PAC Minutes Sept 19th 2011

PAC MEETING MONDAY 19th 2011

Attendance: Amy Herfst, Jayne Dekany, Natalie Sache, Terri Krug, Ruth Neufeld, Nicole Johnston, Michelle Schaefer, Tara Field, Jaimie VandenBrink, Andrea VandenBrink, Lisa Rose, Kerry Koster, Karen Steinbach, Anne Russell, Julie Egus, Tia LeTexier, Trudy Maarhuis, Verna Hoogeveen, Jen Hansen, Broni Wiebe, Stacy Bryant, Melanie Derksen, Nicole Brown.

Apologies: Shannon Kostering, Lorraine Brown

HUGE WELCOME TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED

All records were broken with 23 parents in attendance, what a fabulous start to the year.

Approval of minutes from June 20^th meeting: Moved by Natalie, seconded by Tia. Approved.

Approval of agenda: Moved by Anne, seconded by Jayne. Approved.

TREASURERS REPORT: By Natalie Sache

New Excel spreadsheet used, opening Balance for Sept 2011 is $13,407.28.

Gaming a/c: $136.72, Chequing a/c: $8,268.74, Savings a/c: $5,001.82

Email received indicating deposit of $4,700.00 gaming grant monies accepted. (To be received and deposited).

HOT LUNCH REPORT: By Shannon Kostering

3 Hot lunches per month Shannon to offer a fresh Homemade meal

Ange DeBruyn to offer pizza

Maggie Klassen to offer Hot Dogs

ABSOLUTELY NO LATE ORDERS

• Help needed with counting once per month on a Tuesday
• Help needed to hand out food from 11.30 onwards on Fridays
• Motion put forward to purchase some general kitchen equipment £200.00: Moved by Nicole, seconded by Verna. Motion approved.
• Food Safety Officers required, Natalie and Lisa to supply copies of their certificates. The certificate can be taken online if we need any more copies.

PRINCIPALS REPORT: By Ruth Neufeld

• Ruth thanked the new committee for taking on their new roles.
• 258 students this year, 100 + new students over the past 4 years.
• New playground equipment is on its way, due any time.
• New computer equipment on its way too.
• 4 new staff introduced.
• Mrs Pauls is planning a Xmas Concert this year.
• BC Ministry of Education new website for 21^st Century learning was introduced to those who were unaware if it. Worth logging on and checking it out.
• Ruth explained in more detail the effects of Phase 1 of the job action strike by the teachers and is helping all she can to enable smooth running of the school as she is not part of the strike action.
• School Planning Council (SPC) needs 3 new parents to help Ruth in developing new goals. Thanks to Kerry Koster, Jaimie VandenBrink and Lisa Rose for offering to stand up to help Ruth.
• New 60minkidsclub website too. ECE will be getting involved in this along with a healthy eating program and community program. Parents encouraged to get involved on a family level too.
• Terry Fox Run on Friday 23^rd Sept – Intermediates to run 6K, Primaries to run 3K.Help needed for marshaling of the path, all parents available would be much appreciated. Amy to check out renting a 10 gallon container for water from MacDonalds.
• Fruit an vegetable program still running this year. Help needed to distribute once a week. Amy, Lisa and Broni offered to help.
• House Teams will begin in October during lunchtimes.
• Soccer has started, Rick is coaching the boys team (Monday after school), games Tuesdays.
• Verna/Rebecca is coaching the girls team (Wednesday after school), games Thursdays.
• Ruth asked for financial assistance with 4 sessions from Mr Baker during this next year. Motion put forward by Nicole to pay half of the balance approx $800.00, seconded by Anne. Motion approved.
• Golfing program and Zoomba to be discussed at the next meeting.
• Math Mania is coming to ECE on Feb 1^st, 6.30-8.00pm. A fun math based evening for the whole family.

BIG THANK YOU FROM THE PARENTS TO RUTH FOR HER HELP WITH ADMINISTRATION AND SMOOTH RUNNING OF THE SCHOOL DURING PHASE ONE OF THE TEACHERS STRIKE ACTION.

NEW BUSINESS

• Allocation of the gaming account monies will be voted on at the next PAC meeting. Should we still give $10 per child towards field trips? What shall we propose doing with the balance of $10 per child?
• Earthquake kits – Verna to work together with Lisa Rose in handing over the program.
• Movie Night booked for October 20^th, 5.30pm start. Need a couple of parents to “pop” popcorn all day/part of the day, Nicole will help. Help needed on the evening from 5pm at the front entrance to hand out pizza etc. Tia offered to help. Anne to investigate an appropriate movie, Rio suggested.
• Spaghetti Night booked for November 18^th, needing help from 4pm to set up tables. Games, raffle baskets and silent auction to be planned for this event too!
• Destination Imagination explained by an emotional Nicole in more detail to the new comers. We need more input at the primary levels. Perhaps start a lunchtime program again.
• Skipping encouraged by Tara. Anyone can skip Monday lunchtimes, K-6. Friday club still running after school.
• Photo day on October 3^rd at ECE.
• Anne questioned whether the school needs to be peanut free still. Ruth confirmed will still have some students with allergies so NO PEANUTS.
• Anne questioned that student supply lists need to be made available earlier as stock has sold out. New lists were issued by individual teachers. Ruth agreed to look into this.

WELL DONE TO TIA FOR WINNING THE FIRST FREE HOT LUNCH OF THE YEAR.

NEXT PAC MEETING SET FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 17TH AT 7PM IN THE PARENT ROOM.

East Chilliwack Elementary Parent Advisory Council Mon, Nov 15, 2010

East Chilliwack Elementary 
Parent Advisory Council
Mon, Nov 15, 2010

Present: Tia Letexier, Nicole Johnston, Bonnie Kind, Anne Russell, Danielle Dahlby, Heidi Wiebe, Terri Krug, Cheryl Hagen, Natalie Sache, Broni Wiebe, Sarah Burke, Ruth Neufeld.


APPROVAL of AGENDA

Moved by Bonnie; seconded by Broni
Approved

APPROVAL of MINUTES from Oct

Moved by Tia; seconded by Natalie
Approved


AGENDA

Treasurer’s report
(Natalie Sache)

As of Oct 31 we had $9,786 in our chequing account and $4,400 in our gaming account.

We are planning to transfer $5,000 from our chequing account to our playground savings fund.

Fundraising report
(Nicole for Lorraine Brown)

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


Fundraising goal – more playground for more children
Our main fundraising goal for the immediate future is to add to our playground facilities. Our primary-age population continues to grow every year. Next year there will be two classes of full-day kindergarteners out on the playground at the same time as everyone else. There are more ‘little kids’ at ECE than ever before.
We are striking a playground planning subcommittee to plan how best to spend the funds we raise.
We’d love your input. To join, contact Bonnie Kind at bkind1@telus.net or 794-5512

Fundraising activities – pickup Dec 10
• Meat raffle sales (bring tickets in by Dec 10)
• Poinsettia sales
• Christmas tree sales
• Epicure sales (thanks to Tyra Elgersma)
We’ve sent home flyers outlining these sales. Orders are due Fri, Nov 26.
To receive another flyer contact Lorraine Brown at lorrbrown@gmail.com or 604-799-1484.
The key to success for these fundraisers is for everyone involved in the school to make the effort to help out. Think of the fun your child will have on the new playground equipment and order a few items and encourage your friends and family to do the same!


Hot lunch
(Sarah Burke)

We made a $154 profit on first pizza lunch, and a $293 profit on the hot home-made lunch. We are looking into having a Booster Juice wrap and smoothie lunch day.


DPAC report
Tia LeTexier attended the District Parent Advisory Council on behalf of ECE.
Superintendent Corinne McCabe informed the group about several issues, including: a minor budget surplus, extra kindergarten class added at ECE, and the fact that there has not been a major drop off in bussing despite the fact that parents are now charged $200 per year per child for it.

Principal’s report
(Ruth Neufeld)

Remembrance Day
Our Remembrance Day ceremony was made extra special this year through the presence of several veterans and an active armed forces member. They were invited by some of our intermediate students, who met them on the field trip to the military museum. Some of the veterans stayed afterward and visited the classrooms.

Budget
Because of a school district surplus, ECE received back funding that was held back two years ago. This amounted to $3,200.


Parking
The crowded and somewhat chaotic parking lot at ECE is still an issue before and after school. We are addressing the afternoon problem by letting children who are bussed out at 2 pm and holding the children who are driven until 2:05 pm.

Parents who drive their children are urged to drop them off just before the buses at 7:50 am, rather than during the time when busses are coming in and out. Also, do not stop in the drop-off lane and get out of your car. If you want to walk your child to the playground then park in the spots to the west of the school.

School Goal

To develop more powerful thinkers, listeners, speakers, readers, and writers.
• Staff are meeting after school this year for a total of 10 hours to participate in school based professional development. There are 4 groups:
Group 1 — focus is on the Lucy Caulkins writing process
Group 2 — focus on Social Responsibility — manners, inclusion, anti-bullying
Group 3 — all intermediate teachers are focusing on developing rubrics that can be used to assess students and drive their teaching
Group 4 — EA’s are focusing on strategies that will support student’s with special needs to meet their potential.
Groups 1–4 will meet together next week to learn more about the Literacy Place program that we are all using to support our goal.

• All groups will report back to the staff at monthly staff meeting

Early Dismissal was well attended. Alternate arrangements were made for parents and students who were not able to attend at that time.

Noon-hour games will be starting next week. We have difficulty organizing supervision for this activity.

Sports: Volleyball has started with Rebecca Solheim coaching the boy’s team and Deb Chand coaching the girl’s team

Code of Conduct — any responses?

Christmas Activities — there has been some difficulty with establishing dates and times. The performance will be on Dec.16 at 9 am and 6 pm. Turkey lunch will be on Dec.10.

Energy Challenge begins in January.

Kindergarten registrations — if you know of someone who is planning to attend K at ECE next year and has not yet registered please encourage them to do so.

Old Business

“Fun”raising activity — school turkey lunch Dec 10
The PAC is about more than just raising money. We also sponsor events that raise school spirit. For the second year in a row, we’re co-sponsoring (with East Chilliwack administration) a turkey lunch for the whole school. Come out on December 10 and volunteer for the morning, then join us for lunch (prepared by Chilliwack Senior Secondary cooking students). It will be a festive day as we have poinsettia and Christmas tree and Epicure order pickup, the school lunch, and general frivolity. No need to call ahead. Just show up to help mid-morning.

Christmas store Dec 14 and 15 — send goods by Dec 10
Once again the grade sixes are hosting a Christmas store. The funds raised by this activity go to a community development project in Africa. It’s a great way to encourage our young students to learn to help others. Please support the store by bringing gently used items to the school by Dec 10. The store will run Dec 14 and 15 and ECE students will get to shop for mom and dad from the donated items. You never know what your child will choose from the store for you this Christmas (all items $1 so send a loonie or two along that day).
To help with the store call Sarah Burke @ 604-794-5520.

Christmas concert – Dec 16
The school Christmas concert will be on Thurs, Dec 16. Details to come.

New business

Lice check
Volunteers are needed to help with headlice checks

Playground planning
Terri Krug and Bonnie Kind volunteered to be involved in planning for our new playground. Other volunteers welcome.

Next meeting
Fri, Dec 10, at 8 am in the PAC room.

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.

ECE PAC -- Minutes from Sept 20/2010

East Chilliwack Elementary
Parent Advisory Council
Mon, Sept 20, 2010

Present: Nicole Johnston, Tyla Elgersma, Jen Hansen, Amy Herfst, Terri Krug, Sarah Burke, Natalie Sache, Jayne Dekany, Donna Stiles, Erik Van Laar, Caroline Laanstra, Alyson King, Bonnie Kind, Anne Russell, Tia Le Texier.

APPROVAL of AGENDA

Moved by Natalie; seconded by Donna

Approved


APPROVAL of MINUTES from June 2010

As these haven’t been written yet, this was deferred

Deferred

TREASURER’S REPORT
(See Bonnie Kind’s report for full details.)

• We are starting the year with approximately $8,500 in our main account, and 41 cents in our gaming account (all gaming funds must be spent each year by law).

• We made a profit of $372 from the Meet and Greet barbecue. Fed 256 people. Have some leftovers that have been kept frozen for future hot lunch.

• So far this year, have spent money on Meet and Greet supplies (thanks to Natalie for doing the humungous shop), and chocolate bar treats for the Teapot Hill hike.

HOT LUNCH REPORT
(Sarah Burke)

• A planning meeting was held and the following decisions made:
• Will rotate three types of hot lunches: home-made meal once a month (thanks to volunteer cooks), hot dogs, and pizza by the slice.
• No more McDonald’s except once a year in order to provide healthier fare, reduce garbage, and make distribution simpler.
• We need at least seven people to help count at 8:07 am on the first Wednesday of every month. Just show up!
• Hot lunch forms are due by 8:07 am on first Wednesday of the month.
NO LATE ORDERS ACCEPTED.
Could also use more help with distributing lunches on Fridays.
Contact Sarah Burke: 604-794-5520 or ssburke@shaw.ca

FUNDRAISING REPORT
(Nicole reported for Lorraine Brown)

• We will be having a meat raffle once again. Currently sourcing a freezer as can’t get donation from Wagner this year. May have to buy one at cost from The Brick.

• Johnston’s is once again donating some meat, and we’re buying some at cost from them. Also looking into other donors. Scott’s was suggested as some ECE families have a connection to them.

• Made $3,700 profit from this last year.

Motion to spend $350 on prize supplies for raffle.
Moved by Donna. Seconded by Natalie. Approved.

• Have decided against selling Bruins tickets as a fundraiser. Hard to sell.

• Will do poinsettia sales at Christmas and get the forms out earlier this year.

• May do a partnership with Pine Meadows where we get a payout for every tree they sell to a family that mentions our school.

• Are planning a BIG EVENT for spring to raise some major funds for playground expansion. Hoedown? Spaghetti dinner? Bit of both? Ideas?


PRINCIPAL’ S REPORT
(See Mrs. Ruth Neufeld’s report for full details.)

Start up went smoothly and classes were settled by Thursday, but then Mrs. Neufeld found out on Friday afternoon that we will get one more morning kindergarten (an addition of a half-time teacher). This means the portable classroom must be used. Chris Pauls has volunteered to take her Grade 3 class there. There may be some other shifting around of classrooms (i.e., a whole class moving to a new room).

We have several split classes this year for the first time in recent memory (have had one or two, but now have three). Haven’t had intermediate splits recently, but now we do.

Population of the school has grown from 170 to 235 in the four years Mrs. Neufeld has been here. Most growth is in the primary grades so there are many young children at the school and proportionately fewer older children: a challenge for “buddies” and other mentor activities.

Because of the decision to add eight minutes to the school day and add a week to spring break as a budget-saving exercise, school now starts at 8:02 am and goes to 2 pm.

The Teapot hike went well, but may consider something more inclusive this year, that our wheelchair-bound students can do too.

Smart learning
We are into our fourth year of implementing a ‘smart-learning’ approach that emphasizes learning by doing. Our kids are doing well across the board in district and provincial assessments. This ties in well with initiatives being introduced by the provincial ministry of education. Check out ‘21st Century Learning’ on ministry website.

Running program is now twice a week at days of each teacher’s choosing. (Some parents requested warning on which days it will be so kids can wear appropriate shoes, but Mrs. Neufeld noted it is often weather determined.)

There will be a Terry Fox run on Thurs, Sept 30. Intermediates will run on road, primaries around the track.

Soccer has started. Mr. Letkeman coaching boys; Verna Hoogeveen coaching girls, with Ms. Solheim as sponsor teacher.


NEW BUSINESS
(Nicole and others)


Playground
Our new playground equipment is nice, but rapidly becoming insufficient with so many younger children joining our school. This will be exacerbated next year with full-day kindergarten coming on.

We will need more playground equipment which means we may need to swing into higher gear for fundraising for next couple of years, and also sock away some of our current nest egg for future playground use.

Motion: to put $5,000 of our $8,000 into a savings account earmarked for future playground expansion.
Moved by Anne, seconded by Alyson


Destination Imagination

East Chilliwack has enjoyed huge success with this creativity competition activity over the past five years, both in a competitive sense in that we have done very well at the provincials and sent teams to the globals on three occasions, and in an enriching sense, in that it has provided a stimulating extracurricular activity to many ECE children.

Destination Imagination has been a very parent-driven activity at ECE: parents run noon-hour workshops to teach the kids the concepts, and then coach individual teams (which generally means provide a safe place for them to work in groups and let their imaginations run wild).

BUT WE NEED NEW BLOOD! Several of the key families are moving on to middle school and we need parents of younger children to get involved as leaders.

We will be providing info about DI at the family movie night on October 8.

Family Movie Night
• An East Chilliwack tradition!
• Thurs, Oct 7
• Doors at 5. Pizza available (pre-order). Show at 6:15 pm.
• Note: we had planned on How to Tame Your Dragon but it is not released on DVD until Oct 15, so we will provide an alternate title (Marmaduke)

ECE PAC -- Mon, April 19, 2010

East Chilliwack Elementary
Parent Advisory Council
Mon, April 19, 2010

Present: Anne Russell, Ruth Neufeld, Cheryl Hagen, Sandi Williams, Sarah Burke, Celia Stolee, Corina Barchard, Tia LeTexier, Alyson King, Tara Field,

APPROVAL of AGENDA

Moved by Tia; seconded by Anne
Approved

APPROVAL of MINUTES from March
Bonnie noted the need to change the report on the profits made by hot lunch slightly. Hot meals prepared from scratch by volunteers net us $150-180 (hot dogs, wraps, macaroni etc). McDonalds nets us $30-$40, and pizza brings in around $50.

Moved by Alyson; seconded by Sandy
Approved


TREASURER’S REPORT
(See Bonnie Kind’s report for full details.)

We started March with a balance of $7,500 in the general account, and ended with $8,277.

We plan to spend $1,000 on tents for shelter for sports day/waterslide day, etc; $1,200 on the sound system; $125 on Grade 6 keychains; $325 on photocopying; $300 on pizza for sports day volunteers; $400 on food for waterslides; $110 for teachers’ year-end presents, and $161 to supplement field trips (the bulk of funding for field trips comes from the gaming account. Will also be paying some parents for out-of-pocket expenses for hot lunch days.

We started March with a balance of 3,738 in the gaming account and ended with the same amount.

We plan on spending $400 on field trips; $1,200 on lights, and $2,300 on field trips.

The meat raffle in the fall made $3,620 in profit, which went to a new screen, microphones, and lights (still to be bought).

The movie night in February made $408 from pizza sales.

We are considering being strategic about our buying of bulk items such as juice next year. There are times when spending $250 at Superstore will net you a $25 gift card, and we may try to bundle our shops to take advantage of this.

To improve hot lunch reporting, we may create a form for the organizer to input what was spent on each occasion, to save us waiting for receipts and not knowing how much they will be for in advance.



PRINCIPAL’ S REPORT
(See Mrs. Ruth Neufeld’s report for full details.)


1. Staffing – There have been many reductions and administrative position jugglings in the district. We have retained the one principal model at our school, unlike some other small schools where admin duties are being shared among one or more schools. We have had a reduction in our non-enrolling positions from 1.26 to .9, which will have some effect. Nobody at ECE has lost his or her job due to these cuts. We are fortunate in that we expect to keep growing because of the subdivisions near by, which is good for keeping the school well funded and well staffed.

2. School Goal

To develop more powerful thinkers, listeners, speakers, readers, and writers.
• Intermediate teachers continuing to develop their use of formative assessments to inform their teaching.
• Social Responsibility—Canucks Autism Network – lessons continue to be taught by Dar Chand; walk went well – raised about $40. The program teaches that everyone is on a spectrum and that everyone deserves respect.
• Run for Water – May 12 – same route as last year. Grade Sixes did assembly to inform other students about the issue of water for Ethiopia. Intermediates will run to Gibson and Upper Prairie again. (One parent commented that we need to ensure the police officer stays for the whole run to quell traffic this time.)

3. School Events
• Jump Rope for Heart – raised $2,000
• Spring concert April 29; 9 am and 6 pm. Both full performances.
• Deb Chand is working with a group of students to prepare them for Bookmania.

4. Sports
• Basketball tournaments are April 27 (boys) and April 28 (girls). Both teams have done very well. Cross country is on May 19 at Cultus Lake.

5. District Budget Forums: Thurs, May 6: 3:30 to 5 pm
6. Bullying session. Bernard Klop (counsellor) is willing to do one session on bullying, focusing on giving tools to the victim and addressing the bully’s behaviour. Could be in June or Sept. There would be a small fee for families to pay.

Old business

Key chains vs. dog tags.
We will proceed with key chains for the Grade Sixes. This is a change from the dog tags of previous years.

Class photos
Are rebooked for May 5. The photographer had doublebooked for April 5.

New business

DI to Tennessee
As usual, our Destination Imagination (creativity competition) teams did very well at the provincials. Two teams placed first in their category, and one of the teams, consisting of five Grade 4 and 3 boys, wishes to go the global championships in Knoxville, Tennessee, in May. East Chwk teams also went to Knoxville in 2007 and 2008. To reach their goal, the boys and their families will be fundraising fervently for the next few weeks. As in the previous years, this year’s team requested some support from the PAC in the form of $100 per child for a total of $500.

Discussion about whether to provide the funding reflected two opinions: one that we should be celebrating excellence when children at our school do well at the provincial level, and that with ten percent of the school’s students participating in DI (and a higher percentage than that if only Grade 3’s and up are counted), most families connected with the school have a chance of having a child getting this opportunity at some point. The other opinion noted that like DI, the skipping team is a parent-run activity associated with the school, and yet families were all paying their own costs to go to skipping meets in Washington and provincials in Victoria, receiving no financial support from the PAC (and families paid their own way to DI meets in Vancouver).

The group voted to provide $500 to the DI team (with one abstention), and discussed the idea of creating a general “excellence” fund to support any ECE students who make it past the provincial level in an ECE-associated activity.

Spaghetti dinner
Building on the success of last year’s dinner, we decided to hold another one, this time on Friday, May 7. Funds raised will go to audio-visual equipment and field trips.

Jen Hansen will be handling ticket sales at the door. Alyson King and Verna Hoogeveen are handling games. Tia LeTexier is arranging baskets. Please send items to school for your child’s class basket (see list your child brought home). Bonnie Kind and Cheryl Hagen will be shopping and cooking all day. Anne Russell and others will help with last-minute preparations. Nicole Johnston is coordinating.

Everyone welcome. Get your tickets now!

New business

Events

Spring concert: Thurs, April 29

Class photos (rebooked): Wed, May 5

Spaghetti dinner: Fri, May 7

Sports Day: Fri, June 4

Awards Assembly: Fri, June 25

Waterslides: Mon, June 28


Next PAC meeting
We are going to continue with Monday evening meetings for the time being.
Next meeting: Mon, May 17, at 7 pm. Free babysitting in the gym available. All ECE parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Remaining meetings

Mon, May 17
Mon, June 21

Minutes from March 22 meeting

East Chilliwack Elementary 
Parent Advisory Council
Mon, March 22, 2010

Present: Anne Russell, Ruth Neufeld, Jen Hansen, Alyson King, Verna Hoogeveen, Robert LeComte, Nicole Johnston, Bonnie Kind.

APPROVAL of AGENDA

Moved by Jen; seconded by Robert
Approved

APPROVAL of MINUTES from February
Moved by Robert; seconded by Verna
Approved


TREASURER’S REPORT
(See Bonnie Kind’s report for full details.)

We had an opening balance of $7508 in March
Deposits for March included (rounded numbers) $408 for pizza at movie night, $1378 for hot lunch in February, $356 for the bake walk, $79 from Jim’s (we had been overcharged for pizza), and $1444 for hot lunch for March.

Still to be deducted were hot lunch expenses (awaiting request for reimbursements). Hot lunch consistently brings in around $200 profit, although some (the ones our volunteers make from scratch) are more profitable than others (McDonalds).

We ended up paying the Chilliwack Bruins $1,390 out of the $2,000 they claimed we owed due to a confusion as to whether we had to pay a table fee, and whether we had to pay them for unused tickets.

There will be no gaming grant this year, but we are optimistic for the 2010/11 school year. The treasurer and president will be working on the paperwork for this in May and June.



PRINCIPAL’ S REPORT
(See Mrs. Ruth Neufeld’s report for full details.)


1. Staffing — New educational assistant position — Stacy is on maternity leave — replacement is Melinda Vezina; secretary Sue Epp will be off on a medical leave for a month.

2. School Goal

To develop more powerful thinkers, listeners, speakers, readers, and writers.
• Intermediate teachers continuing to develop their use of formative assessments to inform their teaching.
• After school collab/pro D — continuation of previous work on formative assessment practices, reviewing and revising the school improvement plan, looking for a math assessment that we can use throughout the school.
• Social Responsibility — CAN — Canucks Autism Network — Lessons have been taught throughout the school. We will be doing a walk for Autism Awareness on March 31 from 10:15–11:15 am.
• 

3. School Events
• Olympic and Paralympic activities went well — had guest speakers in for paralympic theme — Brad Hagkull of Chilliwack and his son Ben (who uses a wheelchair) talked about the importance of doing your best, how finishing is winning, and the opportunities that are available to all who try. (see http://teamhagkull.blogspot.com/)

• Spring concert is April 29 — there will be 2 performances — during the day and evening. Need volunteers to help with costumes and props. Chris Pauls will be letting us know what kind of support she needs.

• Mar.30 – Jump Rope for Heart kickoff. April 9 — Jump Rope for Heart event.

• Deb Chand is working with a group of students to prepare them for the district Bookarama – April 21.


4. Report cards — went home week of March 22. Parents at the meeting commented that it would be “nice to see some 4’s” on report cards in areas where students have scored very high marks. It seems a bit of an oxymoron to some parents to have their student coming home with A grades and 3’s (meeting expectations rather than exceeding expectations). Ms Neufeld noted that the numbers aren’t just based on projects students hand in, but also on participation, and oral contribution. She explained that the focus is on learning outcomes — has the student mastered the important components of the material? She noted that the new philosophy is that failure is not an option — the job of educators is to ensure that students don’t fail by working out ways to help students master the curriculum. Learning is now less about memorizing facts and more about learning how to be a lifelong learner.

5. Sports
• Basketball has started — Lynn Eburn is coaching the girls (who are on a winning streak) and Casey Sas and Ms. Neufeld are coaching the boys.
6. District Budget Forums: April 15, April 22. 

7. Power to Parent with Bernard Klop — 8 sessions, Wednesday evenings, starting April 7, 7-9 @ Bernard Elementary. Light refreshments and child minding provided. Bernard is willing to do one session on bullying — giving tools to the victim and addressing the bullies’ behaviour.

Old business

Teacher lunch
The group agreed to do a teacher (and staff) lunch in appreciation for everything that they do for our children all year. People were invited to bring food items to school on Monday, April 12.

Planning for Spaghetti dinner
Building on the success of last year’s dinner, we decided to hold another one, this time on Friday, May 7. Funds raised will go to audio-visual equipment and field trips.

It will include spaghetti, caesar salad, buns, and cookies. There will be games (bring loonies), and a silent raffle, with theme baskets assembled by each class. Help is needed. Call Nicole Johnston at 604-794-5646 or knjohnston5@shaw.ca to volunteer.

Grade 6 memento
We will go ahead with a memento for the Grade Sixes, but it may be a keychain rather than a necklace.

School photos
Are looking at going ahead with a different company this fall.

Skipping
Some of the Vertical Zone ECE skippers travelled to Bainbridge Island in Washington for a skipping event. Lots of fun, jumping, performing, involved.

Events
The group decided on dates for a number of upcoming events. Also listed here are other planned events.


Destination Imagination provincials: Sat, April 17

Spring concert: Thurs, April 29

Spaghetti dinner: Fri, May 7

Sports Day: Fri, June 4

Awards Assembly: Fri, June 25

Waterslides: Mon, June 28

Last day of school: Tues, June 29.

New business

Next PAC meeting
We are going to continue with Monday evening meetings for the time being.
Next meeting: Mon, April 19, at 7 pm. Free babysitting in the gym available. All ECE parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Remaining meetings
Mon, April 19
Mon, May 17
Mon, June 21

ECE PAC Nov 16 2009 minutes

East Chilliwack Elementary
Parent Advisory Council
Monday, November 16, 2009

Present: Nicole Johnston, Bonnie Kind, Tia LeTexier, Ruth Neufeld, Jen Hansen,
Robert LeComte, Cheryl Hagen, Tara Field, Natalie Sache.


Approval of Agenda:
Moved by Tara; seconded by Jen. Approved.

Approval of minutes from October:
Moved by Nicole; seconded by Bonnie. Approved.

Treasurer’s Report
(See Bonnie Kind’s report for full details)

ÿ We have not yet received a gaming grant. Deposits were made from hot lunch, movie night, float, hockey game raffle tickets, meat raffle tickets.
ÿ A withdrawal of $2000 went to the Bruins to purchase hockey tickets for sale.
ÿ We made a considerable profit from the meat raffle ($3260) and a ECE family was the winner.
ÿ The Hockey game profit was approx. $1156. There were no hot lunch numbers available at today’s date.
ÿ We ended October with a balance of $6661.61 in the general account and $33.22 in the gaming account.


Principal’s Report
(see Ruth Neufeld’s report for full details)

ÿ We have hired Leighanna Potts, Stacey Christianson and Barb Litzenberger and Leanne Fetterly is back from a leave.
ÿ Teachers have completed two smart learning sessions out of six. They reviewed marking using the 1,2,3,4 system in hopes that it will be more consistent between the teachers.
ÿ Students are working on kindness until Christmas, one example is they are encouraged to greet fellow students, etc, as they pass in the hall.
ÿ Mr. Chand is our CAN (Canucks Autism Network) ambassador. Students will do activities to show how diverse we are and also those to heighten their sensitivity.
ÿ I CAN statements are being implemented by the intermediate classes.
ÿ First steps in Math were reviewed by Mrs. Pauls at the last meeting.
ÿ Volleyball games begin November 25.
ÿ Our school has had NO confirmed cases of H1N1 and the absentee rate is quite minimal.

Page Two

ÿ ECE was not chosen to have full day Kindergarten for next year because we are at capacity. We would need a portable or to use the daycare space. The daycare is nice for our community and we do not want to see it go.


Old Business

ÿ The emergency kits are all in and put away.
ÿ Movie night was very well attended. The pizza clean up wasn’t too much trouble but there was not enough popcorn for everyone. We will plan for another one next year.
ÿ Destination Imagination – consistently has a good turnout of 40-50 kids on Mondays at lunchtime. Teams will be put together soon but with this comes a lot of expenses. Each team will need to purchase the package required and register for BC provincials at $100 ea. The district (Bob Patterson) has some funds for this and they are waiting to hear. The leaders have requested $500 from the P.A.C. Cheryl made a motion, Robert seconded it. All members were in favor of donating $500 to this great program. Approved.

New Business

ÿ There will be no Christmas concert this year in lieu of a much larger Spring concert.
ÿ The skipping team won the creative portion of their recent competition (Tara noted that most of these students are in the D.I. program).
ÿ Nicole made a motion to have a Teacher’s lunch to show parent appreciation. Monday, December 14. A notice will go out to all parents asking for contributions of casseroles, salads, and other goodies. Hopefully they will have enough leftovers for the week!
ÿ Hot lunch orders will no longer be accepted if they are late. Sarah will call parents who send them past the date noted for counting.
ÿ The head lice check was done last week and none were found.
ÿ The Grade six class had their shots given last week.
ÿ Sarah Burke Photography fundraiser will be held on Nov.20 and 21st. There will be a $15 sitting fee for the family. $10 will go to the P.A.C. and $5 for the 8x10 supplies.
ÿ Speaking of photography…some were not overly impressed with Mountain West, who did the student photos, and we will look into other options for next year. Sarah will consider whether this is something she could take on.





Page Three

ÿ Mrs. Neufeld is organizing caroling for Thursday, December 17 at 9am-ish. The music class will play their recorders. The P.A.C. would like to incorporate this with the pancake breakfast fundraiser for the skipping club. Santa could also come this morning as well. Mr. Burke suggested Santa arrive via Firetruck.
He will look into this and ask Mr.Yaxley (of pumpkin patch fame) if he might
consider being our Santa this year as Mr. Roos is no longer at our school. The
P.A.C. agreed to have Santa hand out oranges and mini candy canes to the kids.

ÿ Tara questioned all the changes to the fundraising that occurred rather suddenly. The Bruins approached us because they had a cancellation and there was not much time to get it organized. We are not sure if we will do that again as it was a lot of work, we were also upset that there was a $250 table fee that we were not told of prior to the date. Thank you to Lorraine for all your hard work.
The Chocolate letters and Neufeld Farms fundraising was cancelled after the
board office called Mrs. Neufeld. These are not on the list of approved
Peanut-Free companies and we are a strictly peanut-free school.

ÿ After Christmas we want to have a break from fundraising. The Grade 6’s will be doing their run for water soon.

ÿ Sarah noted that the Xmas store newsletter went out with a date change not approved by her. She is unavailable then and will be changing it back to November 16 and 17th. A new newsletter will be sent out ASAP, also amending the fact that we are looking for gifts suitable for an adult only. Mrs. Neufeld believed that the Grade 6’s wanted it earlier to keep the last week less busy. These donations will be stored in the office and Sue has space cleared. We will have it set up in the Hawk’s nest and keep covered with tablecloths when the store is not open. Cheryl suggested having a wrapping station so the kids could wrap their own as this really slowed things down last year. The primaries will require some help.

ÿ The poinsettia date needs to be amended to Friday, November 27.





Next P.A.C. meeting: Monday, December 14, 2009 at 7pm.