ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting – Tuesday, February 25, 2014
ATTENDANCE:
Jason Boily (Vice Principal)
Maria Borsato (Chaplain)
Lindsay Campbell (Staff Advisor for
Student Council)
Maria Canning (Staff Rep.)
Dan Compagnon (Principal)
Toni DiFranco (Vice Principal)
Sarah Donovan (Co-Chairperson)
Michele Drenters (Secretary)
Olivera Glasford (Vice Principal)
Valerie Peters (Treasurer)
PARENTS:
Mirla Alvarado-Fenn
John Creighton
Vanessa De Souza
Loretta Dryer
Lorraine Hoareau
Arlene Metivier
Bella Motie
Debra Tucker-Arango
REGRETS:
Eleanor Hendrickson (CoChairperson)
Dina Scheitzbach
CALL TO ORDER Meeting began at 7:07 pm
OPENING PRAYER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the November 26, 2013 minutes made by John Creighton, seconded by Valerie Peters,
approved by council.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion to approve February 25, 2014 agenda made by Lorraine Hoareau, seconded by Loretta Dryer,
approved by council.
REPORT FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL:
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February is Black History Month. Students had an opportunity to attend a conference at Blessed
Trinity; ‘It’s Everyone’s History’. Dr. Andrea Davis was the keynote speaker. Ms. Dixon arranged for
15 students, including 5 Student Council members, to attend.
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The Senior dance was successful. 180 tickets were sold for $12 each. Students enjoyed a good DJ
with great diversity in the music that was played.
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Multicultural Day will be on May 2.
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Spirit week has been changed to Multicultural week and will run from April 28th to May 2nd. A
different continent will be featured each day of the week in the cafetorium. On the Friday there will
be performances of groups representing their culture. In the evening there will be pavilions and
performances.
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There will be a Carnival this year and it will possibly incorporate Share Life fundraising.
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Thursday, February 27th is the School Board’s skating fundraiser to support Share Life.
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A couple of students shared their experience from the Social Justice trip to Bolivia. It was a life
changing experience for them. The students remarked at how the people of Bolivia were happy
despite their social and economical challenges. It gave the students a new perspective and gratitude
for the blessings that they have in their lives and a desire to make a difference in the world and
educate others about their experience.
REPORT FROM THE TREASURER: Valerie Peters
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Parent Involvement Grant balance $1269.42
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PRO Grant balance 406.81 (this is to be returned to the Ministry)
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General Council balance $1,548.47.
REPORT FROM THE CO-CHAIRS: Sarah Donovan & Eleanor Hendrickson
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Traffic in the area Eleanor will bring the need for an advanced green traffic light back to the Safe
Schools Council.
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There are still problems with truck traffic on Torbram Road.
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Steubenville Youth Conference St. Anthony of Padua church still has spots available for students
in grades 8 – 12 who wish to attend the Steubenville Youth Conference in Toronto from July 4 – 6.
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More funding is needed for the Robotics team to be able to compete Regionally.
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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting – Tuesday, February 25, 2014
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CCCSC Meeting Sarah could not attend the January 9th CCCSC meeting due to a conflict on her
calendar. Her alternate, the Chair from the Notre Dame Secondary School Council, attended instead.
January 8, 9, 10, 2014 – Blood Brothers Being a native of Liverpool, Sarah was asked by Mr.
Thomas and the students to assist with the voice-coaching and provide background information on
life in Liverpool. The students worked tremendously hard, and the adjudication by the Brampton Arts
Council commented as follows:
“The company, and their work on Blood Brothers was a joy to experience. While there were some
standout performances and technical work, the overall commitment and enthusiasm of the entire
company for their work together made this piece a great success….. The very insightful and generous
discussion in the post-show made it clear that this work had been very important in the development
of these young performers and technicians, and they are to be commended for their achievement.”
Sarah visited York University and gained information on their Theatre Production Program. She noted
that the program being offered at Aquinas resembled the four year honours degree program in many
ways, providing our students with a great advantage moving into post-secondary education.
The drama program being offered by Mayfield does not provide students with the same opportunities,
as noted by those that attended the Grade 12 performance of Blood Brothers.
School Year Calendar Committee Meeting Sarah attended the School Year Calendar Committee
on January 14th. There had been discussions on having professional days on Monday rather than
Friday. However, for a number of reasons, such as Statutory Holidays already taking a slice of
Mondays throughout the year – specialized allocations such as OT’s, Psychologist etc., such a change
would require a great deal of reorganization.
While most of the bussing is aligned with the Peel District School Board (PDSB), some of the reorganization days for the 2014-2015 school year calendar are not, and this will impact the bussing
budget.
Catholic School Council Survey The Catholic School Council Annual Survey was submitted on
January 30th. Sarah requested a copy for School Council records.
“Fix the Formula” Sarah attended “Fix the Formula: Fair Funding for Special Education” on
February 19th. Presented by Janet MacDougal, Chair of the PDSB. Director of Education, Director of
Communications, Trustees and Principals were in attendance. Principals at the PDSB will be provided
with packages that they will share with School Councils.
OSSLT
Sarah noted that in the past the school had run an OSSLT presentation for parents in February and
asked for an update on this year’s plans. (Details are provided in the Vice-Principal’s report).
Peace Garden Sarah requested an update on the project, and asked whether any payments were
outstanding, donations/offers from Parks and Recreation or local businesses had been received, as
this had been an option in the past. (Update is provided in the Vice Principal’s report.)
Grade 9 Orientation Sarah brought up the August 2014 Grade 9 Orientation – and the parent
information session. She also explained that Dina Scheitzbach had mentioned printing through the
Board and that she would look into costs for printing the parent handbooks.
Safe Schools Committee/Urban Grant Committee Sarah advised that Debra Tucker-Arango is
the parent representative for both committees. She noted that she had not received any information
on Safe School meetings, and unfortunately, the Urban Grant information had been redirected to her
spam mail. She requested that Debra Tucker-Arango be added to the distribution list, and that a
copy of past information be provided.
Used Uniform Committee As discussed in previous meetings, there are a number of members that
are willing to offer time toward this project. Sarah canvassed our Family of Schools and collected
information on how they roll out their program. They have two sales per year and the money goes
back to the school. Sarah will make arrangements with interested members and schedule a meeting
to work out roles and responsibilities. She explained that other schools have the uniforms dropped at
the main office and enquired as to whether this would be an option at STA. Administration confirmed
that arrangements could be made for used uniforms to be dropped off at the main office.
School Council It was mentioned that there had been no auto-dialer message advising of the
upcoming school council meeting. Also mentioned, was that within the website, ‘upcoming events’ it
did not include the meeting, and the minutes for the 2012-2013 school year had not been added.
She asked for the date of the next submission to the newsletter to ensure entry into the next edition.
Ms. Glasford provided all dates for notification and submission deadlines for the remaining school
year, and Administration assured the members that they would look into improving communication
to the community.
Course Outlines As noted in previous meetings, some course outlines have not been added to the
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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting – Tuesday, February 25, 2014
website. The Administration advised that the process of posting course outlines continues to be a
focus and will follow up on the missing course outlines as soon as possible.
REPORT FROM THE TEACHERS: Maria Canning
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The school’s production of Hairspray was great!
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Brampton Public Libraries, particularly the Four Corners Branch, offer activities that link literacy with
writing. Forums for teen authors are offered.
REPORT FROM THE CHAPLAIN: Maria Borsato.
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Thinkfast will be held on April 24th.
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The Social Justice trip occured during the second last week of January. 11 students and 5 teachers
took part. Students were able to see and experience the extremes in culture and economy between
the traditional location of La Paz and the more modern location of Cochibamba. Students helped by
planting trees and with other activities. Students meet every Tuesday after returning from the trip to
discuss their experience, their feelings and how they can apply what they learned. They will be
preparing a presentation for students and will visit other schools in the community.
REPORT FROM VICE PRINCIPALS: Jason Boily, Olivera Glasford, Toni DiFranco
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Work on the Catholic School Council sponsored Peace Garden has resumed. The concrete benches
were completed in the fall. Planting will begin this spring. It was suggested that an opportunity for
donations of plants from the school community could result if a request was placed in the next school
newsletter.
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The school is working towards Eco School certification. Some of the school’s environmental initiatives
include the GOOS (good on one side) paper recycling program and having recycling bins in each
classroom.
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Teacher, Ryan Garthson, who teaches the Senior Environmental Course is looking into an e-waste
initiative and is exploring STA being a post to drop off recyclable items such as toner cartridges and
cell phones.
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Jason Boily discussed the alternative education initiatives the school has taken to tailor classes to fit
students learning styles. The Student Success Team meets 2 to 3 times a year. Their efforts have
resulted in an increase in the numbers of successful students. Aquinas is the only school in the Board
with an Alternative Education department head. This initiative is focussed on those students who are
not in mainstream math, sciences, etc. Mainstream students also have options to learn differently,
including e-learning, blended learning, Educational Leadership classes and the Native Studies class.
This year, money for an alternative education trip is funded by the Urban & Priorities Grant.
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Students were able to attend a Black History month conference on February 20th. There was a dance
workshop February 25th. There is an upcoming trip to the historical site of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
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The OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) will be held on March 27th. Preparations for the
test began in the fall. Teachers have been working diligently to ensure students are prepared for the
test with the best chance of success. Teachers attended a PD workshop, reference data is available,
students are given a series of activities in class to prepare and students take a mock literacy test.
This mock test is a means of identifying ‘at risk’ students. More than 120 students have attended
after school workshops. There is an assembly held 2 days prior to the test to give students strategies
and tips for the day of the test. The auto-dialer system is used to inform all student households
about the upcoming test. As well, a letter regarding the test is sent home with students. Information
on the test is available on the school website along with a PowerPoint presentation with additional
information about the test.
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Evening performances of Hairspray are at 7pm on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday February 26th –
28th. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for elementary school students. Roles in the musical are open
to all students, not just RAP students.
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Grade 11 drama, vocal and dance students will perform Seussical on May 21st, 22nd and 23rd. This will
be advertised in the school newsletter, on the website and on the e-sign on Torbram Road.
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Grade 12 drama majors performed Blood Brothers in semester one and will perform Electra in
semester 2 on April 30th and May 1st and 2nd.
REPORT FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Dan Compagnon
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Enrolment was predicted to drop this year. 2051 students were predicted for this year. In September
2014, the Board has predicted 2038 students for Aquinas. Other schools in the board are down by a
lot more students.
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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting – Tuesday, February 25, 2014
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Aquinas had 4 teachers retire; Frank Loreto, Librarian, Sheila Clayton, Guidance, Ken Quintyn,
Design Drafting and Communication Electronics and Adrianna Santelli, Social Science. Shaun
Connolly has taken over the role of Librarian. Chris Caswell will move to the Guidance role.
The School Board has a surplus of over 50 teachers. Aquinas received 4 surplus teachers last year.
Registrations of internal students and siblings is complete. Aquinas is now working through the open
access registrations up to the cap of 490 students per grade.
March 7th will be the next unpaid day for teachers.
OTHER BUISNESS
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Sarah Donovan will send an email to our contacts to see who is interested in joining the used uniform
committee.
2013 – 2014 SCHOOL COUNCIL FUTURE MEETINGS (7:00 p.m., Library)
April 8, 2014
May 13, 2014
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was concluded at 9:00 p.m.
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