PARENT INVOLVEMENT Wednesday, April 1, 2015 - 5:30 p.m. COMMITTEE Peace Bridge Public School MINUTES PRESENT: REGRETS: SUPERINTENDENT: GUESTS: TRUSTEES: ADMINISTRATION: RECORDING SECRETARY: Lisa Mooney, Chris Seabrook, Jennifer Coote, Kelly McNeil, Denise Everett, Stacia Heaton, Cheryl Podetz, Charlie Swazye Fran Cerminara, Margaret Unruh, Alex Bradnam, Joy Janzen, Jennifer Ajandi Marian Reimer Friesen Stacy Veld, Nicky Westlake, Paula MacKinnon, Wes Hahn, Jen McDowell Helga Campbell, Diane Chase Rick Young, Robyn Mortley Karen Sawatsky WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The meeting was called to order. Superintendent Marian Reimer Friesen introduced and thanked Cindy Kohinski, principal of Peace Bridge Public School, for hosting our meeting. Marian also welcomed our guest presenters. Cindy informed the committee that Peace Bridge Public School is the consolidation of 3 elementary schools – Rose Seaton, Fort Erie and General Vanier, opening its doors in September 2013. She briefly described some of the unique programs and opportunities offered to the students at Peace Bridge. Each member introduced themselves stating the school/area they represented. APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS It was noted that PIC applications for Stacia Heaton, Joy Janzen and Alex Bradnam had been sent to the committee prior to our meeting. As there were no objections, all three applicants were approved, acclaimed and welcomed to the Parent Involvement Committee. Stacia Heaton – moved by Jennifer Coote, seconded by Denise Everett Joy Janzen – moved by Denise Everett, seconded by Jennifer Coote Alex Bradnam – moved by Cheryl Podetz, seconded by Stacia Heaton REVIEW OF MINUTES Minutes of February 4th, 2015, meeting were reviewed. MOVED by Cheryl Podetz, seconded by Denise Everett. “That the minutes of the previous meeting held on February 4, 2015, be received as presented.” CARRIED ON-LINE PAYMENT SYSTEM Nicky Westlake, Manager of DSBN Financial Services, and Stacy Veld, Superintendent of Business Services, introduced an On-Line Payment System the Finance department has piloted this school year. This payment system has had positive response from parents, as well as the six elementary and three secondary pilot schools. There is a planned expansion of the pilot for the coming school year, and feedback from parents is welcome. FAMILY OF SCHOOLS Paula MacKinnon, Secondary Superintendent of Schools, and Wes Hahn, Elementary Superintendent of Schools, shared the DSBN Family of Schools initiative. Schools have a renewed focus on how to best support the transition of students successfully, in particular students transitioning from elementary to secondary school. Many examples of how secondary and elementary schools are working together to strengthen their ties were shared with the committee, and suggestions for further efforts are welcome. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Marian shared that the revisions to the DSBN Parent Involvement Committee policy were discussed at a recent Policy Committee meeting and will be going to the April 14th Board Meeting for approval. Also, a Parents Reaching Out Grant reminder email was sent to School Council chairs and school administrators stating that the application deadline is May 19, 2015. CHAIR’S REPORT Lisa Mooney shared that she receives many emails from people/organizations wishing to make presentations to PIC. The committee discussed the creation of a presenter application form. This would help the committee screen and select future presenters with the parameters set up around our PIC mandate. Lisa will create a draft and bring it to our May meeting. 2015 CONFERENCE PLANNING Discussion took place regarding our upcoming PIC Conference being held on Wednesday, November 4th, 2015. Workshop ideas included a variety of topics such as mental health, the new HPE curriculum, mathematics, internet safety, student transitions, early years and French immersion. These session ideas focussed on survey feedback the committee received from parents who attended last year’s conference. TRUSTEE UPDATE Trustee Helga Campbell shared some of the highlights from the previous Board meeting including recognitions, showcases and the Board Improvement Plan update, noting the positive efforts in both elementary and secondary in math and literacy. Trustee Diane Chase shared that new Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines had been released by the Ministry, and the Board would be revising the current ARC policy to align with the changes. ADJOURNMENT MOVED by Kelly McNeil, seconded by Jennifer Coote. “That the Parent Involvement Committee meeting adjourn” CARRIED Meeting adjourned – 8:15 pm. Next meeting – May 6th, 2015 at Glendale Public School, Welland