Valleyfield School Council Minutes of October Meeting

Valleyfield Junior School

Minutes of School Council Meeting

October 15, 2015

The meeting commenced at 6:05pm with a welcome from School Principal, Michelle Drimmie Miller.

Principal’s report

Because of diminished numbers from 314 to 278 students, there was a reorganization of the 4 kindergarten classes to 3 kindergarten classes.  14 kids were re-allocated as a result.  Ms Vokrri has taken a leave of absence and Ms. Kondziolka has moved into her class.  The children are settling in nicely – it was a smooth transition. 

Gabbie, a student in Mr. Tair’s Grade 6 French Immersion class, entered Valleyfield into a Family Channel contest for an anti bullying workshop, and her written  submission was chosen!  Valleyfield was chosen because of the great job Gabbie did of writing up the many initiatives Valleyfield has put in place to help children with the issues around bullying and behavior. As a result, on October 23, Family Channel will be coming to Valleyfield to conduct the anti bullying Pep Rally and they will film the children with stars of the Family Channel.. Thanks to Gabbie for making this happen for Valleyfield!

Three school clubs are currently taking place – cross-country, choir (primary and junior has combined) and reading club.  There will be a math club for Grades 5 and 6 starting next week. 

Next week a golf pro will be coming to give a one time golf lesson during gym class for Grades 3 and up.

CUPE and Elementary Teachers Federation are currently on work to rule. Ms Drinmie Miller is currently awaiting direction on the writing of fall progress reports. -No update can be given at this time.

There is a PA day on November 13.

Update on budget.  The school budget contains fixed expenses (telephones, photocopies, stamps etc.) and variable expenses which includes consumables (craft material, toys, outdoor equipment, text books). A portion is allocated to Core French and French Immersion.  Another portion is allocated to numeracy, literacy, language, and field trips (bus cost). Another portion is allocated to special events (movie nights, referees for sports).  $60,768 is the full year operating budget for 2015/2016, however a portion will be clawed back due to reduced enrolment.  A bonus of $5,000 was received for technology to upgrade computers.  Mini iPads will be purchased for the grade one classes.  The allocation of funds is governed by the priorities established in the school improvement plan.

A “buddie bench” has been purchased for the playground.  It will be available once the story of the Buddy Bench has been shared with all students.  It will be a place for children to go when they are looking for a friend or for someone to play with.

Because of work to rule, the teachers have been unable to meet and make a plan for the school year.

Teacher report
Talent show will be in December before the Winter Break.  Kids from Grade 1 to 6 will be auditioning next week.  There was been a lot of interest so far. 

Community Support Worker report

Abdi is no longer Valleyfield’s support worker, it is now  Kofi Sankofa.  He could not attend the meeting because of work to rule, however provided a written report to Ms Drimmie Miller. 

Mr. Sankofa is recommending the following for Valleyfield:

1.       A “Community Transportation Safety Committee” comprised of parents and supported by Mr. Sankofa;

2.       Three “Meet and Greet” sessions per year at Valleyfield for parents to get to know each other;

3.       A Community Table at Valleyfield or a bigger community bulletin board for parent resources;

4.       A Math Strategy Night for parents and students to fulfill the Parents Reaching Out Grant that was arranged in 2013/2014 and postponed.  Mr. Sankofa will arrange with Trevor Brown, Math Specialist and advise of a date.  Ms. Drimmie Miller has asked Kofi to make the contact with Mr. Brown as the workshop was originally scheduled for 2013 and at the last minute Mr. Brown was unable to attend.

5.       School Council Executives may wish to attend an information session for school council finances at West Humber CI on October 21 from 6:30 to 9pm or at Kingsview Village on November 5 from 6:30 to 9pm.

We can contact him at any time if we have any comments or questions. Kofi Sankofa 416 998-1404 kofi.sankofa@tdsb.on.ca

Ms. Drimmie-Miller added that through Model Schools money, Valleyfield has received an intensive reading program - Targeted Literacy – intentional literacy learning.  It has just arrived and will be used in SK and Grade one.

Chairperson’s Report

Jason Martin, New Chairperson was late because of traffic, he introduced himself and welcomed the group.

Mr. Martin sent a letter home to parents yesterday outlining some initiatives for the upcoming school year.

Mr. Martin reported on the following:

1.       Mr. Martin has been visiting Islington/Dixington bus stops to engage with parents.  Through feedback from parents, there appears to be a number of issues with bussing. Mr. Martin recommended that a sub-committee be formed to deal with transportation to/from Valleyfield.  Other ideas are to build a bus shelter for Islington students and to get an earlier bus for Islington.   There seems to be problems with parents and children jumping in the queue to get on the bus, and this has led to some hard feelings amongst parents.  It was suggested that a volunteer with a work vest be recruited to assemble the children in an orderly fashion to board the buses and have the parents stand back.   Mr. Martin made a motion, which was seconded by Patricia, with no one opposed, to form a Transportation Committee to assist with Valleyfield busing concerns.  The motion carried.

2.       Mr. Martin indicated his willingness to see after school programs started at Valleyfield.  He will work with Ms Drimmie Miller to secure a day and time for such programs, and to find parent volunteers to assist with the running of the programs.  Some of the programs suggested by Mr. Martin are: sign language, music and cooking.  He would like to see a program run for five weeks, and then a different program start immediately thereafter. Mr. Martin’s wife has offered to teach an English class to adults and children.  Ms Drimmie Miller added that Robotics and Scouts About programs will be offered again this school year, along with various additional clubs and sport teams.

3.       Mr. Martin indicated that the School Advisory Council should be organizing a “Teacher Appreciation Day”.  He will be asking for volunteers for this event.

4.       Mr. Martin stressed the importance of setting a date for the Dance A Thon.  As a result, the date has been set for Thursday, February 11.  Mr. Martin will get in touch with the DJ “Professor Jamz” to schedule the booking.

5.       Mr. Martin made a motion that the Executive Council, together with Ms Drimmie Miller draft a Valleyfield School Council bi-laws to be reviewed at the next school council meeting.  Seconded by:  Renee .  None opposed. Motion carried.  Ms Drimmie Miller has offered to provide a variety of samples from other schools to assist the Executive Council.

New Business

Patresia Bartley suggested a raffle to raise money and has offered to take on the raffle and seek donations of gifts for the raffle. Thank you Patricia!  Date for the raffle has not been set.

Patresia Bartley brought to the attention of Ms Drimmie Miller a notice from CPAC stating that as of September 1, 2015 schools could no longer charge for snack programs. With further reading it noted that funding was to be asked for as a contribution not a charge for each month.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35pm.

Next meeting date: Thursday, November 26.