MTSC/MTSPA Meetings Recap

Monday's meetings were busy with lots of updates and information.  Thanks go out to Constable Pete Barker for attending and speaking about the serious issues we are having with traffic safety around our school and bus stops.  Parents are reminded to be courteous of other drivers and the neighbours of the school and to set a good example for the children.  Constable Barker spoke of the importance of policing ourselves; failing that, he will have no option but to start ticketing.  Expect a notice from him in an upcoming newsletter. 

There was also a discussion about our topic of the month.  Each month, we will set aside 15 minutes to discuss a topic of interest.  Let Sherri know if you have ideas for future topics.  This month's topic was bullying.  Mrs. Sarginson spoke about the role the school plays in teaching social skills to the kids.  She will plan to add something in a future newsletter to provide parents with further information to reinforce what students are taught at school.  If you have specific concerns related to bullying and your child, it is important that you speak to Annette or Patrick about it. 

Kindergarten's Mrs. Purdy and grade one's Mrs. Howden were on hand to provide an update as to the learnings and activities of their classes.  Mrs. Sarginson provided the leadership report, which can be read in its entirety in the minutes for the council meeting.

In the MTSPA meeting, a motion was passed to form a Fun Lunch Committee, with Cheryl R as Chair.  Thanks to Cheryl for taking on this role and we look forward to hearing about plans for future fun lunches! 

In the fundraising report, it was noted that the committee is still in need of a Director.  Many of the members of this committee serve in other roles on the council or parent association already.  The committee had an action plan to proceed with the gift card fundraiser, winter celebration raffle and upcoming family dance, but no further plans have been made for fundraising activities in the absence of a committee director.  Please contact Sherri M if you are willing to take on this role.  The fundraising committee members provided updates regarding the success of the gift card fundraiser, which raised $955 for the PA, and the winter celebration raffle, which raised $750.  The raffle prize has not yet been claimed.  Please check your tickets to see if you are the lucky winner.  The committee is researching how to handle unclaimed prizes.  The committee is working on the next fundraiser, a family dance, scheduled for March 10th.  Stay tuned for more information coming home very soon.  A motion was passed to cover the costs of the dance up to $600 for items such as a DJ, refreshments, etc. 

Our next meetings will be on February 28th.  Some items to look forward to at these meetings include some planning into March's guest speaker, an update from the newly formed Fun Lunch Committee,  and a discussion about the winter celebration to give parents an opportunity to provide suggestions and input into the future of this important tradition at our school.  In addition, the parent association will do  a review of  the school's funding wish list and likely make some spending decisions.  We strongly encourage all parents to attend in order to have your input.