School Council

Mission Statement

Our School Council is committed to enriching our children’s educational community and maintaining their enthusiasm as life-long learners. 

Our School Council

An active school council meets every second month (the last Thursday of the month at 7:15 pm) to discuss school programs, school policy, current educational issues and ways to enhance the educational endeavors of the school.  ALL parents are members of the School Council and are encouraged to be part of this advisory board.

2022/2023 School Council Executive

Chairperson - Renee Spelt

Vice-Chair -  Sarah Astles

Treasurer - Dawn Poisson

Secretary - Tracy Duckett

Fundraising - Krystal Prins & Maja Hagel

 

École James S. McCormick School Council Agenda

May 31 2023

7:15PM Ecole James S McCormick

Present: Renee, Krystal, Tonja, Maja, Melissa, Antoinelle, Tracy

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:18pm
2. Introductions
3. Krystal moved acceptance of the agenda.
4. Tonja S moved acceptance of the April minutes 
5.  Old Business
1. Sign Update - We need to find out if they are drilling holes or putting concrete blocks in. Renee will forward the questions to Kevin Henderson. The school will cover the extra $1500 and wolf creek will provide the cost of the installation.
2. BBQ update - Tried to put a bbq committee together but no one signed up.  They have reached out to sponsors to cover the food costs.  Red Apple is donating water and juice. No frills donated a $100 gift card; reaching out to sobeys’ to donate buns? DB bobcat is lending them the BBQ, it needs to be cleaned and propane filled when returned. Kraay may lend condiment pumps. Hot dogs and burgers. We still need parent volunteers for the BBQ, especially for someone to help BBQ. Send out a reminder or a text to remind people of the bbq.  Activities include:  Bean bag toss with hula hoops; bubbles; sidewalk chalk; water tattoos. BBQ will be set up on the A-den playground by the basketball hoop.  Families will be encouraged to bring camping chairs or a picnic blanket. Table set up for condiments (from JS).
3. Playground Committee- choice for all inclusive park to start with.  No one has stepped forward to form a committee for the playground. Renee found some grants that she will be applying for this summer for the playground. September Renee will come with playground options in the fall.  Krystal is going to look into getting things together to build a natural playground, but is wondering who would be able to build it. Krystal will also look into the cost of building one.
4. Kim FSLW - we will revisit her doing sessions in the fall.
6. New Business

• Positions open for next year  (fundraiser, treasurer) A few stipulations with the treasurer:  They need to be present at each meeting and to be in communication with the school council chair, so that payments are being made for hot lunch.  Perhaps the hot lunch person can be in charge of making the payments.  We are needing a new fundraiser person as Krystal is moving over to hot lunch. 
• Next year projects - input for various ideas  Looking for other activities of what other parents want to see (skits/ assemblies/ focused days).  Krystal wants to look into school swag to sell as a fundraiser.  If they purchase water bottles the water bottles should have names on it. Swag: Touques, mini mitts. Looking into setting a date for the bottle drive during the Parent/Teacher meetings 3:30-7pm for drop off. (First week of October)
• School Council Report  (successes, objectives etc) Email was sent to Antoinelle with the successes. Successes: White elephant sale/hot lunches/flowers/lacrosse/.
• Objectives: playgrounds/parents would like to see more plays/ trickster theatre/drumming/yoga/ sports/ fine arts week/hockey drills/ringette/karate/ inline skating. 
• Fun in the Sun- are we providing freezies again? Yes.  Rogers will find out the number of freezies needed, including ELUES students. Freezy station will be set up at the end of the B-den on the cement pad.

7. Reports

1. Trustee - No trustee is present.
2. Staff Report - The school is buying $6000.00 worth of drums and the music teacher is being trained in therapeutic drumming. The school is planning to have about three weeks next year that focus on cultural events. One is penciled in for late September with an FNMI focus, a second one is planned for winter with a French focus, and the third one hasn’t been finalized. Parents were asked to let the school know if they would buy supplies through the school again this year. Only 57 people responded which is not enough for us to move forward with the same plan as this year. However, we still want to simplify the school supplies for parents, so we are going to include some things in our current school fees (eg., all the various colours of duo-tangs) and ask parents to buy other items (eg., pencil boxes and earphones). School fees are not increasing for next year. It was brought up that the link didn’t work on phones so people had to respond on their computers and that might be why the numbers were low. Tracy said we learned from doing it this year that some things are better purchased for individuals (eg., pencil boxes and earphones) but the school will try building up what the school pays for, so ultimately there hopefully won’t be much the parents have to shop for.
3. Treasurer - Eastside eatery still needs to be paid. Profit cheque from Wolf Creek is still coming in.  The sign still needs to be paid for.
4. Fundraising- report is not available at this time. Fundraising options for next year will be revisited in September. (perogies/coupled with JS Ukrainian cultural event.) Council would like to access the kitchen once a month to bake things to sell, which would be included in the hot lunch program.
5. Hot Lunch - Krystal is going to take over hot lunch next year. Moving to once a week for hot lunch. Removing Ramen from the list. Talking to Leto’s about portion size. Broomtree (Croissant sandwich and Hero Bagels) and Milly Oak are other great options.  A donation to our hot lunch program for students that can’t afford hot lunch.

Upcoming Events

• Family Bbq (June 8: 5-7pm)
• Bottle Drive in September (save your bottles)
• Fun in the Sun (June 23: 12:45-3pm)
• Classroom Field Trips (watch for communication from teachers)
• Swimming (June 21 & 22) paid by council - Contact Kim Fraser at the Kinsmen Pool
• Year - End Assembly (June 29, 10am)

Adjournment was at 8:56.

Next Meeting Date: September 21, 2023

 

École James S. McCormick School Council Agenda

April 27 2023

7:15PM Ecole James S McCormick

Present:  Renée Spelt, Chandra Cooke, Sarah Astles, Krystal Prins, Kim McLean, Melissa Rogers, Tracy Duckett

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:21.
2. Introductions were made.
3. Acceptance of the agenda was moved by Krystal.
4. Sarah moved acceptance of the January minutes.
5.  Old Business
1. Front Sign Quote -  Sarah moved to spend $13,000 on new signage. Krystal seconded. Carried. Members voted by proxy.
2. Playground - A subcommittee is being formed for a playground on the A den. Krystal volunteered to participate. The May newsletter will ask for more volunteers.
6. Reports
1. Trustee - No trustee present
2. Staff Report - The FSLW, Kim McLean, presented on her role in the school and explained a plan for having parent nights on a range of topics at the school. She asked for support from the council. She will bring a budget proposal to the next meeting. Tracy asked for input on the idea of the school buying school supplies again. The school barely broke even, so we will increase the amount of money for a better cushion of supplies. It was mentioned there was a lot of support for it this year. Tracy wants to promote it now and have the supplies in the building before the end of the year. 
3. Treasurer - Current account balance is $28,500. 
4. Fundraising - The Aspen Greenhouse profit is $3239.89. There was a request to send out a Google form to find out if parents/guardians are interested in volunteering for any events and committees. It will be helpful to have a list of people to call on.
7. New Business

1. Read-A-Thon Winners: Kindergarten - Jace Bieleny. Grade One - Jasper Spelt. Grade Two - Maddy (Wald). Grade Three - Mianne Szerve. Each winner gets a $15 gift card to Chapters. Ms. Cooke’s class had the most involvement and will get an ice cream party.

2. Guest Speaker Crystal Haitsma - Parenting Coach May 9th. Topic is Creating connections through mindful parenting. Babysitting available, snacks and beverages available. 

3. Year End BBQ delegations for planning. June 8, 5:00-7:00. A planning committee is needed. The cost will be $1.00 per burger or hot dog and a drink. The theme will be Family Fair and include fun activities such as potato sack races, face painting, a selfie station with props, etc. 

1. Upcoming events - Field Trips, Family Bike Night, Lacrosse Alberta, Year-End Swim,      Swimming Lessons, Family Barbecue, Class Pictures
2. The meeting adjourned at 8:45.
3. Next Meeting Date - May 31, 2023 at 7:15

 

École James S. McCormick School Council Minutes

January 26 2022

7:15PM Ecole James S McCormick School

Present:  Renee Spelt, Krystal Prins, Dawn Poisson, Tonja Sigurdson, Maja Hagel, Melissa Rogers, Chandra Cooke, Antoinelle Leibel, Sasha Williams, Gifty and Noah Boakye-Yiadom, Jessical Cal

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:20pm
2. Introductions
3. Krystal moved acceptance of the agenda.
4. Tonja moved acceptance of the November 17 minutes.
5.  Old Business
1. Front Sign Quote - new quote, vote on sign options.

*The first quote - $14000 - Sign Masters - $500 with letters

* The second sign - with lights - Lancelot signs in Sylvan Lake

* The third sign without lights - $12000

Action item: Who pays the cost of the power? Have someone from Fortis come to give us a quote. Do we need lights? Solar option? What part of the sign lights up?

2. Playground - discussion with Catholic School

They will provide the playground and we will provide the land.  EJSMS would help with practical stuff - prepping the land.

Playground wouldn’t start until their school has been removed after the asbestos is cleared.  Father Lacombe has a grant of $250,000 towards a playground. School council wants to look into government grants. 

Action item: to do a few joint council meetings together with Father Lacombe?

When will the wooden playground get removed from our playgrounds? Who is removing them? Still waiting to hear back from ELUES in regards to their thoughts on playground location and if they approve this project? Looking into a school partnership with Bowden to build the playground?

Natural playground option? - Connect Renee with Director of Gull Lake Centre; Steve Roadhouse to view their new natural playground and find out costs; etc.

Insurance - to find out what it is we can do. Some of the playground equipment may not be safe. Would also be good to invite the Wolf Creek Safety & Wellness Coordinator into this conversation, in regards to safety.

Playground thoughts - ones with rock walls built in. Accessible playground is a priority. Accessible playgrounds require the rubber mats to be installed underneath. Boards that students can communicate with. Music sound options on the playground.

Noah and Gifty mentioned that the accessible playground is definitely worth the extra cost. Entertaining the thought of building a new accessible playground on the A-den. It would be a welcoming site for new families to see - and a great location with all of the sidewalks that lead to it.

You can apply to the Local CO-OP to donate to different community projects.

Echo Energy - look into grants.

$100,000 to install a new playground on the A-den.

Staff: Collectively look at the accessibility playground to choose from and choose 5-6 that stand out. Have students weigh in on what they think would be fun?

Start the process on Monday, February 27 - March 3, 2023

Pick the Playground week at EJSMS? (Staff & Students weigh in)

Just focus on one playground project at a time - not several parks at once.

Tonja put forward the motion to apply for a government grant through ECHO Energy. * All in favor.

We will come together on March 21, to discuss which playground was chosen.

3. Reports

• Trustee - Sarah is absent
• Staff Report - April Unkauf has been hired to replace Megan Drolet, grade two FI in the afternoon.  April is also supporting the intervention program in the mornings by releasing Nesta Morris and Carey Flewelling. Brenna Heistad was hired to replace Jennifer Westling in Kindergarten.
• Treasurer - update on account and where we are with funds. Report: As of December, our account is sitting at $24,000. We will get a check from the January hot lunches - so next meeting we will get another update.

Council is looking for a bookkeeper - someone who is unbiased and is good at balancing books. Last year, our accounts were not paid on time - so this year, Council is trying to fix things and get accounts paid off. Going forward everything will be more organized and bills will be paid on time. 

Hot lunch - having more parent helpers recruited - networking with other parents to get more help.  Setting up tables to sort it for the grade three helpers to pick up.

Parent helpers should aim to be at EJSM at 11am on hot lunch days to help set up and sort the food.

Council is thinking of simplifying hot lunches so that it is perhaps once a week, alternating from a Wednesday one week and a Thursday the next week.

Tonja made a motion that if they are not able to recruit more helpers that they will go to hot lunch only once a week on March 1st. Krystal seconds the motion.

Cooke shared the new policy of parents needing to contact the school by 10am on a hot lunch date if they would like their hot lunch to be held for them. If not it will be donated to our school lunch program.

4. Fundraising - current end dates, plan for the rest of the year

Crystal - Feb. 1st  is the end date for the cookies; (nut free and dairy free)

February - Little Caesars Fundraiser - Feb 15th - March 1st

March - no fundraiser

April - Aspen Greenhouse fundraiser - in time for mothers day

May - Fine Meats and Perogies?

June - 

A constant running gift card at one of Sobey’s or No Frills.

Talked about doing a country themed dance - our school is in charge of the dance part - Council would be in charge of the BBQ. We are looking at doing it in MAY as June will be busy with the implementation of the New Wolf Creek Report Card.

5. New Business

1. Read- A -Thon (March) Talking to Weidner motors about donating a book for students to have for the read-a-thon. We would promote Weidners.
2. Inclement Weather Presentation - tabled as per Tim DeRuyck’s direction.
3. Dr. Laura Markham Speaker (potential joint council speaker in March) - do we want to use the school council grant money for this https://www.ahaparenting.com/ Council discussing the option to use the $500 towards Dr. Laura
4. Potential Guest Speaker - Crystal Haitsma - Parenting Coach - $150 either in person or online. We can book her for one of our meetings. Make it a hybrid event - in person and online. Council is looking at April 27th to book Crystal to come to our April meeting. Tonja motioned to split the grant funds between Dr. Laura Markham and Crystal.  Maya seconded.
5. Parent Guardian Engagement Session - The school division is hosting a parent/guardian engagement session on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. It will be virtual. The Board and Superintendents' Team is seeking 2 representatives from our parent/guardian community for Wolf Creek's annual feedback engagement. Council members or anyone from the parent community is eligible. Melissa shared what the parent/guardian engagement survey is; how the survey will be sent out next week and that EJSMS will receive the results to guide professional practice. Tonja said she will attend.

6. Upcoming events 

          Chandra brought forward having the council provide meals for 3 nights of March    Portfolios.

           Maja motioned that they purchase the meals for all 3 nights. Tonja seconded the motion.

          Chilli/Chinese and Lasagna 

7. Adjournment  - Renee closed the meeting.

Next Meeting Date: All in favor of moving the Next Council meeting to March 21st at LCHS - Joint Council Meeting.  Everyone is in favor of moving it to that date.

 

École James S. McCormick School Council Minutes

November 17 2022

7:15PM Ecole James S McCormick

Present: Renée Spelt, Dawn Poisson, Gary Rice, Melissa Rogers, Tracy Duckett, Chandra Cooke, Brianne Rhodes, Maja Hagel, Antoinelle Leibel, Gifty Amakye, Krystal Prins

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:21. 
2. People in person and online introduced themselves.
3. Dawn moved to accept the agenda.
4. Brianne moved to accept the October minutes.
5.  Old Business
1. Front Sign Quote - $14,563.50 from Signmasters. Antoinelle will find out whether the magnetic letters are included, as there is some confusion as to whether they are. Renée is going to look into a signage place in Sylvan Lake to see if they build the kind we want. 
2. Playground update - At the last meeting, Brent Buchanan suggested Renée contact Kevin Henderson. He suggested the JS council contact the Father Lacombe School and the Upper Elementary School to see if their councils want to work together on envisioning new equipment. Father Lacombe will get money for their new school to have a playground, but they do not have much land. 
3. Screen time and added gym time update. 
   1. Screen Time - Tracy said she looked into what other schools in Wolf Creek do during lunch time and most reported the students have stories/videos online. JSM has a high level of supervision with one teacher responsible for one or two classes, as ensuring student safety is our priority. As the lunch eating time is assignable rather than instructional time, teachers are not obligated to provide any particular activities. JSM has a longer period of time for students to eat because teachers were finding students need that long to finish their food. 
   2. Melissa discussed the idea of doubling classes for PE periods with Wolf Creek’s Safety and Wellness Coordinator and Alberta Health’s Zone 4 representative. They expressed concerns about physical safety with having 40 to 60 students in the gym at one time, because they do not tend to have good spatial awareness and physical control at their age. As well, the volume levels are high with even just one class. Further, It would take away from time for coaching and correcting for individual students. It would also reduce the active time for each student if they have to take turns at an activity. Melissa also mentioned we are one of the few elementary schools in Wolf Creek with a PE specialist. Tracy reported that she added a third gym period for each class. In the past, teachers have signed up for extra time in the gym, but there is now an official schedule with a third period for each class. However, classroom teachers provide the instruction for this third gym time rather than the PE specialist. Melissa added that the 30 minute amount of time dedicated to active living each day is meant for focusing on wellness and healthy lifestyles, which can include going for a walk, stretching, and mindfulness.
6. Reports
   1. Tracy reported that Melissa Rogers is now the acting assistant principal until the end of the school year at which time there will be interviews for an assistant principal. To replace Melissa in the PE role, Jason Doyon was hired. Because he is French, PE will now be in French for the French Immersion students. 
   2. The glow dance was a huge success, with 634 attendees.
   3. The Alberta government has now announced there will be funding for literacy and numeracy interventions again this year. 
1. Trustee - No report.
2. Staff Report - 
3. Treasurer - No report. 
4. Fundraising - Fundraisers are doing well, but not as well as in the past. Information goes out in newsletters, email, and on Facebook. Antoinelle will add a message to the Swifty Snapshot to let guardians know they should give us a heads up if the ornaments are gifts and should not go home with students. 
7. New Business

• White Elephant Sale - We are in need of donations. Renée will post a request on the community Facebook page. They can be new or gently used. We are always short on men’s items. We still need volunteers. Antoinelle will add this information to this week’s Swifty Snapshot. 
• Photo Fundraiser - We can look at this option after Christmas. For example, if we have a spring hoedown, we can consider a photo option with a country theme. 
• Sidewalk Clearing - It is the City of Lacombe’s responsibility to clear school sidewalks of snow. The person has a hard time getting all the schools’ sidewalks cleared by the school start time when there is a big dump of snow. It was suggested anyone with concerns should contact their city councillors. As well, we have salt at each entrance. 
• Bake Sale Fundraiser - Guardians will be asked to donate baked goods for each day of the Christmas concerts. 
• Christmas Lights - The school requested the council provide funding for lights to be used as decorations at various events, including the bus for the Light Up the Night parade. The cost is $320.00. Dawn moved to pay for the lights. Maja seconded. Carried. 

8. Upcoming events 

• Crafts will be set up for each night of the portfolio walks. Renée will see if Painted Earth is interested in donating a raffle prize. 
• White Elephant Sale
• Concerts

9.   Adjournment was at 8:35.

Next Meeting Date - January 26 2023 7:15PM

 

École James S. McCormick School Minutes

October 20, 2022

7:15 PM

Present (some were online and some in person): Antoinelle Leibel, Chandra Cooke, Tracy Duckett, Renée Spelt, Ariel Miller, Dawn Poisson, Krystal Prins, Maja Hagel, Tonja Sigurdson, Jessie Wiart, Breanne Rhodes, Erin Kosola, Gifty Amakye, Brent Buchanan, Noah Boakye-Yiadom

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:20. 
2. Members introduced themselves. 
3. Noah moved to accept the agenda. Krystal seconded.
4. Breanne moved to accept the minutes from September. Noah seconded. 
5. Old Business
   1. Hot Lunch is going really well with the grade three helpers. Everything is distributed within about ten minutes. Renée asked that people keep advertising for more volunteers.
   2. Fundraisers - The ornament one is coming out on Monday and Mom’s Pantry is going out on November 1. 
   3. Portfolio Walk Family Activities - There will be a craft station in the art room with Painted Earth ceramics that they’ve donated. There will be an obstacle course. And the Scholastic Book Fair will be open. The portfolio walks are on November 28, 29, 30. 
   4. White Elephant Sale - Set up will take place on the 29th, and the shopping will take place on Nov 30, 1, and 2. 
   5. Library Update - The fact some students have library books and others have not yet checked books out was brought up. The principal explained that the library is now open, but the librarian has to be away at this time. However, the librarian left instructions for teachers to check books out for their students. She will find out if teachers need help with this process. 
6. Reports
   1. Trustee - Brent Buchanan reported that ten new students from Ukraine have registered for schools in Wolf Creek. The school division has been strengthening its partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic. Wolf Creek added an additional 2.3 teacher FTE to increase teachers in schools.The board chair met with the minister to discuss the new school in Blackfalds and about replacing James S. McCormick School in the future. There is no information on when this might happen. The school division has a committee working on a new division wide report card for K to 6. The division office will be sending messaging to all the families. 
   2. Staff Report - Chandra did a presentation on the STEM projects she has been doing with her class in the learning commons. Karen Gustafson said the Christmas concert theme will be Sounds of the Season. This will be the first performance for almost all our students because of closing down through COVID. The concerts will be at 10:00am and 2:00pm on four different days in December. The two overlapping Kindergarten FI classes were brought up and it was reported things are going very well. The decision to add a full day option was made close to the end of last year due to low enrollment. Many more students were registered as a result of the full day option. The principal said she’d be asking for input in the spring when it is time to determine whether to run two full day programs or one full day program and one half day program.
   3. Treasurer - Dawn signed up for the school council email but has not received any emails yet.
   4. Fundraising - Krystal asked how many fundraisers we should have, and we talked about doing a spring fundraiser such as little caesars, cookie dough, Golden pepperoni and beef jerkey, Vesseys, grocery cards, or maybe gift cards through one of the local greenhouses (eg., Aspen or Patio Garden).
7. New Business
   1. Lunch supervision - It was asked whether there could be less screen time during lunch eating times. There was a misunderstanding that movies were put on for students to watch, then they were left unsupervised. The principal explained that there is a teacher in every classroom while the students are eating for the sake of safety and to monitor their conversations and behaviours. Sometimes one teacher has to monitor two classes; when a teacher has been on supervision and is eating her lunch, the partner teacher across the hall supervises the two classes. Chandra showed the council members the types of things she shows students (such as science shows to promote curriculum) and said she generally shows something a couple times a week. The principal said she would pass on the message to teachers to consider total screen time throughout the day because there are portions of time when computers are used for instruction as well. 
   2. Morning supervision - There was a question about how students know who the supervisors are, so Chandra modeled the bright orange vests worn on the playground. It is easy for students to identify supervisors.
   3. Access to the school in the mornings and after school - It was explained that supervisors allow students into the school in the mornings if they have to go to the bathroom. As well, there are people at the front doors who can help anyone who comes to them. There are a few staff members out at the end of the day; if a student needs to get in the building there is someone at the back of the school (C den) until 3:30 and there is a bell at the front door in the event there is no one there.
   4. Portfolio walk meals for staff members - Tonja moved to spend $600.00 or match last year’s amount, whichever is greater. Breanne seconded. Carried.
   5. Front Sign Proposal - An idea for a sign was shared with the council but we have not yet received an amount. 
   6. Field Trips - Teachers determine where they go.
   7. Daily Gym Classes - It was asked whether classes could have more gym with Mrs. Rogers. Tracy explained the school is only given a certain amount of money for a PE specialist and we have to fit classes into the time allotted. It was asked if classes could double up, and Tracy said there were concerns for student safety with 40 to 60 students in the gym at one time. However, she will ask Mrs. Rogers to find out if there are guidelines regarding the number of students allowed in a specific square footage at one time. 
   8. Alberta School Council Engagement fund - The Government of Alberta is providing $500 for the council but there are guidelines as to how the money can be spent.
8. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35pm.
9. The next meeting date is November 24, 2022 at 7:15.

École James S. McCormick School Minutes

September 29, 2022

7:15 PM

Present (some were online and some in person):

Antoinelle Leibel, Chandra Cooke, Tracy Duckett, Renée Spelt, Sarah Astles, Dawn Poisson, Krystal Prins, Maja Hagel, Tonja Sigurdson, Jessie Wiart, Leah Steenveld, Erin Kosola, Edgar Salazar, Ligia Soto

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:23. 
2. Members introduced themselves. 
3. Krystal moved to accept the agenda. 
4. Renée read the minutes aloud so those online were informed. Sarah moved to accept the minutes from May 2022.
5. Old Business
   1. Sidewalk update - This is the time of year for requesting major projects, so Tracy will include a request for 
   2. Playgrounds - Tracy will ask Father Lacombe where their new playground will be located. She will also find out when the wooden structures are being taken down. She will also find out when the new JSM school is being built. It was suggested we look into grants. 
   3. Summer literacy and numeracy kits - Tracy asked if the council wants to contribute to the cost of the kits. Krystal moved that council contribute $1000.00 to the cost to reimburse the school. Sarah seconded. Teachers will be asked to ask parents during their October meetings whether they played the games over the summer to give us an idea of whether the kits were useful. 5 in favour, 3 opposed. Carried.

6. Reports
   1. Trustee - No trustees were present.
   2. Staff Report - We were able to make another class to reduce both the grade two and three classes. Tanya Baril, Megan Drolet, Erin Kosola, and Charlotte Parton are new staff members. Government testing has been completed for this year, and we are hopeful we will get money for teachers to provide literacy and numeracy intervention. Tracy explained the library is transforming to a learning commons. A school team has been working on redesigning the space and the way the library part of it will funcion. Heidi Scharf has taken over the responsibility of the books. 
   3. Treasurer - Dawn Poisson volunteered to perform this role. Maja moved to accept Dawn as treasurer. Tonja seconded. Carried.
   4. Fundraising - See the volunteer section below.

 

7. New Business
   1. Volunteers are needed for hot lunch events and fundraising. Maja, Krystal, Tonja, and Ligia offered to help. The restaurants usually have the food very well organized and divided into classrooms. Dawn moved that Krystal and Maja be accepted as coordinators for the fundraising events. Tonja seconded. Carried. Renée will create one or more email accounts for the school council. For example, there might be a fundraising email vs a general email account.
   2. Hot lunch orders are closed until January now.
   3. School supplies - Tracy reported that the council’s idea for providing an option of parents paying the school to use the school’s supplies was a big hit. A lot of people accessed the option, and it is anticipated it will continue to grow. 
   4. Fundraising ideas include frozen cookie dough and pizza dough, a bake sale, wreaths and Who trees, as well as Mom’s Pantry. An ornament purchasing idea was suggested during the meeting. Tonja moved to use this idea as a fundraiser. Sarah seconded. Carried. The school will advertise for White Elephant Sale items to start coming in right after the Thanksgiving weekend.
   5. Kick off family event - Renée suggested we host family nights such as Painted Earth ornaments, bird houses, plant seeds in the newspaper nests. Maja moved the school council hosts a family night event during November portfolio walks. Sarah seconded. Carried.

8. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20.
9. The next meeting date is October 20, 2022 at 7:15.