CIPL response regarding parent representation at South Kensington School Council (Conseil d'École)
Dear Parents,
We have received a stream of questions since yesterday's message from APL regarding the elections to the South Kensington School Council, and we wish to provide you with some important clarifications.
This year, owing to APL's own administrative error, only 4 out of the 15 available seats will be filled on the School Council, depriving parents of fair representation.
These 4 seats will be automatically occupied by CIPL candidates whom you elect if you vote.
Without CIPL's presence, there would have been no parent representatives on the School Council this year. We are pleased to be able to ensure this continuity of representation for you. Those of you who already know us are aware that we are always listening, that we are competent in our fields, and that we take all matters concerning parents seriously.
In the face of this unprecedented situation, our 4 CIPL representatives are all the more motivated and determined to defend the interests of ALL parents, without exception. Beyond representing an association, we represent a community of parents.
Calling for a blank vote does not reflect an approach that we share; our goal is to respond to the expectations of all families in our community, and this will not allow the remaining 11 seats to be filled. Moreover, no one should lay claim to blank votes. You should know that at Wix School, the CIPL has not presented a list and has not called for a blank vote, being aware that it is essential for parents to be strongly represented. We are committed to our common goals and we strive to find ways to collaborate for the benefit of all parents.
Contrary to certain rumours, nothing prevents APL from continuing to organise the events mentioned in its message, even though it has no seats on the School Council! And we shall be there to help all those of goodwill to collaborate.
Since the announcement of this situation, several parents have already contacted us to offer their help and support, and we thank them for it.
We therefore call on all parents who would like to continue representing their class as delegates or parent-relais under the APL, CIPL or independently to join us and ensure that the specific issues relating to their year group can be properly escalated to the School Council..
We are at your service.
Please contact us on sk@cipl.org.uk or directly via Classlist
Finally, we do not lose sight of the fact that seriousness, rigour and respect for deadlines are essential for candidates to the Conseil d’Établissement, who are required in particular to examine budgetary and governance matters. We therefore invite you to vote for CIPL in this instance too, to ensure that the necessary attention is given to these issues.
APL original message
Subject: Information Regarding the Election of Parent Representatives to the South Kensington School Council – APL
Dear Parents,
Our motivation has always been to do things well — for the good of the children — with respect and transparency.
It is therefore with deep sadness that we inform you that the list submitted by the Parents’ Association of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle (APL) for the election of parent representatives to the South Kensington School Council has not been accepted this year.
According to the circular issued by the school, the deadline for submitting applications with each candidate’s signature was set for Tuesday, September 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Our South Kensington team had prepared and submitted a list of 28 volunteer candidates (out of a possible 30), with the sole aim of ensuring strong and committed representation for all families. Gathering all 28 signatures in record time proved impossible. Unfortunately, five signatures were missing at the time of submission, which invalidated the list for the remaining 23 candidates. We were unaware that the absence of these five signatures would make the entire list inadmissible. We have since been informed that, as the submission deadline had passed, no changes could legally be made (in accordance with the Election Code).
We take full responsibility for this administrative error.
This means that parents at South Kensington will not be represented on the school council this year by the APL. Representation will be provided only by the CIPL, which will hold just 4 of the 15 available seats.
However, your voice still matters.
During the upcoming School Council elections, you may cast a blank vote. A blank vote will show your support for the APL team, our values, and all that we have built together over the years for the community.
Furthermore, since you are also invited to vote for our list in the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle School Council elections, by choosing the APL list, you will allow us to represent you in that body, which brings together the four primary school leadership teams as well as the LFCG administration. We are not giving up and hope that, with your support, we can continue to represent you and bring joy to the children.
It is also important to remember that the APL has always played a central role in the festive and community life of the school.
Over the years, we have enthusiastically organized Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, drawing contests, T-shirt projects, and the big end-of-year celebration.
These moments of sharing and togetherness have brought children, teachers, and parents together in a spirit of joy and school community — memories that will remain in our hearts forever.
With all our gratitude,
The APL Primary Team and the APL Presidency
Parents’ Association of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle – Primary Section