John English SAC – Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 10, 2016, 7 – 8:30 pm
Welcome 7:10 – 7:12
- Introductions not needed!
- Additional agenda items – no new or extra items
- attendance sheet completed
Principal Report 7:12 – 7:25
Mr. Howe
- Update on facilities: new boilers are in and working, electronic monitors will help to track any deficiencies, solar panels connecting to power vaults this weekend, power off this weekend, budget available for painting – looking at doing front foyer and some classrooms
- Instrumental music program working well; now have an additional string instructor on Day 1; allows coverage if one instructor cannot attend; also allows for more instruction in smaller groups; trying to ensure same class is not missed; some used saxophones purchased; flute donation; looking at purchasing some string instruments
- Progress reports out Tuesday, Nov. 15; interviews Thursday night and Friday morning (PA Day Nov 18); advised to be prepared for interview (15 min in length normally)
- French Immersion Info night (Nov 9); not many families attended due to our reduced catchment area; however still filling classes!
- Ward Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 15th at JE starting at 7 pm; childcare available with pizza making; topic is “Ask Me Anything” with some great guests
- Dec 7 – PA Day
- Dec 14 – Winter Concert – starting at 6:30 pm; will review timing to try and alleviate high crowds
- Dec. 23 – last day before holidays
- Jan 9 – back to school
Teacher’s Report 7:25 – 7:30
Mme Smith
- 11 staff members are participating in “Movember”; to raise funds for men’s health issues, The ‘John English Mini Mo’ team website is located at https://ca.movember.com/team/2253864 where weekly photographs will be posted of the team. Students can donate $2 to vote on best moustache; moustache day at the end of the month to raise awareness
- Remembrance Day ceremonies starting at 10:30
- Grade 6 students no longer have the option of leaving school property at lunch
- Extra-Curricular: Boys volleyball; girls volleyball, PALS, library help, computer club, LEGO robotics; Mr. Bowen opens classroom at lunch; 2 dance clubs
SAC Board Business 7:30 – 8:15
Programs
- Scholastic Book Fair – looking for volunteers! The following slots were available at time of meeting: 9:45-12 on Thursday Dec 1, Monday Dec 5 and Tues Dec 6; 11-12:30 on Thursday Dec 1, 2; Monday and Tuesday (11-12:30) and Wed Dec 7 (11-12:30 and 12:30-1:45). Book Fair open on the Tuesday until 7 pm and Wednesday until 5 pm – if anyone is available to volunteer between 3:15 and 7 on Tuesday and 3:15-5 on Wednesday that would be lovely.
Fundraising
- Fresh from the Farm – delivery is on Nov. 17 at 3 times: 10am-12pm; 3-4 pm, 5-8 pm; Friday morning also from 9-12; help needed for these time slots; notices on Friday update and website
- Food Bank getting 1548 lbs of produce!
- Revenue around $2000
- Poinsettia Sales – flyers home next week including Samko (Nov 21 start date) and FlipGive reminder; delivery will be on Tuesday Dec 6
- QSP fundraiser raised just over $3000
- Fundraising Contribution raised just under $3000
- Possible New Fundraiser with Toronto Marlies; ticket cost could range from $13-$24; Saturday or Sunday game (3 or 5 pm); will get more specifics for next meeting; will target proceeds to go to outdoor classroom
- Winter coats drive (winter wear); asking for donations of gently used coats, hats and mitts; collecting until Nov 30; donation box in front foyer
Enrichment Ideas
- Canadian Opera company; similar company is being looked at by school
- Kortright Centre –
- Artist in residence
- Evergreen – outdoor classrooms; teachers can attend development sessions
- Mathletics – comprehensive program; problem based approach
- NetMath – online math program; purchased by ministry; French avail
- Reflex Math –
- Looking at math programs for in-classroom use to extend the learning day
- Stress management instruction; health and wellness
Treasurer’s Report
- $10000 available to apply to wish list; tentatively slotted monies to various items; formal motion and vote to happen at January 12 meeting
- Deposits still to be done for latest fundraisers
- Teacher wish list items
- Math online game programs that some teachers are asking about (Reflex math, Mathletics, Net Math); not ready to make decision on these
- more musical instruments, music presentations; some used instruments have been purchased and/or donated, $3000 to be slotted here
- technology (3rd floor for grade 3, 4, and 5 classes); $3000 to be slotted here
- building a kindergarten/grade 1 outdoor classroom including a stage, play space and garden; $3000 to be slotted here
- grade 4, 5, 6 iPads
Open Positions
- SAC Treasurer – if anyone knows anyone who would be interested, the time commitment is minimal, please contact SAC via sacinfo@johnenglish.ca
- Ward Rep
- Canadian Parents for French Rep
- Health & Safety Rep
Other Business 8:30 – 8:35
- Special Guest – Pamela Gough attended meeting; past alumni
- PIAC – Parents Make a Difference conference; Sat Nov. 19; bussing available from LCI but need to register; lots of practical workshops; free child-minding
- newsletter sent out last week; add your name to email list; Trustee always available to talk to; http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward3/Ward3.aspx
- Tuesday Nov. 15 Ward Forum – many great guests attending; discussing latest changes to TDSB Learning Centres; talking about Equity Framework; pizza making for child minding; door prize!
- Last Ward forum well attended; concerned safe streets around schools; photo radar to be implemented around schools
Meeting Ends 8:45
Next Meetings – Jan 12, Feb 9, April 6, May 11
