Lancaster Drive Public School
School Council
Minutes of Meeting
October 21, 2008
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Tara.
Present – 14 council members
3 staff
1 parent
Welcome
Tara welcomed all to the meeting. A motion to pass the previous meeting’s minutes was made by Todd Growden and seconded by Tammy Jamieson. The motion was passed unanimously.
Correspondence
· Newsletters received were the School Advocate, from People for Education, and the LDSB publication Success for All.
· The School Liaison Committee has announced speakers for the upcoming meetings throughout the year. The topic for the next meeting will be learning disabilities, held at NDSS on October 23.
Reports
Teacher’s Report – Jen Osborne
· Field trips that have already taken place this fall or that are coming up soon include:
--Kindergarten classes to Fruition Farm to visit the corn maze and find pumpkins
--Grade 1 classes to Little Cataraqui Conservation area
--The primary classes will hold the annual Halloween parade on Oct.31. Parents are welcome.
--Grade 3 teachers will take their students from last year and their production “Of Mice and Mozart” to the “Show of Shows” being held on Nov. 4 and 5 at the Grand theatre, which will highlight musical talents of students in the board.
--Grade 4 and 5 classes will explore the Gould Lake habitats.
· Grade 5 classes will be learning to play recorders with the help of Ms. McConnell.
· Grade 5 and 6 students have the opportunity to learn about Lego Robotics with the help of Wendy Powley.
· Both the girls and boys volleyball teams have been chosen and practices are underway.
· Grade 8 students attended a pep rally at Bayridge Secondary School on Oct. 18.
· The student council has been formed with the election of head girl and head boy and class representatives.
Principal’s Report – Peggy Browne
· EQAO results show that the students at Lancaster are performing above the board level. Changes have been made to the school improvement plan due to the results.
· Volunteers are visible at the school with reading programs, field trips and completing job bank requests.
· Junior classes are participating in swims at Queens pool and the instrumental music program has begun with students learning to play the saxophone or flute.
· The Multimedia club has approximately 30 students involved this year.
· More staff members have received training for MEND (Mediating by Empowering with Nurturing Dialogue), an approach to help students resolve conflict.
Vice-Principal’s Report – Jennifer Lawless
· On the PA day teachers spent some time to become familiar with the new IEP software, and all IEP’s (Individual Education Plan) are updated. Upcoming PA days will focus on mathematics and behaviour management strategies.
· Speech and Language articulation sessions have begun.
· Students from the St.Lawrence College autism program will be working in the school soon.
Chair’s Report – Tara Brice
· Tara attended the most recent School Liaison Committee Meeting in September, where Director Brenda Hunter provided an update on various board initiatives, including developing a policy on nutrition with the health unit to promote healthy schools, and addressing environmental concerns. A report is expected in November on the Ministry’s proposal to implement full day Kindergarten.
· Tara and Sharon will attend the People for Education Conference in Toronto on November 8 and will report to council on the sessions they attend.
· A welcome breakfast will be held for all new families at Lancaster on Friday, October 24 from 8:30 – 9:30 in the staff room.
Newsletter Report – no comments
Agenda Items
Fundraising
· A proposal was put forth by Sharon, fundraising co-ordinator, to hold one major fundraising event this year in the form of a dance-a-thon. Council voted unanimously in favour of the event.
Funds Request
· A request received from Ms. Mulrooney for a golf program, which would benefit all grades, for $350. Approved unanimously.
Guest Speakers
· A brief discussion was held to determine whether council should arrange for guest speakers to come to council meetings and/or to the school on other evenings throughout the year. To be discussed again at next month’s meeting.
New/Old Business
· A parent asked whether it would be possible to promote “Red Fridays” in support of the troops at the school. Discussion revealed support for the idea from administration and council, and the possibility that it could be presented as part of Remembrance Day activities.
· A parent asked about the availability of “Lancaster Idol” CD’s. A technical problem has held up the release.
· A parent asked about the policy for cell phone use by teachers during class time. Ms. Browne stated that teachers are not to be using their phones while in class.
· The update that is available by calling the school for hot lunch information, etc., has had some technical problems. Information will be available monthly.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm. The next meeting will be held November 18, 2008 at 6:30pm.
Lancaster Drive Public School
School Council
Minutes of Meeting
November 18, 2008
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Tara.
Present – 8 council members
3 staff
1 parent
2 student council members
Welcome
Tara welcomed all to the meeting. A motion to pass the previous meeting’s minutes was made by Tammy Jamieson and seconded by Nancy Krampitz. The motion was passed unanimously.
Correspondence
· Newsletter received from People for Education
· Pamphlet received from the Ontario School Bus Association
· Notification for nominations of outstanding teachers or support staff
Reports
Teacher’s Report – Jen Osborne
· Girls and boys volleyball practices and tournaments are taking place.
· Intramurals have started with indoor soccer. Junior students are refereeing and coaching.
· Primary division has taken part in an in school literacy in-service.
· Grade 4 classes are studying medieval times and plan a “feast” at the end of their unit.
· Thanks to Mr. Wilkins and Ms. Conner who organized a thoughtful and meaningful Remembrance Day service.
· Grade 8 classes toured the Military museum at CFB Kingston.
· Grade 5 artwork of colour wash and silhouettes were taken to local legions for Remembrance Day.
Principal’s Report – Peggy Browne
· 10 intermediate students represented the school at the Veterans service at Cataraqui Cemetery where they placed flags in remembrance.
· Character education initiatives continue in December with “inclusion”. Students will be building a Millennium village.
· During Bullying Awareness week Cst. Ray Kenney gave a presentation to grades 5/6 and 7/8 on bullying and cyber bullying.
· Grade 7/8 students will be trained in the MEND approach to resolving conflicts.
· Ms. Browne spent time recently interviewing candidates for vice principal and principal positions in the board.
Vice-Principal’s Report – Jennifer Lawless
· An assembly was held to recognize school teams, and to re-introduce the school’s foster child.
· The “Show of Shows” showcased the talent of the grade 4 classes.
· Many students contributed to the Remembrance Day assembly with readings and music.
Student Council Report
· Spirit days will be held throughout the year, and also a spirit week in June.
· The dance for intermediate classes held at Halloween raised $100.00 for the foster child in Rwanda. The winter dance on Dec.19 will generate donations for the food bank.
· Intermediate students are participating in leadership activities, working towards citizenship and achievement awards at graduation time.
· Two ideas that students would like to see worked on this year are a yearbook and a mascot.
Chair’s Report – Tara Brice
· In consultation with administration, there will be no formal verbal or written statement regarding “Red Fridays” support for troops.
· Follow up on new business: 1) Phone information has been updated.
2) Work is ongoing with the production of the Idol CD
3) The gym clock is irreparable, will investigate options further
Newsletter Report – no comments
Agenda Items
People for Education Conference Update
· Tara and Sharon reported on the People for Education conference they attended in Toronto, where they were able to choose from a number of forum presentations, including Special Education, Full day Kindergarten, and Declining Enrolment. The minutes from the forum are available on the People for Education website.
Fundraising
· The launch date for the dance-a-thon will be Jan.23. The event itself will take place on Feb. 11. (On a separate note, a dance sponsored by LDSB and KFLA health for grades 3 and up will be held at RMC on Feb.18.)
Funds Request
· From Ms. McConnell, $200.00 for cup stacking supplies, granted unanimously.
· From grade 4 teachers for a medieval art project, $470.00 cost, asking for $350.00, $235.00 granted unanimously.
· From Ms. Conner, $1000.00 for graduation activities and awards, granted unanimously.
Guest Speakers
· Discussion of a possible forum in April, suggestions for topics needed, and an update will be given at next meeting.
New/Old Business
· A parent expressed concern for safety of students using mini sticks, and suggested safety glasses should be a requirement when playing.
· Executive council members will decide on a goal for the fundraising this year.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. The next meeting will be held January 20, 2009 at 6:30pm.
Lancaster Drive Public School
School Council
Minutes of Meeting
January 20, 2009
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Tara.
Welcome
Tara welcomed all to the meeting. A motion to pass the previous meeting’s minutes was made by Tara Brice and seconded by Susan McBride. The motion was passed unanimously.
Correspondence
· Newsletter received from People for Education
· Notice with information on the upcoming Talents and Treasures Auction in support of the Food Sharing Project at Bayridge Secondary School on January 23 at 6:00pm.
· A reminder of the School Liaison Committee meeting at Loughborough Public School on February 5.
· Notice regarding OTF awards – teacher nominations are due by March 31. May be completed online at www.teachingawards.ca.
· Notice regarding the Premiers Awards, given by the ministry. Due date for nominations is the end of January.
Reports
Teacher’s Report – Jen Osborne
· Parents are being reminded to send extra clothes for students in case of wet weather at recess times.
· Lunchtime activities have started, and cup stacking will start next week.
· The junior division will be focusing on arts the next few months with drama, music and visual arts. Grade 4 classes will go to Agnes Etherington Art Gallery.
· The primary division will present their performance of “Going Buggy” after the March Break.
· Kindergarten reports will go home next week.
· To go along with Family Literacy Day, events were held during Lancaster’s Literacy week for all classes, including a primary pyjama literacy night.
· A “Celebration of Literacy” assembly will be held on Feb.2, revealing how close students came to the gaol of reading 2000 books.
Principal’s Report – Peggy Browne
· Staffing notes: Mrs. Nancy Brennan will be away indefinitely. Mrs. S. Shurrock will be teaching in her place.
· Two part-time positions are currently in the process of being filled with new teachers due to the current teachers obtaining employment elsewhere.
· Ms. Browne expressed her pride in the students for their accomplishments throughout the month of December that brought awareness to the needs of others.
· Resources have been purchased for primary and junior levels, as well as reading kits for all levels and math manipulatives.
· Grade level activities – Gr.3 - beginning “Swim to Survive” program
Gr.7/8 – Planning for the Niagara trip is underway
Gr.4 – Symphony program
Gr.1 – Skating program
· Both basketball teams have been chosen, tournaments will start the weekend of Jan 23.
· Chess club has started, and the annual chess tournament will be held at Lancaster this year.
· Cup stacking will begin soon.
· The “Celebration of Dance” for over 2000 students will be held on Feb.18. Students will learn 12 different dances to perform alongside other students.
· Attempts to find someone to repair the gym clock have not been successful.
· The Idol CD will be available after final checks.
· Lancaster School is being well used by the community, with 2 groups per night on average. Board meetings, day-care meetings and workshops are also held here.
· The school has been “untwined” with respect to care taking, so will have a supervisory caretaker on site full time.
· A notice will be sent home with regard to the PARC (Program Accommodation and Review Committee) for this area.
Vice-Principal’s Report – Jennifer Lawless
· A book room is being created for Junior teachers to have all resources available one area.
· The Multi Media Club created a video on anti-racism, which was shown, to enter a competition.
Student Council Report
· Students helped out with Project Millennium in December and with donations to the Food Bank.
· A pep rally will be held on Friday, January 23 at 11:00am to launch the fundraiser. The mascot will be present.
· Council representatives will perform a skit at the assembly to help inform students about the fundraiser.
Chair’s Report – Tara Brice
· The mascot costume has been purchased.
· An ipod has been purchased as a third grand prize for the dance-a-thon.
· Follow up on new business: 1) Phone information has been updated.
2) Work is ongoing with the production of the Idol CD
3) The gym clock is irreparable, will investigate options further
Newsletter Report –
· A comment was made that the tip section was a good idea.
Agenda Items
Fundraising
· The dance-a-thon will now take place on Thursday, Feb.12, with the “A” kindergarten dancing on Wednesday, Feb.11.
· The prize list will remain as is. The assembly for presentation of prizes will take place on Feb. 13 at 11:00am.
· Volunteers are needed Feb.3 and Feb.10 for tabulation.
Funds Request