Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
January 12th 2008
Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Alan Atkins (Staff) Mitch Claybourn
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep.) Tracey Grattan
Anne Small Heather Touchie-Blakely
Regrets:
Pat Campbell
Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
****************************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Minutes of the December meeting were presented and approved with one change – Update attendees to include Heather Touchie who was erroneously missed from the list of attendees.
Action – Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.
2. Friends of NMS Update- Mary Rowe for Vicky Patterson PSSC liaison
• Annual general meeting is scheduled for January 13th
• Nominations – Vicky Patterson, Mary Rowe , Mary Leo Dick – appointed as co-chairs of Friends of NMS for this year
• Go to http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details on the activities of the Friends of NMS
3. Principal’s Report
• School improvement plan update
• Cross grade Math exam this week. Looking for a baseline. The same test will be administered at the end of year.
• Writing code prepared for all subjects (all grades)
• SIP goal – curriculum list for grade 7 teachers.
• Alan at school review at Barkers Point this week.
• Cafeteria usage – allowed some groups to go down early; basically rotating the grade levels to reduce congestion and increase usage of the cafeteria
• Signing by MicroSoft to be held on January 22nd at the school as NMS is the laptop school in the District. MicroSoft will want to see the laptop project. Minister will be here for the signing. No other details on this are available at this time.
• Attendance letters been distributed. NMS has between 10 – 15 students who do not attend regularly. NMS sends out monthly attendance letters and makes calls.
• Gr. 7 classes starting Legion tours which involves going through the museum and then attending a lecture. They also discuss freedoms that we enjoy due to the sacrifice of the veterans.
• Leo Hayes band was here performing before Christmas
• Two Christmas concerts were held involving NMS students
• Alan reviewed current staff changes. See main site for details.
• Cross diagnostic testing scheduled this week.
• HPV testing scheduled this week for girls
• Alan reported that he is attending a middle school developmental assets workshop on Friday.
4. D.E.C Report
• Questionnaire going on line this week
• Action – Alan and Carol to put a note on the BLOG about this. Also a voice mail to be sent out.
• PSSC chairs 2nd orientation meeting to be held on January 15th
• Reviewed operating budget. Supplementary funding approved as requested by various PSSC’s in the district.
• The Laptop Institute has announced that NMS is the 2009 school spotlight Award recipient. NMS is the first public institution to have been chosen as the Spotlight School.
• Refer to attached written update from Carol Coleman for additional DEC activities.
5. Follow up to Previous Action Items
• Glenda Saint report - Executive summary from Glenda Saint report distributed. Alan advised that PSSC members that they can get a copy of the full report from him.
• BLOG Update - BLOG – names have been corrected. Dates for the meeting need to be updated.
• Request to update October 2008 minutes – Protocols state that a change cannot be made to previous minutes that were approved. Correction to the previous minutes (re Home and School) noted in December 2008 minutes.
NEW BUSINESS:
6. Access to feminine protection products
• A parent requested that more efforts be made to provide access to feminine protection products for the girls.
• Currently the guidance councillor or secretary can provide these. As well most teachers have them available in the classroom.
• Action – Alan will talk to the secretaries and guidance councillor and determine how to get the message out to the girls about the availability of these products and how to request them.
7. Access to microwaves. – Particularly for students with health concerns.
• A parent brought up the suggestion to have access to microwaves, particularly for students with health concerns that need to bring in special food.
• It was reported that NMS had microwaves in the classrooms up to last year. However they were removed as they caused electrical overloads and congestion problems in the cafeteria. There is some availability of students to microwaves based on special circumstances but it depends on the teachers. This is done on a case by case basis.
Action – Shauna to advise the parent who approached her on this issue to tell his/her child to discuss this with the guidance councillor.
8. Parity of sports fees between NMS and other schools.
• A parent was inquiring about how schools set the fees for participation in sports activities. Alan stated that the individual school sets their own fees.
• There was a question about the don’t pay, don’t play policy. A concern was raised about how the school will support underprivileged kids under this policy. Alan said there is money that is available, however this is not advertised.
• Action: Alan to get back to Anne about a comparison of sports fees between schools.
9. Discussion held on how NMS could be more inclusive in school sports teams
• Similarly to last meetings discussion, there was a question raised about how NMS could be more inclusive and permit more students to have the opportunity to be on a school sports team. Similar to other schools, there tends to be a small group of students that play on most of the sports teams that represent the school. The question which was raised was, is there something that we can do to have more teams/give every student who wants to, an opportunity to play on a school team not just the more athletic students. There was a suggestion to have some developmental school teams. Unlike drama and band which is completely inclusive, sports teams have very limited spots.
Action – Friends of NMS to spread the word that we need coaches/more parental involvement in order to establish more school sports teams.
10. Schedule for upcoming PSSC meetings
• The PSSC meetings for the year will be held on Feb 9, March 16, April 20, May 11, June 8
Action – Alan to have the meetings dates noted on the BLOG.
Next meeting – February 9, 2009 7pm.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Agenda - February 9, 2009
PSSC Committee Meeting
February 9 2009
Agenda
7:00 Call to order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of December’s Minutes
Friends of NMS update- Vicky Patterson
D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman
Principal’s Report
“ Tell Them From Me” student survey results
Action Item Follow-up:
• Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.
• Alan and Carol to put a note on the BLOG about this. Also a voice mail to be sent out.
• Alan will talk to the secretaries and guidance councillor and determine how to get the message out to the girls about the availability of feminine protection products and how to request them
• Shauna to advise the parent who approached her on microwave issue to tell his/her child to discuss this with the guidance councillor.
• Alan to get back to Anne about a comparison of sports fees between schools.
• Friends of NMS to spread the word that we need coaches/more parental involvement in order to establish more school sports teams.
• Alan to have the meetings dates noted on the BLOG
New Business
Next meeting date: March 13th 2009
Adjournment
February 9 2009
Agenda
7:00 Call to order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of December’s Minutes
Friends of NMS update- Vicky Patterson
D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman
Principal’s Report
“ Tell Them From Me” student survey results
Action Item Follow-up:
• Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.
• Alan and Carol to put a note on the BLOG about this. Also a voice mail to be sent out.
• Alan will talk to the secretaries and guidance councillor and determine how to get the message out to the girls about the availability of feminine protection products and how to request them
• Shauna to advise the parent who approached her on microwave issue to tell his/her child to discuss this with the guidance councillor.
• Alan to get back to Anne about a comparison of sports fees between schools.
• Friends of NMS to spread the word that we need coaches/more parental involvement in order to establish more school sports teams.
• Alan to have the meetings dates noted on the BLOG
New Business
Next meeting date: March 13th 2009
Adjournment
Monday, January 19, 2009
December 8, 2008 Minutes
Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
December 8th 2008
Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Pat Campbell Alan Atkins (Staff)
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep.) Tracey Gratten
Mitch Claybourn Anne Small Heather Touchie Blakely (teacher rep)
Regrets: Barb Brittany
Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
****************************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Alan welcomed Barb Brittany as the new PSSC member. Minutes of the November meeting were presented and approved with minor changes.
Action – Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.
2. Nomination and Election of Officers of PSSC
• Mitch Claybourn stated that after 1 ½ years he was stepping down as Chair. Only one name was brought forward for the position of Chair of the PSSC – Andrew Rowe. Andrew was appointed into the position by acclimation. Discussion was held on whether to appoint a Vice-Chair. No one volunteered for this position so there will be no Vice-Chair. In the event that Andrew is not available to attend a meeting, Alan will Chair the meeting. Sherry Thomson was appointed into the position of Secretary by acclimation.
• Alan expressed his appreciation to Mitch for his support on the PSSC and other support he has provided to the school over the years.
3. Friends of NMS Update- Vicky Patterson PSSC liasion
• Food Bank Support – more than a ton of food and monetary donations were received for the Food Bank.
• Fire Fighters Challenge - there were11 volunteers for the Fire Fighters Challenge. There was a nice write up in the Gleaner on the Challenge. Vicky expressed thanks to Tim’s who donated the coffee.
• Parent-Teacher munchie table – there were 18 volunteers who sent in food for this.
• Friends of NMS decorated the office for Christmas which the students and staff appreciated.
• Christmas dance & bake sale – to be held this week. 25 parents volunteered to bake and 4-5 volunteered to work on the table.
• New anti-bullying campaign.
• Junior Achievement program – the Grade 6 program is done. The Grade 7 program is to be done in January. First time ever, every class is participating.
• Friends of NMS was asked by another school in District 18 to use/adapt their constitution. This demonstrates that this new innovative organization works well.
• Elections – Dec 1st – nomination form posted on the blog. Forms were sent off to parents. Election date in January 12.
• See written update at http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details as well as Appendix A.
4. Principal’s Report
• Remembrance Day celebrations went well.
• HPV immunizations were held
• CD/PD Days held.
• Field house meeting held on November 17th.
o Concern was raised over the issue of night supervision.
o Bleachers are to be replaced within the next 2 years. 75 – 85K.
o Renovations completed to date include new curtains, new floor, and new roof. There are no additional capital costs required for the field house in the foreseeable future.
• Report cards/Parent Teacher interviews were held on Wednesday and Thursday. Administration is currently gathering information and reviewing the results/stats.
• NBTA Council Day held on Nov 21st – Engaging the 21st Century kids. Theme through each generation – we can’t rely totally on technology.
• Grade 8 math assessments. Alan distributed the results of the provincial middle level mathematics assessment. 60% of students are at the appropriate and above level, NMS received the highest “in town” middle school results.
• Brent & Alan participated in threat assessment 2 training.
• Kids and parents loved the Fire Fighters Challenge.
• Parent Survey – 250 – 350 estimated returns.
• Tell Them From Me (TTFM) – Anti-bullying program held.
• Badminton Finals – Our team was the winner.
• T-Shirt/clothing sales happening this week.
• NMS teachers participated in technology conference to be held in Memphis. NMS was selected to present this summer on the laptop program from our perspective. First pubic school to be the guest speaker at this international event.
• School Improvement Plan (SIP)
• Completed survey on SIP with teachers. Reviewed progress to date. Adding more information and projects to the SIP using SMART goals. Developmental Assets – participated in this.
• January 8 & 9 Math test to be held for the whole school. This will be developmental to diagnosis/see weak spots in our curriculum. Will be doing a post-test at the end of the year.
5. D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman
• District Education Council – setting priorities exercise. Sending out a survey in January to all parents/administrators/public at large. Asking for areas of focus. Focusing on 6 main areas:
• Academic excellence (NB3)
• Diversity of academic subjects
• Focus on school culture (raising the bar as far as academic excellence, second language)
• Healthy student, healthy schools (emotional and physical aspects)
• Quality of teaching (in order to achieve certain academic goals)
• Focus on communication (parents, teachers, administrators, PSSC)
6. Action Item Follow-up
• Copy of Glenda Saint report not yet available
• Update on the UNICEF program - Collected $6000 for the UNICEF program.
• Nutrition Policy – Shauna Miller reviewed content of vending machines and provided a list of healthy options to replace items that are in non-compliance of the Nutrition Policy. Sub counter is not doing well.
• Talk mail system - Alan reported that the program, SchoolConnects is available through SynreVoice Technologies Inc. This program is used at George Street and could be a good option for NMS. Alan is exploring this further. Estimated cost would be $1500/year. There is no Rogers/Aliant preference. It goes to all phones.
• PSSC Blog Update - Main link shows last year’s committee. Alan will ask Kim to update this.
New Items
7. E-mail received from Paula Colter.
• There hasn’t been a formal Home & School tried in this school. October Minutes of PSSC should be amended to reflect that there was no formal Home & School tried at NMS, rather an informal one.
Action – Alan to have the minutes amended to reflect the nature of the Home & School activity tried at NMS.
8. Communications between teachers and students.
• Alan noted that we communicate well with our parents in many different ways. However, e-mail takes more time than anything for our teachers. E-mails between teachers & parents are trending towards being negative. Need to encourage face to face and/or phone conversations to improve communications particularly when dealing with issues.
9. Technology & French language – Tracy Allen
• Tracey asked if there was any way to guide students on research techniques on the web in French. Recognized that this is a challenge if students search in English and then translate.
Next meeting – January 12, 2009 7pm.
Appendix A
Friends of NMS Update
Food Bank
The food bank folk were shocked the amount of the donations. They said there was more than a tonne of food which, to purchase, would cost the food bank more than $2400.00. There were monetary donations as well. There was a nice write up in the Gleaner & Northside News.
Firefighter's Challenge
"Burning Down the House 2008" was November 25,2008. 11 volunteers gave their time to help with the set up and/or running of the obstacle course during the day long event. We thank Tim Horton's who organized the donation of coffee and muffins from their Main Street Store.
Parent-Teacher Interview Munchie Table
During the November 19th and 20th Parent Teacher Interviews, we were fortunate to have 18 volunteers send in food items for our "Munchie" Table. Got a lot or positive feedback from the stagg.
A few ladies went in again to help Kim with Show choir costumes.
Christmas decorating- Based on the Halloween decorating of the office’s success, the 3 co- chairs decorated the school office for Christmas.
Christmas Dance Bake Sale (close to 25)
To make the upcoming Christmas Dance (Thursday Dec. 11) a bit more festive for the kids, we will be selling some Christmas baking. As an allergy precaution, we asked that no nut products be used, and that a recipe card/ list of ingredients be included. This should add some fun to the children's night. (Proceeds from the sale will be used towards the school's Anti-Bullying campaign - which is our December need of the month).
Christmas families used to done annually at NMS, but hasn’t been done at the school for 3 years. The money from the baked items not sold at the dance will be sold over lunch break Friday and it’s proceeds will be combined with the $72.52 from the Pumpkin contest for this cause).
JA- grade six classes were done last week. Grade 7 will be done in January. First time in 31 years JA will be into the school to provide courses for all grades/classes at NMS.
Mr Atkins received an email from an elementary school in District 18 asking for permission to
use our Friends of NMS Constitution and Guidelines to use as a template for them to form a similar task based group to replace their existing Home and School. We are very flattered by their interest.
Friends of NMS Elections- Nomination Forms and Information (blogged Dec 1) sent home Dec 2-3, Voice mailed today or tomorrow. Cut off is December 12. Election date TBA January.
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
December 8th 2008
Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Pat Campbell Alan Atkins (Staff)
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep.) Tracey Gratten
Mitch Claybourn Anne Small Heather Touchie Blakely (teacher rep)
Regrets: Barb Brittany
Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
****************************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
• Alan welcomed Barb Brittany as the new PSSC member. Minutes of the November meeting were presented and approved with minor changes.
Action – Sherry to update the minutes and send them to Andrew for official posting onto the NMS website.
2. Nomination and Election of Officers of PSSC
• Mitch Claybourn stated that after 1 ½ years he was stepping down as Chair. Only one name was brought forward for the position of Chair of the PSSC – Andrew Rowe. Andrew was appointed into the position by acclimation. Discussion was held on whether to appoint a Vice-Chair. No one volunteered for this position so there will be no Vice-Chair. In the event that Andrew is not available to attend a meeting, Alan will Chair the meeting. Sherry Thomson was appointed into the position of Secretary by acclimation.
• Alan expressed his appreciation to Mitch for his support on the PSSC and other support he has provided to the school over the years.
3. Friends of NMS Update- Vicky Patterson PSSC liasion
• Food Bank Support – more than a ton of food and monetary donations were received for the Food Bank.
• Fire Fighters Challenge - there were11 volunteers for the Fire Fighters Challenge. There was a nice write up in the Gleaner on the Challenge. Vicky expressed thanks to Tim’s who donated the coffee.
• Parent-Teacher munchie table – there were 18 volunteers who sent in food for this.
• Friends of NMS decorated the office for Christmas which the students and staff appreciated.
• Christmas dance & bake sale – to be held this week. 25 parents volunteered to bake and 4-5 volunteered to work on the table.
• New anti-bullying campaign.
• Junior Achievement program – the Grade 6 program is done. The Grade 7 program is to be done in January. First time ever, every class is participating.
• Friends of NMS was asked by another school in District 18 to use/adapt their constitution. This demonstrates that this new innovative organization works well.
• Elections – Dec 1st – nomination form posted on the blog. Forms were sent off to parents. Election date in January 12.
• See written update at http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details as well as Appendix A.
4. Principal’s Report
• Remembrance Day celebrations went well.
• HPV immunizations were held
• CD/PD Days held.
• Field house meeting held on November 17th.
o Concern was raised over the issue of night supervision.
o Bleachers are to be replaced within the next 2 years. 75 – 85K.
o Renovations completed to date include new curtains, new floor, and new roof. There are no additional capital costs required for the field house in the foreseeable future.
• Report cards/Parent Teacher interviews were held on Wednesday and Thursday. Administration is currently gathering information and reviewing the results/stats.
• NBTA Council Day held on Nov 21st – Engaging the 21st Century kids. Theme through each generation – we can’t rely totally on technology.
• Grade 8 math assessments. Alan distributed the results of the provincial middle level mathematics assessment. 60% of students are at the appropriate and above level, NMS received the highest “in town” middle school results.
• Brent & Alan participated in threat assessment 2 training.
• Kids and parents loved the Fire Fighters Challenge.
• Parent Survey – 250 – 350 estimated returns.
• Tell Them From Me (TTFM) – Anti-bullying program held.
• Badminton Finals – Our team was the winner.
• T-Shirt/clothing sales happening this week.
• NMS teachers participated in technology conference to be held in Memphis. NMS was selected to present this summer on the laptop program from our perspective. First pubic school to be the guest speaker at this international event.
• School Improvement Plan (SIP)
• Completed survey on SIP with teachers. Reviewed progress to date. Adding more information and projects to the SIP using SMART goals. Developmental Assets – participated in this.
• January 8 & 9 Math test to be held for the whole school. This will be developmental to diagnosis/see weak spots in our curriculum. Will be doing a post-test at the end of the year.
5. D.E.C Report – Carol Coleman
• District Education Council – setting priorities exercise. Sending out a survey in January to all parents/administrators/public at large. Asking for areas of focus. Focusing on 6 main areas:
• Academic excellence (NB3)
• Diversity of academic subjects
• Focus on school culture (raising the bar as far as academic excellence, second language)
• Healthy student, healthy schools (emotional and physical aspects)
• Quality of teaching (in order to achieve certain academic goals)
• Focus on communication (parents, teachers, administrators, PSSC)
6. Action Item Follow-up
• Copy of Glenda Saint report not yet available
• Update on the UNICEF program - Collected $6000 for the UNICEF program.
• Nutrition Policy – Shauna Miller reviewed content of vending machines and provided a list of healthy options to replace items that are in non-compliance of the Nutrition Policy. Sub counter is not doing well.
• Talk mail system - Alan reported that the program, SchoolConnects is available through SynreVoice Technologies Inc. This program is used at George Street and could be a good option for NMS. Alan is exploring this further. Estimated cost would be $1500/year. There is no Rogers/Aliant preference. It goes to all phones.
• PSSC Blog Update - Main link shows last year’s committee. Alan will ask Kim to update this.
New Items
7. E-mail received from Paula Colter.
• There hasn’t been a formal Home & School tried in this school. October Minutes of PSSC should be amended to reflect that there was no formal Home & School tried at NMS, rather an informal one.
Action – Alan to have the minutes amended to reflect the nature of the Home & School activity tried at NMS.
8. Communications between teachers and students.
• Alan noted that we communicate well with our parents in many different ways. However, e-mail takes more time than anything for our teachers. E-mails between teachers & parents are trending towards being negative. Need to encourage face to face and/or phone conversations to improve communications particularly when dealing with issues.
9. Technology & French language – Tracy Allen
• Tracey asked if there was any way to guide students on research techniques on the web in French. Recognized that this is a challenge if students search in English and then translate.
Next meeting – January 12, 2009 7pm.
Appendix A
Friends of NMS Update
Food Bank
The food bank folk were shocked the amount of the donations. They said there was more than a tonne of food which, to purchase, would cost the food bank more than $2400.00. There were monetary donations as well. There was a nice write up in the Gleaner & Northside News.
Firefighter's Challenge
"Burning Down the House 2008" was November 25,2008. 11 volunteers gave their time to help with the set up and/or running of the obstacle course during the day long event. We thank Tim Horton's who organized the donation of coffee and muffins from their Main Street Store.
Parent-Teacher Interview Munchie Table
During the November 19th and 20th Parent Teacher Interviews, we were fortunate to have 18 volunteers send in food items for our "Munchie" Table. Got a lot or positive feedback from the stagg.
A few ladies went in again to help Kim with Show choir costumes.
Christmas decorating- Based on the Halloween decorating of the office’s success, the 3 co- chairs decorated the school office for Christmas.
Christmas Dance Bake Sale (close to 25)
To make the upcoming Christmas Dance (Thursday Dec. 11) a bit more festive for the kids, we will be selling some Christmas baking. As an allergy precaution, we asked that no nut products be used, and that a recipe card/ list of ingredients be included. This should add some fun to the children's night. (Proceeds from the sale will be used towards the school's Anti-Bullying campaign - which is our December need of the month).
Christmas families used to done annually at NMS, but hasn’t been done at the school for 3 years. The money from the baked items not sold at the dance will be sold over lunch break Friday and it’s proceeds will be combined with the $72.52 from the Pumpkin contest for this cause).
JA- grade six classes were done last week. Grade 7 will be done in January. First time in 31 years JA will be into the school to provide courses for all grades/classes at NMS.
Mr Atkins received an email from an elementary school in District 18 asking for permission to
use our Friends of NMS Constitution and Guidelines to use as a template for them to form a similar task based group to replace their existing Home and School. We are very flattered by their interest.
Friends of NMS Elections- Nomination Forms and Information (blogged Dec 1) sent home Dec 2-3, Voice mailed today or tomorrow. Cut off is December 12. Election date TBA January.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
PSSC Meeting Dates
Future dates for PSSC meetings:
February 9, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
March 16, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
April 20, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
May 11, 20090 - 7:00 p.m.
June 8, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
February 9, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
March 16, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
April 20, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
May 11, 20090 - 7:00 p.m.
June 8, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
2008 - 2009 Parent School Support Committee
Members:
Andrew Rowe (Chair)
Sherry Thomson ( Secretary)
Heather Touchie-Blakely – Teacher Rep
Tracy Allen
Barb Brittany
Pat Campbell
Mitch Claybourn
Tracey Grattan
John MacKenzie
Shauna Miller
Anne Small
Ex Officio Member:
Alan Atkins ( Principal )
DEC Representative:
Carol Coleman
Andrew Rowe (Chair)
Sherry Thomson ( Secretary)
Heather Touchie-Blakely – Teacher Rep
Tracy Allen
Barb Brittany
Pat Campbell
Mitch Claybourn
Tracey Grattan
John MacKenzie
Shauna Miller
Anne Small
Ex Officio Member:
Alan Atkins ( Principal )
DEC Representative:
Carol Coleman
December 8, 2008 - Meeting Agenda
Nashwaaksis Middle School
PSSC Committee Meeting
December 8th 2008
Agenda
7:00-7:05 Welcome Barb Brittany as new PSSC member, Approval of October’s Minutes and Approval of November’s Agenda
7:05-7:09 Nomination and Election of Officers of PSSC (chair and vice chair)
7:05-7:10 Friends of NMS update- Vicky Patterson
7:10-7:15 D.E.C Report- Carol Coleman
7:15-7:35 Principal’s Report
7:35 -7:50 Action Item Follow-up
1. Provide a copy of the Glenda Saint report to the PSSC (Alan)
2. Provide a copy of the UNICEF program to the PSSC (Alan)
3. Nashwaaksis Middle School Annual report and feedback from Diane Wilkins Provide a summary of the feedback from Diane Wilkins regarding the NMS Annual report (Alan)
4. Nutrition Policy: Policy # 18-711 and Appendix A Provide FAQ’s of different products to Alan (Shauna Miller)
Review vendor machines and advise Alan of items that are in non-compliance of the criteria and suggest options. (Shauna Miller)
5. Talk mail new soft ware (Alan) Check into the system that Leo Hayes and FHS use (Alan)
6. PSSC Blog updated (Alan)
7:50-8:20 New Agenda Additional Items (identified prior to or at the meeting)
1. Email dated November 23rd, 2008, from a parent re: home and school (Mitch)
8:20-8:30 Additional items added at meeting
Adjournment
PSSC Committee Meeting
December 8th 2008
Agenda
7:00-7:05 Welcome Barb Brittany as new PSSC member, Approval of October’s Minutes and Approval of November’s Agenda
7:05-7:09 Nomination and Election of Officers of PSSC (chair and vice chair)
7:05-7:10 Friends of NMS update- Vicky Patterson
7:10-7:15 D.E.C Report- Carol Coleman
7:15-7:35 Principal’s Report
7:35 -7:50 Action Item Follow-up
1. Provide a copy of the Glenda Saint report to the PSSC (Alan)
2. Provide a copy of the UNICEF program to the PSSC (Alan)
3. Nashwaaksis Middle School Annual report and feedback from Diane Wilkins Provide a summary of the feedback from Diane Wilkins regarding the NMS Annual report (Alan)
4. Nutrition Policy: Policy # 18-711 and Appendix A Provide FAQ’s of different products to Alan (Shauna Miller)
Review vendor machines and advise Alan of items that are in non-compliance of the criteria and suggest options. (Shauna Miller)
5. Talk mail new soft ware (Alan) Check into the system that Leo Hayes and FHS use (Alan)
6. PSSC Blog updated (Alan)
7:50-8:20 New Agenda Additional Items (identified prior to or at the meeting)
1. Email dated November 23rd, 2008, from a parent re: home and school (Mitch)
8:20-8:30 Additional items added at meeting
Adjournment
November 10th Meeting Minutes
Minutes of Meeting
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
November 10th 2008
Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Pat Campbell Alan Atkins (Staff)
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep.)
Regrets:
Mitch Claybourn Anne Small Tracey Grattan
Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
**********************************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm
1. Welcome, Approval of Minutes
· October’s meeting minutes were approved as presented. Moved Tracy Allen, Seconded Pat Campbell.
2. Friends of NMS update- Vicky Patterson PSSC liaison
Vicky Patterson gave an update of the Friends of NMS activities from last month. Highlights include:
Received positive media coverage in the Northside News about the Bookfair as well as many favourable calls from parents.
Held Grade 6 Welcome BBQ and Coil Boil on October 2, 2008.
Supported the Magazine Campaign
Held Scholastic French & English Book Fairs – Combined profits $6200. Proceeds to go to the purchase of books for the school and for curriculum resources for the administration.
September Need of the Month – NMS Breakfast Program – Received great response.
October Need of the Month – Fredericton Food Bank – Received hundreds of non-perishable food items.
Held first ever Jack-O-Lantern contest – Profits of $72.52 donated to the Christmas Families Fund at the school.
See written update at http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details
Upcoming events for November include
Fire Fighters Challenge, Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Healthy Eating Initiative
Nominations for the positions of the 3 Co-Chairs will be accepted from December 1, 2008 until 3pm December 12, 2008. Nominations forms will be made available just prior to these dates and will be posted on the Blog. Elections will take place on Jan. 7, 2009 and Jan. 8, 2009.
3. D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman
Carol Coleman gave an update from the D.E.C. Two major meetings held:
· Parents Forum held on October 16th – Objective was to gather input from education stakeholders as they develop priorities for their four-year mandate.
· Training/Orientation for PSSC Members – Communications was highlighted as a key area of focus.
Carol gave highlights from the Grade 5 and Grade 8 Mathematics Assessment:
· The briefing note provided by the Department of Education about the Grade 5 Provincial Mathematics Assessment reported that the goal of the government of New Brunswick is for 90% of students to meet or exceed the appropriate achievement level, with 20% of those at the strong achievement level. Provincially, 65% met or exceeded the appropriate achievement level in Mathematics. 68% of District 18 students achieved Appropriate or Strong Achievement.
Go to http://www.district18.nbed.nb.ca/dec.htm for minutes of the DEC meetings. Standard practice is that the meeting minutes will be posted the 1st Thursday of the month. The Podcast is posted the Friday following the DEC meeting.
4. Principal’s Report- Alan
School safety week was held on October 6 to 10. The objective of the school safety week is to help students, teachers, parents and administrators increase their awareness of the need to keep our schools safe. Activities held included fire drills, school bus evacuations, lock down drills, and school evacuation exercises.
Magazine campaign – Was down 25% from last year. This will have an impact on the programs that the school can offer.
Participated in Junior Achievement for Grade 8 (all classes).
Teacher Professional development days are scheduled for October 14 and November 10th. Will be working on school improvement plan (SIP) including incorporating SMART goals into the plan.
Held school dance on October 30th. Over 400 students went to the dance representing ¼ population. The dance went well. However, feedback from the students included the dance was too short and there was too much light.
Installed new seats in the theatre. Thanks to Mr. Springer for his efforts here.
Opened Re-connecting room on October 21st. Purpose of the room is to support students as they transition back to school who have been away for any number of reasons (i.e. sick, disciplined). Three – four students/day are using this service.
Grade 7 LA assessment is upcoming. The assessment will occur over a 3-day period. Expect to have results after Christmas.
Held Bookfares – Alan expressed his appreciation to the Friends of NMS for their great job in organizing the two bookfares.
Held Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 7th. The students were well behaved.
Action: Provide a copy of the Glenda Saint report to the PSSC (Alan)
5. Action Items Follow-up
School Improvement Plan (SIP) (Alan)
· The teaching staff have review this. A new document is expected in the new year. We are in year 2 of a 3-year plan.
Maximizing our outdoor space (Alan)
· Test of the use of new areas will be held in the spring. Students will need to go through the front door to access the new areas.
Action: Provide an update on the UNICEF program to the PSSC (Alan)
6. Nashwaaksis Middle School Annual report and feedback from Diane Wilkins- Alan
Action: Provide summary of annual report to PSSC (Alan)
7. Nutrition Policy: Policy # 18-711 and Appendix A –Alan
New criteria on nutrition was released in August and is available on the website.
Training with Chartwells was cancelled.
Question was raised – Do we provide the students adequate time to eat healthy, since it takes longer to eat healthy food verses fast food? Challenge as contractually teachers must be given 1 hour duty free. Looking at providing a Sub bar.
Concern raised that the pizza and ice cream rewards given to classrooms may be giving the wrong message. Alan will consider option options as opposed to “non nutritional” items.
Actions: Provide FAQ’s of different products to Alan (Shauna Miller)
Review vendor machines and advise Alan of items that are in non-compliance of the criteria and suggest options. (Shauna Miller)
8. Availability of qualified French speaking substitute teachers. –Alan
It is recognized that this is an issue. Retired teachers have a teaching cap of 20 days.
9. PRA Time (practical and related arts) and the Health Curriculum- Alan
Home economics is gone from the curriculum. Health is taught in PRA (some teaching time may be lost due to storm days).
10. Talk mail new soft ware- Alan
Aliant and Rogers are not compatible with the school’s software for Talk mail. We are not able to reach some parents due to the constraints.
Action: Check into the system that Leo Hayes and FHS use (Alan)
11. Dance admittance procedure-Alan
A list was posted identifying the students that were not granted admittance to the dance. There were concerns with this. A new method to be developed. The “no dance” list of students will be made available to screen attendees on the night of the dance.
12. Nomination of new Parent Rep. to PSSC
Barb Brittany was nominated and approved as a new Parent Rep. to the PSSC. Nominated by Andrew Rowe and seconded by John MacKenzie.
Action: Advise Barb of the results of the nomination (Andrew)
Advise Mitch of the results of the nomination (Alan)
13. Nomination of Officers of PSSC
As per the PSSC guidelines, nominations for the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer positions are to be held yearly. Nominations to be held at the next meeting.
Action: Send nominations to Alan by November 24th (current PSSC members)
14. PSSC Blog
The PSSC Blog is not current.
Action: Alan to have the Blog updated.
15. Inclusion of more students on Sports Teams - Shauna
Discussion held on the fact that it is always the same students on the sports teams. Is there a way to ensure better inclusion? It was recognized that this is an issue. However, no feasible alternatives to respond to this were identified, as it would need to be a policy change for all the schools.
Next Meeting – December 8th 7pm - room 200
NMS – PSSC Committee Meeting
November 10th 2008
Attendees:
Tracy Allen Sherry Thomson Shauna Miller
John MacKenzie Pat Campbell Alan Atkins (Staff)
Andrew Rowe Carol Coleman (DEC Rep.)
Regrets:
Mitch Claybourn Anne Small Tracey Grattan
Guests:
Mary Rowe (Co-Chair of Friends of NMS)
**********************************************************************************************************
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm
1. Welcome, Approval of Minutes
· October’s meeting minutes were approved as presented. Moved Tracy Allen, Seconded Pat Campbell.
2. Friends of NMS update- Vicky Patterson PSSC liaison
Vicky Patterson gave an update of the Friends of NMS activities from last month. Highlights include:
Received positive media coverage in the Northside News about the Bookfair as well as many favourable calls from parents.
Held Grade 6 Welcome BBQ and Coil Boil on October 2, 2008.
Supported the Magazine Campaign
Held Scholastic French & English Book Fairs – Combined profits $6200. Proceeds to go to the purchase of books for the school and for curriculum resources for the administration.
September Need of the Month – NMS Breakfast Program – Received great response.
October Need of the Month – Fredericton Food Bank – Received hundreds of non-perishable food items.
Held first ever Jack-O-Lantern contest – Profits of $72.52 donated to the Christmas Families Fund at the school.
See written update at http://friendsofnms.blogspot.com/ for more details
Upcoming events for November include
Fire Fighters Challenge, Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Healthy Eating Initiative
Nominations for the positions of the 3 Co-Chairs will be accepted from December 1, 2008 until 3pm December 12, 2008. Nominations forms will be made available just prior to these dates and will be posted on the Blog. Elections will take place on Jan. 7, 2009 and Jan. 8, 2009.
3. D.E.C Report- D.E.C Rep- Carol Coleman
Carol Coleman gave an update from the D.E.C. Two major meetings held:
· Parents Forum held on October 16th – Objective was to gather input from education stakeholders as they develop priorities for their four-year mandate.
· Training/Orientation for PSSC Members – Communications was highlighted as a key area of focus.
Carol gave highlights from the Grade 5 and Grade 8 Mathematics Assessment:
· The briefing note provided by the Department of Education about the Grade 5 Provincial Mathematics Assessment reported that the goal of the government of New Brunswick is for 90% of students to meet or exceed the appropriate achievement level, with 20% of those at the strong achievement level. Provincially, 65% met or exceeded the appropriate achievement level in Mathematics. 68% of District 18 students achieved Appropriate or Strong Achievement.
Go to http://www.district18.nbed.nb.ca/dec.htm for minutes of the DEC meetings. Standard practice is that the meeting minutes will be posted the 1st Thursday of the month. The Podcast is posted the Friday following the DEC meeting.
4. Principal’s Report- Alan
School safety week was held on October 6 to 10. The objective of the school safety week is to help students, teachers, parents and administrators increase their awareness of the need to keep our schools safe. Activities held included fire drills, school bus evacuations, lock down drills, and school evacuation exercises.
Magazine campaign – Was down 25% from last year. This will have an impact on the programs that the school can offer.
Participated in Junior Achievement for Grade 8 (all classes).
Teacher Professional development days are scheduled for October 14 and November 10th. Will be working on school improvement plan (SIP) including incorporating SMART goals into the plan.
Held school dance on October 30th. Over 400 students went to the dance representing ¼ population. The dance went well. However, feedback from the students included the dance was too short and there was too much light.
Installed new seats in the theatre. Thanks to Mr. Springer for his efforts here.
Opened Re-connecting room on October 21st. Purpose of the room is to support students as they transition back to school who have been away for any number of reasons (i.e. sick, disciplined). Three – four students/day are using this service.
Grade 7 LA assessment is upcoming. The assessment will occur over a 3-day period. Expect to have results after Christmas.
Held Bookfares – Alan expressed his appreciation to the Friends of NMS for their great job in organizing the two bookfares.
Held Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 7th. The students were well behaved.
Action: Provide a copy of the Glenda Saint report to the PSSC (Alan)
5. Action Items Follow-up
School Improvement Plan (SIP) (Alan)
· The teaching staff have review this. A new document is expected in the new year. We are in year 2 of a 3-year plan.
Maximizing our outdoor space (Alan)
· Test of the use of new areas will be held in the spring. Students will need to go through the front door to access the new areas.
Action: Provide an update on the UNICEF program to the PSSC (Alan)
6. Nashwaaksis Middle School Annual report and feedback from Diane Wilkins- Alan
Action: Provide summary of annual report to PSSC (Alan)
7. Nutrition Policy: Policy # 18-711 and Appendix A –Alan
New criteria on nutrition was released in August and is available on the website.
Training with Chartwells was cancelled.
Question was raised – Do we provide the students adequate time to eat healthy, since it takes longer to eat healthy food verses fast food? Challenge as contractually teachers must be given 1 hour duty free. Looking at providing a Sub bar.
Concern raised that the pizza and ice cream rewards given to classrooms may be giving the wrong message. Alan will consider option options as opposed to “non nutritional” items.
Actions: Provide FAQ’s of different products to Alan (Shauna Miller)
Review vendor machines and advise Alan of items that are in non-compliance of the criteria and suggest options. (Shauna Miller)
8. Availability of qualified French speaking substitute teachers. –Alan
It is recognized that this is an issue. Retired teachers have a teaching cap of 20 days.
9. PRA Time (practical and related arts) and the Health Curriculum- Alan
Home economics is gone from the curriculum. Health is taught in PRA (some teaching time may be lost due to storm days).
10. Talk mail new soft ware- Alan
Aliant and Rogers are not compatible with the school’s software for Talk mail. We are not able to reach some parents due to the constraints.
Action: Check into the system that Leo Hayes and FHS use (Alan)
11. Dance admittance procedure-Alan
A list was posted identifying the students that were not granted admittance to the dance. There were concerns with this. A new method to be developed. The “no dance” list of students will be made available to screen attendees on the night of the dance.
12. Nomination of new Parent Rep. to PSSC
Barb Brittany was nominated and approved as a new Parent Rep. to the PSSC. Nominated by Andrew Rowe and seconded by John MacKenzie.
Action: Advise Barb of the results of the nomination (Andrew)
Advise Mitch of the results of the nomination (Alan)
13. Nomination of Officers of PSSC
As per the PSSC guidelines, nominations for the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer positions are to be held yearly. Nominations to be held at the next meeting.
Action: Send nominations to Alan by November 24th (current PSSC members)
14. PSSC Blog
The PSSC Blog is not current.
Action: Alan to have the Blog updated.
15. Inclusion of more students on Sports Teams - Shauna
Discussion held on the fact that it is always the same students on the sports teams. Is there a way to ensure better inclusion? It was recognized that this is an issue. However, no feasible alternatives to respond to this were identified, as it would need to be a policy change for all the schools.
Next Meeting – December 8th 7pm - room 200
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