From: Mr. Paul Lynch – Chair of SMIS Council

To: Parents of SMIS

The School Council is seeking new members this term to help with the management of the International and ESL schools.　We are seeking both members of the Council and members of committees which advise the Council. The Council has standing committees and ad hoc committees which usually comprise a mix of council members, teachers and parents.

What does the Council do?

The Council seeks to ensure the long-term stability, prosperity and continual improvement of the school, representing all the school’s stakeholders

What is my commitment?

Council membership is for a three-year term. The maximum tenure is three terms.

We meet at least twice a term in the evening. Meetings usually start at 18:30 and end at around 21:00. Meetings are held in English.

In addition, most Council members sit on Committees with teacher, parents and other stakeholders. These committees also tend to meet about twice a term to discuss particular issues and make recommendations to the Council.

Who should apply?

The Council wishes to be representative of all groups in the St. Michael’s community, so would especially welcome applications from those groups which are currently under-represented on the Council. Current composition of the Council can be seen on the school web-site and (soon) on the school notice board.

As part of the accreditation process we have been sign-posted to The Academy for International School Heads list of personal qualities which Council members might be expected to possess. I attach this list in case you find it helpful.

I also attach the Council’s code of conduct, which is part of the new bye laws of the Council (in draft).

How do I apply?

Please fill in the attached application form by <date 9 November?> and mark it personal for my attention c/o the school office. The Council will consider applications based on the criteria set out in this letter and on the application form and will provide feedback to all applicants.

 

Personal Qualities Sought in Council Members (as drawn up by The Academy for International School Heads)

Ability to:

• Listen,
• Analyse, think clearly and creatively
• Work well with people individually and in a group.

Willing to:

• Prepare for and attend board and committee meetings
• Ask questions
• Take responsibility and follow through on a given assignment,
• Open doors in the community
• Evaluate oneself

Develop certain skills if you don’t have them already:

• To cultivate and solicit funds
• Cultivate and recruit board members and other volunteers
• Read and understand financial statements
• Learn about the substantive program areas of the school

Possess:

• Honesty
• Sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views
• A friendly, responsive, and patient approach
• Community building skills
• Personal Integrity
• A developed sense of values
• Concern for your school’s development
• A sense of humour

 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE COUNCIL

Members of the Council agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct

1. Respect the confidentiality of privileged information which comes before the Council and not discuss confidential matters of the Council outside meetings of the Council or Council committees.

2. Consider all viewpoints and listen to the opinions of other Council members and other parties before making final decisions.

3. Communicate honestly and share with other Council members information relating to matters with which the Council is or should be concerned.

4. Treat other Council members with respect and consideration.

5. Seek to avoid any conflict of interest, and declare any interest that might, or might be seen to, impinge on Council decisions.

6. Avoid raising individual concerns or matters unless Council policy implications are involved.

7. Endeavour to attend all Council meetings.

8. Abide by and publicly support Council decisions.

9. All Council members must sign a Code of Conduct form verifying that they have read and understand the Code of Conduct and agree to comply with the provisions set forth therein.