DUKE SAC Meeting Nov 26, 2013
Start 6:35pm
In attendance; Ellie Arscott, Victor Giourgas, Louise Rossi-Chan, Vince Meade, Laurie Barnett, Stacey Young, Lorraine Webb, Frank Caruso, Claudia Filici McMullan, Luke McMillan, Daniele Cammisa, Sarah Tropea, Aron McGrath, Sydney Schultz, Eilleen Bucholz, Tracey Arsenault, Heather Dyer, Jane Sanders, Trisha Carter, Elena Sanjuan, Erin Rogers, Julia Purdy, Nikki Rudzik, David Darling,Nicola Mansworth, Nina Chan; Beverly O’Brien, Georgia Koziol, John Kyriazis.
Co-Chair Victor Giourgas introduced himself and called the meeting to order.
Call for business
Luke asked to have Model School Bullying campaign added
Daniele asked to share model school survey results- handed out the info sheet to all tables.
Treasurer’s Report - Louise
Bank balance $5700 available balance $3500 due to yoga refund; cheques have been issued
20 iPad adaptors have been purchased completing the last year’s commitment of rate budget funds.
Next disbursement will be classroom enrichment fund $150 per teacher – after Santa's Breakfast.
Disbursements following on list are boom whackers and lion dancers.
All updated versions of the budget can be found on the website, http://dukeschoolcouncil.weebly.com/
Principal’s Report – Beverly O’Brien
Frank Caruso and Bella Karsh came on behalf of teachers
Academic – The Director of Education Donna Quan has released the Board’s School Improvement Plan to improve our students in literacy, numeracy and greater thinking. This plan has been sent out via email and is available on the www.tdsb.on.ca/everystudent The SIP has been drafted but can and will be changed based on new needs and new data.
-From this our schools Smart Goals are drafted by Beverly and team. Smart Goals include literacy, numeracy, pathways and culture and caring. If/Then statements are applied to each category which make the goals clear.
-SIP will be posted on website highlighting the If/Then statements.
-There was a walk through from Vicky Branco, the Superintendent, into each classroom in the school looking at the learning walls and provided feedback of what was observed.
-Vicky saw that we're engaging in PLCs and language goals being met. She would like to see more rich learning tasks (critical thinking) and looking at how to develop those tasks so there is more scaffolding and more explicit instruction so that what the students need to learn is clear.
-there will be a re-visit to each classroom from Vicky on January 9th
-some comparison was discussed re french/english having different scores or results but in terms of Math for example the issues in the problems os not the language but the thinking/perception based
-Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/moreinfo.html – provincial website www.edu.gov.on.ca are ministry funded websites to help teachers and parents with new tools for learning based on the latest data from our district and neighbouring district school boards.
-also mentioned the Free Math tutoring for Gr. 7/8/9/10’s at www.homeworkhelp.ilc.org
-another helpful tip is to type in your google search engine “how to help my child with math” to get resources for you and your child from the internet.
-Literacy and Numeracy After School Program - (John) Mr Darkhor and Ms MacDonald at Duke are the teacher hosts. The program is geared towards level 2 student (C grade) in grades 7/8 not on IEPs. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays and there are up to 50 kids attending already. Skills practiced will help them move forward into high school.
-Bella Karsh representing the primary and junior teachers that met voluntarily regarding guided reading practice. The goals are to work together as staff, help each other and to standardize language across classrooms, to have a cohesive list of “look fors”, prompts and questions available on a cheat sheet for in the moment help when doing a guided reading session.
-Dates are being discussed for a literacy night and math night for parents to get involved the their kids education and gain ideas and resources.
Facilities – John & Beverly
-central priorities are painting in the hallway down to the lunchroom. Replacing treads in the stairwell in main hall of Woodfield. Replacing exterior doors. The money for this is coming out of the TDSB budget not our school budget.
-No money for bathroom in the cafeteria. Issues were raised about outer door to bathroom sticking and no soap being in the bathroom. Also the fact that this bathroom has been discussed over the last 5 years and is still not been dealt with by the TDSB; potential health and safety issue. Beverly will ask caretakers to look into checking bathroom more.
-Suggestion raised of having grades 1 and 2 eating in their classrooms. Beverly said it brings up supervision issues and eliminates hot lunch.
-Request for FDK lunch discussion to be discussed at future SAC meeting when plans are firmed up – should happen in the spring.
-No Dog sign will be installed near Cherrynook. Dogs are not allowed on school property at all. Once all signs are up calling animal control can result in tickets being issued and will be the next step.
-Suggestion made for posts to be put on other Facebook pages in regard sot the dog and their bathroom habits happening NOT in our school playground.
- Skate library will be opening soon. Will requite $10 deposit and in previous years it was open 9:-9:30 and 3-3:30. Mr Deacon potentially going to run the skate library.
-Hall passes for visitors, students and occasional teaching staff. Students sign in and out of class and wear the pass. Same for visitors and OTS. Please sign in when in the building.
-New fire alarm going in. Will be done by zone. Emergency exit numbers will change once fire marshall and board inspect and approve.
-Parents of high school students are encouraged to keep dates in mind for high school tours as there's no wiggle room.
-Discussion happening at Bruce St School and Leslie Street School about them converting to K-8 schools. This will decrease our English number by around 60 kids (bused) and increase our French #’s.
-Assistive Technology is needed to grow. Kids and teachers are being trained in it at our school.
Staffing – Beverly
- the SNA allocation has been filled, deals with at risk students.
- the Office Administrator, Kim McCartney is the official acting Administrator until the end of the school year.
-Still interviewing for LTO.
-Teachers; Erica Delores is back and Nathan Brown is gone but came back to coach basketball team.
Extracurricular - Beverly
-Volleyball tournaments happening this week and next after school. Thank you to all the teachers who are volunteering their time to this
-Equity team meeting – 22 people came and most were kids. Kids want positive space room. Room 209 has been changed into that. Teachers can sign up to hold hours where kids can come and do set activities. Next meeting is Thursday Nov 28th this week. (more details to follow in subcommittee reports)
-Junior Division is selling red noses at concert on the December 17th, $ to go to the nutrition program (?)
-Intermediate division room 202 held bake sale for Red Cross for the Philippines and are also selling bracelets. They have raised over $650 in one day.
-Ms Astor's class working with business development group and learning how to do business plan. Have created a t-shirt company and are working with Canadian designer to showcase t-shirts and have fashion show. They have also started the Student Voice newsletter.
-Bullying Awareness Week – student council did announcements daily and classroom presentations based on books the librarian helped them choose. Had large group presentation “Safety First” for all grades. Pledge was announced and read every day over the announcements.
-the student council also worked with the schools guidance councillor and social worker to produce an Anti-Bullying agenda
-Vaccines offered at the school; Meningitis vaccine requires 2 and HPV requires 3. Notes will be sent home when it's happening in the school. Date up to Public Health.
-Lice check will be happening in January for the entire school.
-the school also purchased two new instruments, a flute and clarinet.
-Georgia attended a music symposium with 11 grade 7/8 students that entailed separate workshops on one piece that was brought together and played together at the end.
Sub-Committees
Athletic- Tracey
-1st meeting held; two things – goalie equipment is needed junior size grade 5/6.
-athletics wants to organize 3 on 3 Basket ball tourney for the older grades as a replacement for movie night that the older kids don’t attend. Want to hold it in January. date TBA
Santa's Breakfast – this Saturday! 9 am tickets sold out, 60 remaining for 8 am breakfast time. If need is higher the 50 tickets held back will be released. Art auction will be large. Winter Wonderland trail will be held inside this year. Children's market place has had great turn out for donations. Carolling, Santa pictures, free colouring craft for the kids, cookie decorating and bake sale.
CDCA – Sydney updated for Maureen.
-Student Lounge (safe and inclusive space) could be used for pop-up clubs and activities, showcase upcoming equity days and events. act as a resource, media hub and a meeting place for students.
-Luke McMillan came and discussed Remembrance Day at the assembly. Diwali display was up and starting tomorrow Hanukkah display will go up in foyer.
-Deborah Shore and Bella Karsh will be teaching kids how to play dreidel on Friday November 29th 12-12:30 in the lobby and students must sign up.
-Next meeting November 28th at 3:30 in conference room or staff room, TBA.
-“Operation Bracelet” set up by the Student Council, Equity Committee and Intermediate classes joined forces to raise money for the Philippines typhoon recovery effort. Bracelets $2
Applegrove – Sydney on behalf of Susan
-Made approximately $4k at pasta fest. Thank you to all that donated/ Annual yoga-thon is happening Saturday February 1. Can get pledges or pay what you can for an afternoon of yoga, 108 sun salutations. More details shortly.
-Applegrove is looking for volunteers to help with organizing events and fundraising. Please contact Susan Fletcher at [email protected]
Model Schools-Luke
-CPAC parent training week Dec. 9-13th. Free courses offered – CPR/First Aid, Food Handling Course, Retail Sales and Beginner/Advanced computer courses. Please contact Daniele at [email protected] to sign up. Only 5 spots left at the Monday Duke CPR/First Aid course! Georgia raised issue of having more spaces opened if there's high interest from Duke as information was sent out late. Could possibly be sent to another school holding event on different date or if there's a high interest it could possibly be brought to Duke based on budget.
-Last meeting discussed how to navigate TDSB.
-Model Schools Survey – results are distributed and highest chosen will be implemented.
Read Up – Sarah
-last week had 38 kids. Volunteers needed to make the process move quicker.
-letter to teachers to be drafted to ask for volunteer help.
Upcoming Events
Coffee morning December 6th, Ward Meeting is December 12th at George Webster. Movie Night is December 13th, January 14th next pizza lunch, Next SAC meeting January 28th.
Start 6:35pm
In attendance; Ellie Arscott, Victor Giourgas, Louise Rossi-Chan, Vince Meade, Laurie Barnett, Stacey Young, Lorraine Webb, Frank Caruso, Claudia Filici McMullan, Luke McMillan, Daniele Cammisa, Sarah Tropea, Aron McGrath, Sydney Schultz, Eilleen Bucholz, Tracey Arsenault, Heather Dyer, Jane Sanders, Trisha Carter, Elena Sanjuan, Erin Rogers, Julia Purdy, Nikki Rudzik, David Darling,Nicola Mansworth, Nina Chan; Beverly O’Brien, Georgia Koziol, John Kyriazis.
Co-Chair Victor Giourgas introduced himself and called the meeting to order.
Call for business
Luke asked to have Model School Bullying campaign added
Daniele asked to share model school survey results- handed out the info sheet to all tables.
Treasurer’s Report - Louise
Bank balance $5700 available balance $3500 due to yoga refund; cheques have been issued
20 iPad adaptors have been purchased completing the last year’s commitment of rate budget funds.
Next disbursement will be classroom enrichment fund $150 per teacher – after Santa's Breakfast.
Disbursements following on list are boom whackers and lion dancers.
All updated versions of the budget can be found on the website, http://dukeschoolcouncil.weebly.com/
Principal’s Report – Beverly O’Brien
Frank Caruso and Bella Karsh came on behalf of teachers
Academic – The Director of Education Donna Quan has released the Board’s School Improvement Plan to improve our students in literacy, numeracy and greater thinking. This plan has been sent out via email and is available on the www.tdsb.on.ca/everystudent The SIP has been drafted but can and will be changed based on new needs and new data.
-From this our schools Smart Goals are drafted by Beverly and team. Smart Goals include literacy, numeracy, pathways and culture and caring. If/Then statements are applied to each category which make the goals clear.
-SIP will be posted on website highlighting the If/Then statements.
-There was a walk through from Vicky Branco, the Superintendent, into each classroom in the school looking at the learning walls and provided feedback of what was observed.
-Vicky saw that we're engaging in PLCs and language goals being met. She would like to see more rich learning tasks (critical thinking) and looking at how to develop those tasks so there is more scaffolding and more explicit instruction so that what the students need to learn is clear.
-there will be a re-visit to each classroom from Vicky on January 9th
-some comparison was discussed re french/english having different scores or results but in terms of Math for example the issues in the problems os not the language but the thinking/perception based
-Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/moreinfo.html – provincial website www.edu.gov.on.ca are ministry funded websites to help teachers and parents with new tools for learning based on the latest data from our district and neighbouring district school boards.
-also mentioned the Free Math tutoring for Gr. 7/8/9/10’s at www.homeworkhelp.ilc.org
-another helpful tip is to type in your google search engine “how to help my child with math” to get resources for you and your child from the internet.
-Literacy and Numeracy After School Program - (John) Mr Darkhor and Ms MacDonald at Duke are the teacher hosts. The program is geared towards level 2 student (C grade) in grades 7/8 not on IEPs. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays and there are up to 50 kids attending already. Skills practiced will help them move forward into high school.
-Bella Karsh representing the primary and junior teachers that met voluntarily regarding guided reading practice. The goals are to work together as staff, help each other and to standardize language across classrooms, to have a cohesive list of “look fors”, prompts and questions available on a cheat sheet for in the moment help when doing a guided reading session.
-Dates are being discussed for a literacy night and math night for parents to get involved the their kids education and gain ideas and resources.
Facilities – John & Beverly
-central priorities are painting in the hallway down to the lunchroom. Replacing treads in the stairwell in main hall of Woodfield. Replacing exterior doors. The money for this is coming out of the TDSB budget not our school budget.
-No money for bathroom in the cafeteria. Issues were raised about outer door to bathroom sticking and no soap being in the bathroom. Also the fact that this bathroom has been discussed over the last 5 years and is still not been dealt with by the TDSB; potential health and safety issue. Beverly will ask caretakers to look into checking bathroom more.
-Suggestion raised of having grades 1 and 2 eating in their classrooms. Beverly said it brings up supervision issues and eliminates hot lunch.
-Request for FDK lunch discussion to be discussed at future SAC meeting when plans are firmed up – should happen in the spring.
-No Dog sign will be installed near Cherrynook. Dogs are not allowed on school property at all. Once all signs are up calling animal control can result in tickets being issued and will be the next step.
-Suggestion made for posts to be put on other Facebook pages in regard sot the dog and their bathroom habits happening NOT in our school playground.
- Skate library will be opening soon. Will requite $10 deposit and in previous years it was open 9:-9:30 and 3-3:30. Mr Deacon potentially going to run the skate library.
-Hall passes for visitors, students and occasional teaching staff. Students sign in and out of class and wear the pass. Same for visitors and OTS. Please sign in when in the building.
-New fire alarm going in. Will be done by zone. Emergency exit numbers will change once fire marshall and board inspect and approve.
-Parents of high school students are encouraged to keep dates in mind for high school tours as there's no wiggle room.
-Discussion happening at Bruce St School and Leslie Street School about them converting to K-8 schools. This will decrease our English number by around 60 kids (bused) and increase our French #’s.
-Assistive Technology is needed to grow. Kids and teachers are being trained in it at our school.
Staffing – Beverly
- the SNA allocation has been filled, deals with at risk students.
- the Office Administrator, Kim McCartney is the official acting Administrator until the end of the school year.
-Still interviewing for LTO.
-Teachers; Erica Delores is back and Nathan Brown is gone but came back to coach basketball team.
Extracurricular - Beverly
-Volleyball tournaments happening this week and next after school. Thank you to all the teachers who are volunteering their time to this
-Equity team meeting – 22 people came and most were kids. Kids want positive space room. Room 209 has been changed into that. Teachers can sign up to hold hours where kids can come and do set activities. Next meeting is Thursday Nov 28th this week. (more details to follow in subcommittee reports)
-Junior Division is selling red noses at concert on the December 17th, $ to go to the nutrition program (?)
-Intermediate division room 202 held bake sale for Red Cross for the Philippines and are also selling bracelets. They have raised over $650 in one day.
-Ms Astor's class working with business development group and learning how to do business plan. Have created a t-shirt company and are working with Canadian designer to showcase t-shirts and have fashion show. They have also started the Student Voice newsletter.
-Bullying Awareness Week – student council did announcements daily and classroom presentations based on books the librarian helped them choose. Had large group presentation “Safety First” for all grades. Pledge was announced and read every day over the announcements.
-the student council also worked with the schools guidance councillor and social worker to produce an Anti-Bullying agenda
-Vaccines offered at the school; Meningitis vaccine requires 2 and HPV requires 3. Notes will be sent home when it's happening in the school. Date up to Public Health.
-Lice check will be happening in January for the entire school.
-the school also purchased two new instruments, a flute and clarinet.
-Georgia attended a music symposium with 11 grade 7/8 students that entailed separate workshops on one piece that was brought together and played together at the end.
Sub-Committees
Athletic- Tracey
-1st meeting held; two things – goalie equipment is needed junior size grade 5/6.
-athletics wants to organize 3 on 3 Basket ball tourney for the older grades as a replacement for movie night that the older kids don’t attend. Want to hold it in January. date TBA
Santa's Breakfast – this Saturday! 9 am tickets sold out, 60 remaining for 8 am breakfast time. If need is higher the 50 tickets held back will be released. Art auction will be large. Winter Wonderland trail will be held inside this year. Children's market place has had great turn out for donations. Carolling, Santa pictures, free colouring craft for the kids, cookie decorating and bake sale.
CDCA – Sydney updated for Maureen.
-Student Lounge (safe and inclusive space) could be used for pop-up clubs and activities, showcase upcoming equity days and events. act as a resource, media hub and a meeting place for students.
-Luke McMillan came and discussed Remembrance Day at the assembly. Diwali display was up and starting tomorrow Hanukkah display will go up in foyer.
-Deborah Shore and Bella Karsh will be teaching kids how to play dreidel on Friday November 29th 12-12:30 in the lobby and students must sign up.
-Next meeting November 28th at 3:30 in conference room or staff room, TBA.
-“Operation Bracelet” set up by the Student Council, Equity Committee and Intermediate classes joined forces to raise money for the Philippines typhoon recovery effort. Bracelets $2
Applegrove – Sydney on behalf of Susan
-Made approximately $4k at pasta fest. Thank you to all that donated/ Annual yoga-thon is happening Saturday February 1. Can get pledges or pay what you can for an afternoon of yoga, 108 sun salutations. More details shortly.
-Applegrove is looking for volunteers to help with organizing events and fundraising. Please contact Susan Fletcher at [email protected]
Model Schools-Luke
-CPAC parent training week Dec. 9-13th. Free courses offered – CPR/First Aid, Food Handling Course, Retail Sales and Beginner/Advanced computer courses. Please contact Daniele at [email protected] to sign up. Only 5 spots left at the Monday Duke CPR/First Aid course! Georgia raised issue of having more spaces opened if there's high interest from Duke as information was sent out late. Could possibly be sent to another school holding event on different date or if there's a high interest it could possibly be brought to Duke based on budget.
-Last meeting discussed how to navigate TDSB.
-Model Schools Survey – results are distributed and highest chosen will be implemented.
Read Up – Sarah
-last week had 38 kids. Volunteers needed to make the process move quicker.
-letter to teachers to be drafted to ask for volunteer help.
Upcoming Events
Coffee morning December 6th, Ward Meeting is December 12th at George Webster. Movie Night is December 13th, January 14th next pizza lunch, Next SAC meeting January 28th.