Present: Brian Ahearn, Craig Haid, Christine Bell, Evelyn Kudjerski, Donna Mallett, Margarita Marotta, Maureen Sajdik, Linda Scott, Jaya Sundar, Guru Sundar, Ruth Ann Whipp, Nelson Yeung, Jane Young,Camil Youssef, Liz Menard, Laura Brown, Debbie Hamilton, Paul Izebski, Erin O’Brien, Arlete Cabral, Holly Doll, Arlene Bacapoulos

Regrets: Elske Bosma

Welcome and Introductions:
Jane welcomed all participants to the meeting.

1. Approval of the Agenda:
   The agenda was approved.
   
2. Review of Minutes of April 15^th, 2004
   Minutes approved.
   
3. Correspondence:

3.1 "Buy a Credit" letter was sent to Gerrard Kennedy, Minister of Education from School Council. No response to date.

3.2 NE2 Family of Schools Celebrations at Fairview Mall Flyer received – note: MAC Jazz Band playing May 7^th

4. School Council Questionnaire from TDSB:

Jane and Christine to meet tomorrow to prepare a brief submission. Council members were asked invited to share feedback or ideas on increasing effectiveness of School Councils and Board Communication. Presence of School Trustee at some school events (e.g. Council, Awards Night, Concerts) was identified as a desire. Current trustee, David Shory, has to date ,not been very involved in our Ward’s schools.

5. Principal’s Report:
1. March Break: TDSB proposed a different configuration for March Break next year, combining this with Easter long weekend (March 18^th, 2005 to March 29^th, 2005.) Surrounding Boards not doing this. TDSB rethinking their decision and asked for School Council/parent feedback. By show of hands, tonight’s attendees (!7/21) voted for this scenario. Points raised: students lose momentum when students have to return to school for a few days after March break and before Easter weekend. MAC school trips would be better accommodated with this scheduling. Alternatively, this schedule change would create problems for parents who have children in two different Boards. Shared bussing costs would also be impacted if all Boards not on same March Break schedule. ACTION: Ruth Ann to forward feedback on proposed change to TDSB from our School Council.
2. School Calendar: Changes being made to next year’s exam schedule – some exams will be scheduled in p.m. instead of a.m. June exam dates to be set on 3 separate Mondays to space out heavy math and science exams. Government mandate for total exam days and timing of cumulative assignments doesn’t suit term schools like MAC. Guru expressed concern re: number of multiple cumulative activities assigned for some subjects, along with exam and test timetable. Grade 12 students under huge stress which could impact on quality of assignments/results produced. Ruth Ann to take this feedback to Curriculum Leaders. Value of offering a variety of assignment formats (e.g. essays, tests, presentations) was highlighted by Mr. Haid.

 

3. Commencement: Friday, November 5^th.
4. Spring Concerts next week: Tuesday, May 11^th and Thursday, May 13^th at 7:30 p.m. Jazz Social on June 1^st. Raffle tickets available for sale at concerts – provides key fundraising for Ty-Mac Music Council. Liz Menard, Chair of Ty-Mac Music Council spoke of MAC’s terrific choir participation in a recent choir concert at Centre for the Performing Arts.
6. New Business:
1. School Council Nominations: Nominations must be returned September 24, 2004; Biographies will be published September 30^th; first School Council meeting to be held October 14^th.
2. Medallion Courses: Clarification was requested on student performance expectations for those not in Medallion courses and type of exams written by Medallion students compared to those in academic programs. (Same exams – perhaps more tests or contests in Medallion Courses.)
3. Washroom repair: Boys washroom by auditorium needs sink sprinkler fixed. ACTION: Ruth Ann to convey to custodian.
4. Thank you’s: Jane thanked parents, students and teachers for their participation on School Council this year and asked Ruth Ann to pass on congratulations from Council to teachers for all their hard work with our students and the many accomplishments/team wins MAC students have achieved as a result. Ruth Ann thanked Council Co-Chairs, Jane and Arlene for their leadership. Arlene will be moving this summer and Council wished her well. Linda Scott will be taking a 4 for 5 year next year and will return for at least one more year after this. Parents expressed their appreciation for her teaching skills over the years and wished her well. Mr. Haid also thanked her for her assistance/support as a teacher rep on Council. Donna Mallett’s contributions to many local school councils over a 30 year period was acknowledged.
   
7. Next meeting: 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 14th, 2004 (Includes Council Elections)
   
8. Adjournment: 8:30 PM

School Trustee: David Shory, Ward 20, 416-397-3066, david.shory@tdsb.on.ca

OME – Ontario Ministry of Education

TDSB – Toronto District School Board (www.tdsb.on.ca)