Meeting Close: 8:45 PM
Attendees: Richard Marcil, Ozzie Ahmed, Kimberly Namespetra-Sullivan, Roger Boettcher, Alison Wardrop, Barb MacLeod, Lisa McDonald, Steve Cole, Tabatha Dominguez, Donna White, Janet Clemens-Hiltz, Elizabeth Ney, Lisa Hooper
Next Meeting: November 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM
2008-2009 Budget Review
The 2008-2009 School Council budget opens with more than 2007-2008 at $38 684.16. After inserting all the projected income items and all the items from the school wish list, the numbers balance. A decision was reached to publish this budget November 1, 2008, but to have a mid-year review of this budget at the March 2009 meeting to allow for more flexibility as the school population has declined this year. It was also commented that it may be useful to add pictures to our website as there may be parent questions about what we are funding.
- There was some concern about the use of School Council funds being used to purchase books. Roger agreed but added that School Councils sometimes add to what the school board purchases; in this case the request is for literacy picture books for Intermediate classes. Barb explained that this request stems from an interest for teaching literacy reading strategies and having sets for small groups as a complementary aid to facilitate learning.
- Questions about the purchase of school uniforms were discussed. Information on the quality included that they will be reversible with a lifespan of two plus years.
- With the purchase of neo computers it was decided to revisit the possibility of buying more at mid-year should there be sufficient funds.
- Alison spoke on behalf of the Climate Committee funding for posters that promote the character development traits that are focused on each month. Alison and the Council agreed that this minimal cost continues to pay off all year as the messages can be referred to throughout the year. They have also started a bead program for student and ultimately Colour House success.
- The idea of having parent seminars with undecided content at present was approved by the Council at the cost of $1000.00 twice throughout the school year.
- The final cost for a School Mascot is undecided as there is a large range of prices and quality. Richard suggested that Roger and Alison look into this further for exactly what they want.
- The cost of a headset and batteries for the Main Office was approved.
- The final cost of projector for presentations in the gymnasium is still undecided as the spectrum of expense is large. We will continue to look at all solutions for something most cost effective. Roger will speak with other schools who have recently made a similar purchase.
- The costs for requests for the Music classroom, Grade 8 yearbook, concert lights rental, an additional microphone, hush-ups for more classrooms, playground maintenance, and the family BBQ were approved as seen on the draft budget.
- Final budget numbers will be finalized for the November 12, 2008 meeting although it will be released over the next couple of weeks. Richard added that there was no point in waiting for the budget to be released – staff can go ahead and start making the purchases for which they made requests.
Program Update
- Richard let the Council know that the Magazine Campaign seems to be relatively on track toward similar numbers as last year before final numbers have come in.
- The Lunch Lady Program seems to be going well, as per Richard. Feedback from the students and parents is positive, although allergies need to be addressed in terms of logistics. The School Council will be earning approximately 10% of the profits on this program.
- Steve spoke about the Treasures Book campaign. Wednesday, October 29, 2008 will be the launch date with a closing date of November 21, 2008. A more efficient tracking system has been developed this year. 700 books will be dropped off at the school so that each student will have one to take home.
CMAC Review
Roger and Alison both took turns speaking about CMAC, what it is and how it functions. Roger described the program as Clemens Mill version of a leadership opportunity provided for Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. CMAC is an amalgamation of what student council and athletic council was previously with 4 teacher volunteers who subdivide the students involved into committees.
Approximately 150 students apply for CMAC with 30 chosen. The students then work with the teachers to plan and run school events, intramurals, community programs, and assist with school programs. Roger felt that it was important to note that CMAC is not designed to be a leadership training place, but a program for leaders. There was a lot of parent discussion about concerns that students who are not chosen feel discouraged that they haven’t made it onto CMAC and that there aren’t a lot other opportunities for them to develop leadership skills. Alison and Roger both commented on the many other opportunities for students to be involved at Clemens Mill. Roger also mentioned that the disbanding of CMAC has been considered. The objective of CMAC as Roger put it is for student opportunity. Roger wants to assure everyone that they are trying to balance and give each group a sense of identity. There was a comment made that there should be visibility for all student groups with a suggestion that all groups to have the same T-shirt but with different colours/crests in order to create more equality across the student groups rather than CMAC being considered at the top of the hierarchy.
Graduation Location/Facilities Discussion
The question of a Grade 8 graduation location will be discussed at the next Intermediate Division meeting, and the results will be brought up at the November Council meeting.
Portable Update
Roger mentioned that the Environmental Officer from the school board came out and checked 2 portables and orally reported that both had no problems; a written report will be forthcoming and the Environmental Officer will check again once the winter weather arrives. A parent mentioned that Saginaw Public School has been in touch with Cindy Watson at the school board regarding air conditioning/tree coverage for portables, and asked if Clemens Mill is on this priority list. Roger will look into whether we are on this further.
Gate Update
The request was forwarded on to Rob Seeley at the school board; no information has come back to date.
EQAO Results
The results of the EQAO testing for Grade 3 and Grade 6 will be on the November 2008 agenda.
