October 20, 2009

Orientation event helps school councils get off the a great start

Close to 300 Peel District School Board school council members will attend Great Start: An orientation and training evening for school council members on Oct. 26 at West Credit Secondary School in Mississauga. The event features a buffet dinner prepared and served by students at West Credit, a keynote presentation and workshops facilitated by Peel board staff with expertise councils need to be successful.

"Great Start is an opportunity for us to thank council members for partnering with schools to support student success and also to provide tips and advice that will help them excel in their role," says Janet McDougald, chair of the board. "This year, I'll open the event by talking to all council members about how they can help the board address the funding gap between the Peel board and other school boards in Ontario. I'm sure the topic will be of interest to participants because it really hits home."

In addition to the keynote presentation, participants can attend two of 14 workshops to gain proven, practical tips and strategies for success. Topics include:

• Celebrating faith and culture in your school…and how you can help
• Encouraging parent involvement at your school
• Everything you need to know about school councils
• How to help build a positive climate for learning in your school
• Leadership skills for your school council
• Tips and tools for making your case in support of equal funding for Peel board students

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner. The keynote presentation starts at 6:15 p.m. and workshops run from 6:40 to 7:40 p.m. and again from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. West Credit is located at 6325 Montevideo Rd. in Mississauga.

-30-

Media contact: Janet McDougald, Chair of the Board, 905-278-1402

Reference: Alison Farbar, School Communications Specialist, 905-890-1010, ext. 2098,