Vernon River Home and School Minutes
September 21st, 2011
In attendance: Co-Presidents Janice Whalen and Mary Kouwenberg, Co-Treasurers Cheryl Drake and Tara Murphy, Principal Dave Wood, Vice-Principal Robyn MacDonald and nine parents
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. One change was made. In the Correspondence section, the discussion of the student – teacher ratio changing from 15-1 to 18-1 actually referred to Kindergarten. The minutes were amended. A motion was made to approved the amended minutes and the motion was seconded and approved.
Grade Nine Report
The Grade nine report was presented by Ryan Ferguson.
Recent Events:
- The Back to School Barbecue went well
- The Magazine Campaign will be over Monday, September 26, 2011.
- Literacy Club every morning at 8:20 a.m.
- Girls volleyball team won their first game September 20th vs. Morell
Upcoming Events:
- Terry Fox Run September 30th at 12:00 p.m.
- Student of the Month September 30th at 2:15 p.m.
- Homework club Tuesdays 2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
- Bootcamp Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 a.m.
- Boys soccer has their first game September 22, 2011 at 4:00 p.m vs. Montague
- Cross country meet Tuesday, October 11th
Business Arising from Previous Minutes
A) Year-End Trip – A discussion took place around the location of the year-end trip. For the last few years the year-end trip has taken place at Lord Selkirk Park in Eldon. It was discussed at the meeting and it was felt that the location was suitable for the younger grades. Possibly things such as inflatables could be added to appeal to more students. Robyn MacDonald said she would ask the Grade 9 class to research other options for the year-end trip.
B) Mustang Award – A clarification was requested by the Home and School Executive on the amount requested from the Home and School to go towards the Mustang Awards ($516.24). Last year the request was $268. A discussion took place and the resolution went forward that the amount to be requested should be brought to the Home and School in April or May to be approved for a contribution towards the awards in June.
C) Treasurer’s Report – Cheryl presented the Treasurer’s report for May and June 2011 and September 2011. The opening balance for May was $922.98 – income was $1,321 and expenses were $886.21 with a closing balance of $1,357.77. The opening balance for June was $1,357.77 with income of $675.18 and expenses of $590.62 and a closing balance of $1,442.33. The opening balance for September was $1,442.33, income was $645.80 and expenses of $410. The closing balance was $1,678.13. The majority and income and expenses are related to the lunch program.
Principal’s Report
Principal David Wood thanked the Home and School for their support towards the playground build on June 11, 2011. 235 Volunteers helped build the playground which included playground structures, revitalization of the ball diamond, a sandbox, an outdoor classroom, trails and flower beds. It was a very successful day.
A parent volunteer is requested to be part of the Occupational Health and Safety committee created at Vernon River School. The position would include attending meetings. The committee member would also received a copy of OHS minutes. Anyone interested should contact the school.
Staff changes – Lauren O’Brien is back after a one year leave. Jennifer MacDonald did not return to the school. Joanne McIsaac has taken a year off. Lori Targett will be back in February 2012. Nora Pendergast has joined the staff as has Femke Hakkers (Grade 4-5). Mike Sirois is the Guidance Counsellor and will be at Vernon River 2 days a week.
Head Lice - Robyn said that she had received a request from a parent to have a parent group at Vernon River Consolidated formed to perform head checks for head lice. A discussion took place and the decision was made to table the item for the next meeting. Information will go home in the next newsletter.
Project L.O.V.E. – Project LOVE is looking for volunteers. It is one hour a week to read to students. Anyone interested should contact Robyn or Martina Doyle know.
New Business
A) Fundraising Ideas - Marin MacCallum brought up the possibility of having a fall run (similar to the one in spring) as a fundraiser. It would be a great fundraiser and promote physical fitness. Tara Murphy brought forward apple pie making as a possible fundraiser. It would involve an assembly line of volunteers to make the pies to be sold by students. A motion was brought forward and seconded to have both options investigated.
B) Volunteers for School Lunch program – Cheryl Drake provided a report on the lunch program. The program has been quite successful to date. This year the program had been changed from one day a week to two days a week (Monday and Friday). All orders must be in on Mondays. This provides the volunteers enough time to gather numbers for Dominoes and Subway. Helen MacLeod will volunteer on a regular basis with the program. 5 additional names have come forward to assist with the program. If you are interested in helping with the program, please contact Cheryl Drake.
C) Fall school supplies – The idea was brought forward on whether there was an interest from parents to have the Home and School or teachers purchase school supplies at the beginning of the year and parents would pay a set amount. A discussion took place and the decision was made not to entertain the idea at this time. The subject will be revisited in the spring of 2012
D) Art Classes – David Trimble will be providing Art Classes beginning September 28, 2011 in the new Art room. The class needs more students (David would like 5 more students) between Grades 4 – 9. There is no cost and the class runs from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. David’s phone # and email will be provided in a subsequent email.
E) Executive Positions – There is going to be change within the current Home and School Executive. To allow for continuity in the President’s position in future years, Mary Kouwenberg has agreed to change to the Co-Secretary position. That leaves vacancies in the Co-President and Co-Treasurer positions as Melanie Lea and Cheryl Drake complete their two-year term. Cheryl has agreed to stay on to assist with the Lunch program.
Nomination Process – A motion was brought forward to have Marin MacCallum and Lois Chandler nominated for the positions. The motion was seconded. A call was made to the floor for any other nominations. Nominations ceased and Marin MacCallum and Lois Chandler were voted in to the vacant positions. Marin will take on the role of Co-President while Lois will assume the position of Co-Treasurer.
Next Meeting – November 9th, 2011
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned