School Council Minutes Sept 08

MINUTES – School Council Meeting St. Joseph’s High School September 16th, 2008 Sr. Clare Gallagher Library Attendees: Colin Slight, Mark Searson, Catherine Helferty, Sue McSheffrey, Sheila Sweet, Sister Sheila, Teresa and Chris Naismith and Carolyn Hass. Opening Prayer: Mark Searson introduced the prayer – Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian Minutes: Minutes of the May 27th meeting were reviewed by members and approved by Sue McSheffrey and seconded by Sister Sheila Election of 2008-2009 School Council Executive Positions: Colin Slight As many interested potential members were not able to attend the opening meeting, Sue McSheffrey motioned to defer the elections until the October meeting. Colin Slight seconded the motion. Student Council Report: Catherine Helferty (Prime minister for 2008-2009) New Business • The orientation BBQ was held on August 27th. Leo Freemark and Catherine Helferty (Prime Ministers for 2008/09), greeted students and parents and took them on tours of the school. • Kelly Slight and Lindsay Dick are the new Spirit Ministers for 2008/09. They are busy planning spirit week activities for the week of Sept. 29th. Each day with have a theme and a dance will end the week on October 3rd/08. • There is a new position at St. Joseph’s this year - Environmental Ministers. Michael Mosco and Bohden Tymchuck are working to make St. Joseph’s an “Environmentally Friendly” school. • Student Council is working on fundraiser ideas. A carnival day has been suggested. Correspondence: Colin Slight ƒ There was no correspondence to report. Principal’s Report: Mark Searson Mark Searson prepared the following report: Principal’s Report School Council – September 16 , 2008 New Staff Members – September 2008 Mr. Bill Lunney has taken a leave during the first semester to write elearning courses for the Ministry of Education. He has been replaced by Mr. Daniel St. Michael.

Mrs. Rene Turcotte has received a one year transfer to BSCHS while her husband serves a tour of duty in Afghanistan. She has been replaced by Mr. Matt O’Connor. Mr. David Afelskie received a transfer to St. Casimir’s School in Round Lake. We have not yet hired a Chaplain however, Ms. Katie Milosek has been hired to teach Senior Religion. Emergency Preparedness We will hold a practice lock down on September 22, 2008 at 10:00. We have also scheduled 3 fire drills for September and October. The Board Safe Schools committee has worked very hard over the last year. Please review the following documents: Code of Conduct, CC Roles and Responsibilities, Progressive Discipline, Suspension Policy & Police Protocol. Orientation B.B.Q. We held an orientation B.B.Q. on August 27th. It was very well attended. Smooth Start Despite many unexpected events we have had a very smooth start to the school year. Attendance is up and timetable conflicts were resolved very quickly. Interior Funds Our council has $21,000.00 available to spend on the curtains as per the decision that was made last year. Communication Mr. Steve Jones has volunteered to take over our school web page and he has done a fantastic job with it thus far. Review of School Council: Colin Slight ‰

Safe, Healthy, Environmentally Friendly School -Cafeteria is in compliance with the new Health Regulations – no trans fat products. - All peanut products have been removed from the school vending machines. - To keep classrooms safe, no food or drink (except water) is permitted in the classrooms. If a meeting is held in the room during lunch, the desks and tables will be wiped down and students have been asked to refrain from bringing any type of peanut products.

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Mr. Trainor, Mr. Halk and the Environmental Ministers are working with Ottawa Valley Waste to place recycling containers in each classroom.

Success for all Students - Mrs. Watters is the Student Success Teacher - The Specialist High Skills Major program has begun at St. Joseph’s. 11 students are enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism program. This program gives the students a cluster of additional qualifications for workplace or post-secondary. It also provides connections with Algonquin College. Students will receive a diploma with a special seal designating the specialist major qualifications.

Next Meeting: October 21st, 2008 at 7:00 pm.