Chaffey-Burke Elementary School PAC Meeting Minutes of Monday, November 7, 2011

Chaffey-Burke Elementary School


PAC Meeting Minutes of

Monday, November 7, 2011



Roundtable/Introductions: Ranjit Bharaj, PAC Chair

The PAC Executive meeting was opened by Ranjit at 7:15PM. 8 parents and Principal in attendance.

2. October Minutes

deferred for approval until circulation. Will be placed on December’s agenda.

3. Principal Update- Claudio Bortolussi

School population at 557 puts Chaffey Burke as the second largest elementary school in the district after Marlborough.

For October we had 14 transfers in and 12 transfers out

Thursday is the Remembrance Day Assembly where a veteran has been invited to participate. There will be music, readings and broad student participation.

Friday is the Remembrance Day Stat

Monday November 21st is a district wide Pro Development Day. District wide Pro D Days are in Oct, Nov and February where school wide Pro D Days are in Sep, Jan and June.

Photo retakes on November 9th

Young People’s concert is coming up on November 30th.

Hot lunches on November 23rd and 30th

Student of the week has started 3 weeks ago where Claudio meets with 1 child from each division at 11am on Fridays. The students, in a circle, share learnings, ask questions and get to know each other and the Principal in this small gathering.

Milk and Juice needs more support but Pei Pei Liu has taken the lead. More volunteers are needed for counting, ordering and delivering. Weekday lunch hour opportunity.

Newsletters will be posted on the web with the idea to draw more families to the website where there is growing information, literacy tips, education support information for families and district and ministry information.  http://chaffey-burke.sd41.bc.ca, office will keep 30 – 40 paper copies, goal is to eventually send it out via PAC listserv.

4. Treasurer update: Ranjit Bharaj
Parent inquiry: Do u carry a balance?

Ranjit replied that we do not usually try to carry a balance. Historically, we spend the monies we raise. Spending in the past couple of has been focused on replacing the playgrounds. Now we are in a position where the ‘big’ projects are behind us.

5. Special lunch update: Ranjit Bharaj and Mary MacKillop

We are currently on a 3-month trial of a new vendor for the hot lunch program. The school can then decide if it fits. We have had a bit of a rocky start with the coordination, distribution of our 1st hot lunch, but we anticipate that the process will become smoother over time.

We are feeling out different vendors, with consideration being given to the price point and distribution/ delivery concerns.

The hot lunch program requires a lot of manpower so full service providers are preferred.

6. DPAC update

Our DPAC positions have not been filled.

Mary offered to post updates form DPAC website.

DPAC meets on the last Monday of the month.

We are looking for at least 2 – 3 volunteers.

7. School Planning Council (SPC)

We have 3 vacant positions for the School Planning Council (SPC).

Claudio advised that the SPC acts on parents’ behalf, meeting with him about three times a year to ensure that the school is on track with meeting the needs of the school community.

In June the SPC meets with Claudio for planning for following year. Meetings generally occur in the evening or on Pro D days.

8. Earthquake

The school does not require a committee. An individual would be able to fill this role.

Responsibilities involve replenishing supplies and doing inventory of food & supplies.

Claudio suggested having a parent lead/coordinate a simulation of emergency procedures. The school is due for a practice evacuation in the next year or two as it must be done at least every 5 years.

Mary offered to talk to Scott Ko to see if he would be able to assist.

9. Volunteer vacancies

2 for DPAC

3 SPC (1 exec + 2 parents)

Milk/ juice program volunteers. Claudio mentioned that he has assisted Pei Pei with the milk/juice program on occasion but is not able to offered help on a permanent basis. The process is fairly involved, and the ideal candidate would be able to drive to pick up the milk/juice orders for distribution. The program is a successful one, and it has enabled the school to purchase many school items with the funds generated (ie. sports jerseys, home reading program). Furthermore, it promotes good eating habits in the school.

10. 2011/2012 Budget

The following is a list of some of the school’s ‘wish’ items that PAC executives propose to contribute funds towards:

Field trips $200 per division = $4,600

teacher consumables $65 per teacher = $1,950

Library: $400 author visits + $1,500 books = $1,900

home reading = $600

Classroom libraries $100 per class = $2,300

Beautification (including bulbs for flower beds) = $750

Win its = $500

Red. Cedar program = $600

Cultural event = $850

Math / science supplies = $500

LCD projectors: replace 1 and add 1 more = $,1500

Sound system = $3,000

Total PAC contribution to school: $24,550

MOTION: That we approve the 2011/2012 PAC budget.

Moved: Mary MacKillop, Seconded: Antonella CARRIED

Ranjit advised that we've had some parents express interest in running hot dog days, popcorn days, and photo night. Current numbers in the 2011/2012 budget does not include additional fundraising revenues as a result of such fundraising efforts so we will likely have a surplus of funds at year-end.

11. BCTF workshops: Ranjit Bharaj

In lieu of 1 PAC meeting in the Spring, we've done education/ speaker nights in the past. This was typically done in March.

Ranjit suggested canvassing school interest via online voting.

Mary suggested that the “Child with anxiety session” was popular in the past.

Ranjit added that BCTF workshops are generally quite well-received.

Claudio cautioned that while some sessions are well done (ie. anti bullying, born to buy, internet awareness, supporting child's learning), others themes are not as effective (ie. Raising confident boys).

Mary offered to put together a list of speaker night theme options, and will list serve to the school community.

12. Questions

With respect to the vacant PAC positions, a parent asked what each volunteer role involves. Mary offered to put info together for outstanding roles (ie. Time commitment, description of responsibilities).

A parent asked about having a family movie night as a possible fundraiser/community event. Mary responded that we had had a movie night in the past, and that we have used a company that can set up all the equipment for such an event. Perhaps we can consider a movie night in spring, to be held outdoors.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05PM.Thanks to Mary for bringing the delicious cookies!

Next meeting will be on Monday, December 5th, 2011 at the school library – it will be a PAC meeting / holiday social.

Chaffey-Burke Elementary School PAC Meeting Minutes of Monday, October 17, 2011

Chaffey-Burke Elementary School


PAC Meeting Minutes of

Monday, October 17, 2011


Roundtable/Introductions: Ranjit Bharaj, PAC Chair

The PAC Executive meeting was opened by Ranjit at 7:05PM. In attendance: 2 faculty members, 9 parents and 1 guest.



Principal's update: Claudio Bortolussi

School population is 557; classes not actually at maximum capacity

Met w/school planning council to ensure numbers @ each grade level are appropriate

School routines settled in reading groups, resources

Terry Fox run raised $5,785

Last Pro D day teachers participated in Wild BC program on Deas Island – teachers learned how to integrate outdoors into instruction

This Friday Pro-D day is province-wide

Hot lunch on Wednesday, October 19th - Colleen collecting & organizing & distributing food with the assistance of 6 volunteer students

PAC will weigh the feedback on the hot lunches. We are on a 3 month trial period - will see how the response rate is. Diane & Melinda are organizing the hot lunches with the new catering provider

Hot lunch prices are higher than in the past, but they offer more variety for veggie, fruit, dessert.



Allison from Burnaby Parks & Recreation

Allison’s office is at Bonsor.

B active passes have come out for grade 5's. Free drop-in activities included: swimming, skating (including rentals), drop in gym programs, driving ranges & Central Park Pitch 'n Putt.

Current offering of after-school courses at Chaffey fall into 3 types of programs: Arts (ie. clayworks), Gym programs (ie. badminton & floor hockey ), and Social programs (ie. knitting , cooking). See Burnaby Parks & Recreation website: burnaby.ca/active

A suggestion was raised for a babysitting course for grade 6 students?

Allison advised that fees for any activity can be used as a tax deduction if the program exceeds 8 sessions. This is a change to include arts programs and not just sports programs.

Survey monkey to find out what offerings might work: 1st aid program, 911 skills (start at age 7), emergency planning sessions, duct tape crafts, science programs, cooking (parent involvement classes?).

Allison to suggest a mixture of classes in January 2012.

Parks & recs can bring in 2 leaders for 1 day for each school for free. Leaders can assist with setting up crafts stations or help with supervision.

Consideration for possible assistance at next year’s school picnic or walkathon.



Head teacher’s update: Michael Nielsen

Terry fox was a big success... thanks to parents.

Tulip bulbs planted by students. At least 1 division a week doing yard clean up around the school.

Author visits to the school were well-received. Their visits brought authenticity to their stories.

Volleyball season has begun for grades 6 & 7. Teachers are facilitating.

Young people’s concerts are upcoming.

Track & field: 27 school teams this year vs. 47 in most years.

Volleyball season will run until the end of November

Parent teacher meetings are not going to take place this year. There will be no formal written report cards during job action. Student evaluations are still being recorded by teachers, but reporting will not be communicated. Teachers will not be issuing written evaluations; however, parents may initiate communication if need be.

There are more primary students than intermediate students at Chaffey. The use of the playground swings has become an issue. For a time, swings use was limited to Friday afternoons for intermediate kids. Currently, intermediate leadership students have been dispatched to come up with a schedule that works for all.

Dances – there will be a dance in October – both Grades 6 & 7 students will be allowed to attend.

Will there be camp for grade 7's this year? Given the unpredictable duration of the current job action, plans for camping remain uncertain. Parent volunteers may be able to assist in some areas, but there are many logistical and liability considerations.

Winit program: Are teachers still tracking students' involvement with sports/teams? Need record- keeping for sports, service, leadership, accomplishments so that we can recognize their involvement. Michael and Claudio confirm that teachers are tracking student involvement with extra-curricular activities at school.

Will there be a Christmas concert? No due to the current job action. To avoid disappointment in December, it was suggested to communicate this in the next school newsletter. Skating field trips will also be cancelled.



Treasurer’s report: Ranjit Bharaj

Last year made $4,500, partly due to additional $2,500 gaming grant.

Walkathon, photo night, snack days and special lunches did well.

PAC pot totaled $25,000 in mid- August. PAC received $11,000 gaming grant in September.



School Planning Council (SPC)

Chaffey is looking for 3 parents to join the SPC

Duties and commitments involve going through compliance regulations at the beginning of the school year, and planning with staff at the end of the year.



DPAC Report: Dawayne Wurtz

Nothing to report; Dawayne did not attend DPAC meeting in September

Chaffey needs 2 DPAC representatives

Information is very accessible; see website: Burnabydpac.com

Earthquake prep: Ranjit Bharaj

Hank purchased supplies @ end of 2010

Claudio pointed out that we have 1 more class than we did in 2010 so we need 1 additional kit for that class

Is there water available; and is it current? Ranjit to get info (ie. expiry dates) from Hank.

Kits include nutritional bars, water, tarps.

Claudio advised that Chaffey will have an earthquake drill in the spring. Supplies in kiosks to be checked at that time.

Letter for money to replenish supplies will be sent out.



NEW BUSINESS

1. Fundraising plans / ideas: Ranjit Bharaj

We are going to try a school-wide direct donation approach this year. This amount of money would be taken in lieu of fundraising in other ways.

Claudio pointed out that while Chaffey has issued tax receipts for past donations, tax receipts are not supposed to be issued for donations to schools - Claudio to verify if this is indeed still the case as per District guidelines.

The past 2 years, direct donation letters have netted the school $2,000 - $2,500.

Claudio put forth a suggestion to reward the class with the highest percentage of returned donation letters (ie. participation).

Ranjit canvassed for interest for a spring photo night. Good support so we will proceed. We will also try to book our fall 2012 dates asap.

MOTION: That we approve the approve distribution of direct donation letter.

Moved: Scott Ko, Seconded: Elaine Dun CARRIED



2. School requests: Claudio Bortolussi

Principal’s wish list will be tabled for next meeting.



3. Outstanding Volunteer Roles

2 DPAC positions

Milk & juice coordinator - must have vehicle to pick up

SPC, we need 3

MOTION: That Vaishali Bavre be elected as PAC Treasurer.

Moved: Ranjit Bharaj, Seconded: Dawayne Wurtz CARRIED



4. Parking: Claudio Bortolussi

Claudio met with Traffic Patrol parent Raymond Kum

Changing traffic flow from last year; valet parking working well to get traffic moving

Students are technically not supposed to be doing traffic patrol at Sardis – it is not an official crosswalk

Re-iterate to parents to choose safety over convenience

Talking to City on possible physical changes to the front of the school

Agenda for Dec 5th PAC Meeting

Hello Parents and Guardians,


As many of you are aware, this is the final meeting for the year and is traditionally a short business meeting followed by a social and meet and greet.

 

We will be providing coffee and refreshments as usual, and hope that you will be able to assist us by bringing some snacks for sharing.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 05, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the school library and babysitting will be available.

The following is the draft agenda and we welcome your additions, ideas and input!

Welcome & Introductions

 

Reports:

• Principal’s Update
• Head Teacher’s Update
• Financial/Treasurer’s Report
• DPAC Report

 

Business:

• Approval of Oct and Nov minutes
• Outstanding volunteer roles
• Lunch Program update
• Movie night
• Educational Workshop
• Photo Night
• Other

 

Update on Job Action and Student Report Cards

November 1, 2011


Dear Parents and Guardians:

Subject: Update on Job Action and Student Report Cards

As the first term reporting dates approach, the Burnaby School District would like to provide you with an update on teacher job action and how it might affect our ability to provide you with a comprehensive report about your child’s progress.

As a part of job action, the Burnaby Teachers’ Association has informed the district that teachers will not produce report cards. However for grade 12 students, teachers will submit marks to the office if the student indicates that they require marks for graduation, post secondary institution registration or scholarship applications. In all other cases, instead of preparing and issuing report cards, teachers are available to communicate individually with parents about their child’s progress.

The district encourages all parents to contact their child’s teacher(s) directly either by phone, by note in the student planner or by email. You can locate teachers’ email addresses in the staff directory on your school website. If you have difficulty connecting with your child’s teacher(s), please contact the school principal.

The duties of principals and superintendents remain unchanged by the teachers’ job action. The school district has a statutory obligation to issue student reports. As a result, report cards will be issued for each student this fall regardless of whether or not teachers provide administrators with marks or anecdotal information. At a minimum, the report will include the student’s division, teacher(s), courses and attendance. Reports and/or grades will be given for any classes taught by administrators.

Please note that this is legal job action by the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) which is represented locally by the Burnaby Teachers’ Association (BTA). This job action is governed by the British Columbia Labor Relations Board (LRB) and the Labor Relations Act. School districts and the Government of British Columbia are represented in the negotiations by the British Columbia Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA).

BCPSEA is currently reviewing options which recently included a return to the Labour Relations Board to request a change to require teachers to issue report cards. Although this is a difficult situation, the district is working hard to continue to provide Burnaby students with an excellent educational experience. As always, our priority is to maintain safe, welcoming school environments for all students, staff and families.

You can find more information about the teacher job action on the district website at www.sd41.bc.ca.

Sincerely,

Claudio Morelli

Superintendent

5325 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 1W2 604 664-8441 www.sd41.bc.ca