School Council Meeting Minutes - April 2025

Agenda Items

1.Land Acknowledgement 

2. African Ancestors Acknowledgement 

3. Meeting norms review 

4. Adopt last meeting minutes: 

Motion introduced by Olga, motion seconded by Julie. Motion carried. 

5. Christina presented Treasurer’s Report:

Adopt Treasurer Report: Motion introduced by Olga, motion seconded by Nikki. Motion carried.

7. Updated list of School Council Voting Members: 

1. Georgia Petinarelis
2. Nikki Andal
3. Christina Gianoopsulos
4. Olga Rozin Proger
5. Chuan Li
6. Farivar Ghaemmegham
7. Michael Cerullo (Staff Representative) *need 4 for quorum

8. Update from the Lake - March/April 2025

Student Achievement

• Scientists in the School : Grade 2 - Solids and Liquids - March 5th
• Scientists in School Grade 3 and 4: Forces and Light - March 5th
• Grade 8 Graduation Photo Day - March 18th
• Grade 8 resume building for Community Involvement Hours - April 2025
• Grade 2 field trip to VORC (Vivian Outdoor Recreation Centre) - April 25th
• Grade 3 field trip to Pioneer Village: Many Hands Program - April 15th
• Grade 8 field trip to Lake St. George - April 28th
• Literacy Night - Hosted by School Council - April 3rd (6:00 - 7:30PM)
• Manie Musicale Reveal Assembly - April 9th

Literacy 

• Lounge & Learn opened for students every first recess - open to Grade 8 students
• Tutoring Tuesday peer academic support ◦ New non-fiction shelving installed - updating the collection via Scholastic funds
• Indigenous education resources for staff and students K - 8 purchased to continue to celebrate Indigenous authors, illustrators and translators and to provide opportunities to increase access to accurate understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, histories and contemporary perspectives
• Positive Space Club meetings on Wednesday ◦ Forest of Reading Program open for book exchange and reading on Thursday 

Athletics 

• Intermediate Boys & Girls Basketball concluded
• Grade 6 & 7 Champions League Indoor Soccer on Tuesday & Wednesday
• Intermediate Boys & Girls Badminton practices, games and mini tournaments
• Preparation for our school's Grade 3-8 Track & Field Event is underway
• Grade 3 students to Swim to Survive Program - April 25th, May 2nd, & 9th 

The Arts

• Choir meet on Wednesday
• Band meet on Thursday
• Concert Band Performance for the school - April 8th
• Intermediate Concert Band Festival-Markham Winds - April 10th
• Preparation for our Primary/Junior concert - May 1st
• Preparation for our Intermediate concert - May 2nd 

Health and Well-Being 

• 80's School Wide Spring Dance - April 4th
• Grade 5 Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS) - April 1st - the importance of monitoring the amount of screen time
• Classroom Play Leaders Spring Training for Grade 5 & 6 students - April 3rd & 10th
  • in partnership with our YR Public Health nurse
  • initiative aligns with our efforts to promote leadership opportunities
  • the training for both indoor and outdoor recess activities 

Human Rights and Inclusivity 

• Autism Acceptance/Neurodiversity Assembly - April 30th
• Equity & Well-Being Team - school activities, meetings every Tuesday
  • Beach & Vacation Spirit Day - March 7th
  • World Down Syndrome Day “Rock Your Socks” - March 21st
  • Earth Hour K-8 Lights Out & No Technology - March 24th (1:00–2:00PM)
  • Epilepsy Awareness Month (Day of Purple) - March 26th
  • International Day of Pink - April 9th
  • Jamaican Patties Delivered - April 11th
  • Earth Day K-8 Clean Up Green Up Activities April 22nd
  • Nowruz Kindness Challenge - March 20th

10. Concert Planning

School council asked in concerts can be planned in the evening to accommodate more families. Although evenings are most likely not feasible, LWPS will look into a streaming options where those who cannot attend in person can watch via streaming link.

11. School Wish List

Mr. Cerullo introduced a School Wish List of Council review. Wishlist Items: April 2025 

1. Interactive Classroom Technology:
   1. $8,000 Install Epson BrightLink projectors in two kindergarten classrooms. Supports play-based learning by enhancing interactive lessons. Includes both audio and visual components to create an immersive and engaging learning environment in a flexible space. Promotes engagement, collaboration, and student well-being through interactive, student-centred learning experience.
2. Airtame in the Library: $500

12. Funding Wish List

Funding both items on wish list: Motion introduced by Olga. Motion seconded by Nikki. Motion carried.

13. PRO Grant update: 

• Option A - Partial Parent Council Funded with PRO Grant
• Art Therapy Cost: $1,000 for 2 days of workshops plus $400 for supplies. Plus parent evening $300 for 2 hours (Pro Grant)
• Yoga Cost: $600 per day x 2 days = $1200
• Total Cost: $2100 for both programs after ProGrant
• *There is an additional $500 of YRDSB funding available towards parent engagement that can be allocated to this event
• *LWPS would like for this to be a part of Mental Health initiative in May (see next item) 

What does the parent evening look like? 

The evening will begin with a short introduction to art therapy, what it is, how it supports emotional well-being, and its benefits for both children and parents. I can also share information on community resources for those interested in further exploring therapeutic art-making. 

Following this, we will transition into a hands-on art experience. The activity will be designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages, offering parents and children a chance to create together in a supportive, judgment-free space. It will be similar to what I might do in a session, focusing on self-expression rather than artistic skill. 

Art Therapy 

Overview: In alignment with the mission of the York Region District School Board to "advance student achievement and well-being through public education," this art therapy workshop will help Lake Wilcox Public School support students' emotional development, resilience, and sense of community. By incorporating art therapy techniques, we aim to inspire self-expression, foster inclusion, and create a safe space where each student can feel valued and connected. 

Connection to School Values: This workshop is designed to reflect and strengthen the values outlined in the Lake Wilcox Touchstone, promoting a "people-centred environment" where students become "educated, caring, confident, self-motivated citizens." Each session will incorporate these core beliefs by encouraging students to express their unique identities, celebrate their strengths, and support one another through shared creative experiences. Art activities will promote emotional wellbeing, build confidence, and encourage students to "value learning and working together." 

Yoga 

Yoga sessions will introduce wellness techniques to kids, empowering them with coping skills, self-awareness, and healthy habits. By focusing on these essential aspects, we aim to create a positive impact on children's mental health and well-being, transforming the way education nurtures young minds.

14. Overview of Initiative: Mental Health Mondays in May 

For the month of May, we are looking to implement mental health Mondays. We are hoping to bring in a yoga instructor to teach mindfulness for 2 sessions. As well as an art therapist who would focus on teaching mental health through the arts for another 2 sessions. This initiative would focus on the entire school population from kindergarten to grade 8. 

Rationale: Mental Health Mondays will support the overall goal of the HPE curriculum: Students will develop the social-emotional learning skills needed to foster overall health and well-being, positive mental health, and the ability to learn, build resilience, and thrive. Additionally, the initiative supports the five interconnected areas (Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, School and Classroom Leadership, Student Engagement, Social and Physical Environments, Home, School, and Community Partnership) which are a foundation for building a Healthy School.

15. Funding Art Therapy / Yoga event: 

Motion introduced by Olga. Motion seconded by Nikki. Motion carried. 

16. June BBQ: 

• Date: June 11th
• Fire It Up is confirmed and booked
• Ice Cream truck confirmed
• Picnic tables and water stations secured through City of Richmond Hill
• Nikki is organizing volunteers for stations: Face painting, temporary tattoos
• School Council to prepare a map of the booths and stations and forward to LWPS
• LWPS will organize security, ensure building is clean, washrooms are accessible
• Official 25th anniversary BBQ will take place next school year 2025/2026 

17. Additional Fundraising ideas: 

• Peg introduced an option for a Bake Sale; Peg to reach out to vendors re: food safety, allergy risks, etc. (potentially outdoor booths back be added to the BBQ) Will send information to LWPS.
• Nikki introduced Kristi Kream donut sale fundraiser. Will send information to LWPS.
• Nikki introduced Dancethon fundraiser. Will send information to LWPS.
• Movie Night: Film rental licences are available for a full calendar year. School council to revisit next school year.

18. Hot lunch

It was noted that there is interest in exploring additional options, including the possibility of introducing Lunchbox for one of the days in the next block. Further conversation and planning will take place to assess feasibility and interest. 

19. School Council Chair opening: 

No one has put their name forward for the open position. Ms. Naqi will continue to chair the meetings until end of the year if there isn’t any school council member who is interested in the position. *On April 11th (4 days after this meeting took place) Nikki Andal has volunteered to serve as School Council Chair for the remainder of this 2024/2025 school year. 

Motion to adjourned introduced by Olga, motion seconded by Nikki. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.

Next Meeting: 2 June, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Library