School Council Meeting May 28,07

 

·        Attended by Annette, Clode, Monique, Lori, Shahla, Moona, Richard, John, Teresa, Heather, Sherry Lynn and Robin.

 

·        Lori’s report: advised that EQAO was low-key--anyone who needs help gets it during the testing--testing the curriculum and that way no one is stressed out.

 

·        Athletics activities: martial arts went well-there were 5 sessions and the people who did the sessions were zen-like people and the theme was anti-bullying--start with them again in September.

 

·        Arts activities: Percussionist: two sessions per class with Derek DeBeer--great and the kids really enjoyed it. Musician-choreographer was so-so. Eleanor Crowder and Eileen Grier-drama-they were in Joe, John and Leanne/Serena’s class.

 

·        Computer lab is out to tender--should be hearing back-end of June-‘may all be covered’--any money can go to equipment.

 

·        Questions asked: is there any PD provided by the Board? Is there enough confidence within the staff? Geoff is the computer person/rep--staff will mentor each other--there is the media cart with big screen to assist lab teaching.

 

·        Swimming: keen on swimming at Ottawa U again next year-looking for grades 3/4 and 5/6.

 

·        Skating for the primary classes: Teresa to look into lessons.

 

·        Dress code: nothing in handbook re: specifics (e.g. no spaghetti straps)--Lori explained admin position on why the same rules had to apply to all students.

 

·        Annette reported on the student achievement evaluation form being revised by the Board--it is based on traditional marking--should we be looking for accommodation of alternative programming and evaluation methods? Sharing school results on achievement--does this imply judging schools? Response to Board required by June 14th--those interested can send contributions to Council’s response to Annette.

 

·        We would like more parents at council meetings--Council website: adding emails, and for those without internet access there will be a binder in the office listing the meeting dates for the year.

 

·        Alternative priorities process--multi-age: parents and students don’t talk about alternative program and school structure as much as we would like--need to revive discussions. Ad-hoc committee to work over the summer to propose new group to take this on--important to have transparent process.

 

·        Annette to send out email to seek interest in Ad-hoc committee. Ruth interested in meeting with Alpha and High Park (alt. schools). This can be our ‘Alternative school improvement plan’ (required by ASAC).

 

·        Who needs what for next year?  Suggestions: work towards having a rep from each classroom--Teresa is interested in developing student council. Glashan-school council-kids-parents and staff involved worked as a group.

 

·        Environmental club (Clode): our goal the same for everybody-outings-park-smaller group-one agenda-David Suzuki-smaller job-smaller child.

 

·        Developing skill in civic participation-be aware-wanting to be involved-making a difference. Conference-creating character

 

·        Fundraising (Shahla): goals met, winding down for this year.

 

·        Future ideas mentioned-donating to Stephen Lewis Fund-Running Room run.

 

·        Mentioned that parent volunteering is going to be encouraged to be a minimum of two hours monthly (in agenda, newsletter, etc. next year)

 

·        Environmental-health (Valerie): gardening drive-plants this weekend--apply for funding through Evergreen-how to make school a greener place-city program through Toyota--money needed for plants-$100 barrel and mulch-water access needed. Graham Smith-vermicomposting- providing us with them-is there a place? Shahla and Lori to work on Evergreen application. Valerie: bike safety course possibly in Sept.

 

·        ASAC (Richard): surveys out-preliminary answers-year end report-draft June 14-June 20-report-report based on surveys. Richard to step down as ASAC chair and will be involved as past chair.

 

Coming Events:

·        Picnic-Junkyard Symphony-sell pizza and pop-open table-potluck dessert-June 21st at 5:30pm

 

·        Breakfast this Friday and followed by primary choir.

 

·        Zone 9 meeting to be held June 6 5:30-7:30-superintendent’s meeting is to be held that morning.

 

·        Laps for LE-June 22nd

 

Council positions for 07/08:

·        Co-chairs: Monique and Moona

 

·        Fundraising Co-chairs: Sherry Lynn and Robin

 

·        Zone 9-John

 

·        Pizza-Kim