Category: minutes

We had 16 parents attend the meeting on October 7. There is so much great information presented by DPAC Executives and Representatives from Senior Administration, School Board, Principals & Vice-Principals Association, Prince George District Teachers Association, and CUPE.

We had a presentation from Jason Peters, the new Communications and Public Relations Officer with the District. They have very recently launched a Facebook page School District No. 57. Be sure to “like” and follow. Check out stories from around the District on the new website sd57stories.com.

Plan to attend the DPAC Meeting on Monday November 4 at 6:30 at Van Bien Training Centre. Let us know you are coming by responding to this event. DPAC Representatives (or Alternates) from every school can attend to ask questions, give input, and vote on initiatives.

Finally, there are still a few spots left in the FoodSafe course on Nov. 17. Register here.

DPAC MINUTES FOR October 5, 2015
7:00 p.m. Peden Hill Elementary Gymnasium

Attendees:
DPAC Executive: Sarah Holland (Chair), Gillian Burnett (Recorder), Mike Gagel, Steve Shannon, Dennis Fudge, Darlene Campbell
Partner Groups: Richard Giroday, Brian Pepper, Dan Watt
School Reps: Jacqueline Dockray – Ecole College Heights; Darlene Campbell – Duchess Park; Shara Schenk – Edgewood;Mandy Levesque – Hart Highlands; Kim Shannon – Kelly Road; Shauna Connor – Lac Des Bois; Gillian Burnett – Nukko Lake; Charleen Henyu – Nusdeh Yoh; Randi McLeod – Peden Hill; Michelle Waning – Pinewood; Wendy Neumeyer & Michelle Rolfes – PGSS; Kim Pryschlak – Quinson; Mike Gagel – Southridge Dennis Fudge – Spruceland; Chelsea Vonah – Vanway

1. Call to Order, Secretary
Call for volunteer to record the meeting and prepare minutes. Gillian Burnett from Nukko Lake volunteers.

2. Adoption of Agenda and Minutes
Strike Darlene Campbell’s name from EPPC Committee Report as she has not represented DPAC on this committee.
5. b) MOTION
To Vacate the previous decision to add Dennis Fudge as signing authority on both DPAC bank accounts at Integris Credit Union.
CARRIED
MOTION
That Darlene Campbell, Mike Gagel and Rob Woods be added as signing authority on both DPAC bank accounts at Integris Credit Union.
CARRIED
Minutes adopted as amended.
3. PAC Networking – Discussion about a variety of events taking place in schools, Scholastics Book Fairs run by PAC vs school staff, parking and traffic around schools, and Program start ups like El Sistema at Quinson. Best practice coming forward from Southridge – added a line to lunch forms which asked for permission to contact parents by e-mail and provided a space for them to supply their e-mail address.
4. Reports
a) DSAC– Not in attendance
b) CUPE (Karen Wong) – Unable to attend
c) PGDTA (Richard Giroday) –Recognized World Teacher Day October 5th. Spoke about support for new curriculum in the form of 2 additional Pro-D days both this year and next. Gave information about the difficulty PEA has had in attracting members and announced that PEA is looking at becoming BCTF members.
d) PGPVPA (Dan Watt – Spoke about workshops provided by the provincial body that support Principal and Vice Principal professional development. Provided information on Learning Team Grants, Innovation Grants and Aboriginal Education Grants.
e) PEA (Nicole Harris) – Not in attendance
f) Superintendent (Brian Pepper) – See attached.
g) Trustee (Brenda Hooker) – Unable to attend
5. Acceptance of Resignation
Dennis Fudge is moving out of province and will be unable to complete his term. Bylaws and Constitution allow us to accept his resignation prior to the end of term. Resignation accepted by general consent.
We now have a Director’s position open on the executive. Call for nominees. Hearing none, we will call again at next meeting. Provided members with a brief description of duties to think about.
6. Officer and Committee Reports
a) Executive Board Report (Sarah Holland) – see attached
Discussion regarding acknowledgement of aboriginal traditional grounds at various DPAC meetings.
Decision reached to observe acknowledgement at our AGM in the future.
b) Treasurer’s Report () – see attached.
Reviewed 2015/2016 Budget.
MOTION
To accept the 2015/2016 Budget as presented.
CARRIED
Still looking for another volunteer to conduct the Financial Review of the DPAC 2014/2015 books.
Kim Shannon volunteers. All in favour. Dates and times to be determined following the meeting.
c) BCCPAC Report (Dennis Fudge) – “Bullying Stops Here” publication now available. AGM to be held in Kelowna last weekend in April/first weekend in May.
7. PAC and Parent Assistance
a) Communicating with PACs and parents – looking for any ideas about how to improve our effectiveness in this area.
b) Grant requests – Vanway – Discussion about events’ alignment with grant criteria and whether food intended as applicable expense.
MOTION
To pay for 50% of the $481.73 Vanway PAC grant request.
CARRIED
c) Fall Conference October 24, 2015 at Civic Centre. registration up and going. Discussion about speakers and workshops available.
7. Advising School District
a) Long Range Facilities Plan – District is looking at.
b) Education Services Committee Report (Steve Shannon) – See attached.
c) Education Programs and Planning Committee Report (Mike Gagel) – Did not meet. Next meeting scheduled for October.
d) Policy and Governance (Sarah Holland) – See Executive Report attached.
e) Budget Planning Committee – Not convened for this year yet.
f) Calendar Committee – Not convened for this year yet.
g) Suggestions for School Board Report – If anything comes up, send to executive.
8. Other Business
a) Change of meeting dates – January and May – January’s meeting changed to second Monday. Van Bien not available for second Monday in May. Will look at again next meeting.

9. Agenda items for next meeting – none at this time
10. Adjournment – Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 2nd, at 7:00 pm Van Bien Training and Development Centre.

Meeting Notes Feb 2015

SKM_454e15020219070

DPAC MINUTES FOR February 2, 2015
7:00 p.m. Van Bien Training and Development Centre

Attendees:
DPAC Executive: Sarah Holland (Chair), Gillian Burnett (Recorder), Chris Finke, Steve Shannon, Dennis Fudge, Darlene Campbell, Rob Woodsl
Partner Groups: Brian Pepper, Superintendent; Brenda Hooker, Trustee; Richard Giroday, PGDTA; Melissa Hoff, Ab. Ed.
School Reps: Chris Finke – DP Todd; Christine Taylor – Edgewood; Kurien Thomas – Hart Highland; Kim Shannon – Kelly Road; Shauna Connor – Lac Des Bois; Gillian Burnett – Nukko Lake; Charleen Henya – Nusdeh Yoh; Michelle Rolfes – PGSS; Ryan Clarke – Quinson; Jennifer Hicke – Southridge; Dennis Fudge – Spruceland; Rob Woods – Malispina; Darlene Campbell – Duchess Park

1. Call to Order, Secretary
Call for volunteer to record the meeting and prepare minutes. Gillian Burnett from Nukko Lake volunteers.

2. Adoption of Agenda and Minutes
Addition of 8a) Kids to Work and 8b) Raffle Also moved item 6d) to before agenda item 4. Accepted as amended
3. PAC Networking – Introductions, but not a lot happening at this time. Nusdeh Yoh is having a chili night and movie night.
4. Reports
a) DSAC (Robin Keahey, Hayley Jakubowski) – Not in attendance
b) CUPE (Karen Wong) – Unable to attend
c) PGDTA (Richard Giroday) –Teachers have been busy since returning from Christmas break. Finally some normalcy. Only a few days away from second semester in the high schools. “Un” normal spring break this year. It is however an exciting time with the Winter Games – go to their website for more information. $190,000 left in Education Fund (previously LIF) and there have been lots of communications received by PGDTA regarding needs. Not enough support seems to be the theme. HR and PGDTA worked on leave policy and it was very positive. This is a family friendly district that supports their teachers. Having no TTOCs is a common problem that is being addressed, but there are bno solutions yet.
d) PGPVPA (Dan Watt) – Unable to attend due to illness
e) PEA (Nicole Harris) – Not in attendance
f) Superintendent (Brian Pepper) – See attached report
g) Trustee (Brenda Hooker) – January’s public board meeting was very packed because they hadn’t met since November and won’t be meeting again until March. The board will be convening the Expanded Committee of the Whole for budget discussions again this year. Three meetings booked. Brenda takes her role as liason very seriously, so if you have questions or items to share with the board you can call her at 250-961-3659. Board had met with MLAs and they spoke about having a conference held here in Prince George that would focus on rural education. The board does plan to meet with partner groups and learn about the issues important to each. Statigic planning continues.
5. Officer and Committee Reports
a) Executive Board Report (Sarah Holland) – see attached
b) Treasurer’s Report (Chris Finke) – see attached. Gillian needs the Bell Mobility login for invoice to the district for annual funding. $376 in Accounts Receivable is an old travel reimbursement expected from BCCPAC. ACTION – Darlene will try once more to receive the reimbursement. Add to next agenda.
c) BCCPAC Report (Darlene Campbell) – They have been working on a manual for Bullying and the steps a parent should take. Dennis is reviewing this. Although the hope is to have it ready by the AGM, it likely won’t be ready. AGM and Spring Conference is scheduled April 30 – May 2. Think about going. Darlene will be running for the position of Director again. Sarah has been working with the website committee.
6. PAC and Parent Assistance
a) Grant Requests –Questions regarding grant applications and grants in question. Are they effective? Should we add another type of grant? Look at other ways of providing funding that benefits PACs and parents.
b) PAC Café & Foodsafe – PAC Café had 20-21 participants and went really well . Definitely use Civic Center in the future. Everything was great.
c) Request from Williams Lake –DPAC has received a request from Williams Lake DPAC asking if we are interested in having Gary Anaka speak in September? Travel costs can be shared if more districts are interested in hosting him. Some general discussion.
MOTION
That DPAC pay to bring Gary Anaka to Prince George in September.
CARRIED
d) Melissa Hoff, Internet Safety – Melissa gave a presentation on what the aboriginal education department offers in the district. She also handed out poster/flyers for an upcoming event. Ab Ed is hosting Darren Laur for a workshop on Internet/Social Media Safety and Digital Citizenship for Parents at Vanier Hall on March 5th at 7pm. Everyone is welcome.
e) Scheduling – resolution workshop- Saturdays work best. Try for March 28th of April 11th.
ACTION – Darlene to contact SD57 and see about booking Van Bien. Some concern about whether resolutions would be available on time.
f) Potential Speaker for March – Industry Training Authority (youth in trade) –Questions regarding scope of discussion. More about barriers to youth entering trades. DPAC would support such a speaker.
g) April Event – Skip this and focus on Fall Conference
h) Fall Conference – Committee composed of Darlene Campbell, Dennis Fudge, Sarah Holland and Charleen Henyu. Jennifer Bandle-McCall will offer consultation on marketing this event.

HOUSEKEEPING – Need to move April and May’s DPAC meetings to the second Monday of those months. ACTION – Darlene to move our bookings for Van Bien when booking Resolution Workshop

7. Advising School District
a) Education Services Committee Report (Steve) – See attached
b) Education Programs and Planning Committee Report (Chris, Darlene) –See attached
c) Policy and Governance (Sarah/Dennis) – Bylaw 1 and Respectful Workplace passed
d) Ad Hoc Technology Committee (Steve) – nothing happening at this time
e) Expanded Committee of the Whole – Gillian Burnett has shown interest. Dennis Fudge also interested, Rob Woods also interested. Gillian and Dennis will sit on this committee with Rob as an alternate if needed.
f) Suggestions for School Board Report –None at this time
8. Other Business
a) Kids to Work – Other districts run a program that entails taking kids to the workplace for the day to experience what wok is like when finished school. Our district is exploring the possibility of doing this. It would probably be a grade 9 program. Lots of questions need to be answered before the start something like this, but they are beginning the process of gathering information and asking questions..
b) Raffle – Edgewood had some questions about running raffles. suggestions put forward from many. Key item for running a raffle is obtaining a gaming license

9. Agenda items for next meeting – none at this time
10. Adjournment – Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9th, at 7:00 pm Van Bien Training and Development Centre.

DPAC MINUTES FOR October 6, 2014
7p.m. Van Bien Training Centre

ATTENDEES:

DPAC EXECUTIVE:  Sarah Holland (Chair) , Darlene Campbell (Vice-Chair), Chris Finke (Treasurer), Dennis Fudge (District Associate), Leanne Harasym (secretary), Steve Shannon (Director at Large).

PARTNER GROUPS:  Tina Cousins ( PGTDA), Dan Watt ( Principals and Vice Principals), Nicole Haines ( PEA), Brian Pepper ( Superintendent), Betty Bekkering (Trustee)

SCHOOL REPS: DPAC (Sarah Holland), Kelly Road Secondary School ( Steve Shannon), Malaspina ( Rob Woods & Trista Spencer), Spruceland Traditional ( Dennis Fudge & Leanne Harasym), Quinson (Ryan Clarke), D.P Todd (Chris Finke), Southridge ( Jennifer Hicke), Nusdeh Yoh (Charlene Henyu & Darlene Campbell), DPSS ( Darlene Campbell), Glenview( Fiona Kitt), College Heights ( Natalie Wehner), Nukko Lake (Tasha Senff), PGSS (Michelle Rolfes), Lac des Bois (Shauna Connor), Ecole College Heights ( Jacqueline Dockray), Peden Hill (Sara-Lynn Harding).

1.  Call to order at 7:00 pm
2.  Adoption or agenda and adoption of September 6, 2014 minutes
Agenda accepted
Amendment to 6c. Change the word letters to letter.  Accepted as amended.
3.  PAC Networking and Discussion
All Schools with a Rep had a chance to talk about new, upcoming, or
continuing events or activities happening in there schools.
4.  REPORTS
A) DSAC Report-no report

B) CUPE Report- Karen Wong in Valemont

C) PGDTA Report (Tina Cousins)- World Teacher Day was Oct 5.  Still waiting   to see how much support there will be for kids.  Teacher Prep Time has gone from 90 min to 100 min, in 2017 it will go to 110 min.

D) PGPVPA Report ( Dan Watt)- P/VP’s are working on relationships with staff and how to move forward.  Working on Learning team grants and plans for student success.

E) PEA Report- ( Nicole Haines)- Staff or 35 to 40 that support students, staff and families.  One new psychologist but still short .8 Occupational Therapist.  All staff are changing positions and working hard to facilitate transitions.  Document deadlines for students have been moved from Sept 30th to Oct 17th.

F) Superintendent Report (Brian Pepper)- Report Given.  60 contracts to be sorted out.  Highlighted how important PACs are and wanting all PAC members to report back to their PACs the importance of criminal record checks.  Asked Chair about email sent out.  8 schools responded, no new schools.  Discussed his blog and that he stopped because it was counter productive to where he wants to go.  Info will be tracked on connect ed.

G) Trustee Report (Betty Beckering)-  email sent to Chair with regrets for no attending.

5.  Officer and Committee Reports
a) Executive Board Report (Sarah Holland). Explained that partner groups have 5 min each to speak. Report Given
b) Treasurer’s Report (Chris Finke and Gillian). Revenue last year: 11566.27.  Spent 12540.25. General account 17642.68. There is a Sandman credit.  Motion from Gillian : That DPAC pay BCCPAC directly for SD57 schools who join.  Second from Peden Hill.  Dennis Fudge apposed the motion, all others in favour. Motion carried.
c) BCCPAC Report (Darlene Campbell). Conference in Nanaimo from Nov 21-23rd.  Mail out going out this week, planner/agenda going out in 2 weeks.

6.  PAC and Parent Assistance
a) Grant requests:  2 requests that fall under BCCPAC
b). Conference / PAC Cafe. Fall conference cancelled. Executive will discuss a spring replacement.

7.  Advising School District
a)  Education Services Committee Report(Steve Shannon). Unable to attend. Report on DPAC website.
b)  Education Programs and Planning Committee Report (Darlene,Chris). Have not met
c)  Policy and Governance (Sarah and Dennis). Met one and will meet again next week. Working on outstanding policies.
d)  Ad hoc Technology Committee ( Steve). Unsure if it will meet again
e)  Calendar Committee ( Leanne and Darlene)
f) Suggestions for School Board Report ( Sarah). Contact Sarah if you have questions you want tasked.

8.  Other Business
a) School Board Trustee Forum- November 4th, Vanier Hall. Open to all partner groups.  Deadline is Oct 10th for those running.
b)  BCCPAC conference in Nanaimo.  Darlene, Chris, Charlene, Sarah, Leanne and Donna would like to attend.  Motion from Gillian:  DPAC to pay for all 6 in the most economical fashion.  Second from Jaquie. All in favour, motion passed.
c)  Vacant director position. Rob Woods From Malaspina stepped up.  All in favour.
d) Priorities for year.  Advise district or DPAC needs.

9.   Agenda items for next meeting.  Darlene will talk more on BCCPAC

10.  Meeting adjourned at 9:27 pm by Sarah Holland.

Sent from my iPad

DPAC MINUTES FOR September 6, 2014
7:00 p.m. Sandman Signature

Attendees:
DPAC Executive: Sarah Holland (Chair), Darlene Campbell (Vice-chair), Chris Finke (Treasurer), Dennis Fudge (District Associate), Steve Shannon (Director at Large).
Partner Groups: Brian Pepper (Superintendent), Betty Bekkering (School Board Trustee), CUPE (Karen Wong), PGDTA (Tina Cousins & Richard Giroday), PEA (Debbie Coxon), Principals & Vice Principals (Dan Watt)
School Reps: Heather Park Elementary (Sarah Holland), Nusdeh Yoh (Darlene Campbell), Duchess Park Secondary (Darlene Campbell, Karen Clark), Ecole Lac des Bois (Shauna Connor), Nukko Lake Elementary (Lotte Anderson, Gillian Burnett), Spruceland Traditional School (Dennis Fudge), Ecole College Heights Elementary (Jacqui Dockray), Quinson Elementary (Ryan Clarke)DP Todd Sr. Secondary (Chris Finke), Kelly Rd Sr. Secondary (Steve Shannon & Kim Shannon), Hart Highlands Elementary (Teresa Bennett). Nobody joined online tonight.
1. Call to order at 7:01 PM.
2. Adoption of agenda & adoption of June 9, 2014 DPAC meeting minutes-additional items
Agenda & minutes accepted.
3. PAC Networking- intro of attendees.
• DPSS (Darlene) has football has started up. Rugby is about to start up.
• Spruceland Traditional (Dennis) mentioned alternative support to schools with music programs with lease of equipment & related support through a company called Long & McQuade, currently most go through Sight & Sound.
• Ecole Lac des Bois (Shauna) mentioned that the new expanded parking lot is already going to be too small to accommodate parents doing pick-up/drop-off and that there are now signs stating no parking /no stopping on street in front of school.
• General discussion re: teacher’s strike—generally seems to be some misunderstanding & some apathy
• Re: $40/day offered by government to offset costs of child care incurred as children need daycare vs. being in school. Home schooled children can access as well (if through a district). General discussion on access/use for Education Support Program.
• Question if the government/educational system can extend into summer holidays-yes they could.
• Particular questions for partner groups: What is to come of the student conference slated to occur in Kelowna at the end of September? What is the mood going to be like when school starts up after strike is done? After Wednesday’s arbitration vote & if the government is in agreement will they go back to work? Is the general impression that this will be decided before Thanksgiving prior to Christy Clark’s Asian excursion & before the new Legislature commences. Ask the trustees what they are doing.
• Should there be PAC meetings during the strike—not during school hours or on school grounds, or discuss with school administration their goals off-site, via email or phone.
4. Reports
(a) DSAC Report-no report tonight

(b) CUPE Report (Karen Wong)—Bargaining completed as of Friday, September 5, 2014 & for ratification this Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday to be completed Tuesday; supporting teachers on picket lines till resolved, but essential services can cross picket lines; lost wages will be reimbursed at certain times, involved in employee service grant. www.CUPE.ca explains ratification.

(c) PGDTA Report (Tina Cousins & Richard Giroday)—Tina: Handouts including list of known PAC chairs. Had a rally last week & encouraging parents to speak up re: concerns. BC Government violated rights of teachers per Supreme Court case pending. State there is $1000 less per student in B.C. compared to average across the country.
Richard: states 3 keys issues: 1)wages & benefits 5yr vs 6yr & 1% apart in wage & benefits; 2)personal to teachers Teachers’ Charter of Rights (supreme Court case) is not negotiable; 3)underfunding of education in B.C-class size & composition, seeking $175 million this year, and $225 million each year after, but government offering status quo of $75 million. BCTF will not entertain binding arbitration if E80 is on the table.

(d) PGPVPA Report (Dan Watt)—VP of Kelly Rd Secondary. P/VP’s prepping for school year start-up doing new registrations, crossing picket lines as not union members, but providing moral support to those picketing.

(e) PEA Report (Debbie Coxon)—(Debbie Coxon-Speech Language Pathologist)—Wishes students & PEA staff (SLP, Psychologists, PT/OT) were in school but they are not crossing picket lines as are union & their contract is up too & entering negotiations. Class composition & support of students needs to be addressed; currently hold waitlists as no time to see all the students they need to.

(f) Superintendent Report (Brian Pepper)—No formal report, but updates to school district website & new website launched. SD57 is supporting P/VP’s to organize schools looking at programming, provincial exams, class lists, considering minimum hours/days needed per school year to achieve learning outcomes. SD 57 must have spring break to coincide with Canada Winter Games in February 2015 as part of city’s agreement in hosting. There are questions re: use of surplus funds being saved due to teachers not being at work/paid. No matter outcomes SD 57 wishes to be “hard on issues, soft on people” as ramifications for school system are unknown.

(g) Trustee Report (Betty Bekkering)—60 school districts in B.C. with 300+ trustees, but have had little voice in the current strike with 2 sitting at the negotiation table. All trustees have done a letter campaign to Christy Clark & Peter Fassbender to increase funding using money saved, denouncing the $40/day for daycare vs. putting into education. There is much frustration & sadness & worry for the vulnerable students (not only re: education, but also breakfast programs, socio-emotional effects). Meeting with MLAs Sept 19, 2014. Trustee elections are Nov. 15, 2014 & call is out for names for trustee positions.
5. Elections-secretary position remains open
6. Officer and Committee Reports
a) Executive Board Report (Sarah Holland)—DPAC Fall conference for PAC parents to be cancelled Oct 19, 2014 & rescheduled.
DPAC to be called re: Back 2 School handout.
In August, 2014, there was a meeting of BCCPAC with DPAC chairs—2 reports on DPAC website, press release & letter to Vince Ready, retraction letter also written.

b) Treasurer’s Report (Gillian Burnett)—Gillian is passing books to Chris Finke. Not accurate for May, June, July, or August related to bank statements not reconciled. Request to access 4 bank statements from bank to avoid crossing picket lines motioned by Gillian, 2nd by Jacqui, All in favour, none opposed. Noted income from when last met. Year to date not finalized. Gillian motioned review of financial books as bylaw states 2 members without signing authority need to assess for accuracy Jacqui 2nd, all in favour, none opposed—Lotta & Jackie to meet, with Gillian & Chris available for input/questions.
Gaming accounts summary report done, confirmation that application received.

c) BCCPAC Report (Darlene Campbell)—negative responses re: letters, Fassbender mentioned BCCPAC as a voice in this school system; there is an open position of secretary on BCCPAC. Ministry of Education & BCTF will get all BCCPAC information. There have been several petitions sent to MLAs (e.g. in Gordon Head) to suggest government accept binding arbitration.

7. PAC and Parent Assistance
a) Grant requests—none tonight.
b) Fall Conference Report-was scheduled for October 18, 2014, postponed to March 2015, or cancelled & replaced with something like 2 PAC Cafes. Conference committee to discuss.
8. Advising School District
a) Education Services Committee Report (Steve Shannon, Dennis Fudge)—no meeting
b) Educ. Programs&Planning Committee Report (Darlene Campbell, Chris Finke)-no meeting
c) Policy and Governance (Sarah Holland, Chris Finke)—no meeting
d) Ad hoc Technology Committee (Steve Shannon)—no meeting
e) Suggestions for School Board Report—parents concerned re: strike, in support of students’ education.

9. Other Business
a) Strike—has been discussed throughout meeting. See DPAC website for updates, discussions.
b) School board trustee elections—attendance
c) School board trustee forum—attendance
d) BCCPAC Conference in Nanaimo—attendees and application process—need applications by October meeting and grant requests & process/application will be on DPAC website.
e) Priorities for the year—tabled, executive will be meeting to discuss.
f) Next scheduled board meeting-date TBA.
10. Agenda items for next meeting—send to Sarah.

11. Meeting adjourned at 9:59PM by Sarah Holland.