Springfield Collegiate Institute Advisory Council for School Leadership
September 16,2009
Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Parents/Community Members: Nikki Bertrand, Gary Walker, Kathy Andersson, Donna Walby-Lawson, Donna Pronishen, Caroline Smith, Tammy Burnham, Dana Stewart, Shaun Brooks, Elke Banting.Karen Carey
Students: Mike Lawson
Administration/Staff: Pat Ilchena, Monica Bigger, and Chris Szun
Guests: Diane Duma, Wayne Leckie, Naomi Kruse, Marilyn Kolody, and Christine Brooks
1.) Call to Order: Chair Gary Walker called the meeting to order at 7:05pm.
2.) Annual Elections: Due to previous commitment, the Annual Elections would be held immediately, Motion (1) Kathy moved, Donna seconded. All in favor, carried. Annual Election: Therefore introduction of MAPC reps, Naomi Kruse and Marilyn Kolody made by Gary. All previous council members with the exception of Roxanne LaPointe let their names stand for the 2009/2010 school years. Donna Pronishen along with Ross Martin put their name forth to join the SCI ACSL. Gary thanked the MAPC reps., and welcomed Donna and Ross to council. The ACSL will decide amongst the council the appointment of the various positions.
3.) Chairperson’s Report: Gary spoke encouraging words and appreciation towards the Superintendent Wayne Leckie as well as towards the Administrative Staff of SCI, thanking them for all their hard work last year. Gary went on to review a few of the positive changes that took place last year i.e.: implementing the no smoking policy, an increase to lunch monitoring was put in place mid-term, budget submission for improvements to the school, and supporting the students to make healthy choices. Gary also mentioned that a letter was sent to the Superintendent as well as Pat Ilchena in June, thanking them for their support, but also to review some of the issues and expectations that the ACSL want to pursue in the new school year. The ACSL would like to see an ongoing commitment and plan to eradicate bullying, improve communication with parents and students, by utilizing the school website, trevlac and synervoice, promote and utilize available services to their full potential i.e.; Public Health Nurse, and to expand our Peer Support services. Question about the number of lunch monitors available to the school, Chris Szun explained that SCI has funding for 7- one hour lunch monitors, so far the school has only 3 employed, SCI will continue to advertise for employment into these positions.
4.) Treasurer’s Report: Donna Walby Lawson submitted a certified and audited report. 2008 balance $613.71, interest 0.46, Sunrise School Division credit $125.00= balance $739.27, SCI Clipper advertisement for last year $40.00, therefore the closing balance as of Sept. 2009 is $699.21. Motion (2) Nikki moved, Gary seconded to accept Treasurer’s report, all in favor, carried.
5.) Approval of Agenda: Motion (3) Gary moved, Kathy seconded to accept Agenda, all in favor, carried.
6.) Student Council Report: Mike Lawson reported that the Student Council kept in touch through the summer to do some planning for the upcoming year, Mike presented council with a report as follows. Grade 9 day- Student Council was available to welcome the Grade 9 students on their first day. Free Freeze Monday- gave away freezes at lunch, Mike mentioned on the most part, student were very mindful of not littering. Selling of SPC cards $8.50 price, profit $2.50 all going to SCI Student Council, discussed the need to better advertise that the extra funds go directly to the Student Council, a definite selling feature for parents. Magazine Fundraiser- Sept.23 – Sept.30, proceeds go to Student Council, prizes for top fundraisers are laptop, or an I pod touch. Road hockey tournament- planned for end of September in the bus loop. E-mail for SCI Student Council president for better communication. Student Council is looking into getting gently used or new couches for the mezzanine area. Rachel’s Challenge presentation tentively planned to be at SCI on Oct.28/09, an evening event planned for the parents and community to attend. Student Council donating $3000.00. Discussion about the importance of advertising this event (Futures in Business class in charge of marketing). Rachel’s Challenge. Donna Pronishen mentioned getting community sponsors, since this will be a community event that includes SCI along with other schools in the area. Also suggested, was to perhaps have support available at the school the day of this event due to the sensitive issues that surrounds this presentation. Monica reassured the council that there would be counselling available after the presentation. Discussion about reinforcing with parents the importance that all students attend this presentation, Monica did mention that some “at risk” students may want to opt out, and that a parent note would then have to be submitted to the administration. Budget submission-Student Council requesting that gravel be put on walkway leading to the front door as it is always under water. There was discussion about the municipal property in the southeast corner of the parking lot, that perhaps with the RM. of Springfield involvement, that perhaps this could be made into a path as students are using this area as a walkway already. Due to time constraints it was suggested to put this forth as an agenda item. Motion (4) Kathy moved, Caroline seconded to put this issue as an agenda topic, all in favor, carried.
7.) Principal’s Report: Pat Ilchena discussed that the Synervoice activated Sept.15/09. Monica Bigger working on an electronic newsletter. Monica Bigger introduced the Public Health Nurse (Christine Brooks) she is available at the school every second Tuesday 12:30-2:30pm,and Teen Links at Kin Place Health Complex every Wednesday 2:00-6:00 pm, Christine explained her role within the school and the importance of all students requiring a signed consent by a parent or guardian prior to providing any type of service, other option is for the student to go to Teen Links- no consent necessary, this may be a problem, 85% of students are bussed to school, Monica Bigger to look into whether a new consent needs to be signed each year, or is the consent valid for four years? Christine mentioned that she is working very closely with the student council, and is presently working on a website. Discussion about how to get this information out to students and parents- morning announcements are made, Peer Support to be used, Christine will be part of the Family Studies and Health classes. Further discussion about the “consent form”, Wayne explained that this was brought in by the Sunrise School Division; some parents in the audience were not in agreement with this due to the fact that the students are not bringing the forms back. Motion (5) moved by Kathy seconded by Caroline, suggesting that the ACSL write a letter to Sunrise School Division to review this policy, and suggest an “opting out” consent may be more beneficial for our students. A suggestion was made, that this motion should perhaps include that the Public Health Nurse is in agreement to this motion. Therefore an amendment to this motion was made to include the endorsement by the Public Health Nurse. Moved by Kathy, seconded by Mike, all in favor, carried Maintenance work was done over the summer, hallways painted,6 exterior doors replaced, lockers (phase 3) to be replaced, IT items purchased, carpets replaced in 2 classrooms. School start up, population for this school year is 731 students, Donna enquiring about classroom sizes, Pat explained that for the core courses the average class size is 32 students. Some of the option courses a cap is put on, therefore the class size may be 14 students. Pat noted that in order to provide some of our options, it is important to maintain a fair size student population, otherwise we would lose these programs. Kathy questioned about “fire code”, Pat mentioned that SCI is at its maximum capacity, but in looking towards the next few years…community growth is showing that SCI population will be decreasing. Chris Szun reviewed H1N1, the Sunrise School Division met through the holidays, and policy and procedures are in place, staffs has been educated, students have already been educated in preparation for the flu season. Divisional Committee has been set up. Monica Bigger reported that she has been in contact with NEHA (North Eastman Health Assoc.) trying to get a AFM (Addictions Foundation) worker on a regular basis, Edward Schreyer School has a councillor full time, SCI would like to see this position as a job share with Edward Schreyer giving SCI a councillor part time. Christine has been in discussion with Jim McCarthy that perhaps “the basement” would be an appropriate location for an office to house these much needed resources in close proximity to SCI. Monica Bigger will give the ACSL an update on her discussions with Shelley Senkow (AFM). Hazing Incidents- 9 suspensions, also these students will be meeting with Pat –using these incidences as a learning opportunity for all the students, that this was very inappropriate behaviour. Parents in the audience were very pleased how this was dealt with by all administration, that this will hopefully set the tone for the school year,” restitution- an educational opportunity”. Kathy questioned if the administrative staff has done any planning in this regard? Pat Ilchena explained that, a survey will be done to indicate whether students feel safe at school etc, Peer Support is available, Rachel’s Challenge will be helpful, attempts made to have a welcome environment, education to staff to deal with incidents. Gary mentioned that the letter that was sent in June clearly stated that the ACSL wanted a comprehensive plan to eradicate bullying. Pat to have this ready for the next ACSL meeting.
ACSL would like to take this opportunity to thank Roxanne Lapointe for all her hard work as Secretary.
8.) Date of Next Meeting: October 5/09 @ 7pm.
9.) Adjournment: Nikki moved that meeting adjourn at 9:35pm
