Minutes from April 16th 2008 Council Meeting

Meeting start: 7:00 PM
Meeting close: 8:45 PM
Attendees: Steve Cole, Jo-Anne Hennig, Lisa McDonald, Donna White, Richard Marcil, Roger Boettcher, Ozzie Ahmed, Julene Duncan, Lisa Hooper, Elizabeth Ney (recording minutes)
Next meeting: May 21st @ 7:00 PM (Clemens Mill Art Room)

Fundraising Update
Marie Shepard from Treasurers Books gave a presentation on steps to make fundraising easy. She has been with the program since January and was chosen for the job because of her many years of experience working on school councils. Earnings per book sold for 2008/2009: up to 400 books, 10% of sales; 400-600 books, 12.50%; and 600+ books, 16%. 500-600 books is certainly realistic for a school the size of CPMS and in the second year of the program
Beth Snelgrove from QSP-Readers Digest also spoke about their program for magazine fundraising (not company we have used in the past).

Financial Update
Ozzie Ahmed reviewed the monthly budget statement. The current balance is $39,345.01 with projected inflows expected to meet targets. The budget is also on track for outflows.

2008 BBQ Planning
The BBQ is now set for Thursday June 12th from 5:00 to 7:30PM. By next meeting, Richard Marcil will produce a spreadsheet to summarize key activities, their status, timelines and next steps and volunteers. To date, at least 10 volunteers have committed and Steve Cole is optimistic more will be reached in coming weeks. Everyone is asked to sign up on the spreadsheet when it is circulated by email. Lisa Hooper provided the following update:
• 2 clowns will be booked for entertainment
• Roger will need to ensure the back field is kept open and the volleyball nets are up.
• DAVE FM will have a mobile unit available from 5-7:30 for music, must ensure a power source is available (check with Dave/custodian as to what breaker to use!)
• Entertainment to include a slide show in the gym, teachers/CMAC to organize

Bill 212
Bill 212, the Education Amendment Act, (Progressive Discipline and School Safety Act), 2007 was passed in June 2007. Its provisions take effect on February 1, 2008. Bill 212 amends, but does not completely repeal, the “safe school” provisions of Bill 81 implemented by the previous Conservative government in 2000. The philosophy of the Conservative’s Bill 81 was grounded in a “zero tolerance” approach to student discipline and led to a regime of strict discipline on the part of most school boards. The Liberal government’s Bill 212 was in response to a complaint launched by the Ontario Human Rights Commission regarding the extent to which some students were unfairly treated. Bill 212 replaces the current system with a progressive discipline approach, in which principles must now address many more mitigating factors before a student is expulsed from school. The new legislation also considers out-of-school behaviour, giving principals grounds for disciplining students for out-of-school activities, e.g. bullying on the Internet, city park, etc.

School Boundary Changes
A public meeting regarding the public school boundary review will be held and possible scenarios will be presented. The final decisions will be made by the board in June 08. Currently it appears that our school will not be impacted. See clemensmillcouncil.blogspot.com for real-time updates.

Other Topics
• Our playground failed the safety inspection by the board, and will not be open to use until the repairs are done. Roger will keep council posted on the requirements and the vendor will most likely cover the costs.
• Council strongly recommended that the gate being put back at the back of the school to prevent cars from driving around the back of the school, which has important safety and security benefits. The board would have to give the go ahead.
• Internet safety seminar was well received with about 35-40 in attendance; Richard Marcil is working on producing reminder mouse pads for families.

A Big thank you to Brenda White who brought in cheesecake which was totally enjoyed by all in attendance!