September 4th, 2026

September 4, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to another exciting school year at EDSS! As we kick off the Semester, we invite you to take an active role in your teen’s education by joining our School Council. The School Council is an essential advisory body that works closely with school leadership, the school board, and the Ministry of Education. It gives parents a direct voice in key decisions—from student codes of conduct and academic improvement plans (based on EQAO results) to input on principal selection and fundraising policies. Decades of research show that when parents stay engaged, students achieve higher academically, stay more motivated, and enjoy a stronger school community.

How to Get Involved:

  • Attend a Meeting: We will share information on upcoming meetings, once we have an idea of what our council looks like.  All parents are welcome!
  • Run for an Elected Position: If you would like to hold an executive role (such as Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary) or serve as a voting Parent Member, please complete this Nomination Form by Sep 14, 2026. 

Included below is some general information about the council that you may be interested in.

Thank you for your partnership and dedication to making EDSS a great place for all students to learn and grow.

Warm regards,

 

Tim Swartz
Principal

 

General Information for School Council Members

Core Responsibilities & Topics Addressed

  • School Policies & Environment: Input on student codes of conduct, appropriate dress standards, and internal conflict resolution processes.
  • Leadership & Governance: Consultation on the selection process and criteria for hiring principals and vice-principals.
  • School Improvement: Analyzing overall EDSS EQAO test results to help develop targeted action plans for student achievement.
  • Council Operations: Oversight of fundraising policies, council expense reimbursement, funding allocation, and conflict of interest rules.
  • Two-Way Communication: Advising the principal, school board, and Ministry of Education, with administration required to report back on how council advice informs final decisions.

Why Join? The Impact of Parental Involvement

  • Direct Student Benefits: Decades of research show that parental engagement leads to higher academic achievement, stronger learning motivation, better daily attendance, and fewer behavioral issues.
  • Stronger School Culture: Schools with high parental involvement are more effective at meeting educational goals, and teachers report higher job satisfaction.
  • Empowered Advocacy: Staying involved equips parents to better advocate for their child’s educational needs and overall welfare.

Who Can Join & How to Get Involved 

  • Meetings are open to all parents and guardians of currently enrolled students. 

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