start-up and operation
Parent Participation Organization (PPO)
WHY AND HOW
The Parent Participation Organization (PPO) is an optional entity, which exists according to the will of a school’s parents to create it. The OPP is governed by the Education Act (EA). Its role is defined by articles 96.2 and 96.3 :
- Promote the collaboration of parents in the development, implementation and periodic evaluation of the school’s educational project;
- Promoting parental involvement in their child’s educational success;
- Advise Governing Board (GB) parents on any matter that concerns parents or on which Governing Board parents consult the GB.
The law stipulates that the OPP receives logistical (premises and equipment) and administrative support from the school (LIP 96.4).
Your school’s PPO sets its own objectives for the year, but it’s a good idea for its members to be parents who are keenly aware of the comments, concerns and recommendations of other parents in the school.
the educational project
The educational project is a strategic tool for defining the orientations, priorities for action and expected results to ensure the educational success of all students in an educational establishment.
One PPO per building
While a school with more than one building can have only one Governing Board (GB), parents can decide to create several Parent Participation Organizations (PPOs), one for each building. (Education Act, article 96.1)
GENERAL MEETING
A resolution must be adopted at the school’s general meeting of parents to form the PPO. Such a resolution must be adopted every year, even if the PPO already existed. Voici un exemple de cette résolution qui permet de remplir les 4 obligations de l’assemblée générale prescrites par l’Article 96 de la LIP, soit : déterminer le nom, la composition et les règles de fonctionnement ainsi qu’élir les membres.
It is proposed by name of the nominator
And pressed by name of the presser
THAT the general meeting of parents of the school name of the school forms the PPO of/of the name of the school, building or pavilion if applicablehaving as members: names of parents who volunteered ,
and which will welcome any parent wishing to get involved. PPO members will elect a chair and define operating rules as needed.
The chairmanship of the PPO is appointed by its members; there is no need for a general meeting.
At your school’s general meeting, it is good practice for the PPO presidency to present its annual report as well as upcoming projects for the upcoming school year.
If a PPO is created at an assembly that did not exist the previous year, parents who wish to get involved will work with the Chair of the GB and the school principal to put in place the elements needed to get it off the ground. At the very least, they must produce a list of its members, a definition of its objectives, and summary rules for its operation, enabling the PPO to hold meetings and improve its definition and operation.
OPERATION
There are no legal requirements governing the composition or operation of the PPO. The organization defines its own operating rules. We suggest including the following items:
- The number of members
- Procedure for appointing the Chairman
- Executive positions (e.g. treasurer, secretary)
- Defining logistical and administrative requirements with the school
- Distribution or sharing of project responsibilities
- What to do if other parents want to join the PPO during the year
- How to manage the participation of third parties, experts and consultants, if applicable.
- Meeting procedures
- The calendar
- The budget
- The various reports and minutes to be produced.
- Procedures for communicating with parents, the school and the ESC.
It is important that the objectives and actions of the PPO are always in line with the priorities and objectives defined in the school’s educational project.
Budget
The OPP has no budget predefined by the LIP. The Board of Directors and the school administration determine the procedures and resources available to the PPO, both for its own operations and for specific projects.
Fund raising
All fundraising activities carried out by the PPO must be approved by a resolution of the Board of Directors. This resolution must contain the following information:
- Description of financing activity;
- Who will be approached and how;
- Permits and authorizations required (if any);
- The purpose of the money collected (essential information).
Contributions will be paid into the school’s special purpose fund, administered exclusively by the CÉ. Disbursements must also be the subject of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, and must respect the fundraising objective.
COLLABORATION
In order to maintain a healthy and transparent working relationship, it is desirable for the Board to be periodically informed of what is happening within the PPO. For this purpose, we suggest you use the highlights template (link below). at your PPO meetings. This document could be used to inform both the GB and all parents at the school. From time to time, the ESC could also set aside time on the agenda for the PPO to present some of its issues.
As one of the roles of the PPO is to give its opinion to the parents on the governing board on any subject that concerns parents or on which Governing Board parents consult the Board, it’s important to provide a forum for exchange outside the meetings of the GB, only half of whose members are parents. Inviting parent members of the GB to a PPO meeting could be a good practice for fulfilling this role.
PPO Highlights template
To quickly communicate your PPO’s information and decisions with the parents in your school.
Examples and inspiration for your own initiatives within your OPP
Christmas lunch
For the last day before the holiday break, all children in the school are invited to come to school in their pajamas and will share a snack in the gym. On the menu: chocolate croissant, fruit and chocolate milk, in a joyful and lively atmosphere. Santa Claus himself may come for a visit!
Teacher and Childcare Appreciation Week
The PPO highlights the respective dedicated weeks with special attentions, snacks and surprises. The PPO hosts a hearty dinner prepared by parent volunteers, showing our appreciation for their dedication to the children.
Country fair
In June, the schoolyard transforms into a funfair to celebrate the end of the school year. Children will find inflatable games, skill games, music, door prizes and a wide variety of festive foods. A perfect time to spend a memorable evening with family and friends!
Movie Night (fundraising activity)
Movie nights are organized for students and their siblings in the gymnasium, with a film shown on the big screen. Children bring cushions, stuffed animals, and blankets to make themselves comfortable and enjoy hot popcorn, all in a friendly atmosphere.
Pizza Dinner (fundraising activity)
One Friday a month, no lunch box! At an affordable price for parents, the PPO offers a pizza lunch to registered children, including one or two slices of pizza, juice, and cookies. Children will look forward to this delicious break every month!
Internal management template for the OPP
To supervise the operation and meetings of your OPP.
Annual Report Template for OPP
A template to help you write your OPP’s annual report.
Google Form survey template
A Google account is required. The link will open a page on which a button allows you to create a copy of the template on your Google drive.