LPCI School Virtual Council Meeting

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

MEETING MINUTES

Attendees: 56 attendees, including Superintendent Andrew Howard, Principal Aiman Flahat, Steve Bibla, LPCI Parent Council (Liz Hanson, Anna Richter, Erika Boone, Kristen Glenister, John Hiddema, Ann Moffet, Kelly Green, Julie Sole, Alex Sabharwal, Karen Barasch, Anne Marie Armstrong, Greg Speirs, Resa Eisen, Jennifer Tse)

 

Key Dates:

• Week of June 8^th – Locker Clean-Out (see email for specific date and time)
• June 18^th – Grade 12 Locker Clean-Out Day
• June 18^th – Virtual Athletic Banquet 7:30pm
• June 26^th – Last Day of 2019-20 School Year

1. Superintendent Andrew Howard
   • Superintendent Howard has been joining many school council meetings virtually
   • This time period since March has been a learning curve for everyone, TDSB staff and students
   • Hope everyone is safe and healthy during these challenging times
   • Pivot for everyone – not only education but also life in general
   • School Access protocol to begin next week – staff access began this week; model for students Grade 9-12 independently with Ministry of Education (Ministry) guidelines in place, proper sanitization, wearing masks; students to pick up items and return school property items (sportswear, library books, musical instruments)
   • New info re: Covid testing; currently 3 pop-up sites in Scarborough (hardest hit region in Ontario) – may expand to other schools across the city
   • New sites opening up for voluntary testing; some may require appointment bookings
   • May 8^th announcement by the Minister of Education – regarding expectations of teachers connecting and engaging with students; v. fortunate at LP to have moved the needle with remote learning and taken initiative; LP ahead of the game on this front

School reopening – currently unknown situation for September re: Covid-19

Several possible models

• Will NOT go back to regular schooling
• 100% remote learning
• Hybrid-type model; system-wide timetable (semestered vs. full-year vs. year-round) – 2020-21 year possible model, amongst many
  • Quadmester – students take 2 subjects at a time over 9-week period
  • One course at a time (110 hours) per course
  • All schools going to semestered system
  • Alternate days or one week on, one week off, etc.
• Many different models being considered at the secondary level
• Timetables on hold for the fall until further instructions for current unknown model; in flux with teams and committees considering pros and cons of various possible models
• Parent survey – stay tuned re: parent perspective on what would work best for your child
• Possible to NOT have your child return in September with appropriate model around that
• Clarity from Ministry of Education to come

Report Cards

• Detailed info has been distributed via email re: report card distribution
• Key messaging – whatever the students were achieving prior to March 13 will be reflected on the report, unless the remote work being done has improved their mark (ie. marks will NOT go down from March 13^th grade)
• Primary focus – on students who need assistance to pass classes to get their credits

PARENT QUESTION: John Hiddema (council member) re: timetable – is there a line drawn as to timetable decisions and surrounding structure?

Supt.Howard – LP is ready to go – decision from Ministry must be made first – direction forthcoming from the Ministry (not the Board) – currently no date

John: Structure appreciated by students for clarity by mid-August will be a huge benefit to students and parents

Supt. Howard: Agreed decisions must be made asap for fall planning

 

PARENT QUESTION: (Nicole) For students going into Grade 12, how will this affect them for university applications?

Supt. Howard: No matter what model, there will be no change in structure for Grade 12 grads with respect to the 2021-21 university application process.

 

PARENT QUESTION: (Mitch Wexler) Is there going to be some movement toward more virtual classroom environment with direct instruction from teachers?

Supt. Howard: Aware of private vs. public systems with respect to online instruction – synchronous (real-time) vs. asynchronous learning (not real-time) – change would not be significant between what is being provided now and what to expect in the fall – individual teachers should be addressed directly re: needs of specific students, follow up with Principal Flahat or Vice Principal – pivot and learning for staff will be in place come the fall

(Principal Flahat – considerations of the entire community must be addressed – various socioeconomic areas with various challenges, internet access, etc. – equity is the foundation of everything at the TDSB, needs must be balanced)

 

PARENT QUESTION (Resa Eisen council member) – Engagement of student ideas beyond technology – opportunity offline to discuss? (dir. To Trustee Andrew Howard)

Trustee Howard: You are always welcome to contact me; perhaps include feedback in parent survey, or we will discuss offline – depends on the model directive from the Ministry of Education

 

2. Chair Liz Hanson

 

• VP Steve Bibla – Welcome and acknowledgement of the Grade 12 graduates with congratulations
• Student Council Update – Ryan and Samantha – thank you for your contributions this year
  • Successful virtual student spirit events, highlights: meme contest and bake-off
  • SC elections – campaign via social media completed
  • Ryan staying on; Sam graduating
  • Foodshare Fundraiser – $10K fundraising goal – donate back to the community; currently at $1,700 – ramping up awareness – Trustee Laskin tweeted out; share the link to help students and the community
• Principal Flahat Update
  • Great to see everyone, even if on Zoom call! Everyone is missed
  • Address to anti-black racism recent events
  • TDSB sent out messaging, anti-oppression, system moving towards true inclusive environment
  • Equity Committee has done hard work to address racialized, marginalized groups and to educate everyone to understand oppression and to ensure all students have a voice and are heard; LP has a lot to be proud of and still a lot of work to do; LP is committed to doing tough work
  • Access to school protocol/plan has been sent to all families via email as to when each student is invited to come into the school to return and/or collect items
  • Thanks to Mr. Bibla, Ms. Kelly and office staff for coordinating the plan
  • Need to minimize interaction between students (test run with Grade 9s June 9^th 10am) – supervisors on site to ensure physical distancing is upheld (ie. not a time to socialize, unfortunately)
  • Go to lockers, collect items and texts, drop off texts in gymnasium, exit from door near gymnasium
  • Students must WEAR A MASK to ensure safety, use hand sanitizer on site upon arrival and departure
  • Supervision on every floor (2 staff/volunteers per floor) to monitor the procedure
  • Blocks of time for each group to access the school; if more time is needed, it will be managed outside before more students enter
  • Grade 9 – June 10, 11
  • Grade 10 – June 12
  • Grade 11 – June 15, 16
  • Grade 12 – June 18
  • Something special for Grade 12 graduates (t-shirt with names of all graduating students) to be handed out; some teachers will be on hand outside to clap and celebrate their graduating students, music playing, to acknowledge their success, lawn signs
  • NOT the time to return loaned e-devices to TDSB (all families please keep the device until September) – these are the property of the TDSB, NOT LP – note from Supt. Andrew Howard

 

 PARENT QUESTION: Are the students coming in by last name?

Response: P. Flahat – yes, by last name and by Grade – see email sent June 2nd
                                                   

• Yearbooks – students have worked so hard on the yearbooks – all work was done on time and online using software – fall delivery due to printing delays caused by pandemic situation (Canadian company)

PARENT QUESTION – How will the Grade 12s get their yearbooks?

Answer: Something special for commencement will take place in the fall – delivery date is unknown and we cannot distribute items at this time – stay tuned for delivery dates – will need new email addresses for the grads since they will no longer have access to their TDSB email accounts – possible event to take place Thanksgiving Weekend
                                                        

• Credit rescue program – strategy to move those students over the pass mark – summer program to recover credits – plan in place with guidance, office staff to contact students who are not engaging
• Community Service Hours – students continue collecting documentation and provide to the office upon return – 40 hours have been waived for Grade 12 students by universities (Trustee Howard)
• Are some summatives optional? (student question) – teachers are evaluating the work they are receiving; lots of students are trying to improve their marks – these improvements will be taken into consideration for the final mark
• When will students receive their current grade?
• Students can ask their teacher any time where they currently stand; if an issue, reach out to Principal Flahat or Mr. Bibla or Ms. Kelly

 

PARENT QUESTION (Rindy): Concern for teachers – capability varies by teachers and they have done a lot – what support are we giving the teachers? Are they expected to work all summer? Do they look to the Ministry or TDSB to deliver?

Answer Principal Flahat – re: summer – no expectation for teachers to be working – summer school programs will provide some jobs – LP staff not being asked to work during the summer; virtual learning has brought staff together re: collaboration, virtual department meetings, staff meetings (where none had been happening due to the job action)

 

• VP Steve Bibla – students are teaching the teachers – student council election videos; POR (position of responsibility) created for new Digital Innovation & Creativity Centre
• Some staff are experts in Google Classroom and Brightspace – great program already in place and LP has several teachers who are helping others with the software
• Google Classroom vs. Brightspace – 100% of teachers are on a platform (P. Flahat not in a position to mandate which platform teachers must use)

 

• QUESTION: When is the last day of school/ classes? – June 26 (no change due to longer March Break)
• Virtual Athletic Banquet June 18^th  7:30pm ALL INVITED (250 max) to log in! – student-led videos, speeches, awards, hosting live event on Google Meets!
• Virtual Classics Conference took place this past weekend (Greece trip cancelled) – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – student-led, teacher-supervised

 

Question:  When will be hear about placement for summer courses starting in July?

Answer: (P. Flahat) I don’t know when they will hear back; LP doesn’t manage this aspect (Liz) – form must be filled out and approved by Guidance – connect with Guidance and book time with them
 

• Staffing – virtual interviews, positions of responsibility (16 hired) ie. heads of departments – all 16 position filled, as of today! Several new hires from outside of LP; new heads of Guidance, STEM, Student Success, Canadian World Studies, Student Leadership, Phys. Ed. – Principal Flahat is thrilled with the team being built at LP!
• Building / Robotics maker space in basement
• Enrollment is significantly up for next year – several students returning to their home school after going elsewhere
• New teacher line-up – when will we receive announcement? – end of June
• When is the last day kids can submit work for grades? Submitting to individual teachers – ask your teacher!

 

Parent Question: Can we form a committee of interested parents to move timetable for 2021 fall to semestered timetable? Can this be entertained at all?

Answer Principal Flahat – consultation piece was stopped; entire process has to begin from scratch if and when it is opened through the Secondary Review

• Communications Julie/Marina – no update
• Treasurer Report – Ian – website costs this year due to migration to new service, TDSB has reimbursed $1,200 of costs, STEM program fund – Liz to follow up
• Fundraising – Anne Marie – spring fundraiser postponed
• Wellness – Kelly – amazing job, Kelly!
• Equity Committee – Alex – Re: situation in US – organizations are making statements/passing resolutions – Alex would like to put forward a resolution for School Counsel to make decision on:

 

Resolution: Be it resolved that the School Council of Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute is very concerned about the recent deaths of persons of African American ancestry by police officers in the United States as well as other related events.  We would like to express our very strong concern about this situation.  We would also like to express our commitment to the equality and human rights of persons of African ancestry and of their right to live free from violence or discrimination from those in positions of authority.

The resolution was put in the chat comments to review. No objections were raised. Two comments requested Canada to be added. Resolution approved by general consent. 

 

Motioned by:  Alexander Sabharwal

Seconded by: Anna Richter

 

• Anna – Community Updates – encourage the community to celebrate grads with the lawn sign purchases
• Resa – Safe & Caring School Committee – nothing to report – no meeting with Steve Bibla since last meeting
• Steve Bibla – cyber bullying, online media – school code of conduct re: online learning – continuing to address any concern
• Greg – Facilities Improvement – Nothing to add
• Karen – Parent Engagement – process of updating parent engagement with Board is ongoing – live survey available – only 13 questions – tdsbengage.ca – includes things like school improvement plan and how parents are consulted – survey closing some time in June
• Jen – FSLAC – nothing to report
• Kristen – Vice Chair – nothing to add

 

• Celebrating our Grads – 295 students – no June grad will take place – Principal Flahat committed to an event this coming fall (likely Thanksgiving weekend) – keep student email addresses and parent addresses
• Lawn Signs available for sale to all families to celebrate our grads
• T-shirts – first year that the shirts will be paid for by the school – thank you to Principal Flahat and VP Ruth Kelly for running the survey for logo selection and details (205/295 kids voted) – all 295 shirts will be ordered and given out on June 18 at locker cleanout day for Grade 12s
• Banner – thank you to council member Erika Boone for organizing this – will be visible on school ground for photo op!
• Virtual Celebration – an hour event at end of June – approval forthcoming – ideas welcome!
• School Communication – on the list for next year’s topics of importance

 

3. Other News/Information (or Meeting Follow Up)

• Thank you to Julie Sole who is graduating out and leaving school council
• Thank you to Anna Richter for continuing on counsel this year
• Looking for volunteers – each council role is available the following year and will go to a vote and new roles can be created to enrich student life

MEETING ADJOURNED

LPCI School Council Meeting

Monday, February 3, 2020 7pm

DRAFT – MEETING MINUTES

Next Meeting: Monday, March 30th 7pm in the library

Attendees:
Liz Hanson, Anne Marie Armstrong, Jen Tse, Kelly Green, Erika Boone, John Hiddema, Anna Richter, Greg Speirs, Julie Sole, Alex Sabharwal, Rindy Bradshaw, Laura Nield, Bryan Seaton, Dani Morrison, Alexandra Evans, C. Wyatt, Edna Hussman, Dorothy Carson, Catherine Wong, Jill Bellenger, Kyra Kappele, Anne Maenhaut

Key Dates:

• Feb 6 Joint Ward Forum – NTCI
• Feb 13 Parent-Teacher Interviews
• Feb 14 PD Day
• Feb 17 Family Day
• Mar 5 TDSB Engage – Parent & Community Involvement Policy PO23 Review
(TDSB @ 5050 Yonge St.)

1. Student Council Report: Sam – Student Council Liaison

• Friday, Feb. 7 – report cards will be distributed
• African Heritage Month – events happening @ LPCI
• Feb. 6 – 24-hour challenge – LPAC sports council hosting this fundraising event for “Right to Play” charity (150 students involved)
• Cupid’s Café – coffee house event for Valentine’s Day – student performances, treats
• Parent Teacher Interviews – ½ day for students, parents in the afternoon – Feb. 13
• French speech – end of month – speak with teacher (Canada’s 36th Annual French Public
• Speaking Contest to take place Sat. May 4th @ Glendon Campus, York U – 4 categories (core, extended, immersion Francophone) – Registration is OPEN
• Math Contest – end of month – speak with teacher
• Dance Show – annual event run by Drama Council – raised $ for Kids @ Camp with circus theme, roughly 200 students performed

2. School Report – Principal Aiman Flahat

• African Heritage Month kick-off assembly today by Equity Committee* – Guest Speaker (actor, writer, producer) shared personal narrative re: discrimination, personal story; students read poems, performed dances, contributions to be exhibited by students; conference will take place in library with NTCI, Northern, Forest Hill to train students with tools to take back to their schools (80-90 students to be involved; 40 outside schools, 50 LP); full-day event (Feb. 20) – parents welcome to attend
• Grad Photos – some students missed photo day; retakes will take place Feb. 11 & 12 – Goal that all graduating students will have photo taken; sitting fee will be collected; sign up online for time slot
• Report Cards to be distributed Feb. 7 – currently being printed; these are FINAL REPORTS for Grade 12 Math and Grade 12 Civics; regular report for all other students (marks only; no comments due to job action)
• Parent-Teacher Interviews – will be ONLY in the evening; Registration will open shortly after reports go out – Notice will go out to parents regarding online registration
• Kiwanas Festival to take place at LPCI has been CANCELLED
• Staff Heads of Departments – all schools with Positions of Responsibility are posted online and many applications have been received (this takes place every 3 years); 16 positions have been posted to the system for availability (currently 18 positions at LPCI, 2 have been cut – 1. secondary French position (2 positions have been merged into one) and 2. Wellness – now joined with Student Success (Student Success & Wellness); no programs are being lost, only individual roles
• New Program Plans and Fundraising – Parent Council met with Principal Flahat to discuss future programs and fundraising initiatives; i.e. Rotman iThink Program (Integrative Thinking), Business Leadership Grade 12 Course, Robotics Launch and possible tournament hosted by LPCI, innovation lab/hub (robotics, physics lab) in school basement in available space
• Principal Flahat meeting with students to determine ideas behind LPCI mission and vision statements; current statements (framed in entrance foyer) are not acknowledged or widely known
• Status of School Pool – Filtration system retrofit caused issues with pool heating system, cracking of the drain cover – ongoing parts and permit issues

PARENT QUESTION: When will class offerings for 2020-21 Grade 12 students be finalized?
Answer – All offerings are currently listed; however, those courses which will actually run next fall will be determined by the number of registrants (ie. Not all classes will run, as they are based on the number of students who register)

PARENT QUESTION: Regarding EQAO, what percentage of a student’s final mark will be based on this test?
Answer – EQAO tests are worth 10% of the student’s final mark for the year (Grade 9 Math test, Grade 10 Literacy test)

PARENT QUESTION: For how much longer will staffing changes continue?
Answer – The changes will be settling down soon. There are 2-3 more teachers (Grade 10) still being affected by staffing changes.

3. Chair & Executive Reports

• Approval of December 2019 minutes: motioned to approve Bryan Seaton, seconded by John Hiddema

Communications – Julie Sole

• No updates

Facility Improvements Subcommittee – Greg Speirs

• No updates

Treasurer’s Report – John Hiddema

• Tax receipts for parents? Not at LP (Glenview is being grandfathered for tax receipts), no similar structure at LP; school cash online can allow fundraising under school council and the board is a registered charity and our treasurer working to integrate this program

Fundraising Report – Anne Marie Armstrong

• Community Fundraising – May 7th Event @ Safari, silent auction – funds raised for more immediate visible changes at the school
• Separate online fundraising drive, tax receipts for donors – for long-term vision
• Call for volunteers – AM has sign-up sheet
• Focus of fundraising to be firmed up by Principal and Council (iThink Rotman program, south gym, innovation/maker space)
• LPCI 2025 Vision – will include creativity, empathy, recognition of student’s gifts
• Field & Track improvement plan – more ambitious, long-term fundraising plan

Wellness Committee – Kelly Green

• Wellness Council hasn’t met since job action began
• Student Wellness Council, however, has been meeting – Bell Let’sTalk event last week
• Pink Shirt Day – Thurs, Feb 27th
• Parent donation table for treats and fruit kebabs for Pink Shirt Day…Sign Up sheet – contact Kelly Green to contribute – to be coordinated with the screening of film “Screenagers 2: The Next Chapter” – enable students to understand stressors and where they come from, how social media is affecting our kids – all students will see the student version of the film
• Parents can see the parent version screening at Northern CI and NTCI – gives parents tools and strategies of how to engage with your kids re: social media, case studies, positive messaging, moderators will be brought in (Feb. 24 @ NTCI, March 5 @ Northern) – Save the Date will be sent out; free events via EventBrite with $5 donation suggested – LP parent Catherine Wong coordinating @ Northern and would prefer LP parents attend Northern screening – Watch The Eye on LPCI for registration

*Equity Committee – Alex Sabharwal

• Feb. 20 Student Conference “Voices of Change” @LPCI hosted by LP inviting neighbourhood schools, Leaside, Forest Hill, Northern, NTCI school initiative (2nd year of this event)
• Equity is one of the pillars of our school improvement plan and impacts all students
• Jill Andrew – MPP – Keynote speaker who faced discrimination; workshops planned on wellness, discrimination, equity
• Request for $500 to put together bags for attendees – can we use money from the student enrichment fund to cover these costs?
• Suggestion to put $ toward speaker rather than giveaways we don’t really need

Ward 8 News – Erika Boone

• Joint Ward Forum – Board meeting this Thursday, Feb. 6, John Molloy, Trustee Shelly Laskin will be speaking
• March 5 – 5050 Yonge St. TDSB – Parent and Community Involvement & Policy – how we engage with the TDSB

Community Update – Anna Richter

• No community update
• If you have an update, please contact Anna

Safe & Caring School Committee – Risa Eisen

• Resa absent, no update

Facility Improvements Subcommittee – Greg Speirs

• Focus on shorter-term, bite-size projects (ie. South gym) with longer term project in mind (ie. Field improvement)

Parent Engaement Subcommittee – Karen Barasch

•  Karen absent

French as a Second Language – Jen Tse

• Parents As Partners Conference for all TDSB parents and caregivers – Saturday, March 28 – French may run a workshop (topic and format to be determined)
• French Review / Secondary Review – Update will be available via newsletter before March Break
• External TDSB FSL site to be revamped to be more parent-friendly – launch date was to be end of January, however, does not seem to be online as yet

4. Chair / Vice Chair Update – Liz Hanson (Kirsten Glenister absent)

• Career path workshop idea with parent community engagement
• Possible panel-style launch event hosted by students in panel format for YouTube video format
• Video career profiles are currently available on My BluePrint for students
• Council provided Teacher appreciation breakfast very well received – a small token went a long way
• Motion to appoint Jennifer Tse as Secretary of Parent Council (to replace Anne Marie Armstrong who is now in charge of the Fundraising portfolio); Motion to accept by Kelly Green seconded by Anna Richter

MEETING ADJOURNED

Motion to adjourn by Anne Marie Armstrong, seconded by Kelly Green

LPCI School Council Meeting

MEETING MINUTES December 2, 2019

Next Meeting:  Monday, February 3, 7pm in the library

 

Attendees:  Ruth Kelly, Anna Richter, Liz Hanson, Ian Aukema, Julie Sole, Kelly Green, Erika Boone, Ann Moffat, Resa Eisen, Alex Sabharwal, Karen Barasch,

Greg Speirs, Marina Chernyak, Kirsten Glenister, Jen Tse, Catherine Wong, Ann McDermott, Edna Hussman, Rhonda Rossi, and others will be updated from the list.

Key Dates: 

• NOW           Grade 12s should book their grad photo session
• Wed, Dec 4^th          Potential OSSTF Walkout (Winter Musicale to be rescheduled date TBD)
• Thurs, Dec 5^th Spirit Day
• Fri, Dec 6^th PA Day
• Thurs, Dec 12^th United Artists – LPCI Auditorium (tickets available on School Cash Online)
• Wed, Dec 18^th          Teacher Thank You Breakfast

1. Student Council Update – Ryan Knight, Student Council Liaison
   • Annual Charity Week raised just under $1,500 to be donated to Chai Lifeline Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected with life-threatening and lifelong illness
   • The Annual Winter Holiday Family Initiative, supporting families in need during the holiday season, is collecting gift cards (excluding MC/VISA gift cards); sign-up forms are available now; 1 family per grade (4 families) in the area will receive support this year

2. Principal’s Report – VP Ruth Kelly for Principal Flahat
   • On November 26^th, Principal Flahat and the LP Wellness Committee students attended the Rotman School of Management’s Inaugural Conference on Mental Health: The Impact on Business & Canadians – a one-day conference on mental health awareness and it’s impact on the Canadian Economy
   • Very successful Charity Week took place in the North and South gymnasiums with events, booths and lots of school spirit
   • Grade 8 Info Night – very successful evening with a larger turnout than anticipated showcasing clubs, activities, student council, student ambassadors and a great amount of student involvement, organized by Mark Fischer in the Guidance Dept.
   • Parent-Teacher Interviews – good crowd, parents were pleased
   • The LPCI Hockey Team was scheduled to travel to Kingston on Sunday, November 30, however, due to severe weather near Kingston, travel was postponed until Monday with a 6am departure; student safety is of the utmost importance when considering team travel during severe weather events; a fatal accident did take place that night on the 401 near Kingston.
3. Chair & Executive Report

 Approval of November 2019 Minutes

Anna Richter motioned to approve, seconded by Julie Sole

Chair Update – Liz Hanson

• Job Action – there is the potential of an OSSTF walkout on Wednesday, December 4^th, which will affect all staff; should an agreement fail to be reached by midnight on Tuesday, December 3^rd, all classes will be cancelled for the day
• See the TDSB Website and follow @twitter for updates
• The Musicale Concert will be cancelled and rescheduled

(TBD) should job action take place

• PA Day scheduled for Friday, December 6^th – this will NOT CHANGE if there is a walkout on Wednesday
• The Parent Thank You Breakfast will be postponed to

January due to potential job action (Happy Teachers =Happy Students”)

• Suggestion for a dessert table in the staff room on Dec. 18 rather than breakfast, with the breakfast to take place in the new year.
• Erika Boone is coordinating and will communicate the changes to the teachers

• PIAC Update – Parent Involvement Advisory Committee

• Liz and Kelly Green attended the PIAC Event on how to successfully operate a parent council
• Various fundraising options were discussed – chocolates (Purdy’s, Laura Secord), Skyzone passes, FlipGive, Motion Care Massage to attend school events, Pizza Pizza)
• What’s Up Walkin’ – runs 5 locations in Toronto – for depressed, bullied and anxious youth
• TDSB Email Addresses to be assigned to all parents
• School Messenger will be used by those with TDSB email addresses, is currently in use by TDSB office administrators and is connected to Trillium, the student information system and parent info site (Trillium will potentially be used by our parent council)

• Welcome Committee @ Grade 8 Open House

• LPCI Hints & Tips page handed out @ Parent Council table
• Student Ambassadors in blue shirts, Buddies in yellow shirts
• Photos taken of student volunteers and teachers – plan to include photos in future parent communication pieces to put faces to names

 

Communications Committee – Julie Sole, Marina Chernyak

• Nothing to report; will be reporting in February at the next PC meeting

Treasurer’s Report – Ian Aukema (John Hiddema absent)

• See attached/below report, dated Nov 28, 2019

Fundraising Update – Anne Marie Armstrong (absent @ LPCI Hockey Game)

• Nothing to report; will be reporting in February at the next PC meeting

Wellness Committee – Kelly Green

• 2^nd Annual Wellness Fair for students took place Nov. 8 to address health, wellness and nutrition
• The event was student-driven and the volunteers did a great job and the event was a big success
• Teachers, social workers and nurses were present to share info
• At the Rotman Conference on Mental Health (Nov. 26), the only students present were from LPCI; since the focus was on employers during the afternoon session, the info wasn’t as relevant to our students, however, the team bonded at the event
• The Wellness Tea Club offers tea to anyone entering the school every Friday; tea donations are welcome or you can donate to the tea fund in the office

Equity Committee – Ann Moffet, Alex Sabharwal

• The Equity Committee met with the Guidance Department and teachers
• Black History Month (February) assembly is planned
• A larger Equity event is in the works
• Professional Development for teachers re: new Trans Accommodation Guide upcoming

Ward 8 Report – Erika Boone

• Large Ward 8 Meeting took place with Trustee Shelley Laskin and 3

Superintendents, including Andrew Howard, our Ward 8 Superintendent

• Shelley Laskin runs a comprehensive website – parents can sign up for her weekly updates which include any potential job action information

Community Updates – Anna Richter

• Robberies outside of Avenue Rd. McDonald’s – 6 youth ages 14 to 16 were arrested by Police
• Safety Tips were shared via the Eye on LPCI for parents to discuss with their kids
• Town Hall Nov. 25 with City Councillors, including Mike Colle – current areas on concern that were discussed: congestion around Yonge & Eglington, safety around the many construction sites in the area, ongoing safety issues, traffic, intersection pedestrian safety
• Test pilot @ Yonge & Eg in the works with construction hub coordinators – potential for additional crossing guards and intersection wardens
• 26 Ward 8 Meeting @ Forest Hill Collegiate re: strategic planning & forecasting enrollment for LPCI revealed LPCI enrollment will be flat-lined for the next 10 years
• Section 37 Funds have been eliminated across the province.
• The term “Section 37” refers to the section of Ontario’s Planning Act which allows the City to ask for benefits to construct or improve facilities when a development requires a Zoning By-law amendment. Section

37 benefits differ from other revenue tools available to the City of Toronto. (Source: https://web.toronto.ca)

Safe & Caring School Committee – Resa Eisen

• November meeting was cancelled; nothing to report

Facility Improvements Subcommittee – Greg Speirs

• 2 major projects being considered: 1. Adding a new gymnasium, 2. Upgrades to the track/field areas
• There are safety issues with the current north and south gyms which are substandard and too small to accommodate a regulation basketball court; a new larger gym could be added to either the north or south end of the building, which would require underground parking
• Track/Field – resurfacing of current track, repaint lines, resurface the grass field
• Funding for these capital improvement projects would have to be assessed via the TDSB Governance System which applies equity based on the academic criteria performance for the allocation of discretionary funds (i.e. LPCI is a leader in academic performance, therefore, it is highly unlikely funding would be allocated to LPCI)
• Greg will ask Principal Flahat to speak with our Trustee about how to move forward
• Potential fundraising campaign to fund track/field improvements plan
• Consideration may be given to build a calsithenics park in one of the basketball area for community use
• Principal Flahat is supportive of fundraising efforts and keen to start achievable fundraising efforts for improvement projects, and is particularly keen to invest in STEM-related projects which can positively impact all students (vs. athletic facilities which are geared to LPCI athletes)
• Principal Flahat to meet with local Councillors to determine impact of Section 37 funds or lack thereof
• Donations can be made via School Cash Online and directed to the TDSB, allocated by project
• The general “Fundraising” button has been removed from the LPCI website and will start up again soon; students can request funds be allocation via School Cash Online
• The annual parent social is a good source to promote fundraising efforts

Parent Engagement Subcommittee – Karen Barasch

• TDSB reviewing how schools engage with parents
• No date for next committee meeting
• Karen has connected with Shelley Laskin and is keen to bring ideas and news to the table at the next meeting in February

French As A Second Language – Jen Tse

• Jen was unable to attend Nov. 12 FSLAC meeting @ TDSB – Minutes yet to be posted on TDSB website
• Canadian Parents for French hosting Canada’s 36^th Annual French Public Speaking Contest in May 2, 2020 – info to be distributed by French teachers to students and parents – event takes place at Glendon campus of York U
• Ongoing – French teaching staff recruitment
• Noted that 2020 will be the last year for students to enter Extended French at Glenview

Parent Q&A

Parent Question:   Would LPCI be willing to pay $250 to screen the documentary “Screenagers” (both student and parent versions of the program).  For this fee, the program can be screened up to 3 times.  Several other schools in the area will be doing so this year.

Answer:  We don’t have $250 available, as the budget for the year has been determined and is already limited.

 Parent Question:  What is going to be done to address the issue of the quality of the math program in Grade 10?  Parent’s student is struggling with basic math concepts, which she believes were not provided in Grade 9.  Parent has already met with current math teacher and child is still struggling, yet not attending extra help sessions being offered.  Student is heavily involved with rep hockey.

Answer:  Encourage student to attend extra help sessions.  Other students with the same Grade 9 math teacher feel their students have acquired the basic skills.  Perhaps this student will need outside help i.e. tutoring?  Someone mentioned there is an Elite Athlete Program in place at LPCI which allows flexibility and accommodations for students involved in competitive sports at the Provincial level.

 

Parent Question:  What can be done to improve the band enrolment numbers? 

Numbers are down to only 18 students!

Answer:  Perhaps a subcommittee can be formed by parents who are concerned about lack of interest in the music program?  Speak with Megan Wong, current department head.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm by Liz Hanson The next general meeting will be at 7pm on Monday, February 3^rd , in the school library

Minutes submitted by: Jen Tse

Approved by:          Name will be updated

                        

Treasurer’s Report                                                             November 28, 2019

Balance August 1, 2018:                                                                       $ 9,968.98

Revenue:

    0.00

Expenses:

Website¹                                                                       $1,275.66

Bank Charges                                                                        1.50

Student Success Fund disbursement                              2,513.00

Restricted Funds²                                                           1,050.00

  4,840.16

Revenue over Expenses:                                                                       (4,840.16)

Balance:                                                                                            $    5,128.82³

Notes:

1. Website costs of $1,189.87 have been submitted to TDSB for reimbursement.
2. Credit Card required for website payments. Bank places a Hold on account for credit card.
3. Includes $118.00 donated via TDSB Cash Online

LPCI School Council Meeting

October 28, 2019

MEETING MINUTES

Next Meeting:  December 2^nd, 7pm in the library

Attendees: Liz Hanson, Kristen Glenister, Anna Richter, Anne Marie Armstrong, Ian Aukema, Julie Sole, Marina Chernyak, Kelly Green, Erika Boone, Ann Moffet, Alex Sabharwal, John Hiddema, Resa Elsen, Jen Tse, Karen Barasch, Kate Thurston Dale, Sandra Pritchard, Gillian Wyett, Suzanne Duras, Grace Middleton, Alexandra Evans, Veronica Bak, Laura Neild, Anne Maenhaut, Jill Belanger, Mary Rose Ebos, Haley Overland, Scott Morson, Jane Loforgo, Kathy Dumanski, Tara Benedetti, Tia Butler, Jennifer Gotleib, Edna Hussman, Rindy Bradshaw, Jennifer Wilmer, Bryan Seaton.

Key Dates:

• Trustee Shelley Laskin Ward 8 Forum @LPCI (Library) – Oct 29 6:30-8:30pm
• Costume Ball – Oct 30^th
• Grade 9 Bring your Child to Work Day – Nov 6
• Pathways (University/College Evening Fair at LP) – Nov 7
• Wellness Fair – Nov 8
• Remembrance Day Assembly – Nov 11
• Report Card Distribution – Nov 14^th
• Charity Week – Nov 29^th

1. Student Council Update – Samanntha Lee, Ryan Knight
   • Last week of Sep: Spirit Week. Done every month. Blue & Gold Day, Pajama Day, Twin Day, Jersey Day. Council and Club assembly.
   • Buddies, Grade 11/12 help grade 9s adapt to high school. Grade 9 excursion day Thornhill Outdoor Education Centre (TOEC). Grade 9 students put into teams, fun games and social interaction. Overall an amazing day.
   • Terry Fox Run – outside on Track during class, a couple laps. Raise money in home form class. Sold donuts and lemonade as well to raise money.
   • Volunteer Fair – Oct 2^nd. Organizations from outside to provide volunteer opportunities. Sign-up sheets were provided.
   • Club Carousel – all clubs were shared.The full list of clubs can be found on the school council website: http://www.lpschoolcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/LPCI-Clubs-List-2019.pdf. The Club Carousel/Fair provided sign up opportunities but kids can join any time.
   • Just finished SPC card campaign $10 student discount cards. Can still be picked up in Room 301 (French office) from M. Benais during lunch, before or after school.
   • French immersion/extended students buy tickets to see performances or shows – Parvana last week.
   • For Nov:
     • Costume Ball Oct 30^th 7-9:30pm music video theme dance.
     • University visits, have been ongoing during late start Wed am.
     • Nov 7^th Spirit Day – junk food day of the month, sell candy/waffles etc. Wear blue and gold and get a free grilled cheese
     • Nov 7^th – Math Contest – Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
     • Nov 7^th – Pathways Fair 6-9pm in Library
     • Nov 8^th – Wellness Fair – organizations will be here, physical and mental health and wellbeing e.g. Good Life. Sky Lark, walk-in
     • Nov 11^th Remembrance Day Assembly presented by Drama Council. Veteran recognition.
     • Report cards coming soon, Nov 14^th
     • Nov 29^th Charity Week – booth fair, run with home form reps. Will decide a charity, booths will sell baked goods etc. to raise money for charities of choice.

PARENT QUESTION: Concern about lack of student spirit, recent back to back football games (Jr & Sr) very few parents, students staff stayed for the 2^nd game.

Answer – Hard to know what kids have after school. Perhaps we can get Councils to help support. Will raise the issue with LPAC and other Councils. Many teachers took their kids out of last period to support.

 

PARENT QUESTION: Could we share the charities supported during Charity Week and the tally of funds raised?

Answer – Good idea

 

PARENT QUESTION: Can volunteer opportunity list be posted?

Answer – Yes, we can ask for that to be done.

2. Chair & Executive Reports

• Approval of September 2019 minutes: John Hiddema motioned to approve, seconded by Ian Aukema.
• Introductions to School Council Executive Nominees
  • Vice Chair: Kristen Glenister, son in grade 11
  • Parent Engagement Subcommittee Chair – Karen Barasch son in grade 9
  • French as a second language Chair – Jen Tse   – son in grade 9, daughter grade 7 at Glenview.
  • Fundraising Chair – Anne Marie Armstrong – Co-Chair available!
  • Motion to acclaim positions: Bryan Seaton, seconded by Rindy Bradshaw
• Welcome Committee – Liz Hanson
  • Would like to have another parent social which we may tag onto a fundraiser. More to come.
• Communications – Julie Sole, Marina Chernyak
  • Status quo for now, more updates in December.
• Treasurer’s Report – Ian Aukema, John Hiddema
  • Website costs and Student Success Fund raised last year but transferred this year.
  • School council insurance – still being negotiated at the Board.

Parent Question: Tax receipt still being pursued?
Answer – Waiting for guidance from TDSB on updated fundraising policy. Expecting to be able to issue receipts and have say in how funds disbursed. Still waiting to hear more from Board. Likely Cash Online and allocated through and with Aiman.

• Wellness Committee – Kelly Green
  • Terry Fox Walk – intention of event was to be inclusive, 15 minutes per class on track, social and comradery. $4,038 raised just shy of $5,000 goal.
  • Wellness Fair – Last year 20 organizations. Gave access to resources students may not otherwise get. Passports stamped at each booth (helps reduce stigma). This year 13 signed up and 5 internal resources.
  • Friday Tea Club – opportunity for social time in a non-stressful environment, bring your own mug, tea in urns in the hallway. Always looking for tea donations, can drop boxes off in office marked Wellness Committee.
• Equity Committee – Ann Moffet, Alex Sabharwal
  • Alex daughter in grade 11, Ann daughter in grade 12
  • New committee – there is a student equity committee (a club), a staff committee which Ann & Alex will sit on as well as they plan on joining Equity Advisory committee with the TDSB
  • New and revised policy on equity posted on TDSB website and can be found here: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Policies,ProceduresForms/Detail/docId/200
  • Equity training happening with staff across the Board.
• Ward 8 News – Erika Boone
  • Meeting Oct 29th here at 6:30pm, ward is so much bigger than prior years, may be busier. All welcome to attend. Information on Shelley Laskin’s website. More updates next meeting. https://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward8
• Community Updates – Anna Richter
  • Walk In – More Details on the Oct 10^th Walk-In
    • Anna shared more details on the Walk-In. LPCI registered to participate in conjunction with over 500 school communities across the. The idea was for parents, students and staff to unite as a community for 30 minutes demonstrating their protest to funding cuts to education. Then everyone unites and walkedinto the school at 8:30am.
  • Local robberies at the Ave Rd and Lawrence McDonalds in case parents missed this report. Here’s a link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/north-york-robberies-1.5334767
• Safe & Caring School Committee – Resa Eisen
  • VP Mr. Bilba is the chair, the committee met today. Carry over items from last year.
    • Vaping – no incidents where vaping pens have had to be taken away so far this year. Been discussing how to get more current info on dangers of vaping to students.
    • Stolen bikes – students should have a good lock that cannot be broken easily
    • Conflict resolution – more to come
    • Lunch room – seating in hallways, student rep didn’t think this was a big issue as it’s the preferred place for kids to sit and have lunch. Still looking at more spaces.
  • Parent Engagement Subcommittee – Karen Barasch
    • Still flushing out what committee will be – TDSB is currently reviewing policy. Opportunity to have input. Have requested timeline. Will be seeking input, all 3 constituents and how we can all work together (parents, students, teachers)
  • French as a Second Language – Jen Tse
    • Meeting bi-monthly, discuss broad range of issues.
    • Virtual library – Fleur de Lis link to French resources e.g. encyclopedieas, TFO, movies, books etc. Resources all in one spot.
    • Parent engagement – teacher newsletters or other ways to communicate
    • Core French teacher survey issued a couple weeks ago, results to come
    • Core French action plan – professional budget reduced again
    • Are there enough French teachers available? Ongoing issue.

3. Prior Meeting Follow Up and Other News/Information
   • Follow up on 2 items from the previous meeting – Anna Richter:
     • The School Council donated $2,513 of funds raised to the Principal for use for Student Success funds. Student Success funds are used for the Principal to apply for confidential use for students in need. This is an allocation of 10% of funds raised that are saved as Student success. Some uses for the funds are TTC transit support.
     • Response to SC’s recommendation from superintendent Andrew Howard was received after last meeting. Semestering will not proceed without open discussion. There is an ongoing Secondary School Review, once this is complete, we can revisit the semestering change and if it proceeds it will start from the very beginning.
     • Anna expressed appreciation of last year’s Council: Liz, Kelly, Anne Marie, Julie, Ian, John, …
   • SSON and what it is: School Statement of Needs, what we think the school needs in a principal etc. Needs to be completed yearly. Due mid-November, will seek parent input. Please provide any input to our school council email. lpschoolcouncil@gmail.com
   • Stay Connected – MySchoolDay App – Julie offered to show anyone who would like tips and tricks on how it works at the end of the meeting.
   • Fundraising Update – more details to come.
   • Ideas raised for upcoming Speaker’s at the Council Meetins: 1) Equity opportunity, 2) Vaping – Ruth Kelly shared excellent presentation on Vaping from public board of health, 3) Future of work e.g. impact of automation, jobs that will be there in the future (jobs that have need for empathy) – parents expressed interest in all.
   • Grade 9 Bring your Child to Work Day – across Ontario, all schools, children can attend at a parent/guardian/friend’s parent’s work. November 6^th.

PARENT QUESTION: Is there a central list of opportunities if children don’t have the opportunity to join their parent/guardian?
Answer – Students can join with another student. Liz suggested she could work with the school Admin on this. If any student wants to participate, and can not join a parent/guardian at this time, please let the Principal know or School Council. lpschoolcouncil@gmail.com. It was offered that some could join Liz at her work and she will help the school find options with other parents if needed.

4. School’s Report – Principal Aiman Flahat

• Awards assembly last week, warm reception, feel welcomed.
• Focus on learning about students. 1:1 meetings, to learn as much as possible. Looking to understand why certain practices are in place. Attending Council meetings, students are quite passionate about the work they do e.g. Wellness Council. Sometimes students that excel are the only ones that have leadership opportunities but at LP there are so many opportunities (President, Vice President of a number of Councils). Very engaged and the belief systems they have in what they are doing. A lot of this comes from investment of time and energy by parents, engagement in extracurricular activities etc. Really amazing!
• Curriculum Night – great in many ways, but some glitches. If a parent of Gr 9 students, not all staff attended. Curriculum night is not mandatory for TDSB teachers. Of 55 staff, 41-42 were able to come. Some were unable to make it for personal reasons. Looking at different format for next year, welcome feedback and ideas – maybe classroom visits for Grade 9 with representative of subject areas and perhaps for other grades have meetings for subject areas in bigger spaces.

PARENT COMMENT: Disappointing experience, didn’t realize it wasn’t mandatory. Last year was invaluable – name to faces, just to be able to keep finger on pulse. Hard to get here for 6pm (had to leave work early) 6 of 8 teachers weren’t here.
Answer – Received lots of emails from parents. Don’t need to relive it tonight, message was received loud and clear. Majority of parents didn’t realize it was entirely voluntary. Always going to be staff unable to attend so looking at new ways to manage. Staff generally so giving of their time, this evening structure just didn’t lend itself to everyone having a good experience.

• Good news: our Boys & Girls Tennis teams are City Champions!
• Pathways Fair Nov 7^th – This is a University and College Fair at Lawrence Park. Up to 25 schools have confirmed, so it will be a great event. This even is great Grade 12 and Grade 11 students too.
• Aiman is trying to meet with every student in the school. When he asks Grade 12 students, what they are planning for next year, many are not sure. A lot of work to be done, network – getting kids talking to people about what opportunities may be out there. Having a purpose, reason for doing something helps drive kids.

PARENT COMMENT: Aiman is doing amazing things to connect with our students. Thank you to Principal Aiman Flahat for calling the parents son down to the office and wishing him a Happy Birthday and giving him positive words of advice.
Aiman Comment – Thank you. I’m using the opportunity of birthdays to come meet and talk about our students future. He is asking students about people who make an impact on them and how they feel. As well, he asks kids what are they doing to make people remember you?

• School vision and mission – looking to refine and make it known to everyone. Identify and practice their gifts will likely be part of it.
• School improvement planning: working with staff, need to come up with goals. Achievement, Wellbeing, Equity goals to be submitted to Superintendent. Identified area of Mathematics for area of focus. Staff turnover has been high, impacts performance. Standardized marks are OK (compared to province and board) but can be much stronger, particularly for this school. Professional learning plans to be developed. Inclusive design, for e.g. student voice, analyzing data. Teachers are reflecting on current practices. Also, area of parent and community engagement, students also providing input – particularly from those who don’t have as much of a voice (either quieter students or parents that don’t attend council meetings).
• Staffing – challenging to find replacements particularly with French, leave of absences mean Long Term Occasional teachers are hired but these teachers can be pulled out of the school if offered a full-time contract (which happened on Friday).

PARENT QUESTION: If French phys-ed being taught in English, at what point will it not qualify as a French credit?
Answer – Teacher hired recently who could teach Phys Ed in French unfortunately had to take a short-term leave but likely will be back soon, and credit should be ok. Will need to ask longer term: Phys Ed and Math need to be part of the French program?

PARENT QUESTION: How can we help students who are now on their 4^th math teacher?
Answer – Mr. Abrahim recently re-hired. (Many parents agreed this was very positive news). There are several extra help sessions available as well.

• Special Olympics Soccer Qualifier at LPCI on Oct 24^th. It was a very touching event. More information will be shared if this comes back to LPCI.
• Grade 9 Take Your Kids to Work Day Nov 6^th – if students stay behind at school, there is supervision. If your child doesn’t have anywhere to go, email the school and perhaps opportunities can be provided.
• 160 tickets sold to Costume Ball. Last year was amazing because there were zero alcohol and drug incidents. Very few schools still hold these, but we’d like to continue to – let’s keep incidents to zero!
• Awards Assembly – awards granted to highest mark in every class. Some conversations about also doing character and leadership awards as well. Perhaps having parents involved/invited too. More to come.

PARENT QUESTION: Last year Mr. Bibla introduced Global Competencies. Can we use these as the basis for awarding/achievement?
Answer – Yes, this is part of what we are looking at.

PARENT QUESTION:  Grade 11 math – could we have a teacher come in and explain how the grade is being taught. Textbook isn’t being used; packages instead (not all have answers in them) makes it hard for kids to have a resource to go to if need extra reading.
Answer – I’ve been asked to buy hard copy books for students struggling with online textbooks. Will follow up to make sure they have arrived. Idea of math is creativity in the classroom and shouldn’t rely too much on the textbook. There is a published list of when teachers are providing extra help and you can go to any teacher, doesn’t have to be regular teacher. Aiman suggested parents email directly with specific concerns.

PARENT QUESTION: Some teachers using different classroom software (e.g., Google and Brightspace) and not integrated to My School Day. How can we address this?
Answer – All platforms are voluntary and each teacher may handle differently. Important thing is that when the student is logged into the platform they are engaged and able to use it.

PARENT QUESTION: Disconnect with what is on Google Classroom and what’s being taught in class students becoming disengaged, French Immersion student.
Answer – Grade 9 students can ask Buddies for help. Aiman requested the parent follow up directly.

MEETING ADJOURNED

Motion to adjourn by Jen Tse, seconded by Anna Richter.