Coldstream Elementary School (file photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

'important role in schools'

Local parent advisory group among recipients of provincial grants

Dec 15, 2023 | 12:30 PM

Parent-led groups that support programs in B.C. schools are getting an early Christmas present from the province.

The B.C. government has announced $11.2 million for parent advisory councils in B.C.

More than 1,300 parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs) in B.C. received community gaming grants to pay for events, activities and equipment in support of student learning and parent involvement.

In the North Okanagan, Coldstream Elementary School’s PAC received $6,440 and plans to target funding to ensure all Grade 3 students have access to swimming lessons.

“Our PAC is focused on providing students with experiences not all families can afford these days,” Saleha Patel, president, Coldstream Elementary School parent advisory council, said. “We live in an area with many lakes and knowing how to swim is critical. Without funding from the PAC, our students might not have the chance to take swimming lessons to gain this necessary life skill.”

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PACs can use the grants to pay for equipment and costs associated with a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, performances, movie nights, dances, field trips and conferences. DPAC groups can use the funds for informational and promotional materials for parents, meeting-room rentals, presenter fees, travel for meetings, and more.

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee, said PACs play an important role in schools for students and parents alike.

“As a mother of school-age children, I understand how hardworking and important our PACs are. They do exceptional work to support our students and contribute to their school life experience. I am so excited about this funding. I know this will help thousands of amazing volunteer teams deliver extracurricular activities for all our students in Vernon-Monashee.”

To view the list of PAC and DPAC sector recipients, click here.