West Kent Home and School Meeting
May 27, 2014
Welcome
Welcome by Kelly Murphy - Co-Chair
- Leadership Students Presentation
The leadership students developed a presentation based on the SHAPES data that was collected last year. The presentation some data on the percent of students for eating the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and the percent to students for eating breakfast. The leadership students proposed an action plan for the school that involves healthy eating. There was an active discussion between the students, administration, teachers and parents on how the action plan and options to implement within West Kent School. This should be re-visited in the new school year.
- Dress Code
There was some concern raised by a number of students about the types of clothing being worn to school, and the question was raised if West Kent should have a dress code. Peggy presented the dress code of other Charlottetown area elementary school as well as Queen Charlotte’s dress code. It was agreed to revisit thisitem in the fall, and possibility involve the leadership students in the discussion.
- Principal’s Report – Michele LeClair
Below is the report Michele presented during the meeting:
West Kent School continues to be an exciting and busy learning environment. I’m sure there are some things not mentioned in this report because there is just so much going on all of the time for our students. Since we last met, here are some of the things I would like to highlight…………..
Transition planning has been taking place for our in-coming kindergarten students. We have 16 currently registered.
Staffing discussions have taken place with the new ELSB. With a small number of incoming students and 50 grade 6’s leaving, it is going to have a significant impact next year. We are being reduced by almost 2.5 teachers.
Our students competed in Zone 3 gymnastics and a Friendship meet. We qualified for provincials and our students performed extremely well. We have also had zone and provincial badminton and zone track and field.
We had lots of fun activities around the Olympics. We kicked off the Olympics with a sports theme day. Classes did a variety of activities including medal counts and watching some of Canada’s performances. The French classes followed Heather Moyse on Twitter.
We had a Pink Shirt Day with an Anti-Bullying theme. Members of the Charlottetown Islanders spoke to our Grade 4,5,6 classes about taking a stand against bullying.
Two members of the Summerside Storm came to read to the Grade 5 classes and discuss the importance of literacy.
Grade 4’s participated in Art Discovery days at the Confederation Centre. Grade 5’s held an in-school art presentation for parents and friends. Our Grade 6 classes had a series of DARE presentations from City Police.
Staff were treated very well during Staff Appreciation Week and enjoyed the treats, gifts, and great luncheon. Thanks!!!!
We had our school science fair in March. It is optional for students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 but there was a high level of participation and the projects were very high quality. There was no district fair this year but several of our students represented West Kent at provincials in April. Heritage Fair was also offered and optional this year for students in Grades 5 and 6. Seven students represented West Kent at the provincial fair on May 15.
We had an Honor Choir for the first time and they performed at Park Royal Church. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon with choirs from 20 elementary schools from across PEI.
We had our second set of report cards and Parent Teacher Interviews which were very well attended. At the same time, we also had a Book Fair that raised money for additional library resources
We had a variety of Winter Carnival theme days to ease our way into March Break.
Our Grade 4,5,6 students were treated to a French concert by Michael Pendergast as part of Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. As well the Grade 5 classes held their annual French café.
Our Grade 6 students participated in an art activity as part of the Charlottetown Tulip Festival at the Confederation Centre and also got to do the Compass opening for the same day.
Our students continue to have many opportunities including after school sports, walking club, choirs, chess club, knitting club, intramurals, Green Team, Farmers Helping Farmers, Bricks 4 Kids.
West Kent students participated in Music Festival and performed extremely well. The girls Grade 2-3 choir were invited back to open the final evening. This choir was also invited to perform for the Duchess of Cornwall at the Prince Edward Home during the Royal Visit.
Our choirs also participated in National Music Monday along with 19 other schools at Trinity United Church. West Kent was part of a mass choir that sang ‘Is Someone Listening’ with voices from all across Canada and astronaut Chris Hadfield.
Our bus driver, Dave Connelly, retired earlier in May. West Kent staff and students had a retirement celebration and send off for him.
Our Grade 3’s and 6’s have completed Primary Literacy Assessments and Elementary Literacy Assessments. Grade 6’s will be completing the Elementary Math Assessments in June.
The Friendship Stop that we spoke about at our first meeting is in place. The students are benefitting and enjoying many other things as well thanks to the generosity of the Home and School. Teachers have used their classroom allotments for a wide variety of materials to enhance student learning. The new soccer nets are awesome. The library has purchased books and magazines and had an author visit. Mrs. Duncan has ordered some new instruments and musical programs for use with the Smart Board for Grades K-6.
Tomorrow, the leadership students are hosting Today We Play, an activity day promoting the Right to Play program that was introduced in the fall. Through sport and play, children are encouraged to help create social change in communities affected by war and poverty.
On Friday, 20 of our students who participated in the Hacmatack Reading Program will be attending the Hacmatack Children’s Choice Book Awards at the Confederation Centre.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at West Kent and look forward to continuing working with the school community next year.
- Staffing
Ms. LeClair and Ms. Casssivi have been working with the English Language School Board on staffing for next school year. Based on the current student enrollment numbers, West Kent will be reduced by 2.5 teachers.
- Fall Fair
The search continues for co-chairs for West Kent’s only fundraising event, Fall Fair.
- Home and School Executive
Peggy will continue as co-chair for one more year. Kelly and Courtenay have completed their terms as Co-Chair and Secretary respectively. Andrea McVeen and Jill Cunniffe have offered to join the West Kent Home and School Executive.