We are pleased to share this year's nominations for your Family Council:
Daniel Bader (Parent to 2 IRC students, grades 3 and JK). I am a writer and journalist and an advocate for child literacy. I'd love to be involved to help with whatever the council needs this year, but am particularly interested in reading and writing programs. Thank you!
Charlotte Cox (Parent to 2 IRC students, grades: 5 and 1). I am interested in returning as a voting member for this year's school council. I have 2 kids at IRC in Grades 1 and 5. This will be my second year on the parent council - last year I was Secretary for the committee. In addition to being Secretary I also helped out with the Parent Social last year (Trivia Night) and the Fun Fair. I work in the environmental industry and I am passionate about bringing more environmental initiatives to IRC.
Tara Doolan (Parent to 2 IRC students, grades: 5 and 2). As last year's Family Council Co-Chair, and Secretary for the 3 years before that, I have lots of experience with Family Council and the wonderful IRC Community! I’ve been involved in organizing fundraisers (Fun Fair, Movie Nights, Curriculum Night, etc.) and also with bringing supplementary programming to the school (i.e. Astronomy in Action, Art in Action). In my professional life, I am a part-time lawyer for a children’s charity. I would love to be part of Family Council again this year and continue working to make IRC an even better place for our kids.
Jessica Keating (Parent to 2 IRC students: grades 4 and 1). I served as a voting member on Family Council for the past two school years, and it has been a wonderful experience to be able to support our school community. During this time I was involved with the Fun Fair organization and other fundraisers, and it was so meaningful to see the dedication our community has for IRC. I look forward to continuing to serve on Family Council this year, and to continue the great work that the Family Council does in collaboration with the IRC community to make IRC an incredible school where our kids can flourish.
Mary Margaret Love (Parent to 1 IRC student, grade: 5). I have been the organizer of Pizza Lunches for IRC for the few years. Last year I officially joined Council as a voting member and organized our new expanded lunch offerings, as well as assisted with organizing the Parent Social event, and was on the Fun Fair Committee. I also volunteered for most of the Family Council events (and have done for many years!). I am a very active member of the school community and I love being on Council in an official capacity. I hope to continue on Council this year and see all the joy our initiatives bring to the school community. Council Fundraising plays such an important role in the experience our children have at school and I love seeing it all come together.
Kim Moniz (Parent to 2 IRC students, grades: 3 and 1). I feel it's important to be vocal in supporting students and teachers in building a stronger school community. I enjoy connecting with other parents and families. I work well with others and love collaborating on various initiatives and would love to join in helping IRC to thrive in 2026/2027.
Jenna Niven (Parent to 2 IRC students, grades: 2 and SK). I have worked in the Early Education field for two decades, most of which has been in an administrative capacity. I’ve also worked in events/fundraising positions and have experience with budgeting, marketing and communications, etc. I've served three years on the Family Council so far and looking forward to another amazing year at IRC!
Syeda Naiha Shafiq (Parent to 1 IRC student, grade: JK). Great at throwing parties and planning activities.
Harriet Sharpe (Parent to 1 IRC student, grade: JK). Creative, strategic thinker with a background in entrepreneurship. I’m a hands-on person who loves coming up with fun, engaging ideas for kids. I enjoy encouraging their imagination and exploring learning through creative, child led projects.
Courtney Starr (Parent to 2 IRC students, grades: 4 and 2). I have been on council for the last three years, serving as Treasurer for the last two. I enjoy connecting with other parents and contributing to our school community. I would like to continue as Treasurer this year and look forward to another great year!
Katelyn Veldman (Parent to 1 IRC student, grade: SK). I have been a voting member of the family council for one year and chaired the 2026 Fun Fair. I bring over 15 years of event management experience along with creativity, organization, attention to detail, and a community-minded approach to Council work. I am excited to contribute to IRC Family Council by leading events, sharing ideas, advocating for students, and helping create welcoming experiences for students and their families across the school community.
Laura Wilson (Parent to 3 IRC students, grades: 4, 2 and SK). I have a number of ideas that I believe would help make the school community an even better experience for both students and families. I’m skilled at designing practical systems, organizing initiatives, and following through on tasks to ensure they are completed successfully. I bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach and would be excited to contribute wherever I can add value.
Heidi Tao Yang (Parent to 2 IRC students, grades: 3 and 1). As a voting member, I aim to build on the excellent work already done by the family council and support the evolving needs of students. My key areas of interest include sports, arts & media, and creating pathways for leadership and entrepreneurial development that build student confidence and life skills. I offer experience in project management, organizational planning, financial management, and programming for arts and media initiatives.
Our first Council meeting will be held on Monday, September 28. During this meeting, all nominations will be reviewed and confirmed. Elections for Council roles will take place, and we look forward to announcing the finalized Council structure shortly thereafter.