MCNEELY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL 2014-15
Meeting # 4
MONDAY, February 2, 2015 at 6:00 IN THE STAFFROOM
Attendance: Patrick von Hahn, John Kibblewhite, Mandeep Patara, Leanne Remington, Jasmine
Atkar, Francis Rojas, Kajal Lad, Jodi Ekk, Janet Langelaan, May Siew and Georgia Tsonis.
Recorder: Georgia Tsonis
Guest: Patrick Truelove of the BC Teacher’s Federation attended PAC to give a presentation on
“Supporting your Child’s Learning”. He advised that a child only spends 12% of the year in school and
the remainder of the time at home with his/her parents. He advised that there are six simple steps to
help your child succeed:
(i)
Have breakfast.
(i)
Control the Screen Time (TV, computer games, Facebook, etc.)
(ii)
12).
Visit the school (come to PAC, parent, teacher-conferences, etc.) all the way through to Grade
(iv)
Keep consistent homework routines.
(v)
Read every day to the child from birth.
(vi)
Sleep. All children need 8 to 11 hours of sleep to stay healthy and alert.
Mr. Truelove recommended not to over-schedule your children with activities. However, learning
outside of school could benefit school learning. For example, a child engaged in team sports learns
how to work together and communicate with his/her colleagues, which are traits that would benefit that
child at school. Mr. Truelove also noted that boys and girls interact differently in learning situations
and that there are four different types of learners: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic or logical (see
handout).
Mr. Truelove also provided the following advice on how a child can make their homework less painful:
(i)
Tidy and set up your work area in advance.
(ii)
Figure out which time of day you are most productive (eg. usually not after supper)
(iii)
Write in your planner ever day during September to establish the habit.
(iv)
Promise yourself a small reward when you finish.
(v)
Use your planner to actually plan when you do specific tasks.
(vi)
Once you establish a routine, it takes less will power to maintain it.
1.
Additions to the Agenda: No additions to the Agenda.
2.
Approval of the Agenda: Moved by Kajal Lad. Seconded by Jasmine Atkar. Carried.
Adoption of the Minutes of June 2, 2014: Moved by Jasmine Atkar, seconded by Kajal Lad.
Carried.
3.
4.
President’s Report: Mandeep reported that 221 people attended Movie Night on January 22,
2015, a considerable increase from the 104 people that attended the previous Movie Night. She
noted that there were some technical difficulties when playing the movie as the movie froze on several
occasions. Mandeep believes that it was not the movie itself that was the problem because she tested
it at home and had no difficulties. As our guest spoke longer than was expected, Mandeep decided to
put the discussion of Room Parent Nominations over to the next meeting.
5.
Treasurer’s Report: May reported that the Operating Account had a total of $17,636.75 as
of January 29, 2015. The Gaming account had $6,561.93 as of January 29, 2015.
May noted that donations have been received by PAC from McNeely parents. A $50 donation and
three $20 donations have been made. Also, when we ran out of pizza on Movie Night a parent
purchased pizza on behalf of the PAC and did not accept reimbursement.
A discussion took place as to whether to acknowledge these donors in the newsletter. It was noted
that they parents may provide funds while other parents have provided their time and are not
acknowledged in the newsletter. It was decided that a thank-you card would be the appropriate form
of showing appreciation.
May advised that we are very close to exhausting the $1,000 Breakfast Grant that McNeely received
this year.
6.
Motion to Approve the Above Reports: Moved by Leanne Remington, seconded by Jasmine
Atkar. Carried.
7.
Hot lunch Committee Report: Leanne reported that the Pasta Hot Lunch went well. The only
problem that arose was confusion over the “C” and “CH” written on the pasta boxes for identification.
“C” stood for Chicken and “Ch” stood for Cheese but the two were often confused. The Hot Dog Hot
Lunch was also a success, with 200 orders. Leanne noted that a record number of students are
making hot lunch orders. She advised that the February hot lunch has been cancelled because there
has not been enough parent volunteers to count money and the Parent-Teacher Conferences and
Book Fair are all scheduled in February. The next hot lunch will be March 13, 2015. Leanne did try
to book sushi for the March hot lunch but the supplier is booked for two months. Leanne noted that
late hot lunch orders have become a real problem and will no longer be accepted. A note will be
placed at the top of the order form advising of this fact. Also, Leanne noted that the new pizza boxes
are not the right size for the pizza slices and it makes everything quite messy. Leanne will look into
getting personal pan pizza instead.
John raised the suggestion that Grade 7 students, with supervision, can assist in counting money. This
idea will be further explored.
8.
OLD BUSINESS
(a)
Teacher’s 2014/15 Wish List Update: Georgia was asked to follow up with the staff that
placed the Wish List items on the Board. She provided the following update.
(1)
New Stereo for the Gym: Patrick and John advised that the stereo would be used for gym
classes and at Breakfast Club. The present stereo unit continues to work but it is showing its age as
duct tape is being used to hold the wires and speakers together. The replacement cost of a new unit
is likely in the $300 to $500 range. Patrick and John noted that a wireless unit may allow the school to
use the computer in the gym wirelessly and/or operate the sound through the speakers instead of the
present practice of holding the handheld mike up to the little speakers.
(2)
Laminator for the School, at a cost of $2,000: Patrick has advised that the current laminator is
still working and its replacement is not a pressing concern. PAC will reconsider this wish list item
when the laminator is no longer in working order.
(3)
Die Cutter, at a cost of $500: Patrick did purchase a die cutter from the school for
approximately $500. He noted that further die cuts can be purchased on an ongoing basis. The die
cutter is available to all staff to make cut-outs of various letters and shapes. Patrick would be happy
with any contribution to the cost by PAC.
(4)
Readers Choice Book Set, at a cost of $1200: This item was already addressed by our current
librarian when she attended one of our previous meetings. It was noted that she does have a library
budget and she will also have the profits from the Book Fair.
(5)
Fitness Bands, at a cost of $350. Mrs. Drinkwater advised that the school currently has 50
bands that were purchased by the Action School Committee about 7 years ago. These bands are of
harder strength and easier strength bands are needed for the younger students. Mrs. Drinkwater
indicated that she can obtain 50 new bands directly from the wholesaler at the cost of $6 each.
(6)
Games for the Games Room, at a cost of $500: Mr. Kanda advised that the games would be
used on rainy days. The games would be used on a rotational basis by the classes, primarily
intermediate. He noted that he would be open to someone creating a sign-out system for the entire
school.
(7)
Eleven IPod Earphones for Division 13 to allow the use of audio in class: Mme. Veilleux
advised that for LFI there are a lot of audio resources online in French that students can access for
repeated listening. At present, the only earphones available are in the computer room and cannot be
signed out. The earphones can be used by the rest of the school at the end of the year when LFI
leaves our school.
(8)
Wireless Speaker System that can be used indoors and outdoors: Patrick and John advised
that the do not foresee this wish item being used beyond once a year at Sports Day. The present
system does work but has to be connected and transported outside. John did mention that a portable
system is available at Costco for about $200.
(9)
Projector and Cart (for Upper Intermediate Classes): Mrs. Mitsiadis advised that she placed
these items on the wish list because the teachers are moving towards and wanting to use more
technology in the classroom. Presently, there is a lot of time invested in a teacher having to find the
projector and cart in the school, sign it out and then set it up in the classroom. If there was more than
one projector and cart, this would be a less onerous task. Mrs. Mistiadis also advised that in an ideal
world, each classroom would have its own projector that can be connected to the teacher’s laptop.
Patrick noted that the school currently has 7 projectors and 5 carts. Carts are about $200 each.
(10)
More Ipads: This wish item will be deferred as the District may be assisting in this regard.
(11) Guest speakers: Tim Sars on January 13, 2015 ($250), Michael Bortolotto on February 6, 2015
($500) and Monster Theatre on April 9, 2015 ($775). Patrick advised that these speakers/performers
have been booked and any assistance from PAC to their cost would be welcomed.
9.
NEW BUSINESS
(a)
Vote on Teacher’s Wish List Items
PAC discussed the above items on the Wish List. It was noted that we have already committed
approximately $7,000 towards outstanding commitments. We decided that we had about $4,000 to
$6,000 that we can spend on the above wish list items.
May noted that, although not on the wish list, the school has an ongoing need for outdoor balls, that
are well used by the students. Georgia also noted that no funds have been set aside for the Staff
Appreciation Luncheon.
With respect to the stereo, wireless speaker system, Ipads, projector/cart and laminator, PAC decided
that the need for them are not pressing at the present and no funds will be allotted for these expenses
at this time.
With respect to the Readers Choice Books, we will defer this wish item until after the book fair and a
further discussion with our school librarian.
With respect the fitness bands and the earphones, it was decided by PAC that both these items were
beneficial for the students and will be supported.
With respect to the Games, there was concern noted that they would only be available to the older
grades. It was decided that we would request a donation of “complete” games in our newsletter and
see what response we receive.
With respect to the Guest Speakers/Performers, it was felt that PAC should provide some assistance
to their cost as we have done so in the past.
Motion for PAC to pay up to $500 towards the purchase of outdoor balls for McNeely. Moved by May
Siew. Seconded by Kajal Lad. Carried.
Motion for PAC to pay up to $350 for 50 fitness bands for McNeely. Moved by Georgia Tsonis.
Seconded by Mandeep Patara. Carried.
Motion for PAC to pay up to $400 for the purchase of 12 earphones for McNeely, to be used initially by
the Late French Immersion class. Moved by Georgia Tsonis. Seconded by Francis Rojas. Carried.
Motion for PAC to pay $500 to McNeely to assist with the payment of guest speakers/performers, Tim
Sars, Michael Bortolotto and the Monster Theatre. Moved by Georgia Tsonis, seconded by Francis
Rojas. Carried.
Motion by PAC to pay up to $500 towards a Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Moved by Leanne
Remington. Seconded by Kajal Lad. Carried.
(b)
Fundraising/Special Event Planning: Deferred to next meeting
10.
Principal’s report:
Patrick reported the following:
(a) Organic Waste Collection is coming to McNeely.
(b) Professional Day is on February 20.
(c) Parent Teacher Conferences are going to take place on February 17 and 18.
(d) The Scholastic Book Fair is taking place February 16, 17 and 18.
(e) The time switch in the lunch hour appears to be working.
(f)
Adjourned.
Ken Hamaguchi is our new school trustee.