Markville School Council   February 7, 2005

 

Date:  Monday, February 7, 2005

Time:  7:15pm to 8:50pm

Location:  Markville School Library

 

Present:  Anne Belanger (Principal), Kim Brandon-Uyede, Yvonne Chan, Nancy Elliott, Angela Hill (Co-Chair), Valerie Milligan, Sandy Moriarty (Treasurer), Barb Munro, Heela Omarkhail (Student Council), Hitesh Parmar, Deb Rhodes (Secretary), Tommy Saramaki

 

 

  1. Chair’s Report - Angela

Angela welcomed everyone to the meeting.  Introductions were made.  Angela has drafted a letter to send to parents requesting donations for a lighting board to be used in drama productions, fashion shows, cultural events, assemblies, athletic banquets and heritage fairs.  It was suggested that it be put into the report card envelope.

 

  1. Student Report – Heela

·        In December the student’s held a Multicultural Fair with all profits going to Amnesty International.

·        The students are becoming involved in the STEP Program (Sustainable Transportation Education Program) to tackle our environmental problems.  Specifically they are looking at reduce automobile idling time, walking or biking not driving.

·        In the month of January the students organized a parking lot fundraiser to raise money for the Red Cross for Tsunami Relief.  They raised $800 in 20 minutes.  Combined with other fundraisers, $2600 was given to the Canadian Red Cross.

·        The semi-formal for students in grades 9 to 12 will be held February 18 at a hall near Jane and Hwy 7.  The tickets are $40 for Markville students and $45 for guests and are already on sale.

·        February 14 to 18 is Spirit Week.

·        The York Region President’s Conference is in April.  All Markville students are invited.  The focus is on leadership, initiative and motivation.

 

  1. Lisa, a representative from MEI came to promote her program. 

MEI offers ministry approved Ontario credit courses in Europe.  In 4 weeks on travelling in Europe in the summer, students can earn a grade 10, 11 or 12 credit in a variety of subjects.  Assignments, tests are assessed throughout the course with an exam at the end.  The cost ranges from $5500 to $5900 for a 4 week course.  6 week, 2 option courses are offered for grade 12 and they also have full semester courses.  Lisa was enthusiastic and informative and the Guidance Department has brochures for any student interested.

 

  1. Principal’s Report – Anne

·        Markville has received their best EQAO results ever this year.  93% of the grade ten students passed the literacy test.  71% of the students repeating the test passed.

·        February 7 was exam feedback day.  The students also reported to their first period class of the second term and then they went to see a motivational speaker.  The grade 11 and 12 classes went to see Miguel Caan who spoke about his high school life.  Miguel was an excellent basketball player who had a scholarship to an American college revoked because of the lack of effort comments on repeated report cards.  His theme tied appropriately to the board’s Character Matters initiative.

·        Anne showed us the video from the parking lot fundraiser for Tsunami Relief.  The New VR came to Markville and taped the students asking parents and students for money.

·        Cell Phone Policy – A committee has devised a new policy for cell phone use.  The students are now allowed to use their phones in the hall and cafeteria providing it isn’t an interference.  They are to turn them off for all classes.

·        Gambling Policy – Gambling is expressly forbidden at school.  Cards are allowed but the students are not allowed to play poker.

·        The AP (Advanced Placement) courses offered at Markville are: Moderns; Economics; History.

·        Anne researched the question about council membership from the previous meeting.  School board employees may be on council but they may not serve as chair.

·        Markville invited parents to attend a meeting about the modified school year in January.  Most parents appeared to be in favour.  The grade nine parents really liked the first day of just grade nines.  It was less stressful for the students.

·        Markville administrators and guidance teachers have been to visit the feeder schools.  Actual lessons were taught at academic and applied levels so students could judge their learning style.

 

  1. Markham has launched a program for safe driving called Roadwatch. 

Pamphlets are being distributed that contain a form to report unsafe driving.  Reports may be made electronically as well.  The consequences are: 1st report -  a letter is sent; 2nd report -  phone call is made; 3rd report  a letter is hand delivered.

 

  1. Treasurer’s Report

Since the last report, we’ve spent $1400 on a video camera, leaving us with under $500 currently.

 

  1. The next meeting will be Monday March 7 at 7:15 p.m. in the library