PAC Meeting

Mountain Meadows Library - April 10th, 2014 7:00pm

In Attendance: John Andrews, Heather Robins, Mark Robins, Robin Funk, Angela Blackall, Karen Firth, Brenda Ramsay, Andi Aizer, Zoe Furby, Twyla Yu, Michelle Callander, Rhonda MacLean, Ellie Campbell, Cecilia Juarez, Shannon Oliver

Absent with Regrets: Rebecca Patterson

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Agenda - Cecilia / Ellie

3. Approval of Minutes –Ellie/ Robin

4. Just DANCE update – Zoe Furby- We have a great response for attendance and volunteers. Zoe will need four floats, which she will prepare and bring to the dance. An email will go out to the volunteers to let them know of their duties. A laser light and disco ball, have been rented. Also an email will be sent out, so families will know what the various costs are. The dance itself is free, but people are asked to bring in a food donation for share. There will be pizza sold $3.00/1 or $5.00/2. The candy bags will be $1.00. There will be the raffle baskets, guess the candy jar, and the 50/50 draw. One of the baskets is a little low (summer fun) so it may be removed altogether. The time line for the dance is short and we recognize that it may go over.

5. Principal's Report –John Andrews

A- PAC FUNDS- The PAC has been requested to pay for in full for Wheelchair basketball at a cost of $350. They will be running the program all day, a total of 10 chairs will be provided and kids will rotate through, so everyone will get a turn.

Motioned by Michelle/Andi

Teachers wanted to see if the PAC would look at giving more money, for their monetary items. At this time there has been no new money added. There will also be no new money given for field trips. The $500 given to each division will stay at that amount. Next year the PAC will look at doing the field trips based on a student count, rather than a lump sum per division. The PAC is asking that teachers give more notice as to what is coming up and what has been booked. A concern was brought up that parents are still feeling like they are being nickel and dimed to death by costs coming in for field trips and special events in the class. A number of divisions haven't come close to using the $500 allotment, but parents are still being asked for money.

C- Projected Enrolment- Currently, like other schools in the district we are down for next years enrolment. There are a few areas that have seen some growth but overall the trend is showing a decline in a number of schools. A concern has been brought up over the number of our school's Kindergarten students for next year creating another Grade One/K split. This year a number of families are upset and feel that their Grade One students have just repeated Kindergarten and have not had a successful Grade One education and are very disappointed. Some families concerns are so great that they are looking at moving to a different school, if need be. John will look into this concern. As a PAC we would like to know how we can support the teachers who have split classes.

D- Facilities Update- A maintenance order has been put in for more carpets to be replaced as well as blinds/window coverings. The roof is being repaired again due to more leaks. The roof has a poor design and this is something that the school will be facing constantly. Andi, questioned if there would be testing for mould and John said that there would be.

G- Upcoming Events- Como Lake relays for the grade 4 and 5 students. Volunteers will be needed.

F- Self Regulation Goals- The first survey was done and the data was analyzed. A second survey will go out in May and then the data will be compared. Karen mentioned that the wording for 'Hard' should be replaced with something like difficult or challenging. John said he would make note to change the wording.

F- Library Update- Thank you to the volunteers who have come in and helped out. John will get a calendar together to show times that we are free to go into the Library and not interrupt meeting/classes/etc. John is looking to get new furniture and items to spruce it up.

G- Emergency Preparedness- The Emergency release day has been cancelled by the district. Parents no longer need to plan for early pick up/alternative care for their kids.

6. Treasurer's Report - Heather Robins- We have a number of things that we have committed to. If all items are spent that have been voted on, the General Account will hold a balance of $9528.73 and the Casino Account will hold a balance of $269.77. There are a few fundraisers coming up that will increase our totals again.

7. DPAC - Leah Pires- Nothing new at this time.

8. Committee/Volunteer Reports -

  • Emergency Preparedness/Bunker – Robin and Angela have attempted to make sense of the bunker on April 10th. Robin and Angela cleaned out/separated the old and damaged items and a work order was placed by Mrs. Poland to have the items removed from the bunker. At the end of the school year the older food will be destroyed or donated and then replaced in September.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week - Rosa, Robin and Heather have agreed to work together to update the teacher's lounge. Ideas: new dishes, cutlery, coffee maker, lamps, pictures, etc.Food Donation - details and plan. Tentative dates will be May 26th to May 30th. Angela to check with Rosa to see if dates work.
  • Natural Outdoor Space - We have received the $2500 grant to start creating our outdoor learning space. The second application for the $3500 grant has been delayed until May 2. Maintenance has removed unsafe obstacles, trimmed bushes and cut back branches, around upper playground. Quote received for 20X20 sandbox, not a typical enclosed sandbox. There was confusion over how this would look, but it was clarified with the pictures Angela brought in. If anyone is interested in seeing what ideas we have for this playground, please contact Angela.
  • Hot Lunch – All dates have been selected taking us to the end of the school year.
  • Jog-a-long–Jennifer Scudds-Abels – Volunteers have been plentiful – coverage coordinated while Jenn is away.

9. New Items and Update:

  • Hip Hop –We missed the October 2013 deadline: I have completed the application for the MAY 30th intake. Emailed Art Starts for Hip Hop (or Dance) option for this school year.
  • Children of the Street–$350 Honorarium
  • Tree removal –5 trees removed – Per John Andrews, Rachelle from SD43 removed the trees due to concerns that the tree drip line causing problems for the library roof.
  • Medical Room –Painted over spring break, decal ordered from Grace and Justin Kashawagi – due April 10-17 approximate timeframe.
  • SPC- Date to be set by Committee
  • School Reader Board sign - Robin Funk- Robin will be looking for a new company to go with, as the current one has not been useful.
  • Ellie Campbell is looking to step down from Mabels Labels and for someone to take over. An invitation for a new volunteer will be sent out with the next News Letter. She will also lead and assist Meagan Krempal in taking over for the Fruit and Veggie program.
  • Special Animal Committee- On April 23rd the committee of young children will hold a lemon aid sale to raise money for local SPCA shelters/animal programs.

10. Fundraisers for May and June

  • Spirit Wear Silicone Bracelets- Robin ordered 200 bracelets just in time for the dance. They will be sold for $2.00at various events to raise money.
  • Zumba May 1, 2014 – Robin Funk has booked a Zumba night with Melanie. Melanie will be donating her time, so there is no cost to the PAC. The possible cost for tickets will be $10 for a pre-paid ticket or $15 at the door.

11. OUTSTANDING ITEMS:

  • Yoga Mats- Mr. Andrews has said that he will purchase the yoga mats so the PAC has no need to fundraise for them.
  • Elections will be held during the May PAC Meeting to vote in the new members for 2014/2014.

Meeting Adjourned