Catholic School Advisory Council
Minutes of the latest CSAC
meeting:
June 7, 2007
May 15, 2007
April
18, 2007
February 12, 2007
January 25 2007
November 15th 2006
June 13, 2006
St. Bonaventure Catholic School
Minutes of the CSAC Meeting – June 7, 2007
Attendees: Nina Glyn-Williams, Nancy Figura, Virginia Hutton, Monica McDonald, Liz Volpe, Gaby Pavli, Louis Silva, Allison Cairns, Marceline Brigden, Dianne Devlin, Nina Miles, Danusia Figiel, Enza Maggiacomo, Steve Lansky, Joanne Melo
Regrets: Friar David, Jill Thornhill, Seamus Britton
Prayer: Mrs. Melo
Approval of the May 15, 2007 minutes (CSAC regular meeting) with the following 3 amendments moved by Nina Glyn-Williams, seconded by Nancy Figura, passed:
#2, Principal’s report, point 2 – is revised to: CSAC board will support the implementation of the grade 7 overnight trip
#3, Treasurer’s report, point 8 – is revised to: Friar David advised CSAC / St. Bonaventure has a history of donating $1,000. to St. Paul’s School.
46, Other Business, point 6 – is revised to: It was suggested that CSAC / St. Bonaventure have a fundraiser where there was something tangible given such as the magazine idea. This was addressed last year but CSAC decided against the idea. CSAC approved the sale of magazine subscriptions by students/parents as the fall fundraiser for the 07/08 school year and Marie Ferguson will project lead.
No formal agenda was prepared as the focus of the meeting is the allocation of resources and fundraising for 2007/2008.
Principal’s report
Nothing to follow up on from the last meeting. Mrs. Melo gave CSAC a flyer from Trustee Rizzo about the Long Term Planning Meeting, where the $3.2 million will (among other items) be discussed.
The Archdiocese requested information from all schools about how we prepare for the sacraments. Mrs. Melo asked Friar David to respond – we work as closely as possible in consideration of circumstances (some families attend parishes closer to their homes). Mrs. Melo will review and submit our reply.
QSP
Fall Fundraiser – Friday Novemeber 2nd it will begin and run for 2 weeks. An assembly will be held to inform and motivate students. A paragraph for the June Knapsack News and Newsletter will be prepared by Marie Ferguson asking parents to wait until November to buy/renew magazine subscriptions so they can be added to the fundraiser.
Mrs. Melo has seen an increase in the number of students who are cover the expenses of school trips. Mrs. Melo and the teachers are reviewing the value of some (overnight) trips in relation to the curriculum and suggested only one grade 8 trip. Nina Glyn-Williams suggested having the grade 7s fundraise for their grade 8 trip and having an opt-out option for parents who are able to afford the trip (so fewer kids draw on the funds raised).
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon – Cathy Costa-Park and Nina Miles to organize for June 28th.
Steve Lansky asked for CSAC to be cc’d on all correspondence.
School will buy bags of bulk cookies left over from AGM.
Feast of the Spirit will replace the annual play day this year. It will be a day of spiritual exercises, lunch (BBQ) and St. Jude’s Academy Band will perform.
Treasurer’s report
The School is requesting $700 to cover the cost of 2.5 students for the grade 7 Destination Imagination trip. We discussed options for other ways of obtaining the money – such as Trustee Rizzo (was asked and she declined). Danusia motioned to allocate $1,000 for Destination Imagination trip for next year – passed 13 to 8.
Potato chips bought from student council for $.50/bag used for first 2 Subway lunches - $40 needs to be removed from the spring fundraiser and allocated to spirit events.
Mrs. Melo will follow up with the Board/Province regarding St. Bonaventure’s $500 cheque from the Parent Involvement Council’s annual allocation. This money is used towards babysitting for CSAC meetings, printing, etc.
Danusia Figiel presented a proposed budget (attached):
- Mrs. Melo said teachers are willing to forgo their ‘wish list’ money so School can buy a laminator.
- Mrs. Melo said the need for money to assist students will school trips may be less next year if there will only be one grade 8 trip
- The Choir is recording a CD this month – was approved in previous meeting.
- Nina Miles suggested asking for $10 from each student – covers the cost of scientist in the school ($7) and ($3) for other expenses through the year.
- Steve Lansky raised that the September BBQ/fundraiser will be similar to last year and asked Monica McDonald to assist with silent auction.
- Danusia Figiel moved to keep $2,800 for teachers – how they use the money is at the discretion of Mrs. Melo and the Teachers.
- Cathy Costa-Park suggested 2 civies days – one per semester to raise money for St. Paul’s School.
- Nina Glyn-Williams suggested grade 8s (or 7s) have a car wash to raise funds
- Danusia Figiel raised the dance-a-thon scheduled for Valentine’s Day move to spring as raising money in January may be difficult - this was passed.
- Louis Silva suggested surveying parents to ask whether a one-time donation in September is preferred to contributing to 3 fundraisers throughout the year. Louis will draft for June newsletter.
- Danusia Figiel to draft the final budget with the revisions that were discussed and passed (attached).
Meeting adjourned at 9:45pm.
St. Bonaventure Catholic School
Minutes of the CSAC General Meeting – May 15th 2007
Special pre CSAC meeting school renovations
Attendees:
CSAC Executive - Mrs. Melo, Mr. Britton, Mr. Lansky, Ms. Figiel, Ms. Thornhill, Mrs. Maggiacomo,
Members at large : Liz Volpe, Monica Mc Donald, Marcie Ferguson, Gaby Pauli, Nancy Figura, Catherine Gasser, Felicitas Figez, Marcilline Brigden, Mary Jo Tamin, Jill Dosman, Joanne Grier, Dianne Devlin, Dean Devlin, Vera Ryarsan, Friar David,Nina Glyn-Williams, Mrs. P. Kovacs, C. Juat, W. Duarte, Sarah O’dea-Della Rocca,
Special guests: School trustee - Maria Ritzo, Superintendent - Mr. Michael Mc Mora, Angelo? (Please insert full name and title) Education Minister - Kathleen Wynne, Professor Gorgolewski from Ryerson University
Mr. Lansky opened meeting.
St. Bonaventure’s has approval / funds to be provided for six additional classrooms (portables will be removed)
The end goal is to have a better school for the children.
Q&A period from parents begins
Will there be new bathrooms? Angelo advised that the 3.28 million was approved for the class rooms and no other renovations were included in that proposal and is not sure if the washrooms will be renovated. Renovation of the gym is not included in the proposal and would cost an estimated3 million alone just to renovate the gym.
Our Trustee lobbied for our 3.28 million based on projecting a higher enrolment other wise St. Bonaventure’s was not eligible for the renovation.
St. Bonaventure will look at other available funding methods to address other needs such as the gym, washrooms ect.
Architects & engineers to provide an estimate of costs for all purposed renovations including a new school then a proposal will be re-submitted to the board of education for review / approval.
7:00pm Education Minister - Cathleen Wynn arrives.
Mrs. Melo makes formal introduction of special guests including the Minister.
Mrs. Melo addresses attendees;
The approved funds from the Ministry’s approval of Capital plan and how the funds are to be allocated. She addresses steps to be taken in order to achieve the goal for a better school for our children
It was advised that the already approved funds from the Ministry (3.28 million) did not specify a time limit as to when the funds had to be used to add the six classrooms so there is time to submit a proposal for additional renovations or possible new school at no risk to loosing existing approved funds.
Professor Gorgolewski addresses attendees;
Along with some of his students he did a survey on St. Bonaventure’s structure and grounds. They did a Lead environmental rating for the school. St. Bonaventure is hoping to become a Leed school which could include some of the following; natural ventilation systems for high quality air, green roofs, geothermal system to heat school, grey water filtration system to name a few. There is a power point available for those who wish to review these suggestions in detail.
The professor presented a power point of idea for new school to the Minister and attendees.
He advised it would cost an estimated 8 million for a new school – 104 sq feet per student @ $180.00 per square foot.
The new-design of the school would possible be in a V structure facing the church while maximizing use of green space and natural environment including the Peace garden and maximize solar energy landscape.
Education Minister addresses the attendees;
The Ministry is very aware of the renewal required for the school however there is a big issue around the Capitol Plans which is affordability. The plan should address the communities’ needs as well as the schools.
There is coordinating of two large boards that need to rationalization of Education real-estate. Declining enrolment in city schools of the Toronto School board. There are pockets of growth but overall there is a decline.
Schools however are the top priority of the Capitol plan.
Mrs. Wynn acknowledges that it is important to know what requirements are needed for our school and once we have submitted our revised plan for the new school she will review and advocate for us to have our new school. In the end it is up to the board to decide which schools the funds will be allocated to but a business plan has to be in place. So far the board approved funds for 3.28 million. The design now has to be submitted.
Maria Rizo (trustee) asked if the 3.28 million could be put aside until the balance f the funds for a new school is raised or approved – The Minister did not have a definitive answer but said to submit the proposal / business plan and the board would review it.
Danusia asked the minister if she would be an advocate for the schools renovation needs. The Minister confirmed she supports our project and appreciates that we have purposed our requirements (the presentation).
Next step – Finale plans to be sent to Ministry in June for the renovation of the six classrooms (funds already have board approval)
The minister will ask her staff to make it a priority to review our plan and will raise the issue of that we are looking at a broader plan. The Minister confirmed that when the plan is addressed someone from St. Bonaventure will be asked to attend the meeting to represent the school.
CSAC regular meeting commences;
1. Mrs. Sarah O’Dea-Della Rocca motioned to approve minutes – Dian Devlin seconds the motion.
2. Principals report – Mrs. Melo
§ St. Bonaventure is working on Childcare program – will be discussed further Sept. 2008
§ CSAC board will support grade seven overnight trip
3. Treasurers report – Danusia Figiel
§ An updated cash Income Statement was provided to the CSAC members – a hard copy to be placed in the minute’s binder.
§ Mrs. Figiel advised attendees the allocation of funds for next year should be discussed at a general meeting with the members at large present. CSAC agreed and the June 7th meeting will now be a general meeting as apposed to an executive meeting
§ The St. Bonaventure choir is recording another CD this year with more songs then last years CD
§ Mrs. Goldman requesting funding for the DI trip. 25% of they raised $176.00
§ Mrs. Figiel advised that CSAC usually needs about 12000 to accommodate annual school year committed expenses.
§ Dean Devlin inquired about the allocation of funds that were for the playground equipment. This was addresses at the last CSAC meeting – funds will go towards purchase of goal posts and a basketball hoop (Mrs. Melo advised - hoop is being donated at no charge)
§ CSAC will revise the plan for allocation of the funds for the playground.
§ Friar David advised CSAC / St. Bonaventure has a history of donating $1000.00 to St. Paul’s
§ Mr. Britton advised that there has been $339.00 raised for the St. Paul’s donation – He gave Mrs. Figiel a cheque for $143.00 that is already included in this amount.
§ Mr. Briton motion for CSAC to cover remaining cost to provide the $1000.00. Motion was passed and Friar David will receive the cheque on Monday morning.
§ Mr. Briton motions to accept Treasures report, Sarah seconds the motion.
4. Other Business
§ Item One: Sarah O’dea-Della Rocca purposed an idea for September for a class representative to be appointed to each class. They would call parents who have volunteered for events or call to ask for volunteers for events. Catherine will email proposal for rep program. Catherine suggested Spirit program. CSAC will look into both ideas as a way to generate more responses / involvement from parents as the general opinion is parents are afraid to over commit themselves resulting in a lack of parental participation.
§ Item two: Fund raising - Mr. Lansky spoke with Mrs. Melo and advised that the kids for kids & the 50 / 50 draw should not run together. EA was supposed to be finished end of March but was delayed resulting in the overlap. Fund raisers should be more staggered. This year St. Bonaventure focused on the kids for kids.
§ Peace garden fundraising m- Mrs. Melo suggested possibly giving 50/50 or QSP proceeds to the project.
§ It was suggested that CSAC have a planning meeting for fundraiser before the end of the year. Mr. Lansky suggested that each event be coordinated and managed by one person.
§ Mr. Lansky suggested a brick sale that could run at any point throughout the year to raise funds.
§ It was suggested that CSAC / St. Bonaventure have a fundraiser where there was something tangible given such as the magazine idea. This was addressed last year but CSAC decided against the idea. CSAC will re visit this option.
§ Dance A thon – Mr. Lansky nominated Mrs. Figiel to chair this event and Mrs. Glen Williams will be co chair for next year. Friar David confirmed if the dance was a Valentines dance there is no conflict where the church is concerned.
§ Skate night – Louis De Silva will run this event – CSAC must confirm with him. Note Peter McGinnis family in the past donated the ice rink for family skate night but next year we will have to rent it. CSAC possibly to cover cost but this will be confirmed.
§ Sarah O’dea-Della Rocca will chair the St. Paul’s fundraising event
Meeting adjourned at 8:59pm
St. Bonaventure Catholic School
Minutes from the CSAC Meeting – April 18, 2007
Attendees: Mrs. Melo, Mrs. Maggiacomo, Mr. Britton, Mr. Lansky, Friar David, Trustee Rizzo, Liz Volpe, Sarah O’Dea-Della Rocca, Mrs. Figiel
1. Opening Prayer – Mrs. Melo opened with a prayer
2. Trustee Rizzo requested to speak first. She came bearing gifts with conditions. The TCDSB came back with its staff recommendations … estimated $3.28 million dollars for construction of 6 classrooms at St. Bonaventure but the condition to this is that it needs to be approved by the Ministry.
The Trustee commended St. Bonaventure on its presentation to the Board and said she thought we received the staff recommendation because of the articulate presentation and research put before the board. She remembered coming to St. Bonaventure when she was 1st on the Board and how the parents asked what they needed to do to get an addition or new school. She was impressed with the parents understanding and reasonable attitude that it there was a bigger need at another school, they would wait in line. She thought that showed a very tolerant and wonderful community.
· Mrs. Melo asked what the parents should now do to further the situation.
· Trustee Rizzo suggested inviting the Minister of Education to a CSAC meeting. She needs to approve the plan.
· Mrs. Della Rocca asked what the time line is
· Trustee Rizzo told us it needs to be done now. The next step will be for the school board to come up with a design with architects and builders and see if $ is sufficient, but we need the Minister of Ed. Approval now.
· Mrs. Melo asked if we could make sure the 6 new classrooms are “green”.
· Trustee Rizzo said the plan could be revised and we need to write to the Minister.
· Mrs. Melo suggested we dovetail Ryerson green program too. Also, invite Angelo for all Board info.
· Agreed to send letter to Minister of Ed., give her choice of dates and be flexible with our meeting to accommodate her schedule.
· Suggested we mention the AGM in the church bulletin to increase attendance and perhaps mention the offering of refreshments.
3. Presentation by students for Destination Imagination. 2 teams made the finals in Tennessee. The teams competed against private, public and Catholic schools. It was a big honor to make it this far, and have an opportunity to compete on a global stage.
· Each team made their presentation (kids did everything themselves, i.e. Props, script, songs, etc.)
· The League of People went first, followed by the Chubb Chubb team.
· Ms. Goldring did her pitch for any financial donation. She informed CSAC that the trip would cost approx. $900/student. She reminded the CSAC that both teams are made up of Grade 8s and that Grade 8 is a very expensive year … already had their Quebec trip, Conf., Graduation, etc..
· Mrs. Figiel asked about last years team that the CSAC supported
· Ms. Goldring said they did well and placed 1st in the D.I. Spirit Award category.
· Mrs. Figiel asked Trustee Rizzo would support the trip if CSAC did
· Trustee Rizzo said “no”. She explained her boycott of the Destination Imagination due to the TCDSB’s lack of support for the program even though they promote it.
· Mr. Lansky reminded everyone of a possible 50/50 contribution to the teams, and asked why the Grade 8s had not yet sold any tickets if they get a percentage of their sales to support their trip.
· The team members said they had sold tickets but not yet turned them in.
· Mr. Lansky asked, “What is reasonable number of tickets you could sell … because the more you sell, the more you will get?” Suggested 325 tickets need to be achieved by May 3rd.
· Mrs. Melo proposed a sliding scale. If 13 people sold 2 booklets each, they would increase their donation.
· Mr. Lansky and Mr. Britton both liked this idea.
· Mrs. Figiel said she would support the plan but wanted to wait to see how the 50/50 does to see the CSAC’s financial situation.
· Trustee Rizzo bought some 50/50 tickets.
4. Minutes from last meeting approved by Steve Lansky and seconded by Liz Volpe.
5. Principals report
· Mrs. Melo let Ms. Figiel know that the Quebec trip and the training is all cleared up and will provide her with the bill for training and leave in her mailbox.
· Mrs. Melo discussed the before and after school program. She is continuing to talk to service providers and Connie from the church. But there are no service providers available who want to provide the service JUST before and after school. It is not economically feasible for them. Hard to hire people for those few hours. It is better to offer a pre-school program to have employees there all day. However, Mrs. Melo suggested this is not an easy notion at this time because of the growth in the school population this will cause. It may be good once we have our new classrooms, but for now we cannot grow ourselves another kindergarten class. We need space before we can promote growth.
· Mention Art Workshops for 6, 7 & 8 grades. Putting flyer in the mail.
· CSAC mailbox and parent involvement notice in mail and minutes.
· End of Year Celebration will be more of a spirit day instead of a play day. More faith than carnival. Put that forward to CSAC.
6. Treasurers report
· Paid for 50/50 tickets under Spring Fundraisers
· Mrs. Figiel inquired into sales from 50/50 tickets. Mr. Lansky said he would have to add it up.
· Mr. Lansky inquired into the $118 amount listed in the Treasurer’s report under Spring Fundraiser. Mrs. Figiel said that was the amount she had received up until the 13th of April. Mrs. Melo said she could get the additional money already raised out of her safe tonight if wanted.
· Mr. Britton pointed out that CSAC’s committed expenses until the end of June is covered. Everything extra from the 50/50 is above and beyond.
· Mrs. Melo explains how the CSAC usually likes to have $12, 000 in the bank for next year.
· Mr. Lansky raised the issue of whether or not to continue with the “wish list”. Said we should decide at the AGM. Mrs. Melo said she did not have a problem with telling the teachers that this may change, and the $140/teacher (19 teachers total) may become another big ticket item. Confident the staff would support this.
· Mrs. Figiel wanted to confirm the cost of the First Aid Training. Mrs. Melo thought it was $660.
7. Other business - Mr. Lansky inquired into the $3600 for Playground. Mr. Britton said the flexible soccer posts would cost approx. $1300 + PST/GST. Mrs. Melo asked if something else could be done with the remaining money, like bags for the classrooms or painted lines in the play yard. Suggested we could get the Sports Bags moving now and teachers would be responsible for each bag in their classroom. Mrs. Melo would tell Mr. Healy to go look at Sports Bags now. Can buy now since we have the estimated $1300 for posts to work with. Motion taken. Mr. Lansky 1st and Mrs. Della Rocca 2nd.
8. Mrs. Della Rocca raised the notion of potential fundraising on behalf of the committee working on the peace garden. Brought forth their question of how to proceed in the fall. Mr. Lansky suggested that the committee (Marie Ferguson and Gina go wild with fundraising ideas but that they must keep CSAC informed of what they are doing. They should put a proposal forward at AGM. Cannot clash with other fundraising. Mrs. Melo clarified that Marie and Gina are chairs of own 50th garden committee. She would meet with them and discuss long term plan and greater reach. Meet before AGM or want to make anything public about plans.
9. 50-50 update
· Mr. Lansky gave an update. The Early bird was starting this coming Friday and He and Nancy Figura would start going from class to class and announce the prizes. (Nintendo DS for primary and Junior and a Cadillac Fairview certificate for upper grades worth $150)
· Discussion about bonus draws and the lunch prizes for the divisions. Agreed that junior and intermediate classes would get a Subway lunch and it was suggested that Primary would be decided later on. Suggested a magician instead of a lunch.
· It was raised whether the seller of the winning ticket would get a prize. Mrs. Melo suggested lunch with the administrator of their choice. Other suggestions were Principal for the day, buttons, a Scholastic Certificate, rosaries provided by Fr. David, Movie tickets from CAA? Decided on movie tickets from CAA.
10. Year End Dinner – Spirale – Wrap up the 50th year?
· Mr. Lansky wanted to know what the ticket price we think people will pay. Long conversation ensued about who was being targeted? What night would it take place? What would be included in this price? Fundraiser or just social? Some concerns were raised about the $55/person price tag, having it on a school night and the value for the price tag. It was voted on. Idea was dropped. Mrs. Melo suggested just wrapping up the 50th school year with the Play/Faith Day.
11. CD for next year?
· Mr. Lansky raised the possibility of another CD for next year. This time it would be a 10 song Xmas CD. The Choir is now twice as big, so now have a 35 family base which offsets the extra cost for producing. We did not cover the cost last year, but maybe money is not the deciding factor. Estimated it at $3000-$4000 approx. cost to produce for next year. Last year breakdown was as follows (approx.):
$1400 – replication
$900 – studio time
$452 – royalty for 4 songs
· Mrs. Melo reminded CSAC of extra cost of pulling teacher out for extra day. Have to replace Ms. Sheehan, so cost of her replacement for 2 days.
· Mrs. Figiel expressed concern about the $ for next year. Wanted to make sure there is enough $ for committed expenses for next year. Maybe bring forward at AGM.
· Fr. David mentioned non-monetary benefits to the CD: Good for feedback, good publicity and great for the kids in the choir.
· Mr. Britton suggested that if we estimate the CD costing $4000, and the 50/50 makes $5000, it would be a safe venture.
· It was calculated approx. cost with no frills $3800 to make CDs, so need to sell approx. 380 CDs. Not reckless to say could break even. Mrs. Melo said she could even break in for the cost of 2 days of teacher time.
· Vote on floor. Maj. Rules – it’s a pass
12. Homecoming – 2007/08
· Mr. Lansky brought up the issue of whether there would be another Homecoming event at the start of the next school year. Mrs. Melo suggested we move forward but learn from the past. Could still do it on a weekend and not go back to a work night.
· Mrs. Figiel raised concerns. Suggested it was a risky fundraiser. The effort exuded was huge, and if it rained CSAC would have raised only ½ the money. Fall Dance-a-thon is a good return for little effort.
· Mr. Lansky saw the Homecoming as more than just a fundraiser. It was great fun and great feed back from the parents. Mentioned some changes that would be made and lessons learned.
· Mrs. Melo said she didn’t think you should not do something.
· Mr. Lansky suggested keeping the same planning committee that worked on the 50th and invite more. But very helpful to keep the same knowledge base.
· Voted upon and approved to do again on a Saturday or Sunday.
13. Communication to Parents about Children’s Try-Outs
· Ms. Figiel wanted to know if it was possible for parents to know when try-outs are happening so they can encourage their kids.
· Mr. Lansky agreed with this point.
· Suggested that something could be put in the Knapsack News and posted on the website.
14. Knapsack News
· Decided to give an extra week to put the Knapsack News together in order to get more info. Info must be given to Mrs. Figiel by next Wednesday.
Meeting Adjourned
St. Bonaventure Catholic School
Minutes from the CSAC Meeting - February 12th, 2007
Attendees: Mrs. Melo, Mr. Lansky, Mrs. Maggiacomo, Mr. Britton, Ms. Thornhill, Mr. Silva Regrets: Ms. Figiel
1. Opening Prayer - Mrs. Melo opened meeting with a prayer
2. Mr. Lansky motioned to approve minutes & Mr. Britton seconds the motion with the exception of item # 4 which is to be revisited at next CSAC meeting.
3. Principals report – Mrs.Melo submitted the Pedestrian cross over letter returned by the city, indicating that the request for traffic lights or crosswalk located at 1340 Leslie has been denied. A copy of the letter has been placed in the CSAC minutes binder.
§ CSAC was advised that St. Bonaventure has nothing to do with the rental of the soccer field to Cosmo Soccer League and will not benefit from it.
§ The Parental involvement committee meeting is February 22nd, 2007 at 7:00pm, ward 4 representative at the Catholic Education Center. A reminder is to be sent home with the students. There will be three separate meetings held by this committee.
§ People for Education Surveys are required annually – Mrs. Melo filled it out due to time constraints and gave to Seamus Briton to re do and submit as soon as possible.
4. Chairs report – nothing to report
5. Treasures report – no changes
6. Agenda items
§ Item 1 – Mr. Lansky advised that another fridge is on its way to accommodate the milk for the milk program. The milk program is up and running smoothly. Mr. Lansky advised that it’s a problem to obtain access to the key and would like to have that resolved. The chocolate milk is a hit – 108 in one day.
§ Item 2 – Skate night is confirmed for Thursday February 15th, 2007 6:30pm. Mr. Silva is bringing 3 cases of water & hot chocolate. Mr. Lansky is bringing the cookies. Mr. Silva is looking into possible skate prizes. There are plenty of parent volunteers for the event.
§ Item 3 – Letter to go home to parents of students from grades 6 to 8 to try and gain their attendance & participation at CSAC meetings.
§ Item 4 – 50th Anniversary Pancake Party. Mr. Lansky advised that grills would be needed and is going to ask teachers and parents if they can loan them to the school. The Pancake Party is scheduled for Tuesday February 20th, 2007. There will be pancake stations set up in the gym. Each teacher will be asked to hand out the napkins and forks to their students before they got to the gym to get their pancakes.
7. Other business – 50th Anniversary end of the year event options were discussed, One is a dinner at Spirali banquet hall or possibly an afternoon carnival or outdoor movie night.
§ GTCPN Speaker series – forward to Ms. Figiel to advertise on the website.
§ Exemplary practice award – Mrs. Melo & Mrs. Maggiacomo submitted the application on behalf of St. Bonaventure around the Discipleship.
§ Mrs. Melo advised that St. Bonaventure will be nominating Friar David for the Service to Catholic Education award. Ms. Thornhill submitted the nomination letter on behalf of CSAC and it was revised by Ms. Figiel & CSAC members before the final copy was sent by Mrs. Melo.
§ Goal posts – Mrs. Melo advised that the cost is $1300.00. The posts are soft hard plastic and easy to assemble and disassemble.
Meeting adjorned at 6:55pm
St.
Bonaventure Catholic School
January 25 2007
General meeting, minutes
Attendees: Seamus Britton, Annie Kim, Monica McDonald, Marie Ferguson, Gaby Pavli, Liz Volpe, Marcelline Brigden, Friar David, John Alicandro, Danusia Figiel, Steve Lansky, Virginia Hutton, Sarah O’Dea-Della Rocca, Michael Dosman, Jill Dosman, Luis Silva. Regrets: Jill Thornhill.
Prayer: Friar David
Review of December Minutes: Amendments:
#3, Principal’s Report
Point 2 – Mrs. Melo asked the minutes be amended to read “ The YMCA did not follow through with their intention of setting up a program at the Parish Centre.”
#4, Treasurers Report
Point 2 to be deleted.
Point 3 amended to read “CD release - $1,572.10 was spent on replicating the CD
#5, Other Business
Item 4. Peace Garden next step. Steve Lansky offered to write the letter, but it was decided Mrs. Gorgolewska would write it.
Add to minutes after next general meeting:
Application to receive accreditation for a healthy school February 16th.
Accreditation can be granted to our school for our DPA initiatives, etc. The application deadline to receive accreditation is Feb. 16th. Mrs. Melo will prepare and submit.
Parent involvement fund of $500 is again being given this year to the CSAC by the Ministry of Education in order to encourage more parental involvement in the CSAC and CSAC meetings. Mrs. Melo has provided Danusia with financial reporting guidelines.
The Ministry of Education is creating a provincial parent involvement committee – each ward is to elect a parent to represent the ward at these meetings. The position is open to all parents and the tentative meeting/election date is Feb 22. All interested parents should contact Mrs. Melo or Trustee Maria Rizzo. In consideration of the Board’s financial hardship, it is imperative to ensure we are well represented, as there is rumour that during the next provincial election some candidates may recommend the merging of the public and Catholic boards. The Board is preparing by developing information packages for parents on the advantages and benefits of maintaining a strong Catholic board.
Next CSAC meeting is February 12th –Officer Neil from the Toronto Police Services will give a seminar on cyber bullying and Internet safety. The CSAC executive will meet at 6:00 and the presentation will begin at 7:00. This presentation is designed for parents and all parents are encouraged to attend. Police services will schedule a meeting at the school for the students.
Mrs. Melo received a letter from the City of Toronto saying our request for a traffic light (on Leslie in front of the Church) has been denied. Mrs. Melo will inquire whether a crosswalk can be installed instead.
School Learning Plan, developed from the results of the 2005 EQAO and CAT3 testing can be found on the TCDSB website. The 21 page plan outlines what tools are being used to achieve our school’s goals, with emphasis on 3 areas –discipleship, assessment for learning and collaboration. Examples of these tools are: school student of the month, grade 8s DPA leaders program, being an eco-school with our stewards of environment boomerang lunches, peace garden, safe schools programs like having cyber-bullying presentation, respectful interactions like the grade 8 retreat. Another primary focus is on preparedness for high school, improving the reading and math skills of grades 7s & 8s. The TCDSB is paying 2 teachers to stay after school, tutoring 1.5 hours of literacy and 1.5 of math every week for students who need it.
Charette Program - Our grade 7 & 8 students are involved in a program with Ryerson’s architectural students.
Mrs. Gorgolewska’s husband, an associate professor at Ryerson brought his architectural students to the School to meet with our grades 7 & 8 students who acted as clients wanting to build a new and eco-friendly school. Our students were then invited to Ryerson on a Sunday afternoon to see what the plans looked like. Ms. Gorgolewska is planning for Ryerson to come to our school to present their designs. Mrs. Melo contacted the TCDSB planning and facilities division and has received positive feedback with the Board suggesting a presentation to them of this ‘concept-school’ may be possible.
Mrs. Melo received an email & phone calls regarding the notice in the Dec. newsletter allowing students of parents who attend CSAC meetings to wear civies the day after the meeting. Mrs. Melo read an email (anonymously). The email expressed concern that students whose parents are unable to attend CSAC meetings may feel excluded. A discussion regarding concerns of these parents occurred. It was also stated the spirit in which this came about was intended to generate greater attendance at the meetings. A request for suggestions on what can be done to encourage participation will be in the next newsletter. Mrs. Melo will also draft a letter to parents encouraging attendance and send to the CSAC executive for review. The students of the parents who attended the meeting will be allowed to wear civies tomorrow (Feb. 26).
Special Programs – Congregated Gifted and Extended French. The Board and the School continue to review the impacts on facilities that programs have on our School.
The congregated gifted program (CG) has now become permanent. Extended French (EF) provides ½ a day of education in French. Both CG and EF requires 1.5 teachers to run. Teachers currently are not receiving enough preparation time (under contract). Should the Board not decide to allow for more resources to deliver these programs in the next school year, the Principals and the parents of the school will need to decide the future of the programs. If the Board asks the School to deliver a full-day congregated gifted program Mrs. Melo would not be in favour of such a program as great efforts have been made to build community and integrate all students at St. Bonaventure. There are currently 3 TCDSB schools that offer congregated gifted programs- Transfiguration of our Lord (Etobicoke), us- the central school and Francis Lieberman (east end) a high school that has added grades 7 & 8 in order to accommodate the program. Our Gifted Program has 25 grade 6 students, 11 grade 7 students and 36 grade 8 students and 10-15% of the students are from our community (bus route). Our Special Education program is not affected. April 15th is deadline for the Board to present plans for the 2007/2008 school year.
Treasurer Report Attached
We have approximately $8,000 in the bank.
(CSAC bank account balance $18,000, less -$10,000 committed for expenses as agreed in the May 2006 general meeting)
The School may need $1,250 to help pay for the Quebec trip.
$3,600 is in the budget for playground equipment. Now the field is complete it will be ordered. Trustee Rizzo donated the 3-in-1 basketball hoop already installed.
Action items from Treasurer’s report:
* Mrs Melo will find out if the North York Cosmos (soccer club) can rent our field
* Seamus Britton will get soccer post prices
* Purchasing of playground equipment
Seamus asked for a motioned to accept treasurer’s report; moved by Luis Silva, Monica McDonald seconded
The Milk Program is beginning Tuesday February 6th. Our Ryerson placement student is helping Steve Lansky run the milk program. Students won’t have to predetermine their milk orders, but will purchase a milk card (that will be kept in class) and will go to one of 3 distribution areas at lunch when they want to purchase milk. Cards are valid for the remainder of the school year. A flyer goes home tomorrow.
Spirit event, skate night February 15th Seamus Britton is asking for volunteers to organize it. Seamus has cookies & pop left over from other events.
Luis Silva agreed to co-lead and other parents committed to help. The Feb. newsletter will ask for volunteers to help.
50th Anniversary update - Steve Lansky
Choir CDs sold so far 300, need 400 sales to break even.
Other things planned
- 50th Anniversary Keepsake -trying to think of something small to give all students. Plan is to raise enough from the 50/50 draw to cover the cost.
- End of year event. Dinner – like church’s 50th anniversary dinner or an afternoon bbq festival on a school day. Not designed to raise funds, but as a break-even celebration. The parents present agreed it would be a good idea. Steve Lansky will continue to investigate ideas/venues.
- 50/50 draw will be the last fund-raiser of the year. The draw tickets will be distributed the Wednesday before Easter and end May 3rd.
- Catholic Education Week in May. Classes planning to feature each decade from the last 50 years. The 50/50 draw will also be held this week.
- Ideas for end-of-year student celebration - outdoor movie night, baseball game (Bluejays), Centre Island. Other suggestions welcome.
Other Business
- TAPCE – Toronto Association of Parents in Education – Next meeting January 29th & Tuesday 30th at Board head office on Shephard.
- Danusia – The raffle proceeds of $198. have not been earmarked for anything specific. Recommending we allocate to St. Paul’s for their graduation.
- Danusia – when submitting CSAC expenses, please write total cost of the item and what it is on the bill. Please try not to mix personal and CSAC purchases as it makes reimbursement more difficult.
Q- Thursday skating– who decides if skating is cancelled?
A- It is Mrs. Melo & the teacher of youngest students decision whether to go skating.
Principals Profile – will be completed Monday night and submitted early next week.
Meeting adjourned. 8:55
Next meeting February 12th. CSAC executive will meet @ 6:00pm.
Secretary: V. Hutton
Minutes of the CSAC Meeting
November 15th 2006
Attendees:
Mrs. Melo, Mr. Britton, Mr. Lansky, Ms. Figiel, Ms. Thornhill, Mrs.
Maggiacomo, Friar David, Sarah O'Dea-Della Rocca,Joanne Franey, Madame
Arruda, Ms. Ieraci, Mrs. Rescigno
1. Opening Prayer – Mrs. Maggiacomo opened meeting with a prayer.
2. Ms. Figiel motioned to approve minutes – Mr. Lansky seconds
the motion.
3. Principals report – Mrs. Melo
* Staff presentation to CSAC board on behalf of St. Bonaventure
students. Each class room made thank you art for the CSAC board members
in appreciation for all contributions in 2005/06.
* YMCA before and after school program – will not be pursued this year.
* Long term accommodation program is on hold until the deficit is
reconciled / cleared.
* Anaphylactic Canada – workshops to be held in the New Year. Third year
nursing student from Ryerson to provide 20 minute sessions awareness
sessions in each class. First Aid training to be provided for lunch
monitors.
* Discussed goals to meet the standards for EQAO
* Grants proposal – a hard copy to be provided & kept with minutes
* Reviewed school budget – a copy will be included in these minutes.
* Ministry added 2 additional PA days to the school year calendar.
* Quebec trip – there are some students who may need CSAC assistance to
fund a portion of their trip. Cost per student is $470.00 – there are 2
students so far who will need some financial assistance – CSAC has
agreed to fund these students.
* Mrs. Maggiacomo – Ministry Bullying Awareness and Prevention
* Hand out was presented to CSAC members – a copy is attached to these
minutes. St. Bonaventure proactive initiatives are already in place.
* Next steps – risk needs assessment, safe school’s team, students,
staff & parish to implement resources and programs to enforce the
initiative.
* Roots of Empathy program have been suggested – this involves a parent
with a new born to come in once a week – discuss further at January
meeting.
* St. Bonaventure & St. Jude’s retreat – very successful. Students
bonded and left with a great feeling. They expressed this to their
families and teachers expressing a desire to go back. This is a strong
example of building empathy.
* Christmas photos – Studio offered ½ hr studio time to families and
would provide parents with negatives for $100.00. $40.00 of this cost
would go to the CSAC board.
* It was suggested that a request for a volunteer to organize the
Christmas photos, be sent out in the Knap Sack news letter to gauge
response / interest. Re visit out come at next meeting.
4. Treasurers report – Danusia Figiel
* An updated cash Income Statement was provided to the CSAC members – a
copy is attached to these minutes.
* Mr. Lansky will hold onto $1500.00 towards remaining 50th Anniversary
events / activities.
* CD release - $1700.00 spent on the CD to date.
* A motion for Mr. Lansky to hold onto the balance of $3000.00 given for
the 50th Anniversary with the understanding Mr. Lansky will provide a
rough budget allocating the distribution of the funds.
* CSAC vote – 2 obstain & 6 yes
* Dance a thon raised $7000.00
* Ms. Figiel put together an information package of components involved
in organizing the dance a thon for future reference.
* Mr. Lansky motions to accept Treasurers Report Ms. Thornhill seconds
the motion.
5. Other Business
* CSAC government grant application to be submitted by Nov.21st 2006 –
Mr. Britton will submit the application.
* Item One: Ms. Figiel purposed “Teachers Wish List” submission be
extended to May. To be discussed further at the January meeting.
* St. Paul’s fundraiser – each class to adopt a family. There are 19
families this year. All contributions will be picked up December 12th
2007. Fundraiser deadline is December 16th 2007.
* Sara O’Dea-Della Rocca to shadow Joanne Frany’s for the St. Paul’s
fundraisers/Charity – she will assume responsibilities for next year.
* Loblaws cards – Mr. Britton to take care of this.
* CSAC will donate $1000.00 to St. Paul’s graduation and defer topic to
the New Year.
* Item Two: role of members at large – It was expressed that members at
large would like to be privy to the decision making process i.e.
distribution of funds, deciding what fundraisers to have ect.
* Item Three: Spring math conference – Mrs. Melo suggested to mention
this in the next knap sack news letter
* Item Four: Peace Garden – goal is for concept to be off the ground in
September. Next step, Mr. Lansky suggested asking a parent to volunteer
to drive this or champion the progression. Refer to next meeting but in
the interim, Mr. Lansky to draft a letter to send home.
* Item Five: Ms Thornhill presented some ideas for the Choir shirts and
offered to collect sponsors for all 35 members of the choir @ $12.50
each towards the purchase of the shirts. Mrs. Melo will show options to
the music teachers and confirm if we will purchase them.
* Item six: Principals Profile Template: to be re visited at January’s
meeting
* Item seven: Other business
* Mr. Lansky’s CD profits to be returned to the choir budget, discussed
an annual or probability of an annual CD – still open for discussion.
* Confirmed CD launch party for November 26th. Friar David advised we
could sell CD’s after mass on Nov. 27th, Dec.3rd, Dec. 10th, and
Dec.17th.
* The Anniversary committee agreed first $1000.00 of the CD profit to go
to Mrs. Melo to cover the recording fee’s, the next $2000 will go to
replicating the CD’s and the party ($1700.00 to CD’s & $300.00 to party)
* Milk program moved to January meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:59pm
Secretary: J. Thornhill
CSAC GENERAL MEETING
June 13, 2006
CSAC Meeting
St. Bonaventure Catholic School
Attendees: Lynda Caratao, Jo-Ann Lefko-Johnston, Gaby Pavli, Sarah O’Dea-Della Rocca, Liz O’ Rourke, Monica McDonald, Friar David, Peter Knezy, Steve Lansky, Danusia Figiel, Seamus Britton, Joanne Melo, Virginia Hutton
Prayer – Joanne Melo
Motion to approve minutes with the revised budget (submitted) by Gaby Pavli, seconded by Monica McDonald, passed.
Principal’s Report – Joanne Melo
- the first aid courses for next year’s lunch monitors will be booked in Sept.
- Parent Involvement Policy – St. Bonaventure’s allotment of $1,017. Joanne Melo confirmed we are allowed to use this money to fund the Knapsack News, the purchase of school magnets, babysitting for the CSAC meetings – therefore the money has been allocated to those expenditures for the 2005/2006 school-year. For next year we may want to consider using the money to provide some refreshments/snacks for the meetings, bringing in guest speakers, parent-focused workshops, etc.
- Queen’s University – Joanne Melo will forward to Danusia Figiel the amount of money required from CSAC to cover the cost of the short-fall (approx $500). CSAC will reimburse the school.
- Field update – the Board and the contractor are in dispute as the Board reported deficiencies in the work. The field will remain closed until the dispute is settled for insurance and safety reasons.
- Reader’s Digest – Mrs. Kerins (not present) suggested there are scratch-type discount cards that parents can use to help fundraising efforts for the school
Treasurer’s Report – Danusia Figiel
Submitted final financial report as an amendment to May 9 minutes (attached).
50th Anniversary – Steve Lansky
Steve suggested the committee would likely need some money upfront for deposits, etc. on equipment rentals (dunk tank, slide, golf, tent, stage). Steve and Seamus will prepare a draft budget with cost projections by June 21. It will be submitted to CSAC executive before the end of the school year for approval and release of any necessary loans from the CSAC account.
A cheque for $200 was requested for Media Image Digital Marketing Inc. for the design of the website. John Sher is hosting the site at no cost to the school.
Quilt – Joanne Melo – There is a special 50th anniversary commemorative quilt being designed by the School. Mrs. Flynn is encouraging all classes and groups in the school to design a square. The quilt will be displayed in the School and at next year’s 50th anniversary events. Seamus Britton offered to create the CSAC square.
Silent Auction –Monica McDonald will run a silent auction at next year’s ‘Homecoming’ celebration, scheduled for Saturday September 23. She is looking for donations of ‘auctionable’ prizes – sports equipment, event tickets, or even an hour of a professionals’ time. Contact Monica if you are able to help – 416 391 4814 or mo@g5.ca.
Other Business:
Scholastic
Sarah O’Dea-Della Rocca. The School earned 173 free books from Scholastic this school year for the school library. We also earned $2,400 in coupons to be spent on books for 2006/2007. St. Bonaventure spent $2,300 in coupons (raised the previous year) on books this year. Thank you to all those volunteers who helped make this program work.
CSAC
Next year’s elections/review date will be Thursday September 21. Nomination forms will go home the first week with the students. Those who are nominated, or self-nominated for an executive position or to head up an event/committee should attend that evening. Should there be more than one person interested in any position, a notice will go home and a vote will be held the following week.
The first order of business for next year’s CSAC will be to plan which fundraising and spirit events the School will run and deliver this list to the parents to ask for volunteers to help, but also for someone to lead each event. Joanne Melo will include this list, along with a standard list of on-going programs, (milk, Scholastic, St. Paul’s, etc.) with some information about what is involved in leading each program.
Joanne Melo will bring her list of charitable fundraising for plans to the first CSAC meeting to ensure parents are not being asked too often to contribute.
NOTE – Joanne Franey will lead the Christmas fundraiser for St. Paul’s for 2006, but requires someone to work with her to learn as this will be her final year.
Peter Knezy suggested we organize a fundraising committee that would hold responsibility for all fundraising activity. It will be tabled next year, for the Principal and the CSAC to decide.
Gaby Pavli raised having parent representatives for each grade or class. It will also be tabled next year.
50/50 Draw
Thank-you’s need to be sent to all the donors of prizes for the draw. Please submit all names/organizations to Danusia for the Knapsack News and to Seamus Britton & Steve Lansky for the formal Thank you letters.
Teacher appreciation lunch
Will be run by Nina Miles and Marceline Brigden on June 26 at the Parish Hall.
Play day
Playday and talent show to be held on Wednesday June 28. Mademoiselle Mastrodicasa is organizing it. CSAC has allocated up to $150 towards the event.
Secretary: V. Hutton
Adjourned 8:45pm.