HILLCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY SEPT. 20, 2016

7:00 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.

MINUTES

In attendance: Joyce Bish, Lawrence Gryniewski, Melissa Barron, Fiona Mascarenhas, David Johnston, Catherine Unelli, Judy Putherbough, Kim Doherty, Nancy Simpson, Salima Ibrahim-Khan

Absent: Laura Morcombe, K. Geczi, Rob Olson

Welcome: to Hillcrest’s new V.P-Ms Ibrahim-Khan, returning Council members & Principal and parents

Approval of Minutes from June 2016 Meeting – m M. Barron, s N. Simpson

Review and Approval of Agenda

School Council Updates

Election Committee Mrs. Unelli / Ms Bish –based on bylaws the required number of nominations for the 2016/17 Council were submitted and accepted. Returning members: Joyce Bish, Lawrence Gryniewski, Melissa Barron, Kim Doherty, Laura Morcombe

Annual Report Ms. Bish

Report was completed and can be accessed through the school site. ( A reminder that it was an abbreviated report because of the labour action last year)

Treasurer’s Report Mr. Gryniewski

Financial statement was explained and the fundraising efforts of all were recognized especially in light of the constraints of the past year. Funds raised and purchases were reviewed and teachers’ new requests for funds are due in November. QSP and Pita Pit were the greates source of fundraising and will continue this year. The final balance is a healthy $5,703.37.

Open House Ms. Bish / Mrs. Barron

Much effort has been invested in the upcoming Open House on September 29, 5:30-7:00 meet the teachers 7-8 pm

BBQ-M&M, McDonalds-ice, games, baked goods, prizes

M. Barron has created a schedule for volunteer responsibilities and there has been a great response by Hillcrest families for offers of donations and volunteering. Staff from Lorne Park S.S. and Clarkson S.S. will be present to answer questions re: Secondary School Programs.

QSP Fundraising Mr. Gryniewski

A presentation by the new QSP rep will be made Oct. 5. Hillcrest will hold assemblies to explain the initiative for selling and buying magazine subscriptions. Booklets will be organized and distributed by class. There will be options to buy online or on paper. An incentive program will reward topselling classes/students with gift cards. Direct donations can also be made to Hillcrest. This is the largest single fundraising initiative by Hillcrest.

Volunteer Report Mrs. Barron

The master list of volunteers has been updated to include new parent names, More volunteers are always welcome-especially for Pita Pit and Pizza lunches. Volunteers will also be needed to support the QSP initiative and beautifying the gardens of Hillcrest with the new planters.

Principal’s Report Mrs. Unelli

2016/17 school year at Hillcrest has started fullspeed. Reorganization/PD day is Sept. 27. There is a slight decline in student population and though not anticipated, if any changes are to occur families will be notified ahead of time.

There is a busy school year ahead. Student teachers from Brock and Teaching Assistant interns from Sheridan will be at Hillcrest to support learning.

Teacher’s Report Mr Johnson / Ms Ibrahim-Khan

Teachers are involved in program development with a particular focus on Math and critical thinking.

Once again teachers are very involved in coaching and supervising the myriad of activities which have started at Hillcrest: flagfootball,field hockey, Terry Fox run, Book fair,Camp Tawingo etc. etc.

Immunization forms for grade 7 & 8 are due soon

Photo Day Oct. 13

Secondary School information evenings start soon.

Mr. Johnston expressed thanks to School Council for its efforts in strengthening relationship and community building.

Open Forum

September 2016 has been a great start to the school year. Appreciation was expressed to School Council for the work of the past year.

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the school or become involved in School Council as a way to support student and staff and stay informed.

Meeting Dates:

Third Tuesday of each month

Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 13 (to be confirmed)

Adjournment of Meeting –m Fiona, s Judy

Please feel free to contact your Hillcrest Council at

Hillcrest Council, Your Choice, Your Voice

Next Meeting Tuesday, October 18, 2016