JFG-P0 - Student-Based Extracurricular Groups

The Prairie Spirit School Division encourages school-based planning as a basis for continuous improvement that reflects the unique educational needs of its students and the community served by each school. While instructional programs build knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to a productive life, the Prairie Spirit School Division recognizes the importance of extra curricular activities in extending and enhancing the instructional program as well as significantly increasing the value of and connection to school life for its students.

Additionally, extra curricular activities contribute to the development of a set of valuable social skills among students that strengthen the learning environment in our schools. The Board recognizes the expertise and commitment of students who are involved in extra curricular activities and the voluntary supervisors who support such activities. This collaboration promotes a more positive school climate and offers opportunities that extend beyond the school to positive citizenship and ongoing contribution to society.

The Student-Based Extra Curricular Groups policy pertains to the establishment of groups exclusive of team sports and athletic activities that are governed by the relevant division or provincial athletic organization.

This policy ensures that:

• An approval process is in place for extra‐curricular groups; 

• There is consistency in the formation and operation of extra‐curricular groups; and

• Consideration is given to the safety and wellbeing of students involved in extra‐curricular groups.

The Principal is responsible for approving the purposes and goals of extra‐curricular groups on an annual basis and for ensuring that they are appropriate to the age, physical, emotional and intellectual maturity of the particular students. It is also the responsibility of the Principal to ensure the appropriate involvement of a staff supervisor. The staff supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the extra‐curricular group activities attend to student safety and wellbeing, and functions within the division policy and existing regulations.

Student participants will be made aware of all procedures and guidelines as outlined in the policy and regulation. Membership and conduct in an extra‐curricular group shall be non‐discriminatory consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Human Rights Code of Manitoba, and Board policy and regulations. All extra‐curricular activities will be conducted in a manner that maintains or enhances the dignity and self‐esteem of the individual student.  Additionally, all extra‐curricular groups (e.g., drama club, jazz band, gay-straight alliance, travel club, social justice committee, yearbook committee) shall be consistent with the mission and policy statements of both the Department of Education and Advanced Learning and the Prairie Spirit School Division.

All school groups will be governed by a charter that includes:

• • The name of the group

  • The name of the staff supervisor 

  • A clear and precise statement of purpose

  • Conditions of membership

  • Description of operation

  • A schedule of meetings

Copies of the charter for each approved group will be available to parents on request.   Sports and athletic activities will be governed by the relevant division or provincial athletic organization. Intramural events scheduled by schools are subject to school-based practice and are not covered by this policy.

The Prairie Spirit School Division, while recognizing the authority and responsibility of the Principal to direct and supervise all school activities, as defined within the Public Schools Act and accompanying regulations, approves the establishment of this Student-Based Extra Curricular Groups Policy which shall:

• • Conform to all Board policies, operating procedures and school expectations;

  • Apply to all aspects of the implementation of this policy the normal supervisory practices of the Prairie Spirit School Division;

  • Operate under the leadership, direction and supervision of the Principal;

  • Define as agents of the Board, those staff and/or volunteer community members who are approved by the Principal to participate in extra curricular activities sanctioned by the Principal;

  • Require that the interests of students and needs of the community are addressed within the resources available;

  • Require that the Principal and staff, when organizing extra curricular activities, take into account:

    1. Interests of students of diverse backgrounds;

    2. Skills of staff and/or community members;

    3. Needs of students;

    4. Resources available; and,

    5. The need for communication with students and parents which outlines the unique nature of extra curricular activities and that clearly define expectations to be shared with participants prior to the commencement of the activity. 

  • Require that Principals enshrine in all extra curricular groups and their activities, the principles of due process, fairness, equity, safety, discipline, communication and other principles that may be required to fulfill the Board’s legislated and legal requirements with respect to staff, students, community and facilities; 

  • Approve through the Principal, the participation of any team, group or individual at the school level or beyond; 

  • Supervise, through the Principal, the participation of staff, students and parents to meet the full expectations of the Code of Conduct of their home school at all times. All aspects of the Prairie Spirit School Division Schools Policy shall apply; 

  • Require the home school Principal to be responsible for the resolution of issues arising when teams, groups or individuals participate beyond the home school situations.