CSAC Minutes for 2003-2004 School Year
St. Cyril Catholic School Advisory Council (C.S.A.C.)
2003-2004
Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: St. Cyril School Library
Attendees: Chair-Patty Wen, Treasurer-Margaret Codrington, Secretary-Clarie Martin; Principal-Darquise Leroux; Teacher-Gaynor Delfino; C.S.A.C. Members-Marie Houghton, Roman Mesec, Mario Loreto, Mirjana Miljkovic, Jeanette Sarkissian, Parents-at-Large-Bill Nalepka, Russell Stuart, Cathy Rapier, Siobhan Donaghy, Lisa D’Ugo, Carol De Miglio, Bette Mior, Dennis Wintjes, Rocco Sebastiano, Ziboulia Tsakiris, Maureen Torsher; Community Representative-Kathleen Anne Faustin.
Total Attendance: 22
Chair Patty Wen commenced the meeting at 7:30 PM. She offered a prayer for guidance. All members of the assembly introduced themselves and their school-age children and mentioned any previous role with C.S.A.C.
Dennis Wintjes MOVED that the current agenda be approved.
Mario Loreto seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Dennis Wintjes MOVED that the last (June 18/03) minutes be approved.
Clarie Martin seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Treasurer Margaret Codrington provided two documents, a breakdown of “Sources and Uses of Project Funds for the Year Ended (FYE) August 31, 2003” and “Disbursement Details and Budget Comparison FYE 2003”. She noted a projected surplus of $6,512.21, which has been earmarked for Technology (August 31, 2003).
Rocco Sebastiano observed that parent donations to C.S.A.C. might be made tax deductible through a set-up already in place at the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), hereafter referred to as “the Board”. Principal Leroux noted that taking advantage of this form of charitable status might mean less C.S.A.C. autonomy since the Board would have greater involvement in C.S.A.C. decision-making.
Dennis Wintjes MOVED that St. Cyril’s C.S.A.C. continue to pursue charitable status by other means.
Maureen Torsher seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Treasurer Codrington will continue to pursue charitable status for St. Cyril’s C.S.A.C.
Carol De Miglio provided all at table with an opportunity to join the list of nominations for 2003-2004 C.S.A.C. executive and other roles. The list consisted of 13 names. The council members, in no particular order, are: Bette Mior, Margaret Codrington, Marie Houghton, Jeanette Sarkissian, Rocco Sebastiano, Dennis Wintjes, Clarie Martin, Mirjana Miljkovic, Mario Loreto, Roman Mesec, Russell Stuart, Siobhan Donaghy, and Patty Wen.
An election for C.S.A.C. executive was held. Patty Wen accepted the chair position for the second year (by acclamation). Dennis Wintjes accepted the position of vice-chair. Margaret Codrington continues in the position of treasurer (by acclamation). Clarie Martin continues in the position of secretary (by acclamation).
Chair Patty Wen reviewed the C.S.A.C By-laws and the Role of C.S.A.C. with the new council.
Jeanette Sarkissian MOVED that By-law-31 be amended such that C.S.A.C. meetings might “generally run” from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM weeknights in the School Library to allow attendees more time for travel from work to home to school.
Clarie Martin seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Principal Leroux noted the absence of C.S.A.C. meetings in December, January, February and March and requested that consideration be given to establishing one meeting per month throughout the school year. Roman Mesec and Marie Houghton noted that By-law-31 does not preclude meetings being held more often than the six prescribed but noted that December (due to Christmas holidays) and March (due to March Break) offer specific problems for council members and parents. Mme. Leroux advised that a brief meeting and social might be in order for December. Mr. Mesec and Ms. Houghton will conduct a review of criteria for C.S.A.C. meetings.
Kathleen-Ann Faustin MOVED to amend By-law-31 to recognize that the six meetings prescribed refer to a minimum of meetings.
Dennis Wintjes seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Council decided that C.S.A.C. meetings would be held February 17, 2003, December 2, 2003, and January 20, 2004.
Mario Loreto MOVED the above amendments to the C.S.A.C. meeting dates as well as changes to the schedule for the Committee’s Meetings (see below).
Dennis Wintjes seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Patty Wen advised that a series of “Committee’s Meetings” would be held in association with most C.S.A.C meetings, generally preceding formal council sessions by one week. These are non-voting meetings open to anyone and are intended as opportunities to lay the groundwork for the formal sessions. Council decided that the term “Committee’s Meetings” was unclear and voted to amend this term anywhere it appears by the designation “Parent Information Sessions” or, informally, “Parent Meetings”.
Roman Mesec MOVED that the phrase “Parent Information Sessions” be used to refer to the non-voting meetings.
Russell Stuart seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Carol De Miglio observed that no one volunteered for the position of Special Events Coordinator. Daina Perna has undertook this role in the past, supported by other parents in an ad-hoc Special Events Committee. This includes responsibility for milk and pizza days. Jeanette Sarkissian indicated she would act as Special Events Coordinator since Ms. Perna’s availability is limited this year.
Bill Nalepka recognized that the C.S.A.C. By-laws contain no mechanism to amend by-laws. He volunteered to set up such a mechanism. Rocco Sebastiano will work with Mr. Nalepka on this issue.
Marie Houghton and Bette Mior will review the parent and C.S.A.C. proposed meeting schedule.
Patty Wen advised that Sept. 30 is the deadline for any request for funds from the C.S.A.C. budget. She noted that certain expenditures have been earmarked, but others might yet be considered.
School Principal’s Report: Mme. Leroux advised that a blurb about the monthly C.S.A.C. meetings would appear in each issue of the school newspaper, “The Scoop”. Material should be deposited with the principal by the end of each month. She said the C.S.A.C. calendar maintained by Jeanette Sarkissian would be a good idea for the newsletter.
Mme. Leroux said enrollment at the school had increased making it possible to “unsplit” some grades. Enrollment now stands at 307.
She noted the good time she and others had at the C.S.A.C. barbecue. She said it was a great success for staff and “fabulous” to get to know people at the beginning of the school year.
She advised that the office of the principal had changed from last year’s location, mentioning that this reflects her concern for school security. The vantage point of her office allows observation of salient areas of the school.
Mme. Leroux pointed out that forms had been filled out for school trips in the vicinity of the school and that other forms, for security reasons, would be necessary for long-distant trips.
She announced that she had had her first visit with the school priest and that monthly masses would be held at the school, though dates have yet to be decided. She also noted that the parish would pay for buses for children to attend mass jointly with three local Catholic schools.
She was preparing, also, she said for her first formal meeting with school staff on the Monday following.
Teachers’ Representative Report: Teacher Gaynor Delfino offered no report, explaining that such would come after Monday’s meeting with the principal. She also advised that she and other teachers would be attending C.S.A.C. meetings rotationally since Barbara Meilleur, last year’s teachers’ representative, is unable to attend Tuesday evening meetings. C.S.A.C. and parents meetings have all been scheduled for Tuesday evenings in the 2003-2004 year.
Students’ Representative Report: No Student Council representative was in attendance, since Student Council elections were due to take place the following day.
Volunteer selections for important roles throughout the years fell, as follows:
· High School Liaison Coordinator: (vacant, considered a non-issue at the moment)
· Phone Tree Coordinator: Lisa D’Ugo
· Technology Sub-committee: Marie Houghton (leader), Rocco Sebastiano, Dennis Wintjes, Bette Mior
· High School Options Sub-committee: Patty Wen (leader), Dennis Wentjes, Mario Loreto
· Church/Pastor Communications: Mario Loretto
· Community Communications: Clarie Martin
· Data Base Administration: Margaret Codrington, Siobhan Donaghy
· Student Council Liaison: Marie Houghton, Mario Loreto
· Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education Liaison: Dennis Wintjes
· Board Development: Bette Mior (leader), Dennis Wintjes
· Ring Road Liaison: Carol De Miglio/Rocco Sebastiano (leaders), Bill Nalepka, Dennis Wintjes
Subsequent meetings have been detailed under “Main Business”.
Principal Leroux recommended the addition of this section to the C.S.A.C. agenda.
Dennis Wintjes noted a proposed electoral debate at the school involving provincial candidates, set for Sept. 30. The Conservative candidate had not yet agreed to attend. He asked for parental support to arrange details. Mme. Leroux advised that without all three major party representatives (Liberal, NDP, and Conservative) the debate would not likely be permitted to continue, by policy.
Patty Wen advised that she would be introducing the new C.S.A.C. executive at Curriculum Night. She also noted that a C.S.A.C. Conference would be held on Oct. 18.
Dennis Wintjes MOVED that the meeting be adjourned.
Clarie Martin seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Adjournment at 9:30 PM.
Next C.S.A.C. Meeting: A St. Cyril C.S.A.C. meeting will be held on Tues. Oct. 14, 2003. Items to be presented will include the C.S.A.C. Budget, the School Budget, Special Events Calendars, and School Calendars. A Parents’ Information Session or Parent’s Meeting will precede this event by one week, on Tues. Oct. 7. Topics for discussion include “Broad Development” and the “Ring Road”. All are welcome to both sessions.
St. Cyril Catholic School Advisory Council (C.S.A.C.)
2003-2004
Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: St. Cyril School Library
Attendees: Chair-Patty Wen, Co-chair Dennis Wintjes, Treasurer-Margaret Codrington, Secretary-Clarie Martin; Principal-Darquise Leroux; Teacher-Linette Vizuette; C.S.A.C. Members-Marie Houghton, Mario Loreto, Jeanette Sarkissian, Rocco Sebastiano; Parents-at-Large-Siobhan Donaghy, Carol De Miglio, Toni Masci; Community Representative-Kathleen Ann Faustin.
Total Attendance: 14
Chair Patty Wen commenced the meeting at 7:40 PM. She offered a prayer for guidance. All members of the assembly introduced themselves and their school-age children and mentioned any previous role with C.S.A.C.
Siobhan Donaghy MOVED that the current agenda be approved.
Margaret Codrington seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Margaret Codrington MOVED that the last (Sept. 23/03) minutes be approved, with amendments.
Jeanette Sarkissian seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
School Principal’s Report: Mme. Leroux advised that the school had had its first successful fire drill of the year. She said a school mass would be held at St. Edward’s on Oct. 29 at 9:30 AM.
She said the student choir would be at a recording studio on the afternoon of Oct. 23 to record its contribution to a special school CD which will go on sale soon. She advised that the first “Scientist in the School” visit would take place on Oct. 24. Maureen Torsher volunteered to do four extra “Scientists in the School” visits at no cost, she said.
Mme. Leroux noted that the school’s pumpkin sale would be going forward this month. She said children participating in a Discoverability outing on Oct. 28 would be asked to bring money for bussing. On Oct. 30, there would be activities for Halloween, she said, and a P.A. Day on October 31.. She said a workshop called “Watershed on Wheels” would commence in November and be available to every class. On Nov. 25, the school would celebrate another mass at the church.
Teachers’ Representative Report: Teacher Linette Vizuette presented a special “Thank You” card to C.S.A.C. from the teachers for the Council’s continuous support.
Notes from the Chair: Patty Wen advised of two upcoming C.S.A.C. conferences, one on Oct. 18 and the other on Nov. 15 at York University. She encouraged Council members and parents to attend.
She noted that Mrs. Ford had approached C.S.A.C. for help or ideas in the selling of the CD which the St. Cyril choir is cutting with other schools. She said Marie Houghton would be working with Student Council to sell CDs at December events. If Student Council is unable or unwilling to take this on, parent volunteers would be solicited.
Mrs. Wen said that the Book Fair, Parent/Teacher Interviews, the Advent Mass and the Family Christmas Mass, and the Christmas Concert were all likely venues.
Church/Pastor Communications Update: Church Liaison Representative Mario Loreto described the “explosive” growth in altar services and noted some difficulty in getting students/altar servers to the church from the school. In most cases, special parental permission is required to remove students from the school for the short trip to the church. Principal Leroux said she could deliver children to the church and Kathleen-Ann Faustin, manager of the B&A Daycare, advised she could help with the correct approval forms in hand.
Mr. Loreto also advised that a note will be placed in “Le Scoop” requesting volunteers to do the rosary with students in French.
Treasurer Margaret Codrington presented the C.S.A.C. budget. Rocco Sebastiano MOVED that the budget be approved. Mario Loreto seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Principal Leroux presented an overview of the school’s budget for the year, noting that an official presentation of the budget would have to wait until the next C.S.A.C. meeting. In brief, she noted a budget of some $12,400 of which $4,000 has been designated for textbooks by the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Of the remaining $8,400, she said $4,200 would be expended on consumables such as notebooks, markers, pencils, etc. and $2,100 on textbooks such as teacher manuals. She said $1,260 would be spent on curriculum and $420 on office expenses with $420 remaining for other expenses.
Council requested a “rolling budget” be developed so members could compare expenditures from one year to the next and Mme. Leroux advised that she would take the recommendation into consideration for the next meeting when the official budget presentation would be made.
Special Events Coordinator Jeanette Sarkissian presented a busy Calendar of Events noting continuous activities such as the milk and pizza lunches and a continuation of most of the school’s favorite activities from last year. A new experience this year, she said, would be the celebration of St. Jean Baptiste Day on June 24. Parents can expect an Advent candle sale and displays of a wreath and candles in every classroom.
St. Cyril students would help out at the Food Bank during the Chum City Christmas Wish drive, she said, as well as support the St. Vincent de Paul toy drive by bringing a new toy to the Advent Mass for distribution. Christmas caroling under the tutelage of Mrs. Ford would occur around Dec. 9 and continue into the following week with the assistance of volunteer Bette Mior.
The English Book Fair, coordinated by Maureen Torsher, would occur on Dec. 3-4 or Dec. 10-11. Skating at Mitchell Field would cost $59.92 per hour under current arrangements, she said. Winter Carnival would extend from Feb. 9-13. French Information Night and French Enrichment will happen in January. No date has been set for the French Book Fair and Mrs. Sarkissian noted a suppler problem resulting from delayed payment last year.
First Communion would take place on May 8 or 9 and Reconciliation on Mar. 27. Confirmation is slated for May 30. The school’s uniform sale would occur on May 17, faculty appreciation on May 25, after school. What has already come to be known as the St. Cyril Annual Barbecue (after one successful event) has been slated for Sept. 14, 2004.
The “Scientist in the School” program would continue monthly, she said. Grade 8 graduation is scheduled for June 16. A spring spectacular is slated for April 28 and 29.
The Christmas Concert, proposed for two nights (Dec. 17-18) would involve the whole school.
Mrs. Sarkissian will continue to update the Calendar of Events and parents and Council members are advised to refer to it for accurate details.
Items for the school’s Calendar of Events are also included under the School Principal’s Report above.
ALL OTHER BUSINESS
A lively discussion ensued over the issue of school uniform enhancement with Rocco Sebastiano presenting his research on Board policy affecting the issue. Concern was split over whether St. Cyril should have a “Uniform Dress Code” or an “Appropriate Dress Code”. Currently, the school observes an “Appropriate Dress Code” with “voluntary compliance”. Compliance could be made mandatory at the discretion of a majority of parents.
A “Uniform Dress Code” is described as “prescriptive in nature, specifying specific dress items that must be purchased from a specific uniform supplier, often with specific guidelines as to when certain items can/must be worn – no variations from this uniform dress are permitted except as are provided in the code.”
An “Appropriate Dress Code” refers to “a code with a recommended colour scheme, but not necessarily a “uniform”. A school community may decide that the appropriate dress policy will be, for example, white shirt/blouse and dark blue pants or skirt.”
Mr. Sebastiano advised that discussion be curtailed until the matter is appropriately taken to the parent community.
Patty Wen MOVED that the meeting be adjourned.
Clarie Martin seconded the motion. MOTION carried.
Adjournment at 10:00 PM.
Next C.S.A.C. Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003. On the agenda: Official School Budget (presented by the Principal); School Profile (presented by the Principal); Principal Profile (presented by C.S.A.C.); and Community Goals (presented by C.S.A.C.). There will also be a “Parent Information Session” on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003 for discussion of these and other issues prior to official presentation at the C.S.A.C. meeting.
Special Events Calendar as Presented at Oct 14th, 2003 meeting
|
Event |
Who |
When |
Status |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Pizza program |
Jeanette Sarkissian & Volunteers |
Bi-Weekly Program |
In progress |
|
2. Milk Program |
Jeanette Sarkissian & Volunteers |
Daily Program |
In progress |
|
3. Curriculum Night |
C.S.A.C./Faculty |
Sept. 25th, |
Completed |
|
4. Annual Family Barbeque |
C.S.A.C. |
Sept. 17th, |
Completed |
|
5. Pumpkin Sale |
Mr. Bergougnou and Student Council |
Oct. 24th, |
In progress need to order |
|
6. Monthly Mass |
Darquise/Fr. Jon |
Oct. 29th, |
Tentative dates: Nov. 25th, Dec. 9th,
|
|
7. Advent Candle Sale |
Ziboulia **Need to discuss if C.S.A.C will purchase a wreath and candles for each classroom** |
Nov. 24th,-28th, |
In progress Ziboulia is ordering |
|
8. Christmas Concert |
Faculty The entire school 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Dec. 17th, & 18th, |
In progress |
|
9. Chum City Christmas Wish Foundation |
Jeanette/Mr. Bergougnou Grade 7/8 students can volunteer to work at the Food/Toy bank |
December |
In progress need to set dates with the bank. They open for operation late Oct. early Nov. |
|
10. “St. Vincent De Paul Toy Drive” |
Jeanette/Special Events/St. Edward’s Parish Every student can bring 1 new toy for the toy drive |
December Night of our Mass |
Depending on Family Mass date |
|
11. Christmas Caroling |
*Mrs. Ford & Bette Mior Take the kids out for Christmas Caroling. (need to have 2 separate routes) |
Dec. 9th, 16th, tentative dates |
Mrs. Ford will confirm date by weekending Oct. 17th, |
|
12. Christmas Family Mass |
Mario & Lori Loreto with Parent Volunteers |
December |
Need confirmation of date from Fr. Jon |
|
13. English Book Fair |
Maureen T, with Parent Volunteers |
Dec. 3rd, 4th, or Dec. 10th, 11th, |
Need confirmation of dates |
|
14. Skating Program |
Faculty/Parent Volunteers |
Jan. – Mar. On Wednesday |
Need funding |
|
15. Winter Carnival Week |
Darquise/Faculty Organize all Events |
Feb.9th, - 13th, |
In progress |
|
C.S.A.C. & Parent Volunteers provide and serve hot chocolate & donuts |
|
Event |
Who |
When |
Status |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
French Information Night & French Enrichment Night |
C.S.A.C./Faculty |
March
Week of registration |
Set date in January. Waiting for a date from the board |
|
|
Denis Wintjes C.S.A.C./Faculty |
|
|||
|
17. French Book Fair |
Maureen T, Denis W. |
April |
T.B.D. |
|
|
18. First Communion registration Oct. 30th, 7:00 PM or Nov. 1st 1:00 PM |
Luncheon provided by parents of grade 2’s & Special Events-Jeanette May 6th 5:00 PM exam @ parish, |
Ceremony May 8th,9th, 2004 10th, Luncheon |
T.B.D. |
|
|
19. Reconciliation registration Nov. 6 7:30 PM or Nov. 8th, 1:30 PM |
Luncheon provided by parents of grade 3’s & Special Events-Jeanette |
Ceremony March 27th, 2004 March 17th, Luncheon |
T.B.D. |
|
|
20. Confirmation registration Nov. 13th, 7:00 PM or Nov. 15th, 1:30 PM |
Parents of grade 8’s & Special Events-Jeanette |
Ceremony May 30th, 2004 May 28th, Luncheon |
T.B.D. |
|
|
21. Easter Event |
Jeanette/Special Events Committee
|
Easter Week |
Need to speak with Loretta Scott |
|
|
22. Spring Spectacular (Concert) |
Faculty |
April 28th, 29th, |
T.B. D. |
|
|
23. School Year Book |
Student Council |
?? |
T.B.D. |
|
|
24. Telephone Tree |
Lisa D’ugo |
For 2003-2004 |
In progress |
|
|
25. Swim Team |
Judy Johnson |
T.B.D. |
In progress |
|
|
26. Uniform Sale |
Siobhan & Lori |
May 17th, 2004 |
In progress |
|
|
27. Faculty Appreciation Event |
Special Events-Jeanette |
May 25th, |
T.B.D. |
|
|
28. Scientist In The School |
Maureen T. & Faculty |
Monthly |
In progress |
|
|
29. Kindergarten Graduation |
Faculty/Special Events-Jeanette |
June 16th, |
T.B.D. |
|
|
30. Grade 8 Graduation |
Faculty/Special Events |
June 16th, |
T.B.D. |
|
|
31. St. John Baptist Day (Play Day) |
C.S.A.C./Special Events-Jeanette |
June 24th, |
T.B.D. |
|
|
32. Supervising Field Trips |
Faculty/Parent Volunteers |
Continuous |
In progress |
|
|
33. Annual Family Barbeque (Volunteer App | ||||