School Council Minutes Sept. 21, 2009
C.H.Bray School Council 21 Sept 2009
Meeting attendees: Leigh Vyn(Chair), Vanessa Seto(Vice-Chair), Charmaine Underwood-Graham(Treasurer), Janice Dunmore(Secretary),Mrs. Bainbridge, Mr. Cowan, Mrs. Kuhn-Stewart, Mrs. Lumsden (Teachers), Doug Dunford (Principal), Mike Carnegie, Sharon Coleman, Pricilla Gardner, Nicole Fielding, Sylvia Henry, Patsi Hunter, Sheri Johnson, Kimberly Krasevich, Magg Makettos, Sunila Melanson, Tracy McMurter, Bhavisha Morphet, Jackie Smith, Andrew Terrett, Sarah Wallace (Voting Members), Rikki Gross, Christine Van-Renesse (Guests)
Call to order 7.00 PM by Leigh Vyn
Minutes of previous meeting were not presented. Initiate this during
Oct. 19 meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Showing cash-on-hand balance of $11,223.60.
Committed to spending $7,500.00 on outdoor play equipment; $3000.00
on leveled reading libraries;$500.00 on Blue Spruce/Silver Birch reading
programs. Additional credit to be received beginning of October of $112.30
from Mabel's Labels (online fundraising initiative). Thus, actual balance
$335.90
A binder containing all financial records of this year’s council is available upon request.
Elections
Two executive positions (vice chair and secretary) were at the end of their term, so a request was made for two volunteers fro these positions. Thank you to Vanessa Seto, who volunteered to be vice-chair and Janice Dunmore who volunteered for the role of secretary. These positions carry a 2 year term. Thank you to Bhavisha Morphet (vice-chair) and Rikki Gross (secretary) who did a great job as executive members for the past two years.
In addition to members of the executive, we also have position for 15 voting members. The reason the number is limited, under the newly adopted bylaws, is to insure that quorum can be met at each meeting. It is expected that all parent voting members attend at least one-half of all meetings. If they do not, they will lose their voting priviledges. Thank you to all parents who volunteered tp be voting members. Of course, even those parents who are not voting members are invited and encouraged to attend council meetings.
It was agreed to amend the bylaws (dated June 2009) to include as a voting member, the past school chair.
Grade 6 Classes: Grade and Yearbook
Grade 6 Grade and Yearbooks were discussed. Pricilla Gardner volunteered to coordinate these events. Thank you Pricilla! Precilla was asked to create and send out an e-mail to grade 6 parents to generate interest in other volunteers, inform parents on the upcoming activities and to set forth plans.
Chip Days - Penny Fiddes (Coordinator) Staff to Assist (Mrs. Kuhn-Stewart, Mr. Subonovich, Mrs. Braun)
Discussions took place regarding chip days and whether there was an option to move from chips to Kernel’s popcorn or to alternate between both. Chip days in the past have been very well received, the idea of popcorn came forward as a healthy option. Concerns were raised whether the flavoured popcorn had milk and or egg products due to student allergies. The ideas of TCBY and a car wash were also brought forward as fundraising ideas. It was agreed that the Grade 6 committee meet to discuss the above-mentioned options and discuss their ideas with Mr. Dunford before next meeting to see if the ideas are appropriate and present their plan at a future meeting.
Teacher Appreciation Lunch - Gail Arruda (Coordinator)
An effort will be made to provide ongoing information pertaining
to Teacher Appreciation Lunch Plans.It was noted that Gail Arruda was
interested in Coordinating this committee.A template is available from
2009 Luncheon to identify the areas that require volunteers and supplies
needed. Rikki Gross has a copy of this template. Volunteers needed for
this event.
Fundraising Initiatives
The council primarily raises money through fundraising events. Last year we raised over $10,000.00. But these events can't take place without a lot of volunteer help. Thank you som much to our 2008-2009 volunteers.
Poinsettias - Jackie Smith
In 2008 this event raised $1,300.00. This event takes place in October.
Coordinator was needed, thank you to Jackie Smith for volunteering to
coordinate this event. Jackie will work on information sheet and order
forms to parents.
QSP Magazine Orders - Lisa McHarg
This is a new fundraising initiative for 2009. Discussion took place noting that other schools have done extremely well with their sales. Fundraising materials/forms are prepared by QSP, coordinator would be responsible for writing letter to parents informing them about the event, to identify that they should take caution that yearly renewals “may” occur in not cancelled. Lisa to do in October.
Scholar's Choice - Megg Markettos
10% of all sales come back to the school. The position of Coordinator was vacant, but was filled thanks to Megg Markettos! Lisa McHarg to provide Megg with all the information for this event.
Jack Astor Restaurant Out Nights - Lisa McHarg
In 2008 approx. $600.00 was raised from one Jack Astor’s night and
one Boston Pizza night. Three dates are available for 2009 if the council
is interested. November 16th- 10% ALL Day as it is a PA Day!
January 28th- [10% after 4pm (29th is PA Day)] Decided to remove this
date as conflicts with Teachers Literacy initiative April 19th- 10%
ALL DAY as it is a PA Day! Idea was put forward to consider the new
Lone Star restaurant as it has a nut free kitchen. Lisa to call to found
out more details.
Vote to take place at next meeting to determine how many nights and
whether Lone Star also provides this service.
Campbell's Labels - Rikki Gross (Coordinator)
Committee: Christine Van-Renesse, Sunila Menlanson, Mrs. Kuhn-Stewart (teacher)
Labels are collected and points are awarded that earn items for the
school.
A list of labels that apply is available, this information to be provided
to parents in newsletter. Rikki and Vanessa counted the labels for 2008-2009
year, Heather volunteered the grade 6 students to count the labels this
year. Suggestion was made to make it a House Colours competition.
Recommendation to provide better advertising/communication as to which
labels apply to parents through school newsletter.
Mabel's Labels - Charmaine Underwood (Coordinator)
Continuing with online campaign (www.mabels.ca/chbray); paper campaign to run again in the New Year as it yields a higher profit margin. From March-September 2009, $335.90 was raised.
Cards - Lisa McHarg (Coordinator)
Feedback is that this event went really well in 2009 ($679.00/2 runs)
and there were lots of re-orders. With Christmas already being a busy
time, cards for 2010 will be made by the kids in February and orders
will take place in March, cards delivered in April.
Silent Auction - Lori Gregory (Coordinator), Marsha Russell (Committee)
Biggest fundraising event for the year brought in $7020 in 2009.
Lots of volunteers needed. Businesses need to be contacted in January.
Food Days
In 2008 food days generated approximately $3000.00.
Pizza Days - Jackie Smith (Coordinator)
There are various options of where to order pizza from. It was identified
that there is a student with a severe allergy to shellfish. It was decided
that the student’s teacher would speak with the parents to see if they
have a preference of where the pizza is ordered from. The cost of pizza
per restaurant :
Pizza Pizza: 6.00 cheese, 6.95 pepperoni; charge for delivery and taxes
not included. Dominos: 8.00 cheese, 8.50 pepperoni; no delivery charge,
2 free staff pizzas, tax included Ancaster Pizza: 8.00 Ginos: 8.00 cheese,
8.50 pepperoni
It was agreed that if Pizza Pizza is deemed to be acceptable, council
approves, if it is not and another is, council has agreed to go with
the alternate (Dominos).
Dates were set by Jackie, with the first pizza day taking place on October
2nd. In order for this to happen communication needs to be received
by Jackie from the school of which pizza restaurant will be used.
Other dates include:
October 16th, 30th; November 13th, 27th; December 11th, January 8th.
Discussion took place as to whether to move towards multigrain dough,
it was agreed to stay with white.
It was asked how the school makes money, it is through the students
being charged a 1.50 per slice. 13 classrooms for 2009, at least 13
volunteers are needed, Jackie to act as a floater if classroom is without
a volunteer.
Hot Dog Days - Vacant (Coordinator)
Occurs on the alternate Friday of pizza and sub days. In 2008 raised
$850.00.
Coordinator/volunteers arrive approximately 10am. Hotdogs and salads
from Wendy’s. It was identified at the meeting as the one food day parents
would not be sad to go, but the kids love it.
Sub Days - Rikki Gross (Coordinator)
Individuals from each class bring up their box and coordinator/volunteers
ensure there are no mistakes with the orders. Suggested that Grade 6
students could be helpers.
Kindergarden Food Days - Sunila Melanson & Gail Arruda (Coordinators)
Need to determine a master schedule of when’s parent’s area available to help, and on which days the food will be available.
Milk Program and Freezies - Sharon Coleman (Milk Coordinator), Rikki & Jackie (Freezies)
Freezies will be readdressed in the Summer months.
Milk program requires a number of volunteers, consider alternating between
Thursday and Fridays to reach all Kindergarten classes and combine on
a day with other food day as volunteers are already available or consider
grade 6 helpers. It was agreed that since milk was a success when we
tried it last year, that we would run it more frequently this year.
Timing is still TBD.
M & M Meats
Various dates throughout the year if parent states C.H. Bray on these
days 10% of all pre-tax sales come to the school.
Dates for 2009:
October 14th, November 11th, January 13th, February 10th, March 10th,
April 14th, May 12th.
New Ideas for Fundraising
Golf Tournament - Mike Carnegie (Coordinator)
Golf Tournament: a lot of work, hockey makes over $3000.00. Ideas put forth that it would be great to get around 100 people, small bbq, 50/50 draw, best ball, door prizes. Tournament to occur in May, early June. Mike Carnegie to provide specific details of where and when and what for next meeting for council to vote on.
Discount Purchase Cards - Vacant
Mr. Dunford provided the council with information about a Discount Card that can be purchased for $10. A website provides a listing of the over 500 local businesses it can be used at. The school would receive $5.00 back on every card sold. Council to decide if this is an event they would like to do.
Fundraising Discussion
A concern was brought forward that perhaps there are too many fundraising events and that it might be difficult for parents to support all of them. It was discussed that all fundraising events are purely voluntary and that the council selects those that a) prove to raise a lot of money, and b) that parents would likely purchase anyways (like poinsettias and magazines). It was also pointed out that none of the events are "for show" in that the children do not know who participates and who doesn't. One parent suggested that we could provide an alternative for fundraising events (i.e. give parents an option to provide one-time financial support). Parents are welcome to support in any way that they can whether that be through their volunteer time, via fundraisers or monetarily. If parents want to make a financial donation, they should write cheques out to The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Foundation in order to receive a donation receipt.
Outdoor Play Equipment Project
At the June 2009 meeting, $7,500.00 was allocated for the upgrade to
the school outdoor play equipment ($2,500 per category, see below).
The project was divided into 3 categories for which to purchase equipment
for: Kindergarten, Primary and Juniors. Sub-committees were formed and
the following were identified and presented to Mr. Dunford to present
to the school board:
Juniors:
already a basketball pole and back board but no net-purchase a new
net along with purchase of another pole, backboard and net and paint
lines to provide a full court.
Primary:
play panel, structure (ship) that they can crawl and climb on, will
be outside the kindergarten area and be secured to the ground.
Kindergarten:
originally looked at a structure they could sit and jump on but it
requires a lot of square footage around the structure and proper foundation.
Subcommittee needs to be meet again to look for other ideas. (To Do
List Item #16)
Some ideas are discovery panels, hopscotch, and chalk as well as other
outside toys.
Principal’s Report – Mr. Doug Dunford
What's New
Article in Newspaper about Bray: August 21, 2009 :
Bray seen as 1 of the top 3 schools in the city for Grade 6 achievement.
According to the article, school staff make the difference in achievement
scores.
EQAO 08-09 scores: within the ballpark of the previous 5 years. There will be a page that goes home with the newsletter highlighting the 2008-09 EQAO scores.
Computers
Computer rollout: computer lab and LRT computers up and going, classes
have internet access without either wireless or drilling into the walls
(not disturbing transite asbestos).
Marilyn Legault Computer Consultant will be at the October 19th meeting
to discuss internet safety procedures/protocols.
SMART Board will be bought as a result of a successful grant application.
Website and technology
Mr. Cowan will be setting up a team and making enhancements to the site
this year. Photographs will be taken of the Student of the Month students,
displayed in the central showcase and then taken home at the end of
the following month.
Physical Plant
Gym painted. Many thanks to Shirley Glauser , Trustee, who was able
to access money
School cleaned very carefully this summer by the new caretaker Denis
Maillou. Walls, above the lights and classroom ventilation systems received
particular attention.
Dehumidifier being bought by school as per ESSE’s suggestions
Library
$6000 spent on upgrading books in the last several months. $4000 from
a Ministry grant; $2000 from school funds.
Team from Board came to Bray this summer to cull the collection.
H1N1 Update
Emphasis on the routines of hand washing and hygiene this year at Bray.
Already noticing an increase in paper use in washrooms.
Alcohol-based cleaners allowed
Students to wash hands before using the computer lab
Develop a method to track major symptoms of students away in ESIS, the
system’s school attendance program.
Meet the Teacher Night 2010
Mr. Dunford reported that the date for 2010 will be September 16 as Harvey’s books fast and the date was available. A concern was identified that there might be some problems with this night. Mr. Dunford to talk with staff and see if there is another night that is more conducive. (To Do List Item #17)
New Business
None to report.
Attachments
Article: Quality of teachers key to test scores- Hamilton Spectator
August 21, 2009; EQAO’s for CH Bray.
Article: The origin of diabetes: Don’t blame your genes
To Do list
1Report on Year Book and Grad Committee and other fundraising ideas
(car wash, food item), send out - Pricilla
2 Report on Chip Day- chips vs popcorn - Penny
3 Teacher Appreciation Day- volunteers - Gail
4 Poinsettias- information forms and order forms - Jackie
5 QSP Magazine Coordinator-Vacant- Nancy
6 To provide Megg Markettos with information for Scholar’s Choice Fundraiser
- Lisa
7 Follow up to Lone Star Restaurant option - Lisa
8 Campbell’s label- provide parents with more information as to which
labels apply - Rikki
9 Cards- Coordinator Vacant - Nancy
10 Silent Auction-Businesses to be contacted in January - Marsha
11 Vendor for Pizza’s to be determined - Jackie/Mr.Dunford
12 Hot Dog Days Coordinator Vacant - Nancy
13 Kindergarten Food Days Coordinator Vacant - Nancy
14 Golf Tournament - Mike Carnegie
15 Discount Prize Cards- vote to decide if want to do this- Nancy
16 Outdoor Play Equipment Subcommittee for Kindergarten to meet again.
- Leigh
17 Meet the Teacher Night- determine if conflict with suggested date.
- Mr. Dunford
Next meeting: Monday October 19, 2009 at 7:00pm
