P.A.C. AGENDA – January 25, 2012

1. Welcome/Call to order

2. Grade 12 Grad class request for ticket licence (will do immediately – students may leave)

3. Adoption of minutes

4. Correspondence

5. Suggestion box

6. Trustee’s chance to speak (questions & answers)

7. Treasurer’s Report

8. Principal’s Report

a) Future presentation (RCMP) regarding anti-bullying, criminal harassment and parental consequences for underage drinking.

b) First Aid course for Grade 12

9. Old/Unfinished Business

10. New Business

a) It was brought to PAC attention and recommended that we look into changing the by-laws who could vote on PAC decisions (Parents who work for the board vs the actual school etc)

11. Parental concerns/questions/comments

12. Date of next meeting: February 29, 2012

13. Adjournment

 BOARD OF EDUCATION

WILL BE HELD ON

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012

AT 7:00 PM

IN THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE.

 THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND.

Did you know that you could be a part of GRSS School Planning Council?   What is School Planning Council?  The purpose of School Planning Council (SPC) is to formally acknowledge the importance of parent involvement in improving student achievement in our school.   Under the School Act, the SPC in each school has one role – “to prepare a school plan for improving student achievement in the school and for other matters contained in the school board’s accountability contract relating to the school.”    I wish to bring awareness that we are currently seeking two parents to assist and be a part of the School planning Council.   PAC & SPC are different organizations.  They represent different people and have different purposes.    SPC is part of the Accountability Framework created by the Ministry of Education to focus attention and resources on improving the achievement of all students in BC.  Recently I have stepped up as PAC president and understand first hand that not everyone has the time from their busy schedules to be fully involved.   School planning Council meets only a few times and is very casual.  That said, SPC is very important as parents are partners with the Principal, one PAC representative, students and in some cases the educators in planning for improvement of student achievement in our school.  We will be holding Elections for two parent positions on the SPC at our next PAC meeting, Wednesday, November 30, 2011.    Please, join me in making a difference in our children’s future. 

For more information on or becoming part of School Planning Council, please do not hesitate to contact me at 250-283-7283 or by email at ncooper12@live.ca.    

GRSS PAC now also has a Facebook Group! If you are a member on Facebook, please search “GRSS PAC” and you will find us.

Note: There is an email link embedded within this post, please visit this post to email it.

I’ll be posting the videos in multiple parts in the coming days.  Here are the opening statements of the Candidates for School Trustee.  (Note:  Laverne Kelly was unable to attend.)

As your incumbent for the last two terms, I will continue to advocate for all of our students.

In this ever changing world, we need to give our students the skills and knowledge to be productive, happy, and responsible citizens for the future and now in our communities.  Realizing children’s potential means more than bringing home a good report card.  Now, more than ever, we need to develop their confidence to think about others with compassion, to make positive choices that enrich their lives, and to take responsibility for their actions and education.

Your existing Board of Education supports in class and out of classroom opportunities that develop students’ interests and passions.  To mention two of a list of many great programs, I am a strong supporter of our Nootka Sound Outdoor Program and Nootka Discovery School.  I also feel that the numerous field trips, performing arts, and guest speakers only add to enlighten students to all the endless possibilities the world has to offer.

We need to listen to our youths’ concerns and ideas in venues where they are comfortable.  We have to make the connection with our community’s children at such places as the hockey rink, churches, or parks to strengthen their abilities to feel loved and supported.

I will continue to build on healthy relationships with Parents, Staff and the Community.  Our strong teachers and caring community are positive strengths for our students.  I feel that the citizens of this School District are important role models, whose values and knowledge are underutilized and should be used to benefit the students.  I believe respectful, transparent, and collaborative relationships support the needs of our students.

Your Board of Education has significant decisions to ensure individualized student success is attainable, and I believe that working collaboratively and respectfully with all education partnerships can make those successes a reality.

I remain committed to working hard for our students in School District #84 and I respectfully ask for your support in the opportunity to continue to serve you as your Board of Education’s School Trustee in Gold River.

Carol Donaldson

I have always volunteered in the schools in whatever capacity was needed. I have done everything from being on PAC, teaching exercise and dance classes, chaperoning field trips, choreographing and helping with Christmas plays and mentoring both high school and elementary school students.

My heart is for the youth and the community.  I think we need to recognize that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.  It is up to us as parents, teachers and a community to help shape and mould this generation into respectful, caring, compassionate, confident and educated adults.

I am currently in my fourth year of running our local Youth Program which hosts an average of 38 kids per week.  It is a program that focuses on all these elements.  Having three children in the school system and running this program also gives me an advantage to know what is going on in the schools from their points of view.

I have organized and implemented many community programs and events, such as Gold River Days and Canada Days and volunteer whenever I can.  I believe that everyone needs to be involved in the community you live in. This is where my family is and where my kids are growing up, I want it to be the best it can be.

I believe I have proven my love and care for both the youth and the community through these things wanting to make Gold River a better place.

Ever since my children started in the public school system I have considered myself an involved parent.  I genuinely care what my kids are learning, what they are being exposed to and what they are being taught in and out of the classrooms.  I have watched and learned, I have educated myself in how the school system works.  I have a wide range of experience in the school system.  It is important to me to have good relationships and communication with the teachers and administration.

I am running for School Trustee because I have a vested interest in the school and community.

If I’m elected as School Trustee I will do my best to understand our schools strengths, weaknesses, challenges and demands.  I realize that we are unique and each school has different priorities, needs and resources.

If I’m elected my goal is to go into the schools and speak with teachers and students as well as keeping in touch with the PAC committee’s to better understand the needs, concerns and desires of our two schools.  Having grown up in Tahsis I’m very familiar with small schools and their challenges.

It will also be my mission to make the school a peaceful, comfortable, safe and respectful place to be.  A facility that is conducive to learning and preparing the kids for the future, the best possible learning environment for the students.  As well, I will be helping to maintain good relationships between the staff and community and the best working environment for the teachers and administration.

Good luck to all Trustee Candidates!

Sincerely,

Sheila Bugar

Note: There is an email link embedded within this post, please visit this post to email it.