Together, School Council and the Parents' Association of Laurier bring parents, guardians, caregivers, and staff together to collaborate, fundraise, and create meaningful opportunities that help our school community thrive.
About Us
School Council and PAL What's the difference?
School Council (SC) is the official parent advisory group, which was previously known as Parent Advisory Council or PAC until the recommended language around council names were changed in 2024.
Formed under the Education Act, School Council meets regularly with the principal and a teacher representative to talk about what’s happening in the school, share ideas, and discuss topics that affect students and families. The Council also helps organize community-building activities and supports the overall school environment.
Membership:
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~All parents, guardians, and primary caregivers of any child enrolled in an educational or early childhood program at Laurier Heights are members of School Council, by default.
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~All members have voting privileges at general meetings.
The Parents Association of Laurier (PAL) is a Fundraising Association and operates under the Societies Act. This group is responsible for managing funds to support student experiences by planning fundraisers, managing finances, and deciding how funds are spent. Funds raised by PAL are typically used to purchase items or programs requested by the school to enhance student learning.
Membership:
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Anyone with a vested interest in the students and the school can choose to become a member of PAL.
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All members have voting privileges at general meetings.
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Membership forms must be renewed annually
Working Together. While the two groups have different roles and are separate entities, SC and PAL work hand in hand. Many volunteers participate in both, and they share the same goal: supporting students and strengthening the school community.
Meetings
School Council and PAL Meetings
Meeting Minutes
School Council Meetings are typically held the 1st Monday of each month in the school library. PAL meetings immediately follow School Council meetings and can be joined in the same way. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend either meeting, in person or virtually.
Catch up on key updates, decisions, and next steps from our latest meetings:
Meet The Team
School Council
Chair
Katy Flannigan
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Co-Chair
Avril McCalla
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Parents Association of Laurier
President
Jennifer O'Dochartaigh
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Vice President
Heather Berg
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Treasurer
Jennifer Quinn
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Co Treasurer
Afsheen Fink
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Joint Roles
Secretary
Rachelle Roberts
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Communications
Jill Turner
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School Council Committees
What are School Council committees?
School Council committees are small working groups that focus on specific areas like events, fundraising, or communications. Following ASCA best practices, committees help share the workload and support the work of School Council in practical, meaningful ways.
Why do they matter?
Committees bring diverse skills and perspectives together, helping School Council work more efficiently while creating inclusive opportunities for families to get involved.
How do they fit in?
Committees plan, research, and make recommendations to School Council and PAL. All decision-making remains with the full School Council, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Why Join a Committee?
✔ Contribute in a focused, manageable way
✔ Share your ideas and skills
✔ Help support a positive school community
✔ No long-term commitment required
