1. Welcome/Introductions 11 people present.
a. Meeting chaired by Susan Caley (vice-chair) in S. Schnitzer’s absence.
b. Additions to the Agenda
i. Student Council report becomes item 2 a
ii. "Funding Requests" added as Item 4 c
Moved by Dianne Swanlund, seconded by Mark Adam that the agenda be adopted as amended. Motion carried.
2. Minutes from previous meeting: Moved by Linda Blais, seconded by Michelle Dezaar that the minutes be accepted. Motion carried.
3. Student Council Report – presented by Brian Mak
Spirit Week is taking place this week with good participation
No student council meeting held this week due to Spirit Week activities
Next school dance will be held on November 23rd. - theme to be decided
Vibe (hosting/promotion company) will provide tickets and posters - Ticket price: $4 for first 40, then $5 each, $7 on dance day - Maximum of 350 tickets will be sold
4. Principals Report:
a. Grade 9 students participated in Take Your Kids to Work day; WorkSafe issues were addressed with students and employers; Career Ed Dept. brought in a manager from WorkSafe BC; Close to 100% of grade 9 students participated.
b. School Planning council has submitted the final draft of their school plan to the School District.
c. The first fire drill of the school year has been completed. This afforded the school an opportunity to address safety issues including the repair of one fire door and to ensure all visitors in the school are properly registered.
d. Professional Learning Communities – two pilot projects will be initiated soon by Johnston Heights teachers who will collaborate across departments.
e. Parent Teacher interviews have taken place – afternoon session enjoyed the best attendance. Parents expressed appreciation for the evening session which accommodated work schedules.
f. Graduation Program – an information night on the new Grade 10-12 graduation was held in October. Attendance issues will be addressed next year by perhaps combing the event with a social event such as a dinner.
g. Graduation Portfolios – questions were raised at the Grade 10-12 info night as well as at the PAC meeting regarding the Portfolio requirements. Parents have been advised that no final decision has been made by the Ministry of Education.
h. Professional Development Day: The theme of October’s Pro-D Day was “Differentiated Instruction”. This was a District focus for that particular day.
i. The school sponsored a number of students to attend a Student Leadership conference in Mission.
j. Spirit Week is coinciding with “Canada Career Week” and events are being held during the lunch break.
k. Fourteen visiting Japanese students will arrive at the school this week.
l. Bill 33 – this Bill will allow us less flexibility in hosting visiting international students due to class size restraints contained within the legislation.
m. Tracey Charlton of ICBC will visit the school on November 3rd to speak to the grade 10 students. She is one of the speakers being sponsored under the PAC speaker program.
n. A tragic, traumatic incident occurred at a private event last week in which Michael Levi, a 2006 graduate of Johnston Heights, was suffered a permanently debilitating injury. A number of students from JH and other neighbouring schools attended the event. The Critical Incident Response Team and the RCMP have attended at the school, a special staff meeting was called, and counselors and teachers are on alert for signs of distress among students. There has been discussion about a fundraiser for Michael – efforts will be coordinated through the principal’s office.
o. Halloween – the school was patrolled/monitored by our safe school liaison and the Kingston Gardens neighbourhood watch. The only incident that occurred was a dumpster fire.
5. Financial Report: presented by Linda Blais, Treasurer
Moved by Linda, seconded by Michelle that the Financial Report be accepted as presented. - Motion carried.
6. Funding Requests:
Ken Hignell presented a list of funding requests made in response to the PAC’s wish to disburse surplus funds in the General Account. After discussion, the PAC agreed to fund the Home Economics Department’s request but wished to defer other decisions until the December PAC meeting when more detailed information will be available. The BASES department requested funding for a field trip and they will be advised that money has been designated for them from the PAC’s gaming account.
Moved by Dianne Swanlund, seconded by Emma Dyck that the Home Economics Department be authorized to spend $416 on gram scales, dehydraters and paring knifes for use in foods classes. - Motion carried.
7. DPAC Report – Mark Adams:
BCCPAC is facilitating seminars on PAC administration and account procedures
DPAC is seeking input for a Parent Resource handbook
DPAC meetings are held the 4th. Wednesday of each month at the District Conference Centre
8. Presentation by Career Ed Dept.:
Career Education teacher, B. Ramsay gave a presentation on the Career Planning software that is available to all Johnston Heights students. After a very informative overview of the software, parents enjoyed hands-on experience with the career planning software their students are able to use.
9. New Business
Emma reported that the ongoing fundraising program had a net income of $180.68 last month
School Fees – the question of charging students fees for educational programs is in a “holding pattern” pending the school district’s response to the legislation around fees
GST Rebate – realization of the Dry Grad 2006 GST rebate for the 2007 committee is in process
Mail – distributed
Meeting ended at 9:15pm.