Feb 10 and 12 parent feedback

Topic 1 – School Schedule We are hoping to stagger our start and end time with Holy Family School to reduce traffic problems. Would you prefer an earlier start (eg: 8:45am – 3:15pm) or the later start (eg: 9:05pm – 3:40pm)

Earlier x 31 Later x 1 Doesn’t matter x 1 2 whole tables unanimously said early start **stagger recess with Holy Family x 1 **what will the preschool start time be?

Topic 2 – Before and After School Care What options do families prefer? (start and end time, fees, type of programming etc.)

Want physical activity time x 6, outside time x 6, arts and crafts x 4, limit screen time Want a quality program with structure, age appropriate x 5 Have a flat base fee, half time fee, plus an hourly fee for those who only need flexible/drop in care x 5 Want a group that is well staffed and cost effective x 3 Cover school PD days too x 3 Provide snacks to kids x 2 Select a group with a hiring policy to get experienced workers, and a group that has low ratios for caregiver/child x 2 Leaders with training who can create same environment and structure as the school x 2 Hold spot – permanent spaces x 2 Punch card for use Monthly payment Feel the YMCA has a good reputation

Suggested fees Flat: 200 per month Flex: 6.50 per hr x 1 5 per hour x 1 Want a sibling discount x 2

7am start x 6 7:15am start 7:30am start x 2 8:00am 8:15am start 5:30 pm end x 3 6pm end x 6

Topic 3 – Traffic Safety Around the School What suggestions can we take forward to the City and the Police? (pedestrian crossings, speed bumps, traffic lights, signage, safety patrols etc).

Speed bumps all around school – Stensrud, WG Blvd, Addison etc x 11 Crosswalk lights or traffic lights at the Maguire and Willowgrove Blvd intersection x 8 Speed is a concern need school zone 30km enforced in Sept and frequently x 6 and work closely with police liaison Traffic lights at corner of WG Blvd and Stensrud x 6 Talking traffic lights like at FG for crosswalks or traffic lights x 5 Don’t allow condo owner parking on Stensrud from before school starts until well after school x 5 Crosswalks at both ends of schools and lots of signage x 5 Want safety patrollers x 5 5 min parking around the whole school – on Stensrud as well as WG Blvd x 4 Have a “kiss and ride” drop off area or safe drop off area with no stopping x 4 Have stop signs at intersections – 4 way stop at Stensrud and WG Blvd x 3 Crosswalk lights at Addison and Stensrud as well as WG Blvd and Stensrud X 3 A whole table asked for lots of signage and traffic lights all around the school x 2 Widen Willowgrove Boulevard for parking x 2 No safety patrollers – its too busy for kids x 2 Maybe adult patrollers only – no kids x 2 No trees along Stensrud – too hard to see Use “loop” as the bus lane only Clear snow off Willowgrove Blvd frequently Underpass walkway at Maguire and Willowgrove Blvd (like near Forestry Farm) Don’t allow any parking in drop off areas Need longer time parking (2 hr) for parents No traffic lights needed Fencing on corner of WG Blvd and Stensrud to prevent students jumping into traffic Traffic narrowing at cross walks Overpass walkway across Stensrud Need good supervision at pick up doors

Topic 4 – Themes of the School or Focus for the School What should Willowgrove School be known for? What are your priorities? (November feedback was diverse - arts ed, physical activity, science , and math were the top 4) We need more specific ideas to help our planning.

Outdoor theme – nature – sustainability, science focus – environment /engineering like science trek /outdoor ed x 11 Creativity – less technology more creative thinking – arts ed – art music drama x 6 Technology x 6 Diversity – want programming to cover all areas – strong in all areas – variety of extra curr x 5 Late French Imm – grade 5 Math x 5 HBAM/phys ed focus x 4 Extra curr clubs that have arts ed x 3 Identity x 2 – recognize differences of students – showcase different strengths monthly Creative independent thinking eg: inquiry x 2 Teach about cultural backgrounds – second language – could it be other than French? X 2 Want a dance program or dance teacher in addition to phys ed Nutrition positive Media focus Body Breaks Stress different learning styles of students Partnerships – U of S, other businesses

Topic 5 – Celebrations What can we do to build school spirit, create a welcoming school culture, celebrate diversity, be inclusive of all cultures?

Celebrate the festivals (dress up for Halloween, Christmas) x 11 and get to know the meaning Diversity – family artifacts, dishes, diversity dinners to showcase cultures, multicultural night, family stories x 9 Develop school colours, motto and theme and logo/mascot with parents and students x 5 The more the better – everything to develop awareness x 5 Celebrate all cultures and traditions, but don’t exclude Christmas x 5 Being very careful with student placements in classes – keeping them with friends x 4 Have a school opening celebration and plan it early so parents can help x 4 Communicate regularly with families – share about celebrations and diversity in newsletters x 4 Assemblies, pep rallies, team building activities x 3 Care partners x 3 Citizenship/community building x 2 – giving back to others – philanthropy x 3 Have spirit days that are easy to dress up for x 3 and attached to something – raise awareness but fun things too Base these events on educational outcomes x 2 More events to get to know other families x 2 Suggestions include Christmas play, holiday play, winter carnival x 2 Alternate Christmas concert with winter festival SCC (parent) involvement Start inviting students to planning meetings Have school clothing available Intramurals Middle years musical Book and a muffin regularly Dedicate a week to different cultures Mural painted or wall display for different cultures Map of world with pins showing different countries of origin Fitness focus days Pancake Breakfast Hot lunches SLC Topic 6 – Other?? What else should we be thinking about at this time? What suggestions or ideas will help with planning for a great school?

Playground committee – a much better playground is needed in addition to the city’s x 5 Form SCC and parent council soon x 4 Bring kids together even in the event of plan B – gym blast, team building, pep rallies etc x 3 When can parents start fundraising for the new school x 2 Lunch supervision – what is the plan? Where will students eat? X 2 Who will supervise? Microwaves? No eating on the Keep good parent communication, parent engagement x 2 K recess – in fenced in are only or on school grounds? Sneak peek for Kindergarten – what is planned? Will school be ready? Ensure siblings stay together for plan B Send updates to email list that will go on the website Who will use the playground? Will we share with Holy Family? floor please! Have a literacy and reading program like at Forest Grove Have an outdoor ed program like eco quest or an outdoor ed club Fridge in classrooms Self flushing toilets Natural type structures to play on outside (reggio theme) Can families donate to the school? Family fun night early in the year Consistent use of textbooks across grade levels Need an outdoor sign Nut/allergy policy