Notes from Parent Council Meeting – Tuesday, Feb 21, 2017

Notes from the Parent Council Meeting – Tuesday, Feb 21, 2017

Principal’ s report:

1. Digital Learning and Technology Working Committee
   • Wi-fi installation completed, February 10^th
   • HUB Room updated Friday, February 17th
   • The sound system in the Gym will be updated
2. Healthy Relationships workshops
   • Workshop took place Thursday, February 2 –April 4
3. Little Jammers (Guitar lessons) are taking place in the Library
   Students from Grades 1-6  had been invited to participate on Fridays over lunch from February 3 to April 7 (Fridays)
4. Internet Safety Workshop
   • Grades 7/8 participated in a safety workshop with Officer Paul Gribbons from TPD 14th Division on February 14^th. In it, they learned how the Internet has brought many benefits, but it has also raised some safety concerns such as the potential for crime and predators. To make sure children have a safe and rewarding experience on the Web, students were instructed where they go, what they do, and the safety issues they may face.
5. LEGO Club – in Library – ongoing
   • For Grades 1-6 over lunch on Mondays
     • Session #1 – March 27 – May 1(Mondays)
     • Session #2 – May 8 – June 12 (Mondays)
   • Note: all activities and clubs at lunch can be viewed under “Resources” on the Essex blog.
6. ACTE Drama Club
   • Dress Rehearsal & Performance in Library (for students grade 3 & 4 and parents) took place February 28th 11:00 – 1:30p
7. Double Treble
   Invitational at ESA for Toronto Sings Festival occurred on March 3, 2017 @ 12:30 – 7:00p
8. Ski Trip
   • Essex – Grade 7/8 & Hawthorne – Grade 5/6 occurred at Snow Valley on March 7, 2017
9. Social Media Presentation for Grade 5 – 8 was presented on March 8 by Chris Vollum
10. Black History Month– recap by Leslie:

• Each morning a different song of African heritage and background was selected, the bio of the artist was read during announcements
• Teachers used picture books during class time to discuss Black History month topics.
• Art will be installed soon, in the lobby of the school. Cheryl Bowie will be working with an artist and the older grades
• The Grade 4 and 5 students were privileged to see a dance performance
• Storyteller, Kalale Dalton, came in to Kindergarten to Grade 2, to read and tell stories.
• A school assembly took place on Mon, Feb 27

11. Indigo Grant – Leslie. Has been submitted. Will know if we are successful later in the school year, before the summer break. Hope to show the promotional film for Essex at assembly and on Essex blog.

Treasurer report

• Theatricks
  • We have secured two sessions of Theatricks for our students: Established in 1985 Treatricks’ Project Theatre serves as an educational resource for area schools’ theater curriculum:

1. April 4^th– May 9^th
2. May 16 – June 20.

• We have asked our teachers to spend their $200 classroom fund before April 30. We will provide examples soon of how our kids benefit soon.

SPRING FLING FUNDRAISING AIMS 2017

• Wi-fi upgrade was paid for by Essex & Hawthorne Spring Fling 2016 surplus.
• Aim for 2017 is to purchase chrome books, laptops without hard drive, on a cart.
• Chrome books are $400 a piece
• Cart is $ 2200
• To raise $16 K to purchase 35 chrome books plus cart
• 50% of the fundraising at Spring Fling to this technology need/upgrade and 50% to library to replenish books

We are requesting a gardening committee to place seeds outdoors. Gardening Club lunch time starting in March.