Meeting close: 7:00 PM
Attendees: Steve Cole, Jo-Anne Henning, Lisa McDonald, Amanda Drewett, Julie Croteau, Richard Marcil, Roger Boettcher, Allison Wardrop, Ozzie Ahmed, Benedictus Soga, Elizabeth Ney
Next meeting: February 20th @ 7:00 PM (Clemens Mill Art Room)
Treasures Book Update
The Treasurers book campaign was a very successful first year attempt and council has given it thumbs up for next year. To support the program, Richard Marcil will include a quick piece in the next Dolphin Talk newsletter, reminding parents to use the Treasures Book and the coupons. The new campaign representative, Marie Sheppard, will be asked to visit a council meeting in April or May to review the 2008/2009 program. Treasures Book has also offered Clemens Mill an additional incentive to signup for next year. Council will receive 10 free books worth $320 (i.e. if 300 books are sold only 290 will be paid for). It was suggested that a promo be added to the council webpage on the school website. Next year it is hoped that a Treasurers book campaign will begin early in September and be promoted to families as a value added fundraiser with the emphasis being buy the book now and get 16 months of use.Financial Update
The current balance is $47,332.71.
Year-to-date, the budget inflows sit slightly below expected due to several reasons:
• The PRO Grants have not yet been received from the Ministry of Education however we have not yet heard that our proposal has been rejected so hopefully funds will be received shortly.
• Special lunch (pizza) has been discontinued because of the difficulties encountered with the supplier, and a new supplier has not been guaranteed. Our thanks to Jennifer Huntley and Tracey LeBar for their dedicated organizational support to this program which continues to earn financial support for our school. The tuck shop has just broke even, so earnings are not expected to increase over last year.
• Payment for the playground has had some adjustments due to the fact that timber was not used on the volleyball court, and council has requested a detailed invoice to clarify the final payment. The GST rebate has not yet been received.
An updated budget will be provided to council by Richard Marcil and Ozzie Ahmed prior to the next meeting, and council will consider possible spending adjustments at the February meeting.
2008 Elementary School Boundary Review
The increasing population of the Hespeler Silverheights area has created need for the school board to propose new elementary school boundaries. With the Mattamy subdivision on this side of the 401 being part of the Silver Heights boundary there has been a significant influx of students. As a result, there is a possibility the student numbers at Clemens Mill could increase. Currently the board is putting together a planning group and is asking for 2 parent volunteers from the Clemens Mill community to attend monthly meetings. The purpose of the planning group is to be an advisory voice to the board. The parents attending the planning group would then communicate to the Clemens Mill school community. An email will once again be sent around the council email and anyone knowing of parents who would volunteer for this planning group should contact the school office.
2008 Seminar Planning
The plan for the first seminar is to promote Internet safety, and possibly showcase the launch of the school website Clemensmill.ca. There was an overwhelming interest for a seminar of this topic in the parent survey conducted by school council last spring. Alison Wardrop contacted the Waterloo Region Police Community Constable to ask for possible dates in February to present an Internet Safety Seminar. The Community Constable would hold a seminar at the school free of charge but requires a guarantee of at least 40 attendees to warrant the cost of police overtime. Currently the Constable is scheduled to do in school presentations to Primary, Junior, and Intermediate students on February 12th. It would be great to have an evening presentation for parents after the visit with the students to provide follow up information.
Also, a seminar is being held at Avenue Road School on 28th of January for interested council members. Prior to next meeting, Roger Boettcher will let council know of a suitable date, and will check on the possible liability/ board regulations of having our Grade 7 and 8’s volunteer for child care during the seminar.
BBQ
Planning for a year-end BBQ to be held in June (week of 9th -13th) is underway. Steve Cole communicated with contacts on the supply of food. It was also suggested that Domino’s pizza would be a good choice and pre-orders would be taken to simplify the process. Currently, a call for approximately 12 parents to form a BBQ committee would be necessary and Richard Marcil indicated he would put a letter outlining a request for volunteers as a stand-alone and / or in Dolphin Talk. Activities planned for the event may include:
• Slide show highlighting school activities from all grades
• Air Band competition
• A few games organized by CMAC and volunteers for the younger crowd
Kudos to Steve Cole Lisa Hooper for their early efforts into this event.
School Update
Roger Boettcher and Allison Wardrop provided council with an update of the school happenings, which included:
• Grade 7/8 Quebec trip to Montreal scheduled for June (an information night to be held in January23rd)
• Grade 8 graduation pictures to be taken later in January.
• Spirit Day planned for Jan25th
The possibility of student fundraising was also raised in order to offset costs of the Montreal trip. However, a fund raising campaign organized through the school would not be possible at this time and parents were encouraged to seek alternatives. Lisa McDonald suggested the Community program that organizes Meals on Wheels as they are often seeking students for snow shoveling, yard work, etc.
The possibility of a Science Fair being organized for the 2008-2009 school year was also discussed. Roger was supportive and indicated he would present this topic with teaching staff and get back to council.
