Blue Willow School Council Minutes - September 26, 2024

Location: Blue Willow Public School

Library

Parent / Guardian / Family Members:

Parent / Guardian / Family Members:

Student Member(s)

Administration/Staff Members

Regrets

Other Attendees

1. Amanda Galati-Hunte
2. Tammesha Cox
3.  Jag Nebula
4. Tania Allen
5. Andrea Trifunovic
6. Lisa Lai
7. Robert Brown
8. Essi Strazimiri
9. Elisha Bessette (Pisano)
10. Elif Topyurek
11. Maryam Mojlaj
12. Megan Kenaraki
13. Aparna Narayan
14. Rohini Paul
15. Yusif Hasanov
16. Tiziana Guido

17. Faranak Arianpour
18. Weronika Drab
19. Amy Chai
20. Hoda Salari
21. Anna Motazedi
22. Shuchi Jawa
23. Sonal Bhatia
24. Pavan Thadani
25. Ankit Gupta
26. Oleg Yeudayev
27. Nazima Aliyeva
28. Bircan/ Guzel Dusmus
29. Aida Salehitavana
30. Nima Tadbir
31. Dritan Boshti
32. Delaram Alinaghi
33. Marzena Tyszkieuvicz
34. Nadia Mohamad
35. Irina Boshti
36. Mercan Kirisikoglu
37. Rose Dipardo
38. Kuldip Singh
39. Aparna Mohankumar
40. Marisa Harris
41. Meera Vaidya

• Mr. Corey Birnbaum (Principal)
• Ms. Deborah Abel (Vice Principal)
• Ms. Setton (teacher)

Name (if applicable)

Agenda Items

Discussion and Action Items

Ms. Deboral Abel delivered the Land Acknowledgement.

2 versions of the Land Acknowledgement are used at the school. 

Students are taught Indigenous education and Truth and Reconciliation Day is celebrated nationally on Monday September 30, 2024. 

The agenda was approved as written. 

Welcome and Introduction

School Council Policy #262

School Happenings

Upcoming Events

Other Business

FUNDRAISING PRIORITIES

ELECTION

Mr. Birnbaum, Ms. Abel and Ms. Setton did self-introductions.

We have introduced the virtual option where parent/guardian not available to attend in person can attend via zoom. 

Ms. Abel advised the meeting’s minutes, and the agenda will be posted on school’s website

School Council Policy #262 video was viewed.

Video Highlights:

• Overview of changes to policy
• The equitable access to participate on school council for all communities,
• Roles and responsibilities of principal – school council collaboration with principal.
• School council self-assessment. Mr. Birnbaum send the self-assessment.
• PEAC website was shared as a resource for more information. 

    School Happenings

Re-organization

 There was an elimination of the Grade 3 and Grade 4 class. This caused a movement in Grade 2 & Grade 3 to keep balance. A total of 37/38 students were moved, and the staff has done their best to make the transition an easy one.

   One kindergarten class was capped at 15 students due to only one educator. 

Now starting on Monday September 30^th, DECE will be present so now we are able to exceed 15 students for that class.

Construction 

Construction of the 2 kindergarten classes will be completed after the winter break with work taking place outside of school hours. They are currently on schedule.

 There is a hiccup with regards to the new tarmac as it is not level. The fix needs to be done prior to winter this year.

School Marquee 

We are awaiting letters for the sign to become usable as they are on back order. 

Council annual report

The past chair of the school council has completed the council annual report for the previous school year which is currently available for viewing.

Terry fox Walk/Run

With a goal of $2500, the school raised $2100  and are still collecting donations. If goal is reached, the students will get a pajama day.

Safety Week

The school practices emergency drills throughout the school year.

On September 12^th a fire drill took place and there are 6 planned for the year. 

Lock down drill was done the week of September 16^th where students and teachers found a safe space in the classroom and practiced safety protocols. 

Hold and secure drill is where an incident is taking place within the community but not in actual school. At that time, exits and entrances are prohibited. 

Both the lock down drill and hold and secure drill are directed by York region police.

Bomb treat drill - Drill will take place the week of September 30^th, 2024.

PA Day September 27 

Teacher will use this day to focus on compliance training, literacy and mathematics training.

Primary Choir Practice (Grades 2 and 3)

Practice has commenced with music teacher Mr. Eakins.

Announcements Leadership team 

Daily announcements and the national anthem time change to 8.25am from 10:00am

Tuck Shop- nutritious snacks $2 at morning recess only. 

New purchase procedure: Tuck shop punch card soon launching for $12 with $2 increments that are hole punched as used. 

Sports

Intermediate girls’ and boys’ volleyball

Junior and intermediate cross country

Library helpers

 Junior and intermediate student volunteers

Student nominated club proposal form

Form is used for students to propose an idea within the school.

Student leadership team

Intermediate students to gather voice within school 

Late Buses

There has been a shortage of drivers, so students on the affected route has been arriving late at school. 

Upcoming Events

• National day truth and reconciliation Day- Sept 30^th, 2024
• Caring and Safe School assembly- Oct 2^nd
• New Turkish families welcome orientation – Oct 9^th
• Curriculum night – Oct 10^th
• Junior and intermediate Track and Field – Oct 16^th  
• Team building at Cold Creek – Oct 15^th
• Graduation – Initial planning for Jun 23^rd 

Other Business – Your Questions Answered

Parent/Guardians Volunteers – volunteers will have- working collectively with staff on a plan that supports the school improvement

Considerations include ensuring student privacy maintained and parent / guardian consent.

Soap dispensers- Washrooms are now monitored throughout the day due to incidences at the beginning of the school year with wastage of soap in the washrooms. Caretaking team is currently doing frequent checks. 

Teachers in classrooms are now focusing on modelling hand washing techniques. 

Safety and AC- Action plan with migrating students to cool spaces in school on hot days such as library and the gym. The principal will bring forward Lisa’s idea to add a cooling space upstairs.

Recognizing student’s birthdays 

The school will commence the acknowledgement of students’ birthdays in the classrooms

As it relates to birthday celebrations, the school cannot accommodate distribution of food/drink or gift bags due to allergies and safety unless cleared by the teacher in advance.

As an alternative, parents/guardians are encouraged to donate a book to library as an option – but will need speak to teacher first.

Mathematics Skills 

MathUP (Teacher Tool) and MathUP for student – accessible to all teachers 

Promoting conversations in math (math talk)

Comprehensive math program

Working through needs assessment

 Suggestion: Maths contest for students.

Fundraising Priorities 

• Literacy – enhancing the learning commons, identify affirming levelled readers, dual language texts, high interest low vocal costs
• Numeracy- steam and robotics opportunity, building supply of math manipulatives
• Modern learning- cost sharing Chromebook focus
• Mental health- recess equip
• Equity- accessibility for all

Election of:

• Co- Chair (2 positions)
• Treasurer  
• Secretary  
• Voting members (13 positions)

Election of Voting Members
Facilitated by Mr. Birnbaum

Rules:

• One vote per family.
• There were 13 votes (12 from parents and 1 from a teacher), but per the constitution, we could elect up to a maximum of 15 voting members.
• Voting members must attend all meetings and can have no more than 2 absences.

Out of 17 nominations, 12 voting members were elected through a Google Form vote. Each candidate had 30 seconds to present why they should be selected. As only 13 members were required, all candidates gave a brief 30-second introduction on why they wanted to be a voting member. Maryam later withdrew from the voting process.

Election of Voting Members:

12 voting members

1. Weronika Drab
2. Amy Chai
3. Amanda Galati-Hunt
4. Tiziana Guido
5. Tavia Allen
6. Elif Topyurek
7. Tammesha Cox
8. Jag Nebula
9. Elisha Bessette (Pisano)
10. Lisa Lai
11. Essi Strazimiri
12. Andrea Trifunovic

Teacher

1. Ms. Setton.

 Elected

Co-chairs – Jag and Andrea 

Treasurer- Amy

Secretary – Elisha