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25/26 First Meeting & School Council Elections

***UPDATED SEPTEMBER 30***

Thanks everyone for coming out to the meeting last week - it was a great first meeting and a huge turnout! We ratified this year's School Council, discussed fundraising goals and plans for the year (please join our meeting on Nov 4th to talk about this in more depth), discussed our by-laws, and learned all about the re-org from Fern admin and staff.


As always, if you would like to get involved in school council in one of our open roles, on one of our sub-committees or as a volunteer at our events throughout the year, please get in touch with us at fernaveschoolcouncil@gmail.com.


***UPDATED SEPTEMBER 24***

We are pumped for the first meeting of the year tonight at 6:30 pm at the school. (Follow signs once you enter Door 1)


Here is a sneak peek of the agenda.


Reminder that we will be running school council elections tonight as part of the meeting agenda - if you are interested in getting involved, check out the list down below to see what positions exist (insider tip...communications and events could really use your help!).


Looking forward to a great turnout and some great conversation tonight.



***ORIGINAL SEPTEMBER 8***

We hope everyone had a smooth transition back into school mode!  


The first Fern School Council meeting of the year will be held on  Wednesday, September 24th at 6:30 pm at the school. (Follow signs once you enter Door 1)


All Fern parents/guardians/caregivers are welcome to attend - childcare will be provided. 


Why come? This meeting - like all School Council meetings - will include an Admin report from our principal Michelle Lariviere. We’ll also discuss plans and goals for the year ahead, and most importantly we will hold elections for this year’s Council. Open roles are listed further along in this message.  


Our by-laws require us to hold elections for all School Council leadership positions each year, which means every role is open for anyone who wants to get involved. As in years past, a number of current council members have kindly agreed to stay on for the coming year, which is amazing! For transparency, below we have indicated which roles have volunteer incumbents lined up (you may still nominate someone or put yourself forward for these positions!) and where we’re in need of new people to fill the roles. 


JOINING SCHOOL COUNCIL

  • You don’t need any previous council experience to join, just a willingness to get involved! We are actively seeking new members, energy and ideas for how to make Fern a great place for our kids. 

  • Parents, grandparents, guardians and caregivers of Fern students are all able to join council in an elected role, on a sub-committee, or simply attend our meetings. 

  • Most roles can be shared - many hands make light work! 

  • Concerned about time commitments? Members are primarily required to attend meetings and fulfill their responsibilities listed below, but even if you only have a few hours to spare here and there, we can make it work! 

  • Self nominate for roles by emailing us at fernaveschoolcouncil@gmail.com

  • Extra Fun Bonus: Getting involved with the School Council is a great way to do something positive for your local community, get to know your neighbours and make friends with your fellow Fern Families!  


We hope you come out on Sept 24th and help us shape the future of the School Council & Fern PS! 



Open Roles for 2025/26 School Council 

Denotes incumbent*



Chair / Co-Chair* - Executive


Responsibilities: 

● arrange for School Council meetings;

● prepare agendas for School Council meetings;

● chair School Council meetings;

● ensure that minutes of School Council meetings are recorded and maintained;

● ensure that the Annual Report is completed;

● facilitate conflict resolution;

● communicate with the Principal on behalf of the School Council;

● consult with senior board Staff and Trustees as required on behalf of the School

Council;

● act as Joint Signing Officer;

● act as ex officio member(s) of School Council committees/sub-committees and any

school committees

● ensure completion of the School Statements of Needs (SSON) in collaboration with

parents/caregivers;

● observe the School Council’s and/or the Board's Code of Conduct and By-



Secretary* - Executive


Responsibilities: 

● complete records of all meetings in a timely manner;

● assist the Chair/Co-Chair(s) in the distribution of minutes to all School Council

members, ensure minutes, once approved, are available to the parent/caregiver

body;

● may as a Joint Signing Officer;

● observe the School Council’s and/or the Board's Code of Conduct and By-

Laws.


Treasurer* - Executive


Responsibilities:

● act as custodian of the funds of the School Council;

● handle receipts and disbursement of School Council monies;

● keep proper records of all financial transactions;

● arrange for verification of the School Council’s financial records in June of each

year;

● act as a Joint Signing Officer;

● adhere to the financial protocol instructions outlined in the School Council Financial

Guide; prepare the annual Public-Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) report;

● observe the School Council’s and/or the Board's Code of Conduct and By-Laws


Volunteer Coordinator* 


Responsibilities:

  • Create volunteer sign ups for events & communicate with volunteers as needed

  • Maintain general volunteer form, and list of active volunteers 

  • Help with volunteer logistics at events throughout the year

  • Maintain class rep list 


Communications*: 1 position


Responsibilities:

  • Create and maintain overall communications strategy

  • Responsible for upkeep of all School Council social media and communications to

the parent/caregiver body (e.g., blog, social media, email, newsletters etc.);


Events Chair/Co-Chair*: 1 position


Responsibilities:

  • Helps plan & execute council-led events throughout the year to achieve fundraising and community engagement goals (movie nights, welcome back picnic, dance-a-thon, spring fling, Fernapalooza, other events as they come up)

  • Responsible for ensuring all fundraising events follow TDSB guidelines & policies 

  • Recruit an Events Team to help throughout the year 


Ward 7 Rep*


Responsibilities: 

  • Attend Ward Meetings on behalf of the Fern school community & communicate information back to school council 

  • Establish contact with trustee and other parent organizations (PIAC, etc), facilitate communication & engagement as necessary


English Rep: 1 position


Responsibilities:

  • Represent the English stream on Fern School Council, ensuring that student and parent needs are communicated and addressed in spending, fundraising and school enrichment plans


Middle French Immersion Rep: 1 position 


Responsibilities:

  • Represent the Middle French Immersion stream on Fern School Council, ensuring that student and parent needs are communicated and addressed in spending, fundraising and school enrichment plans



Sub-Committees:

There are a number of committees that operate under the School Council, and each has its own chair/co-chair, and a set of goals for the year. All committees/sub-committees will meet as required throughout the year to carry out the School Council’s activities. They will make recommendations to the School Council for approval and will report to the School Council on its activities at each meeting. 


Committee descriptions are listed below. Joining a committee - either as a chair/co-chair or a general member, is a great way to get involved at Fern! Please reach out if you are interested in any of these.


Arts Collective

Restore, inspire, and sustain quality arts education; provide local artistic talent to Fern Ave classrooms, organize evening performances. 


Communications

Manage the school council website and newsletter. Provide timely updates and information to, encourage participation within, and seek input from Fern Ave. PS community. 


Events

Plan and execute events to bring the Fern Ave community together and foster a strong sense of school spirit, such Movie Nights, Dance-A-Thon, Spring Fling, Fernapalooza/Fun Fair, etc.


Equity & Inclusion*

Ensure that equity and inclusion are essential principles at Fern and are integrated into all policies, programs, operations and practices. 


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.


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.


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. Food Drives, Kits for a Cause, Fern Staff Appreciation Breakfast


Eco

Educate and promote environmental issues within the school community; follow the TDSB EcoSchools guidelines, and attain Gold or Platinum certification.


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. 


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