EQAO Assessment Results

In September, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released full reports on its assessments for each school and school board across the province. Parents and guardians can view the report at EQAO’s Web site, choosing the Waterloo Region District School Board and then Clemens Mill PS.

This is an important report as it shows the performance of CMPS students in reading, writing and mathematics, Primary Division (Grades 1–3) and Junior Division (Grades 4–6), relative to other Board schools and relative to the provincial standard. This will be reviewed in detail at the upcoming council meeting, and make for rich discussion.

Key discussion items will be:
1. What percentage of CPMS students have met the provincial standard in reading, writing and/or math?
2. What has the school’s trend been in each of these subjects over the past five years?
3. How do the trends and current results of my school compare to those of my school board and the province?
4. How do CMPS demographics compare to those of the school board or the province?
5. What is my school’s improvement plan for reading, writing and math?

Agenda for October 15th meeting

When: Wednesday October 15th, 2008
Where: Art Room
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM
Agenda:
1. Budget review (30 minutes)
2. Program update (20 minutes)
3. CMAC review – Roger/Alison (10 minutes)
4. Graduation location /facilities discussion – All (10 minutes)
5. Portable update – Roger/Alison (5 minutes)
6. Gate update – Roger/Alison (5 minutes)
7. Other

Minutes from September 17th Meeting

Meeting start: 7:00 PM
Meeting close: 8:45 PM
Attendees: Richard Marcil, Steve Cole, Ozzie Ahmed, Kimberly Namespetra-Sullivan, Elizabeth Ney, Roger Boettcher, Alison Wardrop, Barb McLeod, Julie Croteau, Jo-Anne Hennig, Lisa Hooper, Lisa McDonald, Donna White
Next meeting: October 15, 2008

2008-2009 School Council Elections
Richard Marcil managed the process of council dissolution (2007-2008 school year) and council election (2008-2009). The 2008-2009 School Council as elected by CMPS parents is:
Richard Marcil, Chair
Steve Cole, Co-chair
Ozzie Ahmed, Treasurer
Kimberly Namespetra-Sullivan, Secretary
Elizabeth Ney, Volunteer coordinator
Roger Boettcher, Principal
Alison Wardrop, Vice Principal
Barb McLeod, Teacher
Julie Croteau
Jo-Anne Hennig
Lisa Hooper
Lisa McDonald
Donna White

School Welcome
Roger Boettcher welcomed the group to the 2008-2009 school year. In short, Roger spoke to a smooth school entry given the continuity in staff, administration and policies. The following provides a cursory review of Roger’s presentation:
• 31 classes, 60 staff members, 760 students
• 6 colour house families
• Collaborative Planning
• Active and extensive extra-curricular activities, e.g. PALS program, CMAC, QDPA leaders, cross country, football, paparazzi photographers, poster club, library assistants, web page builders & technology, etc.
• Climate Committee
• Student Success Framework
• Safe Schools
• Health and Safety

2008-2009 Preliminary Planning
Richard reviewed the 2008-2009 preliminary plans as proposed by the 2007-2008 council. It was agreed that the continuity of programs was valued - both by parents (who have responded positively to 2007-2008 programs) and by council (who can build on prior learning and execution). Richard also reviewed the status of the CCRP™ Magazine Fundraiser (underway and managed by Tonia Kelly) and Lunch Lady special lunches (managed by Jonathan DeVera of Lunch Lady Cambridge). Steve Cole introduced the 2009 Treasures book and preliminary logistics. This program will be managed by Marie Shepherd of Treasures, and is preliminarily scheduled for launch October 29th. Ozzie Ahmed reviewed the 2008-2009 budgets, which are quite robust, and spoke to the opportunity to spend in excess of 2008-2009 inflows given the cash build of 2007-2008. Council agreed given a solid cash position and the need to add value to the school in the near term. Roger presented the 2008-2009 wish list as developed by staff and administration. The following will be further discussed at the next meeting:
• Turn off TV week inc. prizes [all grades]
• Literacy picture books kits [grades 7-8]
• School teams uniforms [grades 4–8]
• Two conference/reading tables [grade 2]
• Speed stacking cups for intramurals and QDPA [all grades]
• Two alphabet sounds teaching tubs [grade 1]
• Five Alpha Smart Neo computers [EA]
• Climate Committee guests and speakers [all grades]
• Splash mascot costume [all grades]
• Main office wireless headset
• Main office batteries for walkie talkies
• Gym projector screen [all grades]
• Stands, metronome and stereo for music [all grades]
• Yearbook [grade 8]
• Lights for concerts [all grades]
• Wireless microphone for presentations/speakers [all grades]
• Hush-Up chair/floor protection
• Dictionaries (20) [grade 5]
• Play structure maintenance
• Parent seminars

School Gate
Council discussed the need for a gate behind the school in order to reduce the risk of injury (seemingly high with the automobile traffic) and the risk of vandalism (especially from young teens). Richard will write a recommendation to Roger, for submission to the Board.