October School Council Minutes

Posted November 14, 2023

Salem Public School Council

Date: October 10th, 2023 

Start Time: 6:32pm

Location – Salem Public School, Learning Commons

Welcome

Attendees: Kyla Lightfoot, Amanda Marson, Adam Lyle, Kourtney Derikx, Jessie Price, Thomas Samson, Lauren Harris Selby, Andrea Catteau, Johanna Hilditch, Lisa Wyatt, Katie Giddy, Vanessa Cordes.

Approve: Johanna Hilditch

Seconds: Adam Lyle

  • Teachers Report (Amanda Marson)
  • Staff have collected student data in math and reading and are using this information to target student needs and address any gaps.
  • Grade 6 students are excited about the upcoming Halloween dance. 
  • Mrs. Andreadis has started a French club for anyone who is interested in joining.
  • Juniors had a guest speaker Q&A with a member of Parliament, Michael Chong.
  • Juniors have been learning the game of Cricket, and will travel to The Elora Centre for the Arts for an exhibition.
  • Ms. Sandiland has started soccer intramurals for primary students.
  • Cross Country practices have begun.
  • Principals Report (Kyla Lightfoot)
  • The Gaga pit is partially done, they have yet to install the wall around the area.
  • Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to avoid using the parking lots during the hours it’s closed, 8:00-9:00 and 3:00-4:00.  Teachers have noted that most parents are avoiding this area now, which is making it much safer for our walkers. Please continue to promote why we need to do this.
  • We just updated our bullying prevention plan, which is posted on our website:

https://www.ugdsb.ca/salem/our-school/bullying-prevention-plan/ and we will continue to focus on anti-bullying awareness through theme days and weeks, such as November 20th-24th, which is bullying awareness week.  Please always reach out to teachers/admin if you have any concerns as creating a safe, inclusive environment where all students can learn and feel accepted is our main goal.

  • The 2023/2024 school year fundraising efforts will go towards updating the playground/decodable leveled books/technology/Scientists in the school.
  • October 30th is Rett Syndrome Awareness Day, to show our support we hope to see everyone wearing purple. Since school picture day is October 30th, we will shift our day to Monday October 23rd.
  1. Treasurer Report (Courtney Ecclestone) Was not discussed as Courtney Ecclestone was absent
  • Charitable lunches: $0
  • Fundraising: $8562.17
  • General Fund: $312.37
  • Milk: $0
  • Nutrition Program: $5582.86
  • Parent Engagement: $44.69
  • Playground: $4364.12
  • Playground maintenance: $668.77
  • Student Activities & Teacher Allocations: $0
  • Ending Balance: $19534.38
  1. New Business:
  • School events and fundraising signup sheet School Council Event Sign Up -2023-24
  • Organizations of the first event of the year are underway, the Halloween Dance (complete with costumes, music and glow sticks!). In past years this was a fun time for all the students. The date for the dance will be Tuesday October 31st. 
  • We ask if possible for families to send a non perishable food item/donation to go towards the Food Bank as entry into the dance. This will be communicated to families through the weekly “5 Thing’s” email.
  • The Halloween Dance will be during school hours, from period 3-6 (11:20-11:55/11:55-12:25/ 12:25-1:00/

RECESS 1:40-2:15/ 2:15-2:50)/3:00-3:20 all dance on the tarmac in costume with music to close out the day.

  • On October 31st, students can choose from 3 options: to wear their everyday clothes, to wear black/orange/fall colours, or to dress in a costume.

Costume Dos: follow dress code and school code of conduct, costume needs to be appropriate for school, costume can be put on independently, costume is safe (i.e., not to long as this is a tripping hazard), use face paint or makeup, be creative, have fun

Costume Don’ts: no costumes that are representative of another culture, religious beliefs, gender, or socioeconomic status; no masks, no toy replica weapons, no props/accessories (we do not want these left behind at school), no violent references- costume do’s and don’ts will be shared with families in the ‘5 Things’ email.

 

  • Holiday Craft Night ( week of December 12th TBD) preparations have started! There will also be a silent auction that evening, more on this to come!

 

  • Staff appreciation Breakfast discussions will take place at the next council meeting.

 

  1. Fundraising:- Krispy Kreme

 

  • Krispy Kreme donut fundraising is set for Monday November 13th. We have confirmed our order allotment and pick up time. Jessie Price and Thomas Samson will be in charge of picking up the donut order and delivering it to the school.
  • Donuts will be selling for $15 a box (dozen).
  • This year we will be asking families to submit their orders on School Cash Online for every 20 boxes they may sell. This will help the school administration keep track of how many boxes are being sold, to make sure we don’t go over our pickup allotment with Krispy Kreme. 
  • Donut pick up for families will again be in the gym on Monday November 13th from 3:20-5:30 (a reminder that there is no parking in parking lots during “closed” times).
  • More information on all this to come for families through “5 Things’, as well as a Facebook post.

           Important Upcoming October Dates:

October 26th-Wear purple for Rett Syndrome Awareness Day

October 27th PD Day

October 30th Picture Day/ Official Rett Syndrome Awareness Day

October 31st Halloween Dance

End Time: 7:46pm

Next Council meeting: November 14th @ 6:30pm

Categories: School Council News