SCI PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2017
PRESENT: Kathy Randall, Carolyn Whyte, Shelley Jensen, Shari Steiner, Theresa Spapens, Jackie Julien, Heather Bethune, Diane Duma
REGRETS: Jodi Handoga
1.
Call to Order: 6:30 pm
2.
Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as presented. Motion (1) by Shelley, 2nd by Carolyn.
Carried
3.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of November 28, 2016 were approved as presented. Motion (2) by Carolyn, 2nd by Shari.
Carried
4.
Chairs Report: Kathy reported on her attendance at the MAPC Chairperson’s Breakfast on Saturday, February 4, 2017 and a meeting she had with Jackie and Tony on March 1, 2017. After a discussion, it was agreed that next year a representative of the PAC would attend the Grade 9 information evening held in February to inform parents of the role of the SCI PAC. It was also agreed that eight (8) meetings of the PAC each school year was more than necessary. The PAC change the meeting frequency to six (6) meetings per year (September, October, November, January, March and May). Motion (3) by Carolyn, 2nd by Theresa. Carried. An amendment to the Constitution to reflect this change will be proposed at the October 2017 AGM. The meetings for the balance 2016/2017 school year will continue as scheduled (April 24 and May 29).There was then a discussion on how to encourage more parents to attend PAC meetings. It was suggested to bring in subject matter experts to make a presentation prior to every meeting and advertising same to parents. It was agreed that this was worth investigating and Kathy will make arrangements for an upcoming meeting. A copy of the Chair’s Report is attached.
5.
Principal’s Report: Jackie thanked the PAC and parent community for the staff appreciation luncheon. The staff was thankful as well for the students that helped out. The PAC noted that a big thank you should go to Shari who spearheaded the event. Jackie then reported on Grade Wars, 2016/2017 school scheduling and the Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 16, 2017. Jackie advised that if the whole school gets involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, this will be the largest event. If the PAC can help, Jackie will contact the PAC. A copy of the Principal’s Report is attached.
6.
Treasurer’s Report: No report as Jodi was unable to attend the meeting. It was requested that in the future, a Treasurer’s Report be provided by email prior to the meeting.
It was agreed that reimbursement be made to Carolyn and Shari for out-of-pocket expenses related to the Staff Appreciation Lunch, as follows:
Carolyn $72.97
Shari $13.83
7.
Correspondence: An agenda for the April 25, 2017 DPAC meeting had been received. The topics to be discussed are Sunrise School Division Communication Plan and Student Resources/Supports. An email had been received from MAPC regarding their AGM taking place on May 5 & 6, 2017, which was previously circulated to all PAC members by email.
8.
Business arising from minutes:
- Reorganizing Parent Council Website – The PAC wanted to make the website more user friendly. Diane Duma advised that the Division was looking at making changes to the Sunrise website which would include PAC websites. Diane will provide an update at the May PAC meeting.
- Possible Parent Council Student Award – Members of the PAC were asked to consider the suggestions that had been proposed with a view to discussing them and making a decision at the next meeting. Diane advised that in the past, there was a Tri-School Scholarship, with a $100.00 donation from each school. Shari will check with the other schools on this.
- Staff Appreciation Luncheon – This item was discussed during the Principal’s Report.
9.
New Business:
- DPAC Meeting – Tuesday, April 25, 2017 – Kathy will attend
- Frequency of SCI PAC - This item was discussed under the Chair’s Report. It was agreed that going forward, the Executive will meet at 6:15 p.m., with the administration joining at 6:30 p.m.
- MAPC AGM & Conference – May 5 & 6, 2017 – Kathy will be attending portions of AGM. Diane Duma advised that the Division will cover the fee for the MAPC AGM if requested. Kathy confirmed that the portions of the meeting she was attended did not have a fee.
10.
Date of Next Meeting: Monday, April 24, 2017
11.
Adjournment: 7:25 p.m.
Items to be brought forward to future meetings:
- Reorganizing Parent Council Website (May)
- Parent Council Student Award (April)
Upcoming Meetings
April 24, 2017
May 29, 2017
*********
Chair’s Report March 2017
Attended the MAPC Chairperson’s breakfast which was held on Saturday, February 4/17. Lots of school PAC’s there. Most of them were middle school and elementary that have huge #’s of PAC members on their committees.
They spoke about better informing parents on two of their guides namely, the Resources Guide and the Empowering Parents Guide. We are looking to post those on our PAC website.
Perhaps we can also add a section whereby parents can submit a suggestion, opinion or questions to the committee.
Held a meeting with both the Principal and Vice Principal\ on March 1, 2017 to discuss our collaboration of the PAC with the school administration. Would like to be included as a PAC with reps at the school year sign up in February from the middle school to better inform parents as to our role. Discussed the frequency of meetings in that monthly truly is more than is required even though our constitution says differently. Would recommend at the next AGM that we change section 8 #2 to reflect only 5 [Sept/Nov/Feb/Apr/June]. We are a committee of 6 members and section 4 indicates that we must have at least 7 members. In reviewing our role as per section 2 a-c we provide advice, recommendations to school admin/staff when asked, and act as a liaison between the school/parents/ students and partner together to foster a richer educational process. Would suggest that we look at bringing in subject matter experts at every meeting and advertising same to the parents as part of a resource to them thereby promoting Positive Health and Mental Health Through Parent-School Partnerships.
Some suggestions could be:
- Rep from RCMP on social media hazards - sexting among teenagers, cell phone/internet abuse
- Social worker/guidance counsellor on how to manage stress and mental illness as a young adult coping with school deadlines
- How to effectively learn strong study habits
- Doctor on Recreational ADHD drug use and sex education in 2017!
- School Advisor from post-secondary institutions on being accepted into University after high school and its criteria and developing your career profile.
Sunrise School Division Divisional PAC Meeting will be on Tuesday, April 25 7-9pm in Beausejour. Agenda to follow.
MAPC AGM and conference will be on Friday, May 5 (banquet) 4-9:30pm and Sat, May 6 at the Victoria Inn Hotel. Going to the AGM on Saturday is free 9-10:30am. If one wishes to attend one of the two workshops (Saturday) that go from 1-3:45pm. Cost to attend the banquet with all meals dinner, Sat breakfast and lunch is $100 per person. Only allowed 2 delegates. Must register prior to April 28, 2017. Judy Aiken Memorial Award - this annual award recognizes one outstanding volunteer who demonstrates enthusiasm, teamwork, and dedication to supporting the parental voice
Looking forward to our Staff Appreciation Luncheon on March 9th and acknowledging all of their hard work.
Thanks.
Kathy
Kathy Randall
**********
Principal’s Report March 2017
1. Staff of SCI would like to thank our PAC and our parent community for the wonderful luncheon that was provided to all of us.
2. Grade Wars – March 20th to 24th
Tuesday, March 21st Day 1: 10:50 AM – Noon – Jersey Day
Events :Settlers of Catan Board Game, Elimination Volleyball and Airbands
Wednesday, March 22nd Day 2: 10:50 AM – Noon – Retro Day
Events: Mario Kart Face Off, Architecture, Tug of War and Duct Tape Fashion Show
Thursday, March 23rd Day 1: 2:20 PM – 3:30 PM – Sabres Colors/Sabres Schwag Day
Events: Chess, Minute to Win It, Survivor and Human Pendulum
Friday, March 24th Day 2: 2:20 PM – 3:30 PM – Grade Color Day (Gr 9 – Red,
Gr 10 – Yellow, Gr 11 – Blue, Gr 12 – Green, Staff Color – Black)
Events: Banner, Cheer, I-Pod Challenge and Dance Off
3. 2016 Registration process
Student registration guide is on-line, packages were sent home with students in February, and the scheduling process is well underway for the 2017-2018 School Year.
4. SCI will be involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 16, 2017 – More details will be sent via our parent email.
