Present: Christine Bell, Arlete Cabral, Evelyn Kudjerski, Robert Boccia, Diane Burlie, Sean Torrie (Student Rep), Vicky Capogiannis (Teacher Rep), Craig Haid (Teacher Rep), Soriana Mantini (Principal)

Arlete Cabral, Chair, thanked all participants for coming to tonight’s meeting despite the inclement weather which prevented others from attending.

1. Minutes of October 13, 2005. Accepted as printed.
2. Approval of the Agenda. The agenda was approved as printed.
3. Principal’s Report.
1. Upcoming Events. December 1,2,3 – School Musical (The Grinch); December 7 – Grade 8 Parent Night; December 20 and 22 – Christmas Concerts; January 24, 25, 26 to February 3 – exams; February 10 – PA day; February 13 – 17 – Option Selections; February 20 to 24 – Kiwanas Festival
2. Auto Shop Update. Hoists have been repaired and audit of tools conducted. Shop to be re-supplied at TDSB cost. Goal is to initiate a Pilot Project of auto mechanic and/or auto engineering programming. Shop courses will be included on option selection sheets for September 2006 class start.
3. Proposed School Traffic Zone (update by Arlete and Soriana). Traffic study has been done. Councillor Norm Kelly to bring 40 km school zone request forward to Toronto City Council for review and approval.
4. Pilot Programs. Pilot #1 – TDSB Data Mac will have access to TDSB’s aggregate data collection for our north east quadrant family of schools. The TDSB will be interested in our feedback on what information we find useful and how. Pending outcome, this program may be launched on a wider scale. Pilot #2 – Service Sector Councils This is a national organization that brings together employer groups within a similar industry (e.g. human resources, woodworking, technical/engineering fields, etc.) together with employees, schools, parents and students. TDSB has joined the Service Sector Councils Association to look at how schools can partner with relevant sector councils. This would benefit schools in planning/refining curriculum to properly equip prospective future employees to meet the manpower needs of specific industries. Sector Councils may also prove beneficial in providing some relevant school related supplies and funds. As well it exposes students to different career alternatives and may assist them in making career choices. Soriana is Mac’s liaison with the Sector Council. Mac needs to determine the most appropriate Sector Council with which we may wish to partner. Bob may have a music arts connection.
5. Lock Down Procedure. Mac has a procedure in place for Lock Down as required by the TDSB but no drill has been conducted to date.
4. Ty-Mac Update. Evelyn reported that the fall music camp was a hugely positive event with Tyrrel students also in attendance. Mac’s jazz group recently played at a community event. The Band played during Mac’s Remembrance Day Assembly. Mac’s choir was invited to perform at the TDSB Remembrance Day Event. A new CD of vocal, symphony and jazz numbers has been made and will be available for sale to assist with fundraising. Fundraising is still an issue. Evelyn and other parents expressed concern that adequate funds are not available to purchase and maintain/repair instruments and that Ty-Mac fundraising efforts should be directed toward enriching our music programs not subsidizing them. TDSB should be responsible for properly funding operating costs of music programs. Preservation of our music programs through adequate funding and support is critical. It was also noted that Tyrrel has a very limited music budget. Next Ty-Mac Music Council Meeting is January 18^th at 7 p.m.
5. New Business.
1. TDSB Parent Involvement Advisory Committee. David Shory, our School Trustee, approached Arlete to be one of two parent reps for our ward. The Advisory Committee is made up of 2 parent reps per ward and would involve visiting other schools to hear parent ideas and concerns. Findings would be shared and reported back to the TDSB to help them identify priorities. Parents can email their concerns about the education system to Arlete.
2. Robotics Competition. Soriana reported that Mac has a team which will participate in this North American event starting in January. They have 6 weeks to build a robot. Semi-finalists will compete in an US city later this winter.
3. Washroom Caretaking. Sean Torrie reported concerns with the state of the boys’ washroom(s) – i.e. soap dispensers don’t work, water pressure inadequate in sinks, etc. Soriana to address concerns with school caretaker. Sean also asked about the status of the school website – this is not up to date. Soriana to explore progress of the group responsible for updating this program.
4. Recent Parent Interviews. Parents expressed appreciation for the addition of afternoon interview times during recent parent interview day. Teachers provided positive feedback that interviews felt less rushed as a result of greater availability and flexibility of time slots.
5. Mac "Billboard" Communication. A request was made that the outdoor school signboard be kept current with announcements of school events, key meetings, etc. This provides a valuable reminder or cue for parents of relevant school activities.
6. New Start Time for School Council Meetings. Arlete requested feedback from attendees on an earlier start time to council meetings – i.e. 6:45 p.m. in lieu of 7 p.m. start. Agreement was reached. NOTE: ALL FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS WILL START AT 6:45 P.M.
6. Next Meeting(s) – THURSDAY, 6:45 p.m., February 9^th, Staff Lounge (March 30^th, May 11^th or 18^th to be confirmed)
7. Adjournment. Arlete adjourned meeting at 8:30 p.m.
8. Information Sources & Key Contacts Pertaining to Education: