Kelvin High School
Parent Advisory Council
Minutes of the meeting on February 6, 2008
Present: Cathy Purchase, Chair and Recorder, Sandy Allen, Risa Altman, Allison Koots, Mavis Meisner-Symak, Carolynn Osborn, Jaromir Samek and Illana Steele.
Staff: Jim Brown, Kim Gauthier and Maria Silva
Presentation
Kim Gauthier presented a quick review of student performances from the video of Class Act 2007. The group was impressed by the singers, dancers and bands whose performances demonstrated both talent and poise!
1. Approval of Agenda
The meeting was called to order by Cathy Purchase. Risa Altman added an item, Improv Team Competition, to New Business. The agenda, with the addition, was accepted by consensus.
2. Approval of Minutes, Meeting January 8, 2008
The minutes were received with amendments to names of those present: Mavis Meisner-Symak and Laura MacDonald.
3. Student Report
Kim Gauthier reported on the plans for spirit days: February 14- Lunch Auction, February 21- Decades Day, February 28- Athletic Day and March 6- Wacky Day. Rose Grams are currently being sold at $3.00 with proceeds to the Health Sciences Centre. The Roses will be handed out on Slot C, February 14. The Student Council requests a donation towards the purchase of a large commercial griddle.
4. Administration Report
Jim Brown advised of information meetings scheduled for February: February 13- IB Program and February 21- Parents of potential Grade 9 students and Parents of future Grade 11 and Grade 12 students concerning university and college admission requirements and scholarships.
He advised that administration and staff had had much discussion on Grade 9 programming with respect to challenging students and offering options. It was decided that Grade 9 English will now consist of core topics for the first semester followed by options for the second semester. Grade 9 Math will continue for the two semesters. An advanced Grade 9 Math will condense the program into the first semester and offer pre-calc for the second semester. An enriched program consisting of new projects and additional labs will be available for Grade 9 Science. It was decided that a variety of options would be available to enable students to experience a well rounded program.
Applications for 2008/2009 are due February 29.
A group of grade 9 students are taking classes in preparation for attending the Holocaust Memorial in Washington, D.C., leaving May 25. The topic enriches the Grade 9 Social Studies curriculum on human rights.
Parent Council will be represented at the Information Meeting for New Parents on February 21.
5. Committee Reports
South District Advisory Committee
The SDAC Meeting was postponed from Wednesday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 6. Milli Khan was attending the Meeting, representing Kelvin. The summary of the Meeting, prepared by Milli, will be forwarded to PAC.
Financial Report
The current balance is $928.89.
MOTION: That Parent Council donate $500.00 to the Student Council for allocation towards the purchase of a commercial griddle.
Moved by Illana. Seconded by Risa. All in favour.
6. Old Business
Presentations for March 6, 2008, the School Resource Officer, and April 17, 2008, Kelvin Cafeteria Committee, were confirmed.
Mavis advised that activity on donations for the Kelvin Wellness Day/Staff Appreciation Breakfast has been very slow. A message will be forwarded to all members of Parent Council requesting assistance with contacts through any school related activities.
Canteen for Wrestling Tournament, January 11 and 12.
The canteen raised $658.05. This Wrestling Tournament is an annual event. Parent Council will be contacted for their interest in running a canteen next year.
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7. New Business
The WSD has placed the First Draft Budget Information Booklet on the WSD website.
Implications of the Compulsory Physical Education Program for Grades 11 and 12, initiated by the provincial government, were reviewed. Students require 29 credits to graduate. Although the policy has not been finalized, 25% of hours are to be completed within the school and 75% of hours may be completed outside the school according to a list of recognized activities. Kelvin staff will be required to teach/administer approximately 600 additional credit hours. There is a requirement for additional staff and additional facilities.
The province has allocated $1.2 million for the implementation of compulsory Physical Education in Grades 11 and 12. It is not known how the WSD will address the requirement for additional staff and facilities.
Laura MacDonald had forwarded information on the website, Parent the Anti Drug, for consideration as a link on the Parent Council webpage. The suggestion was referred to the Guidance Department for their opinion.
Children's Heritage Fund
Correspondence had been received from the WSD on potential submissions for the Children's Heritage Fund with a deadline February 20. The correspondence was addressed to both Principals and Parent Councils. Each school could receive up to $3,500 per year. It was not clear if a Parent Council could receive an amount in addition to the funds provided directly to the school. Kelvin has already applied monies from this Fund towards school projects and field trips. Administration will contact the School Division.
Improv Team Competition
It was agreed that the Improv Team would be reminded of the requirement for respect and tolerance on sensitive topics.
French Immersion Advisory Committee
Notice of the first Meeting for 2007/2008, on February 19, was received. Allison Koots volunteered to review the notice and possibly attend the Meeting.
Requirement for a Second Gym at Kelvin
There was general discussion on how this requirement might be addressed.
The requirement assumed greater urgency with the new provincial policy on compulsory Phys Ed for Grades 11 and 12. Several suggestions were floated:
-Increase awareness with Kelvin parents, emphasizing curriculum, and the surrounding community, indicating potential access after hours.
-Prepare a Fact Sheet on need. (Students prepared a fact sheet in 2005/2006)
-Initiate a needs assessment across the province, joining with other schools in similar situations
Item to be placed on the Agenda for March 6, 2008
8. Next Meeting, Thursday, March 6, 2008
9. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.