School Council Minutes January 12, 2009
January 12, C.H. Bray School Council Minutes (approved February 09)
Meeting attendees: Lisa McHarg, Candice Baxter, Bhavisha Morphet, Andy
Thake, Sarah Thake, Gus Arruda, Doug Dunford (Principal), Tracy Carnegie,
Tracy McMurter, Martha Creton, Debbie Morrow, Lori Gregory-Williamson,
Vanessa Seto, Sharon Coleman, Leslie Masse’, Mark Torsantucci(Teacher),
Leigh Vyn, Nancy LaPointe, Kelly Russell, Patsi Hunter, Sarah Wallace,
Michelle Webb, Sylvia Henry, Sheri Norton, Sunila Melanson, Denise Neutel,
Stacey Sparling, Rikki Gross, Charmaine Underwood-Graham.
Rick Esselment(ESSE)
HWDSB Members: Kevin Morton, Corey Boyle, Scott Sincerbox, Don Hall,
Jackie Penman
Call to order 7.05 PM by meeting chair - Leigh Vyn
Leigh Vyn welcomed all. She explained that this meeting would be addressing
the Air Quality Updates before continuing with agenda items.
Leigh introduced Rick Esselment whose firm ESSE Environmental Health conducts IAQ investigations and sampling for institutional, commercial and residential clients. He has worked as certified public health inspector with the Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Units.
Mr. Dunford introduced HWDSB members: Kevin Morton, Corey Boyle, Scott Sincerbox, Don Hall, Jackie Penman. Thank you for attending.
Leigh provided an update to events regarding the air quality of our school. On November 19-21st, 2008 the board came into the school to test the air quality. As was reported in our December 8th parent council meeting, the results came back showing the air quality was within acceptable limits. On December 13th, they sent their full report to the school. Upon review of this report, it did confirm that the air quality was within acceptable ranges, but also showed many deficiencies and repairs that were required within the school.
Due to the following concerns, a secondary meeting was convened to discuss:
• How to interpret not only these results, but also what guidelines
were used to determine acceptable levels;
• A number of areas of discolouration were noted on the report indicating
that further investigation was required. Were these areas mould, and
if so, should we be concerned;
• How were these repairs (and any repairs in general) being conducted,
and were they conducted using acceptable protocols
• Should additional sites within the school be tested given the results
Leigh explained that, given these concerns, after reading the final report, we felt it imperative that we meet immediately to decide whether the situation warranted an outside, neutral, opinion.
There was no attempt to exclude anyone, however, there were several factors that required parents to formulate a response to the board report quickly. First, the time constraints of the impending holidays; second; the board was planning on retesting sites early January; and finally, several board representatives were planning on attending the January 12th Council meeting. To review next steps and provide a well formulated response to the board, several parents felt it was necessary to hold a meeting to discuss a plan of action. On December 15th, a parent meeting was held at the home of a Bray parent; Rick Esselment was invited to provide a synopsis of his background and what next steps he could assist with in terms of providing a third party opinion.
The purpose of the meeting with Rick Esselment was to gather information from an objective, educated source who could provide us answers to the above questions, as well as provide guidance on how to move forward.
Leigh pointed out that Rick's report showed that there are no existing
environmental heath hazards identified requiring immediate action relative
to mould contamination, asbestos materials, or any other indoor air
quality contaminants, and for that we are all happy. The goal of this
exercise was by no means whatsoever to find something wrong with the
school so that it would have to be closed. The purpose is to ensure
that our children are safe. To quote a line from Rick's report, "good
indoor air quality is one of the many factors that contribute to a favourable
learning environment for students, performance of teachers and staff,
and a sense of comfort, health and well being." There is more to
air quality than simply meeting acceptable levels that are deemed safe.
We as parents are relieved that the current conditions don't pose an
immediate threat to our children. But we want to ensure two things:
• that this remains true for as long as our children, and any other
children, remain in this building.
• that the indoor air conditions are as best as they can be to promote
a healthy learning environment.
The conclusion found in Rick's report are those tailored to ensure that
the conditions in the school don't deteriorate to become an issue for
our children. Many of them focus on developing policies, procedures
and protocols for maintaining the school -- and ensuring that these
are followed. Safety does not necessarily mean comfort, and it is reasonable
to strive to achieve safety and comfort within the school learning environment.
As we've heard numerous time, the school may be prohibative to repair,
but it's not prohibitive to maintain. Many of Rick's solutions are cost
effective ones that will promote the health of the school and our children
now and in the years to come.
Mr. Esselment said that he had reviewed the data provided from the
school board inspection reports. He found there were/are thermal comfort
issues according to the Occupational Health Act. This may be related
to the low relative humidity found in the school building. Symptoms
of low relative humidity mimic those of allergies and adverse reactions
from fungi and mould- scratchy, watery eyes, nose bleeds, etc..
There are high ventilation rates in the building. The Water Staining
may be from condensation on the plastic vapour barrier. If not resolved
effectively, it can lead to repeated staining.This has a potential for
mould growth. On the inspection from the HWDSB, this work protocol was
not regarded as a mould remediation job or mould contamination job.
This brings up the question of how the board decides whether or not
to deal with these issues as potential mould contamination jobs.
The action plan provided from the Board is unsatisfactory:
•Humidifiers are not an option because of the the size and age of the
building.
•Thermal comfort - thermal hydrometers hygrometers to measure / monitor
relative humidity (Cost $20)
•Review cleaning practices – Investigate having hepa filter vacuums
•Dehumidifying units- review protocol – what happens during the summer
and other unoccupied periods - what are the settings for school closure
times.
•Thermal insulation repair- when repairs are done, do the jobs need
to be contained and sealed?
•No immediate health hazard; however, in terms of future work, what
protocol and steps will be taken to ensure safety and comfort of staff
and students?
•Recommendation of temperature hikes: With increased ventilation rate
to heat air, the air inside could feel drafty, this is perhaps why the
thermomters were set at high temperatures in an attempt to heat this
cold air - however this makes the relative humidity drop even further,
thus exacerbating the problem.
Mr. Boyle responded by saying that they do take notice of all information
provided from the school.
He also feels it is important to make the school an environment to promote
healthy learning.
Kevin Norton responded that there needs to be an investigation into
how the air is retained at night, as this may be drying out the air.
That caretaking staff are trained to understand the system. No specific
action plan was outlined, but the process of educating the caretakers
is ongoing and underway.
Scott Sincerbox- thanked Rick Esselment.The board is committed to create
a conducive learning environment. There was an inquiry about whether
there is an assessment protocol that the board uses.
Regulated substance team is called in as required, based on assessment
of need by board staff. The actual portable inspections are completed
by an outside contractor who identifies areas for further investigation,
which is apparently then done by board staff to determine if the Regulated
substance team is required.
Question about whether animal feces were considered during the repair.
Corey Boyle stated that, in his presence, nothing was noticed –
The board will provide a written response to Rick’s report in time for the next Council meeting on February 9th 2009.
Move to Accept 12 December Minutes
Move to accept December minutes. Tracy Carnegie -put the motion forward.
Kelly Russell seconded the motion. There were no additional questions.
All voted in favour of accepting December minutes.
Move to Accept Emergency Meeting -15 December Minutes
Leigh Vyn again apologised for the way in which this meeting was convened. The whole voting membership of C.H. Bray parent/caregiver community was not informed about the meeting that took place to help understand and make a plan of action for the air quality work and investigation in the school.
There were concerns about having meetings that the total membership
did not know about, so to avoid that happening again, suggestions given
were:
• Email all voting members if a meeting is being held where a Council
vote may be taken, or
• Email voting members to get their position on a motion being put forth.
This could perhaps take place when a discussion has already taken place
in a regular ocuncil meeting, but a vote was not conducted.
These were accepted as solutions, and in the future, all meetings outside of regular council meetings, where a motion will be presented, will be communicated via e-mail to all parents who have provided an e-mail address.
Concern was also raised about whether or not quorum was met which is needed in order to hold a vote. It was confirmed that the required quorum of ten people was met, so a vote and decision could be made.
Move to accept 15 December minutes. Stacey Sparling -put the motion forward. Nancy LaPointe seconded the motion. There were no additional questions. 1 voted “no”, 3 abstained. 10 in favour.
Item brought forward from December meeting:
Vote to Fund BlueSpruce/SilverBirch program
Mr. Dunford explained further that this is an extra-curricular book
club that takes place at lunch hour for the juniors during class for
the primaries. Children read the books and vote on which they think
is the best for the season. Once used, the books are put into the library
and classrooms for general use. Books are purchased for Junior (Grades
4-6) initially for the extra-curricular book club and then used in the
classes as needed. The books purchased for Grades 1-3 are essentially
read-alouds and read to whole classes by the teacher. These books are
also retained in the school for future use.
The Junior programs take place during the lunch hour and during classroom
time for the Primaries. Once used, the books are placed in the school’s
Book Room to be used by any teacher at any time.(The School Council
donation is $500 in total, as we sponsor half. The school budget puts
forward the other $500.00 for a total of $1,000 for the programs).
There was a previous question regarding how many of the children use
this program.
Mr. Dunford confirmed that 40 of 120 juniors or ⅓ of students in the
junior grades participate. In the primary levels, the books are read
out loud in the classroom, so all of the primary students benefit here.
There was a question regarding why this is not part of the curriculum.
Mr. Dunford explained this is beyond the reading leveled books from
the book room shared by all the teachers. This program is also above
and beyond what is provided for by the in-class libraries. He also noted
that the schools’ budget does have money to give towards this program.
Motion to fund $500.00 toward Blue Spruce and Silver birch program (total
cost of both is just over $1000). Stacey Sparling put forth the motion,
which was seconded by Sheri Norton. 16 in favour, 0 opposed, 1 abstain.
Treasurer’s Report
Approximately $11,092.00 is currently in the account, with approximately
$5,000 available, once future commitments (as outlined below) are met.
Net out:
($2,000.00 - $3,0000) Funding for air conditioning unit for Computer
room,
($1,500.00) Guided Reading Materials (books essentially.)
($600.00) ESSE
($ 1,200.00) Friday Lunch Days
($ 600.00) Smugde Fundaes - Literacy Week
($ 500.00) Blue Spruce & Silverbirch
$ 1,000.00 Spring Valley donation – outstanding
$ 300.00 Boston Pizza – received
$ 25.00 M&M - outstanding
A binder containing all financial records of this year’s council is
available upon request.
Chair Report
Milk program:
Milk order forms will be sent out separately for the 2009 year. Milk
in cartons will be available on lunch days. There is a minimum for an
order - $50.00 which is approximately 95 cartons of milk. Additional
volunteers will be organized for this. Leigh will contact Sharon Coleman
who will organize the order forms and program.
Fan Out System:
This is a fan out system used in case of emergency such as no electricity,
heat or water at school.
Lists to go with children at the top of the pyramid. The list is complete
and parents and caregivers will be receiving calls for information verification.
Thank you again to Tracy McMurter and all the volunteers involved.
Red Cross/People Savers
PeopleSavers Level 2 (ages 6-8) is a two hour program
PeopleSavers Level 3 (ages 8-10) is a three hour program
PeopleSavers Level 4 (ages 10-12) is a four hour program
Babysitting (ages 11 and up) is a seven hour program
Schedule:
PS 2 Tues Feb 17 and Mon Feb 23
PS 3 Tues Feb 24, Thurs Feb 26, Mon Mar 2
BBS - Mon Mar 9, Tues Mar 10, Mon Mar 23, Tues Mar 24.
Michelle Madderson
ProVision Safety Training
provisionsafety@sympatico.ca
Tel: 905-522-7021
Fundraising Report
Jack Astor’s Family Dinner - 21 April 2009.
All day event as that is a Learning Community Day.
Boston Pizza Family night- We received the $300.00 plus a Gift Certificate of $25.00 to be used as part of the Auction or a picnic prize. Tobin is our contact at Boston Pizza. He enjoyed having CH Bray families in his restaurant and will give the school 15% of the next event held at the facility.
Pizza
There was concern from a member of the parent community over the cleanliness
of Ancaster Pizza. Cost is 50 cents cheaper than Dominos, who was our
previous supplier. Pizza Pizza is most expensive. Cugini’s – a local
establishment in Ancaster is more expensive. It was decided that the
name of the supplier will be on the order forms from now on. Thank you
to Candice Baxter.
Hot Dog Alternative
A hot dog alternative was investigated and the price is much higher.
Motion to maintain the present status of type of hotdog used was put
forward. 14 in favour 0 opposed 2 abstain.
Christmas Concert:
Thank you for all the food and drink donations. Thank you for all the
help from volunteers.
Thank you for the use of the venue. Thank you to Madame for her enthusiasm
and time. These are original compositions and we appreciate Mrs. Van
Boven helping our children.
There was concern over the length of the show being a little too long.
Also concern over the start time and a suggestion to begin earlier for
next year. Mr. Dunford to follow up with Mrs. VanBoven.
M&M C.H. Bray Support Days:
M&M Meat Shops in Ancaster donates 10% of C.H Bray staff and family
sales to our school for purchases made every third Wednesday of the
month. There will be in-store specials for School Day plus regular and
sale items.
Tell the store staff that you’re a member of the C.H. Bray community
prior to paying.
Dates: 18 February 2009, 18 March 2009, 15 April 2009, 13 May 2009
SILENT AUCTION: May 7th, 2009.
Donation receipts will be available from HWDSB foundation for monetary
donations- only. Cheques should be made payable to the Hamilton Wentworth
District School Board Foundation.
(# 890896046RR0001). If you are aware of any business who may be interested
in donating to the silent auction please forward their contact information
to Lori Gregory. Anyone who would like a copy of the solicitation letter
for this purpose is welcome to it. Please inform Lori Gregory which
businesses you have approached.
End of Year Picnic: 11 June 2009
Update in the New Year.
Principal’s Report
School Council Individual Wish-lists: what have we purchased?
:what would we like to purchase?
Rationale: The School Council would appreciate a definitive list of
what you have been purchasing with their fundraising money and what
you might like to purchase if more money was forthcoming. The intent
of this communication is not accountability but a sharing so that School
Council can feel encouraged in their efforts to fundraise for items
that are purchased for the benefit of all children. We are in the process
of making classroom libraries the focus of our school overall goal for
fundraising. School Council is also interested in individual classroom
requests. Please help us out.
PURCHASED TO DATE WISH LIST- WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE
Name List of item(s) purchased with the $120 + $100 from last year and
this year’s School Council Funding.
Please mention the subject area focus where appropriate (Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, The Arts, Phys.Ed., General Classroom support). The School Council is sensitive to supporting initiatives right across the curriculum. If there were the possibility of additional funds provided by the School Council for an individual classroom wish list, what would you purchase?
Please mention the subject area focus where appropriate (Language,
Math, Science, Social Studies, The Arts, Phys.Ed., General Classroom
support). The School Council is sensitive to supporting initiatives
right across the curriculum.
Sandy Bovair-Young
Classroom easel: white board, self standing, with capability of attaching
chart paper. (for communicating with students that could be used for
any subject area).
Shelving, non-fiction books for classroom library, more art supplies
Judy Van Boven
Additional sheet music
Lynn Anderton Scissors
Math manipulatives
Books
Staplers
Chart stand
Whiteboards
Electric pencil sharpener
Chair
Plastic file box
Book case
Math games
Chris Fotheringham
Classroom easel: white board, self standing, with capability of attaching
chart paper. (for communicating with students that could be used for
any subject area).
Math manipulatives
More art supplies
Melissa Dalley
Read aloud books
General classroom supplies
Math manipulatives
Science supplies
More art supplies
Jill Kennett
Book tubs
General classroom supplies
Craft supplies Classroom easel: white board, self standing, with capability
of attaching chart paper. (for communicating with students that could
be used for any subject area).
Annette Braun
Tiered standing bookshelf
Ikea stools
Robyn Bainbridge
Listening center
Cash register
Science games
Dolls for house centre
Science materials
Classroom library organizers
Resources for listening library
Jennifer Lumsden Carpet for room 5
Underpad
Variety of building toys
Art supplies/art smocks
Math manipulatives for
measuring
classroom library organizers
Alicia Mann-DaSilva Carpet for room 5
Underpad
Variety of building toys
Art supplies
Math manipulatives for measuring classroom library
Trudy Gardner
Listening center (ear buds, 6-way splitter)
Math: class set of calculators, protractors, “simulated” money
Melissa Slattery Anchor charts
Bulletin board materials
Teaching resources
White boards
Art supplies
Dan Subonovich
Simple machine kits
Electricity unit materials
White board easels
Class sets of science/social supplies
Megan Duce Classroom easel: white board, self standing, with capability
of attaching chart paper. (for communicating with students that could
be used for any subject area).
Math manipulatives
Non-fiction books
Bullet board for parent communication
Website: Thank you to Lori Gregory and Andrea DeVries for assistance. The site will be unveiled in February 2009.
Bullying Meeting
Leslie Cunningham- will be addressing the school council meeting on
9 February. She will be here to discuss bullying, specifically what
is bullying behavior, what parents should do if they suspect their child
is being bullied or is bullying, and what the role of the school is.
The official HWDSB Information for Parents guide regarding Bullying
was handed out to the School Council at the January 12th meeting by
Doug.
Scott Sincerbox suggested funds be put towards in classroom libraries.
Items for Discussion:
Sexual Education Curriculum
Computer Education Curriculum
Next meeting: Monday 9 February 2009 7.00 PM 2ND MONDAY OF THE MONTH
