Canadian Parents for French

February 21, 2012

Meeting Minutes

In attendance:  Dina Von Hahn, Josiane Biggs, Robin McLeod, Lorelle Kluss, Reilly Kluss, Sherri Lopushinksy, Shannon Murdoch, Todd Hollett, Steve Chant, Patsy Chant, Richard Clair, Brent Spiedel, Cam MacKay, Lianne Wilson, Kari Eisner, Terri Bowles, Flo Sheppard, Corina Cleveland, Carolyn DeFreitas

Call to order 7:00

Introductions were done.

Student Presentation – Reilley Kluss, a FI student in grade 10, gave a presentation to CPF about the Forum for Young Canadians which is being held in Ottawa, March 18 – 23, 2012.  Reilly explained what the Forum was about and her reasoning for wanting to attend. She also outlined the cost of the trip and requested a donation from CPF.

M/S/C to support Reilly’s trip with a pledge to donate $100, on the understanding that on her return, Reilly will speak with younger students of French about her experiences at the Forum.

Schools’ Report:

Cam MacKay and Brent Speidel outlined the requirements for students to graduate in French Immersion.  They need a total of 24 credits in the grad program (Grades 10-12) which equals six courses, three required (Francais Langue 10, 11 and 12) and three electives, with at least one from grade 11 or 12. Students entering Grade 10 and 11 this fall will have completed Planification 10 and Science Humaine 10 at Skeena  and so will need to complete Science Humaine 11 at Caledonia as their third elective. In future Caledonia will have to offer additional electives in French Immersion so these can be completed at Caledonia. Cam explained that the choice of courses will depend on the expertise of the French speaking teaching staff.

Cam explained that when offering French Immersion in the district they need to look at the numbers of students in it, and that when the number of students in FI is low it often makes scheduling courses difficult.  This fall there are eight students expected for grade 12, 10 for grade 11 and 16 for grade 10.

 Brent Speidel reinforced that the school district is committed to the program.  There are many challenges however, particularly with the timetabling of courses.  Other challenges include: continued decline in overall district enrollment and difficulty in finding teachers including substitute teachers. Parents also expressed concerns about the possibility of their children not getting enough French credits in order to graduate with their French Dogwood.

Discussion around how video conference courses are currently being offered by the district.  

Dina requested that Caledonia grade 11 students be offered an “in person” class next year rather than a video conference course.  A letter from CPF was presented to Brent Speidel further outlining this request.   

CPF Scholarship Fund

Robin MacLeod, the Caledonia Awards Chairperson, gave a brief overview of the history of the scholarship fund.  CPF’s scholarship fund is being held with the Northwest Education 88 Foundation.

CPF currently has $31,000 invested in the foundation and this fund is endowed.  This means that a large amount of money was originally invested and the interest from this money is what CPF uses for the scholarship.  CPF has not put any money into this fund in a number of years.  Currently the criteria for the CPF award are that $1,500 per year is handed out, usually in the form of three $500 scholarships. The recipients should be French Immersion students with high academic standing, preferably continuing in French Studies.

It was suggested we may want to reexamine the criteria and amounts as the numbers of program graduates increase.

Scholarship recipients have 22 months to claim their money after they graduate and must go to Caledonia Sr. Sec. to claim it.  The school writes a cheque to the students, and is then reimbursed by the Foundation. 

Scholarship applications will be handed out on March 6, 2012 and students will have until Friday, April 13, 2012 to submit their applications.  The committee then meets to determine which students will receive a scholarship. 

Minutes from the January meeting were approved.

President’s Report – Report provided for information. 

OLD BUSINESS  

Grad Pins – Dina distributed a number of new designs for members to look at and choose from.  Shannon spoke of the history behind the current design.  Dina explained that there are only enough of the current pins left for this graduation year. She will order new ones with the new design.

Caledonia Sweatshirts – Expected to be here on Feb. 24, 2012.  Once the sweatshirts arrive we will have them silk-screened with the current Grade 9/10 French Immersion students’ names and the CPF logo on it.  We are in need of a volunteer to get the signature of all the students in Grade 9/10.  The sweatshirts will cost $1,040.00 before the silk screening.  M/S/C to cover the cost of this.    

French Entertainer – We have booked the magician Marc Tardiff for March 14, 2012 at 12:30 pm. He is 90% confirmed.  His fee is $1,250.00.  There are no travel or accommodation fee’s required.  M/S/C to cover the cost of this.

Buzz Cuivere is scheduled for April 20, 2012.  This will be a cost-shared entertainer with EJC, and our share is $500.00.  M/S/C to support the cost of this. 

Caban A Sucre – This is scheduled for Sunday March 4, 2012 1:30 pm at the Onion Lake Cross Country Ski Trails.  Plans continue.  M/S/C to use $1,000.00 from our gaming funds to support this activity.

NEW BUSINESS 

Computer Purchase - Dina presented the idea of purchasing a laptop for CPF – Terrace Chapter.  A discussion was held around this idea.  M/S/C to spend up to $1,000.00 to purchase a laptop, software, wireless mouse and case.  Terri will look into purchasing the laptop and downloading the appropriate software before March 31. 2012.

Year End Reports - Josianne has agreed to review our gaming application and assist Terri and Dina with our year end reports. 

MEETING ADJOURNED. NEXT MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 27 AT ECOLE MOUNTAINVIEW.

                                            Canadian Parents for French

January 24, 2012

Meeting Minutes

In Attendance:  Dina VonHahn, Shannon Murdoch, Corina Cleveland, Terri Bowles, Julie Livgard, Stella and Scott Peden, Cory Killoran(Vice Principal of Skeena), Phillip Barron (Principal of Skeena), Kerry Giesbrecht, Carolyn DeFreitas and Kari Eisner

Call to Order:  7:05

Introductions were done. 

Overview of Middle School Transition: 

Over the next 6 months parents can expect many presentations and powerpoints regarding the planning and preparations for middle school.  There are 2 Parent Information Nights planned for Skeena, 1 Parent Information Night at Kermode, and representatives from Skeena will be visiting all the PAC’s in Terrace.  The teacher’s job action has made it challenging however, plans are still moving forward and Skeena will become a middle school in Sept. 2012.  Both Phillip and Cory are confident that the changes will provide students with a welcoming environment.

Middle school will consist of students in grades 7, 8 & 9 and because of this, the Skeena will now be able to slide back into more of an elementary school model. 

There will be 6 divisions in grade 7 and each teacher will be in a pod of 3 with the other teachers in that grade.  Students will have English, Math, Social, Science and homeroom with the same teacher.  With this new model, teachers have a better chance to support and plan with one other.  A typical day for students in grade 7 & 8 could be:  Advisory, Core, Exploratory and Core.

Students in grade 7 & 8 will follow a linear time table, grade 9 students will follow a semester system. 

Currently they are planning to have 2 French Immersion pods.  There are 19 French Immersion students in grade 7, 16 in grade 8 and 9 in grade 9.

Exploratory subjects include: metalwork, woodwork, foods, sewing, drama, art etc. There is a possibility that band may also be considered an exploratory subject.  School officials will be constructing a timetable which will give students the opportunity to try different things however; students will not have a huge choice on what the timetable will consist of.  Students will have the opportunity to explore all of the exploratory pieces.

Skeena can accommodate 648 students and officials predict that they will have between 611 – 620 students in September 2012.  As a result, they have requested portables to be moved onto the grounds before the new year as a precautionary measure.  They have also requested storage units to be moved onto the school ground.

ICBC will be conducting a private review on traffic flow, busing and parking. 

Due to the increase in students next year, the open area will need to be used as multi-purpose room.  Officials are looking at putting up a curtain or finding some sort of way to block it off so classes can use it. 

Gym time will not be an issue for any of the students.  The gym currently has room for classes, there is a dance studio, a weight room, and the multi-purpose room can be used if necessary

Skeena recently received a playground grant which included $50,000 from the Ministry.  A playground structure will be built before Sept. and a committee has been established to plan for this. 

School officials are strong advocates for outdoor activities.

Skeena will be a closed campus.  Students cannot leave the campus without permission.

Skeena recently received $6100.00 from a Legacy Fund and with these funds they have purchased 4 basketball hoops and other sports for the students to use outside.  In the future, they would like to see a  sports court built.

The Information Meetings have tentatively been booked for:

Shadow PAC meeting next week – All PAC representatives
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - Ecole Mountainview PAC Meeting
Thursday, March 29 & Friday, May 18, 2012 - Ecole Mountainview Student Information Meeting
                                                                                 (the powerpoints are suitable for Gr. 6 & 7 students )
April 3, 2012 – Kermode Friendship Centre
April 17 & 19, 2012 – Parent Information Night at Skeena School
May 29, 2012 at 7:00 pm - Transition meeting –– Intro., tour for students, Q & A period
A Rendezvous Meeting with the children in June will be planned as well.
School Officials are also working on having an Open House in August 2012.

Book Reserve:

Carolyn awarded Principal Phillip Barron (Skeena) $800.00 for the purchase of French language materials.

Caban A Sucre:

The Terrace chapter of CPF has paired up with the Kitimat chapter and is planning a joint Caban A Sucre.  It will be held at Onion Lake, Sunday March 4 from 1 – 3:30.  There will be various stations outside including a maple taffy station, cross country skiing, snow fort and snow sculpture building, craft and mural creation in the lodge, snowshoe races, and snow saucers on the stadium “hill”.  After each station children will get a stamp on their “Passport du Maple”.  There will also be a fire pit, outdoor speakers with French music and a visit from BonHomme.  A canteen will be open and the food for this will be ordered from a bakery or store.  Gift certificates and French books will be awarded for prizes, as well as 3 grand prizes of 1 litre of maple syrup.  Volunteers will be needed to help out.  Please contact Carolyn or Julie if you are able to volunteer.

Student Donation Policy:  Policy was distributed and discussed.  Dina made a motion to approve it. Terri seconded it.  Carried. 

Grad Pins: Discussion around what the design on the Grad pins should look like.  The old design features a frog and this no longer seems appropriate.  Suggestions included: fleur de Le, maple leaf, Kermode Bear, CPF logo. Unfortunately the timeframe to order these is tight and a decision will have to be made quickly.

Treasurer’s Report:  Terri reviewed financial statements.  The $1000.00 that we were awarded from the Gaming Funds was put into the wrong account and this money will need to be moved into the correct account. Terri plans to resign as treasurer at the end of this school year. 

French Entertainers:  Just Aissi was scheduled to conduct a gumboot dancing workshop in February however, this was recently cancelled.  Dina has requested our deposit be returned to us and they have assured us it will be.  CPF will continue to look for other entertainers.  There is a possibility that a French Magician may be coming to Prince Rupert in March.  Dina will look into the possibility of having him come to Terrace as well.

Adjournment:  8:50 pm

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, February 21 at 7 pm Caledonia Senior Secondary – Room 2

Coming Soon to a Library Bookshelf Near You....

The Terrace Chapter of Canadian Parents for French is continuing its partnership with the Terrace Public Library with a recent donation of over $500 worth of French Language books for children. The titles range from junior fiction favourites like the Geronimo Stilton series, to non-fiction titles to help with those important homework projects. The books are currently being catalogued and will appear on library shelves in the near future. CPF Terrace wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the BC Gaming Branch in making this donation possible.

As well, library staffer Ereka Roach hosted over 15 children at a French language storytime session December 21. The children listened to stories read in French and enjoyed completing crafts. Our thanks to Ereka and the Terrace Public Library for making this event possible.

November 22, 2011 Meeting Minutes

Canadian Parents for French

November 22, 2011

Meeting Minutes

In attendance:  Dina von Hahn, Flo Sheppard, Carolyn DeFreitas, Terri Bowles, Julie Livgard, Kari Eisner. Minutes taken by Kari Eisner.

Call to order: 5:20 pm

Introductions were done.

Minutes from last meeting approved.   Corina Cleveland has agreed to be the representative for Ecole Jack Cook.

President's Report:  To be discussed under agenda items.

Treasure’s Report:   

Approximately $2,750.00 was raised at the Family Dance.  Our expenditures for the Family Dance were approximately $500.00 

Our chapter recently received $1,603.00 from CPF BC in membership rebates from the past two years.

The $2,500.00 that our chapter donated for a planned trip to France by Skeena students last summer has been returned to us by Skeena Junior Secondary School because the trip did not take place.

Principals Report: Dina distributed a copy of Maxine Champion’s report to the members.

Old Business

CPF BC AGM:

Carolyn recently attended the CPF AGM.  She reported that she enjoyed herself and networked with many people including the representative of the Kitimat chapter.

She attended a presentation about summer camps which was put on by the Campbell River chapter.  Carolyn will contact the Campbell River chapter to get a copy of their presentation as it outlines the “How Tos” of starting a summer camp.

Many ideas were discussed throughout the AGM including the use of social media to promote CPF.

Family Dance:          

Dina is working on compiling a “Thank You” list for all the people and businesses that contributed to the dance.

                                                           

Nineteen surveys were returned, all with positive feedback.

Changes to consider for next year include:  more seating, prizes for everyone, more lighting in the gym, the use of French music for the cake walk, and lower games ticket prices. 

Sociocultural Grant Application:

Our chapter recently applied to CPF BC for two Sociocultural grants.  The first was for $425.00 to help cover the cost of the Family Dance, but the amount we receive, if approved, will be lower because we can only receive 50 per cent of our expenses.  The second is for Idelaire, the French author program that is coming in April. We have applied for $175.00. 

Unfortunately, we missed the deadline to apply for a sociocultural grant to help cover the cost of “Just Aissie – Just Gumboots”.  If CPF opens up applications a second time, we will apply for  to help cover the costs of this performer’s visit.

A motion was made that the Terrace Chapter of CPF will fund the entertainer “Just Aissie” for up to $1,000.00 for a visit to Ecole Mountainview in February.  S/C.

Scholastic Book Fair: 

Plans for the Book Fair are going well.  We are still looking for volunteers.  It is to be held on Wednesday November 30, 2011 from 1-8 pm.

CPF will be buying approx. $500.00 worth of books/equipment for the Terrace Public Library from the Book Fair. 

Carolyn & Dina will be meeting with Jess Dafoe and representatives from the library to discuss what type of purchases they recommend.

New Business:

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon: 

This has been moved to January 2012.

Flo has requested a quote from Cafenara for 20 – 25 people and is waiting to hear back. Ideas for the menu were discussed as well as the idea of small gifts of appreciation for the teachers. 

Terri mentioned that Ecole Mountainview’s PAC might be willing to share in the cost of the event once we have a better idea of the amount. 

Student Travel: 

In addition to the $2,500.00 that was returned to our Chapter from the junior and high school students France travel fund, we also received an additional $1,200.00. This money was raised by the students through a raffle under the CPF Gaming licence and therefore the money was returned to our Chapter. 

Discussion was held as to what should be done with the money.  It was agreed that the money could be used to purchase sweatshirts with Caledonia and CPF logos on it and given to the French Immersion students leaving Skeena and entering Caledonia.  Dina to look into the cost of sweatshirts and logos.

Cabane a Sucre:

Julie has agreed to be our Cabane a Sucre Coordinator.  Erin Dunbar is willing to help with this event as well.

Carolyn mentioned that Kitimat’s CPF Chapter is interested in partnering with us for this event. 

Discussed the idea of holding Cabane a Sucre at Onion Lake and partnering with the Cross Country Ski Club or possibly at the lake.

Julie, Carolyn and Erin to meet and discuss further ideas.

Library Reading Time:

Ereka Roach from the Terrace Public Library is willing to do a French Winter Storytime.  It was suggested that it be held one afternoon early in the Christmas Break from 1- 3 pm with a story and craft for students from Kindergarten to grade 4.

Carolyn to discuss the idea further with Ereka. 

CPF Newsletter:  The CPF Newsletter that was sent out last night looked great.  Thanks to Nancy Stone-Archer and Dina for all their hard work!

Spring Fundraiser:

The idea of holding a garage sale in the spring as a fundraiser was brought up. 

Notice of Motion:

Dina made a notice of motion to spend approximately $1,400.00 to purchase 300 grad pins, as there are only 10 or so left.  We will vote on this motion at our January meeting.

Christmas Cards for Teachers:

The suggestion was made to make Christmas cards for all of the teachers.  Dina will make a list of teachers and this idea will be discussed further through email. 

Adjournment:  7:10 pm

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Skeena Junior Secondary.

Merci Beaucoup!

CPF Terrace is happy to report that our November 18 Community Family Dance was a great success, providing fun for families and raising funds to promote French language and culture in our schools and in the community!

 

We'd like to give a hearty thank you to everyone who volunteered time, whether that was baking cakes for the cake walk, collecting Silent Auction donations, setting up tables and games, working at the door, canteen, or carnival games, preparing Silent Auction gift baskets, picking up supplies, planning activities, cleaning up after the event, taking family and event photos, or any other donation of time and effort made.

 

We also thank all those who attended the dance and bought tickets for food, games, family portrait, or the cake walk. Thank you for bidding on and buying Silent Auction items. (Watch for our upcoming ad in local media thanking all those businesses who generously donated these items). We hope you had fun, and judging by the Audience Surveys we received back, you did!

 

Thank you as well to our teen volunteers from local secondary schools, and everyone who works at Ecole Mountainview. Finally, thank you to Ecole Mountainview students and parents who donated for our classroom Silent Auction Gift Baskets. You raised $263! Well Done!

 

If anyone has inadvertently been left out of these thank yous, our apologies and know that we appreciate you. Merci Beaucoup!

Meeting change

Our November meeting will now take place at 5 p.m. at Cafenara. This is to give parents a chance to also attend the Elementary Band Meeting at 7 p.m. at St. Matthews Anglican Church. Both meetings are this Tuesday, November 22.

Volunteers needed......................

Volunteers are still needed for our Family Dance this Friday. If you can help, please contact dvonhahn@telus.net . Either way, we look forward to seeing you there for family fun!