Alternative Schools Advisory Committee (Ottawa)- Approval of Agenda. Approved.
- Approval of Minutes. Approved.
- Introductions and Round Table
- Lady Evelyn reviewed "Freedom Fridays", a program for grade 3-6 students to choose and pursue their own projects for a two month period. They also reported that they have restructured their council to replace most committees with projects and to make every other month's council meeting focused on one issue or topic.
- Churchill discussed their electives program which was run for three weeks last year and is coming back this year with a focus on curriculum-based topics. Churchill's year-end report highlighted the alternative practices in the school
- Summit discussed the various multi-age integrated-curriculum focus days, such as "Murder Mystery" and "Stock Market". They have received a $30K CIDA grant which is to be used towards setting up a partnership with a school in Antigua. After a bit of a disconnect in leadership transition, they are looking to strengthen the council, invite student participation and make sure that they have 7/8 representation and continuity from year to year.
- Grant is setting up some multi-age school-wide trips. They are also developing parental involvement through a Family Halloween night. Director's Cut is a program to engage the kids in creating child-directed plays which are filmed and presented at a video festival.
- Priorities Review
- Dave commented that the ARISS project could be seen as an alternative to the "Alternative Activities Day". Some discussion about getting families involved and working to build the community and share best practices between schools. Need to contact Dave Farley at Summit to determine if there is the time and energy to hold another alternative activities day this year. Maria to follow up.
- Richard noted tat Megan had sent him a note about the proposal for an "Alternative Instructional Coach". [Her email suggested that it was not coaching that was needed, but the ability to get together with other Alternative staff. She stated that Churchill's teachers will be requesting to switch for a day with teachers at other Alternative schools.]
- Richard committed to contacting Toronto ASAC about People 4 Education's stance on community schools versus chhoice.
- Some discussion of Anecdotal reporting, with Frank noting that only Churchill had requested it. Joey commented that Lady Evelyn would be requesting it and had delayed due to the change in principal. Chruchill noted that Anedcdotal report cards are the default.
- Discussion of the Secondary Schools Review Ad-hoc Committee. Some interest but no commitment from Summit and Lady Evelyn.
- Patty noted that Gabe Thirlwell of Lady Evelyn is on the Parent Involvment Committee, as well as being VP of OCASC.
- Sheri committed to following up on the board's strategic plan.
- Alternative Tenets sub-committee
- The sub-committee is working to consolidate into a grid the various schools' approaches to the tenets
- Need to define our differences and to provide awareness of the program outside the greenbelt before any demand survey can be completed.
- Language tweaks are being done to align the tenets between schools.
- Timelines seem to be an issue to the board. The upcoming meeting seems predicated on the idea that there is a deadline imposed by trustees or board standing rules, yet ASAC was lead to believe last winter that ASAC controlled the timelines. This will be further discussed on Friday with Pino Buffone at a meeting he has called with the principals and ASAC.
November 3, 2011 Minutes
Annual Joint Meeting of ASAC, Co-chairs and Principals
Thursday November 3rd, 2011
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Lady Evelyn Alternative School
In Attendance
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Alice Donachy (Summit Principal)
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Al Webb (Summit Co-chair)
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David Fortier (Churchill)
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Erin Linnen (Grant Principal)
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Frank Wiley (Board Liaison)
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Joey Gunn (Lady Evelyn Co-chair)
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John Mahony (Grant)
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Maria Hunter (Summit)
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Pam Dilworth-Christie (Churchill Co-Chair)
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Patty Barrera (Lady Evelyn Co-chair)
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Paula Slesar (Lady Evelyn Principal)
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Richard Deadman (Co-chair, Lady Evelyn)
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Sheri Zelle (Co-chair, Churchill)