Les Parents d'Arc-en-Ciel
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The association

Who we are, what we do, and the distinction between the association and elected representatives.

A parents' association, open to all

Les Parents d'Arc-en-Ciel is a parents' association (loi 1901, the French law governing non-profit organisations) of the Arc-en-Ciel state-funded school, in Bruges (33520). No need to be available all year — everyone can get involved at their own pace.

What the association does

Our statutes define a broad mission, in the service of families and the school:

  • Represent and defend the interests of parents and pupils with the school, the local council (mairie), and institutions
  • Speak on behalf of families by putting forward proposals, ideas and wishes about school life
  • Make parents' expectations known to the teaching team and the school's leadership
  • Organise events, outings and other activities outside school hours, in coordination with the school
  • Keep parents informed about decisions and developments that affect the school and their children's education
  • Build connections between families by organising meetings and cultural, educational or sporting events

The association is independent of any political party, religious group or trade union.

Elected parent representatives (représentants de parents d'élèves)

Elected parent representatives play a different, more institutional role:

  • Represent parents with the teaching team and the school's governing bodies
  • Listen to families
  • Bring questions, ideas and concerns to the attention of the school
  • Take part in decisions about school life, in particular at the school's governing body (conseil d'école)

The same person can take on both roles — taking part in the association and sitting as an elected representative — but they are two distinct roles.

Member, volunteer, elected representative: who does what?

This is the question we get asked most often, and it makes sense: you often see the same people at the school gate. But these are three different things, and you can do one without the others.

Joining the association

It means supporting it. You pay a membership fee of €5 for the year, which helps fund insurance and early projects. Membership gives you the right to vote at the general meeting. It does not commit you to anything else: you can join and never take part in an event.

Join

Lending a hand

It means helping when you can. Running a stall for an hour, bringing a cake, sharing a skill. No need to join, no year-long commitment. You do what you can, when you can.

Write to us

Being an elected parent representative

This is an official role, governed by the Éducation nationale (French national education system). Elected parent representatives (représentants de parents d'élèves) are chosen at the start of the year by all parents, sit on the school's governing body (conseil d'école), liaise with the head teacher, and bring families' concerns to the school and the local council (mairie). It is an official function that does not depend on the association.

A few examples

You just want to stay informed and write to the association when you have a question? You do not need anything: the website and contact form are open to all families.

You want to help out at a school fair (kermesse) or a sale? Write to us — no membership required.

You want to support the association and vote at the general meeting? Join for €5.

You want to represent parents on the school's governing body? Stand in the parent representative elections at the start of the school year. This year, you do not need to be a member to appear on the list presented by the association.

The same person can do all of these, or just one. All families are equally welcome, whether they are members or not.

The committee

Join us

Joining is not required to write to us, ask a question, or lend a hand. If you would like to support the association, membership is €5 per year.