Danielle and Sheva:
- Co-Chairs welcome new vice-principal: Christine Chin
- Ms. Chin introduces herself to council and parents as a veteran French YRDSB educator for 18 years.
- Danielle: Approval of minutes by: Danielle, Sheva and Tammy
Acknowledgements:
Mr. Appelberg appreciates all the execs and behind the scenes council for all their hard work especially with the Valentine's Day breakfast, Naomi for working on Ventura Fest, Teacher Reps: Mme. Lofsky and Mme. Tadrisi and our students reps.
School Council Student Reps Neha and Janelle:
- Mental Health / Cultural Evening has a tentative date for Thursday, May 15. We need all hands on deck for this event.
- Should we combine the talent show with cultural night? Potentially set up stand in the library to express their cultures, talk about traditions, bring in objects that show who you are.
- Express culture in the talent show (Music and Dance) Cultures Night is a chance to learn.
- Students discuss risk of damaged items brought in and list of allergens in food.
- Link it to Daytime / Nighttime Performance
- Celebrate our identities and showcase who we are at VPPS in any capacity (A booth or performance)
- Parent volunteers are welcome once the event is solidified.
- Sheva opposed having Cultures Night and the talent show solidified.
- Planning Committee: Thursday, March 19, 2025 at 1 p.m. in-person or hybrid.
Ventura Fest - Naomi
- Will present a planning committee date after March Break
- Already booked: BBQ, DJ, Photo Booth
- Ventura is turning 20/25 years old (as a French School) therefore we would like to make it a grande celebration
- Asking for $4000 from Parent Council to cover games such as basketball shoot out, tennis, kick the ball, and activate games.
- Request for alumni to visit
- More food trucks such as, fries or beaver tails
- Should we charge families a small amount for each child?
- Approval for budget: Sheva and Jana.
Grad Committee - Jana:
- Successful Fundraising: Candy grams, chocolates, and Funscript
- Hoodies have been purchased
- Silent Auction during Paul Davis with so many amazing prizes
- Received a WalMart grant for $1000
- Upcoming fundraisers: Krispy Kreme in May and Hair Elastics
- Grad is taking place at: Paradise Banquet Hall (DJ is booked)
Speakers List - Sheva
- We received great feedback on the speakers so far
- Brainable in April
- Sarah Westbrook on May 7th
School Council Forum - Teacher Representatives - Mme. Lofsky and Mme. Tadrisi
- Thank you for the Valentine's Breakfast
- Students and Staff were engaged in D.O. Gibson
- Intermediate dance was fun.
- Heart to heart week and sock fundraiser was a success
- Shout out to Mme. Lofsky as last week VPPS participated in and hosted robotics.
- Ventura is busy with sports, arts, dance, and much more.
- Overall, students feel seen.
Tarmac and Pathways Update - Mr. Appelberg
- Good news, VPPS worked with Plant Services at the Board and the City will do their portion of the pathway winter clean up and the school will do their part as well. We have an agreement. It may nit be perfect after the snowfall but it will be done.
Fundraising Plan
- We have a healthy bank account, therefore, we would like to consider allocations for next year.
- The Ventura Vision will be placed and we will allocate some funds for this.
- Identity affirming resources needed in the school (French books)
Budget - Mr. Appelberg
- We spent $10,000 on the computers and are waiting for their arrival.
Extra Extra!
- Geetha is wondering if Parent Council can meet more often next year.
- Sheva mentioned that parents would like to have a variety of dates for Council meetings, so that they can attend.
- Make field trips for equitable amongst divisions.
- Trip for the Grade 8 students is Museum of Illusions which ties into the art curriculum.
- Grad trip - Blue Mountain
Next Council Meeting:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
6:30 p.m.
Attendance List
- Tammy Gilary
- Victoria Mecihayev
- Dawn Chan
- Sharone Starkman
- Sherri Kogan
- Sheva Oielgisser
- Jana Dworetsky
- Zarina Ismail
- Yogeeta Sood
- Anjali Singh
- Jamami Sivarajah
- Danielle Plax
- Naomi Fogel
- Geetha Sanmugaligham