The objectives of the Holy Cross Catholic Academy Catholic School Council are to:
- Foster and increase parental contact and participation in their children’s education
- Support the faith development of the school community
- Help the school achieve a high quality of Catholic education for the students
- Review and set objectives, goals and priorities on an annual basis at the beginning of each school year
- Provide support in priority areas (fundraising, volunteering)
- Advocate for the school in the community
- Link with community resources
- Promote Extracurricular activities in the school
- Liaise between the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) and the parent community
- Encourage and promote the continued existence of the school athletic programs
- Organize sub-committees, as the need is identified, with a minimum of one member from the council, to deal with specific items and responsibilities. These sub- committees may encourage other parents/guardians to join and meet as they see fit, but shall report back to the council for review and consensus in the form of progress reports
- Review and provide input for criteria to assist the board in the appointment of the principal
Role of its Members
- To place the overall interests of students first
- To advise the principal and where appropriate, the Board
- To help parents and partners share responsibility for student success
- To enhance parent, parish, and community involvement
- To promote effective relationships among home, school, parish, and community
- To provide a forum for discussions on school success
- To help parents, parish, and community members share their views
- To promote positive attitudes towards Catholic education
Characteristics of Effective School Councils
- Focus on student learning and the best interests of all students are actively involved in setting school priorities for improving student achievement
- Promote meaningful parental, parish, and community involvement and actively seek the views of their school communities
- Have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities
- Include members who represent the diverse views of their school communities
- Keep well informed about school and board policies and procedures
- Have clear and consistent processes for decision making
- Communicate with the community about their activities
- Maintain high ethical standards
- Have members who have developed mutual trust and respect for one another