1. Welcome: PAC president John Holt welcomed the group. PAC council members and parents present introduced themselves.

2. The minutes of the previous meeting was proposed by John Holt and seconded by Linda. None opposed. Motion passed.

3. Ms. Ramsay, our School's Portfolio Coordinator was away on job action, and hence was replaced by Mr. Dear the school vice- principal
Mr. Dear gave an insight to the Portfolio program through discussions and power point presentation. The program included the following Portfolio is a new a graduation program starting at Grade 10 this year. The Portfolio will show as a mark on your transcript.
Graduation portfolio is a physical and electronic collection of materials that demonstrate students' knowledge, skills and competencies.
The portfolio record achievements in the following areas: Art and design;
Community Involvement and Responsibility;
Education and career planning;
Information Technology;
Employability skills;
Personal health.
Students, and parents, can track a student’s progress using the First Class program from your home computer. More information is located on the School District 36 web site at this link.
The three components to the Portfolio are core, choice and presentation. The students are required to obtain 30%, 50% and 20% marks in the portfolio components respectively. Students need get at least 50% to graduate.
October 18 will conduct an all day Graduation Portfolio Tutorial for the Grade 11 students.
More information about the new graduation program can be found at this link. Other information will be available on the school web site.

4. Africa Project: Kristine, a school Student Council member, provided information about the project.
This is a program that is sponsored both by teachers and students with the help of the community.
Fund raising activities for the project are underway.
The aim of the project is to get the students, community and the school teachers involved.
More information about the project can be read in the coming news letter.

5. Principal’s report: Mr. Hignell gave the audience his report.
Enlighten the broad vision of the school. To inculcate leadership qualities among students.
Orientation of Grade 8 students to the school and staff.
Visit of Korean teacher who are here on an exchange program.
Introduction to Africa project - raising funds for the project.
Success of the first School Photo session.
Initiated student representatives to support school goals and objectives.
Terry Fox run was successful and $2500.00 was collected. There was 100% participation from students and teachers.
Orientation of new teachers to the school.
Grade 8 pancake festival was successful and was part of the tradition of welcoming the new students to the school.
Established relationship with SFU student teachers that will benefit both the school and students.
Student representative committee was initiated.
Developing model of student helping student.
Successful grade 8 parents meeting.
Grade 12 inoculation was successful.
Health and safety committee was initiated.
Smoke damage was due to electrical panel fault. No serious damage. The evacuation process was smooth and successful. School electrical system was inspected and certified OK.
First meeting of student planning council was successful.
International teachers’ day was organized and teachers were given recognition.

6. Financial Report : Linda read out the financial reports.
The next grant application must be submitted between April and June of 2006.
The Gaming account summary report has been prepared and will be submitted to the Gaming Commission.
Ken Highnell provided a list of requests for the school for the PAC to review.
Gaming funds are based on the student enrollment.

7. Committee Reports
a. DPAC committee - Mark Adams:
The parents meeting held on 28th September were successful.
DPAC needs parent volunteers for the advocacy project.
DPAC will cover the expenses to train parent volunteers.
The next general DPAC meeting to be held on 26th October.
The issue of negative comments about DPAC in recent news was addressed.
Special needs kids will be addressed.
DPAC meetings are held every 4th Wednesday of the month.
More information at this link.

b. Dance Committee
Next dance November 24th. 2005 6:00 pm to 9:00pm - Theme to be advised.
Need parent volunteers for coat check. Volunteers can e-mail Brenda at Holtinsurrey@shaw.ca or contact the school office if they are interested.

c. Fund raising Committee - Emma:
Emma informed that she has raised $240.00 from the sales of coffee tins.

d. Progressive Funding update
Two orders not processed due to equipment problems.
Two elementary schools are going to help in progressive funding.

e. School Planning Council: The first Planning Council meeting was held just before the PAC meeting. More information is available on the JHSS web site.

f. Student Council and Representative Team Report
Students can put suggestions to council.
Clocks in the hallway helpful for the students.
Vending machine offering healthier food.
Water cost reduced compared with soda.
Plans for the School Spirit Week were discussed.
French fries not served every day in the cafeteria. There are other healthy choice selections.
Student Council function is to organize events. The fun things at the school.
Student Representative Team provides suggestions that improve the school itself.
Mr. Hignell informed that they are looking into the leaking of the roof.

8. Old Business
a. Grade 8 parents meeting on September 27th. at 7pm.
Linda apologized for not attending the event.
Emma attend and the event which was very informative.
Emma gave a presentation.
Linda will treat Emma for taking her place at the grade 8 parent meeting.
Poor turnouts by parents. More encouragement to the new parents required for future events.
Ken brought up the issue of getting parents to attend the future meetings and introduced the idea of ‘Tea and Tour’ of the school program.

b. Dry Grad Committee Formation
Dianne Swanlund agreed to participate in dry grad committee.
Dry grad to happen this year.
Needs input from past co-ordinaters of organizing the events.
The issued of financial constraints was addressed.
John to provide some guidelines and expectations for the dry grad.
Mr. Hignell suggested seeking some student participation in the dry grad committee.
Dry grad is usually after dinner and dance.

9. New Business
Parents get to-gather program to deals with issued teens are facing.
Emma to attend an orientation program.
Mr. Hignell advised that they are very supportive group.
Web-site http://www.parentstogether.ca/index.php
Grade 8 presentation to talk about crystal meth

9. Mail
a. Read and distribute as required

Meeting ended at 9:15pm.
Next General Meeting: 02 November 2005

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