Sir John A. Macdonald School Council Meeting

Minutes of May 24, 2005

Present: Brian Ahearn, Jim Ballos, Christine Bell, Arlete Cabral, Jaya Sundar, Jonathan Tsao, Nelson Yeung, Camil Youssef, Ruth Ann Whipp, Pat Hyatt, Debbie Hamilton, Margarita Marotta, Laura Brown, Steve Yudin, Liz Menard, Jane Young, Elske Bosma, Evelyn Kudjerski

Regrets: Tracey Allen

Welcome and Introductions:

Jane Young, Co-Chair, welcomed all participants to the meeting and acknowledged that this was Ruth Ann’s last School Council meeting as Principal of Macdonald C.I.

Approval of the Agenda:
The agenda was approved as printed.

  1. Review of Minutes of April 14, 2005:
    Moved by Christine, seconded by Elske, the minutes were approved as printed.
  2. Correspondence:
    1. May 19, 2005, TDSB letter from Saryl Jacobson and David Shory announcing Ruth Ann’s retirement and appointment of Soriana Mantini as Principal effective September 2005
    2. TDSB Workshop Handbook – Building Effective School Councils by Sandy Wong; Jane noted this is a good resource
  3. Language Lab Presentation by Kenneth Jinkinson, TDSB

    4. An excellent demonstration and explanation was provided re: the new language lab to be opened in the fall of 2005. This is a high tech learning lab containing 6 computers and the latest software (Kurzweil, Text Ease: Desk Top Publisher, Read & Write Program, Dragon Actually Speaking) to assist learning disabled students (identified as students at risk through IPRC, or IPE) in completing classroom assignments. The programs have capacity to convert text to voice and vice versa to facilitate comprehension and written communication. Any text can be put on line and used by a student. Students can use the lab on an as-needed basis. The lab will also house a high speed scanner.

    This is an exciting opportunity for Mac students and the program is supported by all staff at Mac. Ruth Ann has been lobbying for this lab for years along with Mac’s special education staff. A further 5 computers will be purchased in the near future in addition to the five given by the Board.

  4. Principal’s Report:
    1. Emergency Procedure/Lock Down Practice. Practice for school lock down has been delayed because of culminating assignments but will take place before next year.
    2. School Zone. Ruth Ann asked Council to support a request to zone the front of the school to 50 km. Council was in agreement. Jane to prepare a letter of support to be sent to Councillor Norm Kelly. Ruth Ann to enlist support from neighbouring schools - Fairglen and Tyrrell.
    3. Staffing Update. Tracey Allen is back after her 3 month medical leave and is doing well.
    4. CUPE Strike. Job action by support staff is almost over subject to ratification by the union membership.
    5. OSSTF. Teacher’s job action may be escalated if not settled by June 1st. This may affect start-up in September.
    6. Exams are coming up. May 30th, June 6th, June 13th. No school for non senior students on these days.
    7. Grade 9 EQAO Math Test. Scheduled for May 26th and 27th at 11 a.m.
    8. Math Olympiad Award. Won by grade 11 Mac Student Peng Shi. He came 1st in Canada, tied for 3rd in North America and came 1st in the Ontario Physics contest. Truly an accomplishment by this student!!!
    9. Jazz Social. June 1st at 7:00 in cafeteria.

    4.10 Specialized Program Designation for Mac. Mac is being promoted as a school with a specialized program designation – i.e. music. If this is passed by the TDSB tomorrow it would mean a significant infusion of funding for the entire school.

    4.11 Thank you to School Council Co-Chairs. Ruth Ann thanked Jane and Arlete for their capable leadership in chairing the current School Council and Christine Bell for her past contributions as chair. Ruth Ann also thanked Liz Menard for her long-time efforts and dedication in leading the Ty-Mac Music Council. Ruth Ann thanked all parents for their support over the years and encouraged us to continue doing so with the incoming principal. Mac’s VP team will remain unchanged.

  5. Ty-Mac Report: (Brian Ahearn)
    Spring music concerts were a huge success as were the fundraising efforts. (Thank you to Evelyn Kudjerski!!!) Brian announced this was his last Council meeting as he will be moving to Calgary this summer. He thanked Ruth Ann for her leadership at Mac and in turn Ruth Ann acknowledged Brian’s commitment and contributions to Ty-Mac and School Councils over the years.
  6. OTHER BUSINESS:
    Jane extended Council’s warmest appreciation to Ruth Ann for her leadership as Principal over the years and the respect and confidence parents have had in her abilities. It is with deep regret that we say goodbye. Jane wished Ruth Ann a happy, healthy retirement and Christine presented Ruth Ann with a gift on behalf of Council parents. The meeting concluded with refreshments and well wishes to Ruth Ann.

  7. Next Meetings – 7:00 PM, THURSDAY, October 13, 2005 (Council Elections and First Meeting)

  8. Information Sources & Key Contacts Pertaining to Education: