SUMMARY/MINUTES OF THE PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 2015

Present Wendy Bukvic, Toni Marlow, Saley Bechard, Kimberlee McNally-Stone, Erin McLaughlin, Melissa Goyette-Gow, Heather Bell, Stacy Beaumont, Lisa Bizzoni, Rick Bettencourt

Approval of October Minutes Kimberlee McNally-Stone motioned to pass October minutes. Seconded by Melissa Goyette-Gow. Motion passed.

Principal’s Report There is a tentative settlement for the ETFO teachers and custodial staff. The email sent out to parents from the HDSB regarding report cards was sent out before the tentative agreement was reached. Stay tuned for updates regarding secretary agreements and final settlement details. There will be an assembly for Remembrance Day on November 10. Students will walk to Remembrance Park on November 11. Toni reminded everyone that the school and board policies are available on the website.

Rick Bettencourt: Update on Computers Feb 22- March 4, 2016 is the window that the HDSB gives for ordering IT products. Received $4728 which is based on full time enrollment (certain amount per student) which is short of $6000 he thought he would receive this year. PC computers are $568 each, monitors $34 for 19” LCD. Therefore a lab of 25 computers and monitors will be $15387 or $17019 (includes HST). Thought is that Park School gets the HST as a rebate. Toni and Rick will check into this. Computers do not have wireless capability and cost is about $3000-3500 to outfit computers with wifi capability (hardwires). Once final costs are decided parent council will vote on whether to subsidize the additional funds.

Treasurer’s Report School year beginning bank balance: $29,319.31 There is a surplus of $11,528.43 which is still pending how it will be spent, as well as whether it has to be spent this school year. $50 taken from allocations for the Santa Claus parade.

Santa Claus Parade Rick has made arrangements for the truck and will drive. Saley will call Allison’s and ask about hay bales for the parade to provide additional seating to the three benches that are already in possession. Saley emailed letter to Toni to send out in the panda Friday November 6 to gauge interest in participating in the parade. Approval was given from council for Rick to buy additional lights at Home Hardware, along with zip ties and duct tape with the $50 donation. Since that time the lights, duct tape and zip ties have been purchased. Rick to source out poles and banner for the students to hold in front of the float during the parade. Stacy will donate her generator for the day and bring it to the school on the day of the parade. Saley Bechard will take the lead to collect the forms from the families that are interested in participating in the parade. Saley to remind those parents that children are not allowed entering the school on the day of decorating. Those families that show interest in participating via the forms will be contacted by Saley to let them know what time to be at the school. The registration form has been sent to the lions club along with the $50 donation. Saley will give Rick contact info for person in charge to arrange unlocking the gate and since that time the information has been provided to Rick.

Fundraising Plan for 2015-16 On-line Silent Auction: Kimberlee sent out donation letter to Toni/Wendy for review. The hope is to gather items and post online January/February. If there is limited response from the businesses a decision can be made about class baskets and whether or not businesses are canvassed for fun day as well.

Open house still on hold until there is more information from the HDSB about limitations around this. Big Box of cards: There will only be birthday cards within the big box of cards this year. Thoughts are to let parents know that the big box of cards will be available to purchase at a set time or times only instead of collecting money ahead of time. Information will be sent about these dates/times in the panda express. Melissa to check into when the cards can be available. Dance a thon: Friday December 11 will be the date with no expectation on donation amount from the children. Kick off assembly an idea to generate excitement around the event. Wendy to update the envelopes for the event.

Remaining Funds to be allocated Last meeting parent council narrowed down their list for funds to be allocated. These include: Computer/internet connections Allocate some funds for older kid games at fun day. Outdoor learning area including rocks or benches – continue to think about this as work would be done in spring Projector camera for gymnasium (approx $2000) Equipment bin in classroom capped at a set amount. There are 8 classrooms. Artists in classroom – how to draw characters etc. Winter activities inside to keep the kids active (e.g. dance, drumfit) Thought is to hold off on purchasing these items until we see how fundraising efforts are transpiring for the year.

Fun Day Shannon Spooner is the team leader for Fun Day. Wendy has received a few other responses to help out with the day but still not enough to fill all spots. Wendy will be meeting with Shannon this week to discuss the possibility of a separate meeting for the Fun Day Committee. Since this time the meeting has been set for Tuesday November 17 at 6:30 at Park School. Parent council to be used as a back-up resource for the Fun Day Committee but the expectation is that the committee will meet and make decisions separate from council. Shannon or a committee member will update council for meetings either in person or update to Wendy before council meetings. If/when the Fun Day committee needs funding approval or other approval that requires voting the proposal will be put forward in a council meeting.

Additional Items Amanda Curtis would like to be removed as a voting member as it’s difficult for her to attend on Tuesdays. Pro Grant: Park received a pro grant but need to confirm details with Amanda who submitted the grant request. To be discussed next meeting.

Minutes recorded by Saley Bechard Next Meeting Date – Tuesday December 1, 2015 at 6:30pm at Park Public School. Social at St. George after the meeting!!!!!

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11/14/2015