Attendance:
Cindy Wilson (Principal)
Emily Maione (Co-Chair)
Marissa Smolders (Co-Chair)
Aimee Marples
Kimberly Sarabura
Kaitlynn Becker
Jenn Macrae (For Tyler)
Stephanie Croy
Chris Pollock
Nicole Ferris
Claire Acott
Tim Lavender
Notes:
- Add that you can custom the absence reason in Edsby
- Add friends of Deer Park to Charger
Keep eye on what is being put out- some families state moms pantry, the lunch launch, school photos and spirit wear were too close. – spirit wear to be offered twice more in January and April
Welcome and Approval of Minutes: Approved
Principal’s Report:
- Ball hockey is being loved
- Remembrance Day assembly coming up, children participating as well.
- Deer Park spirit wear day and pancake breakfast Friday
School improvement planning- chronic absences creates problems, direct interference with developmental milestones. Absences from last year played a part in poor EQAO testing marks last year. 54% of our students missed 19 days (10%) of year. Attendance support program for teachers includes reaching out, flagging for Cynthia after 2 absences in a month or being picked up early regularly. This is so the school can intervene and provide support (help in the school, help at home, financial support.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Playground balance: N/A
- General balance: N/A
Update coming January to reflect ongoing programs.
Council Norms:
Some things added to norms
1. Bring a problem and try to find a solution.
Be respectful to each other outside of meetings
2. Time- Meetings are done at 8PM sharp.
Stick to a topic and move past things we have decided against or are not able to do.
3. Everyone has different perspectives and beliefs; we need to honour that.
We work as a group to support the whole; we fundraise for the whole school not one grade.
4. No talking over each other
- Meetings are about the big things; we plan then present
- If you have an idea, you head it and create a team to help
Next meeting: January 12th, 2026, 6:30-8:30
Fundraising:
- Spoke about ideas for different fundraising plans in case Mom’s Pantry is too expensive next year- big box of cards, Midland Fundraising. We will compile a list over break for a database and vote.
- TUCK shop mentioned, spoke about for some time. Debated between cash, fake coins and school cash online. Plan will be made over break, and we will revisit once planned.
IRV lunch program- check in in December (or January). Should we cut the amount offered, is he helping, is he seeing success? Address website ordering. We will have a 1:1 meeting with him to discuss survey results.
Sub-Committee Updates: Elipida Booked for STEAM night for a drink and snack truck through Kim.
Communication to Community:
- Send out survey to parents for IRV lunch program
Are they satisfied with the food?
Is there enough or too many options?
Are the price points reasonable?
Are your orders correct?
Is the online ordering easy?
Any additional feedback?
Other Topics:
- Cost sharing opens soon- projectors discussed and approved, also will be looking into grants. Swing sets possibly declined but will revisit to see if there is something that can be purchased that benefits more than 2 children at a time. If not, we revisit.
- Buddy benches and tree planting mentioned.
Grants will be looked into by council and forwarded to admin.
Next Meeting: January 12th, 2026