RAMPAC Meeting

Mt. Doug School Library

Wednesday, November 15, 2006, 7 p.m.

 

In attendance: John Fawcett, Rob House, Janet Langston, Candice Hughes, Lindy England, Joy Carroll, Margy Ransford, Daryl Cowden, Gail Pohl, Debbie Ibaraki, Bill Hampton, Marla Turner, Lance Turner, Beth Rea, Lori Elder, P. Kenny, Nessa Kenny, Nathan Toh, Bev Perry Hallam, Chunying Dong, Deb Saxby

 

1. Call to Order Candice Hughes Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. and introductions made.

 

2. Leadership Report Juleena Breel shared activities of the past month including Halloween costume participation, Remembrance Day assembly and future plans for CARS Prevention Program, Talent Show and Silent Auction November 28 (Tickets $8 and $6), Christmas dance December 6. Juleena's leadership and organization was acknowledged by Mr. Rob House and teaching staff.

 

3. Emergency Preparedness Meeting participants went outside to see the kiosk and materials for emergency preparedness at the school. Frank Macdonald of Saanich spoke of the joint undertaking by Saanich and the school to work together. Saanich provided the small kiosk in 2003, and the PAC financed the materials. In non-school hours, the Municipality could access the materials if necessary to help replenish the supplies at the nearest Reception Centre, Gordon Head Rec Centre. Supplies would optimally last 7 days including Search and Rescue, First Aid and Survival. A larger kiosk was obtained in the spring. Need a PAC representative to manage the Emergency Preparedness supplies, obtain shelving. "Jump bag" was suggested for key and other immediate emergency items with copy of school's evacuation plan, kiosk key, phone contact information, communication device.

 

4. Youth Combating Intolerance Janet Langston, Nessa Kenny and Nathan Toh spoke about their project in Leadership to augment caring, social responsibility, and deal actively with global issues such as poverty. This campaign will fund a school building, teacher and supplies in Sierra Leone for $11,000. Linked with a multicultural event planned for March 13 with a keynote speaker, they need support and participation.

 

5. School Report Dr. John Fawcett reported on a number of activities.

  • Band and choir concert on last Thursday evening had great quality. Next concert is planned in December and all families can attend.
  • Sport teams are busy and successful including Volleyball, Field Hockey at the Championship, Junior Varsity Football team at the Provincial Quarterfinals, and Rugby performing well.
  • School Planning Council is going to training at the end of the month
  • Remembrance Day assembly was run by the students who participated with Choir, Band and Dance students, even Honour Guard of students.
  • Alumni Association met last week to plan the 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2007 during the 1st or 2nd week of May. Trying to reconnect with alumni and set up an Endowment Fund. Steering Committee already has foundation structures ready. Len Michaux will attend next meeting.
  • Fine Arts Facility Committee has met and is working on an Action Plan
  • Leadership Healthy Schools Initiative is progressing
  • Network of Performance-based Schools. Mt. Doug's teachers are participating by asking questions around social responsibility to see if endeavours make a difference.
  • Final exams for Grade 12 students are optional. Students can take Provincial Exams up to 3 years from the time they took the course, and can ask to rewrite. Students will choose to write either Provincial or class exam at the end of their semester. Need Provincial Exam if they plan to go on to postsecondary education. Provincial Exam is worth 40% of final grade.
  • Portfolio. Students will be asked to declare whether they want to complete their portfolio and get a letter grade, or ask for standing granted.
  • November 29 is Parent-Teacher Interviews.

 

6. Fundraising Bill Hampton shared that Senior Basketball, Football, Music and the French Trip are participating in Thrifty's Smile card program this year for a total of approximately $6000. Other groups can participate in the future.

 

7. Treasurer's Report Lindy England indicated that late requests can be made to the PAC and considered if budgeted funds are not spent.

MOTION: That the PAC also known as Mt. Doug Cocurricular Society, donate $100 to purchase the first brick of the Sierra Leone school. CARRIED

MOTION: That the PAC spend $250 towards the keynote speaker at the multicultural event in March 2007. CARRIED

Will investigate whether insurance payments supported financially by the PAC have legal ramifications.

 

8. Staff Appreciation Lunch Marla Turner has planned the lunch for 75 to 80 staff for Wednesday, December 13. Marla needs volunteers to provide food, help set up or clean up on that date. Please contact her directly at mlturner@telus.net or 592-7691.

 

9. Other business

  • AGM and Election of PAC Executive. Discussed that any change to make the date in January or February of the year need to be incorporated in the Constitution. Revisions to the current Constitution will be discussed at the next meeting, January 17, 2007.
  • School Rules for Honour Roll Status. The current Ministry Guidelines state that students need to be taking 6 courses during the year to qualify for Honour Roll status. This excludes some students who are graduating early and does not take into account the changes to graduation rules, greater flexibility in programming, part-time students, etc. School Planning Council will discuss possible changes to School Policy and bring them to the PAC to consider.
  • Information Evenings. Candice Hughes spoke of her intention to arrange for speakers either briefly prior to PAC meetings or for information nights. Topics such as Drugs and Alcohol, were discussed.

 

10.VCPAC Report. Lori Elder said there will be a report in the newsletter November 23. Vancouver Island Parents' Conference, focusing on School Planning Councils is Feb.10 $50. Next meeting November 28 at 7 p.m. at George Jay School regarding school fee issue.

 

11. Adjourned to 9:20 p.m. Next RAMPAC meeting January 17 at 7 pm