Campbell River District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC)

The School Act gives parents the right, through District Parent Advisory Councils (DPACs), to provide feedback in their school district. DPAC is the officially recognized collective voice of parents of their school district. A DPAC, through its elected officers, may advise the school board, and Board of Trustees respecting any matter relating to the education of the students and the school district.

DPACs are forums within each community to discuss matters affecting your district and the education of your children. Parents’ voices are a tremendous value to their school district. They offer a wealth of ideas and support in the challenges that face all public school districts. DPACs strive to represent the diversity within their communities and contribute to the benefit of all students by:

• providing opportunities to educate and inform parents about the school district;
• involving parents in volunteer activities; and
• openly discussing parents’ concerns and aspirations for their school districts.

Who Can Become a Member of DPAC?

All parents and guardians of students registered in the school district are able to participate and are members of the DPAC. 

What Governs A DPAC?

As an autonomous body, the DPAC must abide by its Constitution and Bylaws and the School Act. DPACs are NOT required to register as a non-profit or under the BC Societies Act.

How Does A DPAC Work?

Through their elected executives from representative parents from District schools, DPACs communicate with their parent community gathering and discussing issues of importance regarding their district in order to adequately advise those that influence their district. In addition to DPAC meetings communication may also be done through, newsletters, telephone, email, and websites so that all parents have the opportunity for input. DPACs, with strong participation from parents, have an important influence on life within the community and it contributes toward strengthening the district and educators. 

Purpose of a DPAC

1. To advise the Superintendent and Trustees on parents’ views and feedback about school district programs, policies, plans and activities.
2. To organize DPAC activities and events and endeavour to provide parent and student education.
3. To encourage parent involvement in the district, and to support programs that promote parent involvement.
4. To communicate with parents, and to promote co-operation between the schools, homes and district in providing support for the education of children.
5. To assist parents in accessing the system and to advocate on behalf of parents and students.
6. To advise and participate in the activities of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC).

The business of the DPAC shall be unbiased in respect of race, colour, religion, politics, family status, gender, sexual orientation or physical or mental ability. The DPAC is not a forum for the discussion of individual school personnel, parents, or other individual members of the school community.

*Content is guided courtesy of the BBCPAC website. 

https://bccpac.bc.ca/index.php/members/pac-dpac/what-is-a-pac