NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Minutes of Regular Meeting

September 19, 2012

In Attendance: Laura L. Vickers, Patricia O’Reilly (Principal), Bernice Peacock (V.P.), ReshidaNezinevic (V.P.), Lily-Ann Capalad (Staff Rep.), Betty Seifu (Student Council Rep.) GaleelaWorku (Student Council Rep.), Doreen Spreer-Pimenta, Marjorie Taffe, Don Taffe, Berta Mascarenhas, Barb Vincent, Jill Artates, Mr. Mrs. Amaya. (Sign in sheet attached to minutes)

Absent: (Regrets) Isabel Santos, Hyacinth Fernandes, Maria Rayson

Elections: Secretary, Hyacinth Fernandes, by acclamation. Isabel Santos, Treasurer, by acclamation. Both individuals had written by e-mail to Laura L. Vickers that they wouldbe willing to maintain these positions if no one stepped forward to accept them. Berta and Laura both nominated to run for Chair. A private ballot vote was conducted. Laura L. Vickers will remain Chair for the 2012-12 school year. Berta was encouraged to run for Co-chair against Maria Rayson at the next meeting if she and Maria were interested.

1)Student Council Update. Betty Seifureported that the Student Councilhas been selling Dress Down Day passes. This has been an excellent fundraiser for the Student Council and sales have been going well. A yearly pass is $10. They also hosted a Welcome Barbeque in the summer for the grade 9’s. One of the grade 9 parents (name unknown, sorry) commented that the barbeque was a great idea and her daughter enjoyed it. The student council is currently organizing next week’s opening assembly. They will also be planning for Stop The Stigma week soon.

2)Staff Report: Ms. Capaladgave report.

-The staff is very appreciative of the support the administrative team has been giving them in enforcing the uniform policy. The threat of losing the kilt has been used. The students are very proud of the kilt and don’t want to lose it as part of the uniform. Parents, staff and peers are encouraged to have healthy discussions on uniform decorum.

-Ms. Pearson is still looking for a parent rep. for the Green Team. Anyone can accept the task. They would be asked to support any green initiatives and meet with the committee occasionally.

3)Principal’s Report: Ms. O’Reilly gave report.

-The school year began in mourning for grade 12 student Naomi Sabapathypillai who passed away in July. The school held a beautiful celebration of her life. Her family participated and her sister spoke on their behalf. The chaplaincy department did a fabulous job.

-A new policy by the Board is that the Oh Canada in the morning be sung a cappella. They are trying to conform and have had a couple of students do a beautiful job singing.

-There is new music in the morning. No more galloping. Everyone, most notably Ms. O’Reilly very relieved.

-Grade 9 Getaway to Muskoka Woods was a huge success. Weather and facilities were great. Teachers also really got involved, e.g. lip synch. The staff feel blessed to be a part of this school. 168 grade 9 students attended and 40 stayed back for the at home program.

4)Chair’s Report: Laura L. Vickers gave report.

-It was agreed that we do not have a need to purchase CSAC liability insurance as we don’t actually host any major events.

-ND track/cross country teams were enquiring how other schools raise funds. Laura reported that Neil McNeil raise a substantial amount of money by hosting their own events. However, these are major undertakings.

-Ms. O’Reilly will get to the bank as soon as possible to sign papers making her a signatory. She will get the information she needs from Isabel Santos.

-Laura suggested next year the Grade 9 Getaway committee consider having the students dropped off at the parking lot at Birchmount stadium to avoid the traffic nightmare in front of the school.

-New Meeting dates were set.

5)Parish/Community Rep: We do not have a rep but if anyone knows of anyone that might be interested, please extend an invitation to them to join our CSAC.

6)Other Business.-

-A parent enquired about any Christmas activities to help the less fortunate. Ms. O’Reilly explained that each homeroom put together beautiful baskets for needy families.

-Set New Meeting Dates for the year: October 24/12, November 28/12, January 23/13, February 20/13, April 17/13, June 5/13.

Meeting adjournedat 8:40pm. Next CSAC meeting is October 24 at 6.45pm.