School Council Meeting Minutes – November 15, 2023
James McQueen Public School Council Meeting – Wednesday, November 15th 2023
1) Welcome
In Attendance (in person / virtual) : Deanne Prins (Principal), Amy Shields, Bronwyn Tolmie, Seanna Murphy, Shelby Isaac, Corey Sanders, Erin Longworth, Lija Tovell
2) Land Acknowledgement
3) Principal’s Report
Since our last meeting, we have continued into the Fall with lots of enthusiasm and learning! Highlights include
-learning about and celebrating Diwali
-Treaties recognition week
-Acknowledging Islamic Heritage month throughout October
-Primary dance clubs started yesterday
-Picture day happened, and retakes are scheduled for November 21st
-Halloween had theme-based activities and a parade
-Remembrance Day was observed on November 10th with a service. Classes made wreaths and about 30 parents attended
-Progress reports available online November 16th
-Online sign-up is open for interviews which will take place the evening of November 23rd and full day November 24th
-Book Fair November 21-27
-November 20-24: Bullying Prevention Week
-Food drive has been a big success. We will continue collecting for the next two weeks -Thanks to council for the successful movie nights which were well-attended and safely under gym capacity!
-Looking ahead: classes will be learning about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Staff are planning a winter concert for Grades 1-3 in February as well as “Pottery To Go” around Family Day.
4) Technology
-Many of the school’s ipads are outdated and no longer support the apps teachers want to use. The school has purchased 5 new ones, there will be a tech refresh in the Spring which will provide about 10 new ones. Proposal to purchase 5 new ipads with council money (approved by vote)
5) Greening Committee Update
Bronwyn has reached out to Jess Robbins about what was/is involved in the Greening Committee. Bronwyn has created folders in the shared Council drive for two main areas: a) School yard improvement based on the approved greening plan, and
- b) Ongoing seasonal maintenance (e.g., garbage clean-up, garden weeding, seeding patches), which could be supported by school board, students or council members
Shelby and family assembled and stained the picnic tables, which will be secured to the ground. Deanne will consult with Facilities Services about where to install the new mud kitchens that will be coming. Funnel stands and chalkboards won’t get used much through the Winter, so they will be installed in the Spring.
In the Spring, we can look at the next item(s) to be purchased, as well as storage for the outdoor equipment
6) Treasurer’s Report
So far this fall, we have spent money on New Orleans open house pizza, bussing and insurance for council events.
Money came in from pizza sales and clothing sales.
Balance is sitting around $7900. We also have some money in our Upper Grand Learning Foundation account.
7) Movie Night Debrief
-Both nights were well-attended. Lots of food was donated. It was helpful to have pylons laid out to make walking areas. We will consider doing a second movie night in the spring. Next time we will consider doing two different evenings instead of the same day of the week.
8) Other Items / Questions
Shelby has designed the Logo for the new JMQ swag. We will get $5 dollars back off most items except long-sleeved shirts. The company will deliver to Shelby and the items will already be packed with student names on the bag. We will send out the link soon so that parents can order ahead of the holidays.
Winter Bazaar/Fundraiser shopping campaign – Amy is putting together the flyer for families to purchase items from local retailers, with some money coming back to the school.
9) Extra clothing will be put out for pay-what-you-can sale during interviews. 10) Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, December 6th at 6:30pm
Categories: School Council