Dixon Parents Advisory Committee Meeting, November 15, 2021

Location: Zoom meeting due to COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions on social gatherings

 

PAC Members Present:

 

Chair: Jennifer McMillan

Co-Chair: Teg Bains

Treasurer: Billie Caffrey 

Secretary: Michelle Gibault-Fahlman

Fundraising: Charissa Anderson

 

And Parent Guests

 

Dixon Administrators Present:

 

Principal Kirsten Wallace and Vice-Principal May Wong

 

1. Welcome

Jennifer McMillan called the meeting group to order at 7:03pm and welcomed all present. 

Territorial acknowledgement:  We would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) nation. 

2. Introductions

 

All present introduced themselves. 

 

3. Review and Approval of Agenda

 

The Agenda was APPROVED by Teg, SECONDED by Michelle. 

 

4. Review and Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting

 

The Minutes of the last meeting, were APPROVED by Jen, SECONDED by Billie.

 

5.  Administrator’s Report

 

• The October 28: Pumpkin Run was a great success!  Thank you for the all the support. 
• Student Council put on great activities for Halloween. 
• The Remembrance Day virtual ceremony was very meaningful. 
• There will be an evacuation drill soon. 
• Hot lunches also going very well - thank you to all involved!  
• Saleema Noon Educational Services will be providing a parent information night on January 6, 2022 and in-class student presentations on January 12 and 13, 2022.  Additional information will be sent to parents. 
• November 24: First Nations presentation “Raven Stole the Sun” for intermediate classes.
• 10 specialized sport-wheelchairs have been booked from Basketball BC.  The plan is to expose students to adaptive sports and the use of wheelchairs. 
• Kindergarten students will be having their hearing screened.  This is only for the Kindergarten students.  If parents have any concerns regarding their child’s hearing, please contact Public health. 
• Grade 6/7 immunizations are upcoming.  A reminder that it is optional to have children immunized at school. 

6. Treasurer’s Report

Updated Budget:

• Gaming Fund - total budgeted expenses $6,124.00.
• General Fund - Add $5,250.00 total for $350.00/ classroom allotment (voted spending).  Total budgeted expenses $12,690.00. 

 

Budgeted Gaming Funds: $5,393.00

Budgeted Operational Funds: $12,238.00

Total budgeted funds:  $17,631.00

 

Non-budgeted Gaming funds: $6,751.00

Non-budgeted General Funds: $18,159.00

Total non-budgeted funds: $24,910.00

 

Total funds:  $42,541.00

 

Our 'Total Funds' is similar to prior 2 years with cautious spending during COVID 19 pandemic.  This includes the $5,000.00 PAC Savings Fund for urgent need.  

 

 

7. Chair’s Report

 

Discussed music teacher’s request for a microphone system.  It was agreed that Kirsten would look at the request in greater detail and will update the PAC.

Possible school-wide activity:  hiring a company to teach the kids how to play Ultimate. 

The financial support of fieldtrips has been a significant budget item for the PAC in the past. Fieldtrips are at the teacher’s discretion.  Transportation and COVID-19 protocols need to be considered.  Some teachers have invited guest presenters. 

Whether the Grade 6/7 camp will go ahead in 2022 to be determined. 

Discussed the possibility of arranging a special treat for students/ staff for the holiday season ahead, approximately 360 people in total.

 

Billie presented a MOTION to allot up to a maximum $2,000.00 total for a winter treat, with funds to be spent from the Gaming Fund.  Motion was SECONDED by Teg and APPROVED by all. 

 

           a. Babysitting Course

 

Michelle provided an update on the babysitting course with the company First Aid Hero.  

For an in-person class, the company requires a minimum of 12 students, and a maximum of 30 students.  For an online class, the company requires a minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 15 students.  

Babysitting course for ages 11-13 year, grades 6/7 includes:

• 6 hours online, 7 hours in class
• Responsible leader
• Childhood characteristics and behaviour
• creating safe environments
• Caring for children
• First Aid
• Business of babysitting

The company recommends charging $55.00 per student, or $65.00 per student with a $10.00 fundraising profit for the PAC. 

Our responsibilities:

• collect registrations and payments
• arrange gym/ classroom space
• issue single payment to the company

 

Of note, the City of Richmond offers regularly and frequently scheduled babysitting and stay-safe programs through the community centres, at a price of $57.90 to $65.10 per student.  

It was agreed that a survey would be sent to parents to determine the level of interest.  

 

8. Fundraising Report

 

• We are unable to plan in-person events at this time due to ongoing COVID 19 pandemic related restrictions and safety concerns. 
• Seasonal fundraising initiatives are: Purdy’s chocolate and winter flowers. 
• Reminder of ongoing fundraising initiatives for which Dixon has accounts: 

Flip-Give

Oliver’s labels

Herbal Glo

• Ideas being explored: donuts, outdoor BBQ, outdoor movie night, gift cards, and samosas.
• Fundraising committee is open to ideas and welcomes any and all volunteers!
• Plan to schedule a separate fundraising-specific meeting.  

 

9. Hot Lunch Report

 

Lisa Kanavaros advised that the Hot Lunch Committee is working on plans for February to June.  Feedback from students and staff has bee positive.  Pizza boxes were composted. 

 

11. Adjournment  

 

Meeting ended at 8:12pm

 

 

***

 

Schedule of PAC meetings for the 2021/2022 school year:

 

• Monday, September 27, 2021
• Monday, October 18, 2021
• Monday November 15, 2021
• Monday, January 17, 2022
• Monday, February 14, 2022 (adjusted for Family Day, may be rescheduled due to Valentine’s Day)
• Monday April 11, 2022 (adjusted for Easter)
• Monday, May 16, 2022
• Monday, June 20, 2022

 

There are no meetings in December (winter break) and March (spring break).