Springfield Collegiate Institute Advisory Council for School Leadership
November 3, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents/Community Members: Nikki Bertrand, Gary Walker, Diane Walker, Pearl Gauthier,
Lydia Moroz, Shelley Wiebe, Kathy Andersson, Caroline Smith, Donna Walby Lawson,
Anita Kiernicki, Ingrid Wasylenko, Dana Stewart, Michelle Paulsen, Mandy Onyebuchi,
Gladys Hayward Williams, Jani Roznik, Michael Tomiak, Roxanne Lapointe, Melanie Black
Students: Kristi Lawson, Mike Lawson, Mallory Christian
Administration/Staff: Pat Ilchena, Chris Szun
Guests: Doraine Wachniak
Elections
Doraine Wachniak attended the meeting to run the elections. After some discussion Doraine
advised that no elections were necessary as all Executive of the PAC were placed by acclamation.
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chair Gary Walker at 19:10.
2. Approval of Agenda: Motion (1) Kathy moved, Nikki seconded with amendment to the
Agenda item #10. All in favor, carried.
3. Approval of Minutes: Motion (2) Kathy moved, Mike seconded adoption of the minutes
for October 6, 2008. All in favor, carried.
4. Student Council Report:
Mike and Kristi will attend the PAC meetings - Student Council meets twice a month after
school to discuss topics such as Social Events, Fundraising etc. - Mr. Jacobs is the teacher
involved – Student Council has several enthusiastic students from all grades – lots of
students dressed for Halloween – 85 students went to the last dance – doing a magazine
fundraiser – receive some funding from the School Division – Student Council is aware that
there is an active PAC – hockey fans are numerous, good for school spirit.
5. Principal’s Report: Report Cards going home on November 5th – Parent Teacher
Interviews scheduled for November 10th and 12th – the SCI Staff have struggled with
communication with parents/guardians for years – there are improvements to the synervoice,
however overuse may have negative results – still working on a mass email – 4 times a year
there is a Newsletter sent home with Report Cards - all sports teams are off to a good start
– JV Boys and Girls Volleyball Teams are in the playoffs – the Hockey Team is playing in
Division B – SCI Website has the most up to date information and Staff are working hard to
see that is remains current – November 5th is ‘Take your kid to work Day’ – Remembrance
Day Service at SCI is on November 10th at 11am – Kathy thanked Pat for updating the PAC
link on the SCI website.
6. Treasurer’s Report: Balance as of October 31st is $613.81 – Nikki suggested utilizing the
Sabres Credit Union for the SCI PAC bank account – she will look into transferring the
funds – need the 2nd signature person updated/changed - re letter for $125.00 – financial
statement – Motion (3) Nikki moved, Dianne Walker seconded to accept the Treasurer’s
Report. All in favor, carried.
7. Correspondence: SWARPC is looking for funding ($50,000) from the Springfield
Municipality for a consultant – the committee will present to Council in the Council
Chambers on November 5th – SWARPC is asking for Community support.
8. Business arising from the Minutes:
Budget Submissions: Sunrise School Division Public Budget Meeting is November 13th
– Student Council and Parent Advisory Council are encouraged to make a submission
- Pat, Caroline and Kathy will do a walk-about in the School and put together a list for
submission.
Parent communication of meetings: need to get Parents talking to each other - PAC meeting
topics/agenda has been posted and advertised in places other than the Website – changes to
the format of the meetings might attract more parents.
Smoking Policy Adhoc: Pat spoke with Warren Morfoot, Community Constable as well as
Municipal Planners and the Elementary School Principal regarding the elimination of the
smoking area on the SCI grounds – advised students that change is coming – a Committee
was formed to plan further - Committee members, Diane Walker, Pearl Gauthier, Caroline
Smith, Melanie Black, Jani Roznik, Mike Lawson, Kristi Lawson and Donna Lawson
- they will meet and bring a progress report to the next meeting - Motion (4) Kathy moved,
Caroline seconded to approve the adhoc committee. All in favor, carried.
Drug Awareness and Education-AFM: Pat spoke to Ryan Neufeld, Social Worker for SCI
- Staff is always concerned with students and drug use and are very involved with those at
risk - three steps are taken with students who are caught under the influence:
1st time – suspension and counseling
2nd time – meeting with a Divisional Review Team
3rd time – educational opportunities could be taken
- November 24th at 6:30pm – AFM presenter Shelley Semko will be speaking at SMS.
- Caroline has given Pat an AFM pamphlet that lists the many different presentation formats
available to SCI – she is very busy but available in January 09, Mike Lawson added that
this would be of great benefit to the students.
- suggestion to form a Drug Awareness Committee – Motion (5) Shelley moved, Caroline
seconded to combine the Smoking and Drug Awareness Committee. All in favor, carried.
Bullying: Mike and Pat are working on a project with Grade 9 students regarding Bullying
– will run some sessions to talk to Grade 9 students – Mike went to a Conference regarding
student voice with speaker Daryl Scott, father of a victim of Columbine.
9. New Business: Suggestion by Roxanne to put a time limit of 9pm for meetings.
- Kathy asked what supports were in place for students during loss due to death
- Pat informed everyone – 1) family connecting 2) crisis team 3) Student Council support
(i.e. cards, conversations)
10. Date of Next Meeting: December 8, 2008
11. Motion (5) Kathy moved that the meeting adjourn at 9:30pm.
All in favor, carried.
12. Motion (6) communicated by email, Nov 19/08 – Caroline moved, Kathy seconded for the
Smoking and Drug Awareness Committee to follow the Guidelines set forth by the Province
as well as the Sunrise School Division to ban smoking on School Division Property and to
promote a smoke free environment for students, staff and visitors. All in favor, carried.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Meeting Minutes Oct 6
Springfield Collegiate Institute Advisory Council for School Leadership
Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2008
Attendance
Parents/Community Members: Nikki Bertrand, Michael Tomiak, Gina Borschaw, Glen Fuhl,
Debbie Fuhl, Caroline Smith, Dawn Sawatsky, Donna Walby Lawson, Mike Lawson Sr.,
Diane Walker, Gary Walker, Roxanne Lapointe, Gladys Hayward Williams, Karen Carey
Students: Kristi Lawson, Mike Lawson, Brittany Malkowich, Lynnea Jurkowski
Administration/Staff: Pat Ilchena, Chris Szun, Leslie McKetchen
Guests: Superintendent Wayne Leckie
Administration Report
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Monica Biggar, will be on half-time leave from SCI from October 6 to
January 30, 2009 and will be temporarily replaced by Ms Marie-Josee Morneau.
Public Health Nurse, Tracy Ward, will be available ½ day per week at SCI to support Staff in
Science and Health. She will also be available to any students. An information letter will be
distributed in the coming weeks as well as a letter of permission for one on one consultation.
The Oak Bank Credit Union and SCI have joined forces to establish a student lead credit union.
The Sabres Youth Credit Unions grand opening is scheduled for October 8th. The Youth Credit
Union is managed, operated and governed by the students using the organizational structure
employed by credit unions across Canada.
Leslie McKetchen was present to report on the Grade11 & 12 Phys Ed Program – she
distributed a handout and touched on the course content – there are 3 staff members involved in
the program – in the early stages of the program there was a lot of paperwork for the students to
complete, which left them frustrated, but according to Leslie they now seem to be more
accepting of the program – there is some concern with regard to the amount and type of
equipment available – Karen Carey (trustee) advised that funding will become available soon
for more equipment.
Correspondence
- the Springfield Municipal Council has informed Donna Pronishen, SMS PAC member, that
they are still moving ahead with the sidewalk along Willow Ave.
- Divisional PAC Assembly has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st at 7pm in Beausejour
at the Sunrise School Division Office. Guest speaker Eileen Sutherland will speak on Student
Assessment.
- memo received from Superintendent Leckie announcing the chair and vice chair for the School
Board.
- letter received from Roger Hardman, Secretary Treasurer of the Sunrise School Division
regarding funds for communication for PACS – the annual budget for 2008-09 is $125.00 and
the application deadline is June 30, 2009.
- School Division Budget – deadline is Thursday, November 13th at 6:30pm
- Community Connections Committee requests the names of each PAC Executive along with an
email address and contact information for the PAC President.
- Parent Forum 08 will be held at Tech Voch School on Saturday, November 1st.
- National Family Week – October 6 - 12
-SWARPC (Springfield Wellness and Recreation Planning Committee) sent an email with a link
for the preliminary feasibility report.
- received memo from Superintendent Wayne Leckie regarding changes to the format of the
Sunrise School Division Board Meetings
Open Forum
- National Addictions awareness week – AFM presenter, Shelley Senkow, will be at SMS
speaking to individual classrooms – Pat Ilchena asked for contact info for her so that perhaps she
could speak at SCI.
- discussion regarding concerns with smoking and drugs on school property – more discussion
for future meetings – suggestion to form subcommittees to discuss ways to deal with those
issues.
Suggested topics for the November meeting – NO SMOKING, BULLYING AND BUDGET.
Next meeting scheduled for Monday, November 3rd at 7pm in the Library.
Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2008
Attendance
Parents/Community Members: Nikki Bertrand, Michael Tomiak, Gina Borschaw, Glen Fuhl,
Debbie Fuhl, Caroline Smith, Dawn Sawatsky, Donna Walby Lawson, Mike Lawson Sr.,
Diane Walker, Gary Walker, Roxanne Lapointe, Gladys Hayward Williams, Karen Carey
Students: Kristi Lawson, Mike Lawson, Brittany Malkowich, Lynnea Jurkowski
Administration/Staff: Pat Ilchena, Chris Szun, Leslie McKetchen
Guests: Superintendent Wayne Leckie
Administration Report
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Monica Biggar, will be on half-time leave from SCI from October 6 to
January 30, 2009 and will be temporarily replaced by Ms Marie-Josee Morneau.
Public Health Nurse, Tracy Ward, will be available ½ day per week at SCI to support Staff in
Science and Health. She will also be available to any students. An information letter will be
distributed in the coming weeks as well as a letter of permission for one on one consultation.
The Oak Bank Credit Union and SCI have joined forces to establish a student lead credit union.
The Sabres Youth Credit Unions grand opening is scheduled for October 8th. The Youth Credit
Union is managed, operated and governed by the students using the organizational structure
employed by credit unions across Canada.
Leslie McKetchen was present to report on the Grade11 & 12 Phys Ed Program – she
distributed a handout and touched on the course content – there are 3 staff members involved in
the program – in the early stages of the program there was a lot of paperwork for the students to
complete, which left them frustrated, but according to Leslie they now seem to be more
accepting of the program – there is some concern with regard to the amount and type of
equipment available – Karen Carey (trustee) advised that funding will become available soon
for more equipment.
Correspondence
- the Springfield Municipal Council has informed Donna Pronishen, SMS PAC member, that
they are still moving ahead with the sidewalk along Willow Ave.
- Divisional PAC Assembly has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st at 7pm in Beausejour
at the Sunrise School Division Office. Guest speaker Eileen Sutherland will speak on Student
Assessment.
- memo received from Superintendent Leckie announcing the chair and vice chair for the School
Board.
- letter received from Roger Hardman, Secretary Treasurer of the Sunrise School Division
regarding funds for communication for PACS – the annual budget for 2008-09 is $125.00 and
the application deadline is June 30, 2009.
- School Division Budget – deadline is Thursday, November 13th at 6:30pm
- Community Connections Committee requests the names of each PAC Executive along with an
email address and contact information for the PAC President.
- Parent Forum 08 will be held at Tech Voch School on Saturday, November 1st.
- National Family Week – October 6 - 12
-SWARPC (Springfield Wellness and Recreation Planning Committee) sent an email with a link
for the preliminary feasibility report.
- received memo from Superintendent Wayne Leckie regarding changes to the format of the
Sunrise School Division Board Meetings
Open Forum
- National Addictions awareness week – AFM presenter, Shelley Senkow, will be at SMS
speaking to individual classrooms – Pat Ilchena asked for contact info for her so that perhaps she
could speak at SCI.
- discussion regarding concerns with smoking and drugs on school property – more discussion
for future meetings – suggestion to form subcommittees to discuss ways to deal with those
issues.
Suggested topics for the November meeting – NO SMOKING, BULLYING AND BUDGET.
Next meeting scheduled for Monday, November 3rd at 7pm in the Library.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Meeting Minutes May 6
Springfield Collegiate Institute Advisory Council for School Leadership
May 6, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents: Jack Boughen, Nikki Bertrand, Michael and Ingrid Tomiak, Roxanne Lapointe
Administration: Pat Ilchena, Monica Biggar
Minutes from the SCI PAC Meeting on April 8, 2008 were approved.
Curtis Boughton, Co-Chair of the Springfield Wellness and Recreation Planning Committee, was expected to do a presentation but unfortunately was unable to attend.
Administration Report
The staff has been given guidelines from the Manitoba Government with regard to the
Grade 11 and 12 Phys Ed Program – they are now in the process of planning for the
implementation of this program - staff has to cover 20 classes of curriculum in the
classroom (Health and fitness planning outcomes). The school has chosen a 50% in school,
50% out of school delivery model – 80% of the physical activity is required to be a
moderate to intense level, depending on the individual with 20% being mild to moderate.
Information meeting for the Grade 11 and 12 Phys Ed Program: Option 1 - meeting for all in June and the staff will meet with parents on an individual bases as needed throughout the semesters Option 2 - a meeting in September and then one in February to inform parents at the beginning of the semester.
Correspondence
Nikki received an email from Donna Pronishen (SMS Parent) regarding feedback from the
Municipality of Springfield for the construction of a sidewalk on Willow Avenue
west of Main Street (see minutes from April 8, 2008). The sidewalk is in the works and
scheduled for completion in 2009, possibly 2008.
Open Forum
Jack Boughen, President of the SPPA (Springfield Parents for Performing Arts), spoke
briefly about the SPPA – this year they have supported Band/Parent groups on a trip to
Ottawa – in 2007 they were instrumental in obtaining a grant from Air Canada.
******************************************************************************
Discussion for plans to have a combination Grade 11 & 12 Physical Education Program and
Springfield Wellness and Recreation Planning Committee meeting/presentation – more
discussion to follow.
******************************************************************************
No June PAC meeting. Next meeting to be held in September or October of 2008.
May 6, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents: Jack Boughen, Nikki Bertrand, Michael and Ingrid Tomiak, Roxanne Lapointe
Administration: Pat Ilchena, Monica Biggar
Minutes from the SCI PAC Meeting on April 8, 2008 were approved.
Curtis Boughton, Co-Chair of the Springfield Wellness and Recreation Planning Committee, was expected to do a presentation but unfortunately was unable to attend.
Administration Report
The staff has been given guidelines from the Manitoba Government with regard to the
Grade 11 and 12 Phys Ed Program – they are now in the process of planning for the
implementation of this program - staff has to cover 20 classes of curriculum in the
classroom (Health and fitness planning outcomes). The school has chosen a 50% in school,
50% out of school delivery model – 80% of the physical activity is required to be a
moderate to intense level, depending on the individual with 20% being mild to moderate.
Information meeting for the Grade 11 and 12 Phys Ed Program: Option 1 - meeting for all in June and the staff will meet with parents on an individual bases as needed throughout the semesters Option 2 - a meeting in September and then one in February to inform parents at the beginning of the semester.
Correspondence
Nikki received an email from Donna Pronishen (SMS Parent) regarding feedback from the
Municipality of Springfield for the construction of a sidewalk on Willow Avenue
west of Main Street (see minutes from April 8, 2008). The sidewalk is in the works and
scheduled for completion in 2009, possibly 2008.
Open Forum
Jack Boughen, President of the SPPA (Springfield Parents for Performing Arts), spoke
briefly about the SPPA – this year they have supported Band/Parent groups on a trip to
Ottawa – in 2007 they were instrumental in obtaining a grant from Air Canada.
******************************************************************************
Discussion for plans to have a combination Grade 11 & 12 Physical Education Program and
Springfield Wellness and Recreation Planning Committee meeting/presentation – more
discussion to follow.
******************************************************************************
No June PAC meeting. Next meeting to be held in September or October of 2008.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Meeting Minutes April 8
Springfield Collegiate Institute Advisory Council for School Leadership
April 8, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents: Donna Pronishen, Diane Duma, Shelley Lamothe, Michael and Ingrid Tomiak, Gina Borschawa, Brenda Ganske-Therrien, Patrick Therrien, Nikki Bertrand,
Roxanne Lapointe
Administration: Pat Ilchena, Chris Szun
Administration Report
April 16, 2008 – Mid Term Reports will be sent home.
April 15, 2008 – Talent Show and Coffee House Event has been planned with the proceeds going to the Schmidt family who lost their home in a recent house fire. The Coffee House will take place in the evening with Ace Burpee as MC – entertainment will be provided by SCI Students – tea, coffee and deserts will be served – coffee and condiments donated by MAC’s store – there will also be a silent auction.
New grading guidelines, introduced by the Provincial Government, will be implemented in the future. The Government is focusing on meeting with School Divisions to refine teaching techniques that will base grades in outcome enhancing progress reports. The reports will be more descriptive.
Open Forum
Coaches for SCI Athletic Teams – some are in place for 2008 – there are concerns regarding the strategies used to attract potential coaches – a notice will be put on the SCI Website re same.
The Varsity Boys Basketball Team was entered in the Vincent Massey Boys Basketball Tournament in Brandon in February but did not attend – Gina questioned why this money could not be refunded to individual players - the host Team did not refund the money – Pat and Gina will meet with Paul Fust, Phys Ed Teacher, to discuss this further.
Further discussion on the Grade 11 & 12 Phys Ed Program – Administration planning for additional meeting dates.
Parent concerns regarding transportation for Grade 11 students to Phys Ed activities – the Teacher in charge should be providing one weeks notice for field trips/excursions – students driving students is also a concern – Teachers should be communicating all info to parents (when, where, who’s driving who etc.) – Pat informed parents that there is not sufficient funding in place to use SCI busses to transport students to Phys Ed Activities during the day.
Guest Speaker
Donna Pronishen, a parent representative from SMS PAC, spoke regarding a sidewalk proposal on Willow Avenue. See the following letter.
To: Reeve Peter Skrupski and R.M. of Springfield Council
The Springfield Middle School Advisory Council for School Leadership (SMS ACSL), on behalf of the Springfield Middle School, Springfield Collegiate Institute and Oakbank Elementary School parent councils, students, parents and staff, would like to present some concerns and recommendations that have been brought to our attention.
The focus of our concern is primarily the safety of children walking to and from school on Willow Avenue in Oakbank. Some of the issues which make Willow Avenue a safety concern are the following:
- Willow Avenue is a high traffic route at all times, especially immediately before and after school hours. During these time periods, the road is congested with vehicles of parents driving children to and from school as well as school staff. Children from all three schools are walking or cycling in different directions on both sides of the road and often in the middle of the road. In addition, there are also others using the road related to the daycare, postal service, hotel, walking animals, or going about their daily business. Willow Avenue is a collector road second, we believe, only to Main Street (PTH #206).
- The narrowness and steepness of the ditches on both sides of the road in combination with no shoulder area on either side make it unsafe for traffic to pass as well as creating an unsafe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
-The lack of shoulders on the road results in vehicles from local residences, the hotel, construction, postal workers etc. parked on the road adding to this unsafe environment.
- The road is primarily icy in winter with limited sanding except at the intersection onto Main Street and this is inconsistent. Drivers experience difficulty controlling their vehicles on this narrow road increasing the risk of collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
- The snow plowing technique creates an impression that the road is wider than it actually is or that there is a shoulder. This results in vehicles getting stuck in the ditch as they try to pull off the road to avoid other vehicles or pedestrians.
- High speeds observed frequently add to the danger of the situation. This often results in drivers “running” any of the two stop signs at the corner of Juniper and Willow and the corner of Maple and Willow as well as sliding through stop signs in winter.
-RCMP and /or local law enforcement is rarely on the scene to monitor traffic speed or pedestrian/cyclist safety.
Some recommendations for the above concerns include:
- a safe location for a sidewalk and/or cyclist path along Willow Avenue
- consistent sanding on Willow Avenue at all intersections not just Willow and Main.
- a new entrance for the Springfield Middle school (this may reduce vehicular traffic but will not affect pedestrian or cyclist traffic)
- completing a traffic circulation study to assess the flow of pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular traffic in Oakbank to provide information for town planning initiatives
Oakbank is advertised as a “Heart Healthy Community”. Therefore, it would be in the best interest of the community to make it safe for those people walking and cycling in as many areas as possible. Encouraging healthy activity by providing additional sidewalks and bike paths will not only achieve this but make it safer for our children traveling to and from school.
With increased housing development within Oakbank and development of the school grounds, the traffic on feeder streets such as Willow Avenue will only increase. Looking forward and providing safe passage will improve community access.
As parent council representatives for the students, parents and staff of the three schools in Oakbank, our primary concern is for the safety of the students. However, the above concerns affect many of the citizens of the community of Oakbank as well. In providing for our children we are also improving the situation for many others. Thank you for your attention and your interest in our concerns.
SCI PAC Chairperson, Nikki Bertrand, along with other concerned parents from Oak Bank Elementary and SMS will attend a meeting with the Springfield Municipal Council regarding the proposal by SMS PAC. Meeting date is April 9th at 2pm.
Sunrise School Division Superintendent Interviews were scheduled for this past week – members from all PAC within the School Division were invited to participate – no representation from SCI PAC due to short notice.
There will be a Divisional PAC meeting on April 29, 2008 from 7 – 9pm.
Next meeting scheduled for May 6 at 7pm in the Library.
April 8, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents: Donna Pronishen, Diane Duma, Shelley Lamothe, Michael and Ingrid Tomiak, Gina Borschawa, Brenda Ganske-Therrien, Patrick Therrien, Nikki Bertrand,
Roxanne Lapointe
Administration: Pat Ilchena, Chris Szun
Administration Report
April 16, 2008 – Mid Term Reports will be sent home.
April 15, 2008 – Talent Show and Coffee House Event has been planned with the proceeds going to the Schmidt family who lost their home in a recent house fire. The Coffee House will take place in the evening with Ace Burpee as MC – entertainment will be provided by SCI Students – tea, coffee and deserts will be served – coffee and condiments donated by MAC’s store – there will also be a silent auction.
New grading guidelines, introduced by the Provincial Government, will be implemented in the future. The Government is focusing on meeting with School Divisions to refine teaching techniques that will base grades in outcome enhancing progress reports. The reports will be more descriptive.
Open Forum
Coaches for SCI Athletic Teams – some are in place for 2008 – there are concerns regarding the strategies used to attract potential coaches – a notice will be put on the SCI Website re same.
The Varsity Boys Basketball Team was entered in the Vincent Massey Boys Basketball Tournament in Brandon in February but did not attend – Gina questioned why this money could not be refunded to individual players - the host Team did not refund the money – Pat and Gina will meet with Paul Fust, Phys Ed Teacher, to discuss this further.
Further discussion on the Grade 11 & 12 Phys Ed Program – Administration planning for additional meeting dates.
Parent concerns regarding transportation for Grade 11 students to Phys Ed activities – the Teacher in charge should be providing one weeks notice for field trips/excursions – students driving students is also a concern – Teachers should be communicating all info to parents (when, where, who’s driving who etc.) – Pat informed parents that there is not sufficient funding in place to use SCI busses to transport students to Phys Ed Activities during the day.
Guest Speaker
Donna Pronishen, a parent representative from SMS PAC, spoke regarding a sidewalk proposal on Willow Avenue. See the following letter.
To: Reeve Peter Skrupski and R.M. of Springfield Council
The Springfield Middle School Advisory Council for School Leadership (SMS ACSL), on behalf of the Springfield Middle School, Springfield Collegiate Institute and Oakbank Elementary School parent councils, students, parents and staff, would like to present some concerns and recommendations that have been brought to our attention.
The focus of our concern is primarily the safety of children walking to and from school on Willow Avenue in Oakbank. Some of the issues which make Willow Avenue a safety concern are the following:
- Willow Avenue is a high traffic route at all times, especially immediately before and after school hours. During these time periods, the road is congested with vehicles of parents driving children to and from school as well as school staff. Children from all three schools are walking or cycling in different directions on both sides of the road and often in the middle of the road. In addition, there are also others using the road related to the daycare, postal service, hotel, walking animals, or going about their daily business. Willow Avenue is a collector road second, we believe, only to Main Street (PTH #206).
- The narrowness and steepness of the ditches on both sides of the road in combination with no shoulder area on either side make it unsafe for traffic to pass as well as creating an unsafe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
-The lack of shoulders on the road results in vehicles from local residences, the hotel, construction, postal workers etc. parked on the road adding to this unsafe environment.
- The road is primarily icy in winter with limited sanding except at the intersection onto Main Street and this is inconsistent. Drivers experience difficulty controlling their vehicles on this narrow road increasing the risk of collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
- The snow plowing technique creates an impression that the road is wider than it actually is or that there is a shoulder. This results in vehicles getting stuck in the ditch as they try to pull off the road to avoid other vehicles or pedestrians.
- High speeds observed frequently add to the danger of the situation. This often results in drivers “running” any of the two stop signs at the corner of Juniper and Willow and the corner of Maple and Willow as well as sliding through stop signs in winter.
-RCMP and /or local law enforcement is rarely on the scene to monitor traffic speed or pedestrian/cyclist safety.
Some recommendations for the above concerns include:
- a safe location for a sidewalk and/or cyclist path along Willow Avenue
- consistent sanding on Willow Avenue at all intersections not just Willow and Main.
- a new entrance for the Springfield Middle school (this may reduce vehicular traffic but will not affect pedestrian or cyclist traffic)
- completing a traffic circulation study to assess the flow of pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular traffic in Oakbank to provide information for town planning initiatives
Oakbank is advertised as a “Heart Healthy Community”. Therefore, it would be in the best interest of the community to make it safe for those people walking and cycling in as many areas as possible. Encouraging healthy activity by providing additional sidewalks and bike paths will not only achieve this but make it safer for our children traveling to and from school.
With increased housing development within Oakbank and development of the school grounds, the traffic on feeder streets such as Willow Avenue will only increase. Looking forward and providing safe passage will improve community access.
As parent council representatives for the students, parents and staff of the three schools in Oakbank, our primary concern is for the safety of the students. However, the above concerns affect many of the citizens of the community of Oakbank as well. In providing for our children we are also improving the situation for many others. Thank you for your attention and your interest in our concerns.
SCI PAC Chairperson, Nikki Bertrand, along with other concerned parents from Oak Bank Elementary and SMS will attend a meeting with the Springfield Municipal Council regarding the proposal by SMS PAC. Meeting date is April 9th at 2pm.
Sunrise School Division Superintendent Interviews were scheduled for this past week – members from all PAC within the School Division were invited to participate – no representation from SCI PAC due to short notice.
There will be a Divisional PAC meeting on April 29, 2008 from 7 – 9pm.
Next meeting scheduled for May 6 at 7pm in the Library.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Meeting Minutes Feb 26
Springfield Collegiate Institute Advisory Council for School Leadership
February 26, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents: Nikki Bertrand, Roxanne Lapointe
Administration: Pat Ilchena, Monica Biggar, Chris Szun
Guests: U of W Student Albee Eisbrenner and U of M Student Trish Farmer
Administration Report
Cafeteria Update
Ongoing improvements to food choices – the cafeteria staff has had the opportunity to work with the Chef from Harvest Moon – maintenance personnel are looking at kitchen space and equipment – renovations are on the docket
Athletics
Lots of team successes in the first Semester – Nick Joyal and his team of curlers are off to Morris, MB to participate in the Provincial Boys Curling Bonspiel - The Sabres Hockey Team will take on College Louis Riel in the True North Division Final at the MTS Center.
Public Health Nurse/Sunrise School Division Agreement
Details are still being worked out but soon there will be a Public Health Nurse available within the school for educational purposes and to assist teachers in the classroom as well as individual consultation with parent consent.
Grade 11 and 12 compulsory Physical Education
Each school is developing a plan for their Grade 11 & 12 Phys Ed Program – one full time and one half time Phys Ed teacher is needed and 14 to 15 additional sections on timetable for the new program – the course will be split 50/50 (theory/activity) – parents/guardians to be responsible for signing off on activity logs – there is a list of recommended activities set by the Provincial Government - Interview process for hiring will be starting next week – the success of the program is to prepare students for physical activity after graduating – to get connected with outside programs and continue physical activity.
Financial Statement
Presented by Nikki – balance to date $613.36
Open Forum and Correspondence
SMS PAC has requested support from SCI PAC regarding a proposal for a sidewalk along Willow Ave W – there is safety concern with pedestrians using this roadway to gain access to the schools and the traffic that also uses this route.
Letter from Ron Schuler, MLA re Bill 2, The Public Schools Amendment Act (Trans fats and Nutrition) – copy enclosed for PAC’s review.
Next Meeting tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 4:30pm
February 26, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents: Nikki Bertrand, Roxanne Lapointe
Administration: Pat Ilchena, Monica Biggar, Chris Szun
Guests: U of W Student Albee Eisbrenner and U of M Student Trish Farmer
Administration Report
Cafeteria Update
Ongoing improvements to food choices – the cafeteria staff has had the opportunity to work with the Chef from Harvest Moon – maintenance personnel are looking at kitchen space and equipment – renovations are on the docket
Athletics
Lots of team successes in the first Semester – Nick Joyal and his team of curlers are off to Morris, MB to participate in the Provincial Boys Curling Bonspiel - The Sabres Hockey Team will take on College Louis Riel in the True North Division Final at the MTS Center.
Public Health Nurse/Sunrise School Division Agreement
Details are still being worked out but soon there will be a Public Health Nurse available within the school for educational purposes and to assist teachers in the classroom as well as individual consultation with parent consent.
Grade 11 and 12 compulsory Physical Education
Each school is developing a plan for their Grade 11 & 12 Phys Ed Program – one full time and one half time Phys Ed teacher is needed and 14 to 15 additional sections on timetable for the new program – the course will be split 50/50 (theory/activity) – parents/guardians to be responsible for signing off on activity logs – there is a list of recommended activities set by the Provincial Government - Interview process for hiring will be starting next week – the success of the program is to prepare students for physical activity after graduating – to get connected with outside programs and continue physical activity.
Financial Statement
Presented by Nikki – balance to date $613.36
Open Forum and Correspondence
SMS PAC has requested support from SCI PAC regarding a proposal for a sidewalk along Willow Ave W – there is safety concern with pedestrians using this roadway to gain access to the schools and the traffic that also uses this route.
Letter from Ron Schuler, MLA re Bill 2, The Public Schools Amendment Act (Trans fats and Nutrition) – copy enclosed for PAC’s review.
Next Meeting tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 4:30pm
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