William Berczy School Council Minutes

William Berczy Public School (WBPS)

Parent Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting # 4
Date March 27th, 2026
Virtual/In-person
In-Person
Time
6:30pm-7:30pm
Attendees
School Principal & Vice Principal, Parent Council Exec Committee, Parents
Principal & Vice-Principal Update
Academic and Student Experience Updates
-Continued focus on experiential learning opportunities and inclusiveparticipation for all students
○Recent Events: Lunar New Year, Eid Celebrations and BlackExcellence Assembly
-Upcoming:
○Chai & Chat - April 29th
○Arts Night - May 14th
○Fun Fair June 4th
Extra-Curricular Updates
-WBPS Robotics team has reached the Regional Level
-WBPS Reach for the Top team is advancing to the Nationals
-Intermediate Basketball Area tournament - 3rd Place (Girls & Boys)
-Track & Field - School: May 15th (or May 19 - weather related)
-Track & Field - Areas: June 15th & 16th
Upcoming Field Trips
-Grade 3 &4: Scientists in school
-KG & Gr1: Maple Syrup Farm and Reptilia
-Grade 8 field trips:
○Activate Gameroom (May)
○Cedar Glen overnight trip (June 2-3)
Testing Updates
-Gifted Testing - completed
-EQAO (Grade 3 & 6) - May 2026
Facilities & Operations
-The school field remains temporarily closed to protect newly seededgrass and prevent damage due to mud.
-Reopening expected sometime around May (Board approval required)
-Washroom Cleanliness
○Caretaking staff conduct regular and frequent cleaningthroughout the day.
○ Caretaking staff completed deep cleaning and floor waxing over March Break
○ The primary challenges for washroom cleanliness are student misuse of facilities. Students are:
■ Urinating on floors
■ Blocking urinals with toilet paper and other items (e.g., plastic signs, food items)
■ Tracking mud in from the ground and then misusing sinks, leading to clogs
○ Students must respect caretaking staff whose efforts are being impacted by such misuse of the facilities.
○ Administration is:
■ Monitoring behaviour
■ Addressing incidents as they arise
■ Reinforcing expectations through classroom visits and student conversations
■ Focus is on education and behaviour correction, especially in primary grades (expanding to others)
■ Parents are asked to speak to their children about respectful use of shared facilities, and shared accountability / responsibility for shared facilities
Enrollment & Staffing
- Declining enrollment trends are being observed pan-province as well as within the school catchment area.
- Potential implications include reduced number of homerooms and staffing adjustments as funding is based on a per student basis.
- Parents are encouraged to support community awareness and promote JK registration.
Treasurer’s Report
- Current School Council fundraising balance is $27,239, raised primarily from pizza lunches
○ Revenues and expenses will continue to fluctuate over the coming months
- It is YRDSB policy that fund raising proceeds are spent in the year that the funds were raised, via the Spending Plan
Spending Plan 2025-2026
School Enhancement Plan
- Every year the school administration submits a School Enhancement Plan that summarizes ways the school would like to enhance their teaching environment. The objectives, strategy and tactics must all align with Provincial Ministry of Education Priorities.
- All purchases must be made with YRDSB approved vendors (generally more expensive than what can be found privately).
- YRDSB (School Board) must approve plans before action can be taken against it.
○ This means the Admin team has to assemble their plan long before it is shared with parents
- In 2025-2026 WBPS is seeking support for 3 improvement tied to its School Enhancement Plan
○ STEM equipment
○ Creating a Makerspace in the library
○ Creating an outdoor space for reading and seated activities
- Given long lead times to order and deliver enhancements, and a desire to enjoy some of the benefits this year, the meeting moved to vote.
- Summary:
Category
Item
Costs
Decision
STEM Equip
Equipment
$14,000
Approved
Makerspace
Furniture
$7,500
Approved
Bookshelves
$7,400
Partial (3 of 6)
Outdoor space
Outdoor Tables
$3,900
Approved
Playground Benches
$5,000
Deferred
Total Approved
Available
$27,000
Balance
$5,900
1) STEM/Technology equipment ($14,000) - approved
- All schools across YRDSB are considered STEM schools, with some facilities provided by YRDSB → opportunity to expand coding, robotics, and tech access
- Equipment expansion includes but isn’t limited to:
○ LEGO (Adequate block quantities, around 30 base plates required)
○ LEGO Spike kits, (Would want the younger grades to get more familiar with coding. 14 more kits required mainly for Grades K - 3).
○ Bee Bots (younger students use these to learn coding. Challenge being the charging of these bots when they are in use. We would need docking stations where multiple bots can be charged simultaneously.
○ Micro:bits (Purchased last year. Compatible with Chromebooks. Students learn how to code through block based or Python on this device.),
○ Action Climate Kits, (Complement Micro:bits. Purchase of 15 sets would cover the coding curriculum. Grade 4-8.
○ Robotics equipment,
○ Storage and Charging infrastructure
- YRDSB provides funding for some equipment.
○ Example: Ten staff members attended equipment training workshops and we got a set of 10 Micro:bits there.
- Discussion
○ Students observed as deeply engaged in these tech kits.
○ Replacing Chromebooks are not an immediate priority
■ Being replaced on an ongoing basis as the Board tech staff comes in periodically to decommission relevant equipment. 50 Chromebooks have been ordered this year alone.
■ YRDSB shares costs for such equipment. Due to changing prices currently, admin has been asked to not put in new orders for the time being.
■ If there is a gap in equipment at certain times, we borrow from classrooms where the equipment isn’t currently being used.
■ We are focused on prepping students for the EQAO - digital format and enhancing typing skills.
Library Makerspace ($21,987) - partially approved
- Vision: change the library into a modular, flexible learning environment that support traditional reading and STEM/Tech/Makerspace needs
- School administrators met with a space design consultant who spent time reviewing the space, helping inventory items, and training teachers as part of Professional Development. Recommendations:
○ Improving organization
○ Modernizing space
○ Enhancing usability
- Redesign will
○ Convert nooks in the library into Makerspaces
■ Robotics table
■ Space for Primary student
○ Gradually phase out older bulk bookcases in favour of lighter, mobile shelving for the space
○ Allows Teachers to roll the bookcases out of the way to grow and shrink the Makespaces as required.
○ Example: creating reading nooks, or Makerspace areas for multiple grades to be in the space simultaneously.
○ With flexible mobile shelving, tech equipment can be wheeled into the classrooms where students can work.
○ Pizza tables from downstairs will be used to add work surfaces to the Makerspace. The LEGO plates can be permanently attached to these tables in order for students to work conveniently.
(Library and Makerspace vision mapping with the consultant.)
(Furniture quote for the envisioned space. The School Council has approved partial funding for items which are required for the tech enhancements.)
- Discussion
○ Approved Vendors are expensive, exacerbated by higher tariffs and overall global inflation.
○ General reluctance to spend $2,163 per rollable bookcase
Outdoor Spaces
- Outdoor learning spaces are a directive of the YRDSB.|
- Outdoor Tables ($1,775 / bench x 2 = $3,900):
○ Today we have a space called the Reading Cloud, where students sit on the pavement outdoors, to read.
■ The Reading Cloud area is a designated quiet activity space. Sports equipment is disallowed in the area even during tarmac only recess.
○ WBPS wants to add two tables with seating to offer kids a place to read during recess, and an outdoor space for class instruction.
○ Discussion:
■ School should plan for extra recess supervision to ensure the tables are shared fairly amongst students.
■ Furniture, delivery and installation included in the price.
■ Relocating the tables to the grass area has much higher installation prices.
- Benches near the playground ($2,500 x 2 = $5,000):
- Opportunity to build 2 benches under the tree near the playground area
- The playground is well used by students and the community. Benches near the playground are useful for Guardians and children who are watching the children play.
- Furniture, delivery and installation included in the price.
- Outdoor reading cloud benches:
Discussion: How to raise funds for the Balance
- Parent attendees and Council approved a total spend of $32,500, of which we have a balance of $27K available ($6K balance to be raised).
○ School admin will proceed with spending available funds on approved items
■ Note: School Administration reserves the right to prioritize Enhancement Plan projects. This can be done based on need, logistics, budget, etc.
○ School Council to evaluate further fundraising opportunities.
■ We have outstanding pizza lunch revenue to be accounted for which can further provide funds.
■ Ideas to use fundraising thermometer and directed donations (e.g. please use my donation towards the item the Outdoor Tables) as ways to increase donor participation.
- Q: Can Parents donate funds to the school directly?
A: Yes. We have done so in the past via School Cash Online. We stopped this as we were raising enough funds through other activities, and discontinued this practice. School Council to decide if a call for donations will be started for the aforementioned School Enhancement Plan.
■ Funds should not be carried to the next school year, so Council must be thoughtful about how to canvas for donations.
- Q: What happens to the items that were not approved in this meeting?
A: if there are additional funds, we can take a vote at the next parent meeting; otherwise, items may become candidates for the next school year.
School Wishlist Summary:
Parent votes for the School Enhancement Plans summary:
- Summary:
Category
Item
Costs
Decision
STEM Equip
Equipment
$14,000
Approved
Makerspace
Furniture
$7,500
Approved
Bookshelves
$7,400
Partial (3 of 6)
Outdoor space
Outdoor Tables
$3,900
Approved
Playground Benches
$5,000
Deferred
Total
$32,900
Approved
Available
$27,000
Balance
$5,900
Parent Engagement
Sessions
- School Council and WBPS would like to host events that bring students and parents together in school events
- Surveyed meeting attendees for their interest in various events
- Target: 1-2 events before the end of the school year Proposed Activities:
○ Parent–Student Yoga / Fitness sessions
○ Youth Speaker sessions
○ Board Game Nights (low-cost, high engagement, repeatable)
○ STEAM activities (coding, robotics, hands-on learning)
○ AI / Technology awareness sessions (high parent interest area)
○ General well-being & life skills workshops
- Key Parent Considerations (Insights from discussion)
○ Strong interest in:
■ Technology use & online safety
■ Meaningful parent–child interaction
○ Parents expressed preference for:
■ Low-cost or free events (“cheap and cheerful”)
■ Budget sensitivity (target <$1000 / per event)
■ Easy-to-organize formats
■ In-person (Thursday evenings)
■ Virtual sessions (if needed, proven viable with past attendance 300 participants)
- Next Steps
○ Launch parent survey via QR code in newsletter to gauge interest
○ Preferred timing (e.g., Thursday evenings)
○ Research costs and timing with Providers
School Council Events
Lunar New Year Celebrations:
- Event Overview
○ First New Years event like this (pilot event)
○ Approximately 300–350 attendees
○ Strong external validation and interest in future participation from the Superintendent, Trustee and the local MPP
○ Supported by 20–25 parent volunteers, along with staff and student participation
○ Event positioned as a community-building initiative
■ WBPS prioritized accessibility over fundraising
■ Free entry to promote attendance
○ Total cost = $2000; School funded the dragon dance, leaving proceeds of $700
- Program Highlights
○ 8 activity rooms including crafts and cultural engagement
○ Lion Dance performance as a key attraction
○ Snack sale
○ High student involvement and enthusiasm
- Lessons Learned/Future Roadmap
○ Overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff, admin, students and attendees → we will host similar event next year
○ Earlier planning timelines and clearer execution structure. We can approve the budget earlier.
○ Carry over supplies from this year will reduce next year costs
○ The success of this event will set the blueprint for future diverse cultural events.
Fun Fair 2026:
- Date: June 4th, 2026
- Early evening start and lasting for about 2-3 hours
- Details haven’t been decided yet - events/logistics/free or charged
- Volunteers are welcome to register with the School Parent Council

Meeting #3
Date
January 29th, 2026
Virtual/In-person
Virtual
Time
6:30pm-7:30pm
Attendees
School Principal & Vice Principal, Parent Council Exec Committee, Parents
Opening Remarks
● Meeting called to order at 6:30pm by the chair
● Greetings exchanged, participants were welcomed
● Meeting attendees were happy about the online meeting format due to cold weather
Principal & Vice-Principal Update
Student Achievements & Co-Curricular Activities
● Administration shared recent student achievements, including participation and success in Reach for the Top, with students preparing for upcoming regional competitions.
● The Junior Girls Volleyball team has also advanced to regional-level play.
● Intramurals Sports are currently underway, providing increased participation opportunities for Primary students, supported by leadership from junior and intermediate students.
Safe & Caring Schools Presentations
● Safe and Caring Schools presentations have been delivered across all grades.
● Primary and junior students participated through gym-based assemblies, while intermediate students received classroom-based presentations led by school administration.
● Topics included the School and Board Code of Conduct, progressive discipline and restorative approaches, cyberbullying and online behaviour, social media use and associated risks, prohibited items at school, and seasonal safety topics such as snow safety.
Winter Weather & Outdoor Recess Procedures
● Administration reiterated outdoor recess decisions are made in accordance with Board policy.
● Weather conditions, including windchill, are monitored throughout the school day to determine whether outdoor activity is safe for students.
● Differences clarified between snow days and inclement weather days
Community Engagement – Chai & Chat
● An update was provided on the recent Chai & Chat session.
● Community partners in attendance included settlement services and representatives from Markham Public Library.
● Board representatives also shared information about community resources and programs.
● Feedback is being collected via a QR code and will be used to inform future sessions and topic selection. The feedback link will be re-shared in an upcoming family communication.
Grade 8 Information Updates
● Graduation photos for Grade 8 students are scheduled for early February.
● Grade 9 transition session is planned to support families with course selection.
● Clarifications were provided regarding timelines and the structure of mandatory versus elective courses.
● Grade 8 field trip details will be shared shortly.
● Parents expressed appreciation for transparency and communication, a preference for earlier decision-making to allow families to plan ahead, and support for the school’s inclusive and safety-focused approach.
● Administration acknowledged the feedback and confirmed that updates will be shared as decisions are finalized.
Parent Engagement & Community Feedback
● The School Council emphasized the importance of gathering parent feedback before confirming new initiatives or engaging external partners.
● The intent is to better understand parent priorities and preferred formats for engagement, ensuring that future activities align with community needs.
● Parents were encouraged to share feedback through upcoming surveys and informal channels.
● Parent Council will discuss potential topics and gatherings with the School Admin Team so as to not duplicate effort and bring most viable concerns to the fore.
● The participants at the meeting agreed unequivocally transparency and inclusivity is our mandate to be applied to the best of our abilities and the benefit of the decision making processes.
Upcoming Events*
(*Subject to changes in schedules, policies, circumstances and school community requirements.)
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year Event – Planning Discussion
● Overview:
○ When: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
○ Where: William Berczy Public School.
○ Expected attendance – 450.
● The purpose of the event is community celebration and engagement, not fundraising. The financial goal is to break even. If snack sales do not fully cover costs, remaining expenses will be covered by School Council funds.
● The Lunar New Year Planning sub-committee is in place already and are actively planning.
● Activities Discussed: Lion Dance performance with eye-dotting and photo opportunities; arts and crafts such as red envelope decorating, paper cutting and folding dragons, and calligraphy (maybe); cultural learning activities including the story of the Great Race (video and discussion), a zodiac wheel activity, and zodiac animal mask colouring; and games such as the Chopstick Challenge, card games (Big 2 and 21), and Yut Nori (to be confirmed).
● Logistics & Constraints: Volunteer requirements per room were reviewed. Hallway patrol was identified as a safety role rather than an activity. Parents were asked to volunteer for approximately two hours on the day of the event, attend a short preparation meeting, and lend decorations if available. Snack options were discussed with attention to allergies and logistics. Parking and winter safety considerations were also noted.
● Cash Sales: For this event WBPS will allow cash sales, since it’s not feasible to include all invitees in the festivities in an equitable fashion if the online payment constraint is applied.
● Budget Process: Room owners will submit shopping lists by the end of the week. Due to timing constraints, budget approvals will occur outside of the meeting.
● Planning thus far (Please note the details here are subject to change based on the finalizations of the event plan.)

Treasurers Report Jan 2026
● We need to further discuss if more fundraising events are necessary. Also, need to determine the type and timeline of fundraising required.
● School Cash Online remains the preferred payment method. Cash may still be required for select activities, such as snack sales or Fun Fair vendors. Any cash-based exceptions will be clearly communicated in advance.
Next Steps and Adjournment
● The next School Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026. An in-person format is preferred, and refreshments will be provided.
● The administration thanked Council members and volunteers for their continued efforts. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 pm.
Date
11-12-2025
Meeting #
2
Virtual/In-Person
In-Person
Time
6:00pm-7:30pm
Participants
Parent Council reps, Parents, Principal and VP
Principal & Vice-Principal Update
Academic & Instructional Focus
● Professional Development for Teachers
○ One day per cycle allocated to release staff for professional learning. Is teacher-voice driven, informed by staff input and school needs.
○ Priorities: Mental health (Grades 7–8), AI in education, MathUp platform, Community Circles (restorative practices).
■ MathUp - Board-provided platform supporting math instruction and professional learning for staff.
■ Community Circles - Focus on building and repairing relationships (student-centric) rather than punitive discipline. Consequences without positive learning do not correct behaviour.
● EQAO & Literacy Strategy
○ 100% participation for Grade 3 and Grade 6 cohorts.
○ Small cohorts (e.g., ~39 students in Grade 3/59 in Grade 6) can affect reported percentages
○ The percentage decline is not an accurate measure of student academic performance at school
○ Technological Shift – EQAO is now administered digitally. This format is shortened as compared to the previous format.
○ This format doesn’t provide item-level analysis of the scores and results which prevents teachers from gaining insight into areas for growth, improvement, and modifying pedagogy accordingly.
○ There are also challenges with younger students sitting through the assessment, their technical know-how, thinking the assessment may be more of a game
○ The current cohorts of 3rd and 6th were very young during COVID and the effects of that break have definitely had an impact on their learning outcomes
○ Literacy Programs & Interventions:
■ The Reading Recovery Program has shown only 50% effectiveness over the years.
■ Teachers have been looking for different, more effective tools to enrich learning.
■ Empower – tool developed by SickKids has been known to higher learning outcomes efficacy
■ Science of Reading – return to a more phonics- based
instruction
■ Acadience - Literacy screener used in SK–Grade 2 to identify early reading needs.
■ More targeted instruction programs are also available at our school led by in-house staff.
■ EQAO Practice – we don’t have the same level of questions repository as we did for the written format, but it can be developed over a period of time. Focus is still on instructional quality and not just test taking.
■ Family sessions could be planned to provide more information and allay anxiety around the EQAO assessment in the parent community.
● Student Experiences & Enrichment:
○ Our students have exposure to a wide variety of events, experiences and trips.
○ School prioritizes subsidizing experiences so all students can participate regardless of financial circumstances.
○ Sewing Activity – opened to the wider audience for a vote. Most parents present wanted it to be a small classes activity which could potentially break stereotypes in the minds of people.
○ Safe and Caring assemblies will be undertaken to reiterate School Code of Conduct in order for students to gain better understanding of expected behavioural standards. Relevant information may also be relayed to parents to support the initiative as allies.
○ Grade 8 Graduation & Field Trip Planning
Graduation Details:
■ Angus Glen; June 22nd, 2026
■ Ceremony: 5:00pm-9:30pm
■ Volunteers will be invited once details are finalized
■ There is no Principal’s Award this year
Field Trip:
■ Parents requested more details about Grade8 trip, expressing concern that the plan was not yet announced.
■ Trip will take place in May or June 2026.
■ The trip is planned and supervised by WBPS staff volunteers (not School Council). The planning group had convened by the time of this meeting.
■ Per board policy the trip and itinerary must align to the curriculum. A proposal, including a justification must be submitted and explicitly approved by the board.
■ Student safety is a top priority for the School and Board.
■ Inclusive trip – the trip will be designed so that all students can participate.
■ A survey was sent to parents to solicit feedback about the
Grade8 trip, including questions about what are reasonable out of pocket costs.
■ Behavioural Expectations – Students and parents will sign a letter of understanding for the trip. Misbehaviour will not be tolerated by the staff and trip facilitators.
■ Safe and Caring assemblies will be undertaken to reiterate School Code of Conduct in order for students to gain better understanding of expected behavioural standards. Relevant information may also be relayed to parents to support the initiative as allies.
Next Steps
● Further communication between various teams regarding upcoming events, volunteer needs, etc.
● Reiterate admin messages to the larger parent community
● Earlier planning routines for the Council and outcomes to be communicated to the admin teams
● Feedback on Chai and Chat session engagement
● Process initiation for Lunar New Year, Eid, Easter. We are going to be forming sub-committees and delegating responsibilities for the events

Meeting #3
DateJanuary 29th, 2026
Virtual/In-personVirtual
Time6:30pm-7:30pm
AttendeesSchool Principal & Vice Principal, Parent Council Exec Committee, Parents
Opening Remarks
  • Meeting called to order at 6:30pm by the chair
  • Greetings exchanged, participants were welcomed
  • Meeting attendees were happy about the online meeting format due to cold weather

     
Principal & Vice-Principal Update

Student Achievements & Co-Curricular Activities

  • Administration shared recent student achievements, including participation and success in Reach for the Top, with students preparing for upcoming regional competitions.
  • The Junior Girls Volleyball team has also advanced to regional-level play.
  • Intramurals Sports are currently underway, providing increased participation opportunities for Primary students, supported by leadership from junior and intermediate students.

     

Safe & Caring Schools Presentations

  • Safe and Caring Schools presentations have been delivered across all grades.
  • Primary and junior students participated through gym-based assemblies, while intermediate students received classroom-based presentations led by school administration.
  • Topics included the School and Board Code of Conduct, progressive discipline and restorative approaches, cyberbullying and online behaviour, social media use and associated risks, prohibited items at school, and seasonal safety topics such as snow safety.


     

Winter Weather & Outdoor Recess Procedures

  • Administration reiterated outdoor recess decisions are made in accordance with Board policy.
  • Weather conditions, including windchill, are monitored throughout the school day to determine whether outdoor activity is safe for students.
  • Differences clarified between snow days and inclement weather days


     

Community Engagement – Chai & Chat

  • An update was provided on the recent Chai & Chat session.
  • Community partners in attendance included settlement services and representatives from Markham Public Library.
  • Board representatives also shared information about community resources and programs.
  • Feedback is being collected via a QR code and will be used to inform future sessions and topic selection. The feedback link will be re-shared in an upcoming family communication.

     

Grade 8 Information Updates

  • Graduation photos for Grade 8 students are scheduled for early February.
  • Grade 9 transition session is planned to support families with course selection.
  • Clarifications were provided regarding timelines and the structure of mandatory versus elective courses.
  • Grade 8 field trip details will be shared shortly.
  • Parents expressed appreciation for transparency and communication, a preference for earlier decision-making to allow families to plan ahead, and support for the school’s inclusive and safety-focused approach.
  • Administration acknowledged the feedback and confirmed that updates will be shared as decisions are finalized.

     

Parent Engagement & Community Feedback

 

  • The School Council emphasized the importance of gathering parent feedback before confirming new initiatives or engaging external partners.
  • The intent is to better understand parent priorities and preferred formats for engagement, ensuring that future activities align with community needs.
  • Parents were encouraged to share feedback through upcoming surveys and informal channels.
  • Parent Council will discuss potential topics and gatherings with School Admin Team so as to not duplicate effort and bring most viable concerns to the fore.
  • The participants at the meeting agreed unequivocally transparency and inclusivity is our mandate to be applied to the best of our abilities and the benefit of the decision making processes.

     

Upcoming Events*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(*Subject to changes in schedules, policies, circumstances and school community requirements.)

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year Event – Planning Discussion

  • Overview:
    • When: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
    • Where: William Berczy Public School.
    • Expected attendance – 450.
  • The purpose of the event is community celebration and engagement, not fundraising. The financial goal is to break even. If snack sales do not fully cover costs, remaining expenses will be covered by School Council funds.
  • Lunar New Year Planning sub-committee is in place already and are actively planning.
  • Activities Discussed: Lion Dance performance with eye-dotting and photo opportunities; arts and crafts such as red envelope decorating, paper cutting and folding dragons, and calligraphy (maybe); cultural learning activities including the story of the Great Race (video and discussion), a zodiac wheel activity, and zodiac animal mask colouring; and games such as the Chopstick Challenge, card games (Big 2 and 21), and Yut Nori (to be confirmed).
  • Logistics & Constraints: Volunteer requirements per room were reviewed. Hallway patrol was identified as a safety role rather than an activity. Parents were asked to volunteer for approximately two hours on the day of the event, attend a short preparation meeting, and lend decorations if available. Snack options were discussed with attention to allergies and logistics. Parking and winter safety considerations were also noted.
  • Cash Sales: For this event WBPS will allow cash sales, since it’s not feasible to include all invitees in the festivities in an equitable fashion if the online payment constraint is applied.
  • Budget Process: Room owners will submit shopping lists by the end of the week. Due to timing constraints, budget approvals will occur outside of the meeting.
  • Planning thus far (Please note the details here are subject to change based on the finalizations of the event plan.) 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurers Report Jan 2026

 

  • We need to further discuss if more fundraising events are necessary. Also, need to determine the type and timeline of fundraising required.
  • School Cash Online remains the preferred payment method. Cash may still be required for select activities, such as snack sales or Fun Fair vendors. Any cash-based exceptions will be clearly communicated in advance.

     
Next Steps and Adjournment
  • The next School Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026. An in-person format is preferred, and refreshments will be provided.
  • Administration thanked Council members and volunteers for their continued efforts. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 pm.

 

Date

11-12-2025

Meeting #

2

Virtual/In-Person

In-Person

Time

6:00pm-7:30pm

Participants

Parent Council reps, Parents, Principal and VP

Principal & Vice-Principal Update

Academic & Instructional Focus

  • Professional Development for Teachers
    • One day per cycle allocated to release staff for professional learning. Teacher-Voice is driven, informed by Teachers input and school needs.
    • Priorities: Mental health (Grades 7–8), AI in education, MathUp platform, Community Circles (restorative practices).
  • MathUp - Board-provided platform supporting math instruction and professional learning for staff.
  • Community Circles - Focus on building and repairing relationships (student-centric) rather than punitive discipline. Consequences without positive learning do not correct behaviour.
  • 2024/25 EQAO
  • EQAO Results
  • Grade3:
  • Grade6:
  • Clear drop in Grade3 Literacy scores Year over Year.
  • 100% participation for Grade 3 and Grade 6 cohorts.
  • The percentage decline is not an accurate measure of student academic performance at school
  • Factors That May Impact EQAO Scores
  • Small cohorts (e.g., ~39 students in Grade 3/59 in Grade 6) can affect reported percentages
  • Technological Shift – EQAO is now administered digitally. This format was significantly shortened as compared to the previous format (e.g. 1/3rd of the length, offering students a single attempt to demonstrate proficiency on a given concept / question.
  • New Digital format does not provide School visibility into responses (e.g. text from free form answers) typically used for insights to base future analysis of the scores and results which prevents teachers from gaining insight into areas for growth, improvement, and modifying pedagogy accordingly.
  • Challenges include younger students sitting through the assessment, their technical know-how, thinking the assessment may be more of a game.
  • EQAO Practice – the current repository of the online format assessments isn’t as exhaustive as the written format. It will require curating over a period of time. Our focus is primarily on instructional quality and not just test taking benefitting students in the long run.
  • Learning outcomes of the current  grades 3rd and 6th cohorts have definitely been impacted by COVID-19 since these students were  very young during that break.

 

  • Literacy Program Strategy & Interventions
  • Staff will invest Professional Development time to further explore and strategize regarding (but not limited to):
  • The Reading Recovery Program has shown only about 50% effectiveness over the years.
  • Teachers have been looking for different, more effective tools to enrich learning.
  • Empower™ Reading and Learning Group – tool developed by SickKids has been known to higher learning outcomes efficacy
  • Science of Reading – return to a more phonics- based instruction
  • Acadience - Literacy screener used in SK–Grade 2 to identify early reading needs.
  • More targeted instruction programs are also available at our school led by in-house staff.
  • Family sessions could be planned to provide more information and allay anxiety around the EQAO assessment in the parent community. 

     
  • Student Experiences & Enrichment:
  • Our students have exposure to a wide variety of events, experiences and trips.
  • School prioritizes subsidizing experiences so all students can participate regardless of financial circumstances.
  • Sewing Activity – opened to the wider audience for a vote. Most parents present wanted it to be a younger grades activity which could potentially break the “gender-task” stereotypes in the minds of young students.
  • Safe and Caring assemblies will be undertaken to reiterate School Code of Conduct in order for students to gain better understanding of expected behavioural standards. Relevant information may also be relayed to parents to support the initiative as allies. 

 

  • Grade 8 Graduation & Field Trip Planning
  • Graduation Details:
  • Angus Glen; June 22nd, 2026
  • Ceremony: 5:00pm-9:30pm
  • Volunteers will be invited once details are finalized
  • There is no Principal’s Award this year
  • Field Trip:
  • Trip will take place in May or June
  • Gr8 Graduation & Trip planning will resume in January with participation of participating Teachers.  Details will be publicized once plans are finalized.
  • Student safety is top priority for the team
  • Inclusive trip – all students must be able to participate. Cost constraints are taken into consideration.
  • Behavioural Expectations – Students and parents will sign a letter of understanding for the trip. Misbehaviour will not be tolerated by the staff and trip facilitators.
  • School code of conduct guides the behavioural parameters put in place for such trips and activities.
  • Opportunities for Fundraising and Parent support can be discussed in future Council meeting

Parent Council Update

Operations & Continuity

  • Continuity Risk - Long-serving council members graduate out; loss of

process knowledge observed.

 

  • Improvement Goal - Earlier planning and clearer documentation to ensure smoother transitions.
 

 

  • Election Timing - Elections remain early in the school year to include Kindergarten families.
  • New Council hand-off should occur in October whereby the existing parent council can take care of the back to school events, passing on the information, etc. 
 

 

  • Planning Philosophy - Avoid end-of-year spending that benefits future cohorts more than current students. Grade 8s should benefit from the money raised in the current financial year.
  • Frequent touchpoints with administration and parent body to ensure uniform flow of communication and engagement
  • Some proposed activities for the current academic year are as follows:

 

Financial Management & Cash Handling

  • Strong board preference for School Cash Online only. Cash deposits and dealings require admin time or paid pickup; inefficient use of resources.
  • Proper and timely communication out to the parent body can help alleviate cash transactions issues over a period of time.
  • Most events to be cashless for the remainder of the year. Only School Fun Fair will be partially cash-based due to the nature of activities included.
  • Our spending intent is to have most funds raised appropriately utilised well within the school year to provide the most benefit to our student body
  • Fundraising needs to be in alignment with the school principles and philosophy. It needs to support tangible/measurable enhancements in the school.
  • Examples: Technology, Outdoor Learning Center, Playground improvements, STEM Progress in school, Storage sheds, etc.
  • All projects have to be covered under the Board approved umbrella. From the nature of the activity to the vendors supporting – all items have to check the board approval parameters. 

 

(Please note this number is dynamic and changes based on fundraising revenue and expenditures in a given time period. For any further questions, please write to the Parent Council and we will be happy to answer your questions.)

Parent & Community Engagement Ideas:

  • We currently are aspiring to have one parent-involved event each month. (Thursday evenings)
  • We are looking for parent volunteers for upcoming events.
  • One of our KPIs is increased parent volunteering. We are looking for new volunteers. This also instills a sense of belonging in the parent community.
  • Evening events can include but aren’t limited to – yoga events, informative events, expert parents sharing knowledge, cultural events like evening floral market, club events – trivia, film camp, etc.

Events Calendar:

  • Completed event - Hindu Heritage Month – Samosa and Lassi Sale: We broke even, volunteer turnout was good, students definitely enjoyed the treats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Steps

  • Further communication between various teams regarding upcoming events, volunteer needs, etc.
  • Reiterate admin messages to the larger parent community
  • Earlier planning routines for the Council and outcomes to be communicated to the admin teams
  • Feedback on Chai and Chat session engagement
  • Process initiation for Lunar New Year, Eid, Easter. We are going to be forming sub-committees and delegating responsibilities for the events. 
  

Meeting #

 

Date

 

Virtual/In-person

 

Time

 

Attendees