GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 2014-2015
MINUTES of the meeting of the School Council Meeting held in the Library at Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary
School, 62 Heatherdale Drive, Brampton, ON, on Wednesday January 21, 2015.
Present:
Mark Cassar, Michelle Thompson, Nadia Arghittu, Suzy Coelho-Pacheco, Daniela Cordi-Nardi, Paula
Correia, Susan Dal Dosso, Jennifer Estevao, Salin John, Sandra Rachner, Maria Parris, Suzy Pacheco,
Suzette Psaila, Lori Saroli and Josephine Wilson,
Introductions took place
1.
Opening Prayer
Mrs. Wilson started the meeting with an Opening Prayer.
2.
Welcome and Acknowledgements
Mr. Cassar welcomed and wished everyone a Happy New Year. He noted that it has been a good start back
to school and thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Mr. Cassar also thanked his staff for their hard
work and promoting best practice with all students.
3.
Approval of the Minutes from December 4, 2015
Copies of the draft minutes were distributed. Discussion on Items 5, 8 & 9 were discussed and amended
with no objections.
A motion was made by N. Arghittu, seconded by M. Parris, to approve the minutes, subject to the
amendments. Motion carried.
Further to the first motion, a second motion took place to further amend the minutes on Item 8. A motion
was made by N. Arghittu, seconded by M. Parris, to approve the minutes, subject to the further
amendments. Motion carried.
4.
Approval of Agenda
An amendment was made to include a report by the OAPCE Representative.
A motion was made by L. Saroli, seconded by J. Estevao, to accept the agenda with the amendment for
this meeting. Motion carried.
5.
Treasurer’s Report – Council Account
In the absence of N. Rositano, the chairperson, J. Estevao presented the treasurer’s report.
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Opening balance: $7435.63. Closing balance: $9,135.92 (less $4500 & $1000)
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Christmas Concession Income of $441.80 less the expenses of $133.52 (thanks to Starbucks and
Fortinos for their donations)
NSF Fees & Charge - collected
The Family Christmas Gift Card expense of $150.00
Sold 2/3 of the Water Bottles - expense of $446.35 – current income $276.00
A motion was made by J. Wilson, seconded by S. Psaila, to accept the treasurer’s report. Motion carried.
6.
Parish Report
The Parish Report was presented by J. Wilson and a copy was attached to the meeting package.
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Sunday Missals (2015): Sunday Missals (2015) are still available for purchase after weekend Masses.
They cost $5 each. Post cards with a picture of the future Guardian Angels’ Church are also being sold
for $1 each. Proceeds go toward the Parish’s Building Fund.
Building Committee: The next building committee meeting will be held on Thursday February 5, 2015
at 7:00 p.m. upstairs at Fortinos.
Parish Hall: Construction on the parish hall has begun with June being the anticipated completion date.
Requests of weekly donations of $20.00 or more if possible is requested as there is a bill in excess of
$300,000.00 to pay for with the City of Brampton.
Choir: The parish is looking for new members to join their choir.
Savings Card: Peel Region community savings cards are being sold for $10.00 per card.
Valentine’s Heart 2 Heart Dinner & Dance: The Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life and
the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Choir present this evening on February 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Century Gardens
Recreation Centre. Tickets are available after weekend Masses.
A motion was made by M. Parris, seconded by N. Arghittu, to accept the Parish Report. Motion carried.
7.
Staff Report
Mrs. Parris welcomed everyone back to a new term and presented the staff report.
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School began again on January 5th
New Year’s Mass held on January 12th – Immediate Choir Sang
The first term report cards are out on February 3 and interviews are February 5 th & 6th
Mrs. Choon is the newest staff member
Rosary apostolate continues monthly
Continuing 21st century learning with smartboards and tablets
Trips to Crawford Lake, Silvercreek and Rose Theatre
Chess continues
Dance tryouts begin January 23rd
Junior girls and boys basketball tournament begins
Eco Team Initiatives are beginning
Carnivale is end of this month
Valentine’s Cookie grams being sold by student council
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Valentine’s Day Dance
A motion was made by S. Psaila, seconded by J. Wilson, to accept the Staff Report. Motion carried.
8.
Chair’s Report
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Sacrament Gifts: To support and recognize the milestones, council has agreed to purchase gifts.
Ideas are welcome. A motion made by J. Wilson, seconded by L. Saroli, to contribute $500 towards
the purchase of sacramental gifts for both Communion and Confirmation students. Motion Carried.
J. Wilson will talk with the parish about the certificates they provide the students.
Mr. Cassar expressed appreciation on behalf of administration and the parents that council takes this
initiative and time to purchase and present the gifts in person.
Samko Fall Fundraiser: A fundraiser was held in the Fall. Two weeks of net sales we receive 10%. An
amount of $222.61 was collected and will be deposited into the council account. Thank you to the Josie
and all the volunteers and shoppers.
Spring Fundraiser: A Dance-A-Thon will be held on April 24, 2015. The music entertainer has been
booked. A subcommittee has been formed. Donations are currently being sought for prizes. Thank you
to Nunzia and volunteers. It was noted to ensure that music is age appropriate.
Council Newsletters: To build community, two recent newsletters were prepared and distributed by
email and hardcopies. Information includes community meetings, pita days etc. There were no
objections with future distribution, ideas are welcome.
Shrove Tuesday: The same as last year, a letter will be distributed to parents requesting permission to
participate with an option of providing a donation. Catering of the event is required.
A motion was made by L. Saroli, seconded by S. Psaila, to accept the Chair’s Report. Motion carried.
9.
Principal’s Report
Catholicity Community and Culture-Mrs. Thompson
a. Eco Update: The eco team was formed. Starting this Friday, waste reduction lunch will take
place every week; students will be bringing home everything including Ziplocs. Lights out
lunches will start which involves the eco team to check classrooms to ensure lights are turned
off. Classroom challenges will also be done. A letter was sent home letting parents know
events that will take place. Brampton City Clean will also be doing workshops and
presentations. This is not part of the harvest clean which involves outdoor clean. Custodian
does the outdoor cleanup. A plan is also forthcoming to remove the portables.
b. New Year Mass: Took place on January 12th.
c. Living Our Faith: Living Our Faith Awards will be held on January 29th. Virtue this month is
self-control and is often communicated through prayers and announcements.
d. Rosary Apostolate: This continues to take place. The children are learning about the rosary.
e. Ash Wednesday: Liturgy will take place on Wednesday March 18th, 2015 at 9:30 am.
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Learning Environment-Mr. Cassar
a. Tablets: 30 Del tablets are available on a charging cart for classroom use. The Board is
currently working on a technology plan, which could involve the purchase of Apple Products.
Our school is currently fortunate to have a computer lab as well as 30 personal computers for
use in the classrooms. Bring your own devices (BYOD) protocol will be coming soon. Our
school is currently looking at buying alternatives but our school will be responsible for much of
the funding of these expenses.
b. Smartboards: Our school is currently using approximately 20 smartboards in classrooms.
Approximately 9 classes at this time do not have one. Technology continues to be promoted
with staff and students.
c. 21st Century Learning: Mr. Cassar encourages parents to sign in and visit classes as this
continues to be a learning success.
d. Trips: Many trips are taking place. It is not a requirement, but encouraged with staff to organize.
Community Engagement-Mr. Cassar
a. Parent Engagement Night-February 26th: An invitation flyer will be distributed shortly by email
and hardcopies. This will be an interactive workshop and children are encouraged to attend.
Dinner will be served.
On the evening of February 10th, our school will be hosting an evening for all of Brampton
schools on 21st Century Learning. Council is encouraged to attend.
b. Parent Interviews: Parent Interview night is set for February 5th and on February 6th 2015
during the day. Parents’ involvement in their child’s education is vital to their success. A letter
has been sent home with requested dates and times. FDK interviews will be done over a period
of a few days. A thank you to administration who co-ordinate siblings requests.
There is a PA Day for students on February 6th, 2015.
c. Christmas Concerts-December 17th and 18th: This was a huge event with over 900 people
over two nights.
d. Family Day: This year’s holiday falls on Monday February 16th.
e. FDK 2015 Registration: Registration for FDK in September is posted on the signboard
outside the school.
New: CAMH is conducting a study on multiple schools, to address the needs of students with
developmental disabilities. They come to the school and observe students in grades 3 & 4 as a part of
the study. An informative letter with a permission form was sent home.
A motion was made by N. Arghittu, seconded by J. Estevao, to accept the Principal’s Report.
Motion carried.
10.
Other School Council Business
S. Del Dosso presented the OAPCE report, which was attached to the meeting package.
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OAPCE is a voice of parents and guardians of children enrolled in the publicly funded English Catholic
System in Ontario. They encourage student literacy. S. Del Dosso explained what research has found
and offered tips to encourage reading. Mr. Cassar led a discussion of the importance of parental
involvement in their children’s learning; that parents are their children’s primary educator; and that a
cooperative relationship between the school and parents can produce the best results for our students. It
was noted that some students entering FDK without basic skills like not being able to recognize numbers
or colours or their name. The importance of reading with your child and working on those basic concepts
were discussed as a group. The next DRAPE meeting is January 28, 2015 at St. Valentine’s Catholic
Elementary School in Mississauga. All Parents are welcome to attend. Start time 7:00p.m
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING
The next regular meeting of the School Council of Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School is scheduled
for Wednesday March 25, 2015 at 6.30pm.
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