St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre
Catholic School Council Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date: March 18, 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
Amy Giansante
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
6:38, Tuesday April 18, 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 Meeting Minutes from Feb 4th
Approval of Agenda
Old business

Outcome of Uniform Vote

Family Skate (Parent Involvement Grant)

Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board Policy on Sibling Enrolment in Programs of
Choice – Follow Up

French Enrichment Working Group

Financial Gift Covering Council and School Goals

Parent Funded School Transportation
New Business

Treasurer’s Report

Principal Report

OAPCE

Parish Update
Agenda for the Next Meeting April 22nd, 2014, 6:30 pm
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
These Minutes were approved by council with no changes to be made.
Sheila – Motioned
Penny – 2nd
Approval of Agenda
Agenda amended – Teachers presentation moved up on the agenda.
Amy – Motioned
Penny – 2nd
Parents Personal Development
Exhibition Project
Mr. Carreiro are grade 5 and 6 teacher, along with Miss Webster gave a presentation
explaining the exhibition project. This is a project to be done yearly by the grade 5
students. The students are required to pick a topic. Some of the possible topics are:

XL pipeline from Canada into the USA

Green Space

Health Care Accessibility

Human Rights

Education access around the world

Population Distribution

Natural Park Systems

Conflicts in the World
With each topic the students should first demonstrate what they know, then perform
inquiry research to learn more. The project will end with a presentation of what they
have learned. The students are not only encouraged to do research on the internet,
books, newspapers and magazines but could learn new information from those in their
environment. Inquire based conversations can teach us many new things and give us
new insight to the world around us. Besides the presentation they are required to
submit a Reference list, and a written report.
On May 8, 2014 there will be an Exhibition Night where each student will present their
topic. All of the school community is welcome to come. The students are encouraged
to make their presentation informative and exciting. They can present the information
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
as they see fit. Some examples of mediums are power point, video, dance, and /or
drama.
One of the goals of this project is inspire the students to make a difference in others.
Old Business
Outcome of Uniform Vote
The final number of the vote was 77% yes which is not enough to move forward with
the implementation of a school uniform. It was suggested that those who are in favour
of the uniforms could still go forward with dressing in white and blue. After much
discussion it was agreed that having a sample of students dressed one way and others
another would cause conflict. Since one of the main goals of uniforms was to create
community and reduce bullying, it was felt that we would put the topic to rest. As per
the board regulations we can not revisit this topic for 3 years.
Family Skate
On March 21, 2014 the council along with the support of parent volunteers will be
holding a St James Family Skate night. The location will be at the Port Credit arena.
Along with skating there will be crafts and face painting. Council will also be providing
beverages but is requesting for parents to bring a small plate of something to eat.
Council will be providing pizza to all those in attendance but is asking for a donation of
a dollar per slice to cover the cost of the pizza.
Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board Policy on Sibling Enrolment in Programs of Choice –
Follow Up
Council along with supporting parents attended a board meeting in February. Due to
the late notice we were not able to official be part of the agenda. We requested to be
added to the agenda and the board members voted against this. Mario Pascussi did
grant us an audience after the meeting in a private room. We were able to voice are
opinions but no changes were made.
After further research of this topic it has been concluded that many parents who attend
schools of choice do not agree with the lottery process. Therefore we would like to
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
create a subcommittee to have this rule amended. One of the goals of the committee is
to reach out to other schools, in the same situation also wanting change. Please email
the council at stjamesCGLcouncil@gmail.com. The passion of Tess will be the lead on
this committee.
French Enrichment Working Group
During the month of February a survey was sent out to parents to decide what direction
the subcommittee should go take. Many parents support the increase in French
exposure in the school. Lenora disclosed the results of the survey. The French
committee will be having a meeting to discuss these results in more detail. They are
hoping to have a more concrete plan soon.
Financial Gift Covering Council and School Goals
In the near future we will be sending a letter to request a financial gift as discussed in
previous meetings. We have come to the conclusion that the goal list needs to revise
due to the late date in the year. Some of the goals will not be accomplished. Therefore
we will reduce the suggested donated amount.
Parent Funded School Transportation
Council has requested quotes from Transportation providers but they have yet to
respond. We hope to have more detailed information for those interested at our next
meeting. It was questioned when the transportation service would be implemented?
Council would hope for next September.
New Business
Treasurer’s Report
The council account is currently seating in the black at $2400.
Principal Report
Mr Diogo Thanked how patient and co-operative all the parents are during the kiss and
ride pick up. It is about an 8 minute process. He is requesting that we use the
passenger side doors for safety reasons. Thank you to all the teachers who help with
the safety during this process.
Front Doors
The front doors to the school now have locked access. There is an intercom located on
the side wall by the door. Please push the button once then wait a few minutes before
pushing it again. It may take a couple of minutes for the faculty to respond. There is
also a camera so we can see who is entering the school. The entire faculty has swipe
cards to gain access into the school. Safety of our students is a big concern. After
gaining access to the school please report to the office.
Lego Competition
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
Mrs Marhesan and the grade 4 students attended the Robotics lego competition this
week. Congratulations to our team for winning silver.
In the month of May there will be the provincial competition held in waterloo. All gold
medal teams compete.
Spirit Wear
St James would like to introduce spirit wear into our school. Different articles of
clothing can be purchased in adult or youth sizes. The clothing will be embroidered
with the school logo. The children can wear there spirit wear any day they like and we
could devote days to spirit days. This is not a uniform and the purchase of any
garments is completely voluntary. The list below is an example of items available.
Council suggested and agreed that jackets should be purchased for the teachers, along
with team tees.
ITEM PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
SIZE
AVAILABILITY
1
Gildan Ultra Cotton T-Shirt
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
2
Gildan Full Zip Hoodie
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
3
Gildan Draw String Hoodie
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
4
Coal Harbour Quick Dry Golf
Shirt (snag resistant)
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
5
Coal Harbour Soft Shell
Jacket
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
6
Coal Harbour Full Zip Polar
Fleece Jacket
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
7
Knit Beanie
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
8
Bella Ladies' Yoga Jacket
Adult (A) &
Youth (Y)
9
10
Youth Pro Team Tee Y350
or Y451 --Y350
Youth Silk Touch Pique
Sport Shirt Y430
School Logo
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
School Name
Embroidered on
left Chest
PRICE
(include
taxes)
$
12.00
$
33.00
$
25.00
$
30.00
$
50.00
$
30.00
$
12.00
$
35.00
$
15.00
$
20.00
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Upcoming Dates
May 20, 2014 6pm - Blessing of the school
June 18, 2014 1:30pm – Year end mass at St Mary’s
Council would like to support the cost of the busing for the students to attend the
Easter Mass at the church. As a catholic school we feel it is important that the children
attend the church as much as possible.
Wait List
Parents if there was any movement on the waitlist and have the next in line be
informed. Parents are notified immediately. This also opened a discussion that since we
were a regional school, it is possible for students out of the peel distract to attend the
school. Those who are not in the peel district are automatically placed last on the wait
list. This is also the why we require documents to prove a students address.
Split Classes
As discussed at previous meetings we can expect that certain grades will experience
split classes in the primary years. This is due to the number of students accepted in the
opening year. Therefore grades 1 and 2 for the 2014 / 2015 year will be placed into a
split class until grade 3. There will be a grade 1 class, a class of grade 1 and 2’s and
then a grade 2 class. The school will determine which class is best suited for each
student.
OAPCE
On May 23 and 24 the OAPCE will be holding its 75th annual conference and AGM. The
theme this year is “Parental Influence on Student Wellbeing and Catholic Education. It
will be located at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School (4555 Tomken Road,
Mississauga). For more information you contact the OAPCE at oapce@oapce.on.ca or 1877-828-2081
EQAO
Every year grades 3 and 6 are required to write the EQAO test. The purpose of this
test is to ensure accountability between schools and boards. The tests are intended to
measure the student’s ability to:

Make sense of what they read in different kinds of texts;

Express their thoughts in writing using appropriate grammar, spelling and
punctuation and

Use appropriate math skills to solve problems
The test will be held May 27, 28 and 29. There are 6 portions of the test. The first
portion of the text will be held in the morning. The kids will then receive a break and
begin with the second portion after lunch.
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St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Minutes
Parish Update
Important Dates:
On March 25 at 7pm there will be a reconciliation workshop for parents.
Sacrament of first reconciliation will be Thursday April 3 at 7pm.
Day of Confessions will be Wednesday April 9 (9:30am t0 11:00am, 7:30pm to 9:00pm)
On April 17 it will be Holy Thursday and there will be a mass of the Lord’s Supper at
7:00pm.
On April 18 it will be Good Friday and at 3pm there will be a Liturgy of the passion of
the lord. At 5pm will be a community meal and at 7 pm will be the Stations of the
Cross.
On April 19 it will be Holy Saturday and at 8pm there will be an Easter Vigil
On April 20 it will be Easter Sunday the Resurrection of the Lord. There will be masses
at 9am and 11am. After the masses the Knights of Columbus will hold a brunch.
First Holy Communion
CLASSES
Only for children registered for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy
Communion, who are attending Public, Private and Montessori schools, at 12:15 pm in
the Church Hall on the following dates:
April 6, 2014
April 13, 2014
April 27, 2014
APRIL, 17, 2014 AT 7:00 PM IN THE CHURCH
All families with children preparing for their First Holy Communion and First
Reconciliation are asked to be present and to bring with them their two books (We
prepare for Reconciliation and We share in the Eucharist), which must be completed
with their names clearly printed on them, and put in the drop-off box which will be
available in the Church.
It is during this interview that the First Holy Communion date and time will be set, so
please call Father Neil McMillan (905-278-2058) after Sunday, April 20, 2014 to set up a
meeting. As only about 10 children are selected for each of the Mass times, call early
since they are allotted on a first interviewed, first placement basis.
at all Masses on the following weekends:
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May 31 & June 1, 2014
June 14 & 15, 2014
June 21 & 22, 2014
will be given out at all Masses on the weekend of June 28 & 29, 2014. Parents please
inform Father Neil McMillan (at the second interview), which Mass your child will be
attending that weekend.
Full Day Kindergarten
The full day Kindergarten classes would like to grow their outdoor learning activities and
are hoping for donations. Eg sandbox
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AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING APRIL 22
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Mission Statement
Introductions
Approval of Minutes from March 18, 2014
Old business

French Enrichment Working Group

Policy on Sibling Enrolment

Family Skate (Parent Involvement Grant)

Vending Machine

Parent Funded School Transportation

Financial Gift Covering Council and School Goals

Purchase of Team Tee
New Business

Treasurer’s Report

Principal Report

OAPCE

Parish Update

Vending Machine and Water bottle update

First Holy Communion Celebration (June 18)

Teacher’s Appreciation

End of the Year Barbeque or Fair
Agenda for the Next Meeting (May 27th, 2014)
Closing Remarks
CLOSING REMARKS
The March meeting began on a positive note remained so. There was a large sense of
community and respect. All topics were discussed thoroughly with participation from
the parents, council and school faculty. We were able to come to decisions about
various topics by anglicizing them through many different perspectives. There were
many smiles in the room and at times laughter.
MEETING AJOURNED – 8:40pm
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 in the school library.
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