DPAC
District Parent Advisory Council
2024-2025 DPAC Meetings: Fourth Thursday of the Month, 7 - 8:30 pm Hybrid Model: Rotating Secondary School Libraries/Virtual
All Sunshine Coast Schools' Parents/Caregivers Welcome!
Meet your District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) Executive
Rachael Eastman
Chair | sd46dpac@gmail.com
Tamara Hedden
Vice-Chair
Miyuki Shinkai
Secretary/BCCPAC Rep
Jennifer Olson Sumner
Treasurer
Marissa Fischer, Jana Curll, and Scott Davis (past- chair advisor)
Director at Large
DPAC Reps
What is a PAC?
Each school in our district is required to have a Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The role of the council is to advise the principal about the parent community’s thoughts on school matters. All meetings are public and any parent or caregiver of the school is welcome to attend. Specific issues or concerns regarding individual students are not handled at PAC meetings. Contacting the principal to schedule a meeting is more appropriate for those issues.
What is DPAC?
District Parent Advisory Council’s (DPACs) are the legislated parent voice at the school district level, representing the collective views of school parents’ advisory councils in a school district. DPACs advocate for family engagement in the education system and give input into the development of education policy and curricula.
The DPAC is an opportunity for parents, principals, senior administration and trustees to learn together about how we can support our schools right across the district to be as effective as possible. We have presentations on curriculum issues, operational issues (budget, staffing, facilities) and conversations about parent and guardian perspectives of where we should be focusing our efforts in our district.
Each PAC is encouraged to send a delegate or two (or more!) to the DPAC meeting. All SD46 parents/caregivers are welcome to attend any of the meetings!
Want to find out more about DPAC? Visit the website of the provincial PAC body, BCCPAC (BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils).
Other documents that will help you understand the DPAC’s role:
- Ministry of Education Manual of School Law (go to Division 2 – Parents, once you download the School Act in the Manual of School Law).
- Sunshine Coast DPAC Constitution and Bylaws: Revised Constitution and Bylaws (2025)
What does DPAC do?
DPACs supports PACs and parents to engage with the school system by providing regular forums for the exchange of ideas to ensure that public education serves the best interest of all students.
Get involved in your child's School PAC & DPAC!
Fundraising, Grants & Projects
DPAC applies every year for a gaming grant from the government which is used to support parent education in the district. PACs also apply for a gaming grant and fundraise to support their individual school/class projects, extra curricular activities, etc.
Proud supporters of SOGI 1 2 3
DPACs strive to foster a culture of acceptance, diversity and inclusion in our public schools. SOGI 1 2 3 helps educators make schools inclusive and safe for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI).
Supporting Schools
Members of DPAC bring forward input from the various PACs to share with the Board of Education and the superintendent. It is important for every school PAC to have a DPAC representative to share the information from the meetings. DPAC builds support networks and broadens knowledge of current district priorities and activities.
Children benefit from family involvement!
Studies show that staying connected and involved in your child’s education is closely related to a child’s success in school. It is also a great way to get to know the kids and families in the school!