Carisbrooke Elementary School

Carisbrooke Elementary School

Parent Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting Minutes

Date: January 18, 2012

Location: Carisbrooke Elementary Library

In attendance:Collette Ostler, Heidi Degenstein, Colleen Little, Stella Ying, Heidi Degenstein, Heather Branchi, Dawn Russell,Karen Bullock, Lucy Cayuela, Nikki Gillis, Tanya Kalashnikov, Darlene Maser, Kelly Aslanowics, Edalee Maritz, Rebecca Telfer, Lilian Arishenkoff,Alannah MacPhail (Principal), Tim MacLeod (Vice Principal),

7:10p.m. / Call to order. This is a joint Executive and PAC meeting.
Minutes / Approval of NovemberMinutes.Moved by Tanya and seconded by Stella.NovemberMinutes approved.
Reports
Alannah MacPhail and Tim MacLeod / Both Alannah MacPhail and Tim MacLeod were very happy to share their enthusiasm regarding purchases of the technology items. Money went a bit further than expected and Monday’s pro-D day basically was around focus and implementation of the new technology. Staff are very engaged. With the money, Tim MacLeod was able to buy Bluetooth keyboards and mice so that teachers (who have their computers bolted to the desks) can move around the class and use technology to the full potential. Also, Apple TV’s were purchased to enable the classrooms to connect wirelessly to the projectors.
Alannah MacPhail took the opportunity to mention that the School District has stepped up to our school’s “new technology demands” and has provided 60 to 70 man-hours installing cables and building brackets for our projectorsand iPads.
Two more FM systems in place (Mrs. Heaton and Nancy Dale).
iPads are a big success and staff and students are exploring the technology.
Alannah MacPhail mentioned that parents of primary year students might start noticing enthusiasm from kids because of the highly interactive, visual and tactile characteristics of this tool. iPads are being used collaboratively (i.e. between 2 or 3 students which also has proven to be a good experience). Alannah MacPhail suggested that parents should look into you tube “Hole in the wall” video.
Collette asked how parents could support their children with this new tool. Both Alannah MacPhail and Tim MacLeodresponded that at this time parents are not required to do anything specific. If parents own iPads, teachers will probably share “app” information on their websites. Parents who do not have the iPads should not worry since no specific projects will be assigned with this tool.
Another question came up regarding what kind of computer should a parent buy for his/her child in view that Apple are the ones used in school. Tim MacLeod mentioned that both PC and Apple would have same/similar applications. Apples are used because are easier to maintain at a school level. Alannah MacPhail mentioned that this is a good time to attend the High School presentations since they would be the ones talking about required technology for their students.
It is important to start talking to kids about internet and its risks. Internet in school is 100% secure.
Artist for kids gallery
School 2 school initiative / Colletteexplained that there is a call for volunteers and that the information package will be available at the school’s front desk for interested parents.
Lucytalked about this initiative which a mother from Capilano Elementary has been structuring. The idea is to involve the Carson Graham school families community in a way that if any parent or teacher has a specific request (sleeping bags, school supplies, clothes, etc.) she would circulate a list of requests and collect any items donated specifically deriving from the requests. Alannah MacPhail explained that there are still some issues that need to be addressed before Carisbrooke could participate. For example if a computer is requested, who would “clean” the computer, if it is obsolete what help would this be, if there was a surplus of items what would happen to them? Etc. One PAC member suggested that maybe a section in Craig’s List could be created for this purpose and another PAC member suggested using Family Services to provide know how and support.
Lucy will keep the PAC informed of developments.
Playground
School supplies
Speaker on
Anxiety
Emergency
Preparedness
Science Fair
Spirit wear
Fun Lunch
Family BBQ
Other
Adjourned / Lilian explained that she would like to set a meeting (late February) where interested parents with ideas and knowledge come together and discuss a short, medium and long term vision in order to start setting objectives. Once a meeting date is set, an invitation will go out to parents to participate. It is important to see the level of school community commitment for this project before moving forward.
Collette mentioned that NVPAC would be conducting a workshop on fundraising for large project and how to approach them so it is a great opportunity to maybe attend this workshop.
Edalee mentioned that she would like to have a survey out to parent community regarding whether the pilot project was well received and whether this would be the choice of future handling of school supplies. Edalee will provide Alannah MacPhail with questions and Tim MacLeod will help setting up the survey. Primary teachers are happy to have this system in place and questions will be asked to intermediate teachers regarding whether they would be interested to participate as well.
Lucy mentioned that a second part of the Anxiety talk appeared to be welcome and that this would probably happen in October. It was suggested that the focus should be intermediate students and maybe this time partner with Balmoral/Carson in order to have more impact. Our gym can accommodate 400 people and more information to come on this subject as it becomes available.
Karenexplained that she has been looking into various types of flashlights and the best way to proceed with this. She will probably be purchasing materials soon. It was suggested that maybe a First Aid Certification fundraiser would be a good idea where by one participates in a first aid certification program and at the end purchases first aid kits which would be the source of funds for school.
Darlene mentioned that all is under way, slow registration in beginning by with student council’s help, more registrations expected. Simple set up and Darlene will ask for volunteers, however, parents and students do the most of setting and cleaning up.
Heidiexplained that it has been a lot of work and acknowledged Edalee’s help in setting the online options to purchase. There will be many options as to various items and also mention was made about the great quality of products. This will be a onetime event (every two years) with a window to order items of only 20 days. Event will be launched at Science Fair and orders should be in before Spring break so delivery of items happens upon return of Spring break. The estimated fundraising goal is $2,000.
Student council will be asked whether there would be interest in promoting a “spirit day” where school wears family colours.
New orders will be online for a week startingFebruary 1st.
Collette asked whether there would be interest in organizing a Spring BBQ which would be a community and fundraiser event. Rebecca Telfer, Heather Branchi and Kelly Aslanowics will lead the organization of the event. They will come up with a date for a meeting to discuss ideas further.
Alannah MacPhail explained that we had a great opportunity come up for a medal bearer for the Rick Hansen 25 year relay. Please support your kid (10 or older) in submitting an application. The criterion is whether the student is a difference maker in any aspect of life (social, environmental). It is expected that kids would write their submission but parents are encourage to strongly support their kids. Alannah MacPhail will review applications and select the best participant.
8:45 p.m. / Meeting adjourned.

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