Macdonald Drive Elementary

School Council Meeting

Wed. April 2, 2008

MINUTES

Present: Regrets:

Catherine Shortall Lloydetta Quaicoe

Keith Bailey Wanda Hand

Judy Buckingham Susan LeDrew

Tanya Haywood

Daphne Lilly

 

Minutes of February 12/ 08 meeting adopted by Tanya Haywood.

 

Presentation by Allister Dyke, Asst. Director, Human Resources and School Leadership, Eastern School District

Allister and Linda Williams, Senior Education Officer, K-6, Eastern School District, provided information on a proposal to utilize the empty classroom space at Macdonald Drive Elementary, currently at about 40%. After analyzing the requirements for additional space at Mary Queen of Peace, the district has determined that upwards of 200 students currently at MQP are from the MDE neighbourhood zone, and 23 of this year’s Kinderstart students at MQP due to commence Kindergarten in September are also from our zone. In 2 years, they will need an extension of 4 classrooms for MQP. The demographic review of our zone for the next 10 years does not indicate any significant growth in students for our K-6 school, so our empty classroom space will not be utilized in the coming years. The district has two options to deal with the space restrictions that have developed at MQP for their French Immersion stream – change the school boundaries so more students are zoned for MDE, or move a French Immersion stream to MDE by starting this September with one incoming F.I. class.

Members of the Council discussed the implications in the future for the pod design of our school, should this change occur. While the 2008-09 year would only see a half-day Kdg. class accommodated in our currently empty Kdg classroom, there would have to be a room constructed in Pod 1 in 2009-10 to house this F.I. class. In each ensuing year, an additional room would have to be added to the next grade.

The rationale for possibly moving students in French Immersion from MQP to MDE is that it provides better neighbourhood programming , and also increased teacher allocations. There is currently an underutilized population in the midst of our zone – the French Immersion students registered at another school. Allister stated that such a move would not require a public hearing as it is only a change to programming. The Kdg. F.I students do not have older siblings in MQP, so if they have younger siblings, it is likely they would come to MDE if F.I. is offered here. Linda Williams, former principal of MQP, also reported that there was a significant degree of collaboration between the English and F.I. teachers of a given grade.

Council members expressed concern at the implications of such a change to the pod environment and the collegial relationship that exists between pod teachers. They requested that the alterations to the pod design be done in consultation with teachers so as to maintain as much of the current structure as possible. Allister noted that this matter is currently under discussion at District Office and no final decision has been made.

 

Business Arising:

  1. Basketball court repairs – Daphne presented the quotes from contractors to repair the basketball court equipment. Council approved the expenditure of $3295.95 plus tax to be paid upon completion to Chester Dawe Ltd. Construction is recommended to commence this Spring.
  2. Lap-a-thon – Council agreed to defer this fundraiser to the Fall, as the major effort now is going towards the Spring Fair on May 3rd.
  3. Math Night- Council approved the recommendation by Pod 2 teacher Regina Wicks and Math Numeracy Support teacher for ESD, Norma Barron, that a parent night be held for Pod 2 parents during April or early May.
  4. ESD Strategic Plan – Catherine and Daphne attended the Feb. 26th Zone meeting to discuss the priorities for the Strategic Plan. Each school had discussed this in a previous Council meeting and brought their Council members’ suggestions to the discussion..

 

Status of Committees:

  1. Grounds Committee- Catherine reported that there have not been any meetings held since the last Council meeting. There will not be a Vesey’s fundraiser during the Spring, but will likely arrange one again for the Fall.
  2. Recycling Committee- Keith had some questions regarding the Recycling effort in March but agreed to wait and contact Wanda when she returns to school next week.
  3. Special Events Committee – Tanya and Daphne are both on the Spring Fair Committee which will meet Thurs. Apr. 3rd. The planning is moving forward, with donations coming to the school daily. Teachers will be contributing to two baskets worth approx. $250.00 each of which will be put on tickets.

Since the last Hot Dog Sale, there are many wieners left unsold, and they will probably be offered at the Canteen during the Spring Fair.

Daphne stated that parents last year requested to be informed of the purpose of each fundraiser, particularly the Spring Fair. Keith agreed to prepare a memo to be sent home to parents outlining the proposed allocation of funds raised at the May Spring Fair. He will forward it to Daphne for review.

Spring Concert- Discussion about arranging for a Bake Sale: Daphne will contact Lloydetta to see if she is able to organize it for Apr. 24th. Also, two seats are reserved for Council members. Catherine will be accepting these tickets.

 

Financial Report:

The current monthly report shows a balance of $10,375.13 in the Fundraising Account.

 

 

New Business:

a. Memorial service for Claire Smith who died on Friday March 14th- The service is scheduled for Friday, April 11th at 2:00 pm. Any member of the Council is invited to attend and is requested to inform Daphne so that seats may be reserved. In the past, Council has covered the cost of a memorial to the student. They agreed to seek the parents’ suggestions before making any decision on a purchase or installation.

b.Eastern School District has scheduled public hearings to receive feedback on their recently tabled Notices of Motion on the Multi-Year School Organization Plan. Council decided that there was no need for MDE to be represented at the Zone hearing on April 8th as there were no changes to MDE zone in the recent recommendations.

c.Recycling Blitz for May 3rd- The Spring Fair Committee asked that the Council consider offering a Blitz on the morning of the Fair, but it was felt that the previous blitzes were not well supported, and volunteers for the blitz would not be able to attend the Fair. Also traffic congestion might be a problem. It was decided to offer a blitz at a later date in June.

d. Federation of School Councils membership- Catherine presented an invoice for $50.00 for overdue fees. Council agreed to pay the amount owed for the 2007-08 school year.

 

 

Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 7:30 pm.

 

Macdonald Drive Elementary

School Council Meeting

February 12, 2008

Minutes

Minutes of meetings adopted :

October 22, 2007- adopted by Keith Bailey, with an amendment that there

was no agreement as to who would chair the Special

Events Committee at this time.

December 11, 2007- adopted by Catherine Shortall

January 15, 2008 - adopted by Judy Buckingham

 

ESD Strategic Plan- Stakeholder engagement session

During the month of February, the Eastern School District has requested members of the school community to discuss issues of concern in education, to provide direction for the development of its strategic plan for 2008-11. Daphne presented the ESD’s Powerpoint presentation that has been provided to schools for discussions with teachers, staff, and School Council members. A list of strengths, challenges and critical issues was prepared to be forwarded to District Office.

 

Status of Committees:

  1. Grounds – no meetings held since last report. Council decided to not participate in a Spring Veseys bulb fundraiser. Council agreed to fund repairs to the basketball court this Spring. Daphne will proceed with confirming quotes and engaging a contractor.
  2. Recycling – the January Mania was a great success. Pod 1 students won, and Pod 4 placed second . A total of over 23,000 items were submitted. Discussion ensued regarding how to maintain momentum through March- goals, prizes, etc. Keith suggested that one Tuesday in February be designated a Newcomers Day with a prize offered for Primary and Elementary sections, specifically for first time recyclers. This would be in addition to the regular incentives.It was agreed that Feb. 26th would be Webkinz Day. Any student with 10 recyclables would get their name entered for a chance to win a webkinz at the Primary and Elementary level. A draw would also be held for newcomers at the Primary and Elementary level.
  3. Special Events – parent volunteers organized a Pancake Day on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 5th for students, and a large number of Valentine Baskets which were offered as a fundraiser on tickets. The winners will be drawn on Valentine’s Day. Lillian Morgan has agreed to head a Spring Fair Committee for this year’s event which will be held on Saturday, May 3rd. Daphne will attend the meeting on Tues. Feb. 19 to assist with the planning.

 

 

 

Financial Report:

Council received a statement that shows a total of $10,898.94 currently in the Fundraising Account.

 

 

New Business:

  1. Fundraiser events for Jan- June 2008- Council agreed to consider running a Lap-a-Thon in March or early April. Keith and Catherine will organize the fundraising aspect; our Phys. Ed. teacher, Mrs. Moores, has agreed to supervise the student participation in running the laps.

    2.  

  2. Target goals / Allocation of funds raised:

    3. A total of $16,500.00 was tentatively approved for school resources and grounds, pending final assessment of funds raised.

    Resource Centre -$2000.

    Math - $3000.
    Science -$1000.

    Music -$500.

    Art -$1000.

    Special Ed. -$500.

    French -$500.

    Phys. Ed. -$500.

    Home Reading -$2000.

    Lang. Arts -$500.

    Equipment -$1000.

    Basketball Court -$2500.

    Grounds -$500. ( Spring Cleanup )

    $1000.- Kindergarten computer (Mac)

  3. Math Night – March

Council approved the suggestion to offer a Parent Math Night as one of the public meetings required to be organized annually by School Council. Daphne will contact Norma Barron, Numeracy Support teacher with the ESD, to organize the evening. It may be possible to offer one for Primary and one for Elementary parents.

Minutes of the Dec. 11th meeting were not available, but will be provided at the February meeting.

  • Business Arising:
    •

    See Committee reports.

  • Status of Committees:
    1. Grounds – There will be a meeting soon to discuss requests for funding from upcoming fundraisers. The amount is yet to be determined, although approximately $500.00 may be needed in the Spring for cleanup and preparation of plant beds.
    2. Recycling- The Jan. 12th Bottle Collection Day was quite successful with nearly $300.00 raised. With MMSB matching the non-beer portion, the total will reach nearly $400.00. $20.00 movie passes were awarded to two participating students, one each from Primary and Elementary, with a bowling party at the end of January for the pod with the highest monthly total of recyclables. Wanda reported that pods have been displaying their latest totals on a caterpillar chart.
    3. Special Events- Lloydetta reported that there was a great response from parents to provide food items and to serve as volunteers for the Christmas Bake Sale on the night of the Primary Concert, Dec. 18th. There were total sales of $370.87.

    Discussion was held as to future events such as Hot Dog Sales, Pancake Day , Valentine Baskets, Lap-a-thons and the Spring Fair. Tanya will co-ordinate the Special Events Committee planning in February and March, as Lloydetta has responsibility for organizing the "Sharing our Cultures" Multicultural Fair in March. She will schedule a meeting soon for parents who wish to serve on the Special Events Committee.

  • Financial Report – The latest statement shows funds totaling $6848.60 in the Fundraising Account, and an additional amount of $2469.40 from Evergreen yet to come.
  • New Business:
    1. Fundraiser events for Jan- June 2008 – The major fundraising activities for the 2007-08 school year were discussed. Council recommended a Lap-a-Thon in February or March, and the Spring Fair in early May. The Special Events Committee has much experience in organizing the Spring Fair, but this will be the first time the school has offered a Lap-a-Thon as a fundraiser. Based on previous parent requests, future fundraisers will identify the purpose of the fundraiser. For example, the Lap-a-Thon would raise funds for refurbishment of the basketball courts and playground; the Spring Fair profits would be allocated to replenishing school resources.

      2. Mrs. Lilly explained that this year the Fair will move to a Saturday. Several years ago the Eastern School District implemented a policy on the Use of Instructional Time which requires schools to be more diligent in protecting instructional time for curriculum-based activities. Other schools have reported that a Saturday morning Spring Fair has proved to be very successful, and very popular with parents, who now find it easier to participate with their children in a fun family event.

       

    2. Target Goals and Allocations for funds raised- this item deferred to the February 12, 2008 meeting.
    3. Teacher Appreciation Week Feb. 10-16- Mrs. Hand reported that staff enjoyed the Chinese luncheon provided last year for Teacher Appreciation Week. This will be offered again this year, and a small gift of approximately $5.00 will be given to each teacher in recognition of their efforts.
    4. School Council Training for members- Several members of Council expressed interest but questioned the topics to be discussed and the dates of the sessions. New members’ names will be forwarded to District Office for inclusion in future sessions.
  • ESD Public Hearings for Zone 9- Members will not be presenting at this public hearing on the Eastern School District’s Organization Plan for St. John’s as there is no change to the status of Macdonald Drive Elementary.
  • Updated Lists- Council reviewed the updated Membership list of Council members, and the Term of Office List for 2007-08. Updated lists will be emailed to members.
  • External Review Meeting: The school has completed the major portion of the School Development Review and are now ready for meetings with the External Review Team composed of District personnel. Part of their review includes a session with the School Council. This meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 12th at 6:00 pm, and will be followed by the regular monthly meeting of the School Council. Sandwiches, etc. will be provided for members for this meet