SAC School Advisory Council
October 29, 2013
MEETING MINUTES
In attendance: Eilleen Buchholz (parent rep), Danile Cammisa, Trisha Carter, Nina Chan, David Darling (ward rep), Maureen Allen-Doorley, Ellie Arscott (co-secretary), Tracey Arsenault, Laurie Barnett, Felicia Epstein, Belinda Forrest, Mags Galvin, Victor Giourgas (co-chair), Natalie Jones, Georgia Koziol (Vice-Principal), Carl Komaradas, Adene Kuchera, Suzanne Krupchyn, Rita Camacho-Lomeli, Katrina Lotho, Nicola Mansworth, Aron McGrath (co-secretary), Ann McKechnie (Applegrove), Luke McMillan (model schools rep), Vince Meade, Beverly O’Brien (Principal), Louise Rossi-Chan (treasurer), Jennifer Rowland, Nikki Rudzik (parent rep), Elena Sanjuan, Sydney Schultz (parent rep), Jennifer Story, Sara Tropea (ward rep), Karen Uchic, Desiree Williams (model schools rep), Lorraine Webb, Stacey Young (co-chair)
Regrets: Vivana Kohon
1. Welcome and acknowledgment of new Co-chairs: Secretary called the meeting to order and introduced the acclaimed co-chairs, Stacey Young and Victor Giourgas. Secretary turned the chairing of the meeting over to one of the newly acclaimed co-chairs, Stacey Young.
2. Co-chair introduced herself and stated a number of priorities for the upcoming year, including the development of some new communications tools being developed. Co-chair also asked for all other business, and after school care working group was added to the minutes. Spirit Group asked to have time as well. Agenda was approved, as amended.
3. Treasurer provided a report; $2,000 is on hand to spend.
4. Co-chair presented the proposed Fundraising Plan and SAC calendar for the 2013-2014school year. The Executive was able to accommodate all requests submitted if the projected fund-raising targets were met. Co-chair noted that the target was in line with amounts secured in previous years so there was little doubt about the viability of the goals.
The Fundraising plan shows $6,300 already raised and carried over from the previous year, requiring that an additional amount of $18,800 needed to be raised. This was considered viable and reasonable, given that the events held last year raised approximately $17,000. However, in
the event that the amount would not be met, the submitted projects were prioritized according to several principles, including a consideration of the number of students eligible and/or served by the proposal, as well as other equity and access concerns. Furthermore, a number of items will only be purchased if the funds are successfully raised. The timing of the expenditure was also a factor during the prioritization of the item. Leftover items have the option of being included in next year’s Fundraising Plan.
The co-chair suggested that the package of priorities be passed together instead of voting on every item. The co-chair noted that the list of priorities had been distributed prior to the meeting along with the meeting Agenda, although it was also noted that given the timing of the arrival of the co-chairs, insufficient time had been given to parents to review the priorities and these items will be distributed with more review time for future meetings.
Maureen requested an increase on the Lion Dancers on behalf of the CDCA as the dance group has increased their price. Increase approved.
Fundraising Proposal passed unanimously.
Movie night on January 24th needs to be moved to January 23rd as the 24th is a PA Day.
The co-chair provided an update on the web site, which is launching tomorrow (Oct. 30). Parents invited to check it out at: http://dukeschoolcouncil.weebly.com/ There was some debate as to which content was appropriate given some legal and privacy concerns, but that it would be considered a new vehicle for communications between and Council and parents and that parents would be provided with notifications of when the web site would be updated. Although the web site looked fantastic, it was definitely a work in progress, as the discussion highlighted to the need to work through systematically what information belonged on the web site, and what was better delivered through the Need to Read, for example. NTR will still be emailed weekly, and the question about the legality of posting all school forms on the site was an issue that Beverly was going to look into.
QSP will be running November 1-15th. Parents can place orders online at www.qsp.ca ID#9154. This will be a strictly online campaign. No catalogues sent home, no assemblies and no plastic prizes for students.
Pizza Lunches are a new fundraising campaign by SAC. There will be 6 throughout the school year. Pizza slices are $2 and pure juice boxes are $1. First pizza lunch is November 12th. Order forms will be sent home shortly.
5. Principal’s Report: Beverly hosted meeting with Executive, SAC Committee chairs and Daniel and together came up with meeting norms/rules:
Respect for personal life
All ideas are listened to
Acceptance of all ideas
Opinion is valued and taken into account
Trust
Discretion exercised
Respectful tone
Effective listening to differing opinions
Being allowed to finish a point
Eye contact
Welcoming
Thanked for ideas
Open minded
Team player
Positive feedback and acknowledgement
Academics: Academics will always be the focus.
Discussion of professional learning community (PLC) and pathway work. French and English will work together to decide what work is at each level using student work, decisions by teachers and examples by the government.
Need to look at numeracy needs and are developing rich math tasks that teachers can take back to class to use.
Math PD will be offered for kindergarten-grade 2 to make sure teachers have the tools to help children move forward.
Teachers are having ‘lunch and learns’ where they discuss the whys. What’s working in one class that could work in another?
Resources have been ordered to support teachers. “Math Makes Sense” in grades 3 and 4, Nelson math book in some classrooms. French will be exposed to more language based math from SK up.
Co-chair suggested that an FAQ sheet be developed about academic pathways and what role they play in setting academic goals for students. Stacey noted that this would be done with interested parents and approved by the principal and vice-principals.
Report Cards are going home November 12. Parent/Teacher interviews will take place in the evening of the 14th and the morning of the 15th. Teachers will send forms home that will provide parents a chance to choose from a number of times slots over the two days.
The principal announced that the School Budget is $124,947; teachers are being given $10 per student, per class; technology is receiving $15,000, numeracy and literacy are receiving $8,000.
Phys Ed JR and SR, Gym and pool are receiving $3,000
6 packs of paper per teacher is approximately $4,000. Teachers must supply their own paper beyond that.
PD release has $40,000 put aside. It costs $270 a teacher for a full day PD session.
Model School budget hasn’t been released yet and has very specific ways it must be spent. It is estimated that Duke will receive $20,000.
The school has been given an extension on its School Improvement Plan to November 7th.
TDSB issued a reminder that it offers online math homework help. Students from Grades 7-10 can access free, online math tutoring. Certified Math teachers are standing by every Sunday to Thursday between 5:30-9:30. Other math resources on the Homework Help site include videos, interactive lessons and best sessions. Students need to register to create free accounts. Teachers and Parents can also register for free guest accounts and get access to a wide variety of resources. Email Bea Meglio at bea.meglio.tdsb.on.ca or call (416)579-6904 to register.
November 11th will be a Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10:30 am. Info will be sent home soon and parents are welcome to join. The senior students will be going to Fort York.
Student Council has been elected.
High School Transition night was held for Grade 8 students going to high school next year. Ms. Campbell outlined the local high schools and explained credits. She will also work individually with students to help them decide on their best interests.
November 6th the Grade 8’s will be going to Monarch Park. A trip to Danforth Tech will be scheduled soon.
Grade 7/8 Outdoor Education trip is being planned for May.
Ms. Dorelyeres will be returning November 19th and at that time Mr. Brown will be leaving.
Extracurriculars: Banners in office for Boys 5/6 Baseball Tournament Championship and Conference Finalists and Girls 5/6 Baseball Tournament Championship.
Teams up next: Girls 5/6 and 7/8 Basketball and Boys 5/6 and 7/8 Volleyball.
Swim Team starts first week of November.
Lego tournament qualifier is December 14th and Duke has 4 teams. Two grade 4 teams, one grade 5 team and one grade 6 team.
The choir has been invited to the Empire Club to perform in December.
A few 7/8 Band members have been invited to music symposium in November.
Folk Dancing Club started on October 29th for grade one students.
Facilities: Meeting was held on October 28th regarding parking lot issues and potential solutions. Parents need to be surveyed for needs and use and then look at addressing next steps. There is no money for a huge revamp. Strategies for patterns and behaviour will be implemented. Suggestions of kiss and ride or not driving to the end of the parking lot.
There is a large leakage problem under the south side of the building. A quote is coming for fixing the foundation issues.
Workers at the front of the building have completed structural work on the foundation.
Quarter round is being replaced around the school.
Caretakers are washing walls on Saturdays.
Full day kindergarten is coming next year. 5 units of full day will be at Duke. Room 7 will be divided by 5’ wall. Wall is custom with built-in light table, bookcases and tack board built in.
No Smoking signs in parking lot will be installed soon.
No Dog Signs are being repaired.
Community: Recently had a hub meeting with Woodgreen, SH Armstrong and Applegrove. Two more meetings will happen throughout the year.
There was a lockdown procedure discussion with Officer Tony Santeramo. Can come in again to meet with parents if needed.
Locking doors is in compliance with the Ministry and is mandated by October 31st. Duke will not be in compliance because Applegrove and Woodgreen are still waiting on their applications. Will have to buzz in during school hours. Doors will not be locked after school hours.
6. Sub-committee Report: Santa’s Breakfast – Date is set for November 30th. Ticket sales will start November 1st at the SAC morning coffee. Tickets are $4.50 in advance and $6 at the door. New this year is breakfast seating times. 200 tickets will be sold at an 8 am breakfast time and 200 at a 9 am breakfast time. There will be two breakfast meal options: pancake, sausage and fruit salad or pancake, scrambled eggs and fruit salad. Other activities include Santa Photos, Free Craft, Children’s Marketplace (children buy gifts for their families at $1 or $2 a piece), Silent Auction will consist of classroom artwork this year, and pictures of artwork will be sold as note cards.
Family Night: Halloween Dance and Haunted Hallway raised $1400. Next event is Pyjama Party and Movie on December 13th.
CDCA: Holding a meeting on November 7th from 3:30-4:15. Working on streamlining into parent and student group.
The following items are celebrations unfolding in November:
German Advent Wreath Making will take place after school in November. More information will follow. Diwali light presentation will happen on November 4th, Hanukkah will be celebrated with a menorah. November is Adoption Awareness Month. Please encourage parents to read Diversity board in the foyer.
Read Up: Starts November 7th at 3:15 in the library on the 2nd floor. Volunteers are needed. Please contact [email protected] if you’re able to read with kids.
7. Applegrove: Pasta Fest is happening November 9th. Tickets are $10 (16 and up) or $5 (5-15) in advance or $15/$6 at the door. Includes 3 course dinner, donated by Casa Di Giorgio, and dessert. Door prizes, silent auction and games.
After school program: Has been expanded to 3 sections of 63 kids. Still has a long waiting list.
The meeting was closed, noting that the next scheduled School Council Meeting was set for November 26.
October 29, 2013
MEETING MINUTES
In attendance: Eilleen Buchholz (parent rep), Danile Cammisa, Trisha Carter, Nina Chan, David Darling (ward rep), Maureen Allen-Doorley, Ellie Arscott (co-secretary), Tracey Arsenault, Laurie Barnett, Felicia Epstein, Belinda Forrest, Mags Galvin, Victor Giourgas (co-chair), Natalie Jones, Georgia Koziol (Vice-Principal), Carl Komaradas, Adene Kuchera, Suzanne Krupchyn, Rita Camacho-Lomeli, Katrina Lotho, Nicola Mansworth, Aron McGrath (co-secretary), Ann McKechnie (Applegrove), Luke McMillan (model schools rep), Vince Meade, Beverly O’Brien (Principal), Louise Rossi-Chan (treasurer), Jennifer Rowland, Nikki Rudzik (parent rep), Elena Sanjuan, Sydney Schultz (parent rep), Jennifer Story, Sara Tropea (ward rep), Karen Uchic, Desiree Williams (model schools rep), Lorraine Webb, Stacey Young (co-chair)
Regrets: Vivana Kohon
1. Welcome and acknowledgment of new Co-chairs: Secretary called the meeting to order and introduced the acclaimed co-chairs, Stacey Young and Victor Giourgas. Secretary turned the chairing of the meeting over to one of the newly acclaimed co-chairs, Stacey Young.
2. Co-chair introduced herself and stated a number of priorities for the upcoming year, including the development of some new communications tools being developed. Co-chair also asked for all other business, and after school care working group was added to the minutes. Spirit Group asked to have time as well. Agenda was approved, as amended.
3. Treasurer provided a report; $2,000 is on hand to spend.
4. Co-chair presented the proposed Fundraising Plan and SAC calendar for the 2013-2014school year. The Executive was able to accommodate all requests submitted if the projected fund-raising targets were met. Co-chair noted that the target was in line with amounts secured in previous years so there was little doubt about the viability of the goals.
The Fundraising plan shows $6,300 already raised and carried over from the previous year, requiring that an additional amount of $18,800 needed to be raised. This was considered viable and reasonable, given that the events held last year raised approximately $17,000. However, in
the event that the amount would not be met, the submitted projects were prioritized according to several principles, including a consideration of the number of students eligible and/or served by the proposal, as well as other equity and access concerns. Furthermore, a number of items will only be purchased if the funds are successfully raised. The timing of the expenditure was also a factor during the prioritization of the item. Leftover items have the option of being included in next year’s Fundraising Plan.
The co-chair suggested that the package of priorities be passed together instead of voting on every item. The co-chair noted that the list of priorities had been distributed prior to the meeting along with the meeting Agenda, although it was also noted that given the timing of the arrival of the co-chairs, insufficient time had been given to parents to review the priorities and these items will be distributed with more review time for future meetings.
Maureen requested an increase on the Lion Dancers on behalf of the CDCA as the dance group has increased their price. Increase approved.
Fundraising Proposal passed unanimously.
Movie night on January 24th needs to be moved to January 23rd as the 24th is a PA Day.
The co-chair provided an update on the web site, which is launching tomorrow (Oct. 30). Parents invited to check it out at: http://dukeschoolcouncil.weebly.com/ There was some debate as to which content was appropriate given some legal and privacy concerns, but that it would be considered a new vehicle for communications between and Council and parents and that parents would be provided with notifications of when the web site would be updated. Although the web site looked fantastic, it was definitely a work in progress, as the discussion highlighted to the need to work through systematically what information belonged on the web site, and what was better delivered through the Need to Read, for example. NTR will still be emailed weekly, and the question about the legality of posting all school forms on the site was an issue that Beverly was going to look into.
QSP will be running November 1-15th. Parents can place orders online at www.qsp.ca ID#9154. This will be a strictly online campaign. No catalogues sent home, no assemblies and no plastic prizes for students.
Pizza Lunches are a new fundraising campaign by SAC. There will be 6 throughout the school year. Pizza slices are $2 and pure juice boxes are $1. First pizza lunch is November 12th. Order forms will be sent home shortly.
5. Principal’s Report: Beverly hosted meeting with Executive, SAC Committee chairs and Daniel and together came up with meeting norms/rules:
Respect for personal life
All ideas are listened to
Acceptance of all ideas
Opinion is valued and taken into account
Trust
Discretion exercised
Respectful tone
Effective listening to differing opinions
Being allowed to finish a point
Eye contact
Welcoming
Thanked for ideas
Open minded
Team player
Positive feedback and acknowledgement
Academics: Academics will always be the focus.
Discussion of professional learning community (PLC) and pathway work. French and English will work together to decide what work is at each level using student work, decisions by teachers and examples by the government.
Need to look at numeracy needs and are developing rich math tasks that teachers can take back to class to use.
Math PD will be offered for kindergarten-grade 2 to make sure teachers have the tools to help children move forward.
Teachers are having ‘lunch and learns’ where they discuss the whys. What’s working in one class that could work in another?
Resources have been ordered to support teachers. “Math Makes Sense” in grades 3 and 4, Nelson math book in some classrooms. French will be exposed to more language based math from SK up.
Co-chair suggested that an FAQ sheet be developed about academic pathways and what role they play in setting academic goals for students. Stacey noted that this would be done with interested parents and approved by the principal and vice-principals.
Report Cards are going home November 12. Parent/Teacher interviews will take place in the evening of the 14th and the morning of the 15th. Teachers will send forms home that will provide parents a chance to choose from a number of times slots over the two days.
The principal announced that the School Budget is $124,947; teachers are being given $10 per student, per class; technology is receiving $15,000, numeracy and literacy are receiving $8,000.
Phys Ed JR and SR, Gym and pool are receiving $3,000
6 packs of paper per teacher is approximately $4,000. Teachers must supply their own paper beyond that.
PD release has $40,000 put aside. It costs $270 a teacher for a full day PD session.
Model School budget hasn’t been released yet and has very specific ways it must be spent. It is estimated that Duke will receive $20,000.
The school has been given an extension on its School Improvement Plan to November 7th.
TDSB issued a reminder that it offers online math homework help. Students from Grades 7-10 can access free, online math tutoring. Certified Math teachers are standing by every Sunday to Thursday between 5:30-9:30. Other math resources on the Homework Help site include videos, interactive lessons and best sessions. Students need to register to create free accounts. Teachers and Parents can also register for free guest accounts and get access to a wide variety of resources. Email Bea Meglio at bea.meglio.tdsb.on.ca or call (416)579-6904 to register.
November 11th will be a Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10:30 am. Info will be sent home soon and parents are welcome to join. The senior students will be going to Fort York.
Student Council has been elected.
High School Transition night was held for Grade 8 students going to high school next year. Ms. Campbell outlined the local high schools and explained credits. She will also work individually with students to help them decide on their best interests.
November 6th the Grade 8’s will be going to Monarch Park. A trip to Danforth Tech will be scheduled soon.
Grade 7/8 Outdoor Education trip is being planned for May.
Ms. Dorelyeres will be returning November 19th and at that time Mr. Brown will be leaving.
Extracurriculars: Banners in office for Boys 5/6 Baseball Tournament Championship and Conference Finalists and Girls 5/6 Baseball Tournament Championship.
Teams up next: Girls 5/6 and 7/8 Basketball and Boys 5/6 and 7/8 Volleyball.
Swim Team starts first week of November.
Lego tournament qualifier is December 14th and Duke has 4 teams. Two grade 4 teams, one grade 5 team and one grade 6 team.
The choir has been invited to the Empire Club to perform in December.
A few 7/8 Band members have been invited to music symposium in November.
Folk Dancing Club started on October 29th for grade one students.
Facilities: Meeting was held on October 28th regarding parking lot issues and potential solutions. Parents need to be surveyed for needs and use and then look at addressing next steps. There is no money for a huge revamp. Strategies for patterns and behaviour will be implemented. Suggestions of kiss and ride or not driving to the end of the parking lot.
There is a large leakage problem under the south side of the building. A quote is coming for fixing the foundation issues.
Workers at the front of the building have completed structural work on the foundation.
Quarter round is being replaced around the school.
Caretakers are washing walls on Saturdays.
Full day kindergarten is coming next year. 5 units of full day will be at Duke. Room 7 will be divided by 5’ wall. Wall is custom with built-in light table, bookcases and tack board built in.
No Smoking signs in parking lot will be installed soon.
No Dog Signs are being repaired.
Community: Recently had a hub meeting with Woodgreen, SH Armstrong and Applegrove. Two more meetings will happen throughout the year.
There was a lockdown procedure discussion with Officer Tony Santeramo. Can come in again to meet with parents if needed.
Locking doors is in compliance with the Ministry and is mandated by October 31st. Duke will not be in compliance because Applegrove and Woodgreen are still waiting on their applications. Will have to buzz in during school hours. Doors will not be locked after school hours.
6. Sub-committee Report: Santa’s Breakfast – Date is set for November 30th. Ticket sales will start November 1st at the SAC morning coffee. Tickets are $4.50 in advance and $6 at the door. New this year is breakfast seating times. 200 tickets will be sold at an 8 am breakfast time and 200 at a 9 am breakfast time. There will be two breakfast meal options: pancake, sausage and fruit salad or pancake, scrambled eggs and fruit salad. Other activities include Santa Photos, Free Craft, Children’s Marketplace (children buy gifts for their families at $1 or $2 a piece), Silent Auction will consist of classroom artwork this year, and pictures of artwork will be sold as note cards.
Family Night: Halloween Dance and Haunted Hallway raised $1400. Next event is Pyjama Party and Movie on December 13th.
CDCA: Holding a meeting on November 7th from 3:30-4:15. Working on streamlining into parent and student group.
The following items are celebrations unfolding in November:
German Advent Wreath Making will take place after school in November. More information will follow. Diwali light presentation will happen on November 4th, Hanukkah will be celebrated with a menorah. November is Adoption Awareness Month. Please encourage parents to read Diversity board in the foyer.
Read Up: Starts November 7th at 3:15 in the library on the 2nd floor. Volunteers are needed. Please contact [email protected] if you’re able to read with kids.
7. Applegrove: Pasta Fest is happening November 9th. Tickets are $10 (16 and up) or $5 (5-15) in advance or $15/$6 at the door. Includes 3 course dinner, donated by Casa Di Giorgio, and dessert. Door prizes, silent auction and games.
After school program: Has been expanded to 3 sections of 63 kids. Still has a long waiting list.
The meeting was closed, noting that the next scheduled School Council Meeting was set for November 26.