MINUTES
Empire Parent Teacher Council Minutes
March 7, 2013
Attendees:
Brian Weigel
Catherine Dat
Erica Hind
Karen Madsen
Patrick Madsen
Derek Crozier
Abby Karn
Shannon Berkhuizen
Marlene Coffey
Jen Murray
1.
Approval of Minutes from Last Meeting:
The minutes from the last meeting on February 7/13 were approved. The motion was made by Derek and seconded
by Shannon.
2.
Updates:
Christine Zaza—Dietz/Westmount pedestrian crossing representative, provided an update: letters to the city and to
the mayor were sent Jan/12-Jun/12. The letter included increased light standards and increased delay between red
light/cross walk. The letter also requested flashing lights or a red light camera. The response from the city was that
there have been no accidents to warrant any changes. Per Christine, this is a complaint-based system. She suggested
sending emails when incidents are witnessed may make changes happen. She will investigate booking a time at
regional council. Dietz/Westmount crossing committee to contact Shawn Callon, Principal Planner at the WRSB.
Empire/Our Lady of Lourdes Committee created includes Erica Hind and Christine Zaza. Marlene puts forward
motion—seconded by Derek. Unanimous.
Construction update was presented by the project manager Dale Wideman. Construction will begin during March
Break. The school may need 1-2 portables still in the Fall as construction will be ongoing. New build will add approx.
40% additional square footage. Kindergarten rooms to be complete by August. Gym to be done some time in Sept.
Library to be moved to old gym by end of Sept. Section of garden out front (Empire St) will be lost—starting Jul 1st,
Catherine (and garden committee) to arrange moving existing plants to new garden area. New trees to be planted
where existing trees (by outdoor kindergarten areas) will be cut down. $13,500 in construction budget to put
towards new playground equipment. Basketball court and side door will not be in use during construction—bells may
have to be staggered. Bus parking may be moved to Alexandra Ave next year— this is being discussed with the City
of Waterloo. Any questions/concerns can be forwarded to Lorraine to send to Dale Wideman.
Move-a-Thon money counted by council—total to follow.
Raising Resilient Children—Shannon needs list of volunteers for babysitting. Considering teenaged volunteers needing
service hours.
WRAPSC report
Last meeting focused on bullying with a speaker from John Howard society.
WRSB circulated a document explaining its position which requires that proceeds from fundraising events, specifically
book fairs, must be received in cash not product. As a result Empire council decided to organize a book fair with
Wordsworth book (WWB). WWB offered three different options to consider:
(1) WW comes into school to set up fair. Council/school volunteers manage the 2-3 day event. Empire receives
twenty percent of sales in cash or gift card.
(2) WW comes into school, their staff manages the book fair for a 1 day event. Empire receives twenty percent of
sales on gift card and twenty percent off books from WW,
(3) The book fair takes place in the store. It can be run for several weeks. Lorraine will confirm with Marilyn
Marklevitz if board needs to approve books.
Council motioned to run option (1) on May 6th along with the “Raising Resilient Children” parent workshop. WW will
also bring teacher resources book for sale at the book fair.
Motion forwarded by Erica Hind, seconded by Ann Libeau. Unanimous.
Confirmation that all schools are licensed under school board, to have movie nights until Sep/13.
Empire Family Skate—April 6th at Waterloo Rec Centre.
One Book One School was successful, however, some concerns with violence in book. This will be taken into
consideration when/if next year’s book is picked.
3. Principal’s Report:
March 31st is the cut off date for enrollment for 2013-14 . So far 110 JK/SK’s are registered. Currently we have 29.5
Full Time teachers. ECE’s will be hired for next year’s full-day kindergarten classes. We will likely need 4-5
kindergarten classes. We will also likely need 3 grade 1 French immersion classes for next year and we are able to
accommodate all children that registered.
Grade 6 End-of-Year camp—no overnight trip this year. Some parents registering children in overnight camps at their
own cost. Grade 6 students can attend YMCA day camps instead.
School has 20 new ipads with learning-based apps rather than game-based apps, which are regulated by the school
board. Bring your own device – the school is working towards acceptable use guidelines. Devices must be locked up
unless being used for school projects. A focus is being place on teaching children to be digital citizens and using
social media appropriately.
Adjourned— Forwarded by Jen, seconded by Derek. Unamimous.
Next Meeting—April 11/13
Action Items:
Note: Action items remain on list until accepted into minutes as completed.
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1
2
3
4
5
Action Item
Volunteers for Raising Resilient
Children night
Coordinating with Our Lady of
Lourdes crossing committee
Action Lead
Shannon
Expected Completion
Prior to next meeting
Erica
Ongoing
Status