Here is an update to our December: Parent Council topics and activities blog with a Covid-19 update. Hopefully this blog will still hold some relevance with a few tweaks.
December is great month to celebrate the diversity of your school community. Many cultures celebrate in a variety of wonderful ways during the month often referred to as the “Holiday Season”.
In this month’s Parent council topics and activities, we discuss the value of having a school event celebrating your school communities diversity. Taking advantage of not having a formal meeting scheduled this month. And lastly recognizing organizations with a thank you.
Celebrate diversity
December is a fantastic month to consider having a virtual school event. Take this opportunity to feature a virtual event that celebrates your school communities diversity. Create a virtual event demonstrating how they celebrate this holiday season. In order to support this event, the school council could ask parents for feedback and ideas on putting together a celebration of each cultures diversity. Ideas for celebrating the event could include oral histories of the various different celebrations and how they are celebrated today. It is also a good idea for parent council to prepare a slideshow or video. Remember to share this material out with all parents regardless if they can attend or not.
For some interesting information on the various ways holiday celebrations take place around the world we encourage your to read our November Newsletter.
Recruiting new members
A school council could use this activity to recruit parents from the various ethnic groups to participate on the school council. It is really important that all cultures are represented on school council. Remember their voice is important in providing input and planning. It is important to make all cultures feel welcome and included in our schools. If your school is struggling to build a multi-cultural school council, we encourage you to read our blog.
December has other benefits as well! Use this month to socialize!
Since many councils may not have a formal meeting in December, consider hosting an informal virtual social. This is a wonderful way to connect with volunteers and your school community in an informal setting. This is also an amazing chance to build good relationships with the educators and other parents in your school community and share your struggles and successes over the last couple of months.
Don’t forget to say Thank You
If your school council is partnered with any organizations, December is a good time to recognize their value. Sending an e-card or putting together a video message that includes all members of the council will go a long way.
Remember to share
Like this article? Be sure to share it with other parents and school councils. Use the share buttons above and below this article. Find more articles like this one in our Parent Engagement monthly e-newsletter.
