Elora Public School

School Council Minutes – February 2024

Posted February 21, 2024

MINUTES

Elora Public School Council – Date: February 20, 2024

In-Person Attendees: Natasha Skeritt, Emma Reay, Colette Bayani, Darcy Studer, Melissa Miller, Shannan Noorlander

Regrets: Rachal Albano

1. Welcome and Introductions  
2. Attendance 
3. Approval of Minutes from Nov 14, 2023 – Approved by Collette, Seconded by Shannon
4. P/VP Report (Natasha / Emma) 

So many fun things are happening around the school. Recognition of the teachers who run extracurriculars for all the extra time they are putting in to make these activities and events happen for our students.

• Clubs currently running include: chess, mindful Monday, School of Rock,   Skills Canada, Ukulele club, Forest of Reading, coding, band, drama club, students create change, games groups, GSA and so much more. 
• Sports currently happening include: Intermediate basketball, Primary outside Games, 
• Lots of trips have been happening – two to highlight that are affecting many of the students across the whole school are skating and river run trips. Classes have visited the Elora Centre for the Arts to either take part in an activity at the Sparrow’s Nest or visit the current exhibit – Metaverse….or both, depending on the grade!
• Follow up on Gaga Ball – we ended up needing to hold on putting the Gaga Ball pit in until they finish determining what changes may be done to the grading of the yard. This is to happen this spring and summer. The hope will be that we are able to get it in for next year. 
• Festive Variety Show – was a huge success and filled with lots of amazing talent. 
• Class photos will be happening on March 21st along with our Grade 8 graduation photos. 
• Report cards were available online last Thursday.
• Grade 8 Trip – Toronto Zoo, Boston Pizza for dinner, Blue Jays Game.  

5. Treasurer’s Report

6. Educator Presentation (Melissa Miller)

Elora Drama club is going to present ‘Beauty & the Beast’ for a spring show.

Auditions are currently happening – consisting of a dance crew, an acting crew, singing with a choir, and a performance from the band.

Auditions are open to all, with the hope that there is something for lots of students to join in.

The band is already in practice, so things have already started.

May 6th – Dress Rehearsal

May 7th – School wide performance (possibly

May 8th – Evening show for families

 PLUS a 2nd possible school wide performance – depending on how much space is required with the stage.

Tickets will be free, but will require to be ‘booked’ to ensure there is sufficient space.

Dance-a-thon to run on Thursday March 7th to help raise funds for a Drama Club Budget.

Melissa will put together a schedule but hopes to gather parent volunteers for the day. 

Request for volunteers can be shared out through ‘5 Things’ 

School CashOnline to house donations – mentioning that there will not be a sled-a-thon this year due to the lack of snow.

Glow Sticks to sell ahead of time – Shannon to order from Amazon – approximately 2000.

It will possibly be added to the school cash orders – add a buck for 3 glowsticks.

Black lights  – ordered from the board.

Student leaders to help organize the music / videos / and support younger classes.

8. PRO Grant

• purpose of the grant is to engage parents in the school  – Topic being ‘Healthy Social Media Practices’ 
• up to $1000 – to confirm the allocated amount
• Three possibilities: Paul Davies ($1600 – no cap for parents)    
• Lesha (Calming Compass) – worked in Children’s mental health – ‘Healthy Social Media for 80 parents ($900) 
• Or Ulrika Jo ($1000 plus Gas) – ‘Tech Battles’
• Collette can connect to get more information about the individual presentations.

9. Fundraising Committee Report 

Report on Playground Survey Results

88 people responded to the survey

The first question was: Please prioritize the following that focus on outdoor play and learning:

First Choices

• 46% – Playground
• 35% – Outside Learning Areas
• 25% – Sports Equipment
• 7% – Painting of Lines

Second question was: Please prioritize the following that focus on additional areas of our school:

First Choices

• 36% – Resources, Learning Materials for Learning Commons
• 36% – Technology
• 25% – Subsidizing Trips
• 15% – Supporting families in need.

We also pulled together some of the responses and questions to share, in the hopes that we can respond to some of them.

Discussed the pros and cons of the comments and how we work at showing the community we are moving on the current funds we have, 

Thoughts: Can there be something open on school cash called Angel Fund that allows people to donate money for those students who might need it for a variety of things.

Colette emailed contact for Pansy fundraising – orders need to be by March 22nd – orders would be delivered in April. It may be conflicting with other fundraisers – worries of taking away from Dance-a-thon and drama club fundraising – it will be a possibility for next year.

Krispy Kreme orders will be live on School CashOnline before Good Friday – will be required by  – Delivery for donuts will be April 17th & 18th.

10. Other Business

Family BBQ – Planning for food options – Chris Jess / Pizza / BBQ-ing our own.

Decisions to be made regarding food choices.

Gather availability / costs etc.

Planning for Staff appreciation Day from Parent Council –  to reach out to Chris Jess for the PD Day – June 7th

Next Meeting Date 

• April 9, 2024
• May 14, 2024

*all School Council meetings will take place between 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Learning Commons

Categories: School Council Minutes