Duke of Connaught School Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
In Attendance: Beverly O’Brien (Principal), John Kyriazis (VP), Georgia Koziol (VP), Aron McGrath
(Co-Chair), Rebecca Johnson (Secretary), Nicole Herbert (Secretary), Louise, Rossi-Chan (Treasurer),
Claudia Filici-McMullan, Ann McKechnie, Maureen Allen-Doorley, Katy Dockrill, Sara Tropea, Karen
Uchic, Desiree Williams, Tracey Arsenault, Nikki Rudzik, Julia Purdy, Camilla Sutton, Nancy Wong, Tai
So, SJ Finlay, Ellie Arscott, Neil Gill, Jennifer Moses, Agnes MacKillop, Jennifer Mehew, Belinda Forrest,
Adrienne Tyson, Marie Snyder, S. Spencley, Nicola Mansworth, Suzanne Krupchyn, Eileen Buchholz,
Sabrina Bennett, Rita Camacho-Lomeli, Jim Valentine, Trisha Grter, Elaine Gauthier, Deborah Shore,
Victoria Bowman, Jenn Rowland, Shannon Miller, Ashley Hennessy, Victor Giourgus, Carol Cahill, Luke
McMillan, Diane Yang, Agnes Pietersma, Laurico Barnett, David Darling, Elena Sanjuan, Sydney Schultz,
Aimin Xu, Jessica D’Eri, Jane Sanders, Uyen Vu, Andrew Pyper (SH Armstrong), Ronda Murphy (SH
Armstrong), Susan Fletcher (Applegrove), Sheila Cary-Meagher (Trustee)
Regrets: Angie Law
1. Welcome
Aron called the meeting to order and asked for any other business to be added to the agenda.
2. Election
The Election committee was introduced: Julie Purdy and Camilla Sutton. Thanks to their hard work preparing for this election.
Beverly introduced herself and outlined the roles and responsibilities of the positions up for election. Camilla outlined the procedures for voting.
2013/14 Duke SAC Executive:
Chair – vacant
Secretary – Aron McGrath
Treasurer – Louise Rossi-Chan
Parent Reps – Sydney Shultz, Nikki Rudzik, Ellie Arscott
Ward Reps – Sara Tropea, David Darling
CPAC Reps – Desiree Williams, Luke McMillan
The vacant position will be advertised again. Beverly will arrange for the Teaching and Non-teaching staff reps.
3. Community Partner Updates
SH Armstrong: Andrew (Aquatic pgms.) and Ronda (Rec. pgms.) distributed information on the many programs available at SH, including expanded pool programs, and information on the city’s Welcome Policy for those with difficulty paying for classes. (See attached information about the various programs offered as well as information on permits for Birthday Parties and Maple Cottage) They are at 78% capacity in the pool programming. There is a Family Tea Party on October 12, 1-3, fee $16.
Applegrove: Susan spoke about their programs for all ages, from infants to seniors, run throughout the complex. Go to www.ApplegroveCC.ca for more details. The After-School program has opened a new section in order to address the long wait list.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Louise reported that last year was very successful for fundraising, exceeding forecast revenue. With all budgeted items disbursed (except for 2 iPads), our balance is $6351. The council’s financial records have been transferred to Quicken, and the PSAB report required by the board will be generated with that software.
5. Principal’s Report
Beverly introduced the new team and spoke about her vision for the school’s direction. Work has begun on School Improvement Plan (SIP) goals, through planning and data collection, and staff committees. Duke’s SIP will align with the Board Improvement Plan (BIP).
Staff have already had a school-wide afternoon meeting session for prepping the pathways that will guide student success this term. Using the board’s “Growing Success” focus, staff will provide clear criteria to students for classroom learning goals.
Beverly apologized for the delay in the monthly newsletter distribution, but said that it will go out shortly, and that the paperless initiative in place will continue with electronic distribution. The school website is being updated.
The Kindergarten team has put some new procedures in place around student entry and safety. There are no EA’s in the classes this year, except for FI to assist with the busses.
Safety: Front door systems (ie. buzzer & camera) are required to be in place in schools by the end of September. Beverly will be addressing the flow of our multi-door access situation with our community partners. Applegrove is applying for funding for a door buzzer at the Woodfield entrance, and are implementing a sign in/out procedure. SH is a secondary fire exit route for the school and so that building access can’t be contained fully by the school. The team is working on a plan. Beverly also recognizes the community’s long-standing concerns with parking lot safety and traffic congestion in front of Duke and will be looking into possible solutions. The Caring and Safe Committee has already met, but no parents were in attendance.
Full Day Learning: FDK will be introduced at Duke next Fall and the planning is underway. Stay tuned for community consultation.
EQAO: Georgia is breaking down the data from our test results. This snapshot of student performance is used by the school, along with many other data sets, including testing via Model Schools, to identify trends and create support where needed. There will be a meeting October 2, 6-7 pm to discuss the EQAO results in more detail. (See attached/link)https://eqaoweb.eqao.com
Lunch Bins: John discussed the new procedure for student lunch bags. Bins for gr. 1-3 will be brought down to the lunchroom by teachers, so lunch bags can be collected in a cleaner, more organized manner. Gr. 7 & 8 students will return the full bins upstairs after lunch. Ann requested a parent volunteer to help with the bins at the beginning of the lunch period. Contact Ann through [email protected] Special Education: John gave a brief overview of Spec. Ed. supports.
6. Sub-committee Updates
Academics: Sara reported that the “Read Up” literacy program will be available for Duke primary students again this year, starting November 7 at Duke. More details to come. Contact Sara via the Duke SAC email for more info or to volunteer. (Great for teens’ volunteer hours!) Sara also reported that our PRO Grant application received $1000 for 4 parent workshops based on last year’s parent survey. Look for EQAO, Supporting your French Language Learner, Understanding Math, and Internet Safety.
Celebrating Diversity & Community Awareness: Maureen gave an overview of the committee’s activities.
7. All Other Business
A concern regarding crossing guards was raised. In particular, there is no guard at Dundas & Greenwood, a busy intersection. Sheila will expedite a meeting with 55 Division.
8. Sub-Committees
Aron went through the many SAC sub-committees organized by the council. Sub-committees are a great way for parents to have a meaningful voice. Sign-up sheets were available for parents. All sub-committees are required to supply minutes of their meetings to the Duke SAC Chair, for transparency and accountability.
Sub-committees:
Caring and Safe Schools
Eco
Santa’s Breakfast
Family Night
Fun Fair
Academics
Athletics
Spirit Days
CDCA
Parent Social
Nutrition
The TDSB mandates parent participation on the following 4 school committees: Caring and Safe Schools, SIP, Staffing, and Budget. Beverly will provide more details.
Next meeting: October 29, 2013, 6:30pm.
Link to the Ministry of Education’s School Council Guidebook:www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/council/council02.pdf
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
In Attendance: Beverly O’Brien (Principal), John Kyriazis (VP), Georgia Koziol (VP), Aron McGrath
(Co-Chair), Rebecca Johnson (Secretary), Nicole Herbert (Secretary), Louise, Rossi-Chan (Treasurer),
Claudia Filici-McMullan, Ann McKechnie, Maureen Allen-Doorley, Katy Dockrill, Sara Tropea, Karen
Uchic, Desiree Williams, Tracey Arsenault, Nikki Rudzik, Julia Purdy, Camilla Sutton, Nancy Wong, Tai
So, SJ Finlay, Ellie Arscott, Neil Gill, Jennifer Moses, Agnes MacKillop, Jennifer Mehew, Belinda Forrest,
Adrienne Tyson, Marie Snyder, S. Spencley, Nicola Mansworth, Suzanne Krupchyn, Eileen Buchholz,
Sabrina Bennett, Rita Camacho-Lomeli, Jim Valentine, Trisha Grter, Elaine Gauthier, Deborah Shore,
Victoria Bowman, Jenn Rowland, Shannon Miller, Ashley Hennessy, Victor Giourgus, Carol Cahill, Luke
McMillan, Diane Yang, Agnes Pietersma, Laurico Barnett, David Darling, Elena Sanjuan, Sydney Schultz,
Aimin Xu, Jessica D’Eri, Jane Sanders, Uyen Vu, Andrew Pyper (SH Armstrong), Ronda Murphy (SH
Armstrong), Susan Fletcher (Applegrove), Sheila Cary-Meagher (Trustee)
Regrets: Angie Law
1. Welcome
Aron called the meeting to order and asked for any other business to be added to the agenda.
2. Election
The Election committee was introduced: Julie Purdy and Camilla Sutton. Thanks to their hard work preparing for this election.
Beverly introduced herself and outlined the roles and responsibilities of the positions up for election. Camilla outlined the procedures for voting.
2013/14 Duke SAC Executive:
Chair – vacant
Secretary – Aron McGrath
Treasurer – Louise Rossi-Chan
Parent Reps – Sydney Shultz, Nikki Rudzik, Ellie Arscott
Ward Reps – Sara Tropea, David Darling
CPAC Reps – Desiree Williams, Luke McMillan
The vacant position will be advertised again. Beverly will arrange for the Teaching and Non-teaching staff reps.
3. Community Partner Updates
SH Armstrong: Andrew (Aquatic pgms.) and Ronda (Rec. pgms.) distributed information on the many programs available at SH, including expanded pool programs, and information on the city’s Welcome Policy for those with difficulty paying for classes. (See attached information about the various programs offered as well as information on permits for Birthday Parties and Maple Cottage) They are at 78% capacity in the pool programming. There is a Family Tea Party on October 12, 1-3, fee $16.
Applegrove: Susan spoke about their programs for all ages, from infants to seniors, run throughout the complex. Go to www.ApplegroveCC.ca for more details. The After-School program has opened a new section in order to address the long wait list.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Louise reported that last year was very successful for fundraising, exceeding forecast revenue. With all budgeted items disbursed (except for 2 iPads), our balance is $6351. The council’s financial records have been transferred to Quicken, and the PSAB report required by the board will be generated with that software.
5. Principal’s Report
Beverly introduced the new team and spoke about her vision for the school’s direction. Work has begun on School Improvement Plan (SIP) goals, through planning and data collection, and staff committees. Duke’s SIP will align with the Board Improvement Plan (BIP).
Staff have already had a school-wide afternoon meeting session for prepping the pathways that will guide student success this term. Using the board’s “Growing Success” focus, staff will provide clear criteria to students for classroom learning goals.
Beverly apologized for the delay in the monthly newsletter distribution, but said that it will go out shortly, and that the paperless initiative in place will continue with electronic distribution. The school website is being updated.
The Kindergarten team has put some new procedures in place around student entry and safety. There are no EA’s in the classes this year, except for FI to assist with the busses.
Safety: Front door systems (ie. buzzer & camera) are required to be in place in schools by the end of September. Beverly will be addressing the flow of our multi-door access situation with our community partners. Applegrove is applying for funding for a door buzzer at the Woodfield entrance, and are implementing a sign in/out procedure. SH is a secondary fire exit route for the school and so that building access can’t be contained fully by the school. The team is working on a plan. Beverly also recognizes the community’s long-standing concerns with parking lot safety and traffic congestion in front of Duke and will be looking into possible solutions. The Caring and Safe Committee has already met, but no parents were in attendance.
Full Day Learning: FDK will be introduced at Duke next Fall and the planning is underway. Stay tuned for community consultation.
EQAO: Georgia is breaking down the data from our test results. This snapshot of student performance is used by the school, along with many other data sets, including testing via Model Schools, to identify trends and create support where needed. There will be a meeting October 2, 6-7 pm to discuss the EQAO results in more detail. (See attached/link)https://eqaoweb.eqao.com
Lunch Bins: John discussed the new procedure for student lunch bags. Bins for gr. 1-3 will be brought down to the lunchroom by teachers, so lunch bags can be collected in a cleaner, more organized manner. Gr. 7 & 8 students will return the full bins upstairs after lunch. Ann requested a parent volunteer to help with the bins at the beginning of the lunch period. Contact Ann through [email protected] Special Education: John gave a brief overview of Spec. Ed. supports.
6. Sub-committee Updates
Academics: Sara reported that the “Read Up” literacy program will be available for Duke primary students again this year, starting November 7 at Duke. More details to come. Contact Sara via the Duke SAC email for more info or to volunteer. (Great for teens’ volunteer hours!) Sara also reported that our PRO Grant application received $1000 for 4 parent workshops based on last year’s parent survey. Look for EQAO, Supporting your French Language Learner, Understanding Math, and Internet Safety.
Celebrating Diversity & Community Awareness: Maureen gave an overview of the committee’s activities.
7. All Other Business
A concern regarding crossing guards was raised. In particular, there is no guard at Dundas & Greenwood, a busy intersection. Sheila will expedite a meeting with 55 Division.
8. Sub-Committees
Aron went through the many SAC sub-committees organized by the council. Sub-committees are a great way for parents to have a meaningful voice. Sign-up sheets were available for parents. All sub-committees are required to supply minutes of their meetings to the Duke SAC Chair, for transparency and accountability.
Sub-committees:
Caring and Safe Schools
Eco
Santa’s Breakfast
Family Night
Fun Fair
Academics
Athletics
Spirit Days
CDCA
Parent Social
Nutrition
The TDSB mandates parent participation on the following 4 school committees: Caring and Safe Schools, SIP, Staffing, and Budget. Beverly will provide more details.
Next meeting: October 29, 2013, 6:30pm.
Link to the Ministry of Education’s School Council Guidebook:www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/council/council02.pdf