IRHS SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL - MEETING MINUTES - DEC 6
Minutes of a Meeting of
IRHS School Advisory Council
Held December 6, 2016 at 6 PM
In the School Library
Mark Yukich, School Advisory Council Chair, led the meeting. He welcomed the attendees, and introduced Principal Darlene White.
Program Accommodation & Review Process
Mark and Darlene spoke about the HDSB’s Program Evaluation and Review, which had identified pressures on the school system across the region (changing demographics, etc.). Burlington schools were identified as needing a Long-Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP). While Oakville’s schools are expected to see an enrolment increase (+3%), Burlington is expecting -10%.
A PARC (Program Accommodation and Review Committee) will be struck in the affected area, to recommend a strategy from a list of possible outcomes. Some school closures and/or boundary changes may occur in Burlington, and a new high school is expected to be built in Milton, which is also growing rapidly in population, and after that (~4 years), the HDSB may begin to build a new high school in northern Oakville (Neyagawa area).
IRHS Well-Being Team
Vice Principal Trish Clark indicated the team was considering such topics as bullying prevention and remediation, and anxiety/stress reduction for students. Mike Luyks (Guidance/Phys. Ed. teacher) and Katherine Patterson (Student Success) are on the team, as well as parent members. They are using data from the “Tell Them From Me” survey and are looking to improve on the numbers this year including, students report being victims of bullying (24%), where and when bullying occurs (halls, outside of school, during breaks and after school), how many students come forward to confront bullies, and how many feel they can report bullying incidents to school staff (50%).
Bullying prevention and awareness strategies are in place, with supports such as the Link Crew (supports gr. 9 students) and the “Ridge United” Crew (supports other new students). They are promoting a list of people students can talk to, and silent messaging strategies. Mutual respect is promoted among students and between students and staff (there is a Ridge Respect website to report bullying incidents), and there are restorative measures in place, bringing together, where possible, the bully, the victim and others impacted by the incident.
Bullying prevention and awareness strategies are in place, with supports such as the Link Crew (supports gr. 9 students) and the “Ridge United” Crew (supports other new students). They are promoting a list of people students can talk to, and silent messaging strategies. Mutual respect is promoted among students and between students and staff (there is a Ridge Respect website to report bullying incidents), and there are restorative measures in place, bringing together, where possible, the bully, the victim and others impacted by the incident.
Form for Future Agenda Items
Mark indicated there will be a new form that parents can use to request an item be added to the School Advisory Council agenda for future meetings. The electronic form will be sent out in advance of the meeting via Synermail and will require the item you would like to discuss and a short rationale as to how this item interests our community.
Principal’s Update
Darlene White spoke to recent events including the Junior football team championship victory and student support, the Annual Craft Sale including how proceeds are used and the Remembrance Day Assembly.
She then talked about student activities including DECA, student performances such as One-Act plays, and charity work including toy and clothing drives, and the Hack-a-Thon.
Darlene then summarized the exam schedule and conclusion of the 1st Semester.
School Re-visioning & the Multi-Year Plan
Darlene indicated the Halton District School Board (HDSB) recently published their multi-year plan for the next 3-5 years. To see it, go to www.hdsb.ca, and click the link “Mission Vision and Values”.
IRHS is also refreshing its school vision. The process started last year and included a survey of parents, students and staff. A plan has been developed and now mission and vision statements are being crafted.
Parents present voted on the characteristics of values and mission statements that appealed most to them, including suggesting new ones of their own. To participate, go to: goo.gl/qAWs1w
There being no further business, Chair Mark Yukich thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting at 7:00 PM.
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