Why is a PAC important?
A PAC is the officially recognized collective voice of parents of their school. A PAC, through its elected officers, may advise the school board, the principal and staff of the school respecting any matter relating to the education of the students and the school.
PACs are forums within each school community to discuss matters affecting your school and the education of your children. Your voice can tremendously impact your child's overall school experience. Parents offer a wealth of ideas and support in the challenges that face all public schools. PACs strive to represent the diversity within their communities and contribute to the benefit of all students by:
providing opportunities to educate and inform parents about the school;
involving parents in volunteer activities; and
openly discussing parents’ concerns and aspirations for their schools.
advising the school principal and staff on parents’ views and feedback about school programs, policies, plans and activities.
organizing PAC activities and events and endeavour to provide parent education.
participating in the activities of the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) and the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC).
A robust and active PAC executive is required for NWSS to qualify for Gaming Funds, which are vital to supporting your child's extracurricular activities at the school.
All parents and guardians of students currently registered in the school are able to participate and are members of the PAC.
The PAC must abide by its Constitution and Bylaws and the School Act.
A strong PACs requires active participation from parents, who have an important influence on life at the school and the feelings toward the school and education. There is strong evidence that the more you, as a parent/guardian, are involved the greater your child's achievement, accomplishments, satisfaction, and a sense of belonging and community.
For more information about PACs please visit The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils.
PAC Connections
DPAC - The New Westminster School District PAC (DPAC) is comprised of elected parent representatives from PACs and serves as an umbrella organization for the PACs in their school district. Visit the New Westminster District PAC website.
CPF - Canadian Parents for French New Westminster can be reached via email.