Duke SAC Meeting January 28, 2014
In attendance: Maureen Allen-Doorley, Laurie Barnett, Tracey Brown, Rita Camacho Lomeli, David
Darling (ward Rep), Belinda Forrest, Victor Giourgas (co-chair), Bella Karsh (grade 2 teacher), Viviana
Kohon, Georgia Koziol (Vice-Principal), John Kyriazis (Vice-Principal), Angie Law, Andrew
Macdonald, Aron McGrath (secretary), Ann McKechnie, Luke McMillan (model schools rep), Beverly
O'Brien (Principal), Louise Rossi-Chan (treasurer), Nikki Rudzik (parent rep), Sydney Schultz (parent
rep), Sara Tropea (ward rep)
Regrets: Desiree Williams (model schools rep)
1.Stacey welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order
2.Sara asked to speak about ward meeting and Google grant
Angie asked to speak about fun fair.
3. Budget: There is currently just under $11,000 to disburse that includes $10,400 that has already been
approved to spend including – classroom enrichment, boom-whackers, guitars, French listening
centres, lion dancers. iPads and adaptors have been purchased and completed. Coming up – play day
and grade 8 grad. Next big fundraiser is 80s bash and that money will be used for the athletics
requests.
4. Principal's Report: Beverly explained that caretakers are being given instruction to clear pathways
of ice and apply salt and sand. There was a shortage of salt for a time but they have it again now and
are trying to deal with the pathways to make it easy for people to walk.
A) Academics: Duke was chosen for academic walk through to come in and see the learning.
The Associate Director spent 2 hours looking at learning walls. Every classroom has learning
wall that establishes process of the learning that's taken place. Beverly has a vision of “maker
lab” where kids can bring science and engineering to life. The Associate Director was excited
to see those and had good feedback.
Duke teachers have been working incredibly hard. The three PRO are Mme. Ramsay, Ms.
Karsh and Ms. Kinschular. Ms. Kinschular is on medical leave and Mr. Liu is filling in for her.
Planning next pathway – stay tuned.
There has been lots of in house math professional development. New math tool called ONAD.
Grade 1 English team has received a $3000 kit of levelled readers. Trying to get it for French.
Teachers out this week for guided reading training – using reading recovery strategies.
Report cards are all written and are now being edited and checked. Report cards will go out
on the 11th, Interviews are February 13th in the evening. If that doesn't work a request can be
made for a time that is more convenient between parent and the teacher.
Children youth mental health and well being – very concrete training happening for teachers.
The TDSB now has a mental health nurse that can be called in through guidance. There will be
an event at the school on mental health – Mental Health and Wellness Forum on Tuesday March
4th,. If you'd like to be a part of the planning there will be a meeting on February 3rd at DA
Morrison. Group will help create forum of workshop and presenters to have
iPad cart doesn't work and needs to be replaced. iPads are now being plugged into the wall.
Kindergarten registration is February 4-6.
EQAO will be last week in May. Two day mock test happening in March to help with pressure.
Any accommodation will be supported with the test. An EQAO info session will be held after
school. The date is to be determined. If you choose to opt out the child will automatically get a
zero which affects the schools overall score. Split classes will be dealt with accordingly.
Literacy Event – Bella Karsh: The event welcomed parents in class to see a typical literacy
lesson. Parent handout will be coming home discussing lessons presented and how to enact
them at home. Teachers would like feedback on whether it's something that should continue.
More notice was requested.
Next steps for CAT 4 – teachers are meeting next week to go through data and following
meeting will be going to each division to discuss results. CAT 4 doesn't happen in French until
grade 4, English in grade 2. Results are sent home after teaches breakdown data. Comes with
explanation on how to interpret it. Test taken end of September. CAT 4 is basic foundation
pieces. EQAO is big thinking test.
After March Break staffing starts. Still trying to hire 0.5 SNA and 0.5 secretary. Choices are
made just waiting for approval from employee services.
Still short a lunch supervisor. Will need more when full day kindergarten arrives.
B) Extracurricular: John: There are three Hockey games left.
Girls grade 5/6 Volleyball tournament is Monday at Duke.
Boys Basketball tournament is January 30th.
Girls grade 7 Volleyball are going to Morse School on February 4th.
Girls grade 8 Volleyball play on the 8th.
Grade 8 Boys Basketball will be going to Morse.
Beverly: Tournaments costing $6,000 in release. $30,000 spent so far on professional
development release thus far for training and sports.
Beverly hopes to run cricket for grades 4-6.
Police Reference Checks: TDSB direction is any volunteer in the school has to have a police
check. Vulnerable Sector check takes 15 weeks. Application with money order or certified
cheque for $15 can be done in the school office. Question raised to have money brought in and
have SAC write certified cheque to make the process easier and smoother for parents. School
will cover up to $500 for those that can't afford it. SAC will be putting together a process to
collect forms and payments to have only one certified cheque, thereby lowering costs. Georgia
to check if Toronto Police Services will accept that.
If you think a police check has been done email Georgia to have her check to see if it's there.
Principal requires a police reference check for all volunteers – including school trips, fun fair,
Lego club, pizza lunches, nutrition, multicultural potluck. Suggestion made to put out more
information on it.
PR560 is a child and abuse policy. If there's any concern of neglect or abuse staff are obligated
to make a report. Staff has been trained on policy and will be trained again at next staff
meeting.
D) Facility: 3rd party childcare hasn't been approved yet for full day kindergarten (FDK). It
depends on numbers and how many parents request it on survey. Construction on room 3 will
be starting with cubbies and a toilet. Room 7 will be retrofitted with wall separating classroom.
Room 108 is ready to go as Kindergarten classroom while construction happens. Bathroom in
cafeteria coming out of full day kindergarten money and no start day has been given. Large
plumbing issue has to be looked at.
Construction happening tomorrow in paved area in the back, near SH. It doesn't affect
kindergarten or primaries. Construction is on wall for catch basin. There is no safety risk.
Garbage bin near the front doors comes free to the school with a task force to come help clean
out the school.
The storage room near the cafeteria has been cleared out and can be used for SAC storage of
large and/or seasonal items. Daycare may be using the space as well.
Hub meetings are meetings between SH Armstrong, Applegrove and the Principal and happen a
few times a year. Last meeting addressed a slight security issue that arose. Security system has
to be installed.
Equity school team has 23-25 kids on it.
First child recognition assembly in December went well and they're looking at ways to improve
it for the next one. There will be another before March Break and one before the end of the
year.
Student leaders are doing the grade 7 open house. They are doing tours and a slide show to talk
about Duke.
5. Sara: Google grant is not official yet but $6700 has been approved for technology in the school. If
you see more grant applications let SAC know. Information will be sent out once money is
actually received and school has made purchases
Ward update – last two meetings were about FDK. Duke construction is happening very early
as other schools had it happen much later. 10 schools going to FDK next year. Anyone who
thinks they may need before and after care have to check off they require it or it may not be
available. If not enough people select it it won't be offered. Care is only for FDK and will take
place in the classroom. Presently there are 79 children in French senior kindergarten and next
year there will be less.
Maureen: Equity committee is a combination of parents, students and teachers. Last meeting
on January 16th – went over student clubhouse, a 7/8 safe place. Students have cleaned out
room 209 for that spot. Upcoming – Chinese New Year (Feb 10th lion dancers in the afternoon),
Black History Month (Mr. Kirkwood working on assembly for February 28th), Winter Carnival
(in back field on Feb 12th day 2, more details to follow) and Sadie Hawkins Dance for grade 7/8
on 14th (run by student council).
Announcements happening daily on equity issues.
Feb 6th is the next meeting for preparation of winter carnival. Looking for connection for free
snow cone maker.
Adult Social – 80s Bash on March 1st at legion. Facebook page is up and running. Like page
and invite your friends to like it: https://www.facebook.com/Dukes80sBash
Will be having a photo Contest of “Guess the People” from 80s pictures as well as a slideshow
at the event. Submit your photo to the g-mail account or the Facebook page to be a part of it.
Looking for auction items and volunteers – no police check required. 80s inspired food, menu
coming soon on the Facebook page.
Fun Fair – May 31st. Need committee members to join and help plan the event.
6.Applegrove - 9th annual yoga-a-thon is Saturday $20 1-3:30
March Break camp costs are coming out soon. Registration is week of February 17th.
Summer camp registration is the end of April and must be done in person.
AGM is March 31 and being held at SH Armstrong.
In attendance: Maureen Allen-Doorley, Laurie Barnett, Tracey Brown, Rita Camacho Lomeli, David
Darling (ward Rep), Belinda Forrest, Victor Giourgas (co-chair), Bella Karsh (grade 2 teacher), Viviana
Kohon, Georgia Koziol (Vice-Principal), John Kyriazis (Vice-Principal), Angie Law, Andrew
Macdonald, Aron McGrath (secretary), Ann McKechnie, Luke McMillan (model schools rep), Beverly
O'Brien (Principal), Louise Rossi-Chan (treasurer), Nikki Rudzik (parent rep), Sydney Schultz (parent
rep), Sara Tropea (ward rep)
Regrets: Desiree Williams (model schools rep)
1.Stacey welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order
2.Sara asked to speak about ward meeting and Google grant
Angie asked to speak about fun fair.
3. Budget: There is currently just under $11,000 to disburse that includes $10,400 that has already been
approved to spend including – classroom enrichment, boom-whackers, guitars, French listening
centres, lion dancers. iPads and adaptors have been purchased and completed. Coming up – play day
and grade 8 grad. Next big fundraiser is 80s bash and that money will be used for the athletics
requests.
4. Principal's Report: Beverly explained that caretakers are being given instruction to clear pathways
of ice and apply salt and sand. There was a shortage of salt for a time but they have it again now and
are trying to deal with the pathways to make it easy for people to walk.
A) Academics: Duke was chosen for academic walk through to come in and see the learning.
The Associate Director spent 2 hours looking at learning walls. Every classroom has learning
wall that establishes process of the learning that's taken place. Beverly has a vision of “maker
lab” where kids can bring science and engineering to life. The Associate Director was excited
to see those and had good feedback.
Duke teachers have been working incredibly hard. The three PRO are Mme. Ramsay, Ms.
Karsh and Ms. Kinschular. Ms. Kinschular is on medical leave and Mr. Liu is filling in for her.
Planning next pathway – stay tuned.
There has been lots of in house math professional development. New math tool called ONAD.
Grade 1 English team has received a $3000 kit of levelled readers. Trying to get it for French.
Teachers out this week for guided reading training – using reading recovery strategies.
Report cards are all written and are now being edited and checked. Report cards will go out
on the 11th, Interviews are February 13th in the evening. If that doesn't work a request can be
made for a time that is more convenient between parent and the teacher.
Children youth mental health and well being – very concrete training happening for teachers.
The TDSB now has a mental health nurse that can be called in through guidance. There will be
an event at the school on mental health – Mental Health and Wellness Forum on Tuesday March
4th,. If you'd like to be a part of the planning there will be a meeting on February 3rd at DA
Morrison. Group will help create forum of workshop and presenters to have
iPad cart doesn't work and needs to be replaced. iPads are now being plugged into the wall.
Kindergarten registration is February 4-6.
EQAO will be last week in May. Two day mock test happening in March to help with pressure.
Any accommodation will be supported with the test. An EQAO info session will be held after
school. The date is to be determined. If you choose to opt out the child will automatically get a
zero which affects the schools overall score. Split classes will be dealt with accordingly.
Literacy Event – Bella Karsh: The event welcomed parents in class to see a typical literacy
lesson. Parent handout will be coming home discussing lessons presented and how to enact
them at home. Teachers would like feedback on whether it's something that should continue.
More notice was requested.
Next steps for CAT 4 – teachers are meeting next week to go through data and following
meeting will be going to each division to discuss results. CAT 4 doesn't happen in French until
grade 4, English in grade 2. Results are sent home after teaches breakdown data. Comes with
explanation on how to interpret it. Test taken end of September. CAT 4 is basic foundation
pieces. EQAO is big thinking test.
After March Break staffing starts. Still trying to hire 0.5 SNA and 0.5 secretary. Choices are
made just waiting for approval from employee services.
Still short a lunch supervisor. Will need more when full day kindergarten arrives.
B) Extracurricular: John: There are three Hockey games left.
Girls grade 5/6 Volleyball tournament is Monday at Duke.
Boys Basketball tournament is January 30th.
Girls grade 7 Volleyball are going to Morse School on February 4th.
Girls grade 8 Volleyball play on the 8th.
Grade 8 Boys Basketball will be going to Morse.
Beverly: Tournaments costing $6,000 in release. $30,000 spent so far on professional
development release thus far for training and sports.
Beverly hopes to run cricket for grades 4-6.
Police Reference Checks: TDSB direction is any volunteer in the school has to have a police
check. Vulnerable Sector check takes 15 weeks. Application with money order or certified
cheque for $15 can be done in the school office. Question raised to have money brought in and
have SAC write certified cheque to make the process easier and smoother for parents. School
will cover up to $500 for those that can't afford it. SAC will be putting together a process to
collect forms and payments to have only one certified cheque, thereby lowering costs. Georgia
to check if Toronto Police Services will accept that.
If you think a police check has been done email Georgia to have her check to see if it's there.
Principal requires a police reference check for all volunteers – including school trips, fun fair,
Lego club, pizza lunches, nutrition, multicultural potluck. Suggestion made to put out more
information on it.
PR560 is a child and abuse policy. If there's any concern of neglect or abuse staff are obligated
to make a report. Staff has been trained on policy and will be trained again at next staff
meeting.
D) Facility: 3rd party childcare hasn't been approved yet for full day kindergarten (FDK). It
depends on numbers and how many parents request it on survey. Construction on room 3 will
be starting with cubbies and a toilet. Room 7 will be retrofitted with wall separating classroom.
Room 108 is ready to go as Kindergarten classroom while construction happens. Bathroom in
cafeteria coming out of full day kindergarten money and no start day has been given. Large
plumbing issue has to be looked at.
Construction happening tomorrow in paved area in the back, near SH. It doesn't affect
kindergarten or primaries. Construction is on wall for catch basin. There is no safety risk.
Garbage bin near the front doors comes free to the school with a task force to come help clean
out the school.
The storage room near the cafeteria has been cleared out and can be used for SAC storage of
large and/or seasonal items. Daycare may be using the space as well.
Hub meetings are meetings between SH Armstrong, Applegrove and the Principal and happen a
few times a year. Last meeting addressed a slight security issue that arose. Security system has
to be installed.
Equity school team has 23-25 kids on it.
First child recognition assembly in December went well and they're looking at ways to improve
it for the next one. There will be another before March Break and one before the end of the
year.
Student leaders are doing the grade 7 open house. They are doing tours and a slide show to talk
about Duke.
5. Sara: Google grant is not official yet but $6700 has been approved for technology in the school. If
you see more grant applications let SAC know. Information will be sent out once money is
actually received and school has made purchases
Ward update – last two meetings were about FDK. Duke construction is happening very early
as other schools had it happen much later. 10 schools going to FDK next year. Anyone who
thinks they may need before and after care have to check off they require it or it may not be
available. If not enough people select it it won't be offered. Care is only for FDK and will take
place in the classroom. Presently there are 79 children in French senior kindergarten and next
year there will be less.
Maureen: Equity committee is a combination of parents, students and teachers. Last meeting
on January 16th – went over student clubhouse, a 7/8 safe place. Students have cleaned out
room 209 for that spot. Upcoming – Chinese New Year (Feb 10th lion dancers in the afternoon),
Black History Month (Mr. Kirkwood working on assembly for February 28th), Winter Carnival
(in back field on Feb 12th day 2, more details to follow) and Sadie Hawkins Dance for grade 7/8
on 14th (run by student council).
Announcements happening daily on equity issues.
Feb 6th is the next meeting for preparation of winter carnival. Looking for connection for free
snow cone maker.
Adult Social – 80s Bash on March 1st at legion. Facebook page is up and running. Like page
and invite your friends to like it: https://www.facebook.com/Dukes80sBash
Will be having a photo Contest of “Guess the People” from 80s pictures as well as a slideshow
at the event. Submit your photo to the g-mail account or the Facebook page to be a part of it.
Looking for auction items and volunteers – no police check required. 80s inspired food, menu
coming soon on the Facebook page.
Fun Fair – May 31st. Need committee members to join and help plan the event.
6.Applegrove - 9th annual yoga-a-thon is Saturday $20 1-3:30
March Break camp costs are coming out soon. Registration is week of February 17th.
Summer camp registration is the end of April and must be done in person.
AGM is March 31 and being held at SH Armstrong.