Parents' Voice-In-Education was a one-day conference organized jointly by the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board. The conference primarily targeted parents and Council members to collectively discuss a variety of pertinent topics common to both boards including the I.P.R.C process, school funding, and best practices among school Councils to name a few. M.P.S Council was represented by Ellen Everson, M.P.S Co-chair, and members Beryl Scrivens and Andrie Nel.
Participants heard keynote addresses from the Minister of Education, The Honorable Gerard Kennedy as well as renowned education specialist Dr.Dorothy Rich. Minister Kennedy used the forum as an opportunity to articulate his administration's education priorities and to urge parents and Councils to organize into a new voice in education. Dr. Rich delivered an entertaining and provocative talk on fostering basic values, attitudes, and behaviors that determine student's success at learning.

"The Conference was a great opportunity to touch base with other parents and Councils to compare notes," says Ellen Everson, Co-Chair of M.P.S Council. "One thought that struck us all was that we really do have a good thing going at Metcalfe P.S."

Andrie Nel concurs, "Being a rural school we are sheltered from a variety of challenges faced by our counterparts, including the monumental needs of other schools' non-English student population, crime, and access to bus transportation." These issues were frequently mentioned during the keynotes and workshop sessions.
Beryl Scrivens adds the talks surrounding best practices and drivers of school excellence underscored the excellent staff and administration we have at Metcalfe P.S. "While there is always room for improvement, we have a solid foundation upon which to build at the local level." The importance of partnership between parents, the school, and the community was frequently raised during the day with the acknowledgement that inner city schools in particular have become disjointed from the community. "Not here," says Beryl. "Being a rural school with a strong heritage gives us a real leg up."
More information on members' conference notes is provided in a conference summary. Interested parents are encouraged to contact Ellen, Beryl, or Andrie if they would like more information. Parents Show Overwhelming Support for Council-Run Programs. Parents of Metcalfe P.S were surveyed in October to determine parent's overall support for School Council programs as well as priority for Council funds. The survey aimed to provide important feedback to the newly elected Council for the purpose of setting goals for the coming year.