Communication

Parent Channels of Communication for Concerns and Appeals

Background

As the Suzuki Charter School community, we will honour the spirit of our charter. We believe there is no situation which cannot be resolved if we participate with active listening and a desire to provide for our students the very best educational setting in a welcoming, caring, respectful, safe and supportive environment.

The SCSS Board is committed to the establishment of productive partnerships between parents/guardians and school staff members in support of student learning. Board office and school staff are expected to work effectively with parents/guardians to respond to expressed concerns and to deal with appeals in a fair, just, and timely manner.

Suzuki Charter School Society (SCSS) acknowledges the right of every individual to natural justice or due process, and believes that there must be an orderly process to resolve grievances and complaints. Any individual affected by an administrative decision (student, parent, member of the public, or employee) may appeal that decision if he/she deems it necessary.

Channels of Communication

• Concern → Staff Member Involved → Principal → Superintendent → Board of Directors
• Private Music Teacher or Organization Concern → Private Music Teacher or Organization

Guidelines

1. Concerns and complaints are best resolved as close to the source of the concern or complaint as possible.
2. The best solutions come from parents/guardians and Suzuki Charter School staff working together.
3. Concerns or complaints must be made in a respectful manner, at an appropriate time and place and should not be in the presence of students; during instructional time; or in the presence of a staff member’s colleagues.
4. Parents/guardians are expected to present concerns about their own child only.
5. Concerns and complaints are dealt with in a courteous, timely, and constructive manner.
6. An individual’s concern will be given respectful attention while upholding the integrity of the school authority.
7. The school will not respond to anonymous complaints except in instances where there are allegations associated with child welfare issues or criminal activities.

Procedures

Concerns and Complaints

It is appropriate in times of conflict that established procedures be followed to allow all stakeholders to be heard and for harmonious solutions to be reached. Concerns and complaints should be addressed as follows:

1. When a concern or complaint arises, the parent/guardian is requested to speak in a respectful manner with the staff member involved in an attempt to resolve the issue.
2. If satisfactory resolution to the concern or complaint is not achieved, the parent/guardian may contact the school administration.
3. If parents/guardians remain dissatisfied with the result, the matter can be referred in writing to the Superintendent.
4. If a conflict of interest exists between the Administrator and the Superintendent, concerns arising under this administrative procedure are addressed in writing to the Charter Board Chair.
5. If a concern or complaint arises regarding the actions/decisions of the School Council, the matter should be addressed with the Principal.

Appeals

It is expected that efforts will be made informally to solve a problem or concern before a formal appeal is filed.  

1. Appeals will be made in the following order:

1.1. To the individual who is responsible for the original decision;

1.2. To the immediate supervisor of the individual who is responsible for the original decision;

1.3. To the Superintendent or designate. This is the final level of appeal.

2. At each level of appeal, every effort will be made to resolve the concern.
3. Once all administrative levels of appeal have been exhausted, appeals may be heard by the Board.
4. Following a decision by the Board, if the appealing party is still not satisfied with the decision, a request may be made in writing to the Minister of Education to review the matter, pursuant to Section 124 of the School Act.
5. Appeals shall be submitted in writing, shall state the nature of the concern, shall provide pertinent background information and shall outline the steps that have been taken to attempt to resolve the concern. A copy shall be provided to any other parties directly involved in the issue.
6. Within fourteen (14) calendar days of the receipt of an appeal (or twenty-eight [28] calendar days in the case of an appeal to the Board), the individual or group considering the appeal shall review all relevant information pertaining to the matter, shall make a decision, and shall communicate that decision in writing to all parties concerned.

Communication Tools

Please provide the office with your email address as information will be sent to you via email.  You will also receive a gmail for you and your child to use for internal communication and information sharing. School and classroom information will be shared within the google classroom format. All general information will be posted on our website www.suzukischool.ca.  Parents can subscribe to the American Suzuki Journal, an official publication of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. and become members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Phone or Computer Use

The phone should be used for emergencies only.  Students must get permission first from their teacher to use the phone.  Please use discretion, as these are business phones.  Please make social and afterschool care arrangements the evening before.  Student cell phones must be left in lockers for the day.   Computers and internet access are for student and staff use only.

Board of Directors Communication  

Submit questions or requests at least one week prior to a board meeting in writing to Board Chair, Melissa Rothwell, rothwellm@suzukischool.ca.  Board meetings are public and generally take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Please see meeting dates and times under the Board tab. 

Parent Council Communication

A school council works to promote the well being and effectiveness of the entire school community to enhance student learning. Visit www.albertaschoolcouncils.ca for more information. Please see meeting dates and times under the Parent/Council tab.