Sooke Parents’ Education Advisory Council History
On October 18, 1982, parents from schools on lower Vancouver Island discussed the effects of the government restraint program on education. From this meeting, parents from the Sooke District decided to form their own group called the Sooke Parents Education Advisory Council (SPEAC).
During the first few months, the newly elected executive worked hard to ensure all local schools had representation and that all teachers, principals, district office personnel and trustees were aware of the existence of the organization. In a very short time, SPEAC took a leadership role in facilitating parent involvement in education.
In 2004, the provincial government legislated District Parents’ Advisory Councils. In January 2006, SD62 adopted a policy and regulation recognizing the relationship between and the roles of the school district and SPEAC. In 2009, SPEAC added an apostrophe to the word “parents” so that the name reflected the school act.
Purposes of SPEAC
Liaise:
- By advocating and expressing the parent voice to the district as well as informing parents/guardians of district information
- By facilitating parental involvement and collaboration in curricular and policy decisions where appropriate within SD62
- By developing, maintaining, and advancing communication among parents/guardians and the SD62 community
Educate:
- By sponsoring educational forums to increase public dialogue and awareness on educational and parenting issues
- Parents/guardians on district policy and procedures to support them as advocates for their students
Engage:
- In developing, maintaining and encouraging meaningful parent/guardian involvement within SD62
- In promoting parent/guardian leadership in the community
SPEAC
- Has permanent delegate status at the School District 62 Board of Education meetings
- Has representatives on school district committees, including Resources and Education Policy
- Is a member of the British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC)
- Sponsors educational webinars and conferences
- Hosts All Candidates meeting for local school trustee elections
- Hosts Parents’ Advisory Council Presidents’/Vice Presidents’ meetings
- Helps parents and PACs find resources and supports
Past Presidents of SPEAC
2021-24: Melissa Da Silva
2020-21: Cendra Beaton
2018-20: Melanie Armstrong
2015-18: Brena Robinson
2013-15: Dory Thuot
2011-13: Stephanie Longstaff
2010-11: Brenda Cyr
2009-10: Kelly Dvorak
2007-09: Georgina Tran
2004-07: Stephanie Longstaff
2002-04: Norm Scott
1999-2002: Kelly Kerrie
1998-99: Deborah Dominy
1997-98: Alison Makkinga
1994-97: Deborah Dominy
1991-94: Sandra Strickland
1988-1991: Rosemary Redden
1986-88: Ellen Cole
1986: Marg Jacobson
1982-85: Sharon Wilkinson