Dixon Parents Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes of Meeting of Oct. 22, 2018, 7 p.m.

PAC Members Present:

Sandra Townsend - Co-Chair

Karin Schweizer - Co-Chair (and Food-days Team)

Diana White - Fundraising

Volker Helmuth - Secretary

Karen Fisher-Hagel - Fundraising

Lyn Yang – Fundraising

Lisa Fisher – Immediate Past Chair

Absent:

Laura Gillanders - Treasurer

Kay Arambulo-sy - Food-days Team

Pilar Ramos - Early Warning Coordinator

Nadine Eade - Member at large:

Dixon Administration Presents:

Sean Harrington – Principal

May Wong – Vice-Principal

Parent Guests - present

1.Welcome & Introductions

Sandra opened the meeting and welcomed all present. 

2.Review and Approval of Agenda

Approved.

3.Review and Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting

Minutes of September 17^th, 2018, meeting approved.

4.West Richmond Community Centre Presentation

Brendan Walker, program coordinator with the West Richmond Community Centre presented to the PAC about the various youth programs, in particular the Friday evening programs, that are available for teens and other age groups.  Information is available at the Centre’s front counter at any time.  Special note that there will be fireworks on the soccer field on Halloween evening at 8:15.

5.Administrators’ Report 

Sean Harrington reported on the following past and upcoming events:

• FSA’s (provincial standardized tests) continue until Thanksgiving – parents were given the option of whether their kids would participate.  While the ranking of schools based on tests results has become a political issue, there are various benefits to the testing, including getting kids used to taking ‘multiple-answer’ tests.  The tests are a challenge for the younger grades French-immersion classes because their reading comprehension skills in English may not yet be as developed. Parents of approximately half the students at Dixon do not have their kids participate.  For those that do, the questions and the kids results will be sent home once the tests have been completed.
• Terry Fox and Turkey Trot runs were a success.
• A Kids Sport fundraiser is underway in which Evan Dunfee, the Olympic speed-walker is raising awareness fo Kids Sport.
• Am RCMP ‘Hold and Secure’ occurred on October 16th and the staff and students responded as required.
• The provincial earthquake practice ‘Shake Down’ took place on October 18th and again staff and students responded as required.
• The Cross Country Running meet took place on October 17th and was a good experience for the students involved.
• The school’s student council and grade sevens will be organizing a Halloween party during the day on Oct 31^st.
• Student photo retakes are scheduled for Nov. 1st .
• The next teachers’ Proessional Development Day is Nov. 2^nd.
• The school’s Remembrance Day assembly will be on Friday, November 9th at 10:45.
• The City Centre Classic volleyball tournament is scheduled for Nov. 14th. 
• ‘Social responsibility’ learning is continuing in all grades, to encourage student behaviour to be as supporting of each other when just kids are together as when adults are present.
• A presentation of the puppet play “Rainbow Dance’, by KBAM is scheduled for Nov. 20th at 9:30.
• The famous Dixon evening ‘Craft Fair’ is scheduled for November 21^st.
• Curriculum implementation Day is scheduled for November 23rd.

The PAC had asked Sean Harrington to canvas teachers about what they want/need for their classrooms that the PAC might be able to fund.  The following list of items and their approximate cost was presented:

• a lamination machine:  $2,000
• Bringing in the ‘Rocks & Rings’ curling demonstration: $600
• ‘noise-maker’ supplies for school events; $250
• basketball uniforms: $1,000
• ipad covers: $400
• a xylophone for the band: $1,000

Motion– Karen moved that the expenditure of up to $600 be approved to support funding the ‘Rocks & Rings’ activity.  Seconded and approved unanimously.

As the Treasurer was absent and no up-to-date budget information was available, it was agreed to defer consideration of the other requests until the next meeting.

Lisa advised that she will explore a possible low cost source for a used laminator.

6.Treasurer's Report

No report, as Laura Gillanders was absent.  

7.Fundraising Report  

Karen reported that:

• the first Movie Night, on October 12^th, was a big success and the number of kids and parents that came was larger than for many movies in the past.  It was noted that more volunteers were needed.  Especially kids in grade 7 are encouraged to help out at the next event.  Also noted was that the district PAC association is seeking to negotiate a lower price for the movie licences.
• Emphasis will not be on preparations for the Craft Fair.  A lot of auction items have already been collected, including a Grand Prize Harry Potter Lego set and many other raffle items, including Canucks tickets.  Also, almost all of the 40 craft tables have been rented.  Again, more volunteers are always welcome – get in touch with Karen through the school office.

8.Additional Items

Sandra attended a screening of the “Screen-agers”, a film about the impact of internet usage by kids, facilitated by Richmond Addictions.  Sandra will explore bringing the film to Dixon in the New Years and possibly partinging with other schools to do so.  PAC members supported the proposal.

Motion to Adjourn Meeting:

MOVED, SECONDED and CARRIED that meeting be adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Next Meeting:November 26, 2018.   All parents are invited!

2019 Meeting Dates: January 21, 2019; February 11; April 15 – AGM; May 13; and June 10.