Parent Council Meeting Minutes - March 5, 2014

Valleyfield Parent Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date:  March 5, 2014

Principal’s Message/Updates

• TDSB engaged in decision making re: staffing for al TDSB schools – decision near end of March re: staffing allotment
• Projected enrollment for Valleyfield is below current numbers – projections are lower than students currently enrolled – Ms. Drimmie-Miller is appealing
• Once staffing numbers are confirmed, Valleyfield can decide issues around space/combined classes, extra teachers hired or declared surplus.
• Once we have more information, a group of parents will be asked to be part of the staffing committee looking at possible school models for next year.
• March break begins March 10, 2014 with a return to school on March 17, 2014.
• Report cards went home with students and evening interviews completed
• Currently investigating possibilities for Grade 5 year-end trip
• Possibilities include Harbourfront, Centre Island or Camp Muskoka (if we can apply for a government grant)
• Ski day on March 4 was a great success
• Skating program was a great success with special thanks to Mrs. Vassilaros, Mr. Graydon and Ms. Rattner
• Need assistance taking skates to Lakeshore Collegiate to have skate s sharpened, then to assist in housing them in Room 106
• Skates to be sharpened, sorted and stored after skate night
• Will be spending some of the donated money to replenish skate supplies
• Staff continuing with professional development workshops – some attend on their own time and some attend during school time
• Visiting Artists will conduct ‘movement programs’ for all grades on March 26 and will include a staff professional development period.
• Clay workshop will occur for all grades – covered in part through an arts grant that the school applied for.  Some portion of the costs may be paid through the Engaged Students funds from Model Schools
• Ballroom Dancing program also taking place for Gr. 5 FI class
• Kindergarten registration occurred for 4 days in February – additional parents still calling in for registration.
• Second round of reading level assessments is taking place and will be compared with early testing for growth
• School Yard Greening – need tree stewards to assist with watering trees over the summer as 10 new trees are being planted.  If they do well, the school can get another 10, which will help with shade. 
• Jacquelinet o look into horticultural contact to assist over the summer
• Possible comic book workshop on April 10, 2014.
• Vision Clinic took place for students who needed glasses.  Fitting took place on March 5.  Glasses will arrive soon.
• School will continue with ECO focus – will increase ECO practices through reducing waste.  School is conducting hydro monitoring and the use of recycling – focussing on snack program and amount of packaging.
• Council recommends moving to paperless distribution of Valleyfield Voice.  Use stickers & email only.  Paper copies available for those without email or who need it.
• School was fined $1,230.00 for a false fire alarm pulled by a student.  Ms. Drimmie-Miller is appealing the fine for a second time.
• Upcoming events:
• Anti-Bullying Presentation
• Spring Play – to take place at either Scarlett Heights May 29^th
• TDSB is accepting nominations for teachers fr the Excellence in Teaching Award – for teachers who have demonstrated a commitment and dedication to upholding and instilling TDSB values within the schools and communities.  See the office for details to nominate a teacher.
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• Budget Update for 2013/2014
  Spring Parent Met & Greet with childminding included – childminding to be paid for by Model Schools – ask parents to bring snacks and perhaps include a workshop.
  
  
  Committee Updates
  
  
  Volunteering Committee Info/Updates
  • Trying to get some criminal record checks completed by the end of this school year to be ready to volunteer next year
  • Will ask for volunteers and help complete paperwork for criminal records check on curriculum night next year
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   PRO Grant Updates
  Ms. Drimmie-Miller looking into cost of “Sailing Through” workshop – was recommended that if the workshop is available to book it and utilize the funds to ensure that we will be eligible for the PRO Grant again.
  Venessa/Abdi to try to locate proposal completed last year for the PRO Grant.
  
  
   Family Skate Night – booked for April 16, 2014 at Weston Lions Arena.  Skate night to take place from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
  Volunteers will be needed to help carry skates to/from the rink and to assist students with finding/tying skates.
  
  
  Pizza Lunches – new schedule is being completed by Jacqueline – looking for some additional volunteers
  
  
  Fundraising – Dance-A-Thon
  This will the school’s main fundraiser for the year – Jacqueline confirmed Professor Jamz booked for April 11, 2014
  Ms. Drimmie-Miller to provide a schedule for class attendance
  Jacqueline to obtain sample flyer from Dr. Jamz – David to write up wording for flyer to be sent home
  Any donation of $25 is eligible for a tax receipt
  
  
  Movie Night
  Movie night to take place March 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm
  David to contact Queensway theatre re: possible popcorn donation
  Volunteers needed to assist with washroom monitoring
  David to create flyer
  Ms. Drimmie-Miller to look into bus for the evening
  Reviewed and agreed on potential titles
  
  
  Parent Engagement/Co-Chairs Breakfast
  
  
  Next breakfast to take place at Valleyfield – date and time to be confirmed
  
  
  Next Meeting – Thursday, May 1, 2014 – 6:15 pm.