May 14th meeting highlights

Thank you to everyone for coming out!


Dance-A-Thon update:

• One of the easiest fundraisers to run (and fun for the children to participate in)
• We raised approximately $1400 for the school!

Treasurer role:

• The official treasurer role involves financial reporting (for audits) and a lot of effort.  (Much greater responsibility than just "counting money.")

Parent Council planning for next year:

• We can bring recommendations (of perceived pros and cons) to next year's council with respect to future fundraisers (like the Dance-A-Thon) and Parent Council structure (what to do about the treasurer role.)

CPAC Parent Academy Conference:

• Model Schools for Inner City Schools offered an "apology" breakfast to those parents who were unable to attend the CPAC conference due to confusion around transportation.
• Encouraging that so many parents are interested in coming out to meetings and getting involved.
• While this was not the first conference for parents hosted by CPAC (and attended by Valleyfield parents), this was the first "by parents for parents" conference.

Parent Reaching Out (PRO) Grant :

• The Parents Reaching Out Grant is available to schools to provide a service of value to the parents in the school community.  The grant is up to $1000.
• The review for this year's implementation of the PRO Grant (Internet Safety Workshop) is due soon.
• Previously, Valleyfield has applied for the grant and used the monies for the creation of a lending library and inviting speakers in for topics like bullying and discipline (last year's topic).
• Michelle has met with Abdi to discuss ideas and will meet with Mrs. Black to work on a proposal for next year.  (One idea: a workshop to better inform parents about how to navigate the education system.)

S'Cool Life FUNd for 2013-2014:

• The S'Cool Life FUNd is currently accepting applications for grants for the 2013-2014 school year
• Sabine worked with Ms. Lewis and Mme. Henri to create a submission for Valleyfield.
• Thank you for your hard work!

Extracurricular sports:

• Because of the Labour Relations issues during this school year, our extracurricular offerings were not what we've typically seen.
• The teachers were given permission from their union to restart extracurricular activities last month. 
• The teachers had to commit to an "intention to participate" process by April 8th, in order to create a school team.
• Unfortunately, many of the teachers who would normally coach sports were unable to commit at that time.
• A teacher is required to supervise the activity, even if a parent is willing to coach.
• It should be noted that running extracurricular activities is NOT part of a teacher's job.

Community Centre Activities at School:

• Needs to be requested by parents.
• Parents interested need to visit with the Principal to find out what can be done (sports, tutoring, etc.)
• School is not responsible for these types of activities (outside of instructional time).
• Community partners (like YMCA, Scouts About, religious organizations etc) need to get a  "permit" to use the school building (to cover legal, insurance issues etc).
• Requires community partnership (possible financial help from government, through grants, TDSB).
• Approximately 90% of the school population is bused to school.  Historically, parents unable to come for pick-up, car-pooling attempts have been unsuccessfuly in the past.
• Previously tried setting up homework clubs in the apartment buildings, but legal / insurance issues were a show-stopper.
• To progress this, require a committed group of people willing to participate and put the effort in to make it happen.
• Leadership needs to come from the Parent Council.
• Investigate the possibility of creating partnership with Kingsview Village for afterschool acivities?
• Mrs. Black to put a note out to the community to set up a meeting specifically for this issue.
• A core group of 5-6 parents can make this happen.

Model Schools for Inner Cities:

• This year offered a First Aid / CPR course.
• Upcoming Food Handling workshop.
• Can get "police check" done at a reduced rate ($15.75) through TDSB if volunteering at a school.
• Takes up to 8 weeks to process.
• Volunteering gives experience for job hunting.

Trip for Graduating Classes:

• As is tradition, Parent Council will be helping to sponsor the trip for the graduating classes.

Playscape Safety:

• In February, safety issues were noted with the wooden playstructures (both kinder and primary / junior).
• Work orders have been placed.
• Last month, the issue was brought up to the Superintendent.
• Concerned parents to raise issue with Chris Glover.

Teacher Appreciation Lunch:

• A potluck where the parents provide a special lunch to show the teachers how much we appreciate all they do for our children.
• Donations of money or food are welcome.
• Need to get permission to use the library for this purpose.
• Need to send note to parents letting them know the children will be having a single lunch that day, starting at 11:15am.
• Sarah and Michelle coordinating.
• To take place on Thursday June 20th.

Valleyfield Parent Council e-mail account:

• Hilltop Parent Council has one.