Attendees:  Shelley Hardcastle, Melissa Austin, Allison Peters, Julie Ethier, Jane Trites, Christena Beaulac, Kelly Hoffmann, Keri Herle, Rima Munro, Mary Kaercher, Denise Tidman, Tracey Westwood

1.Welcome/Call to Order - 7:04 pm

2.Approval of Agenda and December 2011 Minutes

Motion to approve agenda (with addendum) by Mary Kaercher, Seconded by Julie Ethier, Carried.

Motion to approve December 2011 minutes by Kelly Hoffmann, Seconded by Rima Munro, Carried.

3.Reports

3.1 School Administration – Shelley Hardcastle

• Accident on Wallace St. this am – Strong Start Coordinator slipped on the sidewalk.  She is okay and recovering at home.  Corporal Bryant was present and able to provide immediate assistance.  Strong Start will be up and running as soon as possible.
• Parking Lot – trying to be vigilant, with some additional help from Corp. Bryant.  There have been several unsafe/threatening situations occur.  Corp. Bryant will be sending a bulletin home. Looking at getting stop signs for the drop off area to ensure children are being dropped off where they should be.
• Grade 4 FSA testing will begin in a week or two, with admin staff overseeing.   Teachers are not participating but are working with admin around the process.  Are teachers assisting in preparing the children for the exam?  The kids will do some preparation in the computer lab and there are practice writes available to classroom teachers.  It is each individual teacher’s choice as to whether they use them.
• Basketball has started.  There are four teams and they play at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  There will be in-house games over the next few weeks, with help from parent Kevin Ottewell. There will be a jamboree at the end.
• Ready, Set, Learn tomorrow – targeted at younger children and those entering Kindergarten.
• Symphony trip for Grade 4s and 5s in February.  Admin will do all the paperwork.
• Grades 2 – 4 took part in a Protecting Species at Risk project sponsored by Parks Canada and the Saanich School District.  Grades 2 and 4 had  a one hour session and Grade 3s a two hour  session.
• The Kindergarten information meeting will be held on January 24th at Keating Elementary School.  This year they are combining the English and French Immersion sessions in one evening.  The meeting will start with an overview of Kindergarten and then move to break out sessions for French Immersion.  Kindergarten registration is the following week.
• WITS assemblies will be held at the end of the month.
• Question – With the placement of gates in the back parking lot to allow for emergency vehicles to enter the property, there is no longer a barrier to prevent other vehicles from going onto the school grounds.  Are the concerns that the grounds will be vandalised? While vandalism is unfortunately always an issue, it is believed that a curb/sidewalk and perhaps a gate is going to be put up.  Mrs. Hardcastle will follow up.
• Question – Had heard that Mr. Guiguet had  been off work due to a health issue.  Mrs. Hardcastle replied that he is back to work at Cordova Bay.  It is hoped that he will return to Brentwood at the end of February. 
• Ms. Gregory will be leaving on maternity leave mid February.  Her position is being posted tomorrow.  
• June retirements?  Mrs. Hardcastle hasn’t heard of any.
• Author visit on Literacy Day, January 26th.

3.2 Treasurer – Kelly Hoffmann

• $ 16 858.22 in General account as of today.
• $ 16 725.57 in Gaming account as of Dec. 31st.
• Thriftys Smile Card money – have received $ 454.22 as of Dec. 16th.
• Canadian Tire money – have received $ 43.20, to be put towards Earthquake supplies.
• Save Around coupon book invoice – needs to be paid in U.S. funds.  Rather than someone paying for it by credit card and being reimbursed, decided that a U.S. money order be purchased.  Profit from this fundraiser is approximately $ 2 900.
• Question – Does anyone have issue with this fundraising being run by a U.S. company?  Perhaps something to discuss next year.

3.3 Correspondence Secretary - Samantha Erskine

• Absent, no report
• Thank you note on bulletin board from Mrs. Munn for her retirement gift.

3.4 Fundraising Committee - Mary Kaercher

• Handout – overview of Spring Fling 
• The school received a $500 gift card for Front Runners from the Eat Well Keep Moving program.  The card will be donated to the silent auction.
• We will be getting a Gaming Licence for the raffle tickets.  Looking at grouping some donated items, such as the stay at Long Beach Lodge, Whale Watching tours, etc for the raffle tickets and using the other items for the silent auction.
• Raffle tickets will be sold by the students in February.  Perhaps look at doing an incentive (by class) for selling the most tickets (e.g. pizza lunch).  Ticket pricing – $2 each or 3 for $5.  Every child will get a package of 10.  Tickets and money can be deposited in class envelopes and picked up by one or two parents daily.  The draw will be held at the Fair.
• 50/50 draw – will do one draw (7:30 pm) and the winner does not need to be present.  Post on board in foyer, along with raffle prize winners.
• Volunteers – will be divided into three shifts for the night.  Will put lists up in school foyer for volunteer sign up for each area (i.e cakewalk, concession, etc).  Put coordinator position at the top of each list.  Distribute the same information via class reps for those parents who are not in the school often.
• Suggestion – perhaps sell food with tickets rather than having to handle money.  Determined that money would be best as it will allow more flexibility for how parents spend their money.
• Rima Munro will oversee the concession.
• Food Court – need to look at how to do the money aspect.  Perhaps money at each table.  Need to have some control measures in place.  Mrs. Hardcastle will contact Deep Cove PAC Treasurer to talk about system they used.
• Kelly Hoffmann will oversee the money.
• PAC and Spring Fling info will be photocopied double sided for Ready, Set, Learn.
• Thriftys will provide boxes for the cakes.  Mary will touch base with them.

3.4 Volunteers/Class Reps – Keri Herle, for Shari Wierenga

• Class reps were helpful in spreading the message about the Smith-George family donations.  Thank you to Rima Munro, Sarita Taylor and Christena Beaulac who helped sort through the donations.
• Will be recruiting Spring Fling volunteers in early February.
• In great need of more Safe Arrival volunteers.

3.5 COPACS – Denise Tidman

• Didn’t go to last meeting, but have read through the minutes.
• The School Board is going to revisit the idea to eliminate afternoon recess at their meeting tomorrow night.
• Upcoming parent conferences – info email has gone out.  Need to register individually, but keep receipt and let Kelly Hoffmann know once you are registered.  There is no upfront cost to register.

3.7 Earthquake Preparedness - Lindsay Tusche

• No report

3.8 Popcorn Day – Rima Munro

• Went well and raised $ 227.50

3.9 PAC Fun Lunch – Allison Peters

• Great volunteers
• Money counters are great
• Runs smoothly
• Trying something new this month from Villages Pizza.

4. New Business

4.1 Staff Funding Requests

• Request from Mrs. Hardcastle to help with equipping Grade 2 classrooms with projectors/document cameras/technology.
• Current ones in Grade 3 – 5 classes are being well used.  Ability to connect with the internet is fabulous.  Staff that initially weren’t sure how much they would use them are using them regularly.  Has replaced the overhead projector.  Quick and easy.  Changes the way in which teachers engage with the kids.
• Question – Are the new classrooms wired for technology?  Mrs. Hardcastle does not believe they are.
• Request is for $2000 per class, for a total of $6000.  Mrs. Hardcastle has about $2000 from the school budget that could be put toward mounting two projectors in the Grade 1 classes.
• In an effort to be fiscally responsible, and discontinue the trend of running a deficit budget, this year’s PAC budget was kept very slim.  The purchase of new technology was not included.  Money from this year’s Smile cards will be contributed and additional funds can be reapplied for through Thriftys next year.  If the Spring Fling does well, then perhaps the request could be looked at again.  Suggestions:  Could unused field trip money (due to job action) be contributed? Will need to wait and see where the job action goes.  Perhaps the monies available from the school budget could be focussed on the Grade 2 classes?  Decided that the request will be tabled and reviewed again in April, once the Spring Fling has taken place.   The goal should be a balanced budget.

4.2 Upcoming Events/Bookings

• Fun Day BBQ – last year we booked the Lions Club for the BBQ and this worked well.  Christena will touch base with Samantha to see if they have been booked for this year.
• Saleema Noon (Sexual Health Educator) – Do we want to book her again? Decided that the possibility of hiring someone local will be explored first.
• Artist in Residence or Performances – Mrs. Hardcastle reported that these conversations stopped when the job action began.  Nothing is being booked at this time.  Comment from a parent that other parents have been asking about a Xmas concert for next year.  Determined that we need to wait out the job action before moving forward.  Feedback from parents that there is a sense of a loss of community within the school.

5. Unfinished Business

5.1 COPACS Conference Registration

• Already covered earlier.

6. Newsletter – Keri Herle

• Spring Fling update
• Spring Fling volunteers – see bulletin board in lobby or email Lindsay.  May want to consider putting out a paper notice if not getting much response.
• Vancouver Island Parent Conference
• Thrifty Smile Cards
• Free popcorn day – March 14th
• Movie Night – February 16th, 6 pm

7. Anything Else?

• Suggestion – What about a PAC sponsored movie night?  Agreed, Thursday, Feb.16th.  Mrs. Hardcastle will confirm the availability of the gym.  Kelly Hoffmann will coordinate.  Will serve popcorn, licorice and water.  Funds raised can go towards the Grade 5 camp.  Kelly will send out a list of potential movies. 

8. Adjournment – 8:54 pm

Everyone welcome and encouraged to attend!

Item

1.      Welcome/Call to Order – Christena Beaulac

2.      Approval of Agenda and December Minutes

3.      Reports

3.1   School Administration –Shelley Hardcastle

3.2   Treasurer –Kelly Hoffmann

3.3   Correspondence Secretary – Samantha Erskine

3.4   Fundraising Committee – Mary Kaercher

3.5   Volunteers / Class Reps –Shari Wierenga

3.6   COPAC’s – Denise Tidman/ Rima Munro

3.7   Earthquake Preparedness – Lindsay Tusche

3.8   Popcorn Day – Rima Munro

3.9   PAC Lunch – Allison Peters

4.      New Business

4.1   Staff funding requests

**ADDENDUM (Jan 14, 2012): Mrs. Hardcastle is requesting that the PAC purchase 3 more projectors, along with document cameras. The approximate cost is $1000 for each projector and document camera, along with $1000 for installation, for a total of $6000.**

4.2   Upcoming events/ bookings

• Fun Day BBQ
• Saleema Noon
• Artist in residence or performances

5.      Unfinished Business

5.1 COPAC’s conference registration

6.      Newsletter

7.      Anything Else?

8.      Adjournment

Brentwood families can immediately help with donations of basic necessities such as clothes and toiletries. In time, the family will also need help with household items and other essentials such as food. A detailed list of urgent items are below. A donation box can be found in the Vice-Principal’s Office. Cash donations are also welcomed and a box will be placed in the school office.

To begin this New Year, I would like to look back and reflect.  Brentwood families have always been very generous with helping care for those of us who are less fortunate, and this year was no different. The holiday food hampers showed just how much our school community cares. I especially want to send my thanks out to a few classes who went above and beyond: Mrs. Sinclair-Wise’s class, the Bundle of Warmth effort from Mrs. Takhar’s class and finally, Mrs. Savage’s kindies who raised enough money to buy four turkeys.

We ended last year by saying good bye to two long time teachers. While Mrs. Munn and Mrs. Savage will be missed, I would like welcome Ms. Alexander, Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Miller, along with all the other new teachers who will be joining us this January.  New beginnings bring new traditions, one of which will be our ‘Spring Fling’ to be held in March.  If you are able to help with the planning, please contact Mary or Lindsay through the PAC e-mail brentwoodpac@hotmail.com.

The Brentwood PAC is not just here to fundraise, we are an integral part of the school community, and as such we are involved in our school and our district as well. In December the district proposed to move or cancel recess.  Brentwood parents sent an impressive number of e-mails over 4 days to have our voices heard.  Decisions made by the district board directly affect our kids, so please become involved however you can. District Board meetings are open to the public with the next one on January 18^th 7:00 pm at the District Board office.

PAC meetings are also great source of information and a place where parents can give feedback and ask questions.  Every Brentwood parent and guardian is welcome and encouraged to attend PAC meetings.  We hope to see you at the next meeting on January 17^th at 7:00 pm.

Christena Beaulac, President

Holiday Donations Make a Difference

Thank you to everyone who donated items and money to support Brentwoodfamilies last month.  A huge thanks to Melissa Austin and Gail Sam for organizing and to the parents who helped sort donations and build the hampers.  At the December PAC meeting, it was decided that a portion of the Peninsula Co-op Rebate we receive will go towards holiday hampers each year.

A special thank you to Peninsula Co-op for their $50.00 donation towards Christmas oranges.  And a big thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus for their annual visit to the students!

Spring Fling 2012

Mark your calendar for the Spring Fling on March 9^th, 2012. There will be many exciting events including games, a book drive, silent auction, concession and much, much more! If you would like to help with planning, contact Mary Kaercher (molafson@shaw.ca) or Lindsay Tusche (ltusche@telus.net).

Book Drive Underway

The Brentwood BOOK DRIVEis now underway.  Donated books will be used for the Book Sale during the Spring Fling.  Books of all genres, shapes and sizes can be brought to a box in the school lobby.

Silent Auction – Help!

We still need Silent Auction items and volunteers to help solicit businesses.  Please consider donating your talent, skill, goods or service to be auctioned at the “Spring Fling”! -OR- Do you work for a company, own a company or know someone who can donate to the auction? -OR- Can you help by giving some of your time to solicit donations from businesses?  Contact Mary Kaercher at molafson@shaw.ca or Lindsay Tusche at ltusche@telus.net if you can help.

Prizes Wanted: Stuffies, Gently Used Toys and More!

The Spring Fling 2012 will feature many carnival type games.  We need gently used items that can be used as prizes, such as STUFFIES and toys small enough to put in a pocket (no broken or dirty toys please!).  We also welcome new product donations from any stores (ex. bouncy balls, cars, etc).  Items can be left in a box by the lobby.

Earthquake Supplies

Thank you to families who have donated items to the new earthquake bin.  We can still use items such as backpacks, medical supplies, tarps, station signs, free standing shelters/tents, hard hats, flashlights, etc.  If you can donate any items or know of a business that might be willing to donate, please contact Lindsay Tusche (ltusche@telus.net) or leave a note in the silver PAC box.

Canadian Tire Money Wanted!

Help stock up the earthquake bins by donating your Canadian Tire money to the school.  Drop off your Canadian Tire dollars to the box in the front office.  Thanks for your support!

Popcorn Day is Back

Popcorn Day returns next WED, JANUARY 11^th.  First thing in the morning, a “Popcorn Parent” will collect money from participating students. Bags are $1.00 for students ($0.50 for kindergartens) and are delivered to classrooms during the day.  Thank you for supporting our school!

Vancouver Island Parent Conference

On February 11, 2012, SpectrumCommunitySchoolwill be the venue for the 5^th Annual Vancouver Island Parent Conference.  This year features Dr. Martin Brokenleg and Dr. Stuart Shanker – both are outstanding and inspirational speakers.  For more information about the conference, check out: http://www.vipc.ca/  If you would like to attend, please contact Christena Beaulac or Kelly Hoffmann through brentwoodpac@hotmail.com or leave a message in the silver PAC box by JANUARY 27^th.

New to the School?

An easy way to get familiar with Brentwood is to check out and subscribe to both the school website (http://brentwood.sd63.bc.ca/) and the PAC blog (http://brentwoodpac.wordpress.com/).  When you subscribe, any new postings will go directly to your inbox.  CLASS REPS are another valuable resource person for new families.  If you would like to be put in touch with your Class Rep, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Shari Wierenga, through brentwoodpac@hotmail.com.

Calling All Volunteers!

A great way to give back to the school is to donate your time.  Your kids will be thrilled with your involvement and volunteering is a great way to meet other Brentwood parents.  Preschoolers are almost always welcome to help.  Current opportunities include:

• Safe Arrival – This vital program ensures our kids make it safely to class.  Shifts normally run from 8:15 am to 9:30 am and parents are asked to commit to one day of the week.  **Volunteers urgently needed for Safe Arrival**
• Crossing Guard Supervisor – Some morning (8:05 – 8:45) and afternoon (2:30 – 3:00) shifts may still be available once a week.  Your child doesn’t need to be a crossing guard for you to volunteer for this important job.
• Library – Sort and shelve books to help keep our library running smoothly.  Shifts can be as long or as short as you like.  If you have 10 minutes to spare when you pick up or drop off your child, this is a great way to contribute to the school.
• Lice Patrol – Essential for the health of our kids, this job involves checking student hair 2 – 4 times per year, 1 – 2 hours at a time, during school hours.  Training provided.
• Popcorn Day – Help with popping and delivery once a month.
• PAC Fun Lunch -  Sign-up each month on the Fun Lunch forms to help with set-up or delivery.
• Anything Goes – be put on this list and you’ll be contacted with any volunteer opportunities that come up!

To sign up or for more info, contact Shari Wierenga, Volunteer Coordinator via brentwoodpac@hotmail.com or leave a message in the silver PAC box.

PAC Co-op #2050

Support Brentwood Elementary by using the PAC Co-op number (2050) when buying gas or groceries at any Peninsula Co-op.  Pass along this easy-to-remember number (2050) to your friends and neighbours too!

Paper and the PAC News

In an effort to be “green”, future paper copies of this newsletter will be available by request only. Paper copies can also be found in the school lobby by the PAC Bulletin Board.  Subscribe anytime to the online version by clicking on the link in the right hand column of the blog site “CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Brentwood PAC Blog by Email” and the latest school news will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Upcoming Dates

Jan 4  to31 – Book Drivefor the Spring Fling

Jan 9 – PAC Fun Lunch orders due to your classroom

Jan 11 – Popcorn Day

Jan 17 – PAC Meeting @ 7:00 pm

Jan 18 -  Ready, Set, Learn Open House, 3:15 – 6:00 pm

Jan 18 – School District #63 Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm

Jan 23 – First Nations Elders Luncheon

Jan 24 – Kindergarten Info Evening @ 7:00 pm (Keating Elem)

Jan 25 – PAC Fun Lunch

Jan 30 to Feb 3 – Kindergarten Registration

Feb 6 – PAC Fun Lunch orders due to your classroom

Feb 8 – Popcorn Day

Feb 11 –Vancouver IslandParent Conference

CLICK HERE for a printable version of PAC News – Jan 2012

Attendees: Christena Beaulac, Samantha Erskine, Julie Ethier, Jennifer Richards, Shari Wierenga, Rima Munro, Sarita Taylor, Melissa Ivy Finlay, Sharon Olsen, Lindsay Tusche, Kelly Hoffmann, Shelley Hardcastle

1. Welcome and Introductions – Christena Beaulac

2. Motion to Approve December Agenda: Rima Munro, Seconded: Kelly Hoffmann. Carried.

Motion to Approve November Minutes: Sarita Taylor, Seconded: Rima Munro. Carried.

3. New Business

3.1 Christmas Hampers

• There was discussion about using the Co-op rebate towards the holiday hampers

• The rebate this year is around $238; $100 of that will be going towards Christmas oranges and candy canes to be handed out by Santa on Friday

• Normally the Co-op rebate goes into the general account and is not used for anything specific; this might be an incentive for families to use the Co-op number for future years;

• This year there are about 7 – 8 families to build hampers for; there have been additional generous community donations towards other families as well

• A large cheque was donated and this donor will receive a thank you card from the PAC

• Motion to use $138 of the Co-op rebate (the cheque portion) towards the holiday hampers: Julie Ethier. Seconded: Rima Munro. Carried.

4. Newsletter

• Will go out on Jan 4th
• Thank you to Co-op who donated $50.00 towards Christmas oranges
• Announce that the Co-o rebate will be used for Christmas hampers
• Popcorn Day reminder for Jan 11th
• Spring Fling: Book Drive blurb (Lindsay), gently used toys for prizes, Silent Auction items and Silent Auction volunteers to help solicit businesses
• Canadian Tire Dollars for Earthquake kits
• Thank you to hamper donations and volunteers

5. Anything Else?

- A parent asked what is going to happen with Mrs. Backhaus’ and Mrs. Kenny/Brown’s teaching positions? Mrs. Hardcastle answered that they have put all the leftover position pieces together and will hopefully have someone in place this week; a letter will go home to families

- Peter Koopmans will be taking over the 0.1 library position

- Mrs. Backhaus will continue on medical leave; Mrs. Toronitz will continue on medical leave until Spring Break; the intent is to have one person for all remaining positions; it has been a complicated year

- Parent comment that the kids in Mrs. Backhaus and Mrs. Kenny/Brown’s class have already undergone a lot this year; Will Mrs. Brown be coming back and when will we know? There is much confusion for parents on who is teaching in what classrooms.

- Another parent comment that there is not only confusion for parents, but also the kids this year

 6. Adjournment: 9:17 am

Meeting followed by holiday hamper sorting and building.

CLICK HERE for a printable version of the Unapproved December 2011 Minutes

This will be a short meeting and then everyone is invited to stay and help with the Holiday Hamper building – many hands will make light work!  

ITEM

1. Welcome/Call to Order – Christena Beaulac

2. Approval of Agenda and November’s Minutes

3. New Business

3.1 Christmas Hampers

• Vote to use Co-op rebate up to $ to purchase perishable food items such as turkeys and hams for hampers.

4. Newsletter - what to include

5. Anything else?

6. Adjournment