2010-2011 ANNUAL REPORT
As set out in Quebec’s Education Act, the purpose of a parent participation
organization (PPO) is to encourage the collaboration of parents in developing,
implementing and periodically evaluating the school's educational project*
and their participation in fostering their child's success.
The organization may also advise the parents' representatives on the governing
board regarding any matter of concern to parents or any matter concerning which
the organization is consulted by the parents' representatives on the governing
board.
It can also be beneficial to parents for the PPO to collaborate with the
parents’ representative to the school board’s Regional Parents’ Committee in
terms of informing the school board of the parents’ needs and concerns.
The organization may hold its meetings on the school premises and may also use
the school's administrative support services and facilities free of charge,
subject to the conditions determined by the principal after consulting with the
governing board.
Each September, during the annual general meeting of parents called for the
purpose of electing the parents’ representatives to the governing board, the
parents in attendance decide whether or not to form a PPO. If they decide to do
so, they determine the name, composition and operating rules of the organization
and then elect its members.
In order to accomplish the PPO’s purpose, parents can choose to set up a formal
committee structure or one that is rather informal. They may also choose their
approach and their activities toward the achievement of their goals. Where an
active Home & School Association is present in the school, it is in the interest
of both organizations to choose different activities and to respect each other’s
role in working toward similar goals.
At last year’s annual general assembly, an overview of the PPO’s role and
history at Lakeside was presented and the parents present subsequently decided
to form a PPO. However, given the relatively small number of parents signing on
in September, the presence of a very active and dynamic Home & School Committee,
the fact that the educational project was not revisited and that no significant
issues were sent to the PPO by the parents’ representatives on the governing
board, the PPO remained accessible albeit inactive for the remainder of the
school year.
Prepared by Brian Quinn,
Past PPO coordinator
*A school's educational project
sets out the specific aims and objectives of the school, and objectives for
improving student success. It may include actions to promote those aims and
objectives and integrate them into the life of the school. The aims and
objectives of the project objectives are designed to ensure that the provincial
educational policy, the basic school regulation and the programs of studies
established by the Minister are implemented, adapted and enriched.
What is a parent participation
organization?
The purpose of a parent participation organization (PPO), as defined by the
Education Act, is to encourage:
-
the collaboration of parents in
developing, implementing and periodically evaluating the school's
educational project
-
their participation in fostering
their child's success.
The PPO may also advise the parents'
representatives on the governing board regarding any matter of concern to
parents or any matter concerning which the organization is consulted by the
parents' representatives on the governing board.
The PPO at Lakeside Academy
We set out to accomplish the above by promoting the role of parents in their
child’s education, both at home and at school. While we don't act specifically
on individual or personal issues (parents are encouraged to contact teachers and
the administration in such cases), we welcome parental input on general issues
and concerns.
Given that an administrative liaison has been
designated for our committee, we are in a good position to bring general
concerns and suggestions to the attention of the administration.
While no meetings at school have been scheduled for the immediate future, we
will meet as needed this school year. Due to the size and availability of our
membership however, we conduct much of our business via email. Be sure to return
to this web page for regular updates.
How to be involved in the educational project
The educational project serves to define the school, its mission and its general
orientations. It is developed by all stakeholders and adopted by the governing
board. Although recently revised and adopted, parents can continue to be
involved in the implementation and evaluation processes. Lakeside Academy’s
educational project can be viewed
here.
The school's success plan enables the educational project. The plan is drafted
by the staff and the principal but must be approved by the governing board prior
to being implemented. This puts it in the interest of all members of the school
community. It can be viewed here.
All parents should feel free to share their input on the educational project
either by communicating it to us or by becoming involved in the process at
school. The governing board encourages all stakeholders in public education to
get involved.
How to foster your child’s success
We believe that fostering our children’s success takes place at home and at
school. At home, we can provide an encouraging and relaxed atmosphere for doing
homework and studying. At school we can participate in school committees and
activities.
Keeping up to date with the various programs and activities helps us to promote
learning and achievement - the best way to keep informed is to visit the
school’s website regularly and to attend meetings and activities at school.
The governing board and the PPO
Our relationship with the parents’ representatives on the governing board
enables us to bring issues and advice to their attention as well. They may in
turn consult us on any matter within their mandate. This year, we have been
invited to attend their parent caucus meetings which are held just prior to the
governing board meetings.
Your participation
Your participation is essential and welcome. All parents are encouraged to
contact us via email (lappo@lbpearson.qc.ca)
with any questions, concerns or suggestions regarding the above or any other
parental issue. We will gladly discuss them and pass them on to those who can
help or act on them.
A few facts, a little
history and the PPO last year…
-
The
purpose of a PPO is to encourage the collaboration of
parents in developing, implementing and periodically
evaluating the school's educational project and their
participation in fostering their child's success*.
-
The
general assembly of parents held each year in September
decides on the establishment of a PPO for the school year
and if it does, it determines the name, composition and
operating rules and then elects its members*.
-
A PPO
may advise the parents' representatives on the governing
board on any matter of concern to parents
or any matter concerning which the organization is consulted
by the parents' representatives on the governing board*.
-
The
PPO provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to be
actively involved at school; PPOs are free to determine
their activities and their level of involvement at school
-
Lakeside Academy’s first parents’ participation organization was established
in September 2000 and over the years, has contributed to the school through
its numerous initiatives and achievements. Among these have been:
·
the arrangement of a professional physical audit of our school
·
involvement in various parent and student surveys / questionnaires
·
the development and publication of a promotional pamphlet about our school
·
a Secondary 1 International Program feedback session for 2001-2002
·
a report generated by an extracurricular activities subcommittee
·
recommendations following a review of the school’s educational project
·
the revisions of a parent handbook draft for 2004-2005 publication
·
the development and maintenance of the “ Parent Info ” link on the school’s
website
·
recommendations regarding the accessibility of all course outlines to
students and parents at the beginning of each school year
·
recommendations regarding the early and consistent availability of
integrated study skills
·
ongoing discussions regarding the potential for mentoring and “leadership”
opportunities
Now
known as the Lakeside Academy PPO, our main objectives are
to build on past achievements and to undertake new
activities and projects which will support the parents and
benefit the students.
Given
our access to the parents’ representatives on the governing
board and the participation of a vice-principal at our
meetings, we aim to provide a strong voice at school for
Lakeside parents and guardians. By maintaining a line of
communication with our LBPSB Sector 4 Parents’ Committee
representative, we extend that voice to the school board.
Summaries of our meetings and
activities will be posted regularly on this page and we can
be contacted via our email account:
lappo@lbpearson.qc.ca
More than ever, schools benefit from parental
involvement – the PPO is a great way to participate!
* per the Education Act
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