Parent Council Meeting Minutes
October 16th, 2014
Submitted by: Ursula Gandhi, Outgoing Secretary
Present: (PDSB): Matt McCutcheon, Jen Stegeman, Christina Brulotte, Jessica Walt, Seema Poddar Lora Smart,
(Council Members): Tracey Talbot, Ursula Gandhi, Yevgenia Casale, Dave Sheen, Lajan Bridger, Valerie Carty,
Meena Patel, Roma Tamakuwala, Sarah Chatterton, Sherry Taylor, Kim Conlin, Clayton Tenbroeck, Sandip Ghosh,
Lisa Yang, Louis Liu, Marcia Gray, Gillian Maramieri, Linda Murray, Liliana Roberts, Shno Dilau, Suzette Campbell,
Sanjeev Sharda, Michelle Lawrence, Paul Sylvester
Regrets: R. Renwick, Holly Lenart, Mary-Anne Kennedy
The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm by Chair Dave Sheen and a quorum was present. The agenda was
approved as listed, with one addition by Chair Dave Sheen.
Agenda
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Welcome and Introductions
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes from September 18 Meeting – All
Business Arising from Previous Meeting
Treasurer’s Report – Lisa Yang
Principal’s Report and Question Period – Mr. McCutcheon
Parent Council Facebook Group – Dave Sheen
Lunch Program (Pizza Day) progress update – Tracey Talbot
Playground fundraising – Holly Lenart
School Spirit Gear – Kim Conlin
Right to Play, Junior Leader Initiative – Letter from teacher Ms. Kirstin Schwass
Breakfast Program Update – Jen Stegeman
CLAW (Climate for Learning and Writing) Update – Jen Stegeman
Photography Club led by a parent volunteer – Paul Sylvestor
Parents Reaching Out Grant, update from last year, consider this year – Dave Sheen
Holiday Tree for 2014 – Yevgenia Casale
Spring Fling – Yevgenia Casale
Other?
Public Questions?
Confirm Agenda items for next meeting – all
Addition: Orientation to School Councils
Welcome and Introductions
 Attendees were welcomed to the second Parent Council meeting of the 2014/15 school year by Chair
Dave Sheen.
 Attendees all took a moment to introduce themselves to the group and spoke about their children who
attend SFVPS.
Approval of Agenda
 The agenda was approved as listed, with one addition by Chair Dave Sheen as noted above, and item #9
regarding Playground Fundraising can be deferred to the next meeting as Holly Lenart is absent.
Approval of Minutes
 The minutes of the meeting on September 18th were approved as written.
Business Arising from Previous Meeting
 No business arising from previous meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
 The report was presented by Principal Matt McCutcheon and the information will be forwarded to
Treasurer Lisa Yang.
 Opening Balance:
$22 265.63
 Committed Funds:
$ 1 500.00 (Sports Uniforms)
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$ 4 350.00 ($5/Student – use TBD by teacher)
 Working Balance:
$16 415.63
 Please note that this working balance reflects monies already withdrawn for commitments made at the last
meeting in May 2014, namely: Goal Posts ($3 300), Sports Awning ($1 000), Folding Tables ($1 000).
Principal’s Report Question Period
 The teachers and staff spent the past PD Day focussing on math and numeracy skills and how to apply them
to real life situations. All teachers are teachers of numeracy, regardless of subject area. Rote skills are very
important, but being able to apply those skills is even more of a priority. There needs to be a paradigm
shift in changing math mentality from, “I’m not a math person”. Effort, perseverance and problem solving
should be recognized, not just getting the right answer. Studies have shown that the brain grows synapses
when mistakes are made and true learning can then occur.
 Friday October 16th is Hat Day at SFVPS. Send your child to school in a funny/crazy hat.
 SFVPS raised $1600 for Terry Fox.
 Friday October 24th is a Tribal Group Day focussing on the character trait, responsibility. The Tribal Groups
connect children of all grade levels. The tribes for this year have been reset because of the number of new
children. While some of the children’s tribes have changed, all efforts have been made for them to retain
the same colour as last year.
 An Accommodation Plan is in the works regarding how to handle the increased number of children
enrolling at SFVPS, and the greater than anticipated numbers. There are 3 possible solutions: an addition,
a new school, or more portables (SFVPS is already at the currently Board-approved 7).
Question Period
 Lisa Yang: “In math why there is only online work and no textbooks, level assessments, or
worksheets?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying that filling out worksheets really only encourages
students to do just that – fill out worksheets. The curriculum is designed by the ministry to encourage a
wide variety of resource use in order to apply skills to real life math situations, such as paying bills or
grocery shopping. Online math games such as Prodigy teach curriculum-specific concepts in a fun way. It
would also be beneficial to contact the child’s teacher directly for a more detailed list of resources.
 Sanjeev Sharda: “Are school textbooks available for purchase outside of school in order that parents
can help their children with homework?” Mr. McCutcheon responded with the information that there
are private vendors for textbooks such as Scholastic or Scholar’s Choice. Also, e-texts that are typically
used from Grades 5-8 are available at home from any device. The child’s individual teacher may also
suggest some online sites that could be beneficial. It is important to remember that homework (with the
exception of reading) in the Primary and Junior grades is quite minimal as it has shown to be of small
benefit.
 Sanjeev Sharda: “Are there any sports teams at the school for children to take part in?” Mr.
McCutcheon responded, saying absolutely there are sports teams, both competitive with other schools and
intramural within the school. Currently Cross Country (Grades 2-8) and Flag Football (Grades 7-8) are
going on. Intramurals will be starting soon for students as young as Grade 1. Every Wednesday and Friday
there are Tribealicious events that occur courtesy of a $5000 grant from GoodLife Fitness. Basketball may
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also be starting up soon. There is a new full-time Physical Education teacher this year (Mr. Ingham) who
hopes to work additional programs into the school year.
Valerie Carty: “With regards to the gym curriculum, is it all warm-ups and no skill teaching or sports
training?” Mr. McCutcheon responding, saying that Physical Education is really a series of units connected
to the Ontario curriculum. There is a warm-up and fitness component. In the younger grades they begin
with games of low organization leading up to sports with more complex rules as the children get older.
Sports skills are absolutely taught at a variety of skill levels and interests, with the ultimate goal being the
maintenance of a healthy adult lifestyle.
Yevgenia Casale: “Is the lack of textbooks contributing to the fact that students may not have
knowledge of the history and theory of mathematics?” Mr. McCutcheon responded by making it clear
that we DO HAVE textbooks, but they are not used as the sole resource for teaching. A comprehensive
education program is more complex than just one textbook. Cooperative learning, online textbooks,
worksheets etc. are all components of a successful program. Knowing which resource to use with specific
children at different times is a very important skill that teachers employ during teaching time. Again, it is
advisable to contact the child’s teacher directly in order to obtain a list of what resources parents could use
to support teaching at home.
“Is there a consistency of resources across the grades or across the school?” Mr. McCutcheon
responded, saying that the teachers are allowed to work within a budget in order to allocate appropriate
resources for the classroom. It is discussed and approved, but there is no set standard across the grades or
school other than following the curriculum with regards to literacy and numeracy.
Lajan Bridger: “During the nutrition breaks the children now play first and then come in to eat; is
there a line up order before re-entering the school, as this may not give children enough time to eat
if they are last into the school?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying that reversing the eat/play order has
had a very calming effect on the students. They are now much more orderly and able to follow directions.
Whether students are first in or last in after the outside play time is over really only makes a difference of
about 3 minutes. Teachers do accommodate in order to allow children to finish eating.
Yevgenia Casale: “Is food allowed outside onto the playground?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying
that the short answer is really that food is not allowed on the playground simply because it becomes an
issue of garbage which attracts bees and rodents. That being said, please use common sense; let your child
take a small snack ie; box of raisins, and keep the garbage off the ground.
Louis Liu: “Do the students wash their hands before they eat?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying that
it is encouraged, but there is no formal hand washing procedure in place. The use of hand sanitizers is also
encouraged.
Meena Patel: “As the winter season comes, it will take longer to dress for outdoors. Does that time
come out of playing time or eating time?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying that it actually comes out
of learning time and that the Nutrition Break time stays the same.
Lisa Yang: “Does taking the Home Alone course actually allow children the right to stay home
alone?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying that about 10 years old is the guideline, but really it is up to the
parent to decide. By law, there is no age, simply that it should be “reasonable” to leave your child home
alone. It should be evaluated on a case by case basis. Paul Sylvestor (police officer) elaborated, saying that
for the child it is really a matter of maturity, respect, and knowing what to do in case of an emergency.
Parents are still liable for what occurs in the home. If in doubt, a parent can always contact Children’s Aid
and seek their advice.
Dave Sheen: “How can we make public the funds we have allocated towards different programs
within the school so that parents can become aware of what the Council fundraising actually
provides?” The group responded that it could be published on the newly created Facebook page, as well as
included in the school newsletter that is distributed to all households. Mr. McCutcheon and Mrs. Brulotte
agreed that it could be included in the newsletter. Dave will itemize the list of funds beneficiaries and send
it to Mrs. Brulotte for inclusion in the next newsletter.
Louis Liu: “When do these funds have to be dispersed by?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying that the
funds cannot be allowed to accumulate with no end goal in sight; however, as a new Council we do have a
little latitude with regards to timing.
Louis Liu: “Are the funds in an interest-bearing account?” Mr. McCutcheon responded, saying that the
Parent Council bank account is a sub-account within the school account, and as such it may not garner
interest.
Parent Council Facebook Group
 Chair Dave Sheen has created a SFVPS Parent Council Page on Facebook to share Council information as well as
parenting information in general. Please ask to join or add yourself to the group if interested.
Lunch Program
 The first pizza day will be on October 31st. Pizza distribution schedule will go out to volunteers by next week.
 The vendor was switched from Pizza Bay to Pizza Depot because of health code violations on the part of Pizza
Bay. Detailed information regarding the violations it can be accessed on the public health website.
 Pizza generated a net revenue of approximately $20 200.
School Spirit Gear and Outdoor Classroom
 Kim Conlin presented information regarding an online store that can be created for SFVPS for purchasing schoolrelated items such as, but not limited to: t-shirts, ball caps, sweatshirts, track pants, hoodies, toques etc.
 Dufferin Apparel would work with the school to use artwork to design a logo which would then be used on the
items to personalize them.
 Parents and students would go online to purchase the items directly from Dufferin Apparel and the school would
get a certain percentage of the proceeds.
 It was approved by consensus to have Kim Conlin move forward with bringing school spirit gear to SFVPS.
 Kim Conlin spoke about the advantages of an outdoor learning circle where students could experience gardens,
environmental education, and outside experiences.
 Outdoor seating such as stumps was discussed, but Council was made aware that the Board discourages outdoor
seating as it becomes a risk management issue.
 Council was made aware that there has already been a site selected for an outdoor EcoGarden in conjunction with
Mme. Carew, but this planned site has been deferred due to the accommodation issues.
Right to Play, Junior Leader Initiative
 SFVPS was chosen by Right to Play as one of the schools to offer the Junior Leader Initiative to 10 students in
Grade 4-8. The goal is to develop young people’s leadership skills as global citizens.
 The students will attend an all-day workshop called “The Play Academy” that will empower them to become
Junior Leaders who will be able to lead the Right to Play educational games.
 Jennifer Stegeman outlined the program in further detail and requested funds in the amount of approximately
$780 to cover the cost of supply teachers, busing, and t-shirts for the participants.
 It was decided by consensus to allocate $780 for the Right to Play program.
Breakfast Program
 Jennifer Stegeman updated Council on the progress of the Nutrition Program to date. The fridge has been
purchased at a cost of $800. Three leaders have been trained in health and safety. There are 20 volunteers and the
program is set to begin on October 27th, with the distribution of a grain product and a fruit or vegetable.
 A letter outlining the program has been sent home to parents with the request for a $20 donation for participation
in the program. Teachers will have the discretion to identify students that may be in need of the program but do
not have the ability to pay.
 Council had allocated $1000 for the fridge so there is a surplus of $200 remaining. Jennifer Stegeman requested
to keep the $200 to pay for: food delivery bins, mandated sanitizer, gloves and other cleaning supplies. She also
put in a pending request for more money as the program progresses and funds become necessary.
 It was decided by consensus to approve the request for the Nutrition Program to keep the $200 and for
Jennifer Stegeman to keep Council apprised of when funds are required.
CLAW (Climate for Learning and Writing) Update
 Jennifer Stegeman informed Council regarding CLAW initiatives at SFVPS including, but not limited to: Tribal
Community Group Days, Character Assemblies, Goodlife for Kids Tribalicious, Falcon Feather Incentives, and
the Charm Necklace Program.
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Further to the support that was given by Council last year, Jennifer Stegeman requested the help of Council in the
amount of $500 to fund: 500 Character Award Certificates ($80), Materials for Tribal Community Day Unity
Artwork ($120), and 3 new styles of charms ($300).
It was decided by consensus to allocate $500 toward the CLAW program.
Photography Club
 Paul Sylvestor outlined to Council his desire to lead a photography club for the older students in order to allow
them to be able to photograph school events; ie; assemblies, sporting events, yearbook photos etc.
 Paul Sylvestor provided materials regarding photo packages offered by Canon specifically designed for school
use and requested funds in the amount of $949 to purchase the K-8 Photo/Print Kit.
 Council discussed merits of the club and the different kit options available for purchase. Pertinent points were
that photo printers were not necessary and that having DSLR cameras would be more beneficial to a photography
club than having “point and shoot” cameras, noting that this would come at an increased cost.
 It was decided by consensus to allocate $2000 for Paul Sylvestor to start up a Photography Club, with the
idea that he would purchase the kit that would best suit the needs for SFVPS. He would consult with Mr.
McCutcheon regarding this purchase.
Parents Reaching Out Grant
 Mr. McCutcheon informed Council that last year’s PROGrant application for funds for another Math Night this
year was approved in the amount of $500* (*Update: the grant was actually approved for $1000.)
Holiday Tree for 2014
 Yevgenia Casale raised the idea that this would be a perfect project for the Student Council to work on to promote
community goodwill.
 Yevgenia Casale volunteered to share information and mentor the students.
 It was decided by consensus to hand over this project to the Student Council with Yevgenia Casale overseeing the
process.
Spring Fling
 In the interest of time discussion of this topic was deferred to the next meeting with the idea that in the meantime
Chair Dave Sheen would post a survey regarding this topic on the new FaceBook page to see if there was interest
in pursuing a SFVPS Spring Fling in 2015.
Orientation to School Councils
 Chair Dave Sheen informed Council that there is a meeting on October 29th regarding school council orientation.
There are 3 spots available. Please contact Dave Sheen directly if interested.
*Secretary’s Note
 Allocations were made in the amount of $3280 at this meeting, leaving a working balance of $13 135.63
 Next meeting is November 27th at 6:30pm
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm by Chair Dave Sheen.