Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Ginny Jaccaud, the dedicated President of the Parents' Association at St. Anne's Episcopal School. Ginny has been an integral part of the St. Anne's community for six years, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to her role as the head of the Parents' Association. Let's dive into our conversation to learn more about Ginny's journey and her vision for strengthening the bond between parents, the school, and the wider community.

Ginny, can you tell us a bit about your role as the Parents' Association President at St. Anne's Episcopal School? What are your main responsibilities and goals?

The Parents’ Association exists to provide volunteers for the school as needed, fundraise to support future PA events and the school as a whole and provide both social and educational opportunities for our parents and the greater school community.  My role is to ensure that in everything we do, we meet these goals and align with St. Anne’s mission and values.  The PA wants to ensure that our volunteers and school have the support they need and that we provide our parents with meaningful opportunities to connect and engage with St. Anne’s.  As the President of the Parents’ Association, my goal is to help provide opportunities for parents to get involved with St. Anne’s in whatever way that speaks to them.  We are stronger as a community when we all feel connected to our school, and so offering as many opportunities to connect in worthwhile, purposeful ways is important.  

Parent involvement is crucial for the success of the Parents' Association. How do you encourage and engage parents to actively participate in the association's initiatives and events that not only foster a sense of togetherness among parents but also contribute positively to the school's atmosphere?

All parents at St. Anne's are automatically members of our Parents’ Association, and all events are open to everyone to attend.  We welcome parent involvement in whatever capacity meets each family’s needs and interests, whether it is just attending the events or assisting in facilitating them.  We support the classrooms and library by coordinating volunteers, we support our teachers with breakfasts and coffees, and we support our parents and our greater school community by providing educational and social opportunities. Parents can choose how involved they would like to be, and many events are just intended for gathering and connecting as a community.  As a board, the Parents’ Association is constantly thinking of the community as a whole and how to plan events that feel accessible and inclusive for all of our parents.  

Building a strong sense of community often involves connecting with the broader community outside of the school. How does the Parents' Association engage with the local community or contribute to causes beyond the school environment?

As a community, we are so fortunate.  When looking at our founding values, we are reminded that we are part of our school community and a greater community.  Many families seek opportunities to show their children that they are part of something bigger than themselves.  The PA’s Outreach Committee allows opportunities for our parents and families to serve our broader community while connecting with our own.  The Outreach Committee partners with local organizations to provide opportunities for our families to volunteer.  These are fun ways to gather together while making an impact and teaching our children about the greater world as a whole.  

Lastly, what advice would you give to parents who are interested in getting more involved in the Parents' Association or taking on a leadership role within the school community?

If you want to get involved with the PA but are unsure how to do so, please contact me or any board member, and we can help you find a place for you!  If you did not sign up for something you would like to be involved in, it is not too late to do so. There is a form on the St. Anne’s website that you can complete to get involved.  We will ensure you get added to the communication for the events and groups that interest you (https://st-annes.org/volunteer).  Start by getting involved with what interests you, try different things, and grow from there! 

Ginny's dedication to fostering a vibrant and engaged parent community at St. Anne's is truly inspiring. Through her leadership and the collaborative efforts of the Parents' Association, parents are finding meaningful ways to connect with the school, contribute to its success, and extend their impact to the broader community. As we wrap up our conversation, Ginny's words of encouragement to parents interested in getting involved within the school community serve as a reminder that there's a place for everyone to make a difference. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and positive impact of the Parents' Association under Ginny's guidance. Thank you, Ginny, for your commitment to St. Anne's and its community.