Parent Involvement
Parent Involvement Committee [PIC]
Welcome to PIC
A Special Invitation to Parents
Parents, as the first teachers in the home, are important partners in the learning process. Research has shown that the involvement of parents in their child’s education has a positive impact on student achievement and overall school performance. By working together, we can make significant contributions to the success of our students and our schools.There are many exciting ways in which you can contribute to your child’s education. When you browse through the parent section of the website, you will find important information about parental partnership opportunities, including how to join your local School Council and the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC).
If you have any questions at any time, please do not hesitate to contact your school Principal or the Board Office at 705-674-3171, ext. 7216 or at info@rainbowschools.ca. They are your closest link to information and are always willing to help you become more involved in your child’s education.
What is PIC?
The Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), formerly known as the School Council Coordinating Committee, enhances the learning environment for students by engaging parents in Rainbow Schools.Chaired by a parent, PIC is run at the Board level and is made up of School Council parent members, trustees and Board staff.
The Parent Involvement Committee provides a regular opportunity for School Council members to network, share ideas, offer input and enjoy informative presentations on a number of education related topics throughout the school year. PIC makes parental engagement a priority by providing support on a system-wide basis and promoting dialogue between School Councils, the Board and members of the community.
What Role Can PIC Play?
PIC is most effective when its members:- Offer advice to the Director of Education and School Councils
- Establish and review PIC goals, priorities and procedures each year
- Recognize that parents play a vital role in the education of their children and in the success of schools
- Help create a welcoming environment for parents at the school and Board level
- Plan and implement strategies to involve more parents at the school and Board level
- Provide support to School Councils in matters relating to parental engagement
- Attend and participate in the discussions of PIC meetings
- Keep well informed on issues related to education
How Can You Join PIC?
Our Parent Involvement Committee welcomes new members. For more information about the Parent Involvement Committee, talk to your school Principal, phone 705-674-3171, ext. 7216 or email info@rainbowschools.ca.Parent Involvement Committee:
Orientation for Members
Below, you will find important information about PIC, including its role and responsibilities in the English-language public education system in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin. If you’re a parent looking for more information, we encourage you to attend one of our PIC meetings. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month during the school year. For a schedule, please click here.
PIC and the Parent Voice in Education Project (PVEP)
Greater parent involvement is a key priority for the Ministry of Education. In November 2004, former Minister of Education Gerard Kennedy announced the Ministry’s plan to strengthen its partnership with parents through the Parent Voice in Education Project (PVEP).The project was led by 20 Ontario parents with demonstrated expertise in parent leadership. Appointed by the Minister of Education, the group was asked to consult with parents from across the province and develop recommendations about how to enhance parental involvement in the publicly funded education system in Ontario
In its final report, the group made a number of recommendations, including:
- Implementing a provincial policy on parental involvement
- Establishing a new office of Parental Involvement within the Ministry
- Requiring school boards to form Parent Involvement Committees (PICs)
The final report of the Parent Voice in Education Project (PVEP) is available at: www.parentvoiceineducation.org/assets/pdf/PVEPEng.pdf
PIC Mandate
Based on the recommendations outlined in the final report of the Parent Voice in Education Project, the Ministry of Education required all school boards to form Parent Involvement Committees (PICs) to advise the Director of Education on ways to increase parental involvement.Their mandate includes:
- Creating an annual implementation plan at the start of each year to facilitate parent participation at the school and
- board level.
- Developing strategies to help School Councils reduce the barriers to parental involvement in their child’s education.
- Establishing a protocol on information dissemination to parents and School Councils.
- Producing and distributing a directory of parent organizations (ethnic, advocacy and student needs) to all School
- Councils.
- Providing an annual report to the District Offices on parental involvement in the school board, including a summary
- of involvement in each school.