport with educational partners.
"That person is basically the communicator for parents," Jewett said.
DPAC member Barb Leigh said the council is seeking anybody who is eager to take on the role. The council is also open to new members, she added. If you are a parent with a child in school and feel a need to create change, this may be the position for you, Leigh said.
"We meet three times a year, once in each community (Squamish, Pemberton and Whistler)," she added.
The council's next meeting will take place Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Signal Hill Elementary School in Pemberton. For more information [email protected].
