Special Meeting of Mt. Doug Co-curricular Society

Mt. Doug School Library

Wednesday, May 16, 2007, 7 p.m.

 

In attendance: John Fawcett, Julie Laliberte, Phil Ferriera, Candice Hughes, Bill Hampton, Lindy England, Joy Carroll, Debbie Ibaraki, Marla Turner, Lance Turner, Daryl Cowden, Jan Ross, Eric Blumenschein, Gail Pohl

 

1. Call to Order Candice Hughes called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and introductions were made.

 

2. Possible 2 week spring break 2008 (Phil Ferriera) In 2008, Good Friday falls within spring break. Due to this, the following week will have only 3 school days, and many families may extend their vacation. Local School Districts are considering whether spring break should be 2 weeks long next year: Sooke (62) voted for, Saanich (63) voted against, Victoria is voting May 28. VCPAC and CUPE 382/947 are supporting the idea. Parents are urged to attend the May 28 meeting at the School District office at 7:30 pm. Can also email their trustee. Candice will contact admin to circulate email directly to parents.

 

MOTION: That the Mt. Doug PAC endorses a 2 week spring break for the 2007-2008 school year. Jan/Marla CARRIED

 

3. Leadership Report Julie Laliberte Congratulations from the PAC to Julie who recently learned she has been accepted into a Theatre Program in New York. A Circular of the year's Leadership events was provided for PAC members. Couture for a Cure will be held soon to benefit a number of charities.

 

Message from Danielle regarding Fine Arts Banquet Wednesday June 6 with performances beginning at 7 pm.

 

4. School Policy re: possible dangerous events Candice asked John Fawcett if the school has a plan to protect students and staff in the even of a potentially dangerous event. The District has Lock-down procedures in place. John has met recently with staff and teachers. Will have a lock-down practice in the fall and inform parents in a newsletter.

 

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

  • Enrollment continues to be stable. Estimates at 1010 for September. Number of International students has risen.
  • The Special Education budget is down by $100,000. The number of students designated is decreasing drastically. 2 full time FTE resource room staff will be reduced to 1.5 FTE. Number and hours of Education Assistants will also decrease.
  • ESL numbers are stable with no lay-off notices for support staff.
  • One person excess to needs in an elective. Fine Arts is up, and will be increasing staff.
  • Following a recent audit, 2/3's of Challenge students were not found to be gifted. School needs to keep files as well as test protocols, and keep files from previous schools.
  • Fraser Institute Report results help enrollment, but we should remember that Mt. Doug is a comprehensive school with Fine Arts, Technology, Sports and Athletics, and ESL, too. We also have an excellent field trip program.
  • Upcoming ProD will focus upon (1) assessment practices - How we assess should proscribe teaching practices, and (2) Mt. Doug of our future - Ideas to fend off declining enrollment
  • There will be major staff turnover as a number of staff retiring. Cards will be sent to retiring staff member on behalf of the PAC.
  • Seismic Upgrade: Work starts Saturday, June 9. Exams will take place in classrooms on the second floor as gym will not be available. Dance floor and band room will be upgraded. Vending machines moved to students' alcove area. Interior strapping summer 2008.
  • Discussion regarding recent obituary of past Mt. Douglas student in the paper.

MOTION: That the PAC donates $50 in the deceased student's honour to scholarship fund. Jan Ross/Candice Hughes CARRIED

  • School District requires confirmation of Principal's job description. Past description was provided for our consideration.

MOTION: To adopt the same job description for Principal as 2006. Candice Hughes/Lindy England CARRIED

 

6. Global Warming: One class had discussed this issue from two perspectives. The rule pertaining to such subjects in school focuses upon learning outcomes. Students are assisted in gathering information, synthesizing the information, and encouraged to make decisions about issues themselves. Eric Blumenschein shared his perspective and resources including Dr. Andrew Weaver, and Guy Dauncey who would be willing to share their perspectives with the school. Discussion regarding this topic ensued. Suggested an evening/workshop on a weekend with both sides of the debate presented, and possible focus upon how to preserve the earth in the best way possible.

 

7. Treasurer's Report Lindy England

  • Direct Access form submitted.
  • Photocopy machine in library discussed. Suggested that the contract not be renewed. PAC could purchase a quality scanner to replace the photocopier. Candice will discuss with the librarian and Lindy will check on the lease for the photocopier. Tabled to next meeting.
  • Eric Flanagan, past PAC president, will talk to Lindy re: financial review.

 

8. Constitution and By-laws: Lance and Marla Turner

Drafts of the amended Constitution and By-Laws were circulated. Each item discussed in detail regarding intent, and clarity. Amendments were discussed in detail and concensus reached on all points.

 

MOTION: That the Constitution of the Mt. Doug Co-Curricular Society be adopted as presented and amended. Marla Turner/Daryl Cowden CARRIED

 

MOTION: That the By-laws of Mt. Doug Co-Curricular Society be adopted as presented and amended. Daryl Cowden/Debbie Ibaraki CARRIED.

 

9. Other Business

  • Encouraging parents to attend meetings. Incoming Cedar Hill, Lansdowne and Arbutus families should be invited to the next PAC meeting.
  • Executive positions available for September: Daryl Cowden was appointed as Interim Chairperson, Debbie Ibaraki as Interim Vice-Chairperson.

Other volunteers needed include Webmaster, Bingo Coordinator, Emergency Preparedness Rep.

 

10. Adjourned.

 

Next RAMPAC Meeting will be June 20 at 7 pm in the library.