Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP)
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act, which came into effect for school boards on September 1, 1998, sets controls and standards on how public bodies, such as school boards, collect, use and disclose personal information that is in their custody or under their control.
The FOIP Act requires that school boards collect personal information directly from individuals the information is about, that these individuals be provided with the legal authority for the collection, be explained the purpose of the collection and how the information will be used, and be provided a contact person should they have any questions relating to this activity.
The information collected on the registration form as part of the school registration process is personal information as referred to in the FOIP Act. This personal information is collected pursuant to the provisions of the School Act and its regulations (e.g. for the establishment of a student record, determination of residency) and pursuant to section 33(c) of the FOIP Act as the collection is related directly to and is necessary to a school board's obligation to provide students with an education program that meets their needs and to provide a safe and secure school environment (e.g. program placement, determination of eligibility and/or suitability for provincial or federal funding, contact and health related information in the event of problems or emergencies). Personal information may also be provided to the Minister of Education for the purpose of carrying out programs, activities, or policies under his administration (e.g. research, statistical analysis).
Once the information is collected and compiled, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division No. 77 believes the uses are part of a vital, healthy and functioning school and participation of all students is important and encouraged.