Back to class for school volunteers

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Members of school advisory councils (SACs), PTSAs and home and school associations are invited to learn more about their organizations - and their potential to impact student learning and success.

Upcoming information sessions will be hosted by the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board (AVRSB). The first will be held at Annapolis East Elementary School in Middleton October 21 at 7 p.m. A second session will be held at L.E. Shaw Elementary School in Avonport Oct. 28.

Valley schools superintendent Norman Dray says it has been several years since sessions of these nature have been hosted by the AVRSB. He plans to open each gathering by “talking about the big picture, how education is structured in Nova Scotia and how the school board operates.”

Other presenters will include Margo Tait, the school board’s director of Programs and Services, and Everett MacPherson, supervisor of School Support Services. Both will focus on the role of parent groups in the education system.

Dray says the workshop will highlight the differences between the three types of organizations and how parents, students and school administrators can chose the one that best fits the goals of a school community. “It is good to remind people of the differing focuses and how they can contribute to the process of supporting schools and their students.”

The workshop can accommodate two members from each school-affiliated support committee, as well as school board members and school principals or their designates. For more information or to register, contact Karen Sotvedt at the school board office at 538-4614 or communications@avrsb.ednet.ns.ca no later than October 17.