PSSC Minutes (Approved)

PSSC minutes (Approved) February 17th 2016

In attendance : Mike Belong ( Principal), Anne Marie Picone Ford (Chair), Mary Boucher (Teacher rep) , Joe Woodford, Lisa Farley, Jennifer Machum, Lise Bellefleur- Jonah, Shawna Downey, Regrets: Patricia Crowell , Sheila Cameron, Scott Agnew, Adriana Campbell, Travis Flynn (student rep)

Anne Marie called the meeting to order at 6:30pm and welcomed all.

Mr. Belong introduced Mary Boucher the SPR for English and she continued with her PowerPoint presentation. She spoke of the English department at MHS as being contemporary yet traditional, similar to what we have had with our 2 buildings. She acknowledged the retirement of Michael McArdle and said he will be missed by many. The school improvement plans include literacy goals. The first one is reading and viewing, where there is testing for grade 9 in both September and February. The goal is to have a 70% of students see a 70% improvement rate. The second goal is in writing, where they are partnering with the the humanities department and team teaching where the students are assessed on a piece of writing at the beginning of the semester as a baseline, and then reassessed on a subsequent piece of work where the goal is to see 70% of the students score in the acceptable level. Reading and viewing constitutes approx 40-45% of the student’s final mark, writing another 40- % and spelling 10-20%. Free flow writing is student led essays and MHS is moving from the traditional to student led writing. Grade nine has the ELPA as the theme for semester one and there are both Literary and Information texts used. Grade 10 uses the theme of resilience, using ideas such as, responsibility, independence, challenge, obstacles and reflection. This is using a different approach rather than just getting to the end of a book. Grade 11 looks at human nature and begins the research component to writing. Grade 12 begins to emphasize independent learners/readers and preparing them for university. MHS has very talented writers and artistic students and offer programs such as “Writers in Schools Program”(WISP) bringing in Peter Clarke and Kelly Cooper, “Poetry in Voice”’ and “The Knightingale” which showcases all types of talent.

Mary invited us to stretch our legs and view some of the sample material our students at MHS are doing. Anne Marie thanked Mary and mentioned how impressive the students’ work was.

The regular meeting continued.

Approval of the agenda JW/ LB. MSC

Approval of the January minutes LF/JW. MSC

Correspondence: Anne Marie read the acknowledgement from Gregg Ingersoll following our letter regarding the state of our fields and the other deficiencies noted and he indicated it was forwarded to the Minister of Education . She also read the acknowledgement from Minister Boudreau following our letter regarding the proposed changes to education prior to the budget.

Business arising from the minutes: Anne Marie, Mr. Belong and Joe attended the meeting January 18 at Mathieu Martin presented by the government and speaking to the changes outlined. The meeting was a formality as the budget was less than 2 weeks away and significant changes were presented. It was a frustrating meeting.

Student report: In Travis’ absence, Mr. Belong read the student report. It included student council activities from; The twelve days of theme days, Winter Formal, The Turkey drive, various lunchtime activities, the annual roses fundraiser for Valentine's Day and the Spirit Dance which is this evening. The yearbook staff have been busy attending all the major events taking pictures , and working very hard composing this years’ yearbook. It will be on sale for 65 dollars until February 22. The remarkably talented cast under the direction of Mr McArdle presented “The 25th annual Putnam county spelling bee” at the Capitol Theater. It marked the last show for MHS that Mr. McArdle directed and was a tremendous success, helping to raise funds for those students heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer. The first edition of “The Knightingale” was released on February 3rd. It is a beautiful example of the talent within the walls of MHS. The mental health square is organizing activities for the week of February 22- 26. They have filmed a video which will be shown in all homerooms, as well has having yoga during lunch and a coffee house. The astronomy club and grad council have been busy, as well as the band and honor choir. The blood drive held in November was very successful and another is coming up February 26th. As basketball and hockey are finishing their seasons, tryouts for badminton and volleyball startup and rugby has been practicing and looks to have a solid season ahead of it.

Principal’s report: mental health initiatives at MHS continue to increase. The increase in anxiety seen among students is overwhelming. The lack of resources is a significant issue, and a most definite need. Jana Giles recently wrote a piece in the Times transcript, about a students’ perspective about what is missing. Awareness at MHS has definitely increased and become widespread accepted. All staff receive 8 weeks of mental health training The Moncton area high schools are dropping advanced math next year. Presently only MHS and BMHS offer the course, but they are looking at several options from a district offered at class to revamping the math curriculum to accelerate the advanced students, more to follow on this. The MADD assembly for all students in grades 11 and 12 will be held February 18th.

Teachers report: the bookstore is up and running, popular titles have been ordered and sold to students at prices they can afford. It is opened a few noon hours each week. For the school improvement plan goals, all departments are working on developing their own SIP goals rather than focusing on just numeracy and literacy. Concern from teachers regarding the removal of the AP program at MHS. The start of semester 2 has been slow and staggered with the few snow days we have encountered. Anne Marie talked briefly about the Healthy Learners in Schools program which is to promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle. MHS has been randomly selected to have a dietician spend 2 days in the school for assessing the compliance of Policy 711. This will take place between February and May, and will also help establish with the dietician as a resource person.

Due to the fact this meeting was held a week later, it was decided to wait until after March break to have the next meeting. Anne Marie will send out a request of potential dates.

Meeting adjourned at 8pm. JW.