December Minutes

Here are the minutes from our December Meeting please read if you are interested. It would be really great if you could come join us too.

Belfast Parent Council Meeting

December 12, 2011

In Attendance: Lorelee Mantyka, Cindy Mullen, Melanie Beingessner, Nancy Stein, Darren Dyck, Erica Foley, Lawrence Wong, Rebekah Dumonceaux, Gaby Voltz, Clancy Foley, Michael Sandercock, Larry Leach

Meeting called to order at 6:45

Approval of the minutes from the November 21, 2011 meeting; motion made by Clancy to approve the minutes, this motion was 2^nd by Lawrence.  All in favour; minutes approved.

Principal’s Report

1)     Good news – we have a staffing update. 

·       Matthew Kurslek, EA in the ½ class (mrs. Cunningham).

·       3 ½ time education assistants

·       Keep Mrs. Sandra Pearse. She will be a permanent employee as of Dec 19.  This is very exciting news.

2)     Artist-in-residence – Miss Molly just about finished.  The CD’s will be here before the concerts and each child will get a CD. They will be able to make their own cover as well as have a professional CD cover as well.  The CD’s will be for sale for $5 each if more would like to be purchased by Family.

3)     Applied to Calgary Opera for 2012 – 2013 school year – they only take 3 schools for year.  The admin has been working hard to get them in.  Will find out by Dec 15.  Calgary Opera will cover all the costs. In the course of the year the children will write their own opera.  The only cost would be the production costs ($2500 - $6000).  This would be our only residency for the year if we are accepted.

4)     HomeLogic – a piece of SIRS.  HomeLogic is a pilot project that the CBE is engaged in right now.  It will be significantly more useful in Junior High School and High School.  You will be able to see their marks, their attendance, demographics, their class choices.  For elementary it will be their attendance, their options, their demographics and their class information.  If you have children in other schools, being a part of this pilot program you will be able to access the information of your other children as well.

Assistant Principal’s Report

1)     Performances have been really busy.  Miss Molly on Nov 30, the Options Celebration on Dec 9.  Wonderful Turn out. The concerts will be in the afternoon of the 20^th, the evening of the 20^th and the evening of the 21^st.  A big Thank You to the parents for their support.  Would like all the children to attend both nights so that both audiences will be able to enjoy the full show.  Would like to have the children arrive at 6:30 for the evening shows.  Dress rehersal will be on the Monday afternoon.There will be a silver collection at the door to help with the costs.  The students are putting on a food bank drive, donations would be appreciated.  The Miss Molly CD’s will be sold at the concerts as well. 

2)     Fun Lunch – 4 of our students who answered the question in the newsletter were drawn and the prize is a free Fun Lunch!

3)     Dec 22 – last day of school, admin will be in the school on Dec 23 for a professional day.  The first day back is Jan 9.

4)     Jan 10/11 – Mount Royal University basketball players will be doing demonstrations and workshops with all the students.

5)     Jan 13 – celebrating the love of reading – the indigo grant

6)     Next round of options will be starting on Jan 20.  The forms will be going home earlier in January.

Parent Council President – Erica Foley

1)     Dec 1 – call with Thomas Lukaszuk.  Trying to predict what the future of education looks like.  They are encouraging Facebook, Twitter, and email.  More direct information both ways.  Chance to ask some questions.  One of the topics that were brought up was sustainable / renewable funding.  Erica said he seemed very down to earth listening to everyone, he has children in the system and he was looking to find real solutions to the issues.  Other topics were Curriculum into the Future, Transportation, Infrastructure, PAT’s 3/6/9.  Stay tuned for an announcement about playgrounds and possible early childhood education. 

·       Email: Education.minister.gov.ab.ca

·       Website: www.education.alberta.ca

Key Communicators – Michael Sandercock and Clancy Foley

1)     The Dec 1 meeting with Thomas Lukaszuk was the only meeting since our last Belfast Parent Council Meeting.

2)     Feb 2 – System meeting

Fun Lunch – Jessica Poutanen

1)     The upcoming fun lunch is Mr. Sub on Wednesday Dec 14

Volunteer Co-ordinator Report – Erica Foley

1)     Volunteers for the Cookie Dough order hand out needed.  At each of the Concerts Dec 20 & 21 (evening and afternoon).  Will ask the Volunteer Co-ordinators to put out a request.

a.     Jessica – all events

b.     Erica – 21’s evening

c.     Gaby – 20^th evening

d.     Larry – 20^th afternoon show

e.     Rebekah – both evenings

Meeting Adjourned at 7:24

Belfast Fundraising Society Meeting

December 12, 2011

In Attendance: Lorelee Mantyka, Cindy Mullen, Melanie Beingessner, Nancy Stein, Darren Dyck, Erica Foley, Lawrence Wong, Rebekah Dumonceaux, Gaby Voltz, Clancy Foley, Michael Sandercock, Larry Leach

Meeting called to order at 7:25

Approval of the minutes from the November 21, 2011 meeting; motion made by Clancy to approve the minutes, this motion was 2^nd by Michael.  All in favour; minutes approved.

Omission of the cookie dough volunteers to Agenda

Treasurer Report – Lawrence Wong

General Account - $4818.13 (included estimates of the Fun Lunch and the Cookie Dough Fundraiser)

Casino Account - $19277.52

Old Business

1)     Hold off on approval of the wish list until the Casino funds arrive in January

Casino Report – Lorelee Mankyka

1)     Just waiting for the cheque from the Casino that will be arriving in January

Adjourned at 7:28pm