ABOUT
SCHOOl COUNCIL
The School Council at Fern Avenue Public School consists of parents and guardians who work together with
Fern's staff to enrich our children’s educational experience, and foster a strong sense of community
within the school and throughout the neighbourhood.
meetings
We encourage parents to attend School Council meetings so that they can have a voice in the decisions being made about their children’s experience at Fern.
Council mostly meets once each month during the school year, except December. So keep checking the calendar and news page for updates and details!
The minutes of our past Council meetings can be found on our Google Drive.
EXECUTIVE
2025-26
Co-Chairs
Katie Needs
Sarah Timmins
Treasurer
Nicolas Theron
Secretary
Aurora Ratcliffe
Volunteer Coordinator
Rita Kotzia
Ward 7 Rep
Storm Crow
English Rep
Looking for volunteers!
Middle Immersion Rep
Looking for volunteers!
COMMITTEES
There are a number of committees that operate under the School Council, and each has its own team leader and a set of goals for the year. The following descriptions have been supplied by committee members.
We are actively looking for new members to help support these committees. If you are interested in learning more about a specific committee or have any questions, please reach out to fernaveschoolcouncil@gmail.com.
ARTS
Restore, inspire, and sustain quality arts education; provide local artistic talent to Fern classrooms, organize evening performances.
COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Looking for volunteers!
COMMUNICATIONS
Manage the school council website and newsletter. Provide timely updates and information to, encourage participation within, and seek input from the Fern Ave. PS community.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Leigh Ostermann
Ashley Vandertorn
Neil Tisdall
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Foster strong connections and collaboration between our school, families, and community by creating meaningful and enriching opportunities to get involved and make a positive difference; e.g. Kits for a Cause, Fern Staff Appreciation Breakfast
COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Erin Lawson
Shannon Kinch
ECO
Educate and promote environmental issues within the school community; follow the TDSB EcoSchools guidelines, and attain Gold or Platinum certification.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Corinne Muccilli
EQUITY & INCLUSION
Ensure that equity and inclusion are essential principles at Fern and are integrated into all policies, programs, operations and practices.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Rachel Muehrer
Julia Che
EVENTS
Plan and execute events to bring the Fern Ave community together and foster a strong sense of school spirit, such a Spring Fling, Fernapalooza/Fun Fair, etc.
COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Michael Snitman
GRAD
Organize and celebrate the milestone achievements of our graduating students by creating a memorable and meaningful graduation experience that reflects their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments throughout their journey at Fern.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Denise Figueiredo
Trish Bentley
stem
Get kids excited about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); broaden delivery of STEM subjects in and out of class, improve Fern’s technology.
COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Looking for volunteers!
WELLNESS
Promote and support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our school community, and ensure that our students have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and balanced lives.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Avery Kennedy
Daniela Kraemer
Laura Keohane
resources
School councils in Ontario are governed by the Ontario Education Act and are further required to have their own by-laws in place to address such things as election procedures, the filling of vacancies, conflict of interest guidelines, and conflict resolution.
Follow these links to the latest version of the by-laws governing Fern Avenue Public School Council, together with related information on School Councils from the Ministry of Education’s website:
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