NE3 Sir Alexander Mackenzie Sr. P.S.
Parent Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
M I N U T E S
Next Meeting: April 13th, 2011 in the library at 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM /DISCUSSION
/ ACTION /Principal’s Items
Welcome and Introductions / Attending Parents§ Don Milligan, Sevi Costa, Ping Rau, Jenny Lam, Kandasamy Vasantharaj, Dushyairlhi Vasantharaj, Anita Brion /
General Information / § The minutes from the last Council Meeting are distributed to all those in attendance
§ The School received 91 applications for 60 French Spots
§ The 91 applicants were numbered on a computer program and the 60 numbers that were randomly drawn received the spots for the French Program
§ Those students who do not receive a spot will be offered a placement at another school within the TDSB
§ Mr. Milligan asks about bussing for the students that are involved in this program. Students who live 3.1 km or more away from the school receive TTC tickets
§ Mrs. Gassi asked the Board for an extra section for the program. The extra class was not granted to Sir Alexander Mackenzie
§ The projection for the number of students next year is 440
Public health Department Presentation- Jane Griffiths
Toronto Public Health Presentation Continued / § We all know that healthy students lead to better students in the classroom
§ The TDHD serves the community in a number of ways. It is important for the message at home and at school to be consistent when it comes to the health of our children
§ A new food and beverage policy will come into place starting in September
§ The Toronto Public Health Department would like to support SAM staff running the “Healthy Snacks Program.” The Health Department would also like to work with Joanna in the cafeteria
§ There are 30 Public Health Nurses working in the TDSB. The nurses all report to a number of schools within the board
§ Health Department Focus: Immigrant families, Single Parent Families, Low Socio-Economic Communities
§ Jane shares the Services and Supports for a “Healthy School Community” Template with the Parent Council
§ TPHD works with the schools particular needs. The presence of the Health Department should not be seen as “an add on” for students and staff
§ The Health Department has a team of nurses who focus on Communicable Diseases
§ Jane shares Public Health Information Cards and resources with the parents
§ If you have any health concerns you can call the “Toronto Health Connection” at (416) 338-7600
§ The THD also offers FREE DENTAL CARE to families that are not insured by the board
§ Jane shares information regarding a Volunteer Health Clinic for uninsured
§ SUHOC- Scarborough Urban Health Outreach Centre is a Volunteer Health Clinic for the Uninsured (416) 438-3872
§ Mental Health issues are discussed
§ Parents understand where to turn if their child has a fever
§ Parents do not know where to turn in there is a mental health issue in the family
§ Families must be aware of mental health symptoms, especially if the symptoms last for more than two weeks
§ Symptoms may include: mood swings, outbursts of anger, aggressive behaviour, student becomes withdrawn, loss of interest in a life aspect they once really enjoyed. If these symptoms persist it may be time to see a doctor
§ If your son/daughter needs to see a specialist, there may be a long waiting period. You must be prepared to wait for support from the medical profession
§ Jane shares a “Coping with Stress” resource booklet with the parents
§ A question is asked about medical needs of students in the school
§ Mrs. Gassi discusses the Medical Information Form that is kept for each student at the school
§ Medication for students with serious medical conditions is stored in the office / Scott to send Jane Griffiths the email address of Cathy Farndon
Handout shared with Parents / § Free Dental Care for Children, High School Students and Seniors (416) 338-7600
§ Immunization Schedule for all students is shared with Council
§ Helpful Phone lines and websites for Youth a one page document is shared
§ Institutions that offer low cost dental treatment
§ The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine for Grade 8 females information fact sheet
§ Nutrition Matters…Energy Drinks…What’s the Buzz?
Science Fair / § The parents were invited to the cafeteria to view the Science Fair Projects created by our students
Next / § April 13th, 2011 / All parents are welcome to attend our next Parent Council Meeting!
Page 1 of 2