Council Minutes -11/10/07

Council Minutes– October 11, 2007

Present: Mary Whittaker – Principal
Daniel and Sue Hill
Karen Yellan – Chair
Melissa Francis
Julie McFayden - Secretary
Carol Lunansky
Paul Dover – Treasurer

Welcome.

Minutes of the previous meeting – One amendment was made to the minutes re: school reorganization – Grade 3 has 20 students.

Treasurer’s Report – Carol reported that September’s opening balance was $5,736.94. The following are expenses to date: $39.90 juices, $50 babysitting, and $153.33 pizza leaving a new balance of $5,493.71. Paul is officially taking over as treasurer.

Principal’s Report:

· Basketball Hoops – Mary reported that the Board of Education’s approved supplier advised that nets must be 4 feet away from the walls according to safety regulations. Our outside net is not regulation however it will be allowed to remain because of how old it is. She was also told that the gym ceiling is too low and therefore indoor nets are not recommended. The cost for 2 freestanding nets (for outdoor use) is $3,750 and line painting is $1,300 for a total of $5,050.
Schools on the move will give $400 for line painting however would not provide baskets. Parents discussed alternatives however it seems this initiative will need to be shelved as it is simply too expensive.
· Gym Ceiling – The tiles in the gym ceiling are falling off therefore the gym will need to close for 3 weeks to facilitate repairs. Mary is doing her best to have the work done as soon as possible. All loose tiles have been removed however while she is waiting for repairs to commence Ms. Byrne will be getting students to do safety posters.
· Health Action Committee; Toronto Schools on the Move; Pep Rally – The teachers leading this initiative will be organizing a pep rally with cheerleaders from York Memorial Secondary School to launch the program. The timing will be beginning to mid November.
· Teacher update – Mary has not identified Mrs.Traculia’s maternity leave replacement yet. She made recommendations to the Board however is waiting to hear back from them.
· Intramural Soccer – Grade 5’s are playing right now and are being trained to coach the Grade 4’s. The Grade 4’s will then play and train to coach the Grade 3’s; etc.

Fundraising – Entertainment Books – The entertainment book idea was discussed. The book sells for $20 and the school gets 50% of the proceeds. Parents browsed through the book and agreed that there was tremendous value in it. Each child would receive 1 sample book and the company would provide a team to help manage. There are no charges for damaged books and unsold books could simply be returned.
The Dance-a-thon and Grade 5 fundraisers were also discussed to determine the best timing so as not to overburden parents. Dates will be set for these once we know what the Grade 5’s plan to do.

Pizza Lunch – November 30th was the date set for the next pizza lunch. Paul volunteered his wife Yvonne to assist.

Other Business – The Holiday Concert will take place on December 13, 2007. The suggestion was made not using the floor in front of the stage for performances as too often, parents stand up and block those who are seated so they can take pictures of their own children. Mary will explore this option. Many parents also end up having to stand outside the door because of space limitations. Another suggestion was also made to limit the number of family members who could attend however this idea may not be feasible.

Next Meeting – November 8, 2007.