Briar HillCouncil Meeting Minutes – October 22, 2009
Attendance:
Mary Whittaker, Principal
Paul Dover, Treasurer
Julie McFayden, Secretary
Seelochanee Rooraj
Victor Amahagwu
Sonya Amahagwu
Dereje Tedeneke
Dorothy Steel
Bernadette Ryan-Phillips
Welcome
Treasurer’s report – Paul advised that our current balance is $4,619.58. This includes about $1,000 for uniform money and $500 for the garden grant.
Principal’s report - Mary advised the following:
1. Partnership with St. Alban’s boys and girls club could not go forward. The Ministry wanted a school north of Lawrence Ave.
2. Fairbank Seniors Centre is still waiting to hear about a grant for a partnership arrangement with Briarhill. Our students would learn to play bocce ball with seniors and seniors would come to Briarhill for Yoga instruction with students.
3. The Nutrition Program is up and running. We are still ironing out the wrinkles but it seems to be a big hit. We may need to do a fundraiser however as parent contributions still do not cover the full cost of the program. A lot depends on teacher participation. There are parent volunteers assisting Valentina. Mary welcomes any snack suggestions. They can be submitted by email to her address.
4. ScoutsAbout is up and running. There are about 20 registrants. The program is going well.
5. You Got Dance was cancelled due to lack of enrolment.
6. QSP – tallying still needs to be done. Not many forms have been returned yet.
7. The National Ballet visit went well. The grade 4s and 5s enjoyed it.
8. Staff will be attending literacy, numeracy and safe and caring schools meetings throughout the year.
9. The Fire Department was here teaching Fire Safety in the home. It was well received.
10. Multicultural night went well. The overflow lunchroom was left a mess however. Next time Mary will have to ask parents to do their part to clear the mess.
11. DIBELS – is a way of assessing kids to find out what they know about language and letters. All teachers have been working on it. It’s mainly for primary students. It helps teachers group children to know what they need to focus on.
12. Jeff Hainbuch is coming in on Nov 18th. He will visit every classroom. He wants to see the literacy blocks and guided reading.
5. School Budget – a tentative budget is set. Mary circulated her draft budget outlining how she would be spending $37,521 for the year.
6. Parents reaching out grant. Julie explained the challenges in applying for the grant this year. We will apply next year instead to ensure ample time is given to putting together a well thought out proposal. Dorothy mentioned that a parent handbook is necessary to know what opportunities are available for parents to volunteer for. Speaking as a new parent to the school, she does not know where to go, who to ask...etc. Paul and Julie agreed. They will work to put a list of opportunities together. Mary suggested inserting these opportunities in the next newsletter.
7. Next Pizza Day – November 17th.
8. Next School Council Meeting – November 19th.
9. Other business – question re playground assignments. Grade 4s and 5s has limited time on the playground. Mary says she will look into it.
Mission
At Briar Hill we provide an inclusive, nurturing learning environment where students will strive to succeed to the best of their ability. We provide an enriching, well balanced academic program with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. We actively promote and practise healthy lifestyle choices to enable our students to achieve positive physical and emotional well being. We value a respectful and equitable partnership with our diverse community. Together we endeavour to build a strong foundation for our student’s life long learning.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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