Nominations/Elections Now Open
The nominations for the 2024-25 School Council Executive are now open. Nominations will close on Wednesday, September 25, 6:00 pm (during Council meeting after Q&A).
If you are interested in standing for an Executive Position, please fill in a self-nomination form below.
Elections
If there is no more than one nominee per position, then the positions will be acclaimed.
If there are multiple nominees, a candidates list and online ballot will be emailed and published on the school website after the Council meeting on Wednesday Sept 25 and the online voting will close on Friday, September 27 at 12am.
Questions?
For any questions about the School Council Executive, there will be a Q&A session at the September 25th Council Meeting. If unable to attend, speak with any of the current exective in the schoolyard or contact outgoing co-Chair Lisa Freeman lisafreeman@bell.net or 416-995-2270
What’s the School Council Executive?
Roles and responsibilities are detailed in the da Vinci by-laws
| ROLES | RESPONSIBILITY |
| 2 Co-Chairs | Convene meetings Liaise with teachers and administration Liaise with wider community outside da Vinci School Communication hub for da Vinci School Council |
| Treasurer | Co-signing authority for cheques along with da Vinci Principal Monthly review of the records of financial transactions of the School Council, as prepared by school administrative staff who prepare the bank reconciliations, and to report on this at Council Meetings |
| Secretary | Circulate agendas for General School Council Meetings and School Council Executive Meetings Record, distribute and archive meeting minutes |
| External Engagement Liaison | Friendly and organized individual to attend external meetings, such as Trustee meetings and events hosted by other alternative schools, to ensure our school is present and informed. While not directly representing the school in an official capacity, this person will help maintain a positive presence and relay important information back to the school community. Additionally, this individual will assist in organizing and hosting our Alternative Mixers, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. |
| 3+ Parent/Caregiver Members at Large | All School Council Executive Members: Attend all Council and Executive Meetings Formulate/co-ordinate proposals for parent-driven school activities/development based on input from the School Council, propose slate of Committees at second council meeting of the year, then facilitate and coordinate Committee work Oversee implementation of School Council decisions Assemble and maintain Family Handbook (updated edition coming soon!) |
What’s School Council?
As described on the TDSB’s website and the Ministry of Education’s website, all schools are required to have a school council made up of parents /caregivers, the Principal, teachers and support staff. The purpose of the school council is to actively engage parents /caregivers to improve student success. It also provides a regular opportunity for members to discuss how to make the school a better place for student learning. The Principal brings important information about the school to the school council. The school council, in turn, advises the Principal on matters related to the learning goals of the school, the school’s policies and procedures, students’ needs, activities and resources for students and parents /caregivers, and ways of involving parents /caregivers in the life of the school. Da Vinci’s council generally meets every other month throughout the school year.
All da Vinci parents/caregivers are invited and encouraged to attend School Council meetings so that you can stay abreast of, and have a voice in, the decisions being made about your children’s experience at da Vinci. All parents/caregivers can also join committees, stand for election to an Executive role, and vote in Executive elections in September.
Other Ways to Get Involved
- Volunteering – watch for outreach from Council for opportunities to help plan and run events, and communications from teachers regarding in-class and off-site activities needing parent/caregiver volunteers
- Become a parent/caregiver representative for your child’s class, to support the teacher and the development of class culture and community, including enlisting parent/caregiver volunteers, coordinating group gifts, and regularly attending School Council meetings – talk to your classroom teacher if you’re interested