PAC Meeting January 23rd 2012

ATTENDANCE Amy Herfst, Jayne Dekany, Lorraine Brown, Natalie Sache, Terri Krug, Tia LeTexier, Tara Field, Jaimie Van Den Brink, Ange DeBruyn and Jen Hansen.

APOLOGIES: Shannon Kostering, Ruth Neufeld

WELCOME EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED AND THANKS TO NATALIE FOR OFFERING HER HOME FOR THE MEETING.

Approval of minutes from Dec 9^h 2011 meeting: Moved by Jaimie, seconded by Amy. Approved.

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

TREASURERS REPORT: By Natalie Sache

Silent auction, meat raffle late receipt finalised. Santa’s treats and other spending over the Xmas period finalised. Lorraine to finalise the poinsettia payments, all looked finalised but just need to confirm.

HOT LUNCH REPORT: By Amy Herfst

• Pizza Lunch made $215.17
• Pasta Lunch made $289.46
• 2^nd Pizza Lunch made $191.67

Shannon asked if anyone had any new hot lunch ideas. Subway, Booster Juice and a pasta meal were suggested with mixed responses. Agreed to keep it as is for the moment. The criteria has to be a meal with drink and side order for less than $5.00. Any new suggestions welcome.

FUNDRAISING REPORT: By Lorraine Brown

• MOTHERS DAY FUNDRAISER - Hanging Baskets/Planters and a gift catalogue. PAC agreed to go ahead with this fundraiser.
• Fraser Valley Meat Store are offering Boxes Package as a way of raising monies, should we stay loyal to Johnston Meat? It was decided to not do a meat fundraiser as the skipping club were already arranging one.
• CANADIAN TIRE MONEY COLLECTION - Throughout February, class collecting the most will get a choice in spending it.

PRINCIPALS REPORT: Conveyed by Amy Herfst

• 60minkidsclub v running laps – few parents wondering if we should stick to the running program as keeping a daily log on the website is somewhat of a hassle and is a little off putting to keep the program up to date for their kids.
• HELP !!!!– GRADE 5/6 BOYS NEED A BASKETBALL COACH – Does anyone know of someone who can help either before or after school?
• A quick reminder that Kindergarten registration for 2012/2013 is due by March 1^st.
• RSL Open House for3-4  year old's on Feb 10^th.
• 3 PALS sessions arranged too.
• 3 Ice skating sessions are booked for various classes, watch out for a class newsletter.
• Chillspell at GW Graham January 31^st 3.300pm onwards.
• Math Mania on February 1^st at ECE 6.30-8.00pm.
• New Fridge supplied from the fresh fruit and veggie program now in the kitchen. The old one has been disposed of as it was not energy efficient to keep as a spare.
• The Grade 6 students are holding a Candy Gram, where children are able to buy a love heart poem for that special person complete with a nut free candy attached. Each candy gram is 25c each to send. The PAC agreed to donate money to purchase each child a candy gram.
• Valentines Bake Walk also to be arranged – To be Confirmed with Ruth/Teachers as to whether this will take place on Valentines Day. If it does we are in need of some parent helpers.
• Does anyone want to take on counting and sending off the Campbell Soup labels? Grade 6 students have been suggested to help with the masses in the office.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Skipping organising a pancake breakfast on Feb 16^th, 7.30am – 8.15am
• Movie Night to be organised for March – Date to be confirmed with Ruth.
• Amy bought in a leaflet from the BCTF – British Columbia Teachers Federation. They have offered numerous parent conferences to the PAC. The topics include the following which were all popular with the PAC present at the meeting;
  • Born to Buy
  • Bugs, drugs and rugs
  • Captive mind-captive market?
  • Internet awareness for parents
  • Raising confident boys (and girls)
  • Supporting your child's learning
  • Anti- Bullying

NEXT MEETING SET FOR MONDAY FEBRUARY 20TH 2012 AT 7PM

IN THE PARENT ROOM

PAC Minutes Dec 9th 2011

Attendance: Ruth Neufeld., Amy Herfst, Natalie Sache, Terri Krug, Nicole Johnston, Jaimie Van den Brink, Caroline Laanstra, Jaimie Finnie and Maggie Klassen.

Apologies: Shannon Kostering, Jayne Dekany

WELCOME EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED

Approval of agenda: Moved by Terri, 2nd by Amy. Approved.

Approval of minutes from Nov 21st meeting: Moved by Maggie, 2nd by Nicole. Approved.

TREASURERS REPORT: By Natalie Sache (see report)

• Final payment issued for the new playground equipment – to be installed Jan 2012.
• Chq submitted by Nicole Johnston for supplies for the Christmas Store $50.88

HOT LUNCH REPORT: By Shannon Kostering

• Hot dog day made approx $313.00 profit
• Thanks to all parents helping
• Things going well with orders/working out a few kinks with late orders and a few kids saying that they had ordered.

FUNDRAISING REPORT: By Lorraine Brown

• $870.50 collected for the Poinsettias being delivered today. Profit approx $3 per item,
• Some parent mentioned not having forms sent home so maybe that’s why we see a slight drop from last years orders.

Discussion about email list and facebook updates. Amy mentioned sending out a quick newsletter to remind parent to notify Sue with their email addresses and about or facebook page. Jayne to speak to Amy to get that ready “Get yourself organised for the New Year...”

PRINCIPALS REPORT: By Ruth Neufeld (see report)

• Firstly ref the job action – NO FULL STRIKE ACTION IN THE FUTURE but each class is communicating differently.
• Reports coming home today from Ruth with attendance only, mandatory by the Board.
• Staff are interested in funding for a professional Zumba dancer to come in to do approx. 45mins with the primaries and half hour with the intermediates (approx $2 per student) Motion to cover cost of Zumba instructor by Jaimie Van den Brink, 2^nd by Terri 6 in favour 2 opposed – Motion Carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Coffee and tea to be provided by PAC and squares being used (left over from spaghetti night)
• Note to go off for parent to bring plates of treats to share.
• Skipping club needs $500 for bringing in a dancer or gymnast (discussion about Tara's commitment and how the club runs) Motion to provide $350 to skipping club by Maggie, 2^nd by Terri, motion passed. Ask Tara about “sponsored by ECE”
• Ski program – Terri obtained information from Hemlock about skiing hopefully this year for the intermediates. Emailed Jayne, Amy and Ruth. Terri to follow up with Ruth.

NEXT MEETING SET FOR MONDAY JANUARY 16TH 2012 AT 7PM IN THE PAC ROOM

PAC Minutes Nov 21st 2011

Attendance: Ruth Neufeld., Amy Herfst, Jayne Dekany, Lorraine Brown, Natalie Sache, Terri Krug, Anne Russell, Tia LeTexier, Verna Hoogeveen, Nicole Johnston and Tara Field.

Apologies: Shannon Kostering

WELCOME EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED

Approval of minutes from Oct 17^th meeting: Moved by Tia, seconded by Anne. Approved.

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

TREASURERS REPORT: By Natalie Sache

Profit made at the recent spaghetti dinner:

• Meat Raffle made $1,958.00 profit ($1991 in 2010)
• Spaghetti meal made $350.31 profit ($383 in 2010), however we did over purchase by $50.00 with new excellent deserts this year. Two trays have been put away in the freezer for another event.
• Silent Auction made $285.00 ($1055 in 2010 however a lot more prizes were donated)
• Spin the Wheel made $311.39 ($451 in 2010 along with the raffle baskets)
• Raffle Baskets made $238.95
• 50/50 made $110.00 profit ($65 in 2010) thanks to a generous donation of $100 .
• Plus a few extra donations of $16.25.

TOTAL PROFIT MADE FROM THE SPAGHETTI DINNER $3,259.90!!

Everyone agreed it was a very successful evening. Well done and thanks to Amy for co-ordinating the whole event.

HOT LUNCH REPORT: By Amy Herfst

Grilled cheese dinner made $366.81 profit.

Maggie Klassen helping with the next hot dog dinner. Some parents concerns over cross contamination of gluten free products. We need to be clearly marking items which are gluten free and handling them separately. Helpers need to be informed of consequences of cross contamination

PRINCIPALS REPORT: By Ruth Neufeld

• Ruth agreed that it was a great spaghetti evening and thanked all for their help.
• School goal remains the same.
• Just to confirm that last Monday was in fact a teacher Lieu Day not a Pro D Day.
• Term 1 finishes at the end of November, report cards to be sent home at the end of December, if you have any concerns make an appointment to see your child's teacher.
• Grade 6 class still rolling coins from the coin drive, approximately $700 raised.
• Remembrance Day went well. Well done Jordan Huttema for singing even with a cold plus K- 4/5 split classes for their efforts too. Think we may offer a creche service as there were some “noisy” disrespectful siblings attending.
• May review the speakers next year, 2^nd speaker was great.
• No noon hour games for the Kindergarten students, just too many students.
• Sports – volleyball postponed for boys till January, girls doing well with Tia and Bronny as coaches.
• Christmas concert Dec14th – 12.00 and Dec 15 – 9.00am. No evening concerts due to strike action.
• Chilliwack Cheifs visiting on Wednesday to the class which has read the most.
• Newsletters available online. Apologies to parents who had received an email of the newsletter without the bcc removed.
• USE THE WEBSITE IT HAS LOTS OF NEW INFORMATION. ITS BEING UPDATED ALL THE TIME. May start to link all forms online too, i.e. hot lunch, field trips etc. Get used to logging on regularly.
• 60minkidsclub is still going, coach Matt came in for some encouragement and will be back again.

OLD BUSINESS:

• More sales were generated by just sending each child home with a ticket for the meat raffle. Will drop the request to send tickets home next time. This worked really well.
• Silent auction needs more structure, starting bids, standard increments. Natalie will find the information next time.
• Should we welcome all new families? This was something that ECE did a long time ago. Should we send out a Christmas card to new families welcoming them and hoping all is going well?

NEW BUSINESS:

• Poinsettia fund raiser sent home this week. Watch out for it.
• Grade 6 Christmas Store taking place on the 6^th/7^th December. Nicole and Jayne to help sort after school on the 5^th and prepare tables for the store. Helpers needed for the daytime of the 6/7th, can anyone help? Nicole to mention to Ms Eburn to begin to plan it, Jayne to talk to Maddy to make up a small newsletter asking for donations. Needs to be out next week.
• Book Sale on Weds/Thurs – Usborne Books not Scholastic. Scholastic is for teachers only to run and therefore with the strike action in place a private book seller has been arranged. It will be set up in the PAC room.
• Christmas lunch booked for December 9^th, helpers needed for serving. PAC paying for half.

PAC SPENDING 2011:

The PAC has almost $10,000.00 in its account. Ruth had some ideas as well as some parents.

Ruth's suggestions:

• New projector in the sports hall for family and community events.
• New benches down by the running track, in between the trees for spectators of soccer matches, sports day etc. and for the kids to use at break times.
• New benches in the garden area. This is currently being revamped. Grass removal and mulching, removal of the sprouting oak tree and replacement with 3 new smaller trees, bamboo in pots along the gym wall.
• Begin to buy smart boards for each classroom, 4 x intermediate classes to start with. ($3000each)
• Projector in the library for all school use.

Parents suggestions:

• New volleyball nets
• New hockey equipment

Natalie motioned to buy the projector for the gym for use on movie nights/community events. $2,000.00. Terri seconded, no one opposed. Motion carried. Ruth made up work order.

More allocations to be motioned on at the next PAC Meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS:

• Pancake breakfast for the skipping club – February 16^th 2012.
• Suggestion of a Skate at Twin Rink/Ski Day at Hemlock for Primary/Intermediates. Terri to investigate ski prices. Ruth to investigate whether its OK with the teachers.
• Tara has 20/30 day packs she would like to donate and asked if the PAC would like to “fill” them. A Back to School donation of paper, pens and supplies was suggested for September. Ruth to look into the Hope International charity to see what else we could do. Transition House was also suggested. Get the children to think about others who have little.
• Ruth organising an “Anxious Children” session for parents on an evening/weekend with Trish Williams. More and more children are showing a lack of confidence and risk taking skills. May invite other local schools to participate and make the session worth while.
• After Christmas to collect Canadian Tire money. Have a contest per class to get the most. Could buy some new hockey equipment.
• Free medical alert bracelets, Ruth to see if ECE are on the list to receive them.

WELL DONE TO TARA FOR WINNING THE FREE HOT LUNCH

NEXT MEETING SET FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 9^th AT 8.15AM. MORNING MEETING JUST BEFORE THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH.

PAC Minutes Oct 17th 2011

PAC MEETING MONDAY 17th OCTOBER 2011

Attendance: Bonnie Kind, Amy Herfst, Jayne Dekany, Natalie Sache, Terri Krug, Ruth Neufeld, Michelle Schaefer, Maggie Klassen, Tara Field, Karen Steinbach, Anne Russell, Tia LeTexier, Jen Hansen, Melanie Derksen, Nicole Brown.

Apologies: Shannon Kostering, Lorraine Brown

WELCOME TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED

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

Approval of agenda: Moved by Natalie, seconded by Jen. Approved.

TREASURERS REPORT: By Natalie Sache

$4,700 gaming monies deposited. Bank error paid it into the wrong account but amended.

Spending - $60.00 on oranges for the Terry Fox Run.

Hot Lunch monies deposited $501.00 expense to come out yet.

Emergency kit supplies and kitchen supplies purchased too.

Playground equipment – update – deposit paid, sufficient balance in account.

HOT LUNCH REPORT: By Amy Herfst

Pizza hot lunch made $207.78. Thanks to all the handing out helpers, it ran smoothly.

PRINCIPALS REPORT: By Ruth Neufeld

• School Goal remains unchanged – To develop powerful thinkers, listeners, speakers, readers and writers.
• School Pro D Day October 7^th – Daily 5, organization tools, student engagement discussed,
• Continuing smart learning
• K1 oral initiatives – talking tables continuing
• Healthy Buddies/Class Buddies still running
• 60minkidwsclub being promoted
• District initiatives
• Mid term reports will be sent out.
• Parking lot safety issues were discussed at length. 150 kids do not catch a bus. Ruth has addressed the issue with the school board and safer city assessment office. Perhaps extra buses for the Hack Brown area can be organized. A parent petition for Free Busing was discussed too. Also a common collection point discussed to avoid the excess of cars at 8am and 2pm!!
• Christmas Store going ahead, in need of up-to 4 parent helpers please to help with wrapping and monies. Probably be the 6^th and 7^th December. Help also needed to sort through the donations. Grade 6 have discussed donating profit to Ethiopia and a local kids based project e.g. Toys 4 Xmas, Salvation Army or Ann Davis charity. Contact Ruth if you can help.
• Noon hour house games have started. K-2 on Wednesdays, 3-6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Soccer tournaments next Tues/Weds, Cross country on Weds 19^th at Twin Rinks.
• Skipping Team acknowledged in assembly this week.

NEW BUSINESS

• Gaming money $20.00 per child has been deposited in the bank. It can only go towards non curriculum items which comprise of very few items. These include but are not limited to field trips, school team jerseys, and playground equipment. It cannot be spent on any technology, books or educational items. Natalie motioned to spend $10 per child towards field trips, Maggie seconded, motion carried. There were 2 PAC members opposed.
• Raffle tickets have been issued, to be drawn on the spaghetti evening.
• PAC asked Ruth for areas where monies could be spent. Kindergarten has its own funding and no extra is required here. ECE has ordered 2 new projectors and have asked for help with mounting the projectors (cost are $800 per mounting). To be voted on at the next meeting. Zumba dancer approached for a day at the school, $2.00 per kid for a lesson. Sounded like a fun way to keep fit.
• Destination Imagination – Parent volunteers to continue to help out on one Monday per month – Jen Hansen, Natalie Sache, Nicole Brown and Nicole Johnston offered help.
• Earthquake kits due in hopefully by the end of October. Is there a standard procedure for safety? Natalie brought new information about safety triangles and not hiding under the desk. Ruth will check out the new safety issued from the City.
• Movie night on Thursday – Poppers needed – Nicole B, Tara, Nicole J, Terri, Lorraine, Shannon and Amy to help. Amy to bring Rio and another backup movie. Trying to source pizza but some confusion with getting the information out. Not sure if its too late.
• Spaghetti evening – Helpers:-
  Cooking – Shannon, Karen, ? Need more helpers
  Silent Auction – Lorraine and Amy
  Raffle Baskets – Tia
  Games – Amy to investigate Rosedale Middle Leadership kids to help organize
  Food Servers – Terri, Natalie, Jayne, ? ,?, ? need more helpers
  Door – Anne, ? ,? need more helpers
  Face painters -?, ?, ?, ? Does anyone know any????
  Prizes for the games needed to be purchased - ???

WELL DONE TO MELANIE FOR WINNING THE FREE HOT LUNCH

NEXT PAC MEETING SET FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 21ST AT 7PM IN THE PARENT ROOM.

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.