SAC MEETING MINUTES

October 14, 2009 

PRESENT – Paula Danyluk-MacDonald, Brenda Cormier, Diane Lachowiez, Tracey Gates, Heather Edmonds, Lita Smith, Terry Bartlett-Visser, Linda Visser 

Regrets – Glenn Miller 

BUILDING & FACILITIES –

• Update on mould situation from September.
• Outside agency – air quality test by Altec. and remediation, clean up by KB Clarke, HRSB Operations.
• Cause of mould deemed to be because the ventilation system not turned back on following roof replacement/repairs in July.  Occupational Health and Safety (HRSB) also involved as well as the Principal’s supervisor.
• School environment is being monitored closely by the staff and the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
• Paula shared all air quality reports and encouraged any parents who have questions to come to the school for more information.

SEPTIC – Problems with septic tank – Operations at HRSB responded and repaired lines and replaced pumps as well as any other pieces needing repair. 

PLAYGROUND AREA –

• HRM/HRSB Operations has brought gravel to even out the ground in the boxes.  They have also laid topsoil for sod.
• Ongoing issues with drainage near walkway.  Operations have been out to assess situation – safety issue- will update situation.

PLANNING FOR IMPROVEMENT –

• No comments/inquiries from community regarding school report.
• Explanation of results – percentages are really a ‘snapshot’.
• What do the assessments tell us?  School trends over time – helps to inform our school wide goals, used as ‘one’ piece of information.

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT –

·         Our goals in Literacy and Math developed from DOE, HRSB, and classroom assessment.  As we improve in one area we tend to look closely at other areas we can improve in. The plan is a fluent process.

·         As a staff we are reflecting on some ways we can engage children in math activities a little more – possibly Friday math days.

·         Staff at Atlantic View has access to PD training this year for ‘PRIME’ math, a resource to identify children’s development of concepts in math. 

BEHAVIOR MATRIX –

• Thanks to SAC & Terry Bartlett-Visser for development of Behaviour Matrix last year.  As a member of PEBS (Positive Effective Behaviour Strategies) Paula Danyluk-MacDonald reinforced importance of positively effecting change in student behaviour.
• Students and adults should be able to recite 95% of behavioural expectations in each school setting. Therefore, our matrix needs to be updated.
• Possibly involve grade six students in development of child friendly behavioural reminders.

SAC MEMBER CONTACT LIST – Develop a way to make SAC more accessible to community members as a way of contacting the school for any concerns/questions.  We will put SAC emails on our school website as well as communicate this contact information through the school newsletter.

FUNDRAISING – BINGO NIGHT - $1200.00 - $1500.00 usually brought in through annual fundraising.  We could possibly do a merchandise Bingo before the holidays (November?) at the community bingo hall.  Items could be donated by the community.  We could also have a basket and 50/50 draw. 

TURKEY DINNER – Tracey Gates can arrange to have turkeys cooked, with gravy, at the Delta and brought here to do another turkey dinner here at Atlantic View this year.  The date will possibly be December 15 or 16. It was brought up about the potential of media coverage such as Breakfast Television, the HRSB website, etc.  It would be nice to share it with the community at large. 

ROOTS OF EMPATHY – Terry Bartlett-Visser is still trying to locate a baby for the “Roots of Empathy” program. If anyone knows of someone who can help, please contact her or the school.

 NEXT MEETING – November 18, 2009