Minutes and Updates from Sept. 25th School Council Meeting
- Sep 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Call for Budget Ideas and Initiatives
Last week the Palmerston School Council hosted the first meeting of the year in the library. Thanks to all the new and returning parents who attended. Please find minutes of the meeting attached below as well as a draft budget for the upcoming school year.
In addition, please use THIS LINK to suggest ideas for the use of Palmerston School Council budget for the upcoming school year. Requests are due by October 21st to be considered. Note: in order to activate any ideas, volunteers to spearhead will also be required.
The budget will be voted on at the next in-person council meeting on Wednesday, October 23 @ 6:30 p.m. in person at the school library. Childcare can be provided on site if required. Please email laura.heathpotter@bell.net if you require childcare for the meeting.
Please note we are also doing a call out for Committee Leads and Committee Members for upcoming events and ongoing initiatives throughout the year. Please have a look below at all the different committees currently activated or that we hope to activate this year. If you are interested in volunteering for one or more please let us know via email at laura.heathpotter@bell.net
SCHOOL COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Get Involved! Take the lead! Do something FUN for your kids!
There are some great committees and fun events planned for which Council needs parent support and volunteers. Many of the below already have Committee Heads and are just looking to expand the committee. Others need parents to take on to get them up and running for this school year. These include:
Want to volunteer!? Email Laura at laura.heathpotter@bell.net
Palmerston School Council Committees
Advocacy
Attend TDSB meetings parents invited to (Virtual/4 a year approx.) and update council on news and information. Actively aware of current events affecting our school community, sharing information with the school community, and organizing action responses to TDSB members and politicians as needed.
Arts
Coordinating with administration, research and provide potential TDSB approved extra-curricular arts-based activities and events in the school, including A NIGHT AT THE PALM, potentially Artists in the Classroom, school performances, etc.
Media Literacy
Media Literacy focuses on enhancing student safety, knowledge and experience on all forms of media (social, broadcast, publishing internet), working with administration to provide enriching TDSB approved literary opportunities/presenters/etc.
Community Outreach
Identify local causes/initiatives for which parties may be seeking financial support, and to which Council will dedicate a portion of our budget and/or assist with dedicated fundraising drive.
Dance-a-thon
Coordinate the one-day, fundraising dance party historically held on or close to Valentines
Day. Children have fun-filled, dedicated dance time in the gym during school hours and council raises money on the same day.
ECO Club
Work with teacher lead to help Initiate/coordinate ongoing initiatives to keep our school GREEN!; coordinate Earth Day events and (as possible) annual Climate Action Night.
Fundraising
Coordinate ongoing and one-off school fundraising initiatives. Continue successful activities (many of which are administrative with one day pick up arrangements) and also research, bring to council new ideas for school to take on and arrange for volunteers to make it happen. The “Silent Auction” is one of the school's biggest fundraisers of the year. In past it has been held during Mayfest but current thinking is this should be hosted/held earlier in the year and not at same time as Mayfest.
Grade 6 Grad
Comprised of parents of grade 6 students, to plan and execute graduation event. Grad Hoodies are designed and ordered and made available to Grade 6 students for purchase, historically prior to the new year with a grade 6 parent organizing and coordinating for delivery
before January. Parents of grade 5 students assist with the meal planning/reception
on day of Grad.
Harvest Fest
In October the Palmerston School Community gathers together to celebrate the
season, and raise money for environmental education initiatives and our arts
and S.T.E.M. classroom programming. A huge contingent of parent
volunteers decorate, make chili and sweets and provide crats and create a pumpkin
patch in the school yard!
Health and Wellness
Work with staff and Council to coordinate TDSB approved initiatives and events to promote and support healthy bodies and healthy minds in our school and community. Initiatives may overlap with AntiBullying Committee, Zones of Regulations activities, and other health and wellness speakers/events.
Internal Equity
Coordinate regular purchase of supplementary and /or collection of weather appropriate
clothing/gear for children/families in need within our school community.
Master Plan Steering Committee/Schoolyard Upgrades
Work with the administration, group of committed parents and TDSB facilities teams to
further the development and construction of Phase 2 of the new playground.
MAYFEST
Mayfest is the annual Spring Festival on the school grounds. It is entirely volunteer-run by Palmerston community members. Bouncy castles, lawn games, the book sale, face painting, nail salon, musical cakes, photo buttons, gift basket raffle & more. Food stations include patisserie, BBQ, pizza, watermelon, drinks, popcorn and cotton candy. Proceeds from Mayfest support enrichment activities at the school. It takes a small army of volunteers to run this beloved event that takes place the last Saturday of May.
Outdoor Garden
Engage with teachers on educational use of garden and maintain and manage the Outdoor
Garden with a group of parent and community volunteers.
Parent Class Reps
A dedicated parent/caregiver per class who is willing to be conduit between council and parents is helpful in mobilizing for school events, fundraisers and community outreach.
Spirit Wear
Coordinate school spiritwear sales; research vendors and options and order and distribute the items. First sale is to take place in October/November with delivery before the December holidays.
S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Committee
Assist with ongoing support of school’s STEM program (research and bring TDSB approved vendors and opportunities to council and admin) and coordinate annual Spring Forward STEM Night.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation
Coordinate school year and execute end-of-year thank you lunch / gifts for teachers and staff.
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