Parents Advisory Council

A Brief HistoryThe dream began in February 2003 when the founders first encountered programmes run by the International Baccalaureate Organization. They were excited to discover that international schools emphasize education both inside and outside the classroom, just as Rabindranath Tagore envisioned a century ago. The IBO’s educational programmes reminded them of Takshashila and Nalanda, highly reputed centres of learning within ancient India. Their own career paths, travels and business associations made them realize the importance of a balanced curriculum and global awareness.

EIS MissionEdubridge International School will furnish for its students a world class education and holistic development which will inculcate in them:

● A global perspective with a social conscience● A sense of fulfilling individual dreams● Responsible thought and action● An awareness of diversity and appreciation for multiculturalism● A goal to make significant contributions to the global society.

Parent Advisory Group:

a representative and inclusive group of Edubridge Parents that gives an authentic voice to parents in advising and making suggestions to the school’s administration

What are the parameters?There are a few “non-negotiables”. We are committed to:

● the IBO and its philosophy, including the Learner Profile● diversity and multiculturalism● holistic development, including sports and arts and

social and emotional wellness● world class education

The Parent Advisory Council is NOT● a complaint forum

○ propose solutions, not problems● a place to attack teachers

○ we have a system for supporting teachers● for personal agendas

○ try to represent the enitre school

The Learner Profile

What do we need to do?

1. Write a mission statement and a set of by-laws.

2. Introduce yourselves to the broader parent community and give them opportunities to be heard.

3. Meet with the school’s administration regularly (2, 3 or 4 times per year?) and give recommendations about how to improve the school.

4. Include a rationale with each recommendation: how this recommendation will improve student learning at Edubridge and enhance the Learner Profile.

What are by-laws? (Example)

1. The PAC meets four times per year.2. The PAC elects a Chairperson on a yearly basis, and the Chairperson runs the PAC meetings.3. Minutes from PAC Meetings are carefully documented and, when appropriate, made public.4. The agenda for a PAC Meeting is published and distributed with sufficient advanced notice.5. Each member of the PAC treats all other members respectfully.6. All PAC members agree not to bring personal agendas and to remain focused on the long-term well-being of

the school.7. The PAC tries to make decisions by consensus.8. When the PAC reaches an impasse on a major decision, the PAC will, if possible, postpone the decision until

the next PAC meeting, possibly appointing a subcommittee to analyze the decision and make recommendations.

9. Before a major decision is taken by the PAC, the PAC reviews the question: “how does this decision benefit student learning at Edubridge International School?”

10. Once a decision is taken by the PAC, all members of the PAC will publicly support it.11. No individual has the authority to take a decision for the PAC, unless specifically designated to do so by the

entire PAC.

Parents Advisory CouncilEISPAC, pronounced “Ice Pack”

December 13th

The agenda:1. The vision, mission and policies of the school (including IBO)2. Election of a chairperson or group leaders3. Rules, by-laws, or a constitution, including time commitment

and meetings4. Discussion about concerns / suggestions (1 or 2)

Announcements1. Sports Day: January 13th, 2014

a. we would like parents to organize refreshments2. Email ids for Middle Years parents

a. ready for trying out3. University and Career Guidance

a. 1:1 sessions will begin for MY4

Scope or Charter?The purpose of the Edubridge International School Parent Advisory Council is to advance the school’s vision and mission and to enhance the education of every child at the school. We do this by promoting teamwork and sharing ideas between the school’s parents, teachers, and management.

Our values are:

The Learner Profile

from the National PTA (USA)Collaboration: We work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to

accomplish our agreed-upon goals.

Commitment: We are dedicated to promoting children’s health, well-being, and educational

success through strong parent, family, and community involvement.

Accountability: We acknowledge our obligations. We deliver on our promises.

Respect: We value our colleagues and ourselves. We expect the same high quality of effort

and thought from ourselves as we do from others.

Inclusivity: We invite the stranger and welcome the newcomer. We value and seek input

from as wide a spectrum of viewpoints and experiences as possible.

Integrity: We act consistently with our beliefs. When we err, we acknowledge the mistake

and seek to make amends.

Good Luck!

Please decide:

1. A President and/or Leadership team and structure2. A Mission, Scope, or Constitution3. Next meeting and expectations about meetings