1. Welcome:
Welcome and introductions for the first meeting for 2006. 11 people in attendance.
1a. Additions to the agenda - None

2. Minutes from previous meeting Thanks to Mark for taking the minutes of the meeting last month. Motion moved by Linda, seconded by Murali. None opposed, carried.

3. Student council report
The date set for the next dance is 16th Feb 2006. The last dance held at the school was successful. The theme for the next dance will be Valentine related. Two dances are planned for the remainder of the year - one now and one in spring 2006. A snow making machine will be part of the dance program. Ken Hignell was concerned that the snow making machine should not cause damage nor set off the fire alarm. Christine, a student council member assured that she had done some research and the machine is absolutely safe.

4. Principals Report
The post secondary program was very successful. Parents and students liked what was presented.

Korean cultural student exchange program was very successful which will benefit both parties. This program will follow in future as it develops a positive culture in school.

A Gap of generation drama was successful. Cast and crew were in good spirit and gave a good performance. Students had worked very hard. Next spring performance will be "the art of war" which will be written and produced by students themselves. Ken informed that we have a strong Arts Dept.

The Super g day held recently recognized all super g students. The super g students were given the opportunity watch Cinderella man. This program is meant to give recognition to honor roll or super g students.

Johnston Heights eligible $50,000.00 Technologies grant. Portable lab will be one of the projects under technology grant. The grant will be in soon.

Ken also noted that under Health and safety committee - lamps outside the school building were sub-standard and so are the streetlights. The poor lighting was noticed during the dance night.

The Teacher in-service session focused on professional learning.

Christmas choir group highly involved in Christmas caroling at the Guildford mall and around the Guildford neighborhood. Drama and music is important for life and culture of the school.

Teachers from China are here on a cultural exchange program. These teachers from China will spend some time observing the classrooms here in JH and will visit other schools.

Preparation for the final provincial exams will be held in Feb 2006. Students will be given practical advice and tips in preparing for the exams. The Education department has postponed the provincial exams by one week. The last for the current term will be Feb 07, 2006. These changes will be notified by letter for parents. A revised calendar hand out regarding the changes will be given to the parents.

Course selection and articulation program for students will commence shortly. This will help to set the ball rolling in terms of allocating resources - teachers, students and other resources.

JHSS to host trade fair on 31st March 2006 for all grade 10’s in the Fraser Valley.

5. Financial Report
Monthly report: It was noted the dance expenses that were missing would be added. Linda will work out the details and report. Gaming and general account was detailed. Mark seconded and the motion was carried. Steve has to work with Linda and John to add his name as one the signatories.

6. Committee Reports
a. DPAC committee, Mark Adams: There was no DPAC meeting for the month of December 2005.

b. Dance Committee: The next dance is scheduled for 16th Feb 2006. PAC informed that there is a short of portable racks. The last dance was well organized. PAC feels the more adults take part the better the success of the dance program.

c. Fund raising Committee - Emma: There were no reports for fund raising.

d. School Planning Council: Plan has been signed and submitted. Two goals were same - lots of fine tuning has been done. Literacy and social responsibility project to proceed. See the goals on the JHSS web site.

e. Dry Grad Committee formation: Diane Swanland is to hold a bottle drive on 7th January 2006. The bottles will be collected by some responsible person or can be dropped off at her house. There are plans to organize a fashion show at JH on Feb 22. The Fleetwood Bottle Depot at Fraser highway has an account set up for Dry Grad bottle drive.

7. Old business
a. Parents Together program report - Emma: The orientation was great and the odyssey group was awesome. Emma Dyck is to talk with Tracy Hardman on information regarding drug and alcohol counselling. Ms. Hardman would be asked to make a presentation at a PAC meeting.

b. Discussion of Graduation portfolio binders for grade 11 students. $1500: The binder for the graduation portfolio has been allocated under the school budget. Ken hopes that the money put for the portfolio binder under the school budget will be reimbursed by PAC.

c. Discussion of the purchase of a large projection screen. $1000: Ken informed that they had to borrow large projection screen from LA Matheson school. He has purchased a screen out of school funds but requested the PAC reimburse a portion of the expense. A copy of these expenses will be presented to the PAC.

The $27,000.00 gaming fund is a gift from the Education Ministry. Mark was of the opinion that the whole amount need not be spent this year. Mark suggested to putting a third of the $27,000 into a saving interest earning account. Mark passed a motion put away $10,000 as a back up Brenda seconded. All in favor. Motion carried.

d. Discussion of the purchase of a portable media center. $3,650: Item tabled until next meeting

e. District Regional Forum regarding School Planning Councils Feb 02: No information from dept.

8. New Business
Discussion of new funding available from the Ministry. The "$62,000 question": A Ministry grant to the District results in JH being eligible for an additional grant. The funding allocated towards learning resource was $23/student. The school may receive $61,950.00. The money has to be spent by 31st March 2006. Money which has not been spent can be taken back by the Ministry. Parents need to be involved in the review and allocation decisions. Ken to review the requests from teachers and align the budget accordingly.

Ken informed that the cost to turf the school field would be around $350,000.00.

Mark suggested that the school look into getting some of the latest Autocad products.

9. Mail
Read and distribute as required - no mail.

Meeting ended at 9:10pm.
Next General Meeting: 1st. February 2006

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