SCHOOL COUNCIL
MINUTES - September 17/16 6:30-8:00
1. STANDING ITEMS
a. Call to order, welcome, introductions
· Valerie and Kevin welcomed parents, caregivers, staff and guest at 6:20.
· 25 parents/caregivers in attendance.
b. Approval of agenda
· Added work to rule to discussion and elections.
c. Principal’s report –Diane Brown
· Technology:
o We have 70 iPads in the school (40 dedicated to Gr. 1-2s).
o Staff are currently cataloguing them.
o She would like to bring in Chrome books and assign to each classroom.
· Model Schools:
o Community Support Worker Zulekha Noormohamed will be organizing workshops (CPR training two cooking groups, food handling certificate, healthy eating workshops) and CPAC conference.
o Vision screening is coming up November 3. Gr 5s are tested automatically. If you would like your child tested, tell your teacher to put them on the list. Glasses will be provided free of charge.
§ Note: Lenscrafters also runs a program called Gift of Sight for free (repair, provide glasses).
· Students:
o There are a number of programs offered - City of Toronto After School Recreation program, International Languages (to start week of September 21).
o She would like to reinstate the Steel Pans group.
o Architects of Innovation would also like to offer something (after school program for girls to work on STEM).
· Meet the Teacher:
o She is not sure if we can have the traditional Curriculum night with the work to rule issue but a date will be sent out a date shortly; it might be a day or an evening event.
· Terry Fox Run
o To be held October 2 (teachers not allowed to fundraise so a jar will be available at the office for donations).
· “Pink Day”
o First one held on September 15/15 and it went very well; hoping to make it a monthly event.
o Staff are sourcing t-shirts for students and school would permit the pink shirt with the logo on regular school days.
· Communication:
o Check the agenda and use it to communicate to teachers.
o Check the school website for more information.
o Email Principal with any questions/concerns:
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· Other:
o Financial training sessions offered at 5 different schools for Council Executive members.
o Money is not an issue; your child can participate regardless but the school needs the paperwork completed.
Question: Can someone set up online donation for Terry Fox?
ACTION: Vice-Principal Train will talk to Mr. Robinson about setting it up.
Question: What is happening with the sex education?
Principal Brown advised that it is a mandatory part of the curriculum; copy of expectations provided; starts in Gr 1 where body parts are discussed in the last few months of school (not a daily lesson); parents are encouraged to look at TDSB website for full 250 page document; teachers will receive professional development on implementing the curriculum; parents are encouraged to liaise with teachers about when they plan to teach the topic.
Question: Could we do a breakfast morning as a Meet the Teachers where council cooks breakfast for teachers?
Principal Brown advised it depends on contract negotiations (Phase 3 would mean the teachers would only come in 8:45-3:45).
2. NEW BUSINESS
a. Guest speaker - Parthi Kandavel
· Provided his background (teacher himself, Corvette graduate himself, first year under his belt as Trustee).
· 30 schools in the Ward.
· Remember the “power of the parent”.
· Described his role (participate in Principal selection, support parents/schools in what they need; three main areas of focus are budget, policy development/review, parent advocacy).
· Encouraged parents to reach out to him via email:
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b. Open discussion
Volunteering: Valerie advised that volunteers are always needed and any time you can donate is appreciated whether it is 30 minutes or 3 hours; a police check is required (school can help with paying for it). There are also things that can be done from home if you cannot come into the school.
ACTION: A handout will be available soon outlining some of the volunteer opportunities.
Nominations: Forms to be distributed and elections will be held at the next meeting (October 15)
Foodbank: Corvette still has the Foodbank every Wednesday. You don’t have to register for it. If you are unable to visit in person, you can send a note to teacher if you would like a donation sent home. Feel free to donate pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, laundry soap, grocery store gift cards, soup, rice
Discussion about council meeting times: To try alternating a 1:00 pm meeting with Skype and 6:00 pm meeting. The October 15th meeting will be in the evening and the November 19th will be at 1-3. Child care will always be provided.
Question: What can parents do for after school care now that the City of Toronto ARC has a waitlist?
That is something Parthi could help parents work with school/TDSB and talk to City Councillor; registration for ARC starts in June.
Question: What about before school care?
A breakfast program will start on September 21 for Gr 1-6; have to register for program; food is offered from 8-8:30 with volunteers providing supervision and then they go outside from 8:30-8:45 snack program will also start on Monday September 21; both are coordinated by a volunteer Akila who could always use help.
Question: What activities will council plan for this year?
Planning will have to wait until the elections. Zulekha is also limited in helping right now because of the work to rule. Valerie can organize another parent education session about mental health/stress.
Question: What is the budget and typical things that funds are allocated to?
Unfortunately our treasurer was unable to attend. Limited events over the last few years as school is in flux (different principals). Fundraising is a challenge for our school population (i.e., pizza lunch and movie night were tried over the last few years). Council will focus on community building/parent engagement events instead.
3. CONCLUSION
Next meeting:
· Parent council to be held 3rd Thursday of every month
· Next meeting October 15 from 6-8 with guest speaker (new Superintendent)
Meeting adjournment: 8:00
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