Canadian Parents for French

February 18, 2013

Meeting Minutes

 In attendance:  Kari Eisner, Carolyn DeFreitas, Dina VonHahn, Maxine Champion, Alison Forget, Linda Wilson

Approval of Minutes: approved, seconded and carried

Principal Report: Maxine Champion, Ecole Mountainview

Ecole Mountainview held a week of Carnaval activities at the end of January and it was a huge success.  The children had a very good time and really enjoyed the grade 7’s from Skeena coming to visit.  A few grade 10 students also came up to help with the pancake breakfast this year and the children enjoyed seeing them too.  Thank you to those who helped make it such a success.  Mountainview currently has 29 kindergarten children already registered for next year.  At this point, they have 168 students for Sept. 2013.  The grade 4 students are currently completing their FSA’s.  A school-wide reading program started recently and the children are very excited about the possibility of an ice cream party and duck taping Mme. Champion to the wall.  The reading program goes until the first week of March.  Report cards come out March 11^th, therefore March 13^th and 14^th are short days.  Spring break is for 2 weeks starting March 18^th. In preparation for Concours Oratoire next week, Ecole Mountainview will be holding an assembly on Feb.28^th  in which the top 6 of each class will be presenting their speeches to the school.  PALS (Parents of Literacy Support) will also be held this week.

Presidents Report:

Two Kobo’s have been given to the Terrace Public Library along with e-gift certificates to load French titles onto them.  If anyone has any suggestions for books please pass them on to Carolyn.

In February, the Terrace CPF handed out a newsletter to FI and Francophone students in EMV, Skeena, Cal and Ecole Jack Cook.  Discussion around the dates of future meetings.  Decisions regarding this to be tabled until the next AGM.

The Terrace Chapter of CPF has created its own Facebook page and now has 29 likes.  This was created by Carolyn and Linda and includes links and upcoming events. 

Cabane A Sucre Update – There are currently areas at Onion Lake with no snow but we are hoping that it will hold until March 3.  Patrick Witwicki from AFFNO will be coming at noon with the Maple syrup.  The CPF tent will need to be picked up and brought to Cabane A Sucre.  Carolyn reported that Forestry Services may have an ETV (Emergency Terrain Vehicle) that we may be able to use for First Aid purposes.  Julie is bringing out her fire pit to use.  Rich has agreed to provide fire wood.  Posters have already been designed and are in the process of being distributed. A coloring contest will be distributed to the Kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2’s students in each of the schools.  This picture is to be done prior to Cabane A Sucre and brought with the children to Onion Lake on March 3 (this was done as a form of advertisement).  Discussion around possible prize options for this.  Skiing may still be possible although it is looking more and more unlikely. Snowshoeing may also be possible depending on the weather.  Discussion around alternative activities if there is no snow.  Possibilities included: a scavenger hunt on Troll Trail; golfing; and Bonhomme targets.  Chantel is organizing the canteen and has parent and staff volunteers from Ecole Jack Cook ready to help.

Directors Report

Dina – Concours Oratoire plans are underway.  All students that participate will receive Participation Certificates.  Discussion around prizes for each grade and cash prizes for grade 6 -12.  This event will take place March 2, starting at 9am.  Judges and an MC are lined up.  We will be having door prizes as well. 

Flo – Teacher Appreciation Night.   It is to be held on Thursday Feb. 21 at 7 pm at Cafenara.  It will be a small group but fun. 

Book Reserve Update - The process of spending the Book Reserve at Skeena Middle School is still in progress.  The Book Reserve is in a GIC at the Credit Union, Gina is the contact person for this fund.  There was $2435.00 in the fund all of which must be spent before the end of the fiscal year (March 31, 2013).  Approximately $890.45 has already been spent and there is $400.00 from the Terrace Public Library, $200 from Cal and $400 from Skeena outstanding.  We have approximately $540.00 left at this point.  The remainder of this money could be spent easily between Ecole Mountainview and Ecole Jack Cook to enhance their school library collections.    

Treasurer’s Report  – Currently there is $2308.40 in our general account.  The gaming account has $1953.65 in it.

Secretary’s Report – Volunteer hours were collected from members.  The secretary would like it noted that she will be resigning at the end of this school year.

New Business

Terrace Chapter Website on CPF BC site – discussion tabled until next meeting.    

Shredville at Shames Mtn., March 23, 2013 – We have been invited by Shames Mtn to do maple taffy, tire sur la neige, during “Shredville”. CPF Terrace will purchase the syrup and ski hill staff will serve it. Bonhomme will be on site to promote French cultural traditions in our community.  

Next Meeting – To be held at Ecole Jack Cook, date to be announced.