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Parent Council

September 26, 2025
WSD Join A Parent Advisory Committee WEB Art

Advisory Committees

Advisory Committees help keep communication open between the Board of Trustees, student and parent advisory councils, and the wider school community. Each committee gives students, parents, and community members a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and work together to support our schools.

WSD has four District Advisory Committees, one for each district of our division:

  • Central Advisory Committee
  • Inner City Advisory Committee
  • North Advisory Committee
  • South Advisory Committee

WSD also has a French Immersion Advisory Committee for parents to gain insight into the French Immersion programming and curriculum. The Student Advisory Committee encourages high school students to provide input on WSD initiatives and policy changes, while also offering a networking opportunity.

Specialized Advisory Committees

WSD also has specialized Advisory Committees that focus on specific topics that are top priorities for Winnipeg School Division. These groups encourage students, parents, and community members to get involved and share their perspectives.

  • Education Equity Advisory Committee
  • Environmental Advisory Committee
  • Indigenous Education Ad Hoc Committee
  • Newcomer Education Ad Hoc Committee
  • Inclusive Education Advisory Committee

Expression of Interest for Advisory Committees

All of our Advisory Committees are open to the public, and anyone in a school community can participate. To join a WSD Advisory committee, please fill out the form below. 

Agendas for Advisory Committee meetings are posted one week prior to the meeting on the Board of Trustees portal. Advisory Committee meetings are held at a rotation of various schools, the Prince Charles Education Resource Centre, or the WSD Administration Building 1. Meetings are scheduled on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m..

For more information, please contact:
Brenda Lapointe, Board and Community Liaison Officer
204-775-0231, board@wsd1.org

Funding for Playstructures/Grounds

The Board of Trustees approved a process to provide financial support to schools to upgrade playgrounds and structures that would improve accessibility for children in WSD.

Parent Councils are invited to submit an Funding for Play Structures application to the Building/Transportation Committee c/o Brenda Lapointe, Board and Community Liaison Officer, Board Office, to apply for financial support from the Board of Trustees to improve play structures/grounds, accessibility for students up to a maximum of $20,000 during the school year. (may include funding to assist in the purchase of supplies/equipment for accessible-friendly, inclusive indoor activities) 

The following criteria should be met to request funding:

  • Parent Council/school committees must submit a letter identifying the purpose of requesting funds.
  • Provide quotations from a minimum of three suppliers. (playstructure/grounds improvements)
  • Provide a listing of grants applied for; include letters of funding confirmation and funding received to date. (playstructure/grounds improvements)
  • If parent councils/schools are fundraising to assist with improvements to play structures/ grounds, a recent bank statement indicating the amount raised to date must be submitted with the request for financial support.
  • Schools which have identified a financial need will be chosen for consideration. 

The Building/Transportation Committee will review the proposals and notify the school of their discussions at the earliest opportunity. Should you require additional information, please contact Brenda Lapointe at 204-789-0469.

Parent Council Fundraising FAQ

Is fundraising banned?

Not at all. As a community, we want to stop, slow down, and think about the unintended consequences. If schools and Parent Councils have questions, contact your Family of School's Assistant Superintendent. 

What are some key considerations to keep in mind when thinking about fundraising?

  • What is the purpose of the fundraising?
  • Are the principal and the community aware of the purpose?
  • How many times have we gone to the community? Less is more.
  • What might be the impact of the fundraising on families who are not able to contribute? 

Does the fundraising proposed seek to address something that the people of Manitoba already fund?

Here are things that are funded through the division’s budget:

  • Laptops, electronics, interactive boards
  • Books and curriculum materials
  • Field trips, athletics, productions 

Here are things that are not supported by provincial funding:

  • Bursaries and Scholarships
  • Camps
  • Welcome packages for new families
  • Farewells and Graduations
  • School trips outside of the city or the curriculum
  • Community Projects

Are there grey areas when it comes to fundraising?

Yes. So let’s think, talk with each other, and speak to our school leadership. The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents are happy to attend a Parent Council meeting and help brainstorm. 

Our Parent Council loves to fundraise, and we are excellent at it:

Amazing! We love energy, enthusiasm, and support for schools! Please support and lift your school. We also encourage fundraising for charities and charitable causes outside of the Division.

Parent Councils are reminded that all fundraising project amounts raised must be published yearly on each school’s website. 

Can we still organize fun lunches, book fairs, and dances that are used as fundraisers?

Sounds great! But make sure every child receives a fun lunch, a book, or can attend the dance without stigma. These events should not be exclusionary.

What if we want to donate our money to the school division as a Parent Council, foundation, or family?

Great! The Children's Heritage Education Endowment Fund is an awesome charitable branch of the Division. Many foundations and families donate money for nutrition programs, bursaries, school ground improvement projects, arts programming, after-school programming, etc. These funds are distributed equitably amongst the schools. 

Donors may also donate funds to the Children’s Heritage Education Endowment Fund and designate a school of their choosing to receive the donation. 

District Advisory Summaries of Discussions

Central District Advisory Committee

Inner City District Advisory Committee

North District Advisory Committee

South District Advisory Committee

French Immersion Advisory Committee

District Advisory Reports

Central District Advisory Committee

Inner City District Advisory Committee

North District Advisory Committee

South District Advisory Committee

French Immersion Advisory Committee


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