Vancouver Waldorf School Parent Committee (PAC)

Who We Are

The Vancouver Waldorf School Parent Committee (PAC) has been part of the VWS community since 2004. Over the years, it has taken different shapes and forms, but its purpose has remained consistent: to bring parents and guardians into meaningful participation in school life and to strengthen the connection between families, teachers, and administration.

The PAC is a volunteer group of current VWS parents and guardians, with representation across early childhood and grade school programs. Membership is for a one-year term, renewed annually, and is open to any current VWS parent or guardian who desires to be involved and engaged.

What We Do

We welcome new families to VWS and help them find their footing in Waldorf education and school life.

We serve as a point of contact for parent participation in school life and support parent initiatives.

We bridge communication between the parent body and the school.

We put parents’ strengths to work in support of the school community through events, outreach, and activities that enrich the student experience.

We support class representatives, ensuring they have what they need to serve their class teacher and parent community well.

We administer the provincial gaming grant, an annual fund available to parent committees in BC that supports student activities and programs.

How We Work

The PAC operates with a Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, and meets regularly throughout the school year. Decisions are made collectively and by consensus wherever possible. No individual member speaks on behalf of the committee – only the group’s shared decisions carry authority. If you have an idea for your class, start with your class representative. If it’s a school-wide idea or initiative, bring it to the PAC at vwspac@gmail.com.

For New Families

Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.

If you’re new to VWS, please reach out. Whether you have questions about how the school works, want to meet other families, or just need a friendly contact, the PAC is a good first stop. Email us at vwspac@gmail.com, and we’ll do our best to help.

A few things worth knowing early on: the school Waldorf Weekly and Current monthly newsletter are your best ongoing sources for news and events. If you’re not receiving them, contact communications@vws.ca. The VWS website also has a calendar with upcoming dates, or check out the school’s Instagram and Facebook. Coffee mornings are held throughout the year; check the calendar for upcoming dates.

Check out the Current Families page for handbooks and school policies.

Criminal Record Checks

All volunteers at VWS are required to complete a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General – not at a local police detachment. Checks are valid for five years.

The process is done online through the BC eCRC system, which uses your BC Services Card for identity verification. Allow a few days for identity verification to complete before moving to the application itself.

To apply: Go to justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck and use Access Code 7GMMY98FWG.

If you’re unable to complete the process online, email reception@vws.ca to request a paper form, which you’ll submit in person with two pieces of ID to the Vice Principal.

Complete your application at least three weeks before you need it. Online processing takes approximately 3-5 days; paper takes 2-3 weeks. If you receive a letter requesting fingerprints, contact viceprincipal@vws.ca before going to the police station – a letter can be provided to waive the fingerprint fee.

Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways to contribute, whatever your schedule allows. Current opportunities include:

Beautification – keeping shared spaces like the Community Kitchen organized, setting up seasonal displays, caring for the Costume Cupboard, or bringing flowers from your garden.

Baking – contributing to community events, open houses, and receptions. Sign up for the PAC bakers’ list to receive occasional requests.

Board of Trustees – the VWS Board of Trustees includes parent volunteers with legal, financial, and leadership acumen and meets monthly. Calls for nominations go out each September/October via the school newsletter. Questions? Contact chairbot@vws.ca.

Class Plays – speak to your class teacher if you have experience in theatre, costume design, set design, lighting, acting, choreography, or directing. Support is always needed.

Class Representative – a shared role that connects your class teacher and the school with the parent community. Reach out directly to your class teacher to volunteer.

Classroom Projects – supporting your class teacher with materials, setup, play productions, and class-specific fundraising.

Festivals & Fairs – VWS’s seasonal fairs depend on every family playing a role. Your class rep will let you know how your class is involved.

Gardening & Playgrounds – helping maintain the school grounds and play yards. No experience necessary; tools are provided.

Parent Committee – join the core PAC group. Email vwspac@gmail.com to express your interest. New members are invited to attend three meetings before committing to the year.

Special Events – parent education evenings, open houses, community forums, and socials. Involvement can be as simple as setting up chairs or picking up flowers.

Get in Touch

The PAC can be reached at vwspac@gmail.com. We’re a volunteer group, so please allow a few days for a response.

The VWS Parent Committee is committed to working in alignment with the values and principles of Waldorf education and of Vancouver Waldorf School.

“The more you think of taking part, of interesting yourselves in what happens in the Waldorf School, the better the Faculty will succeed in working in unity with you for the betterment and blessing of your children, and thus for the whole of future humanity.”

~ Rudolf Steiner, The Spirit of the Waldorf School, 1919