Parent Advisory Council - Meeting started 7:10 pm.

1. Welcome and Introductions
No items to be added to the agenda.

2. Review of Previous Minutes
Motion to accept CARRIED.

3. Principal’s Report
Jim Deacon was not in attendance as he was at another meeting. A written report was submitted as follows:

Mission Statement: After much consultation and editing, the following was adopted by the staff as the official JHSS Mission Statement: At Johnson Heights Secondary School, we are a caring and respectful community of learners, working together to develop full potential in all.

Program for Successful Exam Writing: This program was presented to all Grade 10 classes by the administration. It was very well received by the grade 10's. A full blown mid-term exam session is being planned for Semester 2. The English, Math, Science, and Language Departments have adopted the program. Teacher in-service training on Test Busting Strategies occurs on December 6th. and will be taught to students in subsequent Block C’s. The parent evening session will be held on January 12th. and is open to the parents of Grades 8, 9, 10 students. Tickets will be issued as the capacity of the theatre is limited.

International Teacher Centre: JHSS will welcome 14 teachers from China for two months. The teacher/students will receive methods and instruction for teaching English as a Second Language and spend 50% of their time in our teacher’s classrooms observing.

School Dance: Over 300 students attended. It was a very successful event.

Dry Grad Mailout: The labels are ready and the school will photocopy any letter the PAC develops. The school will run them through the stamp machine.

Advertising Attachment to Report Card: The attachment went out and hopefully reached all with the report card. The collation of the three pieces took three hours of clerical time. A suggestion for next time to have the pages collated and stapled in advance so the attachment is only a one step process.

Cinderella Project: In the last meeting a question was asked regarding the donation of dresses, gloves, purses, suits, etc. for the grads who may not be able to afford finery for the dinner/dance. Elizabeth Weber, School Counsellor, will gladly receive any items donated and will look after getting them to the appropriate students.

Post Secondary Evening: Many of the post secondary institutions will be offering information. Grade 12 students and parents are invited. Wed. Dec 8, 7pm. to 9pm. Advance information is attached for the PAC.

4. Financial Report
Direct Access (Casino) funds received and deposited ($23,420.00)
Auditors for the gaming funds have issued their final report. They now want a written response from Linda Blais on how the PAC will address the two concerns that were identified. The concerns were:
1.The PAC hadn’t submitted expenditures on a timely basis and on approved forms; and
2.Two expenditures were made where there were no receipts.
Linda was unable to provide electronic financial statements as her printer malfunctioned. Instead, she gave a verbal presentation. Linda is requesting feedback prior to the January 2005 Meeting on suggestions for a budget on how to spend the casino funds. John Holt will speak to Jim Deacon about this.
Motion to accept Financial Report CARRIED.

5. Committee Reports
DPAC: Emma Dyck attended a 3-hour meeting in November. There was a very heated discussion regarding constitutional amendments. Dry Grad Committee: Maryann Kika was not in attendance. Linda Blais will speak to Maryann regarding the issue of sending out a letter to all grade 12 parents asking for volunteers. A motion was passed in November authorizing $75 to cover postage/envelopes.

Fundraising Committee: Emma has received several calls regarding Progressive Fundraising. Six orders have been placed so far. The procedure for processing orders is as follows:

1.Orders sent to school with cash or cheque.
2.Michelle to pick up orders every Wednesday.
3.Emma to phone and verify orders.
4.Once cheques have cleared, orders will be submitted.
5.Once orders are in, Emma will phone purchasers to arrange pickup at the school (students may pickup with written consent)

Dance Committee: 300 students attended. Dance a success. Concession made $90
MOTION: To donate the remainder of the bulk candy to Student Council for a raffle (approximately $45 in stock) - CARRIED
School Planning Council: School plan has now been signed by School Planning Council members. The three areas targeted for improvement in 2004/05 are: student literacy, human & social development, and improved graduation rates.

6. Old Business
Inkwell Cartridge Program: Karen Barden was supposed to get recycling container.
PAC Secretary: This position is still available.
Leaky Roof Letter: Steve Schnitzer to draft letter once Jim Deacon forwards information.
Cinderella Project: Correspondence from School Board handed out. More information can be found at: cinderellaproject@shaw.ca

7. New Business
Jim will be asked for permission to set up a PAC table at the next parent evening on January 12th.
MOTION: For the PAC President to contact the Principal to enquire about the BASES and Alternate Programs, and whether these programs are aware of PAC funding initiatives and PAC information. - CARRIED

8. Mail
Lago Apparel Fundraising. John will visit this business and advise PAC if worthwhile.

Adjourned at 8:55pm.
Next Meeting: January 5, 2005

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