PARENT PARTICIPATION Elckerlyc families come from all over the world. There are over 25 nationalities represented at the school. Their stay in the Leiden Region (the “Green Heart of Holland”) is typically 3 years, although some are moved after a year and some are here for a much longer period. Faced with this pattern of change, Elckerlyc has developed a supportive community which offers a warm welcome to newcomers and a range of activities for families who want to get involved, starting with the open day held on the first day of the new school year. There is a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to which all families and staff automatically belong. The following groups organise volunteer and fundraising activities. ACTIVITY COMMITTEE Activities for the International as well as Dutch Section of the school are organised by the Activity Committee meets regularly. Its members are mothers and fathers of both sections. Activities specifically intended for students of the International School are organised by the Activity Committee representative and members of the teaching staff. I.S. CLASS REPRESENTATIVES In order to facilitate communication all classes are represented by a room mother and a assistant. These mothers meet regularly with the parents of students in their particular grade level. This meeting is held at school. The Director: Marijke van der Graaff regularly meets with the mothers in order to discuss any worries, suggestions, plans and ideas.