January 2010 - Castor Valley Elementary School Council

1. Welcome, Introductions (Heather Wilson)
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
for January 14, 2010
Some organizations that our members are involved with:
- Lori Blinn – Kazari Jewellery from Nairobi (funds to Stephen Lewis foundation)
- Marg Clunie – Sweet Dreams (benefits Children’s Aid Society); Ideas from St. Leonard’s - Gift of Reading
(donations to library in lieu of Christmas gifts) & Gift of Play idea (in lieu of end of year gifts)
In attendance were:
Ann Arden, Lori Blinn, Marg Clunie, Jen Danby-McDonald, Lisa Eggers, Gisèle Gratton (teacher
representative), Crystal Kirkpatrick, Francine Hopley, Tara Klager, Luisa Kuca, Tracy Lager, Julie McDonald,
Christine Mercier, Joan Morrison, Marnie Patterson (Principal), Susanna Penning, Laurel Perry-Hapli, Laurie
Rail, Natasha Robb-Burrows, Tania Salvi, Kim Sheldrick-Bates, Lauriel Wills, Heather Wilson
Regrets: Diane Abboud, Rebecca Parke
2. Quorum, Membership, Constitutional Amendments (Heather Wilson)
Quorum reached, none at this time
3. Approval of Agenda & Approval of November Minutes (Heather Wilson)
Christine made a motion to approve agenda, seconded by Lori, motion carried.
Francine made a motion to approve November minutes, seconded by Laurie, motion carried.
4. Playground Improvement Project Update (Natasha Robb-Burrows)
Natasha will organize a targeted email to CVES families via “Constant Contact” or Luisa and is hoping to get
some names and a sense of interest by March Break. In particular, she is hoping to get volunteers to help fill in
grants starting in September and is hoping to get shovels in the ground in the summer of 2011. Anyone
interested in the playground improvement project please contact Natasha.
5. Arts Club Update (Tara Klager)
The Arts Club kicked off Wed, Jan. 13 and is concurrently running photography and Haida drawing with
volunteer community leaders and parent volunteer support. The next session will be ukulele to bring a music
opportunity to students in the Junior grades. Jess Green from the Ottawa Folklore Centre will be here for 4
weeks to teach ukulele (also plays at Irene’s and Atomic Rooster) – 9 students have signed up for ukulele;
hoping to build this for next year. Tara and Chantal LeBlanc are applying to the S’chool Life Fund for a grant
for 30 ukuleles with tuners, along with James Hill curriculum.
James Hill (a ukulele icon – look for videos on YouTube and www.ukulelejames.com) is booked at CVES April
26 at 9:30 for a whole school assembly/performance. He is also provisionally booked for a workshop for 30
students after the show. The total cost is $600 for both the assembly and workshop. Tara and Chantal asked the
School Council for funds to support these two initiatives.
Kim Sheldrick thanked Tara for “Peace” poster for Lions club from last November. Heather thanked Tara for
her efforts.

After discussion Council concluded that it supports providing financial support if necessary to cover the costs
associated with the James Hill concert (entire school) and a workshop (for 30 students) pending availability of
funds. Heather suggested that a motion be tabled at the next meeting when we have a better understanding of
our financial status following movie night and the proposed Olympic/Danceathon fundraiser.
6. Co-Chair’s Report (Heather Wilson)
Heather shared a thank you note from Ginette Thibeault (with lots of chocolates).
Still no word on our PRO Grant Application.
Rideauwood update – Heather had a meeting on Jan. 5 with Marnie, the Metcalfe Principal & VP, Amanda
Neilson (Rideauwood Counsellor). There was consensus was that it was a valuable program that should be
continued in some form next year and that the costs should be shared by the two schools (Castor Valley was
responsible for generating $9,000 of the $10,000 raised through school and community sources. Marnie will
follow up with her counterpart at Metcalfe and Rideauwood to determine the funding requirements for next year
to continue to run the program for grades 6,7 & 8 students at both schools next year and report back at the next
Council meeting.
The Ambassador Program raised $762.24 toward the Brick by Brick Campaign to build a school in Kenya
Africa in partnership with Free the Children. Almost $1000 in parent donations were received at Christmas. We
are approximately 11 bricks away from $8,500 goal.
The December Used Cold Weather Clothing Appeal for needy families in OCDSB was very successful.
Lost & Found and Christmas Shopping Day leftovers will hopefully going to consignment store to get sold.
Snowshoes and snow moulds in use in yard, M. Lalonde has purchased 30 crazy carpets from his budget.
News from the OCDSB:
Heather also attended Specialized Programs Consultation – proposed program changes do not affect CVES
The OCDSB faces an estimated shortfall of $14 million in their 2010/2011 budget. OCDSB Chief Financial
Officer Michael Clarke explains that of the total budget of approximately $700 million, only about $100 million
is available to juggle to find the $14 million in savings that is needed to balance the budget. Public budget
forum Mon. Jan. 25 see OCDSB for more information (Heather plans to attend).
People for Education Heather thanked Kim for completing their annual survey completion, please see the
website for informative tip sheets for parents and school councils
Castor Connections Series – next night is January 27
1) Family Math Night held in Oct.
2) Literacy at Home held in Nov. update – Heather and Marnie demonstrated a French audio book from the
TumbleBook Library database on the Ottawa Public Library website (Digital books & media ? TumbleBook
Library; there are ebooks for kids available in both English and French
3) Student Supports at CVES and Special Education (runs concurrently with Welcome to LFI and Welcome to
JK/SK) Wed. Jan. 27 6:15 to 7:30. Heather asked for volunteers (2 volunteers for registration desk and 2 for
childcare). Marg, Joan, Tania, Luisa and Natasha offered to help.
Stock Market Challenge June 9, 10 & 11. BMO Financial has donated $500 and Heather asked parents for any
other contacts in the financial sector who might be willing to make a donation. Parent volunteers will be needed.
Heather will follow-up with teacher Kim Holmes.

Parent Supported Literacy Program and ELP Update – still looking for more ELP volunteers (Mon. & Thurs.
2:15 – 3:15 pm)
Heather has prepared a letter for new families to the school throughout the year. It includes information about
the CV School Council website, class reps, lunch and milk program and newsletter.
Nominations are now open for several teaching awards, Heather asked parents to consider nominating one of
our amazing teachers for an award:
- Ministry of Education Teaching Awards http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/teachingawards/ (deadline Feb. 1, 2010)
- Capital Educators’ Awards www.ocri.ca/edugala/ (deadline Mar. 1, 2010)
- Golden Apple award – Majic 100 FM ($500 award for teacher to be used at school) - ongoing
Heather asked us to consider setting up a Council Information Table at School/Council Events next year – e.g.,
parent teacher interviews, movie nights, Meet the Teacher Night, etc.
7. OCASC Report (Heather Wilson) OCASC
Heather and Natasha attended the November Appreciation Reception and Natasha obtained some valuable
information and contacts through the “Chalk It Up” portion of the OCASC meeting.
Both the OCDSB and OCASC recognize and share the concerns that facing cuts of $14 million will cause
parents, students, teachers, and, in fact, everyone involved in education. OCASC wants to play a role in the
budget process that includes helping to inform parents about budget issues and options for cuts. We want to
approach this from the perspective that informed parents can give informed feedback to the school board. To
that end, OCASC wants to provide parents with budget information on an ongoing basis from now until budget
decisions are made, through OCASC news and their website. If you have a budget related topic or question that
you would like to learn more about, contact OCASC to help us to know what topics to cover in our information
sharing.
ABC Workshop – Association for Bright Children (help support gifted children at home)
IEP Workshop – Individual Education Plan (Special Education) – a very worthwhile workshop that will be
repeated.
Heather will continue to forward the OCASC e-newsletter to council members.
OCASC/Ottawa Community Immigrant Serves Organization – Heather is involved in working with a group
which has applied for $30,000 PRO grant
8. Community Liaison Officer Report (Kim Sheldrick)
School speed limit zone has passed through City Council – now it is up to individual schools to state there is a
problem. Kim is still pushing to get 60 km/h signs with flashing lights on Snake Island Road.
Kim shared a video of CVES choir (grade 4 & 5) singing O Canada at City Hall (organized through Councillor
Doug Thompson’s office).
9. Treasurer’s Report (Susanna Penning)
Bank charge update – revised to flat $10 fee per month (unlimited transactions)
Macmillans fundraiser was successful – perhaps get order forms out before Thanksgiving next year. Discussion
around the table concluded that Council would like to repeat this fundraiser again next year. Marnie noted that
the timing conflicted with OTHS band fundraiser.
Business directory – 10 participants so far at $25 fee each
Update on Ad Hoc Expenditures – some money has not yet been spent (Marnie noted some purchases have been
made very recently), Susanna will update us at the next meeting of the outstanding.

Christmas Shopping and Craft Day Net Revenues – very successful
Library Donations received at Christmas will offset Ad Hoc approval for library funds
- Opening bank balance as at November 10th was $27037.85
- Total Revenues: Food Program $557.27, Milk Program $ 8900.90, Movie Night sales $829.52, Macmillans
(net) $4235.50, Business Directory $250.00, Xmas craft day $350.48, Xmas shopping day $960.28, Library
donations (credit to ad hoc) $345.00, Consignment sales $35.36, Free the Children Xmas donations $340.00,
closure of PTHSA acct $42.50
- Total Expenses: Movie Night $125.82, Milk $4415.94, Food Days $3915.89, Ad hoc disbursements $530.96,
Xmas craft day $57.50, Free the Children $340.00
- Closing cash balance as of January 13th $33976.84
- Ad hoc committed: $15463.00
- Ad hoc dispersed: $1853.85 Note that this includes a $345 credit to the $1000 commitment to books #11
resulting from parent Xmas donations
- Xmas shopping day was a success: $960.28 raised and volunteers were able to purchase from the remaining
items via donation.
- Xmas craft Day also a success $292.98
- MacMillans numbers were great, pick up was relatively smooth. Continue for next year!
- Good response to Business Directory with 10 requests. Check it out online!
- Our bank charges YTD are $169.83. However, once you back out the $122.68 spent for new deposit books
and cheques due to the account switchover, we are actually in good shape with only $47.15 (we are flagged as a
personal account, so charges are much lower!). Some of this includes NSF fees yet to be recovered from
parents.
Budget
INCOME NET
Milk program - $3800 proj
Food program - $5500 proj (based on 20% profit margin 08-09)
Xmas shopping day - $960 actual
MacMillans - $4235 actual
Fun Night - $3000 proj (Bank donation not guaranteed)
Used Book Sale - $1900 proj
Movie Night/Auction - $2300 proj
School Ready Supplies - $ 610 actual
OCDSB SC grant - $500 actual
Xmas craft day - $293 actual
Total Net Income - $23098
EXPENSES
Reserve requirement - $1000
Administration - $1500 (bank fees, bus driver gifts, teacher lunch, OCASC)
Class Resource Fund - $3550 (honorariums)
AD Hoc - $15463
Garden - $100
Earmarked for Environment - $600 (carry over Environment from 08-09 – playground supplies)
Liability insurance - $180
Total Expenses - $22393

Opening balance $2961.70 + income $23098 – expenses $22393 = $3666.70 buffer
In light of the Fun Night, Movie Night/Auction and Used Book sale funds being uncertain and planned for later
in the year, it would be prudent to have a fundraising event sooner than later so that we can meet our Ad Hoc
cash flow obligations.
10. Fundraising/Activities Report
We could survey parents to find out fundraisers if we decide not to go ahead with more movie nights – could be
done through Constant Contact or the website.
Christmas Shopping Day (Christine)
The shopping day was very successful. The children really enjoyed doing their own shopping. Thank you to all
the volunteers who made this day such a success for our children. These events were both in last week before
Christmas which worked well for the school. There was support for trying to extend Christmas Shopping Day to
all grades next year. There are logistical issues (storing more donation drop-offs – foyer could not handle all the
donations from all grades). Marg suggested green wrapping – newspaper. We have LOTS of leftover gift
wrapping and we will not solicit wrapping paper donations in the future.
Sens Hockey night & auction
Next will be to look at our Sens Hockey night and auction. There is only one Friday night game (March 26th
against the Sabres). We may have to look at Saturday night games or wait to see if they make the playoffs.
Some Saturday games to consider are as follows: Feb 6th against Toronto, Feb 13th against the Red Wings,
March 6th against Toronto, March 27th against the Panthers. We can also set up just a hockey night on some of
these nights.
Possible fundraisers for either Hockey Night, Fun Night or Used Book Sale
Something else to consider on these nights are different fundraisers in the Library.
- Last year we had set up Mary Kay in the Library and a little bit of money was made.
- We can also do a 5th Avenue party in the library for the husbands to possibly do their Valentine’s Day
Shopping.
- We have been approached by a Canadian company called Sunset Gourmet (www.sunsetgourmet.ca). This
company sells a variety of mixes for dips, soups, breads, sauces, etc. The lady selling this product is willing to
come out at a function and set up samples and then we sell from there. We have the options of selling with a
catalogue but taste testing might sell better. She is sending more information in regards to fundraising. They
also have gluten free products.
It may be difficult to coordinate these sales with Fun Night but hosting vendors at an event like the Used Book
Sale might work.
Natasha suggested selling chocolates – there is a 50% margin on this (possibly for Easter?); Marnie stated that
Grade 8s sold chocolate bars to raise money for end of year trip (Lamontagne)
Movie Nights (Laurel)
We have had 3 movie nights and as it stands we are -$263.44 when we factor in the membership paid for last
June for this year. The next movie night is Friday, Jan. 22 with a double feature, pizza and drop-offs. We hope
that this will increase the number of families who come out. If these added incentives do not bring out more
students, Laurel recommends that we look at a new activity for the Friday nights using the web site poll or other
methods to get ideas. Laurel will report at the February meeting as to the movie night status. She also suggested
that we do not have a movie night in February and focus our ideas and time on the Olympic/dance a-thon, if the
council is in support.

Olympic Fundraiser (Marg) – February 17th (Olympics start on February 12th)
Marg shared a fundraising idea from St. Leonard’s – combine an Olympics activity day with a dance-a-thon.
For the dance-a-thon individual students get sponsors and there are prizes as incentives (donated by parents –
suggested that parents cash in points from Air Miles or credit cards). At St. Leonard’s, the dance-a-thon raised
$16,000 in November (in its 7th year). There is already a committee at CVES working to organize the Olympic
event portion and includes the Ambassadors plus some teachers. On Monday morning at 9:30 Laurel, Marg and
Heather will be meeting about the danceathon. If you have a prize that you can donate please email Marg. We
are looking for three big prizes (primary, junior, intermediate). These big prizes need to go into a flyer as
incentive for students to fundraise.
Mabel’s Labels (Tracy)
We need a targeted communication to promote this (already posted on website and icon on Eager Beaver). This
fundraiser will be written up in the next newsletter. Tracy has already written a letter than can be sent via
Constant Contact or Luisa to families. It was suggested that this also be promoted with the school supplies kits
in the Spring and that the sandwich board in the foyer could be used to promote this fundraiser. Tracy will
contact Mabel’s Labels to see about extending the window for the campaign for the whole year.
Fundraising for Haiti
Natasha suggested fundraising for Haiti “Change for Change” or “Help for Haiti”. Mme Gratton said her class
has been looking at this issue – they will do an announcement Friday morning. This fundraiser will be included
in the next Eager Beaver.
Volleyball Friday (Heather)
This event run by M. Lalonde on Fri., Nov. 27 raised approx. $500 for phys ed budget (+ $200 Sept. 2009 from
Uniroyal)
Upcoming Events
Movie Night – Fri. Jan. 22 double feature with drop off for grade 4+ and pre-ordered pizza and regular canteen
items starting at 6 pm. (Laurel)
Olympic Celebration Day/Dance-a-thon Fundraiser – Wed. Feb. 17 - Marg, Laurel, Heather
Stock Market Challenge Sponsors – $500 BMO, $200 Marg’s contact, Tracy’s contact outstanding
Scotiabank support for Fun Night – Lori Blinn to report back at next meeting as new manager starts on Monday
at Osgoode branch.
11. Principal’s, Teaching & Support Staff Reports
Principal’s report (Marnie):
A CVES student (SK) wrote a letter regarding Ottawa’s recently fallen police officer, Const. Czapnik, and
delivered this to a police station; this was used as part of Chief White’s eulogy. Another CVES student (grade
1) wrote a picture book and sold copies (colour photocopies) for $3 to raise money for the Make-a-Wish
foundation. These students have been nominated by Marnie through the Character Ed. initiative
Staffing updates: Diane Abboud (new vice principal) attended our concert last night and will come to a future
school council meeting; Mr. Thorpe will be absent for a few months (medical leave) and has been replaced.
An upcoming event on February 23: Toonie Tuesday (Students helping Students). This is run through Education
Foundation and funds usually go to students in need within the school board. This year, this has changes so
money raised at each school goes to that school’s students in need (CVES families). One of the items that
Marnie would like purchase from this money is some extra Epi-pens ($101) for students whose parents cannot
afford them. Other money could then be used to help other CVES families. It may be possible to donate some

money to another school in the board with greater needs.
There has been one case of confirmed Fifth disease at the school and this has been noted on the doors of the
school. The school needs to be “20 days free” before parents/staff who are pregnant can come into the building.
This year CastArt will have a geometry focus. More information will be coming soon.
There will be changes to report cards as directed by the Minister of Education. Starting next September, the first
report card will become a progress report rather than a full report card (more like a checklist); two other full
report cards will be issued in January/February and June. More information is coming.
Marnie thanked parents for support to purchase SMARTBoard in the lab. Grade 7 & 8 students were recently
trained on how to use a Ministry website for math homework help (available during evenings).
As part of the School Improvement Plan (SIP), Marnie asked the board for some funds to assist in extra PD.
This request was denied (criteria was changed). Marnie used some SIP funds to send 6 teachers to Adrienne
Clarkson school in Barrhaven to observe a “Bansho” math lesson (which is in addition to 3 teachers who went
last year). Teachers were thrilled with this opportunity and found it very valuable.
The Boys Reading Club is coming together and the plan is to start in mid-February. Mike Speer has agreed to
lead it and the target will be boys in Grades 4 & 5. Every activity involving reading will also involve a “doing”
component – e.g. read directions to play a game in the gym, read for a treasure hunt, read to build something
with Lego. Marnie reports that no other schools have a model like this.
Kindergarten registration is coming soon (Feb 1-5). CVES has not been chosen as an early learning site but
Greely PS and Metcalfe PS HAVE been chosen for full day kindergarten. The criteria were laid out by the
Ministry of Education and included such items as available space (which CVES does not presently have).
Marnie stated that the entry points for French Immersion in the OCDSB are in SK or Grade 4. Since immersion
is not a mandated program CVES can refuse entry to grade 1 for students who attend other local schools for
Kindergarten. Families need to know that if they choose to go to another site for JK/SK the next entry point is
Grade 4 at CVES. Families CAN choose another school for JK and come to CVES for SK.
Marnie expressed concern about bussing issues and MANY parents shared anecdotes of late buses. It was
suggested that parents phone the Transportation Authority (613-224-8800) rather than the bus company (Stock),
school or the district school board office. This suggestion will be included in the newsletter (need to included
the phone number).
Teaching Staff Report (Gisèle Gratton): no report
Support Staff report:
Jeff (Chief Custodian) – Dale Dow (part-time evenings) is leaving CVES to work at Connaught P.S. effective
Monday, Jan 18th. He is in a term position here. As of now, Jeff does not have a name of replacement
Coreen (Library Technician) – no report
Sandy & Gail (Office Staff) - We are preparing for kindergarten registration the week of February 1st and
information night on January 27th. We are still trying to rectify issues i.e. 2 buses not arriving until 4:00 or
later. This is due to Castor Valley being on the end of triple bussing and drivers being stretched in distance.
OSTA working on this, should be fixed by this Friday.
12. Class Rep Coordinator’s Report & Character Education Initiative Update (Jen Danby McDonald)

Clarification - Class reps will do class-specific requests only. Whole school contact will come through Constant
Contact or Luisa to avoid duplicate messages for families with several children at CVES.
Character Ed Assembly on December 1 – character education ballot boxes went out to each classroom, the
library, office. Several classes are participating enthusiastically. Character meter will be updated soon as we
expect to have reached the first milestone of 50!
Will include recognition of students and teachers in the newsletter (student names – listed only first name plus
grade; no last names or last initials)
Jen made a motion to request an additional $50 for certificate design, seconded by Susanna, motion carried.
13. Volunteer Coordinator’s Report (Luisa Kuca)
We need to make 20 hard copies for people who do not have email access or opted out (Heather will coordinate
this). We are still missing (only) 92 emails. Thanks to Heather and the office staff for their help in getting more
email addresses. A suggestion was made to solicit family emails on the Student Verification form (sent out in
the fall).
14. Communication’s Coordinator Report (Crystal Kirkpatrick)
The next deadline for the Eager Beaver e-newsletter is Friday, January 22 for anticipated distribution on
Tuesday, January 26. Information for whole school (e.g., event information, Macmillans reminders) to be sent
through Constant Contact as a bulletin or Luisa as an email, not class reps to prevent duplication for those
families with more than one child at the school. Class reps will be used only for class specific information.
15. Website Coordinator’s Report (Francine Hopley)
We still do not have a new online survey (possibly soliciting ideas about vendors at school events; e.g. Sunset
Gourmet, Mary Kay)
Suggestions for the future:
- include FAQ section (need to come up with a list) – Tracy offered to come up with 3 questions and report at
the next meeting
- online forms
- blog for idea sharing
16. New Business
The next meeting has been postponed to Thursday, February 25 to allow updates on upcoming events. There
will NOT be a meeting on Thursday, February 11.
17. Adjournment (10:15 pm)
Ann made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Lisa, motion carried.
Important CVESC Dates
CVESC meetings will be held on the second Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 pm in the school library with
the exception of December and March when there will not be a meeting and June when it will be on the third

Thursday so that it does not conflict with OCASC - November 12, January 14, February 11, February 25, April
8, May 13, June 17
Used Book Sale Fri. April 30 & Sat. May 1
Movie Nights Fridays Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, Apr. 23, May 14
Fun Night – TBD
PRO Grant “Castor Connections”
Wed. Oct. 28 – Family Math Night (target JK to grade 3)
Wed. Nov. 25 – Supporting Early Literacy at Home (target JK to grade 2)
Wed. Jan. 27 – 3 concurrent sessions Special Education, LFI and Welcome to JK/SK
Wed. May 26 – Welcome to Intermediates (includes Internet Safety and Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Prevention)
OCASC Meeting Dates
Generally, 3rd Thurs. of each month at Fisher Park School 250 Holland Ave., just north of Queensway in the
Library on the second floor Oct. 15, Nov. 19 (at OCDSB offices), Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 25, Apr. 15,
May 20, June 10