School Council Minutes

Regency Acres Public School

April 16, 2008

Attendance

John Lester,  Cathy Martino-Porretta, Shelley Rose, Heather  Sulkers, Maggie Thompson, Suzanne Judges, Amanda Claveau, Terry Hampson, Laura Parkin, Kim Hosmer, Vicki Dietz

Regrets:  Mike Adams, Lisa Neiles, Lora Georgiou, Sue Roy, Larry Green, Celine Tremblay-Steffensen,

Guest Presenter:  Becky Knowles

Welcome

Amanda began the meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Approval of the Agenda

The agenda was approved as circulated.  The motion was made by Kim, seconded by Amanda and carried unanimously.

Approval of the School Council Minutes for February 19, 2008

The Minutes were approved as circulated.  The motion was made by Kim, seconded by Shelley and carried unanimously.

Old Business

Parental Involvement:  Kim reported that there was not a big turnout at the volunteer meeting held at the school, but interesting ideas were discussed, including a magazine fundraiser (see Fundraising Committee Report for details).

Financial Report (Report given to Council)

The bank balance (as of March 31^st) is $23,491.35.  Committed Funds total $21,524.70 and Uncommitted Funds total $1966.65.  The lunch program funds are accounted for in these numbers.  The new playground equipment should be arriving soon.

Principal’s Report

Technology:  Becky Knowles gave a presentation to Council on the use of the Smart Board in the classroom.  Hand-held “clickers” were used by everyone to respond to questions on the Smart Board.  This information can be used by teachers for assessment of specific “knowledge” skills.  Becky thanked Council for the teacher laptops that were purchased, which teachers use with the Smart Boards.

Homework Policy:  The current homework policy will remain in place, but John will add that teachers are encouraged not to assign “new homework” (work that has not been started in class) on Fridays.  Parents are asked to speak to specific teachers if they feel their child has been given too much homework.

Parking:  Becky has been in the parking lot in the mornings and has been giving notes to parents that are using the lot as a drop-off for their children.  This has led to an improvement in this situation. 

Staffing:  The following teachers will not be returning to Regency in September as they have other teaching positions with the Board:  Jeff Salhani, Kristi Damtsis, Andrea Taivassalo and Ms. Hodgson (she did not teach at our school as she was on maternity leave).  As a result, the following teachers will be at Regency in the fall:  Nadia McKinnon, Amy Ward, Heather Deckert and Adam Varma.  A notice will be put in the newsletter, informing parents that they have the opportunity to write a letter to John if they have a specific request for a “teaching style” for their child for next year.  There will be some split grades next year.  The timetable will change slightly, with periods of 50 minutes each.  The 30 minute morning recess and 60 minute lunch will continue.  The start and end times of the day have not been finalized, but probably won’t change.

Committee Reports

Fundraising

The Lunch Program has been going well, and orders for vegetables have increased.  Lisa will be running the Direct Donation Campaign this spring and John will talk to teachers regarding participation in the challenges.  For next year, the committee is still looking for a Fundraising Chair and volunteers to run the spring fundraiser.  Carolyn and Stu are planning to continue running the Lunch Program in September.  There will be a magazine fundraiser in the fall and Donna Bingham and Sherry Moody will be running it, in lieu of the Dance-a-Thon.  Information regarding this will go home in the next newsletter, and a display will be put in the foyer.

Environmental

Marianne and Michelle have resigned as Chairs of this committee, effective immediately.  Kim will thank Marianne and Michelle for all of their help.  We will be adopting Confederation Park for monthly and seasonal clean-up.  The school grounds can be cleaned up, but assistance is needed with cleaning up the school’s front garden.  Kim will put information regarding volunteers in the next newsletter and send out a bulk e-mail asking for help.  She will also talk to Andrea Sargeant regarding ideas.  School Council members are asked to let parents know that help is needed with the garden. 

Enrichment

The Math and Reading Clubs are almost completed.  Twenty-four students wrote the math tests today.  The Winter Arts Program was popular this year. 

Regency Kids Care

The committee may not have the garage sale again this year and may have a freezie sale at the Regency Track and Field Day instead.

Other

Shelley expressed her concern that “Grade 4 Rocks” will not take place this year and “Air Band” will not take place next year, as the students look forward to participating in these events.  John explained that teachers volunteer to run these events and they are looking at different options for a change.  The Intermediate teachers have talked to John about putting on a play next year, and if that is the case, than half of the proceeds from the play would go to Gr. 8 Fundraising.

Mail Bag

John has the School Advocate and fundraising pamphlets available if anyone is interested.

Vicki presented a cake and gift to Cathy on behalf of School Council as she will be going on maternity leave soon.  Cathy thanked Council for its generosity.  A replacement for Cathy has not been announced.

Adjournment

Amanda adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. 

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13^th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the library.