Parent Groups
GPN School Council
On the first day of classes, the School Council hosts a Coffee and Muffin Morning in the Library and Environmental Garden. All parents are invited and encouraged to stop by after getting their GPN student settled in their new classroom. It is a great opportunity to chat with old friends and make some new ones.
In the fall there is a combined Organizational Meeting (AGM) for GPN School Council and GPN Parent Society. All parents are encouraged to attend this important meeting. Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about the work done by both the School Council and Parent Society, as well as learn about volunteer opportunities. The executives for both groups will be determined and all parents are welcome to participate in either.
School Council News is published monthly on School Zone.
Why have a School Council?
School Councils are collective associations of parents, teachers, principals, staff, students, and community representatives who work together to effectively support and enhance student learning.
School Councils provide parents with the opportunity for meaningful involvement in their child's education.
School Councils were created in 1995 and established under the School Act.
School Councils are mandatory in Alberta for all schools in the public education system.
Our Mission:
George P. Nicholson School Council is committed to facilitating and supporting inquiry-based learning in a nurturing environment to develop a principled, culturally enriched, academically strong, and socially conscious student body.
Our Goals:
Support teaching and learning in an academically strong environment, which fosters inquiry based learning and critical thinking skills.
Support healthy lifestyles, positive relationships, and social awareness for all members of our school community.
Maintain the strong role and increase visibility of the GPN School Council by providing opportunities for meaningful parent parental involvement.
Opportunities for Involvement:
- Attend School Council meetings held regularly
- Help out with any of the School Council initiatives:
- School Spirit
- Environmental Garden
- Yearbook
- Social Awareness Projects
- Safe and Active Travel
- Intramurals
- School Wear Sales
- Treat Days
Parents interested in volunteering on the School Council Executive should attend the Organizational Meeting (AGM) which is held each fall.
GPN Parent Society
The GPN Parent Society is a non-profit organization made up of a group of parent volunteers all with children attending George P. Nicholson School. Any parent with a child at GPN School is welcome to be a part of the Parent Society Board. All decisions for spending of funds for the school are done collaboratively. Through consultation with the Principal and teachers it is determined where it is best to allocate funds and all parents at GPN have an input! So be a part of GPN Parent Society and make a difference in your child’s education today. Contact Jamie Popowich, GPNPS President at gpnfundraising@gmail.com. You can also follow us on social media to stay in the know. On Facebook we are George P. Nicholson Parent Society.
One of the main objectives of the GPNPS is to promote various fundraising activities with 100% of funds raised to be brought back into the school for the benefit of our children’s education and learning experience.
Some yearly fundraising activities include:
- CASINOS (every 2 years)
- SUTP (Student Union Ticket Pack)
Some examples of how the funds raised have helped our children include:
Technology (computers/smart boards/software/printers,
Chromebooks, Computer Lab Stations, Video Camera)
Mathletics / Raz Kids Licensing
Standing Desks
Environmental Garden
Library Resources
Physical Education Resources
Music Program Resources (Handbells, African Drums)
Classroom Resources (paintbrushes, whisper phones, book bins, rekenreks)
Author/Artist in Residence/Dance Residency
Field Trips
Parent Resources
Alien - in line skating
Recognition and appreciation for both students and teachers