Near North parent named to provincial board

Near North District School Board
News Release

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In acknowledgment that parents play a critical role in education, the Ontario government is helping parents get involved in the education system. Education Minister Kathleen Wynne recently announced the creation of an Ontario Provincial Parent Board. The parent board will play an important role in ensuring that effective parent engagement programs are available across the province. Together, the members will provide a strong voice for all parents on the future of education in Ontario.

Anelia Coppes, from Parry Sound is one of eighteen members from across the province who will act as an advisor to the Education Minister. Anelia has two children in elementary school and two at Parry Sound High School where she is actively involved in the school advisory council. Mrs. Coppes says, she is looking forward to working with the other members towards enhancing parent involvement and returning to the Near North region to share information.

Aneila has over seven years of experience serving on school councils. She took part in the Parent Involvement Focus Group in Toronto and is part of the Parent Network with People for Education, participating in their annual conference featuring workshops on how to best serve First Nations students. Anelia has a passion for youth and celebrates a positive school community through frequent contributions to the local newspaper. As her children have grown, so has Anelia’s commitment to their education.

Last year many schools from the Near North District School Board took advantage of Parent Reaching Out grants and planned various events to engage parent involvement in their schools. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that these grants will again be available for the 2007-2008 school year. The grants support projects that help create a more welcoming environment for parents who face barriers to becoming involved in their children's education or school. Parents can visit the ministry’s website, www.edu.gov.on.ca for information on the grants and how to apply.

According to Patrick Bocking, Superintendent of Program and Schools, “We are excited that Anelia, as a parent with the Near North District School board, is a part of this committee. We are very pleased that a strong north-eastern Ontario voice will be heard at the Provincial level. We value highly the excellent relationships that we have with our students' parents and consider them true partners in education.”

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Ms. Suzanne Rochon (Algonquin Child & Family, Wrap Around Nipissing) also sits on the board and represents the area.