Parent Advisory Council

HAPAC Job Description

2009-2010 Holy Angels Parent Advisory Council

The council was established to:

• Provide a school parent group for the purpose of on-going communication between the principal and the school parents
• Act as an advisory board to the principal on school development and other school-related matters
• Reach out and get to know the parents in their grade level
• Actively support the monthly Family Mass and any fund raising activities of the school
• Encourage school parents to volunteer their talents and areas of expertise so they can serve on the various committees created by the Advisory Council
• Act as a communication bridge between the principal, the teachers and parents

Once a month, the principal and Hapac representatives meet to discuss school-related matters.

The group consists of at least two sets of parents from each grade. Representatives are selected by the principal. One parent is selected to serve as chairperson of the council for a year, and another to act as secretary. A core group of parents from each grade may also be added to assist the Parent Advisory Council in dispensing information to all families. Parents are encouraged to contact their Parent Representative if they have a question or concern. The Council meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 PM in the science building. Visitors are always welcome. Minutes of the meeting are distributed to all families via the Family Envelope.

Act as liaison between parents and administration on key issues concerning the school.

Regular attendance at monthly meeting on the fourth Monday. At all possible times it is expected that both representatives and co-representatives attend the monthly HAPAC meetings. The reason we have two sets of representatives is for input and interaction--not as backup for when you don't particularly feel like attending that month.

Actively support the monthly Family Mass. Mrs. Barbara Reich is your contact for this event. You can also obtain information on past Family Masses from your fellow council members.

Be active leaders and encourage school parents to volunteer on the various fund raisers sponsored by the school. Below is a listing of current fund raisers. You may suggest other ways to raise funds or you can help encourage participation on the current events.

Help the committees gather support and enthusiasm by actively seeking out parents in your grade that have special talents that can help the event (this is where getting to know the parents comes in handy). Remind them that these fund raisers help keep their tuition costs low.

Reach out and get to know the parents in your grade level.

Recommended Channels of Communication:

Parent to Teacher: It is very important that each parent be encouraged to speak directly with their child's teacher if there are issues that need to be resolved in the classroom.

Parent to HAPAC member: If expected results are not achieved through Parent-Teacher communication, parents can speak with their HAPAC representatives for further follow-up. The usual path from here is either directly to the HAPAC Council or to the principal if it is an urgent situation.

HAPAC member to Council: General round-table discussions are very valuable from HAPAC member to council. These types of issues can include anything from reviving the Hot Lunch program to researching information on new playground. Also brought up at the HAPAC meetings are specific "what's going on in your grade" discussions.

Council to Principal: The principal attends most HAPAC meetings and is aware of all issues that affect the school. Individual meetings with the Principal are available if needed.