EPSAC MEETING MINUTES October 27, 2020
In attendance
Paul Tribe, Heidi Muller, Christa Ormiston, Jeff & Ang Murray, Chris Williston, Heather Pollock, Jacqueline Nyman, Emily Hendrix, Dianna Josiak, Tami Jepson, Stephanie Moddison
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Principal’s Report – Tuesday, October 27, 2020
121 students currently attending the bricks and mortar school, 17 students attending remotely
Today we were notified that there will be no change in organization as of November 30th
Next opportunity to change likely at end of Term 1 in February
Black and Orange Day Thursday: No costumes, masks, etc. Treats provided by the school for students. We cannot accept treats from homes, unfortunately.
Yard divided, allocated doors for classes, social distancing seem to be working well
No COVID-19 cases at this point
New busing arrangement appears to be working well. We will need to ensure parents and children do not pass between buses, but travel around them.
New busing approach allowed us to create 18 new parking spaces.
At this point library and gym remain closed, only essential visitors may enter the school building
Community has been wonderful and supportive
Outdoor Classroom has been used by many students. We will continue to encourage its use and look for ways to program.
New box for Kindergarten outdoor blocks on the same side of the school as their yard.
New award board on order for the school to consolidate the many plaques onto one large one – 15-year span
Interested in communication home. Do you have suggestions?
Fundraising of any kind at the school is problematic due to sorting issues, etc. Hence no food or milk programs are possible yet
Bus patrols will happen in a modified way. Remote training. The school will look for ways to show appreciation
We asked staff what their needs and wants might be: The main response was for technology (Chromebooks) We had sent home a memo about that. Kindergarten would appreciate sleds for the class in order to provide them with some winter activities
3. Chromebooks- The school is asking for money for new chromebooks. They will be $330.00 each. The decision to purchase new ones has to be made by November 13 to get a board pricing discount. The school has been allotted funding for 9 new chromebooks. It is suggested that 9 additional ones be purchased to meet the needs within the school. This would also be beneficial to meet the needs of students should we return to remote learning. Concerns were raised about purchasing them all at once and running into a similar situation where they all expire at the same time. It was suggested we try and purchase some with any fundraising we are able to do. We will run a ‘cash for cupcakes’ promotion on social media and email blast to raise awareness that we will not be able to fundraise in the traditional ways this year to meet these requests. Currently the school is only meeting the needs of junior students for chromebook use. With the new math curriculum including coding there is an increased need for primary students to begin using them as well.
As a council we are asking Simone to post a cash for cupcakes option on school cash online so parents can donate directly to the fundraise, A second option will be available to donate to the UGLF (UPPER GRAND LEARNING FOUNDATION) this will be earmarked for the chromebooks. Those who make a donation in this way will be eligible for a tax receipt (over $20.00) it is suggested a social media push will be required to remind parents of the option to donate. Heidi/Christa to work on some communications around this fundraiser.
We will revisit the purchase of additional chromebooks next year to keep them current.
Paul will be communicating with the board to see what restrictions are in place with respect to fundraising this year and what options are available to us. Can we do spirit wear if it is sorted by the printer? Can we sell chicken if it is picked up outside?
Rink – Council decided that we won’t be doing the skating rink due to restrictions of COVID, parent volunteers and lack of fundraising to purchase the insulated hose bib. The approval will remain in place for future years should we go ahead with the skating rink.
Council membership and positions
(we need to have 5 members)
5. Council Positions:
a. Chris Williston & Christa Ormiston – co-chairs
b. Secretary – Stephanie Moddison
c. Treasurer – Heather Pollock
d. Parent Rep – Heidi Muller
e. Teacher Rep – Jacqueline Nyman
6. School wants/needs – chromebooks are a priority item.
7. Teacher’s really feel supported by parents sending kids with masks, keeping kids home when sick – they really appreciate the support and understanding during this year.
Christa adjourned the meeting.
Categories: News • School Council