General Lake Parent Council Meeting
Wednesday March 20th, 2013
MINUTES recorded by Mrs. Perras
Introductions
Attendance: Mme. Lacelle, Mme. Legault, Mme. Major, Mrs. Perras, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Bemister, Mrs. White, Mrs. Brown, Mme. Wiertel
Regrets: Mme. Lapierre, Mrs. Godin, Mrs. Moraweic
Minutes reviewed- motion to accept (Mme. Major), seconded (Mrs. Bemister)–motion passed
Agenda-motion to accept (Mrs. Allan), seconded (Mrs. Perras)- motion passed
none
Old Business
Mme Spencer (feedback for swimming, skating, curling) - Postponed until further notice
Field Trip
The council considers numerous ideas for the possible use of field trip funds if trips do not occur for 2012-2013 school year. Mrs. Wiertel proposes the idea of complimentary pizza lunches for students. Other ideas suggested include an open swim at DDH, presentation such as the Globe Trotters, participatory workshop, or an open movie showing. -
Members of the council will refine their suggestions and revisit this issue at the April meeting.
Teacher’s Wish List ( CD player, Projector)
Cd players have not yet been purchased and projector purchase is also still being researched.
Postponed until next meeting
Masc ( Aboriginal Experience / March 6th, 2013)
Feedback for Aboriginal Experience is extremely positive. The council strongly agrees that a repeat performance would be wonderful.
Feedback on Anxiety in Children and strategies
Feedback for the Anxiety in Children workshop is extremely positive. The event is considered a great success. Upon request, the information sheets provided by Mr. Lubimiv will be made available to parents.
Mme. Major will place photocopies in the front foyer and the blog and newsletter will inform parents that this information is available
Jer’s Vision (re-scheduled/ March 27th, 2013)
Mrs. Perras addresses the last minute change of date in the Jer’s Vision February performance and confirms the new date of March 27th.
Walk so they can talk ( May 5th, 2013)
Mme. Major outlines the Walk so Kids can talk event to the council. This event is organized by Kid’s Help Phone and is taking place in Ottawa on May 5th.
The council agrees to promote this ministry supported event via the school blog and synervoice
New Business
Treasury Report
Hot lunches continue to be an extremely successful program for the school.
The budget is presented. Motion to accept (Mme. Major), seconded (Mme. Wiertel)
Mme. Lacelle will look into the outstanding issues of the janitorial expense fee and GST rebate.
Mrs. Perras will forward the charity information for the Jer’s Vision donation to Mrs. Bemister.
Principal’s Report
i.Mme. Lacelle briefly outlines the new Safe Schools Act, an initiative to revise safety policies in schools. This includes the updated Safe Schools Incident Reporting form, policies in regard to expulsions and suspensions, and definitions of bullying.
ii.Mme. Lacelle is currently looking into booking two MASC performances, Greg Frankson and Celtic Raskillion, with possible dates in May and June.
iii.Mme.Lacelle notes that a repeat performance of Aboriginal Experience would be beneficial during the month of June to celebrate Canada’s National Aborigional day on the 21st.
Mme. Lacelle will look into A.E’s availability for the month of June
iv.Mme.Lacelle is looking for council input towards the use of the Outdoor Education fund. Some ideas put forth include the Research Forest, a GPS presentation, or having Algonquin Forestry students visit the school.
The council will consider ideas to put forth at the April meeting
v. Mme. Lacelle also requires ideas for the Positive School Climate grant, an initiative to encourage positive school environment. Ideas put forth include educational training for teachers, and bullying or safety training.
The council will consider ideas to put forth at the April meeting
vi.Mme.Legault reports on the great success of the Speak Up event. This event finished with a “Speak Off” and saw an outstanding student speaker progress to the finals at the Royal Legion.
vii.Information for the General Lake Science Fair is discussed. Judges from ACL will be in attendance as students from grade 2-8 present their experiments.
viii.The date for the Volunteer Luncheon is April 26th to coincide with National Volunteer Week April 21-27. For this event there will be a luncheon and tea as well as an assembly in the gym.
Organized by Mme Legault and GLPS Staff
The student volunteer lunch will be held on April 25th during the first nutrition break of the day. The council votes upon a meal of 1 slice of pizza per student, a drink, and fruit trays. Volunteers are required to assist in this event,
Mrs. Perras volunteers to assist Mme. Major. The budget for this event is unanimously agreed as being open. Mme. Legault will provide the list of volunteer names to Mme. Major for the certificates. Mme. Major will contact volunteers assisting with this event regarding plans.
ix.Mme.Legault speaks to the council about National We Day in Ottawa and the possibility of the council providing financial assistance to ensure that all 13 applicable students can attend.
Mme. Legault and Mme. Lacelle will determine if there is a need for this assistance.
x.Education week (May 6-10) events are discussed. The school will be hosting a Scholastic book fair. Mme. Lacelle asks council for recommendations on activities, for instance, MASC presentations.
The council will consider ideas to put forth at the April meeting.
xi. Earth Day (April 22) is also mentioned. Events are being considered presently, Mme. Legault mentions the possibility of an art show or recycling project.
School Council Survey (People of Education)
Mme. Major presents council members with a Survey regarding People of Education.
Request is made that surveys are returned by March 23rd.
Second Information Session (PRO Grant 2012)
Presently awaiting information from Mr. Lubimiv.
PRO Grant 2013-2014 school year
Mme. Major voices the idea of presenting a mini-survey to parents asking what type
of informative workshops they would like to see in the school for the 2013-14 school year. The council agrees.
Mme. Major asks the council to consider what member will field the PRO Grant planning for the 2013-14 year.
Mme. Major will send by email info regarding the Pro Grant Application. Application deadline for PRO Grant proposals is June 6th. A survey to go home should be sent by the end of April.
EQAO Parent Forum (March 23rd, 2013- Ottawa)
Mme. Major reminds council members of the EQAO Parent Forum taking place on the 23rd of March. This event is open to every parent wishing to attend.
Mme. Major has sent the invitation by email prior the meeting.
Assembly of School Council for Principals and School Council Chairs (March 27th)
All members have been forwarded information regarding the Assembly of School Council and are encouraged to sign up for this event taking place on March 27th.
Mme Lacelle, Mme Legault, and Mme Major will be attending the event.
Committee Reports
Fall 2013 Fundraising
The council must begin to decide whether to book our provider for the Fall 2013. Possibilities include Norcard and Lamontage.
The council is asked to present ideas and revisit the Fall fundraiser at the April meeting.
Public Comments or Questions
-Mrs. White brings up the End of Year party and Spring Fling. The council is asked to start researching ideas. Graduation is also an event which will need to be further discussed at next meeting.
To be discussed at April meeting.
-Mme. Major brings up parental concerns regarding the use of mini hockey sticks in the school yard.
Mme. Lacelle will forward her decision on this issue to parents.
The possibility of a Suggestion box in the front foyer is mentioned. The councils are all in favor of this idea.
Mme. Major and Mme. Lacelle encourage council members to volunteer their ideas or concerns for future meeting agendas.
Mme Lacelle approves this idea.
Mme.Major motions for adjournment, motion approved Mrs. Wiertel, 7:19pm.