Sir John A. Macdonald School Council Meeting

Minutes of October 14, 2004

Present: Brian Ahearn, Craig Haid, Christine Bell, Evelyn Kudjerski, Margarita Marotta, Maureen Sajdik, Jaya Sundar, Ruth Ann Whipp, Nelson Yeung, Jane Young, Camil Youssef, Laura Brown, Debbie Hamilton, Arlete Cabral, Holly Doll, Elske Bosma, Steve Yudin, Jim Ballos, Dick Schlombs, David Lu, Jonathan Tsao, Marilyn Deonarain, David Rowan, Patrick Abtan

Regrets: Alisha Hunnisett, Tracey Allen

Welcome and Introductions:
Jane Young welcomed all participants to the meeting and provided an overview of the role of School Council. The floor was opened for further nominations to Council. By acclamation, the following individuals will serve as members on Mac’s 2004-2005 School Council:

Jane Young, Elske Bosma, Christine Bell, Nelson Yeung, Brian Ahearn (Ty-Mac Rep), Marilyn Deonarain, Steve Yudin, Robin Thomson (grade 9 parent rep), Arlete Cabral (grade 10 parent rep), Holly Doll (grade 12 parent rep), Margarita Marotta (grade 11 parent rep), David Lu (jr. student rep), Jonathan Tsao (sr.student rep) Craig Haid (teacher rep), Alisha Hunnisett (teacher rep), Tracey Allen (support staff rep) Jaya Sundar (community rep), Camil Youssef (community rep).

Nominations for Chair and secretary were received. By acclamation, Jane Young and Arlete Cabral will serve as co-chairs. Christine Bell and Elske Bosma will share the duties of secretary.

  1. Approval of the Agenda:
    The agenda was approved as printed with the addition of Ty-Mac Report.
  2. Review of Minutes of May 6, 2004
    Minutes approved as printed.

3. Correspondence:

3.1 "Buy a Credit" letter was sent to Gerrard Kennedy, Minister of Education from School Council. Acknowledgement was received in June but no response to our concerns. Jane to follow-up.
    1. School Facility Survey received – Jane completed and sent to TDSB
    2. People for Education Survey and newsletter received – Mr. Abtan to complete
    3. TDSB Policy Review of Parent and Student and Community Involvement received – input requested by October 21; see www.tdsb.on.ca (view attachment: PCS 1 Interim Report RPT September 4-2.doc); Jane and Arlete to draft Council response and submit; query need for TDSB Ombudsman and greater communication between TDSB and school councils
    4. Student Council Activity Memo re: Spirit Month for October
    5. TDSB Today – highlights school achievements; MAC Music Program was featured

4. Principal’s Report:

4.1 School opening smoother this year; enrolment now at 1398, projected at 1348; 40 more grade 9’s resulted in large classes; MAC received 2.5 extra teachers; grade 9 math, geography and science classes divided up amongst existing and extra teachers

4.2 Hall monitor (Stan Thompson) hired 15 hours/week for lunch periods; well received by students and teachers

4.3 CUPE work to rule (support staff); OSSTF contract negotiations underway (teachers’ union); MAC now has 6 secretaries instead of 8; we lost a part-time caretaker this summer as result of funding cuts

4.4 EQAO Grade 10 Literacy Test – October 27th and 28th (late start for non-grade 10’s); staff prep to take place October 20 (late start); Mr. Haid reviewed student prep by teachers for this test; see www.eqao.on.ca for more info; next year’s test to take place in one day not two

4.5 Commencement November 5th

4.6 Parent’s Night, Tuesday November 30th – from 2-4 and 6-8:30 to allow for more interview time

4.7 The Wiz, school musical, December 2nd – 4th

4.8 MAC Christmas Concerts December 14th and 16th

4.9 Principal for a Day, November 10th – interested individuals can shadow principal or vice principals for a day to see how schools are run; TDSB initiative

4.10 Take Your Kid to Work Day (grade 9) November 3rd

4.11 Remembrance Day Assemblies November 11th at 9 and 10; parents invited

5. Ty-Mac Report:

Brian reported kick off meeting took place last month; Evelyn Kudjerski in charge of fundraising; music camp in October was a success; MAC symphony invited to play at Music Educator’s Conference in November

6. Future Council Meetings:

Thursdays - November 18, January 6, February 24, April 14, May 26

7. Other Business:

7.1 Jonathan enquired about potential for use of automated system to notify parents when their children skip; Mr. Abtan reported TDSB is assessing need for such a system board wise; costly but potential to include other functions; Mr. Abtan also spoke about MAC follow-up with problem skippers and tracking mechanism for same; not a significant problem at MAC

7.2 School Council Funds – TDSB allocates $1000 to schools; Council agreed to spending $800 on fall mailing to all parents

7.3 School Council Insurance – Council agreed to taking out this insurance for member protection against liability in course of performing Council activities

7.4 Parent Communication – methods to disseminate information were discussed; Steve will provide information at next meeting on software package to compile group email list for all parents; concern re: currency and upkeep for such a list expressed; need to communicate with those who don’t have email as well; Elske to draft phone tree for Council Meeting attendees

7.5 Go Bus to York University – now available from Scarborough Town Centre according to Camil; monthly student pass is $70; good alternative to multiple TTC transfers

8. Next Meeting: November 18th

9. Adjournment: 8:50 p.m.

Information Sources & Key Contacts Pertaining to Education:

Premier, Dalton McGuinty: Tel: 416-325-7200; fax: 416-325-9895; dalton_mcguinty-mpp@ontla.ola.org

Minister of Education, Gerrard Kennedy

Scarborough Agincourt Liberal MPP, Gerry Philips: Tel: 416-927-6558; fax: 416-297-4962; gerry_philips-mpp@ontla.ola.org

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

People for Education: www.peopleforeducation.com; p4e@peopleforeducation.com

Toronto Parent Network: torontoparentnet@sympatico.ca

Ontario Parent Council: www.ontarioparentcouncil.org

Ministry of Education: www.edu.gov.on.ca

Campaign for Public Education: Tel: 416-657-2930; fax: 416-393-8912; www.campaignforpubliceducation.ca; info@campaignforpubliceducation.ca

NDP Leader, Howard Hampton: Tel: 416-325-7116; fax: 416-325-8222; hhampton@ndp.on.ca

Notes:

OME – Ontario Ministry of Education

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