Hello Parents and Guardians,
Further to the notice in the newsletter, this is to confirm the meeting our next PAC meeting. We look forward to your attendance.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2012 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:
1. Principal’s Update
2. Head Teacher’s Update
3. Financial/Treasurer’s Report
Business:
1. Approval of December minutes
2. Outstanding volunteer roles
3. Lunch Program update
4. Movie night
5. Educational Workshop
6. Photo Night
7. Other
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
PAC meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2012
Chaffey-Burke Elementary School PAC Meeting Minutes of Monday, December 5, 2011
Roundtable/Introductions: Ranjit Bharaj, PAC Chair
The PAC Executive meeting was opened by Ranjit at 7:05PM. Staff Michael Nielsen and Claudio Bortolussi and 9 parents (Victoria Su, Vaishali Barve, Mary MacKillop, Ranjit Bharaj, Elaine Dun, Jean Wong, Diane Yip, Antonella Sanders and Wendy Yu) were in attendance.
Principal’s report – Claudio Bortolussi
School population is 554
Last day of school is December 16 (full day), and the school reopens on January 3 (Tuesday)
On Tuesday, December 13th the primary grades are having an afternoon Christmas activity, with the Grade 5/6 choir and band
The school webpage is being more update with more information
Claudio was able to find a translator from Moscrop. Postings for parents like resources on facebook use and reading with children make the webpage more interactive
For future correspondence the school will use the school based listserv, Claudio will arrange for Sunny to have access for our PAC materials as well
On January 19th, there is a parent information session at Moscrop for grade 7 students
Elaine asked if teachers are still doing field trips; and if not, why are we allocating money to field trips in the budget?
Claudio and Michael advised that field trips are still happening, within the confines of the current job action (ie during school hours)
Elaine asked who is currently collecting donation cheques for the school?
Claudio advised that teachers are collecting, and that there is a drop box at the office. Ranjit will collect and prepare a spreadsheet of the amounts received.
Head Teacher Report – Michael Nielsen
Cup stacking competition went well
Volleyball wrapped up with students versus teachers game.
Wednesday is Santa hats and antlers day. Claudio will be dressing up as Santa.
Treasurer’s Report – Ranjit Bharaj
Nothing major to report, small revenues to date of vending and recycling
Elaine advises that $250 donation from Coast Capital will not be coming, to remove from budget
Elaine noted that we had allocated money in the budget for ‘school cultural event’, and she asked what would an example of a cultural event be?
Claudio responded that cultural events would encompass dancers , drummers, and other performers who visit the school. PAC has sponsored these events in the past
DPAC Report
Given that we have no current representatives, Mary recommended that we will simply circulate the minutes from the DPAC website on our school blog, rather than have an individual attend each meeting. This is an interim suggestion until we have someone volunteer for the currently vacant DPAC role.
PAC Reports
MOTION: To approve the October 2011 minutes as presented.
Moved: Elaine Dun, Seconded: Jean Wong CARRIED
Ranjit advised that there were some errors made on the November budget minutes in the number of projectors and laptops.
MOTION: To approve the November 2011 minutes as amended.
Moved: Antonella Sanders, Seconded: Mary MacKillop CARRIED
Claudio said 9 wifi access points will be activated in school public spaces this year (ie library, resource rooms, etc.)
Elaine asked if students in the portables would be able to access the wifi.
Claudio replied that “no”, kids in portables would not be able to access wifi until all 18 proposed access points are activated.
The school currently uses 2 portables, both of which we will keep for at least the next couple years.
Milk and juice program has been able to recruit more volunteers.
Lunch Program Update - Mary MacKillop and Diane Yip
We have been using our current vendor New York Foods 3 months so far
We have received feedback primarily in 2 areas: price point and logistics
New York Foods has been completely full service: forms collection, counting, delivery, etc.
A different vendor will only work if we can have people take on some of the service benefits that New York Foods offers. But realistically, we may not be able to recruit volunteers to help.
Mary added that we have more students participating in hot lunch now than we used to.
Diane reported that the last lunch service was completed in 15 minutes.
Claudio added that calling 1 division at a time for food distribution made the process faster.
Diane said that during the initial hot lunches, it took a long time to get kids on stage and to pick up their food. It took 10 minutes to work on getting food to the kindegarteners. Now other kids can go through quicker, though it does depend on what is being served. Foods served in a bag are much faster. There are only 1 or 2 lunch options not bagged. New York Foods looks after missing lunches, and takes care of delivering food, while parent volunteers help with putting food out and cleaning up afterwards. Furthermore, the vendor offers fruit and veggies - healthier options.
If we do continue, New York Foods has offed 12 more lunch dates – a $3,400 profit. We have made $1,700 so far with the 6 hot lunches to date.
Ranjit asked: Shall we continue with New York foods for balance of year? Diane Yip has volunteered to help on those days.
MOTION: That we continue to use New York Foods as our hot lunch provider for the balance of the school year.
Moved: Mary MacKillop, Seconded: Elaine Dun CARRIED
Hot Dog Day
Elaine and Jean will look at a day in January for a hot dog day on a Friday.
Movie night
470 is maximum capacity in gym. For fire safety reasons, we may need to do 2 shows to accommodate attendance.
Claudio will confirm dates when the gym is available for use (Loretta has the gym schedule). Once Claudio provides a few dates in June, Mary will check with Kevin for equipment availability for an outdoor movie event.
Ranjit will follow up with another company on an indoor movie event before June.
Educational Workshops
Mary will provide more information for our next PAC meeting.
Photo Night
A spring date would be ideal; maybe end of April or early May. Mary will follow up with Chris from Westcoast Photos for available dates.
Other – Funding Request
This year the Grade 7 class has only 60 students and thus are short for funds. Jean says each student has been asked to give $30 towards the cost of a yearbook. The Grade 7 class does not plan on doing fundraising, though they are considering a hot dog day or two. The grad committee predicts a shortfall of $100 - $200, and would like to ask for assistance from PAC.
While PAC doesn't normally give to leaving ceremonies, we have $550 left over from last year’s grade 7 class. Therefore, PAC is willing to donate to the grade 7 grad committee from overage last year.
MOTION: That any shortfall, to a max of $200, be taken from the overage from last year's grade 7 grad.
Moved: Mary MacKillop, Seconded: Elaine Dun CARRIED
Other – Ideas to Help Build School Community
Ranjit asked what we would like to see our PAC doing? Educational workshops and movie nights are good events to build school spirit. Events do not necessarily need to generate money. Perhaps PAC can host a social? Coffee and cookies or a meet and greet?
Elaine added that the school has, in past, visited seniors and sung to them during the holiday season. Elaine suggested that that might be worth considering next year after the job action. Plus, it’s a nice way to get parents involved. We might look at maybe doing 2 nights (1 for primary, 1 for intermediate).
Claudio suggested that a trivia night at the school might be worth considering.
Ranjit also added that the Mandarin chit chat sessions bring in the community. If anyone has any other ideas for bringing community together, please bring it up.
MOTION to Adjourn.
Moved: Jean Wong, Seconded: Elaine Dun CARRIED
Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
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
Saturday, November 26, 2011
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.
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
- Approval of Oct and Nov minutes
- Outstanding volunteer roles
- Lunch Program update
- Movie night
- Educational Workshop
- Photo Night
- Other
