PAC Minutes November 2014

By Information

MINUTES OF JOHN NORQUAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PAC MEETING HELD AT 6:00 pm ON NOVEMBER 4th, 2014

IN THE JOHN NORQUAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY

MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Co-Chairs: Mary Wilson, Keelan Simurda
  • Treasurer: Shirley Chang,
  • Communications: Jermaine Kwok
  • Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara Lee
  • Members at Large: Lisa Chong, Joe Remedios
  • Alvin Chong, Valeria Kao, Robert Whitton, Barb Wong, Cindy Lee, Christy Chua, Letti Kwon, Stacy Shields
  • Principal: Margaret Jorjensen
  • Vice-Principal: Erin Gibbs
  • Teacher Representatives: Pinky Kwan

INTRODUCTIONS

  1. The meeting began with introductions. The attendance checklist was passed around for all members to complete.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

  1. It was agreed that the approval of the previous meeting minutes would be deferred until the next meeting scheduled in December.

PLANTER BOX UPDATE (Valeria Kao)

  1. A video presentation was given regarding the implementation of the planter box program. Six cedar boxes were built in the gymnasium with the participation of students. There are two classrooms assigned to each box. Classes are encouraged to start planting gardens. There may be a need for the PAC to help support this program.
  2. There is a Whole Foods grant of $2,000 that the school will be applying for. The program is called “Earth Bites” for those schools planning to plant an edible garden.

FINANCIAL STANDINGS

  1. It was confirmed that there is not yet an approved budget for the year. Margaret Jorgensen will be developing a framework and corresponding needs assessment from each of the teachers. The budget will be presented at the next meeting that includes a priority list.
  2. The PAC has two accounts—the general account holds funds which are raised through PAC fundraising initiatives and the gaming account holds funds which are from the government gaming grant paid each year for each student in the school.
    1. the revenue in the general account was $20,959
    2. the revenue in the gaming account was $11,835

EMB UPDATE

  1. Barb Lee reported that inquiries are still being made to the school board for detailed accounting for the last 3 years of EMB programming funds.  She also brought up the fact that EMB parents have met at least once a year offsite and that last year’s potluck was very well received.  Several parents wanted another one planned for this year and Barb said she will send some our some potential dates in January.

TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES

  1. Pinky Kwan advised that she will be organizing a parents meeting to discuss issues pertaining specifically to the early mandarin program.
  2. The Forbidden City exhibit. Pinky Kwan advised that the Vancouver Art Gallery is showcasing artifacts from the Forbidden City. She recommended that families consider visiting this exhibit as it is only showing until January.

THE YEAR AHEAD (2014-2015)

  1. School Events.  Some of the various school events this year include the Terry Fox Run, Scholastic Book Fair, Sports Day, Breakfast with Santa, Chinese Parade, May Carnival.
  1. PAC Events.  The various PAC events this year include Waffle Breakfasts, Gift Card Fundraiser and pizza lunches every second Friday.   A decision still needs to be made regarding whether Pedalheads will continue in the spring.
  1. Volunteers Needed.  Volunteers will be needed for the following programs:  gift card program and Purdey’s chocolate fundraising, as well as the pizza lunches.

ADMINISTRATION’S MESSAGE (Margaret Jorjensen – Principal)

  1. Paper copies of the newsletter will no longer be mailed home. The newsletter can be accessed through the school website. There is the option for families to subscribe through the website and have the newsletter directly emailed to individual accounts.
  2. School website. The website has been updated and an orientation was given regarding the changes to the site.
  3. Lunch hour policy. A newsletter will be sent home advising that family members will no longer be permitted to stay on school grounds during the lunch break. Hot lunches may still be dropped off by family members, which will have the process outlined in the newsletter. If family members wish to spend the lunch hour with their children, it is recommended that they sign them out and take them offsite.
  4. School visitation policy. There will be stricter guidelines in place regarding visitation to the schools. All visitors should check in at reception and all volunteers must be credentialed appropriately.
  5. Adopt a School program. There will be holiday hampers for families in need this year. The school will be applying for the Adopt a School program.
  6. Field Trips.   There will be a formal request sent out for volunteers for field trips.

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Parent Survey. There was a great response rate from the Parent Survey previously sent home. There was a request for a volunteer to process the data collected from the surveys. Once the survey data has been processed into a spreadsheet, the findings will be presented.
  1. The PAC now has its own Facebook page. This Facebook page has restricted access and will require permission from the moderator before members can join. The purpose of this page is for community building and all parents are encouraged to join.
  1. Traffic Update. A traffic report has been completed and there was a recommendation for the crosswalk on Slocan to be changed to a traffic light controlled intersection. The estimated time of completion for this upgrade is targeted at 12-36 months. There was also a recommendation for the repainting of crosswalks.
  1. The date of the next PAC meeting is Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 at 6pm