Wilkinson School Community Council
Meeting
January 15, 2007
In attendance: Ruth Allen, Carol Bennett, Susan Haney, John Hykel, Bianca Kapteyn, Sunny Mills, April Moon, Tanya Sterioff, Jacqui Strachan, Lisa Watt, Paula Weekes Kahn, Karen Wiseman
Regrets: Karin Deane, Karen Geraci, Ruby Lederman
Guests: Karen Anthony, Dandylion Daycare
1. Approval of Agenda, January 15, 2007.
MOTION to approve: Sunny. Seconded: John. Motion carried.
2. Approval of Minutes, December 11, 2006.
MOTION to approve: Jacqui. Seconded: Susan. Motion carried.
3. Principal’s Update
- Principal’s newsletter is going out earlier this month, will be sent home this week
- Grade 6 students will be touring Earl Grey on Friday, January 19, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Talent show, Friday, January 19, in the gym
- French Immersion meeting on Monday January 22 at 7:00, for parents interested in the mid-immersion program offered at Wilkinson
- P.A. Day on Friday, January 26
- Ward 15 Parent Workshop on Tuesday, February 6, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Wilkinson
- JK/SK registration for in-district and Dandylion students will take place from February 13 – 15; students born in 2003 should register
- P.A. Day on Friday, February 16
- In response to the discussion at the last meeting, Tanya inquired to the board about putting gates on the entry points to the school yard – this cannot be done – the community has a “right of passage”, and even though it is technically private property, it needs to be open to the public. The other option, “cattle lanes”, would cost $5000 and need to be wheelchair accessible. In order to be wheelchair accessible, they would have to be so far away from the actual exit that they would be ineffective, so this is not a practical option – Karen Anthony has offered to place Dandylion staff on yard duty at recess to help keep an eye and prevent students from leaving the school yard.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Financial report distributed. There is about $2000 available, plus direct donations ($1000) and some loose change. Paula will be away from Feb.9 – 25. John will take the cheque book in case any cheques need to be written while she is away.
5. Committee Updates
i) Arts
- The Maori Dance Troupe will perform on January 23.
- Robert Morgan’s performance date has been changed from February 5 to February 19.
- April provided Ruth Allen with information about the ‘Share the Music’ program at Roy Thomson Hall – Ruth will give the information to Batya Levy in case she would like students to participate again this year
ii) Communications
- there will be a Communications meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
- Carol is looking for newsletter articles – if you have something to contribute, please contact her
iii) Fundraising
- Chocolate Bar Sales – There is still some outstanding money – Ruby and Paula will discuss next steps. Sunny has also offered to help.
- Pizza Lunches: Thursday, January 25, February date to be announced, March 29, April 27, June 1 (final one for the year)
- Movie Nights: February 2 – ‘Open Season’, March 23 – ‘Flushed Away’, other dates to be announced, possible movies include ‘Happy Feet’ and ‘Happily N’Ever After’
- Sunny is looking into running an after-school movie for students in grades 5 and 6, with a movie that would appeal more to that age group
- Cookbooks – there are 50 still left to sell, April will ask Cathy to bring back the bin of cookbooks for the office, as there are still staff members who want to buy one.
- Fun Fair – date: Saturday, June 2, suggested time: 11:00 – 3:00. Karen Anthony has offered to have the Daycare get involved too – run a booth and help staff it. April would like to focus on getting more sponsors, and is organizing a meeting to discuss potential sponsors – she will email people with the date.
iv) Greening and Grounds
- John has talked to LEAF about getting trees for the enclosed play area – he is getting the info and is in contact with Bruce Day at the TDSB as well
6. Funding Requests
- no requests have been received this month
7. Report Back Items (from last meeting)
- team uniforms and hoodies will be in at the end of January. Ruby is not going to plan a wide-spread order initiative until we see how the current order looks.
- see principal’s update re. gates on the school yard.
8. Ward 15 Meeting
- Bambi Alvia has agreed to be the Wilkinson rep for Ward 15
- Carol has the minutes from the last meeting – contact her if you would like a copy
- there is a parent workshop, “Is Your Child Struggling in School?” on Feb.6 at Wilkinson, 7:00 p.m., hosted by Ward 15 Trustee Cathy Dandy
9. Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
- if you would like to nominate a teacher, nomination forms are due on January 31; for more information, see the January council newsletter or contact Carol Bennett
10. Dandylion Daycare Update
- repairs to the daycare have been completed on schedule and they are glad to be back home
- the daycare students are participating in the ‘Raising the Roof’ fundraiser to help the homeless. This was inspired by one of the daycare students who was concerned about the plight of homeless people. Toques are on sale for $10, and 80% of what is raised goes directly to support the homeless.
11. New Business
- Karen Wiseman asked about the lockdown that happened before Christmas and whether staff are briefed on the proper procedure. Tanya advised that they will be reviewing lock down policy and procedure at the next staff meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:25