Hartman P.S.

(905) 727-5938 hartman.ps@yrdsb.ca
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School Council Minutes - January 2025

Hartman Parent Council Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, January 13th, 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Hartman Public School Library
 

Attendees:

Miriam Dos Anjos, Anna Zailer, Jenny Chan, Evan Nastou, Ka Kit Li, Shelley Bugeja, Alanna Koroneos, 
Allan Suen, Eric Hammell, Kelly Wheeler, Jessica Lelen, Jia Nargas, Amy Stuart, Amy Leonard, Shahid 
Mithani, Rachel Pollock, Pino Filippelli, Annu Sood-Ali, Anja Porretta, Saira Salman, Jeffrey Smith.

 

Principal Report: Saira

  1. 1. Robotics Competition: Updates shared on the upcoming competition and the excitement around student participation.
  2. Intermediate basketball, junior volleyball have started. 
  3. Primary Comic Club and Hartman Hangouts are going to begin soon.
  4. Staffing for 2025/2026: Staffing planning for next year has already begun
  5. Transfer Letters: Sent out to assist with class allocations and enrollment.
  6. Teaching Allocation: Allocation will be discussed by March, based on current data.
  7. Boundary Changes: Mavrinac boundaries have been adjusted, increasing numbers to 560. The increase is especially noticeable in grades 4+.
  8. Staffing Transitions: A few staff members are on leave, which will impact music and grade 8 staffing. HR approval is pending for new hires.
  9. Lunchtime Changes: The schedule was revamped to a 40/20 split after community feedback, moving from a 30/30 split. However, concerns over supervision and long periods of unstructured time were raised. We have received many emails expressing concerns. Discussed the larger picture, neighbouring schools and past practice at Hartman pre pandemic was a 40/20 recess hour.

EQAO Report: Jeff

  1. 2024 Grade 3 and Grade 6 Assessments: EQAO places a focus on reading, writing, and math for Grade 3 students and grade 6 students. It would be interesting to compare Grade 6 performance with cohorts from 3 years ago.
  2. Learning Profiles: Teachers are selecting 5 students with specific learning profiles to follow and improve instruction
  3. Reading Programs: A tiered approach is being used to support students. Primary is using Acadience as an assessment /diagnostic tool. Teachers are provided targeted and specific instructions using UFLI in the primary division. Tier 3 program Empower specifically designed by Sick Kids to help those struggling with decoding.
  4. Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Always happy to have parent volunteers to support reading in small groups. We welcome anyone who would like to team with us.

 

Hartman Lunch Program Report: Anna

  1. Lunch Orders: The program averages 180-185 orders for Hero and ESM each week. We are working with vendors to streamline lunch sorting, and volunteers have been vital to this process.
  2. Financial Assistance: Vendors have been generous in donating lunches for students in need, and this initiative has been very well received.
  3. Spring Requests: Any requests for lunches from April to June should be made soon. Additionally, pizza prices have increased this cycle.

 

Universal Snack Program Report: Miriam

  1. Donations: Thanks to Curtis from Super Store, Josh from Farm Boy, and the Optimist and Rotary Clubs for their continued support. Curtis from Super Store has also funded the purchase of 1168 yogurt tubes for the students.
  2. Snack Program: A bin of healthy snacks is available for students, and funds are being used to purchase additional items.
  3. Fundraising Calendar: Upcoming events include a Ramadan Break Fast Evening in March and a Family Fun Night in May.
  4. Volunteer Requests: More volunteers are needed for upcoming events, and suggestions from parents are welcomed.

 

Lunch Schedule Discussion: Parents' Concerns

  1. Cold Weather Challenges: Concerns raised over outdoor supervision during winter months. The school follows guidelines and encourages active play in the cold, but some parents feel the current arrangement is difficult for students.
  2. Supervision and Winter Gear: Discussion about the challenges faced by supervisors and students, particularly with getting dressed for outdoor play in the winter. There were concerns about some students not having proper winter gear.
  3. Learning Time Disruption: Some parents feel that eating during instructional time is distracting, and suggestions were made to explore other strategies.
  4. Next Steps: The Parent Council suggested that teachers work with students who are struggling to settle during these transitions and ensure communication is clear with parents through newsletters.

 

Grade 8 Graduation Trip/Party

  1. Cost Concerns: Parents would like to see the graduation dinner take place at a venue like last year. 
  2. A discussion about the high cost of the Grade 8 trip and venue. Last year's venue cost $8000, with dinner costing $150 per head. The suggestion to hold the event within the school, including a dinner and dance, was raised. Council offered to see if they could find a more cost effective way and bring it back to the graduation committee.
  3. Fundraising: The Grade 8 students are planning a fundraiser at East Side Marios, where a portion of the proceeds will go towards the Grad Fund.
  4. Subsidy Requests: Parents expressed concern over the cost for families and discussed ways to subsidize the event for students in need.

 

Summary

  • Next Meeting: Monday, February 3rd
  • Upcoming Events: Ramadan/Break Fast evening scheduled for March /Family Fun Night scheduled for May.
  • Parent Involvement: Volunteers are still needed for various activities.
  • Financial Support: Efforts to sponsor families in need will be explored further.
  • Action Items: Finalize the communication plan for the lunch and snack programs and continue seeking volunteer support. Finalize plans for Ramadan/Break in March and start planning for Family Fun Night

 

Meeting Adjourned: 8:30pm

Next Meeting: Monday, February 3rd

Minutes Prepared By: Jenny Chan