ECE PAC meeting -- Mon, Oct 18, 2010

East Chilliwack Elementary
Parent Advisory Council
Mon, Oct 18, 2010

Present: Tia Letexier, Nicole Johnston, Bonnie Kind, Anne Russell, Jen Hansen, Tra Field, Danielle Dahlby, Jayne Dekany, Heidi Wiebe, Terri Krug, Alyson King, Robret Lecompte, Tyla Elgersma, Erik Van Laar, Lorraine Brown, Verna Hoogeveen, Ruth Neufeld.

APPROVAL of AGENDA

Moved by Jen; seconded by Heidi
Approved

APPROVAL of MINUTES from Sept

Moved by Tia; seconded by Bonnie
Approved


AGENDA

Treasurer’s report
(Bonnie Kind for Natalie Sache)

Bonnie Kind provided the treasurer’s report, as signing authority had not been transferred to Natalie yet.

She was happy to report that we received a gaming grant from the provincial government in the amount of more than $4,000 in reflection of the more than 200 children now enrolled at the school (we get $20 per child).

We also have roughly $8,100 in our chequing account.

Expenses for September included treats for the Teapot Hike, meat for the barbecue, hot lunch supplies, new cheques, last year’s mementoes for the grade sixes.

Revenue for September/October will include hot lunch profits, movie night income. We also made a small profit on the meet and greet barbecue evening.

We will be transferring money to a savings account to accumulate for a big playground expansion, probably in 2011/12.

Fundraising report
(Lorraine Brown)

Meat raffle
Our meat raffle (complete with freezer!) is proceeding. We are getting the freezer at cost from the Brick. Johnston’s Meats are splitting the cost of the meat with us. Second prize is donated by the Chocolate Shoppe, with third prize from Verard Farms ($20 gift certificate).

The Hawk radio station will once again be supporting us with on-air publicity.

The draw will be held Dec 10.

Students will be issued booklets to sell: as many as they want to order. It’s okay to bring back unsold tickets.

Christmas fundraiser
Doing poinsettias again through Little Mountain Greenhouses. Will make extra effort to get notices out early about them.

May do a Christmas tree deal with Pine Meadows.

May do an Epicure package thanks to Tyra Elgersma, who is an Epicure rep.

Hot lunch
(Nicole for Sarah Burke)

We made a $154 profit on first pizza lunch. There is some concern about hygiene of having boxed large pizzas sliced instead of individual boxes, but less waste, and better pizza quality (more topping, less dough).

Principal’s report
(Ruth Neufeld)

The school continues to expand at the primary level. We have received funding for another kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Trieneke Patterson), so there are now three classes of 13/14/15, instead of two larger classes.

Parents are asked to read the code of conduct carefully and provide any feedback directly to Mrs. Neufeld.

Early dismissal coming Oct 21 for parent-teacher conferences.

Fruit and Vegetable program— Mrs. Neufeld appealed for someone with FoodSafe certification and got several volunteers. We will continue to have fruits and veggies distributed in our school thanks to this initiative.

Noon hour games will start in October. Soccer and cross-country teams have been competing for our school. School running program also continues on days when a class does not have regular PE.

Teaching wise, the teaching staff continues to implement Smart Learning strategies and using Literacy Place resources, as well as looking at the province’s 21stCentury Learning initiative, which fits in well with what ECE has been doing with Smart Learning strategies. Also concentrating on oral language development initiatives like talking tables at the K/Gr. 1 level.

Definition of In 21st Century Learning from the provincial ministry of education website:

In 21st Century Learning, students use educational technologies to apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. Utilizing emerging technologies to provide expanded learning opportunities is critical to the success of future generations. Improved options and choice for students will help improve student completion and achievement.

In its 10th Report in 2007, the Premier’s Technology Council (PTC) identified technology and e-learning as central to addressing future skill shortages in the work force, particularly in rural areas of the province. The PTC described “blended learning” – technology-enhanced learning that is both online and in the classroom– as an effective approach to enhance education. The PTC recommendations are consistent with international initiatives that promote 21st Century Learning and the use of technologies to support student choice and flexibility.

The School District is going green officially, in an attempt to use power more responsibly. There will be a contest and prizes for schools that reduce energy use.

(For more info see
http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/technology/Energy+challenge/3693729/story.htm )


East Chilliwack will acknowledge the “costume” season by having a Country and Western-themed day on Fri, Oct 29.


Old Business

Movie Night
Was another great success, although attention spans waned a bit among the youngest students, of which there are now a great many at our school. Marmaduke was shown, as How to Train Your Dragon was not yet available.

Destination Imagination
A video on this dynamic and fun creativity competition was shown at Movie Night to let the younger families know about the excitement of DI. ECE has sent teams to the regional and provincials (and to the globals three times) for the past six years. This is a parent-run initiative at ECE, and volunteer parents are needed to keep the tradition going. Kids love DI, and it doesn’t take much to be a parent volunteer. The kids do the creating. You keep them safe and on-task. Contact Nicole at 604-794-5646 for more info, or email Nicole.happyhomesbc@gmail.com

Emergency kits
It is vital that these kits be brought into the school by your child by Oct 29.


New business
Christmas lunch
We decided to host a Christmas lunch once again, co-sponsored with the school (PAC pays half; school pays half) on Fri, Dec 10. Students from Chilliwack Senior cooking class will cook (pending availability). We will also hold our meat draw that day, delivery of poinsettias, and other Christmas-themed activities.

Fri Dec. 17 is the last day of school before Christmas, and there will be a concert on Thurs, Dec 16.

Christmas store
The grade sixes will be running a Christmas store again, so start collecting items to donate. Students of all grades are invited to visit the store to purchase items for their parents or siblings for Christmas at a cost of $1.
Proceeds go to the grade six charity initiative, which has had a water for Africa theme for the past few years.

New hot lunch idea
Eric Van Laar suggested Jugo Juice as a healthy hot lunch option. The group agreed to look into it.

This month’s winner
Of free hot lunch for one child for one month was Terri Krug. Attend next month’s meeting and you will be entered too.

Next meeting
Mon, Nov 15, at 7 pm in the PAC room. Free babysitting in the gym.