Date: March 5, 2026 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Location: Virtual – Microsoft Teams
In attendance:
School Staff: Nadia Russiello, Voula Divetta
Parents: Eilda Pourkian, Farnaz Naser Shariati, Sushma Kavikondala, Melissa Yue-Wallace, Azadeh, Ashley Bebbington, TY, Jessie Perry
Regrets: N/A
1. Welcome and Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:03 p.m. Members were reminded of the intention to conclude by 6:30 p.m. in recognition of Ramadan.
2. Principal Update
The Principal provided updates on the following:
Staffing
● Madame Razka has returned from leave.
● Mr. Ahmad is continuing to teach Grade 8 for half the day and phy-ed for the remainder, replacing Madame Lee.
● Monsieur Lally is replacing Madame Steenburgh until the end of March.
● Staffing planning for Fall 2026 has begun; families are encouraged to notify the school if their child will not be returning next year to support accurate enrolment projections.
School Initiatives
● The Active School Travel Safety Campaign resumes next week, with signage, daily safety reminders, and a third campaign planned for June.
● The Principal Profile was finalized and submitted to the central office.
● The Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC)
Symposium is scheduled for April 15 at Richmond Green Secondary School.
Registration information will be shared when available on March 18, 2026.
3. Teacher Rep Report
Due to the absence of a teacher representative, the Principal summarized school activities:
● Academic & Cultural Activities
o Manie Musicale (French music voting initiative)
o School production of Anne of Green Gables (rehearsals ongoing)
o French Book Fair scheduled for next week
o Term 1 report cards released electronically on February 19
● Sports & Extracurriculars
o Intermediate basketball teams participated in area tournaments – did really well
o Girls and boys junior basketball teams in formation
o Clubs include Guitar Club, Dance Team, Wind Band, Dungeons & Dragons (Grade 6), Junior Art Club, and Reading Club
● Experiential Learning
o Grade 6 trip to Community Safety Village
o York Region Skills Challenge participation (students represented the school positively)
4. Treasurer’s Report and Budget Approval
The Treasurer presented the proposed 2025–2026 budget:
● Revenue
o Fundraising programs (Pizza, Swiss Chalet, Mr. Greek)
o Estimated total profit: approximately $25,000 (including prior-year carryover of $3,832)
● Expenditures
o Adjustments made to align spending with revised revenue projections
▪ Expenses brought down $22,967
o Removal of student presentations ($2,000) and wheelchair basketball ($3,000) due to availability
o Modest reductions to club allocations and technology funding
▪ Eco School, Grade 4-6 clubs and Student Leadership Team reduced by $250
▪ School Instruments (purchase/rental) reduced by $500 from $2500 to $2000
▪ In-class technology supports actual expenditure was $2,717.32. Do not need the remaining budget of $782.68
▪ Music Instruments Repairs reduced by $500 from $3,500 to $3,000
o Remaining funds to be carried forward to the next school year
Motion To approve the revised budget as presented. Moved by: Council Members Result: Motion carried unanimously.
5. Fundraising Update
● Lunch programs continue to perform well.
● Pizza program costs will increase slightly (approx. $0.10–$0.15 per slice); impact to be monitored and adjusted as needed.
6. STEM Night
● Potential dates discussed (April 23, April 30, or May 7), considering religious observances and school scheduling.
● Vendors to be contacted to confirm availability.
● Council agreed to meet separately to finalize details and confirm a date.
● Volunteer recruitment to begin once the date is confirmed (Council to draft communication), including consideration of high school volunteers under supervision and the parent community.
7. Fun Fair
● Tentative date: June 4, 2026.
● Early planning underway, including potential vendors and food services.
o YRES has been tentatively booked by Farnaz
● Discussion included:
o Barbeque vendor requirements and public health compliance
o Strict restrictions on inflatables
o Fire truck booking (application required 3 months in advance)
o Ice cream truck consideration
o Importance of early volunteer recruitment
8. Other Business
Teacher Staffing Changes – Parent Concerns
Parents raised concerns regarding:
● Frequency of mid-year teacher changes
● Impact on student continuity and well-being
● Need for clarity on communication and transition processes
The Principal explained:
● Staffing changes are often unpredictable and managed based on available information.
● Transitions are handled within board and union regulations.
● Efforts are made to minimize disruption and maintain consistency.
● Families are encouraged to contact the school directly with individual concerns.
9. Adult ESL Program – Safety and Communication
Council members and parents raised questions regarding:
● Awareness and communication about the Adult ESL program operating on-site
● Safety protocols, supervision, and separation from students
● Background checks and emergency procedures
The Principal confirmed:
● Programs are board-run and staffed by trained YRDSB employees
● Separate entrances, washrooms, schedules, and supervision are in place
● ESL instructors participate in safety training and drills
● Feedback regarding communication and transparency will be shared with the appropriate superintendent
10. Other Business
● Clarification provided that School Council meetings are not public forums; broader public engagement occurs through board meetings or town halls organized by the board.
● Additional information to be shared offline as needed.
11. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:28 p.m.