Connecting Parents & Guardians to Schools and the School District

The School Act gives parents and guardians the right, through Parent Advisory Councils (PACs), to provide feedback to their schools and school district. Each school has the option to form a local PAC and a District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) has been established to serve as the officially recognized collective voice of parents and guardians of School District No. 50, here on Haida Gwaii.

A DPAC, through its elected officers, may advise the school board, and Board of Trustees respecting any matter relating to the education of the students and the school district.

The SD50 DPAC provides a forum for Haida Gwaii community representatives to discuss matters affecting your district and the education of your children. PACs strive to represent the diversity within their communities and contribute to the benefit of all students by:

  • providing opportunities to educate and inform parents about the schools or school district;
  • involving parents in volunteer activities; and
  • openly discussing parents’ concerns and aspirations for their schools or school districts.
What is the Purpose of the SD50 DPAC?
  • To advise the Superintendent and Trustees on parents’ views and feedback about school district programs, policies, plans and activities.
  • To organize DPAC activities and events and endeavour to provide parent and student education.
  • To encourage parent involvement in the district, and to support programs that promote parent involvement.
  • To communicate with parents, and to promote co-operation between the schools, homes and district in providing support for the education of children.
  • To assist parents in accessing the system and to advocate on behalf of parents and students.
  • To advise and participate in the activities of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC). (https://bccpac.bc.ca)

The DPAC is not a forum for the discussion of individual school personnel, parents, or other individual members of the school community.

What is the Purpose of the SD50 DPAC?
  • To advise the Superintendent and Trustees on parents’ views and feedback about school district programs, policies, plans and activities.
  • To organize DPAC activities and events and endeavour to provide parent and student education.
  • To encourage parent involvement in the district, and to support programs that promote parent involvement.
  • To communicate with parents, and to promote co-operation between the schools, homes and district in providing support for the education of children.
  • To assist parents in accessing the system and to advocate on behalf of parents and students.
  • To advise and participate in the activities of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC). (https://bccpac.bc.ca)

The DPAC is not a forum for the discussion of individual school personnel, parents, or other individual members of the school community.

How Does a PAC or DPAC Work?

PACs and DPACs, with strong participation from parents and guardians, bring forward important perspectives on life within our respective communities and can contribute significantly toward strengthening the district and educators support network. Through their elected representatives, DPACs liaise with the parent community, gathering and discussing issues of importance regarding their district helping advise those that administer it. 

As an autonomous body, the PAC or DPAC must abide by its Constitution and Bylaws and the School Act. PACs are NOT required to register as a non-profit or under the BC Societies Act.

Who Can Become a Member of a PAC?

All parents/guardians of students registered in the School District 50 are able to participate and are members of their local PACs.  Each year, a representative is elected or acclaimed from each school to participate in the broader DPAC group.

Active PACs and the DPAC typically meet monthly throughout the school year and, as a parent or guardian of a student in SD #50, your attendance is welcome at any meeting!

How is a PAC for the school in my community different than the DPAC?

Each school within SD50 has the potential to establish a local Parent Advisory Council (PAC) as per the School Act.  Information about active PAC’s can be found in the School Resources & Information sections on school websites or by connecting directly with the administrators of individual schools.

Purposes of a local school PAC:

  • To advise the school principal and staff on parents’ views and feedback about school programs, policies, plans and activities.
  • To organize PAC activities and events and endeavour to provide parent education.
  • To encourage parent involvement in the school, and to support programs that promote parent involvement.
  • To communicate with parents, and to promote co-operation between the home and the school in providing support for the education of children.
  • To assist parents in accessing the system and to advocate on behalf of parents and students.
  • To provide financial support for the goals of the PAC, as determined by its membership.
  • To advise and participate in the activities of the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) and the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC). (https://bccpac.bc.ca)
How do I connect with a Parent Advisory Council if I have questions?

If your school does not have an active PAC or a designated DPAC representative, please either email the SD50 DPAC directly at hgdpac@gmail.com or reach out to the school district through https://sd50.bc.ca/contact-us/.