St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre
Catholic School Council Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date: May 27, 2014
Meeting Location: St James Library
Recorded By: Lorna Kurok, Secretary
St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
ATTENDANCE
Name
Position
Jennifer McCathy
Co-Chair
Michael Giovanniello
Co-Chair
Lorna Kurok
Secretary
Treasurer
Penny Snowden
Community Rep
Sheila Taylor
Co-Parish Rep
Ellen Lau- Chang
OAPCE Representative
Brian Diogo
Principal
Teaching Representative
Ms. Worboys
Teaching Representative
Mr Chircop
Non-Teaching Rep
Tess O’Mara
Exec Council Member
Lenora Sleep
Exec Council Member
Samer Mikhail
Exec Council Member
MEETING COMMENCED
6:30, Tuesday May 27, 2014 in the Library
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
AGENDA
Welcome
Opening Prayer and Mission statement
Introductions
Approval of April minutes
Approval of Agenda
Lunch Lady Presentation
Old business

First Communion Celebration

Parent Funded School Transportation

OAPCE
New Business

Treasurer’s Report

Principal Report

Financial Gift Covering Council and School Goals

Elections Subcommittee
Closing Remarks
Meeting Adjourned
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
OUR MISSION
We, the Catholic Community of St. James, are called and committed to foster an
environment where our students will grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally to
become responsible life long learners and respectful members of a diverse society.
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING APPROVED
It was decided that the minutes from the April meeting would be combined with the
minutes from the May meeting. The reasoning for this decision was based on the fact
that there were unforeseeable issues that impacted the completion of the minutes.
Sheila – Motioned
Penny – 2nd
Approval of Agenda
Sheila – Motioned
Penny – 2nd
Lunch Lady Presentation
Dominic, a representative from the lunch lady was invited to give the St James parent
community a presentation. Dominic was there to explain the ordering and delivering
process of the lunch lady. The presentation also included nutritional facts, reasoning
for packaging and samples of the menu. A portion of the Lunch Lady sales is donated
back to the school. The actual amounts are $0.35 for each regular sized lunch and
$0.25 for the kinder. The lunch lady tries to be as accommodating as possible
especially with food allergies. Parents questioned about having gluten free buns. This
request is difficult as the school board has strict food guide lines; therefore sometimes
finding a product that’s meets the criteria is not easy. Another concern by the parents
was the alumni packaging. Dominic responded that they have tested different
packaging in the past but have found this to be the best for retaining temperature. The
information was well received but the audience and many enjoyed the taste testing.
Old Business
First Communion Celebration
Since the grade 2’s will be celebrating their first communion individually, council and the
school wanted to recognize this momentous event. This matter is of grave importance
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
to the council. It is not the school’s decision but rather the churches policy that first
communion be celebrated in this way. Therefore the school and the council decided
that at the year end mass the grade 2’s would be called forth and congratulated. After
the mass a small reception will be held in honour of our St James students. Cake and
beverages will be offered.
Parent Funded School Transportation
After extensive investigation, we have come to a halt with this topic. There were many
attempts to contact busing companies to obtain a quote but none were able to reply.
We can only speculate that due to our petite size the distributors may have felt that
they could not provide us with a reasonable quote. Our next suggestion to our parent
community is to organize some type of carpools.
OAPCE
On May 23 and 24 the OAPCE held its 75th annual conference and AGM. The theme
was “Parental Influence on Student Wellbeing and Catholic Education. It was located at
Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School (4555 Tomken Road, Mississauga). The
conference was informative and a success.
New Business
Treasurer’s Report
As of April 30, there was $1787.46 in the bank. Last weeks donations totaled $4010
and some recent expenses included a coffee urn and associated paraphernalia of
$69.83.
Principal Report
Spirit Wear
The spirit wear will be arriving by the end of the week. The reason for the delivery
delay is each order is being individually packaged. This will reduce any risk of error and
makes distribution easier for the school.
EQAO
The EQAO test was held on May 27, 28 and 29. This test involves the grade 3 and 6
students. The test was written in the library and the children seemed well prepared
and confident.
Tree Planting
Grade 3 to 6 students will be involved in a tree planting event.
Upcoming Dates
June 5 – Welcome to Kindergarten Night
June 9 – PA Day
June 10 – Choir Performance at Wonderland (the fee is $29 per student)
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
Track and Field
The grade 5 and 6 students will be involved in a track and field event. Relay teams
require 4 students to participate. We are lucky to have 4 exceptional females who have
all made the St James relay team.
Renovations
The first 2 kindergarten rooms were renovated last year. In the beginning of the year a
proposal to renovate the third kindergarten room was submitted. This plan was
accepted and the funds were recently granted. It has come to our attention that this
room may not always be needed for this grade level. To ensure that the funds are used
effectively the plans will reflect the needs of today and the future.
Anticipated Class Allocation for September
Parents enquired on how the classes will look in the fall. Mr. Diogo gave us the run
down. Please note this picture could change as enrollment may increase or decrease.
Class
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Grade
JK / SK split
JK / SK split
full grade 1
1 / 2 split
3
4
5
6 / 7 split
Currently the grade 6 and 7 class has 23 students enrolled. These grades also have a
waitlist, but the number is not enough to make a separate class. As for the
kindergarten waitlist there has been little movement. Parents will be notified if any
changes occur.
Fathers Day Celebration
On Friday June 13 the teachers are planning a father’s day barbeque. Hot dogs will be
served. There will be various activities that the kids and father’s can participate in.
Council intervened to take a vote on purchasing a school barbeque that could used at
this event and other community focused gatherings.
Michael Motioned this purchase
Ellen second it and all other council members agreed.
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
Financial Gift Covering Council and School Goals
We would like to Thank everyone for contributing to the goals fund. A little over $4100
was raised. We feel that as you have entrusted us with these resources and it is our
responsibility to communicate how they will be disbursed. The following table
illustrates the original goal list and any changes made:
ITEM
1
EVENT
First Communion Commemoration
Cost
$72.00
Revised
Estimate of
Cost and
Expenditure
$72.00
Notes
Still to fund for in classroom
celebration (cake, etc)
Teacher and school have
recently ordered supplies
to fill gaps, recommend
waiting until the new
school year to see if
additional gaps are found.
2
Classroom Grant (each classroom
teacher receives $100 to spend on
classroom enhancement or
experience)
$900.00
3
Staff Appreciation
$200.00
$200.00
for discussion
4
Staff Jackets (21 x $50)
$1,050.00
$970.66
paid
5
Sport Team Uniforms (spirit wear 15 x
$30)
$450.00
$372.90
6
Other Clubs
$100.00
$0.00
no additional clubs requiring
funds identified this year
7
Down to Earth - Loretta Penny
$515.00
$519.80
paid
9
Author in the School- Tim Beiser
$521.00
$521.00
paid
12
Scientists in School
$737.10
$0.00
funds not required from
council this year
14
Math Club
$260.00
$0.00
funds not required from
council this year
16
Crochet Club
$150.00
$94.15
paid
17
Board Games/Puzzle Club
$200.00
$0.00
funds not required from
council this year
18
End of Year Mass
$300.00
$330.00
still to fund
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proposing blue golf shirts
for academic teams
St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
19
Referee Fees
$140.00
$0.00
funds not required from
council this year
20
Junior Soccer
$300.00
$0.00
school decided on
intramural soccer, no cost
22
Easter Mass
$300.00
$330.00
still to fund
23
Mass Kit for Father
$500.00
$500.00
still to fund school board to
make up cost difference
24
Family Barbeque
$500.00
25
Coffee Urn
$56.48
$56.48
paid
26
French Resource Centre (videos, books,
toys, enhancements)
$300.00
$300.00
still to fund
27
Meeting Cost (covering cost of any
permits)
$100.00
$100.00
$7,651.58
$4,366.99
$1,787.46
Totals
Amount in Councils Account as of April 1
Funds Disbursed in May
$1,627.54
Donations Received
Lorretta Penny Contribution
Lunch Lady Contribution
$4,100.30
Appreciation Jackets,
Loretta Penny, Coffee Urn,
Meeting Costs,
Reimbursement for Skating
Event, Bank Charges
$30.00
90.00
$
$
4,380.22
$
72.00
$
372.90
$
660.00
$
500.00
$
300.00
$
2,475.32
Available Council Funds
First Communion Commitment
Sport Team Uniform
2 Bus Trips for Mass
Mass Kit
French Resources
Estimated Remaining Funds
Council had planned on organizing a St James barbeque in the middle of June but after
careful consideration decided to change the date to September.
Motion – Michael
Second – Ellen
All council agreed
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
There was a discussion about using finances to purchase student agenda’s. No final
decision was made on this topic.
Elections Subcommittee
In September as a new year begins, the parent body must decide who will represent
the 2014 / 2015 council. All parents of St James students will have the opportunity to
apply for a position. Current members can also reapply. If the applicants exceed 10 a
voting forum will be held in September. As a result we are establishing a subcommittee
to organize next year’s council elections. The committee will include Lorna, Kamila and
Valerie. If you wish to be involved please email the council.
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING SEPTEMBER
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Mission Statement
Introductions
Approval of Minutes from May 27, 2014
Old business

French Enrichment Working Group

Parent Funded School Transportation

Financial Gift Covering Council and School Goals

Purchase of the 2014 / 2015 agenda ($7 per student)
New Business

Treasurer’s Report

Principal Report

OAPCE

Parish Update

First Holy Communion Celebration

Barbeque

Announcement of New Council members and Allocation of Positions
Agenda for the Next Meeting
Closing Remarks
CLOSING REMARKS
The last school council meeting gave all involved, teachers, council and parents a
strong sense of community and friendship. There were many smiles and laughter seen
and heard throughout. As many fairytales read so did the opening year of St James. It
began with Once upon a time we were all strangers, we than faced challenges,
differences, to finally arrive at the success of our many accomplishments. The story
ended with a happily ever after as the community closed the year with a strong bond of
respect, love and friendship. We look forward to continuing the saga this coming
September. Have a good summer!!
MEETING AJOURNED – 8:30pm
NEXT MEETING: September 2014 in the school library. Date to be announced.
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