How to communicate with your school

The Langley School District says open, respectful communication between families and schools is essential to student success. School staff are available to address questions and concerns from parents and guardians, and the district describes education as a shared responsibility between home and school.

The district encourages families to support and work with their child’s teachers, participate in their school’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC), attend school events, help in classrooms and support learning at home. Parents are also encouraged to monitor their child’s progress, get to know staff who work with their children, ask about the school day and keep the school informed about matters that may affect their child. Families can also check available social-media options for school activity updates.

For concerns, the district recommends arranging a phone appointment or in-person meeting, with email useful for setting a date and time. Parents should organize their thoughts, remain focused on the issue, treat others with dignity and respect, consider both sides and listen to everyone involved.

Families should begin with the employee whose action gave rise to the concern and try to resolve the matter at each stage before moving to the next. If it is not resolved, they can contact the school principal, vice-principal or counsellor. If the issue continues, they can contact the School Board Office to speak with a District Principal or Assistant Superintendent.

If no decision is received after those steps, or if a parent or student disagrees with a decision, an appeal to the Board of Education may be available depending on the issue. Section 11 of the School Act allows parents and/or students to ask the board to review school-employee decisions, or failures to make decisions, that “significantly affects the education, health or safety of a student.” The district’s Appeal Policy is available on its website, at the School Board Office and at schools.

The school PAC and District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) are additional sources of support and guidance. School offices can provide the names of PAC executives, while DPAC contact information and other links are available through the School Board Office or at www.langleydpac.ca. Parents may bring an advocate to meetings with school or district staff, including PAC or DPAC members, family members or friends. The DPAC website also offers advocacy information and problem-solving resources.