One of the most important ways parents/guardians and community members can make a meaningful difference for students is by participating on the school council. Under the Education Act, a school council is a collective association designed to advise the principal and the CBE Board of Trustees on matters related to the school. School councils have legislated advisory and decision-making authority defined within the Education Act and the School Councils Regulation. They are different from Parent Societies & Associations, whose main function is to raise funds for the school. You can find more details in the CBE School Council Handbook.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Meeting Dates/Schedule
Samuel W. Shaw School Council meetings are usually held in person, in SWS's Learning Commons. All are welcome and every opinion is valued. Occasionally, including some winter months, we will meet virtually using Microsoft Teams. Messages will be sent from the school to communicate location.
About Our School Council
The Samuel W. Shaw School Council is a parent-run organization and all of our parents are automatically members. We work cooperatively with the school administration to enhance student learning at the school. Council meetings provide a valuable opportunity for the exchange of ideas and information between the school administration and parents. These meetings are generally held in the early evening on the second Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome.
Contact Our School Council
SWS Parent Council Email: Samwshawcouncil@gmail.com
Social Media: http://www.facebook.com/swsparents
School Council Members
Chair: Sky Mercier
Vice-Chair: Colton Mercier
Secretary: Denis Bekkering
Volunteer Coordinator: Sky Mercier
Key Communicator: Kathleen Lewis
Communications Coordinator:
Our Mission
We empower collaboration between parents, guardians, and educators to nurture the well-being and effectiveness of our school community, thereby enhancing and elevating student learning experiences.
School Council Positions
Samuel W. Shaw School Council (SWSSC) Positions
- *Chairperson: Supervises the affairs of the Council. Prepares agendas, presides at all meetings, calls the votes, and ensures the meetings run according to procedure. Stays in regular communication with the principal and completes the “School Council Annual Report”.
- Vice-chairperson: Fills the Chairperson’s responsibilities when he/she can’t.
- *Secretary: Takes and distributes meeting minutes, keeps the correspondence of the council, has a working knowledge of council procedure.
- Key Communicator: Attends CBE Community of School Councils meetings (COSC, approx. 4/year) on behalf of SWS and reports pertinent information back in SWSSC meetings. Acts as a communication link for the school community to help share public school information.
- *Volunteer Coordinator: Requested back by popular demand! This position makes a huge difference to teachers. The Volunteer Coordinator is advised of school volunteer needs, communicates them to volunteers, and organizes the response to fill the needs. Maintains the volunteer pool paperwork according to privacy guidelines.
Samuel W. Shaw Fundraising Society (SSFS) Positions
- President: Supervises the affairs of the Society. Prepares agendas, presides at all meetings, calls the votes, and ensures the meetings run according to procedure. Coordinates fundraising activities and presents a report at the AGM. Has SSFS signing authority (required).
- Vice-President: Fills the President’s responsibilities when he/she can’t.
- Secretary: Takes and distributes meeting minutes, keeps the correspondence of the Society, has a working knowledge of council procedure.
- Treasurer: Monitors and controls all financial transactions of SSFS and keeps an accurate accounting. Acts as SSFS signing authority(required). Prepares and distributes financial reports at meetings, and a year-end audited financial statement.
- Summary Feedback from School Council Directors: Several are elected, and tasks vary between them including assisting with fundraising events and funds, having SSFS signing authority, and auditing records.
- Gaming Chair: SWS liaison to AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis) for gaming related fundraisers and use of gaming funds. Keeps current on AGLC requirements, processes the paperwork for and organizes the casino with help from AGLC casino advisors. Casinos are every 18-24 months, and our next one is Spring 2025.
- Fun Lunch Coordinator: Communicates with school admin. to set dates, and organizes regular Fun Lunches, using service providers such as Healthy Hunger. Works with Volunteer Coordinator to arrange for volunteers and supervises distribution on Fun Lunch days.
Additional CBE Resources
- CBE School Council page
- CBE School Council Handbook
- CBE Connections | For school communities
- CBE Administrative Regulation 5001 – School Councils and School/Parent Societies
- School Councils Regulation 94/2019
- Social Media Guidelines for School Councils
- Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA) website