School Councils and School Societies

Empowering School Communities through Parent/Caregiver Involvement

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience of the students at Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD) by actively participating in School Councils and School Societies. Your involvement strengthens the connection between students, schools, and the broader community and plays a vital part in nurturing and inspiring students to reach their full potential. Your voice and contributions are essential in creating vibrant, thriving school communities!

Thank You Volunteers!

Edmonton Catholic Schools appreciates your time, talents, and dedication in making our school councils and societies successful. Our Board of Trustees, students, and staff are grateful for your support.

We have created this page to assist school councils and societies in their work. Please take a look at the following sections for more details. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our contact information is listed in the More Information box below.

What is a School Council?

A School Council is a structured group of people: 

• parents/caregivers
• principals
• teachers
• secondary students
• community representatives

They support and enrich student learning by providing the school community a conduit through which to consult and offer advice to, a school principal and the school board. The school principal and at least one teacher at the school must be members of the school council.

What is the role of a School Council?

School councils play a vital advisory role within schools, ensuring that the voices of parents/caregivers and the community are included in the school’s decision-making processes. They also serve as a key communication link, sharing important school information with the broader community. They make decisions about their own operations; they act as a consultative bridge between the school and its community, helping to generate a strong community spirit.

School councils are not permitted to incorporate under the Societies Act, therefore they cannot participate in programs that require a gaming license from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, such as bingos, casinos, or raffles. These types of fundraising efforts must be conducted by a Parent Society.

What does a School Council do?

School council members have the responsibility to foster a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning and working environment. Each school council must determine how to uphold this responsibility within their school community through various activities. It ensures that parents/caregivers, high school students, and the community are represented in these outcomes. School Council functions include, but are not limited to, services offered to students that improve learning and standards of education; consulting on annual school budgets and development plans; advising the principal and Board of Trustees on school matters; setting policies or creating bylaws relating to the operations of School Council.

What is the difference between a School Council and a Society?

The activities of a School Council are governed by the provisions in the School Councils Regulation and the Education Act. A School Fundraising Society (Association) is an incorporated legal entity whose purpose is to raise casino and non-gaming revenues. It has bylaws, is subject to an annual audit, and must complete an annual filing. Its activities are governed by the Society’s Bylaws and the Societies Act (Alberta).

For more information on School Societies and the requirements of School Societies, please click here. 

School Councils and the Community

A School Council should create a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning and work environment. 

To achieve this goal, it will: 

• engage and represent the community through such methods as questionnaires, informal discussions, topic-specific meetings
• aim to encourage parent/caregiver involvement at the school by informing them of activities that offer the opportunity to give input
• focus on the best interests of all students
• share news on what is happening within the school and system

Partnerships with Fundraising Associations

As a statutory entity, and not a legal authority, the main function of a School Council is advisory. Fundraising Associations (whose main role is fundraising) are incorporated societies that provide a way for parents/caregivers and the community to provide financial resources and support to the school. Members who serve on a School Council can also serve on a fundraising association, and vice versa.

Are you new to School Council?

For School Council members who are new to their position in 2024-2025, we recommend attendance at a training session offered through the Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA). ASCA is a non-profit society that promotes and supports strong school communities through the provision of resources and assistance. Learning opportunities are delivered online, throughout the year, and are designed to help School Councils navigate their legislated role, while also fostering parent/caregiver engagement within a school’s community. A course brochure can be found here. 

Annual Report

Under The Education Act, school councils are required to submit an annual report to the Board of Trustees. This report enables the Board to assess and ensure accountability for parent/caregiver and community involvement. It is the responsibility of the school council chair to submit this report to the Board of Trustees each year. Alberta Education mandates that School Council Annual Reports be submitted to Edmonton Catholic Schools by annually.

ASCA Membership and the ASCE Grant

The Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) offers valuable support to School Councils throughout Alberta. Its role is to promote and support strong school communities with effective School Councils, and to facilitate collaborations among education partners, including parents, to enhance student learning. The Board of Trustees of Edmonton Catholic Schools will cover the cost of ASCA memberships for any interested ECSD School Councils. The membership term runs from July 1 to June 30 and memberships must be renewed annually.

Complete this form to secure a membership for the current school year. Once submitted, you can immediately begin accessing ASCA's resources and services for the remainder of the school year.

ASCE Grant 
Alberta Education makes the Alberta School Council Engagement (ASCE) grant available to all School Councils, in the amount of $500.00. It should be used by School Councils to encourage collaboration between parents/caregivers and the school on educational priorities. The intention is to encourage parent/caregiver involvement and engagement activities that will broaden the number of school events which include them, to gather their ideas and advice. Diversifying the communication tools used to reach parents/caregivers is a primary concern.

Please click here for more information on how to use the ASCE funds and the reporting requirements.