KG-P1 - Relations with Community Organizations

Prairie Spirit School Division realizes that a close association between the schools and their community organizations is beneficial to the Division’s educational goals.  The Board, therefore, encourages each school to become acquainted with the organizations in the community and to cooperate with them in activities which have educational or recreational value for the students.

Governmental Agencies

Prairie Spirit School Division cooperates with governmental authorities in providing a quality education for the students of the Division.  It intends in its dealings with these authorities to enhance efficiency and goodwill.  

Advsiory Councils

The Prairie Spirit School Division supports the establishment of advisory councils within its schools in accordance with Manitoba Regulation 54/96- Advisory Councils for Leadership Regulation - and the Guidelines issued by Manitoba Education, which govern the formation and role of advisory councils within schools.

The Division recognizes that involving citizens in meaningful ways provides students, parents, schools, and the community with a variety of significant benefits including:

1.                       A more common knowledge of the goals and objectives of education;

2.                       Participatory decision making by the stakeholders;

3.                       Improved academic performance;

4.                       Improved student attitudes and behaviour; and,

5.                       Improved working environments for educators.

Under the Public Schools Act the Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for policy development and for the total operation of the School Division, including instructional activities in schools.  The Board delegates this responsibility, through personnel it employs. Councils are advisory and supportive to these processes, and work with the Principal, in ways consistent with School Division policy.  [PSA 58.6]

Health Authorities

The Board will cooperate with medical authorities in providing such services as are needed to promote the health of the pupils in the schools.

Principals and Teachers shall cooperate with the Public Health Nurse in working toward the health of pupils.  This may involve participating in tasks associated with school health programs.  Principals and Teachers may call upon the Public Health Nurse for advice and may ask for assistance with all matters that deal with the general health and well-being of pupils.

Confidentiality shall be maintained in all health issues affecting individual students or staff members.  Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis only.  (See also JLC-P1, JLE-P1)

Police Authorities

The Board shall establish and maintain cooperative relationships with law enforcement agencies. (See also JH-P1) 

Fire Department Authorities

Schools are encouraged to cooperate with local Fire Department authorities with regard to:

1.                       Reporting procedures;

2.                       Fire safety and awareness visits to schools;

3.                       Safety checks and standards; and,

4.                       Providing appropriate documentation (for example, floor plan of the school).

Civil Defence Authorities

The Division cooperates fully with the Emergency Measures Organization in plans for coping with local, provincial, or national emergencies. 

Local Municipal Authorities

The Board will maintain open lines of communication with the elected representatives of the Rural Municipalities within the Prairie Spirit School Division, and from which tax revenue is received, namely:

R.M. of Argyle

R.M. of Dufferin

R.M. of Grey

R.M. of Lorne

R.M. of Louise

R.M. of Pembina

R.M. of Portage la Prairie

Cartwright-Roblin Municipality

Municipality of Glenboro-South Cypress

Municipality of Norfolk Treherne

R.M. of Stanley

R.M. of Prairie Lakes

R.M. of Thompson

R.M. of Victoria

Political Parties

Representatives from recognized political parties are permitted to meet with high school students during the period of an election campaign, provided attendance is voluntary and all recognized political parties are informed that they also have the opportunity.  No political advertising is permitted on school property or in school premises, with the exception of material referring to the meetings.

The Premier of Manitoba or the Prime Minister of Canada will be welcome to speak to the student body or to a class.

Elected divisional MLAs and MPs, may be invited as guests to school functions such as graduations, openings or concerts, as representatives of their government rather than of a political party.  They also may be invited to a specific class situation where the role of government is the topic, and where their comments are appropriate to current curriculum study.  The Principal’s approval is necessary.  The Superintendent will be advised.

Community Partners

Prairie Spirit School Division cooperates with community partners (local, provincial, and national) in providing a quality education for the students of the Division. In its dealings with these agencies, the intent is to enhance delivery of curriculum, to have students interact with professionals acting as role-models, and to promote sustainability.  Often, students will be introduced to local environmental, economic, and socio-cultural issues that provide an authentic dimension to their learning.

Approved June 12, 2012