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Monday, September 30, 2013

Minutes from Sept 11th PAC Meeting

Garibaldi Pac Meeting
Sept. 11, 2013

Attendance (approx.):
Lorraine Baker
PAC Board (4)
General PAC Members (10)
Home learners (1)
Home Learning teacher (1)

Joel called meeting to order and asked for any additions to the agenda
One addition by Shannon (after teacher allocations)

1) A motion was made to accept the agenda and to adopt the minutes for the June PAC meeting (circulated ahead of this meeting).
 - Jocelyn 1st; Taslim (2nd)

2) Joel made a brief explanation of the PAC and how it works. Read the objectives of the PAC. Talked about the PAC being the official voice of the parents in the school. General structure is one meeting per month with committees working independently on specific tasks.

3) VP Report -  Lorraine Baker gave a talk about the start of the school year. It was a smooth start and she was able to nudge specific issues forward in a positive direction. She expressed appreciation for all that the PAC does. Ms. Baker commented on the high turn over of staff in the school and noted teachers lost and new teachers that have come in. She was happy to say that kids have already been in their classes  and are settling in. She noted that their will be fresh fruit and veggie deliveries as part of an agriculture awareness program one per week that is funded by BC Agriculture grant. Terry Fox run will take place Sept 26. Parent teacher goal setting on the 24th and 25th Sept. with a 2pm dismissal. Ms. Baker noted the PAC blog site but said that paper notices will also be used. She is also working on a VSB Garibaldi site that she hopes to have functional by thanksgiving.

4) PAC Blog –  a venue where parents can post information to other parents. Contribute via email; no commercial use. There are also two white boards that are used for communication in the front hall.

5) Committees:

5a)Movie Night – once per month; fee sometimes charged for popcorn and snacks; sometimes includes pizza night. Kids can wear PJ’s and bring something to sit on.
Movie night will be Sept. 25th  - same night as goal setting.

5b) Garden –
14th September will be a clean up of the garden. All are welcome to attend and help. Harvest festival
Oct. 5th  - (Postponed)  stone soup; hot apple cider; jam and other harvest items.; will go rain or shine
Bulb fundraiser – info sent home; buy bulbs as a way to make some money for PAC use.  Just need to fill in the order form and turn it in with check to the office.
Friends with Schokolade – husband donating bench to garden.

5c) Fundraising Committee
- last year was a silent auction soiree that has run for several years
- looking for something new
 - last year brough in $5000 but feel that this event has run its course and needs revitalization (donor fatigue)

5d) Library committee – new this year. Technical guys from VSB able to repair library computer

5e) Fun Lunch /kitchen committee – how can this be framed and populated to make it go forward.

5f) Outdoor  - outdoor family events for the school population and families.

6) PAC AGM
Will be held at our next PAC meeting.
New executive will be elected.
Need new people
Rolls include: Chair, co-Chair, VP; secretary, treasurer.

7) Treasurer’s Report
Gaming fund: $500.01
Savings PAC: $4,451.99
Total:  $4,916.00
Have not yet heard how much the gaming grant will be this year/

8) Spending Requests and Allocations
Outstanding from last year:
Projector – gifted by VLN working projector
Cameras for Artist in Resident grant – $500-$650 allocated.
Laminator - $1000

New considerations:

Teacher allocations -  a motion was made to allocate $200 to each teacher; Angela – 1st; Anne – Marie – 2nd.

Sandra made a request for new hot air popcorn poppers – a motion was made to approve spending up to $200 for new popcorn poppers. Anne- Marie -1st; Jana – 2nd.

Shannon -  made a request for the PAC to consider funding dance lessons for school in addition or in lieu of badminton or tennis. She saw a group that she feels would be great in engaging the kids. She will to a bit more research into what this would look like.

A discussion was engaged in about school expenses but we were not able to resolve what the issues and confusion over current school fees were before the meeting needed to close.

Next PAC meeting – OCT 9

A motion was made to close the meeting. Sandra – 1st; Anne- Marie – 2nd.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Wednesday is Family Movie Night

The Garibaldi PAC invites families to come to the school gym and join in a night of family fun for the first Movie Night of the year. We will be showing the computer generated Epic, from the makers of Ice Age.
We will pull out the gym mats so bring a blanket to keep cozy.
Admission is free for the first movie of the year.
There will be popcorn and refreshment available for sale.
Parents are responsible for their kids at all times.

Doors Open at 5:30 PM and we will be out of the building by 7:45PM.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Deadline for bulb orders is this Friday, September 27

Please, bring back your completed orders latest on Thursday, September 26, as Friday is a Pro-D day at Garibaldi.
Do your neighbours and family need more colour in their spring garden? Ask them:)
All proceeds go back to Garibaldi PAC.

PAC Committee Sign Up Week!

This week the PAC is going to serve coffee during the Wednesday and Thursday morning drop offs and will have volunteer committee sign up sheets available.
Joining a committee or two is a great way to lend a hand to support the school and help build community and friendships. So stop by the PAC table, say hi, gets some coffee and a muffin and consider volunteering.

Here is a list of the committees and a brief description what they do.


Fundraising Committee:

Are you ready to put the FUN into fundraising? The sky is the limit with this committee. Work with other creative and fun-loving minds to devise and execute fundraisers designed to raise money to enhance the lives of our children during their time at Garibaldi. Events could include a silent auction, a coffee house/talent night, an adult only party at a local venue, equipment, tree, bench or building block sponsorship, or whatever ideas come to mind. Members would be asked to come up with a fundraising goal for the year (ie. How will the money raised during the year be used?) and speak with other parent volunteer committee members to listen to their needs for funds. The more the merrier for this committee!


Garden Committee:

Thanks to the hard work of some dedicated volunteers, the Garden is thriving. Members of this committee can be involved in general garden and compost maintenance (weeding, watering, planting and digging), shed building and maintenance, or even harvest celebrations. You don’t need a green thumb to volunteer for this committee!


Movie Night Committee:

A Garibaldi fundraising favourite! Members of this committee would be required to determine the dates, times, and movie selection shown in the Garibaldi Library. Equipment such as a projector and screen are also needed and of course no movie would be complete without the popcorn. You may also consider rallying a group of movie goers to help you clean up at the end of the evening.


Communication Committee:

There are a variety of ways to help out on this committee. Whether it is setting up email lists and phone trees for the classes, contributing to the school’s monthly newsletter documenting some of the Garibaldi events through the eyes of the families, sending reminders about upcoming PAC meetings or putting together a photo collection on a CD as a form of paperless yearbook, we can all benefit from communication. (P.S. This is a committee that you can potentially do from home if you find your time at the school is limited)


Kitchen Committee:

Interested in helping out with Popcorn Days, BC Fruits and Veggie Program and/or Fun Sports Day Lunch? Volunteers are also needed to step out of the kitchen and distribute popcorn etc. to lots of smiling kids!


Sustainability Committee: 

This committee works to foster community involvement both within the school and with the surrounding community. Suggestions from parents have included setting up a book lending library, student bike share, clothing swap, potlucks, zero-waste lunches, and furthering the work of last year’s school recycling committee. Volunteers are needed to shape the direction of the school’s sustainability stewardship, and to help keep environmental and social responsibility fun.


Outdoors Committee:

Interested in doing group outdoor activities? This parent group will organize and lead afterschool and weekend outdoor activities like bike rides, hikes, cross country skiing, or whatever you are interested in. It is a great way to stay physically active in a social atmosphere.

Media Relations and Advocacy Committee:

Over the past 5 years, parents and staff of the Garibaldi community have worked hard to ensure that the enrolment at the school has continued to increase with the ultimate goal of remaining open to serve the diverse needs of the surrounding community. Thanks to the Garibaldi Annex Implementation Team and the Garibaldi Action Committee, the school has not only grown in its regular school day program, it has added other partners including Frog Hollow, Home Learners and Partners In Education (PIE). We need to ensure that the positive messages and continued growth plans are reaching the media and that through our voices and our written words the VSB continues to hear of our successes and reasons for keeping Garibaldi open for future generations.


Program Support:

Have you read or heard about programs in our community that could enhance our children’s learning experiences at the school? Perhaps you or someone you know can be a guest to help out with a special unit in Science, Creative Writing or Physical Education or you know of a program to introduce the students to the wonders of cooking or the arts. Perhaps you would like to become a “class parent” who is available to help your child’s teacher arrange parent drivers for field trips or help decorate the classroom for a special theme or party. Work with the school staff and within the PAC budget to bring these new and unique experiences to the school.


Library Committee:

Would you enjoy spending a bit of time sorting through books in a peaceful, space? Or perhaps you would like to offer your talent as a guest reader? VP Ms. Lorraine Baker is hoping to find a small number of volunteers who would like to support our school Library this year. If this idea appeals to you please provide your contact information, a day / time that is most convenient for you to volunteer and a word or two about the type of volunteer experience you would prefer to offer (shelving, reading, creating seasonal displays, etc.)


Parent Education Committee:

Interested in learning more about parenting? The committee will investigate and arrange opportunities for parents to learn more about various parenting topics.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Free Triathlon training clinic at Templeton this Sunday



WHEN?
Sunday, September 22 from 10am to 12 noon 

WHERE?
Templeton Park and Community Centre
(700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver;  2km from the PNE)

WHO?
Anyone in Kindergarten through to Grade 7 (elementary school ages).

WHAT?
Kristine Chambers is hosting an NCCP coaching course that trains NEW coaches to teach triathlon to kids and youth!! We need 20-30 athletes from Kindergarten to Grade 7 for them to work with!! Come help us out, learn some new triathlon tricks, challenge yourself through some amazing obstacle courses, play games, and have fun with your friends!!! 
**FREE snack provided after the course (please, bring your own for halfway through).  

WHAT YOU NEED
- bike and helmet
- outdoor gear for running, biking, and tumbling (in rain or sun!!) 
- a water bottle and healthy snack
*(there is no swim in this clinic)

QUESTIONS and RSVP / REGISTRATION
Please, reply to:
Kristine at koachkristine@gmail.com (course instructor)
Phone:  604-377-2141 

Bring friends! 
Open to all levels (no swimming, just bike-run-transitions-games).
Kristine
____________________________________________
Kristine Chambers, B.HKin, M.Sc
Youth Sport Development
Kindness is the highest form of wisdom

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Fall garden clean up party this Saturday 1:30-3:30

Even though the weather is still a full on Summer, there are many jobs in the garden that need to be done before it is too rainy for us to enjoy doing them. We will be clearing some dead or dying plants, collecting seeds and harvesting some fresh produce.
We will be in the garden working, talking and sharing some snacks and drinks from 1:30 till 3:30. Kids are more than welcome!

K i d s C u l t u r e F i l m S e r i e s

K i d s  C u l t u r e  F i l m  S e r i e s
presents


Our Season Opener!



LOTTE AND THE  MOONSTONE  SECRET




RIO  THEATRE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH    1:45 PM

Tickets at riotheatre.ca 

$8 adults/$5 kids  ($9/$6 at the door) 

Recommended ages 4+


Lotte and the Moonstone Secret is the second Estonian feature based on the famous children's character Lotte, that hit the book shelves in 2000 receiving rave reviews.

Whenever Lotte looks at the moon, she wonders who might live there. One night two small hooded figures try to snatch a magic stone which Lottes uncle Klaus brought back from a trip to the mountains. Lotte prevents the theft and in doing so discovers that the stone possesses mysterious powers. The people who travelled with her uncle on his earlier trip also own stones like these. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Lotte persuades her uncle to accompany her on an adventure-filled expedition. A lovelorn musician turns out to be the least of the  problems that Lotte and her uncle must overcome, for the hooded figures are also hot on their heels. The stones belong to them, and they must retrieve them before the moon fades once more.

This children's animation offers a rich array of endearing characters and hilarious ideas. It celebrates imagination and the many little adventures life has to offer those who are curious.

Winner of 10 awards, including Grand Prize for Animation at the India Children's Film Festival and 2nd Prize for Animated Feature at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival.

Net proceeds go to Queen Victoria Annex 'Building a New Playground' Located at 1850 East 3rd  Ave, next to McSpadden Park in East Vancouver.

Our playground is being demolished and it is up to the parents and families to find the funds to rebuild. Being a school of only 165 children, the challenge of raising funds for a new playground is big. We need your help.



SPECIAL THANKS to our SPONSORS:
REEL 2 REAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FOR YOUTH
Solamedia GmbH

Vancity Commercial Drive Branch

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Garibaldi Annex Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting Agenda


The first Garibaldi PAC meeting of the year will be on Wednesday, June 11 from 6:30-7:45 pm
in the School Library, up the stairs past the office.
Free child care available in the gym.

  1. Agenda Additions/ Adapt June 2013 Minutes (5 min)
  2. Welcome New Members, PAC Intro; Joel Ronne, PAC Co-Chair (10 min)
  3. Introduction from our school VP; Lorraine Baker (15 min)
  4. Using the Garibaldi PAC Blog; (5 min)
  5. Committee Discussions (20 min)
    1. Committees
      1. Movie Night
      2. Garden
      3. Fundraising
      4. Sustainability
      5. Other
    2. Committee sign-up time
  6. PAC AGM (10 min)
  7. Financial Update and Budget; Angela Wong-Moon (10 min)
  8. Teacher Allocations, other spending requests;  (5 min)

  1. Next PAC meeting (AGM on Oct 9th) / Adjournment

If you would like an item added to the agenda you can email garibaldiannexpac@gmail.com or just show up and ask for the item to be added at the start of the meeting.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Minutes Garibaldi PAC Meeting - June 2013

Garibaldi PAC Meeting - June 2013
Parents Attending: Joel, Angela, Mike, Jocelyn, Carol, Taz, Lilia
Teachers/Admin Attending: Lorraine Baker, Shannon Hobson

1. Amendments to June Agenda – Home Learner Committee to be added
to list of PAC committees. Motion to adopt Minutes from May PAC meeting
and accept amended June Agenda – Angela (Seconded by Carol)

2. VP Update (Lorraine Baker):


  • Ready Set Learn event last month.
  • Wump World fundraiser: $600 raised for music program. Sending tickets home with children worked extremely well.
  • Fun Day successful.
  • Bluesberries donation much appreciated; concert enjoyed by all. Kids welcomed regardless of contribution from PAC.
  • Badminton just started.
  • Volunteer Appreciation Tea Thursday, 10:15
  • Beach Day next week. Whole school to attend.
  • Next year’s school growth plan now uploaded and signed off. Aboriginal piece across whole district. Literacy goal to foster creativity and imagination using fiction.
  • Currently have three divisions for next year with three teachers. Ms Uzalak has sadly been surplussed.


3. Committees
Garden:


  • Garden plot signs cut out of plywood by Van Teck students in shape of animals.
  • Sanding and priming station at the PAC BBQ
  • Attempting to pass approval for wood chips to prevent weeds over summer.


Homelearners

  • Met as a group with Gino Bondi
  • Members chosen to represent group to PAC
  • Motion to add home learners committee as reoccurring item in agenda (Lilia, seconded by Angela). Joel mentioned that home learner parents are automatically members of the Garibaldi PAC. Not appropriate for all things that home learners vote on to be voted on by the entire PAC. Will need to figure out how to work with legalities. Greater desire among home learner parents to speak as a group to the PAC and have greater representation.


BBQ (Joel)

  • 5pm start, 6pm dinner
  • PAC to provide sausages and buns, potluck salads and desserts.
  • BYO cups, plates, and cutlery; Angela to send flyers home.


4. Budget (Angela and Joel)
Gaming Account: $1323.31
Savings Account: $4857.05
Cheque put out for Bluesberries concert contribution
Other PAC account – Angela to verify and send

Motion to spend the following funds right away (Jocelyn, seconded by Carol):
Fun Day Lunch: $270.00
Wood Chips: $150.00
Aquarium Bus: $217.00

~$4000.00 balance, currently. After purchase of items left to be
approved, leaves $2000 teacher allocations plus an additional
$1500 for next year. Last year, $3700 carry over account.

Motion to set aside the following funds for September:
- Projector: $900.00 – Carol to look into possible donation by BCIT (no motion passed).
- Photo mosaic project (Taz, seconded by Lilia): $650.00
Mrs Ligori wrote grant to bring in artist in residence; would require 5 digital cameras. Shannon suggested asking parents to donate old cameras; however, possible difficulties from teaching with cameras that are all different.
- Laminator (Jocelyn, seconded by Angela): $200
previously approved to fix old laminator. $1000 required in addition to purchase new. Would save money on expensive books by increasing shelf life and costly items purchased by teachers that would otherwise require more frequent replacement.

Other Business

Fees for next year (Lorraine)
School fees and materials fees, etc.: $53.00 on low range for schools. Hope is to increase offerings by school or to cover things that PAC previously paid for.

Catchment Area Boundaries (Joel)
Process under way to reexamine existing boundaries for Garibaldi and other schools.
Sibling issue a policy change that would affect next year’s registration (Spring, 2014).

AGM to elect new PAC exec will occur in October.

Motion to adjourn meeting (Jocelyn, seconded by Angela).

Next PAC meeting: September 11
AGM: October 9

Hastings Community Centre Bike Fest and BBQ this Sunday