TranslateEssex Public School Parent Council
Meeting Minutes – October 19, 2016
Principal’s Report – Harry Quon
- EQAO results from 2016-2016 school year are now available to the public. Please look on Essex PS TDSB’s website.
- Grade 3: Reading 75%, Writing 75%, Math 75%
- Grade 6: Reading 70%, Writing 75%, Math 45%
- Essex PS has identified a math focus for their school improvement plan going forward
- Terry Fox Run was a huge success
- Lock Down and Fire Drills were held at the beginning of the school year – all went well
- Yoga starts on Oct 20 – 10 classes participating
- ECO Schools Kick-Off has begun – initiatives for school wide efforts will be announced soon
- School is asking for a Parent Rep for “Safe, Caring and Accepting Schools Committee” to work with teachers and office throughout the year. Please contact Harry and Leslie in the office if you are interested. School has requested a safety audit from Safe and Caring Schools for recommendations. (Marlon Merraro volunteered)
- Lunch hour activities have started (Double Treble, choir and chess)
- Process of planning the Grade 7/8 trip to Montreal has begun. $465 per child, 3 days, 2 nights. Looking into fundraising ideas to help families and offset some of the cost.
- Grade 4-8 Resilience Survey Parent Letter will be sent home this week to inform parents and the Survey will be taking place in the beginning of November at school. Results will be shared with Essex PS in January.
- Grade 6 Softball team made it to the Semi-Finals!
Treasurer Report – Nicole Belcourt
- Need to set a meeting to decide on the budget for the year. How will we spend the money raised this year? Meeting TBA
- Cultural Celebrations Proposal – Marlon Merraro
- Proposal rooted from parents thinking how to enhance equity issues in our school
- For example, support National Aboriginal Day and Black History Month in our school
- Help to show the vibrancy that is within the school through an equity lens
- Possibilities – books, supporting school display and bulletin boards, events, assemblies, …
- Will look to possibly work with the Health, Well-Being, and Inclusion Committe
Ward Rep & Model Schools/Parent Engagement Committee – Allison Venditti
- We are still looking for a Ward Rep. If any parents are interested please contact the parent council through our email (see below). Role includes attending as many Ward Rep Meetings as possible throughout the year and relaying that information at our Parent Council Meetings.
- We are also looking for a Model Schools Rep. Marlon Merraro volunteered.
Communications – Lynette Bacon
- Most classes now have a Parent Rep Link.
- If you have not yet received an introductory email from your class’ Parent Rep, please contact your child’s teacher to inquire who is your Parent Rep and pass on your email to be included on their communication distribution list.
- Parent Reps have created a class distribution list (based on those who indicated approval on their September permission forms) and will forward messages from parent council throughout the year.
Fundraising Committee – Jean Hammond and Nicole Belcourt
- Pizza lunch is well underway and going great. Thank you for your support.
- Volunteers are still needed to help distribute pizza on Pizza Days. If you can volunteer 45 minutes on one of our Pizza Days please email Essex Parent Council of your availability.
- Essex PS Clothing coming soon!
Monster Mixer Potluck – Friday, October 28 5:30pm – 7:30 pm
- Essex and Hawthorne community event
- Potluck dinner, costume party, DJ and prizes for kids
- Please ensure to label all ingredients for your dish, in consideration of those with dietary restrictions and allergies
- Volunteers needed to help set-up, monitor, and clean-up. Please email Essex Parent Council if you can help out in any way.
Fresh From the Farm Fundraiser – Nicole Belcourt
- 34 students put an order in – thank you to all of our parents for your support!
- $460 profit for our school
- We are still waiting to finalize the delivery date. Details about where and when to pick up your veggies and apples will be sent home soon with participating students.
Gardening Committee – Jessica Haber
- Received funds from Evergreen Foundation 2 years ago– transformed front Kindergarten yard
- We still have money left over – discussing outdoor seating throughout school yard
- Looking for parents who want to join this committee along with teachers – please contact Ms. Haber if you are interested.
Health and Well-Being Committee – Milisa Burns
- First book club meeting for “The Optimistic Child” was held this evening. Great discussion! Thank you to those who came out.
- Our new ‘Parent Book Club’ book will be “The Dolphin Way” by Shimi K. Kang, M.D. The next Book Club (all are welcome) will meet January 25, 2017. Start reading with a friend …
Note: Our upcoming Parent Council Meetings: Wednesday, Nov. 23 @ 6:30pm & Wednesday, Jan. 25 @ 6:30pm
Volunteers Needed
Do you have a little bit of time to volunteer? Please email parentcouncil@essexpublicschool.com. Currently, we need help with Pizza Lunch, help set up and clean up our Monster Mixer, and help handing out our Fresh From the Farm veggies/fruit.