by Patti Oliveira, Communications Coordinator

I’m not on the Parent Council. I’ve often considered it—usually after being at a school event and seeing all the other parents bustling about with clipboards and big smiles—but life always seems too busy. Between work, endless to-do-around-the-house lists, and getting the kids to “all of the things”, I figured I wasn’t cut out for meetings and event planning.

Still, I want to feel connected to my kids’ school and understand what is going on beyond the endless stream of rubrics to initial and hot lunch orders to fill out. So, when the school sent out an invitation to a local fast-food restaurant for a fundraiser, I decided to check it out. It seemed pretty tame—probably just a quick in-and-out, grab my food, and go. 

But when I got there, it was something else entirely. It looked like the whole school had turned up in the parking lot. There were so many familiar faces, people greeting each other and catching up. My youngest made a beeline for a group of friends in the restaurant, leaving me in the parking lot with the other grown-ups.

Walking in to finally place an order, I struck up a conversation with another mom. She asked if I was on the Parent Council. “Oh no, not me,” I laughed. “I’m just here for the french fries.” She smiled and said, “Oh! Well, this fundraiser was the Parent Council’s idea! They made it happen.”

It hit me then. These were regular parents, probably just as busy as me, finding little ways to create something special for our kids. I didn’t need to sit in meetings to appreciate their work—or even to be part of it.

Back at home, I chatted with my son about who he’d run into and what they talked about. He was animated and happy; for once, I didn’t have to pull answers out of him. It was fun for him to see so many people from his school getting dinner together with their families.

Such a simple idea made so many people smile and, at least for us, was a change of pace and scenery. And I didn’t even have to do anything! 

Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up, attending events, or asking, ‘What can I do?’
 

In the latest Beyond the Bell podcast, host Chantelle Quesnelle is joined by Tarra Madigan, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) co-chair and member of her children's school Parent Council. Together, they discuss how meaningful parent involvement in schools can be simple yet impactful.

Chantelle: You spoke earlier, Tarra, about the many different ways for parents to get involved in their child’s school or school community. What recommendations do you have for how they could get involved if they feel like parent council meetings might not be a good fit?

Tarra: Sometimes it’s just as simple as making a phone call to your school’s office admin and saying, “Hey, can I do something? What can I do that would help.” Getting involved doesn’t always have to be a formal “Oh, this is my role” thing. You don’t have to have a title for something to be something; you just have to be happy to attend those events and engage with the kids. Sometimes that’s more than enough.

Chantelle: Yes! It’s always wonderful seeing families come together and say hi at different events—you certainly see parents connecting with parents and friends meeting up in the school yard or in the halls, and you get to witness the sense of community that is being created. So, attending those events that the school organizes is important as well.

I may not have a seat at the council table, but that doesn’t mean I can’t find a way to contribute. Showing up, sharing a moment, and connecting with other parents and families is all part of building a stronger school community.

Next time the call for volunteers goes out, I might raise my hand. Because while I might not have a clipboard or a committee title, I’ve realized I don’t need one to make a difference. Sometimes, finding your place is about stepping into the existing spaces, no matter how small, and simply showing up.

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