Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School
School Council Meeting
Tuesday December 16th, 2008
Resource Center
Start Time: 7:00
(Click here for a printed copy.)
Present: Ashley Khan; Diana Harripersaud; Dina Madeira-Silva; Maha Broum; Norrine Burns; Rosemarie Schoutsen; Lillian Towassetti; Patricia Dapaah; Wendy Goberdhan;
Harold Reyes (Teacher Rep); Nancy Begin (non-teaching rep); and Sam Macaluso (Principal).
Absent: Raman Raghavan.
Welcome and introductions: (Diana Harripersaud)
The Council Co Chair welcomed everyone, apologized for being away Nov. meeting, introduced herself and the parents present. The principal suggested to move the meetings to the first Tuesday of the month so we can have a trustee present: Trustees’ meeting is on the same day we have ours (last Tuesday of every month) and that prevents them from coming to any of our meetings.
Opening Prayer: (Rosemarie Shoutsen)
Our Father.
Approval of November minutes: (Diana harripersaud): Norrine approved, Dina and Rosemarie seconded then the other members who were present at November meeting.
It was stressed that minutes need to be sent as a draft to all parents present within 2 weeks of the meeting.
Student Council Report: (Ashley Khan)
Highlights of the month:
December 5 student council participated in the semi formal event. They had to plan the venue and decorations, the DJ and music and for 3-4 weeks it was very busy work. The council received a lot of positive feedback regarding this effort.
Student council also planned Christmas spirit week. The last week before holidays these events were planned to involve all students on their lunches:
Monday: A movie on the big screen: “How Grinch Stole Christmas”.
Tuesday: Gift wrapping contest in the café
Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Santa’s Workshop
Friday: Picture taking with Santa and Hot chocolate
Treasurer’s Report: (Dina Madeira-Silva)
Dina reported that a new account is now open for the Council. A requisition has been made to withdraw $100 for the Christmas basket in the name of Parents’ Council.
There was a clarification that money spent will need the signature of both the Council chair and the Principal. The treasurer’s job is to keep records and paperwork.
Principal: we have already added $5 to next year’s registration which went out with the option sheets. A number of parents have mentioned they did not notice the increase. The money will be collected sometime during January and will be deposited in the council’s account but we are not allowed to use it before next year.
Parish Report: (Rosemarie Schoutsen)
Christ the King Church continues the Monday morning mass which provides a great opportunity for neighbouring schools (especially Bishop Scalibrini) to plan to attend.
There will be an 8 PM Christmas mass but no midnight mass. On Christmas day there will be a mass at 11 AM; On New Year’s Day the mass is at 5:30.
Sts. Peter and Paul Outreach ministry provides support for needy families through a bed and mattress program.
Teaching Staff Rep: (Harold Reyes)
Harold reminded the council of the Librarian’s (Ms. Cosgrove) wish list. She mainly would like to buy books for PIP kids and to send more students to the White Pine provincial conference. Another teacher (Mr. White) has requested support for students entering The Robotics contest. He has outlined the expenses and welcomes any amount of support. Diana mentioned corporate sponsors for big projects like this, and named RIM as one that is a potential employer for students in this field of Robotics.
Non- teaching Staff Report (Nancy Begin, Child Youth Worker):
Nancy has already spoken to the speaker from Y to come and speak to the parents on gambling. The speaker will come in January, date will be confirmed, and she will give a 30-minute presentation to the parents. Other speakers will be arranged for February. Nancy is looking at arranging speakers for G 10.
A parent asked if homosexuals are an issue in school and the answer was that it is not. Gays and lesbians do not show in school.
Christmas basket sponsored by the council will be delivered to the family’s new address as they are moving around Christmas and our donation includes money, cards and food.
Some of the support will also go a needy family that has just come up and is made up of a G9 student with laid off mom. The mom has been out of work for 3 weeks now.
Throughout the year, food vouchers are given out through the Chaplain, and also bus tickets are given to few students who need them.
Chair’s Report (Diana Harripersaud):
Fundraising has already started from council and corporate. A sample letter for fundraising is shared with parents. Being in a family of schools we can raise funds through competitions, cooperation and integration. Our family of schools includes Pockock, Cabot and St. Paul. Activities may involve debates, drama, singing, etc… with the goal of supporting students.
The Council has received a survey from the Board to have a say on how schools are run.
Harold Reyes: We have raised funds from corporate donors through Saints, which is a club to help and feed the homeless and we do it through raising awareness in conferences. We need teachers’ support to mention clubs in their classes.
Diana asked about the Teacher Award, but there was not support for it. As for teacher appreciation, the Council is considering a breakfast or lunch for teachers on Turnaround days (end of first semester). Pancake Tuesday was given as a possible date. Further details need to be investigated by the Chair and vice chair.
The Principal (Mr. Sam Macaluso):
Events that took place were:
November 28th: concert tour
December 3rd: School liturgy
December 9th Grad photo
December 8-12 DECA the Halls
December 10th; Kaleidoscope (Drama and visual art show)
December 10, 11, and 12th : Hello Hollywood (Musical)
The new statue of Jesus is now up overlooking the main foyer.
Exams will now be 2 hours instead of 3 as before. In January, we have a moratorium and no activities will be done to help students focus on exams. A number of activities are planned for February which will be very busy.
A photo for all living former principals has been taken. The photo includes: Joe Morrow, Diane Richards, Paul McMorrow, Rocco Racioppo, and Sam Macaluso.
We have our school flag for the first time. Besides, a survey will be conducted about our student population with the intention of knowing more about heir backgrounds and to include their community flags with ours: the school’s, Mississauga’s, Ontario’s and Canada’s to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Dates to remember:
December 22- January 2nd Christmas holidays
January 14th Gr 8 night
January 21-27 Exams
January 30th Semester 2 starts
February 5th Report cards go home
8:55: Adjournment.