Thank you to the PAC-men and women
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/03/2021 (809 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Parent advisory councils (PAC) have proven that they can bring many positive contributions to their local schools and communities.
They have assisted their schools by fundraising for many special projects such as playground equipment and outdoor learning centres. They’ve also raised funds for environmental upgrades such as native prairie grasses and trees, school/community events, and school information signs. Some of the money used has supported upgrades to school libraries, technical items, and other student learning supports.
PAC members are volunteers who are interested in their children’s education, but we all benefit from their hard work and passion that adds to the educational experience for all children. Parents with children in elementary schools tend to move on when their children change schools. Therefore, schools are always in need of new volunteers.
Please consider volunteering your time to assist in your child’s school. You will find it a positive experience. One of the important tasks of PACs is talking with their schools’ leadership groups and providing parental perspective. PACs also keep parents informed of divisional events and issues.
When COVID-19 arrived, many things changed in all Manitoba school divisions because of the upheaval. The Louis Riel School Division board of trustees recognizes and appreciates the leadership and resilience that our senior leadership team has provided to help keep our school division running well. They also work hard to support school leadership teams, teaching staff, and the support staff we rely on to make school programs a positive experience for our students.
The pandemic also created many problems for our PAC groups. Plans for 2020 spring events had to be restructured or postponed. Graduation events underwent major changes and school tours for students became virtual events.
Many PAC projects and fundraising plans were put on hold. It seemed that some PACs were feeling they should wait until COVID-19 passed.
However, once the initial shock passed, PACs began to look for ways to carry on their dreams for their schools. Enter virtual meetings, more phone calls, and a new way of carrying out their responsibilities. Thankfully, there was a resurgence of activity.
I recently contacted all Ward 4 schools and was pleased to find that all the schools in our area had organized PAC groups in place and were very busy planning for spring events and next school year.
Tom Parker is a Ward 4 trustee for the Louis Riel School Division.
Tom Parker
Louis Riel School Division trustee report
Tom Parker is a Ward 4 trustee for the Louis Riel School Division.