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CSAC Minutes for 2002-2003 School Year

September 23, 2002

October 24, 2002

November 28, 2002

February 12, 2003

April 2, 2003

May 14, 2003

Other meeting minutes available upon request

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C.S.A.C. 2001-2002

Meeting Minutes

Date: Monday September 23^rd, 2002

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:35 PM  

Location: St. Cyril School Library

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C.S.A.C. Bylaw No. 26 page 4 recommends that the chair have at least one year’s experience on council.

The Executive Council for 2002-2003 is:

Patty Wen  - Chair                                Jeanine Amaral – Co-Chair

Margaret Codrington – Treasurer           Claire Martin - Secretary

Congratulations to all C.S.A.C. members.

Meeting adjourned at7: 35 P.M.

Next meeting: Wednesday October 16^th, 2002

Agenda to follow. 

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C.S.A.C. 2002-2003

Meeting Minutes

Date: Thursday October 24th, 2002

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Location: S. Cyril School Library

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Attendees: Chair-Patty Wen, Co-chair-Jeanine Amaral, Treasurer-Margaret

Codrington, Secretary-Clarie Martin, Anna Gauci, Barbara Meilleur, Linda Di

Rienzo, Rocco Sebastiano, Roman Mesec, Dennis Wintjes, Daina Perna, Angelo

Alfieri, Brendon Graziano, Ziboulia Tsakiris, Toni Masei, Enrico Di

Giuseppantonio, Carol De Mighio, Mario Loreto, Marie Houghton, Esperanza

Morales, Katheen-Ann Faustin

Regrets: Jeannette Sarkissian

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Daina Perna MOVED that the minutes of last meeting be approved.

Angelo Alfieri seconded the motion.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Margaret Codrington MOVED the current agenda be approved.

Mario Loreto seconded the motion.

STANDING ITEMS

Student Council: Student Council Vice-President Brendan Graziano told of a

costume contest and raffle for Halloween.  Noted that students are

developing a yearbook, each council member responsible for taking some photos.

Notes from the Chair: Patty Wen noted that a new superintendent has been

assigned to our school - Josie Nesplo.  Former superintendent Doug Yack

has been promoted.

Principal's Update: Madame Gauci expressed concern for school security in

the wake of a break-in two weeks into the school year.  Noted she has asked

for viewing windows in the office and entrance area, a buzzer system and

intercom, card entry on northeast door, motion sensors on 2nd  and 3rd floors.

Mme. Gauci requested feedback from CSAC on the proposal.

Patty Wen advised adding the security issue to the parent discussion at Nov.

6th meeting of C.S.A.C.

Madame Gauci noted that Safety School Act requires all visitors to school to

report to the office and sign in.  Advised that plastic visitors cards may

soon be issued.  Children are asked to report all strangers to the

principal's office.

Dennis Wintjes suggested the installation of lights outside the building.

Teachers' Update: Madame Meilleur requested C.S.A.C. aid towards the bussing

of Grade 1-4 students to see a performance of "The Wind in the Willows".

Three buses are required at cost of $165 or more.  Noted that Grade 7-8

students had begun a 2-week fundraising endeavor -- the sale of English Bay

Cookie Dough.  They hope to raise money for an upcoming trip to Quebec City.

New Business

C.S.A.C. Budget: Margaret Codrington presented the 2002-2003 C.S.A.C.

budget.  It was accepted with the following amendments:

--      Margaret MOVED that $200 be set aside for 'special needs' students.

Mario              Loreto seconded the motion.

--    Dennis Wintjes MOVED that $400 be spent on buses for the Grade 1-4 school

trip.         Jeanine Amaral seconded the motion.

A footnote indicating the carry-over amount that CSAC commits for year-to-year will be added to the budget.  This amount is approximately $2000.  A carry-over amount helps in taking care of beginning of the year expenses.  This year these included Agendas and a deposit on “Scientists in the School”.

--    Daina Perna MOVED that the C.S.A.C. budget for 2002-2003 be approved.

Jeanine         Amaral seconded the motion.

School Budget:  Madame Gauci advised that the bulk of the $15,000 school

budget might be spent on computer and A/V equipment due to the unexpected

receipt of  $17,000 from the board for textbooks for class and library.

This latter sum is being called a "textbook roll-over amount" and may only

be used for books. There was a concern that only English texts were being made available for the $17,000.  Mme. Gauci announced her intention to fight this.

Several parents voiced concern that essential primary needs for paper,

pencils, pens and other items be met before any wholesale purchase of

computers from the normal school budget.

Patty Wen MOVED that a detailed breakdown of school budget expenditures

follow a staff "needs" meeting with Madame Gauci.  Madame Gauci to make

final recommendations.  Margaret Codrington seconded the motion.

ACTION:  Report back to C.S.A.C. re: textbook purchases & whether French text purchases were permitted.

WHO:            Madame Gauci

WHEN:             By Friday, Oct 25, 2002

ACTION:  Provide detailed breakdown of regular school budget and “Textbook roll-over” amount.

WHO:            Madame Gauci

WHEN:     Present at Nov 28, 2002 CSAC meeting.

School & Special Events Calendars:  Madame Gauci observed that some St.

Cyril students may have disrupted a recent mass with insensitive laughter at

the expense of others, a handicapped child.  Patty Wen and others suggested that the incident be viewed as a learning exercise; that among the new textbook purchases for the library there might be some that promote differences between people; and that Mario Loreto be engaged to reflect with Father John upon the matter.

Daina Perna confirmed most school and special events calendar items.  A

few require dates.  The French Information Night has been set for February

20.  The date for Reconciliation is now Saturday March 29th because the

original date fell on the last Saturday of March Break.  Volunteer

Appreciation will occur before May 24.

Dennis Wintjes agreed to be a volunteer for the “French Book Fair”.

Other parent volunteers are still needed.  Once dates are more confirmed, a letter to parents indicating dates; and, a requirement for specific volunteers will be issued.

A volunteer parent is required for the Chess Club/Scrabble Club/Homework

Club.  Madame Gauci will confirm the need for library volunteers by next

meeting date.  Explained that the Board requires all volunteers to be

screened by the police before participating in school events.  A police

clearance statement costs $45. The application of this law is under review by the Board.  The interim policy needs confirmation.

ACTION:            Confirm need for police clearance of volunteers

WHO:               Patty Wen

WHEN:              By Thursday November 28, 2002.

Clarie Martin moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:45 PM.  Margaret

Codrington seconded the motion.

NEXT CSAC MEEETING:                      Thursday November 28, 2002.

Same time.  Same Location.

NEXT PARENT MEEETING: Wednesday. Nov 6, 2002

Main Topic: Community Goals & Principal Profile

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From Clarie Martin 416-499-3099

C.S.A.C. 2002-2003

Meeting Minutes

Date: Thursday November 28th, 2002

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Location: St. Cyril School Library

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Attendees: Chair-Patty Wen, Co-chair-Jeanine Amaral, Treasurer-Margaret

Codrington, Secretary-Clarie Martin, Principal: Anna Gauci, Teacher Representative: Barbara Meilleur, CSAC Members: Roman Mesec, Mario Loreto,

Marie Houghton, Mira Gredicak, Student Representatives: Wenchelle Lao, Soo Min Kang

Parents at Large:  Connie Drudi, Rocco

Sebastiano, Dennis Wintjes, Carol De Miglio, Sheila Griffin,

Absent: Superintendent-Josephine Nespolo, Daina Perna, Jeanette Sarkissian, Ziboulia Tsakiris

INTRODUCTIONS

Patty Wen began the meeting at 7:30 PM despite the absence of invited guest

superintendent Josephine Nespolo and principal Anna Gauci, who waited below

to greet the visitor.  Mme. Gauci joined the gathering in progress.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mario Loreto MOVED that the minutes of last meeting be approved.

Margaret Codrington seconded the motion.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Marie Houghton MOVED the current agenda be approved.

Mario Loreto seconded the motion.

STANDING ITEMS

Student Council: Student Council representatives Wenchelle Lao and Soo Min

Kang reported upon the progress of the school yearbook.  Each book will cost

$15, including $2 per copy to offset the cost to students for photography.

Rather than repaying student-photographers with the additional revenue, all

have agreed to allow the funds to be used to help fund a Quebec trip next June.

Marie Houghton suggested that a letter from the school's principal and/or

the chair of C.S.A.C. be included in the yearbook.  The student council

agreed to take the notion into consideration.

Special Events & Calendar Update: In the absence of the Committee chair,

Patty Wen advised of an upcoming Book Fair (Dec. 4, & 5, &6) at the school as a

fundraising endeavor.

Treasurer's Update: Treasurer Margaret Codrington advised that full-time

teachers had received $250 each for classroom support cheques.  She also

noted a substantial increase in household donations to the school -- up to

$7,300.  Patty Wen indicated that at the parent meeting on January 16^th, disbursements of extra funds would be discussed along with a process for budget updates going forward.  

Notes from the Chair:

Follow up from previous meeting where: Madame Gauci observed that some St.

Cyril students may have disrupted a recent mass with insensitive laughter at

the expense of others, a handicapped child.  Patty Wen and others suggested that the incident be viewed as a learning exercise; that among the new textbook purchases for the library there might be some that promote differences between people; and that Mario Loreto be engaged to reflect with Father John upon the matter.

Chair Patty Wen advised that she received a thank-you

note from the parents of the disabled child for our apology on behalf of our children.

The CSAC Chair said she

both wrote to the parents expressing regrets and met with them personally.

Mario Loreto advised that Father John at St. Edward's made it a point to

speak with children at the school about this sensitive matter.  He said

Father John made separate representations to the younger and older kids with

very positive results.

Barbara Meilleur agreed and observed that the school's principal has

purchased books on diversity and differences between people to further

educate the children.

Teachers' Update: Barbara Meilleur thanked C.S.A.C for its financial support

in helping bus Grade 1-4 students to a performance of "The Wind in the Willows".

Principal Update: Mme. Gauci advised that teachers, after previewing

samples, were able to make a "wish list" of textbooks and other learning

resources, which would be realized when making effective use of the school's

budget.  She noted, however, that though she would order the materials by

Dec. 15, she had no control over their arrival date.

Mme. Gauci noted that the Grade 3s did very well on the EQAO standard

testing although the results will not be available to the public until Dec.

5.  She also advised that the December calendar went out with the "Scoop".

NEW BUSINESS

School Budget: Mme. Gauci noted that the school budget stands at $13,856.

She said she plans to spend this amount in the following manner:

Instructional materials (consumables)...........$ 8,860  (44%)

Learning materials (textbooks, etc.)............$ 3,326  (24%)

Curriculum enrichment...........................$ 1,112  (8%)

Class/office needs (clocks, sharpeners, etc.)...$   558  (4%)

Mme. Gauci observed that she had allotted none of this amount for the

purchase of computer hardware/software and A/V equipment since she has been

advised that the Board would be purchasing computers for the school.  Mme.

Gauci said she was unable to advise parents when these computers might

arrive since their purchase depends upon Ministry grants to the Board.

C.S.A.C. will take under advisement the development of a strategy for

computer technology in the school for next year.

There was also a question as to how this $13,000 reconciled to the $17,000/$21000 reported at he last meeting & following the meeting for printing in the Letter to parents. Mme. Gauci indicated that this was the remaining funds.  No accounting was given on where the funds had already been used.

School Profile: Mme. Gauci presented a sampling of year-old data detailing

demographics surrounding St. Cyril School in the interest of initiating a

school profile.  Dennis Wintjes and Roman Mesec have taken upon themselves

the collating of this material for further development.

Security Recommendations: A lively discussion arose over this item.  The

principal's recommendations to the school board included a viewing window, a

buzzer system, a card entry system, outside lighting and motion sensors for

St. Cyril School.  Clarie Martin tabled a paper expressing the collective

concerns of parents and C.S.A.C. members with regard to this issue.   

In essence, parents feared tighter security might make for tardier access to

the school and to their children.  They were also concerned that access to

teachers might be affected.

Barbara Meilleur said parents have always been able to come in the back door

and visit teachers upstairs.  Mme. Gauci advised that this is best done

after class at 3:30 PM and before 4 PM.  As an added precaution she said,

parents have been asked to sign in at the front doors and obtain "visitor"

identification cards, if possible.  The question of whether visitor badges are required after 3:30 was posed.  Mme. Gauci indicated that since school is over; and, child responsibility is now transferred, visitor tags are not required.  

Mme. Gauci said that she has learned that a viewing window at the front of

the school is prohibited by cost; however, a buzzer system at the front door

remains a distinct possibility.  Patty Wen noted that parents remain opposed

to a buzzer system, preferring that the office area be occupied by adult

personnel. Since breaks & lunch are mandatory and no extra staff exist,  Parents feel entry to the building could be long delayed without

personal attention to the doors.  As well, if the front-entry is considered such a security risk, staffing by students should be re-thought.

Barbara Meilleur advised that a card entry system at the north-east doors

remains an important concern.  As it now stands, anyone may enter these

unlocked doors during school hours and have access to the stairs.  The doors

are unlocked for students in portables who must visit the washrooms inside

the main building in pairs.  Parents agreed that card entry at these doors

might be a viable alternative.

Mme. Gauci noted that increased outside lighting is acceptable to the Board

as is the installation of motion sensor detectors on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

C.S.A.C. will rework its position paper on "Security Recommendations at St.

Cyril School" to reflect these observations.

Principal Profile & Community Goals: Patty Wen used overhead projection to

review "Principal Profile & Community Goals" with parents. Clarie Martin

distributed another version of the "Principal Profile" detailing essentially

the same goals.  Barbara Meilleur brought teachers' concerns forward noting

that some of the wording in the "Community Goals" seemed to involve teaching

staff on more than a voluntary level.

Due to permit end, Patty Wen halted the discussion at 9:30 PM.  Dennis Wintjes MOVED

that the meeting be adjourned.  Margaret Codrington seconded the motion.

NEXT CSAC MEETING:

April 2^nd, 2002, 7:30 – 9:30, School Library.

NEXT PARENT MEETING:

January 16^th, 2002, 7:30 – 9:30, School Library.

(note: all community members are welcome to this meeting. 

But, this is a dicussion meeting.  Items can only be made formal recommendations at a CSAC meeting. )

From Clarie Martin 416-499-3099

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                            C.S.A.C. 2002-2003


                              Meeting Minutes


            Date: Wednesday February 12th, 2003


                          Time: 7:30 PM ? 9:30 PM


                    Location: St. Cyril School Library

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Attendees: Chair-Patty Wen, Co-chair-Jeanine Amaral, Treasurer-Margaret
Codrington, Secretary-Clarie Martin; Principal-Anna Gauci; Teacher-Barbara
Meilleur; Teacher-Gaynor Delfino; C.S.A.C. Members-Daina Perna; Jeanette
Sarkissian; Roman Mesec, Mario Loreto, Marie Houghton, Ziboulia Zakiris;
Parents-at-large-Dennis Wintjes; Carol De Miglio, Rocco Sebastiano; Manager
B&A Daycare-Kathleen-Ann Faustin


Total Attendance: 17


Absent: Student Council Representative-Wenchelle Lao; Jaeho Kim, Mirjana
Miljkovic


INTRODUCTIONS


Chair Patty Wen began the meeting at 7:30 PM with a prayer.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES


Margaret Codrington MOVED that the minutes of last meeting be approved.


Clarie Martin seconded the motion.


APPROVAL OF AGENDA


Janine Amaral MOVED the current agenda be approved.


Margaret Codrington seconded the motion.


STANDING ITEMS


Student Council: Student Council representatives were unavailable for the
meeting.


Special Events & Calendar Update: Committee Chair Daina Perna pointed out
that C.S.A.C. has successfully negotiated half the school year. She thanked
parents who helped out during the recent "Carnival". She said that milk and
pizza continued to be supplied to children, she herself taking the lead in
these important functions. She itemized the standing of various upcoming
events (i.e. French Book Fair, French Information Night, French Enrichment
Night, Grade II First Communion) noting that plans are all in order.


Daina Perno offered regrets that for a two-month period she must absent
herself from C.S.A.C. affairs and special events to take care of important
family business. She advised that other parents will take up milk sales and
pizza days until her return. She noted that volunteers were needed for
duties associated with Graduation and Reconciliation. Ziboulia Zakiris
volunteered to help with Graduation. Patty Wen volunteered to recruit a
coordinator for the Reconciliation lunch.


Principal Update: Mme. Gauci noted that, since the Quebec trip has fallen
through, intermediate students would be going to Camp Muskoka, much of the
cost underwritten by the Board, which also staffs the camp.


She expressed her delight that a school choir (under Mme. Meilleur) placed
second at a Kiwanis Festival and noted that St. Cyril boys and girls did
themselves proud in recent basketball challenges, if not necessarily on the
court, than in areas of good sportmanship and great attitude.


She said that another educational play (by Theatre Direct, the producers of
last year's "Andrew's Tree") will come to the school. It is called "I Met a
Bully on the Hill". She elaborated upon this important issue, noting that
the spectrum of bullying included taunting, teasing, ostracizing, even the
pointing of fingers and the issuing of nasty looks. She said that she has
noticed, after 32 years of experience in education, that, in terms of
bullying, "kids are getting younger and younger, now in grades one and
two."


She noted that more books will be purchased for the library, including
novels, many of them "Newberry Award" winners.


Mme. Gauci also remarked upon these coming events:
      An upcoming meeting on the issue of the "Ring Road", Feb. 18
      Ash Wednesday mass on Mar 5
      A science presentation on Mar. 18, called "Mammals"
      The MS Read-a-thon kick-off on Mar. 26 as well as French public
      speaking contest
      A science fair, on Apr. 6, entitled "Travelling Critters"
      A presentation about the handicapped, on Apr. 10
      A principal's meeting on Apr. 23
      Education Week beginning April 28
      A "History Contest" at Fort York on May 7
      "Playday" tentatively scheduled for June 25
      End-of Year Mass on June 26


Teachers' Update: Barbara Meilleur, joined by Gaynor Delfino, thanked
C.S.A.C for funding some of the activities and helping with prizes during
"Carnival". She noted that pictures of the 4-day event can be found on the
school's web site.


Notes from the Chair: Patty Wen noted that the Board is celebrating 50
years of existence in its current incarnation, though some schools have
been in existence much longer.


She said a $100-a-plate dinner is being planned for all leaders of the
Board ? past & present (principals, teachers, C.S.A.C.s) for April 2.


She noted a recent accident in which a child broke an arm after slipping on
ice in the schoolyard. Mme. Gauci advised that caretakers are responsible
only for clearing ice from access areas at the front and back of the school
and at portables. Other icy areas are not cleared, she said, and she often
seeks to preserve students from accidents in cold weather by not allowing
them outside for recess and lunch periods. Any follow-up by parents or
others should be addressed to John Opacic, Facilities for North York
Schools at the TCDSB.


Update on High School Information: To make parents more aware of choices
available to their children, a parent representative, for the first time,
has gathered information about high schools. This exercise is usually
conducted by the Grade 8 teachers.


Ziboulia Zakiris advised that applications have been sent from various high
schools, including Brebeuf, St. Mike's, Senator O'Connor. All the school's
have Open Houses. All the information has been dispatched to teachers.


Action: Ziboulia Zakiris to prepare a summary of activities for this
position and make recommendations for future representatives.


NEW BUSINESS


New C.S.A.C. Budget: Treasurer Margaret Codrington noted that donations are
up, well over the amount anticipated. She pointed out that new expenditures
include $400 for a digital camera to be used by teachers, $300 for sports
uniforms (shorts), and $500 for student special needs. The funding surplus
is $580, but rising milk prices could negate this. Any surplus will go into
a special fund for technology to be spent after discussion on a technology
strategy.


Roman Mesec MOVED that the budget be approved.


Marie Houghton seconded the motion.


Amended C.S.A.C. By-laws: Chair Patty Wen introduced these amendments,
which included modest changes to the basic calendar of events and
substantial changes to the budget and distribution of funds (By-laws 37
through 44). Many of the latter amendments are administrative. For example,
"a request for family donation will be made on the first day of school
requesting donations by Sept. 30(superscript: th)" (By-law 37) and "the
Family Donation will be administered by the outgoing treasurer until Sept.
30" (By-law 38). By-law 39 says that "while some special events generate
revenue for C.S.A.C. (e.g. Pizza Lunch), CSAC fundraising will be limited
to the request for a family donation." By-law 44 notes that "should
deviation from budget be required due to increased or decrease proceeds
being available" specific tolerances will occur (e.g. a variance from
budget of $50-$150 may be recommended by the Treasurer and approved by the
Principal).


Janine Amaral MOVED that the changes to the by-laws be approved.


Jeanette Sarkissian seconded the motion.


Community Goals/Principal Profile: Chair Patty Wen introduced the community
goals and principal profile for a final reading. After making changes in
wording and spelling, the document was accepted. A community goal
reflecting our desire to be viewed as a part of a Catholic community was
added.


Margaret Codrington MOVED that the document be approved with changes.


Mario Loreto seconded the motion.


Security Proposal: Parents and C.S.A.C. reiterated a view that security at
St. Cyril's NOT include a buzzer system for the front door. Adult personnel
stationed at the front of the building during school hours is
overwhelmingly preferred.


School Profile: Chair Patty Wen noted a difference in understanding between
the  Board's  definition  of  a  "school  profile",  the Ontario ministry's
definition, and C.S.A.C.'s interpretation. The latter two take into account
enrollment trends and the nearby community's demographics.


Next Action: A precise definition of the "School Profile" for CSAC's agenda
to be incorporated into the bylaws.


Ring  Road  Extension:  Chair  Patty  Wen  posted information, including an
architectural  plan,  for  the  "ring  road  alignment",  now  the west and
northwest sections of the schoolyard. Work could commence in 2004.


Mme.  Gauci  noted  that  when the City takes possession of part of the St.
Cyril  property (purchased from the Board in 1993) for the "ring road" that
includes  a  right-of-way  and  traffic  lanes, traffic along Kempford will
increase  dramatically. She said the City has proposed a public park to the
north and declined to make it a green space specifically ? and solely ? for
the  school.  Carol  De  Miglio  has  volunteered  to  act as the St. Cyril
representative for further discussions between the school board and city.


Call for Adjournment: Chair Patty Wen halted the meeting at 9:45 PM.


Margaret Codrington MOVED that the meeting be adjourned.


Jeanette Sarkissian seconded the motion.


                                  Adjourn


NEXT C.S.A.C. MEETING:


Wed. Apr. 2(superscript: nd), 2003, 7:30 PM ? 9:30 PM, School Library


Agenda will focus on EQAO results and a Local Action Plan presentation by
the principal.


NEXT PARENT MEETING:


Wed. Mar. 5(superscript: th), 2003, 7:30 PM ? 9:30 PM, School Library


Agenda will include:
      Formulation of questions on existing Local Action Plan
      Review Bylaws for proposing adjustments by year-end
      Begin year-end report.

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C.S.A.C. 2002-2003

Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday April 2, 2003

Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: St. Cyril School Library

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Attendees: Chair-Patty Wen, Treasurer-Margaret Codrington, Secretary-Clarie Martin; Principal-Anna Gauci; Teacher-Barbara Meilleur; Student Council Representatives-Winchell Lao,; C.S.A.C. Members-Jeanette Sarkissian; Roman Mesec, Mario Loreto, Marie Houghton;  Parents-at-large-Dennis Wintjes; Carol De Miglio, Rocco Sebastiano, Cathy Rapier, Gina Raposo, Tony Masci; Lisa Diugo,  Manager B&A Daycare-Kathleen-Ann Faustin

Total Attendance: 19

Absent: Co-chair Janine Amaral; , Mirjana Miljkovic

SURVEY OF NON-INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS

This survey was conducted among parents prior to the commencement of the meeting.

INTRODUCTIONS

Chair Patty Wen began the meeting at 7:30 PM with a prayer.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Marie Houghton MOVED that the minutes of last meeting be approved.

Jeannette Sarkissian seconded the motion.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mario Loreto MOVED the current agenda be approved.

Dennis  Wintjes seconded the motion.

STANDING ITEMS

Student Council: Progress continues upon the Student Yearbook, taking of pictures, etc.  Winchell Lao reported that $800 had been raised towards the school trip for Grades 7-8.

Principal Update: Mme. Gauci itemized a series of past and upcoming events for St. Cyril’s.  Among the former:  St. Cyril students were finalists in a French contest on Mar. 26 (the students now move on to the next level); practice sessions for the cross-country running  has begun; and “science-in-the-school” for kindergarten classes were successful.  Among the latter: Plans are underway for Education Week (beginning Apr. 28) and an Interactive Science Fair in the school gym; Theatre Direct will present “I Met a Bully on the Hill”, a play about a subject of great concern to parents, teachers and students, in the school on May 2;  a celebration is scheduled for May 1 and an “History Fair” at Fort York on May 7; and a Spring Show occurs May 27, the same day as First Communion.

Mme. Gauci noted that the Board’s Facilities Manager John Opacic will be on medical leave till September.

She also advised that the last minutes appear to misrepresent the leader of the school choir which placed second at a Kiwanis Festival.  That honour, of course, belongs to Mme. Ford.

·        Other items to look forward to:

·         “Playday” tentatively scheduled for June 25

·        End-of Year Mass on June 26

Teachers’ Update: Barbara Meilleur thanked C.S.A.C. for funding the purchase of a school camera ($400).

Notes from the Chair: Patty Wen noted that C.S.A.C. has been asked by the Board to stay away from involvement in negotiations for the Ring Road Extension.  Carol DeMiglio had attended a Ring Road meeting upon C.S.A.C.’s behalf.

Patty noted the abundance of activity at the school on April 30, May 1 and May 2.  This activity includes First Communion pictures, “I Met a Bully on the Hill”, as well as uniform sales.  The French Book Fair (April 30 – May 2) and French Enrichment (May 1) will also occur.  Dennis Wintjes requires volunteers).

She said a Board-sponsored seminar on the Local Action Plan would occur on April 15 and the C.S.A.C. chair and others might attend.  She advised that the Parent Meeting for April 10 had been cancelled.  The new date is May 8.

Patty launched a discussion of  the C.S.A.C. Year-End Report, providing a working document which, when finalized, will be directed to the Board.  That document is an impressive show of activity that includes responding to several important school issues and making numerous recommendations. A proposal to strike a nomination committee for C.S.A.C. was held-over.  Jeanette Sarkissian has volunteered to orchestrate this activity.

NEW BUSINESS

EQAO Presentation: Mme. Gauci presented documentation on the EQAO Grade 3 and Grade 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics that seems to demonstrate that St. Cyril results over five years are generally higher than either the Board’s or the Province’s.  However, Mme. Gauci took pains to point out that the assessment is more than a Grade 3 and Grade 6 initiative, but an initiative of the entire school and the whole community. 

Local Action Plan Discussion:

Mme. Gauci provided a sampling of Local Action Planning from previous years that she thought C.S.A.C. or individuals might workshop to clarify priorities to be addressed to the Ministry of Education.  Some passed priorities have included “Catholic Leadership”, “Staff Moral/Wellness”, and “Instructional Time/Class Size”.

While still to be confirmed, Mme. Gauci believed the focus for this next action plan will be on literacy and numeracy.  The focus on literacy is a continuing initiative while numeracy is a new initiative for the board.

In a preamble, Mme. Gauci pointed out that literacy is making sense of the printed word (“not just making sense of words on paper but making a connection”) and parents ought to help children put their experiences into words.  “Words are tools we share to express what we have to say and what they (children) have to take in.”

Mme. Gauci also noted that the Board provided templates to create the Local Action Plan.  While all are welcome to taylor responses, keeping with the templates where possible will allow for better acceptance of the plan and support in executing the plan.

As well, there are some ministry and board requirements that have to be reflected in the local action plan.

Marie Houghton commented that depending on the review, perhaps additional items are required to address French Immersion.

The parent meeting on May 8^th will try to review these plans and new material to provide parent feedback into the plan.

Staffing Plan Discussion:

Mme. Gauci pointed out some of the difficulties of  moderating class sizes when strictures are imposed on the maximum number of students per class.  A school might be permitted to allow class numbers to extend by one, but not more, she suggested.  The problem comes to light in terms of Grade 1, for example, where student overflow must be relegated to a split-class.

The Staffing plan submitted to the board is reflective of the staffing plan that exists this year.  No teacher responsibility changes are expected; and, no new split arrangements are being introduced.   The Grade 2 class with Mme. Duchesne, as an example, will have mostly Grade 2s with an estimate of 4 Grade 1s.

High School Survey Review:

Patty Wen presented a draft survey which might be distributed to Grade 7/8 students to determine criteria for high school selection.  Some recommendations were made to make the survey more appropriate and concise. 

Some discussion/decisions included:

·        Do we include non-Catholic high schools? Decision: yes.  While we don’t want to promote non-Catholic high schools, if we are loosing children to these schools, the point must be made.  

·        Do we distribute to Grade 7s?  Decision: yes.  We are close to the end of the school year.  More than information gathering, this survey may give the Grade 7s a kick-start on the important decisions that they must make.

·        What is the appropriate range of selections? Decision: 3.  7 was determined to be excessive.  Roman Mesec has some experience in these matters and his experience indicates that the results will be less ambiguous with only 3 options. 

These will be incorporated and copies made.  The survey will be administered by the Grade 7/8 teacher during class time and delivered back to CSAC for consolidation.

Call for Adjournment: Chair Patty Wen halted the meeting at 9:30 PM.

Dennis Wintjes MOVED that the meeting be adjourned.

Carol DeMiglio seconded the motion.

Adjourn

 NEXT C.S.A.C. MEETING:

^{May 14}, 2003, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM, School Library

NEXT PARENT MEETING:

·        Thurs. May 8, 2003, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM, School Library  (to be moved to either May 6 or 7^th)

·         

(Note:  All community members are welcome to attend this meeting).

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C.S.A.C. 2002-2003

Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday May 14, 2003

Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: St. Cyril School Library

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Attendees: Chair-Patty Wen, Co-Chair Jeanine Amaral, Treasurer-Margaret Codrington, Secretary-Clarie Martin; Acting Principal John Ryall; C.S.A.C. Members-Daina Perna, Jeanette Sarkissian, Roman Mesec, Marie Houghton, Ziboulia Zakiris;  Parents-at-large-Lisa Diugo, Carol De Miglio, M. Torsher; Manager B&A Daycare-Kathleen-Ann Faustin.

Total Attendance: 14

Absent: Principal-Anna Gauci; Teacher-Barbar Meilleur; Student Council representative-Winchell Lao; C.S.A.C. members-Jaeho Kim, Mirjana Miljkovic.

INTRODUCTION (BY CHAIR) & OPENING PRAYER

Chair Patty Wen began the meeting at 7:30 PM  by introducing Acting Principal John Ryall. She also offered a prayer.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Marie Houghton MOVED that the minutes of last meeting be approved.

Jeannette Sarkissian seconded the motion.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The current agenda was amended to reflect the absences of teacher and student representatives and the school principal.

Margaret Codrington MOVED that the agenda be approved as amended.

Daina Perna seconded the motion.

STANDING ITEMS

Student Council Report: A student representative was unavailable.

Principal’s Update: Principal Anna Gauci was unavailable; however, Acting Principal John Ryall spoke on issues of immediate importance:

(1)   Mr. Ryall decided to attend the C.S.A.C. meeting, he said, to make it official (according to C.S.A.C. bylaws, the school’s principal or a designate must be present) and to offer parents any pertinent information about an impending teachers’ strike. C.S.A.C. members could be asked questions about an potential lockout of teachers, he said.  He would not offer opinions upon the labor situation, but expressed is admiration for the staff, their orderliness and sense of calm.  He said that, in the event of a lockout, he would be available to provide any services necessary until Mme. Gauci’s return by keeping the building open and acting as “room supervisor”.  He noted that the B&A Day Care area in the building would remain open even if doors were otherwise locked.  He asked parents not to send children to school on Friday morning unless otherwise advised.  If children showed up at school, he said, they would be taken care of.

Marie Houghton asked if information about the strike would be dispensed to parents in languages other than English, but Mr. Ryall was unable to advise.  He said teachers, who could not picket on Board property, would not to be likely to interfere with parents and children entering St. Cyril’s.  He suggested parent s call the Board’s Info Line for information about the strike or contact the Board’s web site.  Secretaries at the school were obligated to refer questions about labor issues to the Board, he said.  He added that, if the strike continues for longer than expected, C.S.A.C. members requiring a permit for school use (the next C.S.A.C. meeting is June 5) would have no difficulty since the building is open to the public.

Asked how kids would make up for school time lost, Mr. Ryall pointed out that it was a question of how much time they had missed.  He suggested that the school year would not likely be extended; however, the use of P.A. days could be considered.

(2)  Mr. Ryall also spoke of the Holly Jones affair. The child, a Catholic school student, had recently be abducted and killed. He advised of meetings at the School Board with superintendents on the issue.

Teachers’ Update: Teacher Barbara Meilleur was unavailable.

Notes from the Chair: Patty Wen noted that C.S.A.C.-sponsored high school survey had not been distributed to students.  The survey would give some indication of student plans for high school education following Grade 7 and 8 schooling at St. Cyril’s.  It would also encourage children to begin thinking early about high school choices.  Marie Houghton suggested that Student Council could distribute the survey. Mr. Ryall responded that students could distribute the survey if they had been asked to do similar tasks in the past.  But, since the school would be closed as of Friday, this would best be deferred until the students’ return..

Mention was also made of a Mother’s Day gift that students had made under teacher supervision which might also reach their destinations despite a lockout.

NEW BUSINESS

Local Action Plan:

Most items were eliminated from discussion in order to concentrate upon the Local Action Plan; however, there was a quick review of C.S.A.C. progress this school year:

·        Community goals,

·        Principal profile.

One small wording change was made to the community goals. The previous wording was, as follows: To establish links to the French community and French teachers such that 80% of supply teachers for French Immersion classes be French speaking. The new wording will be, as follows: To establish links to the French community and French teachers such that 80% of supply teaching days for French Immersion classes be French speaking.

Patty Wen said she hoped that C.S.A.C. members and parents might arrive at a theoretical understanding of the Local Action Plan with the help of John Ryall, a long-time member of the Catholic School Board.  She noted that Principal Anna Gauci had directed her proposal for the Local Action Plan to the Board and that parents had yet to respond.  Issues highlighted by the Board are literacy, numeracy and religion, she said, and Madame Gauci’s goals heavily accented the religiosity aspects.

First, the group focused upon whether the Local Action Plan is, indeed, an appropriate document to express parental views for the future of St. Cyril’s.  Roman Mesec asked if one person (i.e. the principal) dictated the school’s future endeavors or could it be group influenced?  Mr. Ryall noted that the Local Action Plan is a “principal’s document” submitted to the School Board through the superintendent.  However, parents and C.S.A.C. members can quite legitimately use it to reflect their concerns and interests, he said, although there are “no guidelines for parental involvement”.

Asked if the document was the correct vehicle to articulate parental accountability at St. Cyril, Mr. Ryall said he could offer no clear guidance as to the priority that would be given to community input via the Local Action Plan nor to how seriously such input would be taken. 

The group noted that the document could be used to express parental needs, however, expressing needs goes one way.  Accountability goes both ways!  The group wished not only to have input, but to have input that would be influential, that would count.

Patty Wen pointed out that the on-line document, or Local Action Plan, could establish goals and methodologies (from a catalogue of options offered), but she lamented that these could not be designed to reflect the specific needs of St. Cyril. Nevertheless, the group initiated several pertinent responses and altered the Local Action Plan document in several important ways to reflect parental concern for St. Cyril school in the coming years.

Recommendations/Amendments to Local Action Plan

Goal 3: Improve two-way communication at the local level.

Strategy: Enhance communication between school and home.

Parents of St. Cyril students requested the addition of the following indicator of success:

Develop and publish a classroom communication plan when there is a classroom disruption due to extended teacher absence.

Strategy: Maintain regular communication with Pastor concerning parish priorities.

Parents of St. Cyril students requested the addition of the following indicator of success:

Invite St. Cyril families residing outside of St. Edwards parish to attend St. Edward social and spiritual functions

Goal 4 and 5 are the same. Only Goal 5 is presented in the printed copy. 

Parents of St. Cyril students agree that Goal 4 can be removed from the Local Action Plan.

Parents of St. Cyril students have requested the addition of a goal focussing on mathematics and numeracy.  They are recommending the following goal: