Parent Involvement Committee
Apply to sit on the board's Parent Involvement Committee - deadline: April 16, 2010
The Peel District School Board's Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) was established in the winter of 2008 in response to the Ministry of Education's Parent Involvement Policy. Learn more about the committee including its current members, meeting schedule, agendas and meeting highlights. Contact us with additional questions and comments.
Board approves PIC terms of reference
On March 9, 2010, the board approved terms of reference for the PIC.
PIC commissions parent involvement study
In 2008-09, the PIC commissioned a study to help develop an action plan that fosters effective parent involvement. The report generated a greater understanding of parents’ needs and attitudes regarding involvement in their children’s education, and a series of recommendations to bolster that involvement.
The foundation of the study was 18 focus groups held with parents, representing families with children at all grade levels, located in all areas of Peel, and from all socio-economic groups. Research questions included how Peel parents feel about their involvement, what barriers to involvement exist and how schools can encourage involvement.
To reflect the diversity of Peel, 12 focus groups were conducted in languages other than English. As the PIC also wanted the perspective of school leaders, the study included three focus groups with principals of elementary, middle and secondary schools. A third phase to investigate teachers’ views is planned for this spring 2010.
About PIC
Under the Ministry of Education's Parent Involvement Policy, all boards are to create a committee comprised of a majority of parents that is directly linked to the director of education and trustees.
As mandated by the ministry, the purpose of the PIC is to:
- support, encourage, and enhance meaningful parental involvement within schools and across the district, including, outreach to parents who find involvement more challenging
- seek out the advice and ideas of school councils, and other parents and partners as they plan and implement strategies to involve more parents at the regional level
- work collaboratively with the school board
- develop strategies for enhancing parental engagement and outreach
- support student success
The committee reviews the boards' plans for parent involvement as it relates to parent, family and community engagement, and to make suggestions to schools, councils and the board regarding additional parent outreach.
Current members
Savi Khanna, School Council Chair representing Brampton (PIC co-chair)
Karen MacDonald, School Council Chair representing Caledon (PIC co-chair)
Valerie Arnold-Judge, Trustee representing Caledon
Ashis Basu, Parent Member representing the diverse community
Sally Drew, School Council Chair representing Mississauga
Judith Nyman, Director of Education
Deanna Henderson, representing the board's Special Education Advisory Committee
Dr. Salha Jeizan, representing Multicultural Inter-Agency Group of Peel
Rabia Khedr, Parent Member representing the diverse community
Varsha Naik, Community Liaison Co-ordinator
Suzanne Nurse, Trustee representing Brampton
Debanjali Paul, Parent Member representing the diverse community
Carla Pereira, Communications Officer
Allison Van Wagner, Trustee representing Mississauga
Brian Woodland, Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships
Meeting schedule
The PIC meets a minimum of three times a year at the HJA Brown Education Centre. PIC meetings are open to the public.
Meeting agendas
Agendas are posted one week before the scheduled meeting date.
Meeting highlights
Register to receive highlights by e-mail. Send a message to parentinvolvement@peelsb.com and we will add you to the distribution list.
Contact us
Questions or comments?
Send an e-mail to parentinvolvement@peelsb.com. One of the co-chairs will respond to you.
Communications representative:
905-890-1010, ext. 2626
