Draft Minutes of Dr. George Johnson Middle School

Parent Advisory Council Meeting, Monday January 22nd, 2018.

1) Call to Order at 6.37 pm.

2) In Attendance: Sandra Litwin, ReneéArtimowich,Nicole Hapirak, Joanne Ksionzek, Karen Debraga, Karen Smith, Jim Gibbs, Justin Charrier (staff rep), Gladys Kohlor(school Board rep).

3)Approval of Agenda: Motion to accept made by Reneé, seconded by Nicole.

4)Approval of November’s Minutes: Add Karen Debraga to those in attendance, Motion to accept made by Karen S.seconded byReneé.

5)Additions to agenda: Add to New Business – Stress Management workshop/child care email.

6)Old Business

  • Craft Fair:

It went okay although didn’t seem as busy. Comments made were, there are many craft sales on around Nov/Dec, crafters generally did not do well this year, people would prefer not to have vendors at craft sales. It was proposed to have an informal meeting about the way forward for the craft fair some time in March/April date to be decided.

  • Trophy Case:

Mr. Gibbs has spoken to Tony at GHS and asked for an update at the end of January but we should be prepared to look at alternative vendors. Netley is one option also Bill Fester who does work through the school division.

7)New Business

  • Stress Management Workshop:

An email was sent about a Stress Management Workshop for parents to help with their children but it was felt there was not enough information to decide a way forward on this.

  • Pizza Day:

Next pizza day is Wednesday, 31st January.

  • Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers:

This is a Metis dance group (tap/clogging) it would cost an honorary donation of $500. It was suggested that this be part of Festival duVoyageur/IndigenousDay being organized by Justin for 23rd March. Sandra to find out if the 23rd is available with the dance group although Jim did say that any time that week should work. Motion to book the dance group was made by Nicole, and seconded by Joanne.

  • Staff Requests:

Staff are to put on a Pancake Breakfast, Friday, 16th Feb and request funds for the supplies – pancake mix, syrup, plates etc. Motion to fund up to $200 for supplies made by Nicole and seconded Joanne.

Justin shared an upgraded proposal for the fitness room. The Phys Ed curriculum is changing and this room will cover the changes. After a lengthy discussion it was unanimously voted to pay for the fitness room, at a cost of $10650. Justin to check on warranty, time line and secure the price quoted. It is hope that it will be completed by the end of the school year. Motion to pay for fitness room made by Nicole, seconded by Karen S.

  • Update of Website:

Request made to Jim to update the website to reflect the PAC membership.

  • Accelerate Math/Reading funds:

There are still funds available and Karen S. wil be monitored the situation periodically.

7)Treasurer’s Report

  • November and Decembers report (attached) was given supported by the financial statement. Motion to accept report made by Sandra seconded by Reneé.
  • Aurora Recovery Centre has offered to donate to our Breakfast Program.
  • The Craft Fair made approx. $2600 ($229 raffle, $1000, silent auction and approx. $1400 on the sale of tables.)
  • Administration:
  • Constable Greg Olson visited our school Jan 11th to give (very straight forward) presentations about online safety. It was suggested that PAC organize a presentation about this subject for parents.
  • Lots of sports related activities going on and being planned such as Basketball and Track and Field events.
  • There is an expansion of the grade 7/8 explorations program. Along with the Woods, Metals, Sewing and Cooking classes done at the High School there is also Stained Glass, coding, Indigenous Studies, Math Enrichment and Career Ed. The Career Ed is designed to get grade 7/8 students thinking about what comes after school and their careers choices.

8)Teacher’s report

  • Justin shared that after the Christmas break numeracy is still a high focus in the school. There is also a drive towards a ‘Universal expectations’ within the school for all students. This extends to participation in extra curricula activities such as sports and helps all staff to reinforce and work towards acceptable behaviors of students.

9)School Board Rep Report:

  • Gladys Kohlorinformed us that the Board is now ready to present its Education Plan to the community at a PAC meeting (date and place yet to be decided) and hopes everyone can attend.

11) Next meeting: Monday, 19th March at 6.30 pm.

12) Meeting adjourned at 8.10 pm.

13)Staff Appreciation week is 12 – 16th February, short discussion held after the main meeting.