Minutes
UXBRIDGE SECONDARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL
| Minutes of Meeting:February 24th, 1998 | |
| 1 .Chair's Remarks | secretary: V. Taylor-Scott, attendance recorded: C. Allen, D.Wigdor, K. Cotie, W.Hingston, S. David, J. Grisdale, C. Kissler, P. Morris, R. Den Hoed, F. Neumann, - Chair requested additions to Agenda: (Additions were discussed at this time) |
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a. |
S. David- Is there a proposal for another high school as it relates to the current increase in student population? P. Morris: Not aware of any such plans however, there may be areas where additions may be viable at our school. |
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b. |
C. Kissler- questioned ease of access for students to see exams. Current procedures are not user friendly and lacking any sense of final accountability on the part of both the student and the teacher. Discussion included changes to first day of second semester: morning would be allotted to "exam review" in each first semester subject and afternoon would proceed as dictated in second semester schedule. P.Morris: Suggestion to be reviewed and will advise. |
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c. |
D. Wigdor- concern regarding newspaper article "Durham Schools to have Internet access by 2001', where monies (1.4MM) assigned to computer equipment would appear to be both excessive and proposed designation, unclear. P. Morris: Reviewed ramifications of computer related budget items where funds will be realized and back in budget for September. There will be some flexibility when it comes to how our school will be allowed to designate this money (ie. Budget item, internet implementation - already accessed, assigned funds may be rerouted as deemed appropriate.) Because budget has yet to be approved, there is concern related to impact on computer related programs in school. Mr. Morris will advise C.C. of developments and subsequent changes. |
| -Transportation Meeting February 4, 98: (F. Neumann) Expression of thanks to D.Wigdor for his presentation on behalf of CC.. If there are any changes to be made, in the area of transportation, a survey will be done of both parents and students. |
| 2. Business Arising from Minutes | |
| SNOW DAYS- (P.Morris) - Teachers will be in classrooms as scheduled. | |
| CONTACT WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNCILLOR - (P.Morris) - there is some short term impact regarding speaker's influence. K. Cotie is aware of a speaker whose work has been applauded by many in this field. Further investigation will be organized to look into both funding and feasibility. | |
| FEBRUARY 26TH MEETING - UXBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCC'S - (F. Neumann) Curriculum coordination volunteered by C.Kissler. | |
| REPRESENTATION FOR R PA C - (F. Neumann) - request for high school representative - C. Kissler volunteered.. |
| 3. Reports | |
| UXBRIDGE SECONDARY SCHOOL SCC CONSTITUTION - DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL - (F.Neumann) - All amendments were discussed, approved and will be reflected in new copies to be typed up by C. Allen for final approval at next meeting. | |
| NEW STAFFING - second SEMESTER - (P. Morris) - Five new teachers: Mr. Avery (Math), Mrs. Bell (part time English), Miss Ryan (part time English) Miss Squire (Bus) and Mr. Wiseman (Phys.Ed. And Science) | |
| STUDENT COUNCIL - (D. Wigdor)- Dance
of Feb. 2 was both a critical and financial success - over 300 attended
and profits realized. Next dance - May 1st
-monies from chocolate and c.d. sales are still coming in -Uxbridge Leadership Conference-information forthcoming (invitations have been extended) -North Durham Student Council meetings start week of March 4th next. -while copies of Tiger Newspaper were unavailable, those interested may review on school web site. |
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| SCHOOL CLIMATE - (P.Morris) - On-site student smoking area- Our areas of concern and suggested solutions have been discussed with Julia Munro furthering open lines of communication and will be taken to council for the same purpose. | |
| SYSTEM PLAN SURVEYS - (P.Morris) - must be filled out and returned by Feb.27th. |
| 4. New Business | |
| NEW BUDGET STUB YEAR (P.Morris) - previously discussed in additional topics "c" | |
| COMPUTER ALLOCATION - (P.Morris) - previously discussed in additional topics "c" | |
| TOWN COUNCIL CONCERNS - (P. Morris) - see New Business - School Climate |
| 5. Other Business | |
| COMMENCEMENT - (P.Morris) - Poll indicates Christmas week favoured over Thanksgiving. | |
| BEHAVIOR REVIEW COMMITTEE - ( K. Cotie ) meeting of 4 students, 3 SCC, and 5 or 6 staff will be rescheduled - to be advised. | |
| OSAD - ( Students Against Driving and Drinking) - (F.Neumann) - should be recognized, more info to follow | |
| INVITATION TO GRADE 8 PARENTS - (F. Neumann) - discussed and approved inviting parents of current grade 8 students to our May C.C. meeting. | |
| Tuesday April 28, 1998 at 7:15 p.m. in school library. |
UXBRIDGE SECONDARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING: JANUARY 27, 1998
| 1. Chair's Remarks | -secretary: V. Taylor-Scott, attendance recorded, list on file with chair. -chair requested additional topics for new business which were discussed while waiting for late members: |
| SNOW DAYS - (J.Grisdale) as it relates to the teaching of classes. Concern noted by several members that classes appear to be cancelled on these particular days, where P.Morris stated that classes should be taught as scheduled. This is an annual concern and will be addressed by Mr. Morris. | |
| TRANSPORTATION - ( School Trustee: N. Lorraine ) - there will be a meeting on Feb.4 next with R. Turbovich where transportation and bus schedules will be discussed as well as the procedure regarding the way in which snow days are qualified. Any questions or concerns should be prepared in advance and sent via the school courier to Mr. Turbovich's attention. Mrs. Lorraine noted that changes have been made regarding the procedure and continuity as it relates to the designation of snow days. | |
| S.S. REFORM on LITERACY - ( S. David ) - questioned the new reform policy which the reduces the total of English class credits from 5 to 4 - see comments under REPORTS section, S.S.Reform - New Framework - P. Morris | |
| BUSSING - (N. Minden) - notice received regarding elimination of bussing to those students within 4.2 km. of school. As notification of it has been an oversight and is concurrent with the Education Act, it is not deemed inappropriate. However, Mrs. Lorraine did mention that areas where safety is a concern will be "flagged" for attention. | |
| LATE BUSSING - ( P. Morris ) - late buses have been reduced from 100 per year to 80 as a result of a 1 year study noting minimal use ( 0 to 5 students per late bus) |
| 2. Business Arising from Minutes of November 25 meeting | |
| TEACHER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST -this was a successful venture.. Suggestion made (S. David) to consider this an annual event where it could be a joint venture by both C.C. members and school staff | |
| CORRESPONDENCE re: RPAC - correspondence has now been received and in F.Neuman's possession - copies available upon request. RPAC has requested an appointment of a representative, contact chair if interested. | |
| TRUE COLOURS WORKSHOP - January 12th meeting considered informative. Please note next meeting will be held on Feb 2nd | |
| SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC ADVERTISEMENTS - pamphlets are now readily available at school. | |
| DRUG DOG - ( P. Morris ) confirmed for second semester |
| 3. Reports | |
| UXBRIDGE SECONDARY SCHOOL SCC CONSTITUTION - (F.Neumann) 6.2, phrase "At the discretion of the Chair, an in-camera session may be convened", this should be stricken as deemed federally unconstitutional. - passed. 6.1, suggestion that meetings should be started as early as September - while agreed that an earlier meeting in September would be advantageous, there is concern that with elections requiring an independent meeting and given this years (98) late start date, a September meeting might be impossible. This issue should be reviewed and further suggestions will be discussed at our next meeting where constitution will be formally approved. | |
| STUDENT COUNCIL - (D.Wigdor)---- Fund-raising
has not been entirely successful where returns on chocolate sales are still
forthcoming ( $4,000 outstanding to date). This problem is being addressed
by the student council along with Mr. Murray and a decision to prohibit
the distribution of text books to those students still owing funds will
be effected.
- Last dance had to be rescheduled and will be held on Feb.2lst. -Council issued survey to students regarding performance of Student Council. Results will be available to students via the school web site next semester. -More Fund-raising: campaign to raise funds, date to be confirmed, $1.00 for every C.D. brought in by each student (with a sale of it at a later date realizing a profit) is ongoing. There have also been euchre tournaments and chocolate sales to raise funds. When asked about Student Council expenditures (N. Minden), an overview including dance costs ( each losing approx. $1,000), cost of the prom. and organizing events were noted. Because of lack of funding this year, the Student Council's grants to clubs has been precluded. -A copy of the tiger newspaper will be brought in at our next meeting for interest |
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| SCHOOL CLIMATE -Report to N. Powers,
Superintendent of Education - (P. Morris) -copies distributed to C.C.,
was sent Dec. 12th regarding concerns of students smoking on school property
and related proposals ( ie: designated smoking area on school grounds).
Reply pending.
-Newspaper article "Drug use at USS above average: survey", written by S. Fiege for The Uxbridge Times Journal Jan.21, 98.- (P.Morris) Drug use is a serious problem and in addition to measures and education currently in place, the following suggestions were offered: should course on drug use be offered at grade 12 level; in-service course for staff raising levels of awareness; inspirational speakers ( currently trying to get George Chuvalo); high risk groups identified and addressed by inspirational speakers (a list is available from Pine Ridge S.S. ); approach service clubs for financing of motivational speakers; discuss efforts as joint venture ( with respect to continuity ) between Elementary and Secondary Levels. |
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| SECONDARY SCHOOL REFORM - New Framework - (P.Morris) refer to News Release dated January 9th 98 distributed to all C.C. members. Brief overview presented resulting in numerous questions regarding transition courses, curriculum and "de-emphasis" of English courses. | |
| STATUS OF PRINCIPALS AND VICE-PRINCIPALS - BILL 160 - (P.Morris) Effective March 31st, principals and vice-principals will no longer be members of the teacher's federation. OPC will represent it, further details to be announced. | |
| JOINT MEETING SCC/PAC - JAN.l5th - (V.T.S.) Positive feedback, see notes | |
| DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD SURVEY - Response- survey to obtain views on aspects of Board's performance, handed out and may be returned by Feb.24 to school | |
| MAPNET TRANSPORTATION ISSUE - (F.Neumann)- Meeting to discuss bell times, changing bus routes etc. with R.Turbovich, Wednesday Feb.4 at 7:15 in cafeteria. Will be advertised, welcoming input from all parents. Can survey be done of students? Discuss concerns of students working part-time after school, 1 hour lunch, etc. |
| 4. New Business | |
| Professional Development - (F.Neumann) - notification of workshop to be held Feb.24th at 7 - 9pm at the Education Center by Grant Yao "Helping You Grow", if interested contact P.Morris ($5.00 admission) | |
| Director's Annual Report by Grant Yao - copy available through F.Neumann | |
| Commencement Date - (P.Morris) Survey of C.C. to see if changing the commencement dates to the Thursday before Christmas is a viable alternative to the first Friday in November. |
| 5. Other Business | |
| Uxbridge Township SCC Meeting - issues - (N.Lorraine) Fostering communication with elementary level is essential and methods of combining our efforts are being investigated. | |
| Thurs. Feb 26th, there will be a collective meeting held at Uxbridge S.S. in Room 206, Drama Room, from 7 to 8:30pm. to exchange information and each C.C. will prepare and present their "best idea" . Mrs. Loraine may be reached toll free at 888-443-4490( at home) or by voice mail at 1-800-339-6913 ext.5201 | |
| "The Road Ahead II" - (F.Neumann) copies available Next Meeting: | |
| Tuesday February 24, 1987 at 7:15 p.m. in school library |