March 3, 2003
Parental Involvement In Education System
Motion on Notice
R. Lee: I'm very pleased today to have the opportunity to support the motion moved by the hon. member for Victoria–Beacon Hill. It's widely known that more parental involvement in our schools will help bring better achievement for our children.
I have three children aged five, ten and 15. Since my oldest son started school, I've been involved in his school's parent advisory council. For eight years I was also a member of the district parents advisory council in Burnaby. This participation has been extremely fulfilling for my family and myself. It has brought me closer to my children's education. I must say, I've missed many of these meetings since being elected as MLA. When the House is in session, it's very difficult to attend meetings on Mondays and Tuesdays in my constituency. However, whenever my schedule permits, I still go to my children's school to participate in such activities as the parent-teacher conferences, the band parents meetings, the concerts, the Christmas pancake breakfast, the awards celebration and, of course, the graduation ceremonies. My wife is also an occasional volunteer driver for the students going to field trips when group transportation is not available in the schools.
When students know their parents are participating in school activities, they know their parents do care about them. Their parents are talking to the teachers, principals or counsellors and are getting more insight into their children's progress at school. Regular contact with school staff, teachers and administrators gives parents a clear picture of the learning environment that's available to their children at their school.
Many parents volunteer to raise funds to buy computer software and hardware, musical instruments, gym equipment and playground installations. Extra library books and field trips are also items on the wish lists of many parent advisory councils. Contributions from parental volunteers are recognized as crucial to the enrichment of the school learning environment. In some schools, parents are volunteering in reading programs. Students in small groups can benefit tremendously with these kinds of individualized learning opportunities.
Sometimes new immigrant parents hesitate to get involved in school activities because of language barriers. As a parent whose second language is English, I can attest to the importance of getting involved, even when there are language barriers. These children in particular can benefit from their parents' involvement in their school's activities. Many schools and non-profit organizations have developed multilingual support for these families, and their involvement in their children's education has since increased.
On February 28, just last week, together with my colleagues I met with parents from the community schools in Burnaby. Community schools are not only providing opportunities for parents to volunteer in activities such as hot lunch programs for students and supports for vulnerable youth but are also helping families integrate into the community. I would like to see this government continue to provide supports to community schools.
Last year this government passed bills in the House, as mentioned by the hon. member, to guarantee the rights of parental involvement in schools. The Ministry of Education also ensured that parents are well represented in school planning councils. I believe parental involvement in schools benefits not only their own children but also the whole school and education system as well.
I'm very pleased that the hon. member for Victoria–Beacon Hill raised this issue in the House and recognized the importance of parental involvement in the education system.
