Chair: Beth Hall

Present : Wayne Allison, Isabella Beattie, Jacki Blunn, Lisa Buesnel, Kathy Evan, Lee Ann Fraser, Beth Hall, Candace Hyatt, John B. Kyle, Doug Marlatt, Lynn Anne McEwen, Deb Plunkett, Dee Thompson, Tammy Trozzi, Bill Vermeersch, and Kelly Wright.

Regrets: Rose Mary Clarke

a) Introductions were made and everyone was welcomed to the meeting.  New members were acknowledged and thanked.  Meetings will be held the 3rd Wednesday of every month, except for December, March and June.  The dates will be published in the newsletter.

b) School Council members were selected and elected.

c) School Council Executive members were selected and elected.

d) The Policy and Administrative Procedures governing School Councils was briefly explained and reviewed.

2. Principal’s Report:

a) Best Start Program was discussed.  The program was explained.  Last year Harwich Raleigh was chosen for the pilot program.  However, over the summer it was realized that there is no room at Harwich Raleigh and they are now seriously considering WJ Baird to be the pilot for the program.  An Architect has been in to see how WJ Baird could be retrofitted.  It could mean the primary classes will be moved and the bottom half of the school would be used for the Best Start Program. It certainly would be an ideal situation for our school.  Unfortunately it is not 100% going to happen – more like 95%.  If it does happen construction could be sometime this winter.  Once Isabel has the final plans she will share with the Council.  It will be an exciting prospect for WJ Baird and things are looking positive! 

b) Home and School President Kathy Evans voiced her concerns over the status of our new playground equipment on the junior side, if the Best Start program is stationed at WJ Baird.  Isabella assured us that the Best Start Program would have to have their own fenced in yard with their own playground equipment.  Hopefully our Kindergartners would be able to share this equipment.

c) School Enrollment: In June we had 262 students – now we are down to 228 students in September.  Our primary classes are the envy of the County right now.  Isabella thought we were going to lose a teacher in the primary end, but so far this will not happen.

d) Dr Rees Foundation: Swimming lessons were okayed for the school but for Grade 5 classes only.   This is all that Isabella has heard so far. 

e) Power of Youth Program: The teachers have looked into booking the Power of Youth Program for the JK – Grade 4/5 spilt classes.  It is booked for November.

f) Also Mike Newts will be coming in for the JK – Grade 5 students on October 21, 2005.  Parents are welcome to attend.  The times will be in the October newsletter.

g) Lambton Kent School Board Council Chair Meeting will be held in Wallaceburg in October.  If Beth and Lynn Anne could attend, Isabella has some more information for them at the end of the meeting.

h) Benches:  The Home and School Council has put in a request for donations of benches to be put in the Intermediate area.  The students like to sit around and chat and watch other kids shoot baskets during their breaks.  Kathy is in the process of getting quotes and will bring her replies to the next meeting.

i) Fun Fair: will be held on October 6th.  We’re hoping it will be a Fun Social Event for all students and parents.  We are recruiting former teachers for volunteers.  Most of the activities will be held inside in case of rain.  There will be games and a raffle.  Isabella had asked the Home and School Council about hosting a BBQ.  Kathy Evans informed us that she has spoken to the Blenheim Optimist Club and they are willing to let us use the French fry truck.  So we will be selling Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fries and Drinks.  We have High School students to volunteer to serve the food; we just need a parent volunteer to handle the cash.   The Optimist Club will spilt all proceeds with us.  Kelly Wright mentioned that the Ministerial Society also does this type of thing and all proceeds go to the Breakfast Programs.  Isabella will send a more detailed bulletin out to parents once all plans are finalized.  Also mentioned that if we make a profit that 50% of it will be sent to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

j) Terry Fox Run: A special thanks was given to Bill Vermeersch for his organization of the Terry Fox Run this past week.  The time and work that was involved was very much appreciated.

k) School Web-site: The school web-site has just been updated.  You can see lots of great photos of the Terry Fox Run.  It is always updated on a regular basis.

3. Other Business:

a) Enrolment at Harwich Raleigh is up; Isabella has no exact numbers.  We need to get up our enrolment at WJ Baird.  We have a great school to be proud of.  We need ideas on how we can do this.  Suggestions were made and discussed briefly.  Consensus was that we need something unique to draw to people to our school.  Most felt the Best Start Program would beneficial in our quest. 

b) Sunshine Program: Question was asked about the Sunshine Program and when is the cut-off for students.  Isabella said the sunshine program rules are in force for the entire school.  Older students have different reward programs.  It is entirely up to the individual teacher to decide what kind of reward system they want to use.

c) EQAO testing: Question was asked if a spilt Grade 2/3 class would mean the Grade 2 students would be doing the testing.  No that would definitely not happen.  The Board would provide a supply teacher for the Grade 2’s while the testing is going on.  EQAO testing is strictly for Grade 3 & 6.

Resurfacing of Black Top: Isabella does not know when it will be resurfaced.  She has done everything she can at this point.  It was discussed if it presented as a health and safety issue might it help speed things up.  It might or might not work.

d) Chair – Beth: Next meeting she will bring her email address.  Feel free to email her with any agenda items you want to add.  Or if you have concerns you can email her.

a) General Account $700, Bingo Account $6800.  Bingo’s are once a month.  Desperately need help to run the bingo’s.  Willing to offer $25.00 for your gas if you choose to help out.  They are once a month.  Bingo days will be posted in Newsletter.

b) Food days: Pizza day will be September 30th.  Also desperately need a pizza lady.  Dee Thompson has volunteered to help on this.  Sub Day will be on October 31st. 

c) Also the Home and School councils is looking for any Executives – such as Vice-President.  Kathy Evans will be retiring her post in 3 years time.  If you are interested please keep it in mind.

d) Poinsettias:  It was decided to do the poinsettias again for this fall’s fundraisers.  The plants last year were beautiful.

1.       5. Closing

Everyone was thanked for coming to the meeting.  Next week Lynne Anne will chair the meeting.

6. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 19, 2005