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Vincent Massey High School

Parent Advisory Council

Meeting date: November 17,2005

Present Aynsley Helwer,Joyce Agar, Stephanie Didychuk, Maureen Stitt, Brenda Kerswell, Leslie Loader, Terry Osiowy, Brent McEachen, Mathew Gustafson

Regrets Gail Janz, Lynda Campbell, Lynne McCaughey, Bill Gordon

Call to Order at 7:10 PM; Minutes reviewed.

Principal’s Report

·        Oct had 30 suspensions- lots were group related, nature still different and less severe than years before, few repeaters. Nov has had 3 so far

·        The new computer program to come to Vincent Massey re marks and attendance that can be accessible to parents to will be inserviced to staff by June 06 and piloted in 06/07 year. Neelin has this program now and has given suggestions to VM on some pointers. Previous survey shows ~92% of families have access to computers but there will be plans for those who do not, so this information pathway can be beneficial to all. A note is proposed to all parents to gather email addresses and permission to send info that route. This too will better parental information

·        Parent Teacher interviews are this Thursday and Fri-some teachers will not be present due to major production and other events but they will follow up on calls   It is estimated 100 of 700 falilies partake in these interviews

·        Major production this year is Cinderella and matinee performances were today and tomorrow with public performance beginning Thursday eve ticket sales are going well adults~$12

·        Grad 1^st Grad meeting tomorrow eve and a new format will be presented to parents and students re Prom style eve with family attendance and dance rather than dinner on a different ev so grad day will be ceremony and safe grad parental and student input is being sought to see what might work best for all because the price in previous years has been prohibitive for some and many donot attend the celebration at all. That’s WED NOV 16 at VM

·        An overview os the smoking student issue was given and VM admin is again going to facility committee of the Board to present itss dilemma re managing smoking students and BSD policy not to allow this on property and the ensuing problems encountered with neighbours if the students are off site as well as safety issues of the student during the school day with traffic nearby (too close to cars) and policing visitors on street ( assaults have happened by drive-by’s) and pedestrian concerns re comfort levels of passing students. A very difficult position considering the safety of students and their rights as well as respecting the community and BSD policies. Crocus and Neelin have their issues but are in a less residential area so the challenges are less.

·        Terry requests that parent draft a letter of concern to join with them on their search for an answer to this problem Leslie to do and email for input to attendees. It was suggested and anti smoking program be instituted to get to the base of the problem and that the smokers and parents invited to have input to this as well.

Old Business

·        Low attendance was touched on and the email responses were reported form the parental email letter re this.

·        Presentation re IB program was postpones due to low RSVP numbers this meeting Vincent admin will give presentation about their advanced placement program which is accepted more readily worldwide and actually has more graduates and often the marks of AP students- which are marked offsite- are used worldwide to set standards for the grading system. JANUARY 18 is the Advanced Placement talk at VM for S1-2 and all parents Mr. Malazdrewicz will be asked to present International Baccalaureate at Parent council in Feb.

New Business

·        Brief overview of budget forum was given

Other reports

          Student council- no new minutes but it was reported that an issue has arisen from the dance –which was a great success- from some of the parents of underage drinkers that were not happy with the school suspensions and charges.

            Liaison continues to deal with fees and the delineation between curricular and co- curricular and extra curricular.

            Brandon Group had a meeting with BSD re parent council policies mostly dealing with finances which does not affect VM re non fundraising status

Safe grad had a surplus of $1000 last year and will meet to decide what to do with it

Correspondence

Letter from VM to Dr Michaels re student Sage Daniels warded Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement award in Wpg with 14 other students

Crystal meth information

Rotary Wpg career symposium Youth 1 forum held and many students involved. Some will advance on to city strategic planning committees

Library volunteer are needed Mrs Stitt and Helwer are assisting already.

Next Meeting: Jan. 17, 7:00, Library

Students who have purchased 2009-10 yearbook

http://www.purchaseyouryearbook.com/