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Minutes of Meeting-HGI Parent Advisory Council
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Members Present: Peggy Hobson, Mike Pizzi, Nancy Melnychuk, Marianne
Thorgilsson, Leanne Ruby, Kim MacRae, Nancy Brown, Connie Torossi, Tom Albig,
Julie Woo, Harriette Miao, Jen Wilson, Leanne Lawless, Shirley Wong
Regrets: Cheryl Santilli, Idelle Kowalchuk, Lauren Mitchell-Lawson, Silvana
Catanese
1.Meeting came to order at 6:30 PM.
2. Treasurer’s Report was read. Tom indicated that the only expenditures this month
were the Teacher wish lists which were a total of $4140.70 to purchase “Science
Program manipulative” materials and equipment to enhance the Science program in all
Grades. Connie motioned to approve these expenses, and the vote was seconded by
Jen Wilson.
3. Lunch Program report- Prepared by Silvana but read by Peggy
Registration: Total number of paid students in the program
1. Fulltime 413
2. Monthly ( during the colder months) 7
3. Tickets 8
The confirmed number of students not in the program is 25. The number of students
yet to be determined if they are attending the program or are unpaid is 30.
Staff Complement: I hired 5 new supervisors. Some will attend daily and some will
be placed on the sub-list. The total number of lunch supervisors is 22. Twelve
supervisors are required daily for 18 classrooms.
Canteen: The canteen was ready to go on Wednesday September 3 rd. Thanks to
Kathy Maruca for stocking up the food items. Johnathon Park is back this year to
work the canteen every day from 11:40am to 12:10pm. A few items were added
such as pizza pops and veggie straws.
Meetings: A scheduled session is set for Thursday September 18, 2014 at the
Pembina Trails School Division office at 181 Henlow from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The
session will provide standard clinical information for anaphylaxis, asthma, seizure
disorders, diabetes etc….Twelve supervisors are scheduled to attend.
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Program: The“ Win a Pizza Lunch” criteria has been posted in every classroom near
the microwaves. The class that scores the highest number of check marks for
excellent behaviour during the lunch hour for the entire month has a chance to win a
free pizza lunch and a juice box. The pizza will be delivered the first Tuesday of the
following month.
New Idea: In the past the grade 9 students have eaten their lunch in the gym. With
only 3 grade 9 classes this year the lunch supervisors have asked to supervise in
the classroom. This change will be a trial run until the end of December. Having over
90 students in the gym at one time makes it difficult to take attendance, getting to
know a student or to having a student admit to cleaning up a mess.
Some students expressed they did not enjoy eating in the classroom. I spoke to all 3
classrooms advising the students that this is not a punishment. After some
discussion with the students they suggested a pizza party in the gym next month
and an ice cream party in November. The lunch supervisor will attend the classroom
until December to determine if further changes are required.
The grade 9 teachers were concerned about going back to a messy classroom at
12:45pm. I assured them that this should not be an issue as one supervisor will be
assigned to only one classroom.
I realize the grade 9 students need their own space. Organized activity works well in
the gym but hiding behind the curtain, exiting from areas when the supervisor isn’t
looking, throwing food and hiding in the changing room are some situations that are
difficult to control in a big area verses a smaller setting. I spoke to Mr. Dolinsky about
the empty classroom (room 212) in the grade 8 and 9 hallway to possibly convert
into a lounge. He offered some suggestions and was in agreement to use the
classroom for this purpose. The classroom could be used from 12:10pm – 12:45pm
by all grade 9 students. Further details will be explored and I will continue to keep
you all informed. I hope this works for the students. I think it’s going to be a fantastic
year.
4. Admin report: Peggy
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Acknowledged the very positive start to the year and introduced the new staff
teams
Enrollment: Grade 5: 82 Grade 6: 103 Grade 7: 77 Grade 8: 128 Grade 9: 89
total: 479 (decrease of two classes since last year)
$ 6440 has come in from parents re: PAC donations
Explained the Sand Volley Ball court situation and the reasons why the project
would not be going ahead
Babysitting course will be offered this year (through South Winnipeg Family) on
two HGI PD days (November 28 and April 24); Fees for course are $35 per
student (increase of $5 per student covers the cost of the instructor ($85)
President’s Council information was shared and Leanne Ruby will attend on
behalf of HGI PAC.
Shared information about the Science Program manipulatives and equipment
that were ordered, supported by PAC
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Shared information from the lunch program and acknowledged the grade 9
student concerns about the change in practice
Shared information re: Intensive French and the follow up parallel at grade 7 and
why that parallel is not available at grade 8
Talked about how much lawn needs to be maintained by the HGI custodian
Shared information about the website updating practices and the HGI calendar
updates; the objective to have sports team information either on the website or
sent home with team members for reference
5. Round Table
-questions asked about if the bike rack could be relocated off the four square.
Given that the bike racks are chained to the building, additional four squares will
be painted in the front of the school within the next couple weeks.
-Peggy was asked to explain why the Grade 9’s were no longer eating in the gym
during the lunch hour. The reason was that it interfered with the commencement
of gym activities that are made available during that time. Other options for the
Grade 9’s will be to use one of the empty classrooms as a “lounge” for them to
interact and use.
-It was noted that the Grade 5-6 kids were not wearing Wolves shirts at the
recent track meet. Peggy to consult with the Phys. Ed teachers for options.
-Peggy answered questions about the intensive French program.
-it was suggested that an alternate means of promoting the “extra-curricular”
activities be considered rather than relying on the students to convey this
information to their parents.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.