PAC MEETING March 3, 2015

Attendance List: Amalia Cook, Cheryl Roehlig, Charlotte Watson (STP),

Gayle McLeod, Carolina Palacios, Stefanie Lewinson, Esther Rosillo
Charlotte Watson HASTE (Hub for Active School Travel)
Charlotte from HASTE has been contracted by City of Vancouver to work
on Active Transportation Program (ATP) which is designed to improve
traffic travelling plans for schools and help tailor feasible options for the
school. First step is talk to the PAC which she is here to do tonight.
Objective tonight is to discuss how project works, layout out the process
for what schools will be doing, etc.
Step 1. Online survey to provide detailed information back to HASTE on
how travel takes place to and from school. Includes maps to provide
specific data points on issues, etc.
Step 2. Do a site review Bring together stakeholders in group (ICBC,
CoV, etc.) to perform walk about, discuss next steps in how to enact
changes
Step 3. Develop action plan on what needs to be done with timelines, etc.
Discussed the fact that Southlands has actually undergone lots of these
activities but Charlotte will discuss with Brent whats been done to date and
how things should move forward. Discussed the CoV neighborhood grant
program individuals can apply for a grant to get funding for some type of
Bike to School week or something like that.
Questions for Charlotte:

Are there any out of catchment programs to support commuting

parents No there are none at this time but parents can apply for
grants for support.

Asked Charlotte for specific advice on how to manage parent to

parent interface with drivers who break rules. She will get
information on this for follow up meeting to take place after spring
break.
Cheryl R. to follow up with Charlotte after spring break to get answers to
questions and get the ball rolling on specific traffic initiative as it relates to
this overall ATP program.
Chair Report, March 3 2015
Concert many thanks to all teachers and families who worked so hard to
make the concert a success. The children did a fabulous job. The
concession sold out and some high bids were seen at the Silent Auction. It
should be noted that in the past similar concerts held in December have

filled the gym completely in both afternoon and evening shows. Is it

possible this concerts lower turnout is related to the time of year and/or the
time of day it was held?
No discussion points to note
Budgeting The aspirational goal is to have most of the budget worked out
for the May meeting so that we have all have as much information as
possible for the vote at the June AGM. This means that April is the month
for gathering information. Please bring ideas to the April meeting or pass
them on the any executive member either in person or by email during the
month of April.
Traffic A 4-year old child from Creative Minds had a very near miss with
an SUV in front of the school. Please obey traffic signs regarding parking
and stopping even if youre just pulling over for a minute and always
slow down in front of the school. Addressing safety issues in front of the
school involves the City, the Dunbar Community but also our own parent
community.
Discussion Points need to better highlight with signage or other visual
prompts that this area to the right of the dumpster is a no drop off and no
parking zone. Again, how should parents advise other parents that they
are breaking the traffic management rules. Cheryl to follow up after spring
break.
Principals Report
Our Pink Shirt Anti-Bullying Day was a great success at Southlands this
past Wednesday. Many students proudly wore their Southlands pink tshirts or pink wrist bands while others chose another pink item to
recognize the importance of this anti-bullying awareness day. Our
classrooms were also buzzing with activities and discussions about antibullying, being respectful, and using appropriate language.
Our Winter Concert was the highlight at Southlands this past week. We
were delighted to welcome so many families to view the student
presentations. The event was a resounding success! Students enjoyed
preparing for the concert and were excited to perform for their families and
friends. Congratulations to all of our students and staff who worked
tirelessly to make this a memorable event. As always we appreciate our
Parent Consultative Committee who organized the Silent Auction. Funds
raised support many wonderful learning opportunities for our students.

Saleema Noon Parents very much appreciated the evening presentation

about Body Science and students spent a very informative day with her.
Many thanks to PAC for funding Saleemashe really is the foremost
expert in this field now Meg Hickling has retired.
Music Champions grades 3/4/5/6 involved in this program. Clarinetist
Michelle Andersen VOA and Mary Jane Joe supported students
storytelling and composition that was woven into curriculum activities and
also created a presentation and song playlist for concert. Jeremy, the
trombonist from VOA will be integrating lessons into math and science
curriculum next term. VOA performance in school in April date is TBA
Artist in Residence Debra Sparrow has begun her residency in the library,
with senior classes. Shes weaving a piece for the school and talking about
weaving, patterns, and the mathematics of pattern making into Musqueam
culture. Primary and Intermediate students will have some instructional
time with her and weaving experiences.
Traffic Around Our School I included the Traffic Safety Information again in
our March Newsletter because Traffic issues continue to be a concern
around our school and our students safety is being compromised when we
assume that driving convenience is more important than safety! A recent
incident means that VPD will be visiting a driver to discuss safe driving
around our school.
Grade 4 and 7 Satisfaction Survey -- Before Spring Break begins our
grade 4 and 7 students will be completing an on-line satisfaction survey
about their school experience and impressions. If you are a Grade 4 and/or
7 parent you also have an opportunity to complete the on-line Ministry of
Education Satisfaction Survey by March 31st. Please ask the school office
for your personal password. The survey will take approximately 10-15
minutes to complete. If you dont have a computer you are welcome to use
a school computer before or after school.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Mar. 4th Div.3 and 4 Museum of Anthropology field trip
Mar. 5th Div.2 and 6 Museum of Anthropology field trip
Mar. 5th International Baccalaureate Presentation at Musqueam
Mar. 5th Senior Band plays at the Evening of the Bands at Point Grey
March 6th Ache Brazil performance 1:15pm
Mar. 6th Last Day of Instruction
Mar. 23 School re-opens after Spring Break
Mar.26 Kindergarten Hearing Screening

Mar 26th IB Assembly 1:00pm Respect, Tolerance

Mar.31st Subway Lunch
April 10 Playground Fundraising Day
Fundraising Report
Final numbers from Winter Concert still to be finalized.
Outstanding revenues from other fundraising events still to be finalized.
Treasurers Report
Healthy bank account but lots of expenses i.e. playground and Kims 2nd
terms expenses to be factored in. Budget is significantly committed to
new playground.
Winter Concert still needs to be finalized wrt to costs vs. profits.
Nicky will provide more insight in Aprils meeting.
Music Program
In the last few weeks about 6 parents are concerned about their kids not
enjoying recorder lessons. These students are not feeling excited, and are
becoming increasingly bored and unmotivated. Esther addressed this
issue with teachers (Olga and Erica)they thought that the kids may feel
this way because they werent being taught at the same level, which may
be a factor. There are too many kids of varying levels to teach them
consistently. Olga recommended that it would be good to get students
more aligned at the same levelbut this may be an issue with scheduling
and signing up for next semester. Another recommendation would be to
having a concert at the end of the year to have students feel like their
building up to something and practicing towards.
For third term, Esther is also concerned about meeting the minimums to be
able to run the program given all of these issues.
Colleen also thought it would be great to have a concert at Musqueam but
not sure about budget etc. Judy is going to look into getting Musqueam to
waive the rental cost which is $200. For the last two terms, choir and
recording has raised only $74 so not sure if this can be used towards this
concert. Esther wants to wait to talk to Nicky to get a better understanding
of what the financials are about. Shes not clear about profit margins
based on the numbers shes received.
Discussion Points -- Last year was an anomaly we did not have access
to the gym facility because of the strike. PAC did not pay for the rental of
the Musqueam facility it was raised by parents. Parents will come to
April PAC meeting to discuss having concert at Musqueambrought up

the fact that the gym is available and there are logistical issues with having
an off-site concert. Will discuss in next PAC meeting.
Discussed the option regarding choir/recorder raising money beyond $200
if that money can go towards choir/recorder related events or does it go
into general budget. Also a question was raised with regard to whether
Choir/Recorder is meant to be a fundraiser. Communication around the
fact that this program is designed to provide arts for kids and if theres
more money available, it goes into the general PAC fund just like all of the
other committees. Annie added that Colleen is not a VSB teacher,and
also there are kids who may not pay but have to be subsided.
Parents would like to see connection between funds raised and what the
money is going towards with a bit more detail.
Discussion around the fact that PAC has increased budget in certain areas
to address needs as they arise in the current year. However budget for
this year has mostly been decided and committed to in the year prior.
Advice is to come to the April/May meeting to get a better understanding of
what budget allocation is all about and how it works.
When we address the budget in April/May/June we need to look at what
revenue has brought in this year, what we expect to raise next year and
how to move forward. Ideas should be brought forward in April for
consideration for next years program.
Volunteers for Music Program Esther will not be able to commit to
managing next years music program more parents should be coming
forward to help out and assist with volunteering. Recommendation from
Esther is to create two levels of lessons to address some of the issues
stated above. Will bring those forward in future PAC meeting. Esther
asked is it okay if students who have no prior recorder experience to be
disallowed from joining recorder lessons. Decision is that it is okay to be
sent to kids who have already participated. Group feels its ok to open it up
only to students who have been part of the program.
Comment: If we can gather information on where budget cuts are coming
from VSB that would allow parents to get a better understanding and bring
ideas forward for consideration. Annie says that cuts are made public at
the same time as they learn about cuts. She will try and pass along any
information that comes in.
Understanding is that money may not be allocated towards future band
expenses but not has been confirmed. Any information will be passed
along as soon as it becomes public.

PAC can support some activities if there are cuts, but needs to be
discussed. For example PAC cannot fund an activity that would be
performed by a VSB teacher.
Southlands is very fortunate to have a full scale librarian considering all of
the cuts that have been made over the years. Most other schools do not
have the scale of librarian support that we have most likely due to the
fact that Southlands is an IB school. Unfortunate that so much has
changed over the years with regard to budget for music and arts.