Wilkinson School Community Council
Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2009
Present: Leasa Adams (Vice Principal), Carol Bennett, Sarah Gillespie, Ruby Lederman, April Moon, Alison Motluk, Jill Spellman, Tanya Sterioff (Principal), Erin Vaillancourt, Sam Vrakking, Paula Weekes Kahn, Susan Haney, Laura Bullard, Kris Kearns, Varathan Aiyadura, Paul Dobson, Karen Anthony, Rachel Ault (Staff Rep), Jay Friedman, Saeka Shaikh
Regrets: Karen Wiseman, John Hykel
Guests: Camila Troughton
Recorder: Laura Bullard
Meeting called to order at 7:06pm
Welcome and introductions.
Paula welcomed council and suggested a quick roundtable. Our guest was introduced.
Approval of the agenda
Motion: April Moon.
Seconded: Alison Motluk
Approval of October 5th minutes
Motion: Jill Spellman
Seconded: Sarah Gillespie
Principal's Update
Tanya updated the council as follows:
-Remembrance Day Ceremony will be in room 3 from 10:30-11:00 ending with a moment of silences.
-P.A. day on Friday November 13th
-Movie Night on November 20th
-Extended French meeting on November 23rd
-Picture retake day on November 25th
-Reports go home on November 30th
-Parent-Teacher interviews December 2nd & 3rd
-P.A day on December 4th - also parent interview day
-December 9th is the Winter Concert from 6-7
Tanya requested funding for 20 new jerseys. Total order $507.99. Motion was approved by council.
Treasurer's report
John was unable to attend the meeting, but provided Paula with our total balance - $17, 787.06
Earl Grey Council Member Presentation
Camila Troughton, a member of the Earl Grey parent council, provided an update on the 'Save our Pool' campaign. Camila is visiting neighbourhood schools in hopes of creating awareness and soliciting assistance from the community to help fund and prevent the closing of Earl Grey's pool. She presented various options available including individual donations, applying for permits to use the pool, supporting the message on a bottle campaign and attending the November 28th SOP event. A motion was made to provide financial assistance from Wilkinson School council funds. The motion was denied by council. After much discussion, the council motioned and agreed to host a special fund raiser to promote awareness and generate funds to give directly to the Early Grey SOP fund. It was agreed that a Friday night badminton event would be held and advertised appropriately as an Early Grey fundraiser. Rudy volunteered to lead this event and asked for volunteers to help out before and during the event.
Ward Council Meetings
Paula indicated all our welcome to attend Ward 15 meetings, if anyone is interested please let her know.
Wil-Kitchen
Event will take place January 2010. Some discussion around the possibility of having a local restaurant come and share the knowledge of cooking. More of a community event. i.e. Greek
PALS
The PALS program will be revisited in January and Leasa will be leading this initiative.
Pumpkin Festival
Ruby reported the festival was a success! Approximately 100 people attended, 20 litres of apple cider was enjoyed and we made approximately $300. Great day!!
To be noted for the next Pumpkin Festival: Clean up parking lot before event & don't schedule the same day as the Greek parade.
Direct Donations Campaign
Paula reported that to date we have received almost $900.00 in direct donations.
Badminton nights
Ruby proposed an idea of running 'pay what you can badminton nights'. This could be a community event. They would take place on Friday nights as we already have the permit for movie nights. The idea was well received and they will start in January. Rudy & Brady will take the lead. Volunteers will be needed.
PRO Grant
Susan Haney was going to submit a proposal for the PRO (Parent Reaching Out) grant (up to $1000). The proposal was for additional cooking supplies for the Wil-kitchen cooking evenings. Unfortunately, this idea did not meet the criteria, therefore it was decided that we would not apply for the grant.
Committee Updates
Arts
April provided a detailed plan on Wilkinson's Arts programming based on the 2009-2010 $4250.00 budget. Considering student numbers and grade levels - April has scheduled 3 performances for grades 1-6 and 1 performance for the JK/SK groups.
Communications
The committee will be meeting November 24th.
Fundraising
-Pizza Lunches - approximately _ the school participated - raised $750.00
-Chocolate Sales - Carol reported there are 30 boxes left. 150 sold at $1300 profit. It was suggested that letters go out to parents in hopes of selling the remaining 30 boxes as a last resort.
-Movie night - November 20th - pre-release - G-Force - - ACF License $997.50.
Greening
Kristen provided an update on plans for the garden. Focus will be on art and education - a learning space. It was suggested she chat with Daphne regarding signage ideas. The playground equipment in the kindergarten area that was installed this fall cost $12,000.
New Business
Food Drive
Paul Dobson was interested in the group's thoughts on organizing a food drive. It was mentioned that the school typically encourages bringing a non-perishable item to the winter concert. We are content to continue that tradition.
Adjournment at 8:40pm
Motion: Erin
Seconded: Jill