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The Gazette 1989-01-04 - 1989-12-27
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Date
1989-12-27
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Page 8 The Gazette Mountain View County News Wedneaday, December 27, 1989 Minutes of the Board of Education unedited and unapproved Minutes of the Board ot Education meeting called to order by the chairman at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 1989 in Council Chambers, Administration Building, Didsbury Present: Chairman E Oke; Vice Chairman D. Derksen: Trustees B. Penner, J. Grimstead. D Molesky, K. Turnbull, M. Richards. S. Denischuk. W Howells. M. Snyder, G. Andres. T. Peterman, J. Henze, H. Robinson in p.m.; Superintendent ot Schools B Cant; County Commissioner H.D. Epp; Recording Secretary L. Davis. Absent: Trustee D. Davies. Rotating Member: Mrs, Peterman was granted full participation in the morning session due to Mr. Robinson's notice in advance ot his intended absence Chairman Oke. after a review of County Council's motion relative to rotation, indicated that it will not be necessary to pass a motion each month granting the rotating urban member permission to participate in discussions. Taping ot Meetings: The Board agreed that the press be permitted to use tape recorders to record proceedings of meetings until further notice. The press was encouraged to use the material with discretion. Agendas - Motion No. 490: Moved by Mr. Grimstead that the regular agenda be adopted as presented Carried. Motion No 491: Moved by Mr. Turnbull that the supplementary agenda be adopted as presented Carried. Minutes - Motion No. 492; Moved by Mr. Andres that the minutes of the November 8th, 989 Board of Education meeting be adopted jy circulated. Carried. Policy IGD Guidelines - Motion No. 493: Moved by Mr. Andres that Policy IGD Guidelines as amended (Suspension and/or Expulsion of a Student) be given first reading. Carried. Motion No 494: Moved by Mr. Derksen that Policy IGD guidelines be given second reading. The Board, in reviewing the guidelines, agreed that administrators must be able to ex- eicise some discretion in certain instances. Mr Derksen felt that a school suspension of five days is excessive and may have negative effects on students. Mr. Molesky repotted that many individuals have expressed their support of the stand he had taken at the previous Board meeting, and that he had not received a single negative response. He emphasized the importance of formalizing the policy and conveying the message to students and parents without delay. Motion No. 494 for second reading was voted on and carried. Motion No. 495. Moved by Mr. Molesky that Policy IGD guidelines be given third reading at this time. Opposed; J. Henze. Guidelines for Issues in Human Sexuality: Mr. Phillips recalled that the Board passed a motion that human sexuality courses not be taught without reference to love, family life, values and moral obligations. He believed that No. 1 of Guidelines for Teachers should address the Board's concerns. He added that the whole subject of Human Sexuality should be taught within context. Motion No. 496: Moved by Mr. Derksen that trie Guidelines for Issues in Human Sexuality bt accepted. While Mr. Snyder believed that the guidelines are not as strong as the intent of the Board's previous motion, he indicated that he could accept them as they were presented. Mr Grimstead inquired regarding the guideline that stated care should be taken not to use teaching strategies that encourage for mal debate at the junior high level. Mr, Phillips responded that it is not the teacher's job to expound on the values of abortion vs. pro-life, adding that when a subject is debated students may accept the outcome of the debate rather than decide themselves regarding an issue. The Assistant Superintendent pointed out that emphasis wilt be placed as strongly as possible on abstinence. The Superintendency was directed to remove the negative references, i.e. replace anti-abortion and anti-choice with pro-abortion and pro- choice, to be consistent with reference to pro- life. Motion No. 496 was voted on and carried. Flying Flags at Half Mast: Dr. Cant learned through discussions with the Secretary of State's Office that their policy allows the flying of flags at half mast in sovereign recognition or in recognition of dignitaries of parliament. For public buildings the rule of thumb is recognition of sovereigns, members of parliament or other significant recognition chosen. A survey of other school jurisdictions indicates that the matter of flying flags at half mast is basically at the discretion of the individual board or school. Mr. Derksen felt that the practice of recognizing students should not be continued and was advised that the Local Advisory Council felt that a policy may be too restrictive. Motion No. 497: Moved by Mr. Grimstead that the Board continue with the Board's past ' practice of flying flags at half mast. Carried. Suspension Hearing Minutes - Motion No. 498: Moved by Mr. Snyder that the Suspension Hearing minutes of November 2nd, 8th and 17th, 1989 be received. Carried. Chairman Oke conveyed a concern of the Committee regarding the possibility of minutes inadvertently being left on a desk/s in the central office with the present practice of distribution to trustees. The Suspension Committee prefers to give a report at Board meetings, with trustees making inquiries if they have any questions. Alternately, the minutes could be placed in the agenda and recalled at the Board table. Motion No. 499: Moved by Mr. Derksen that the Suspension Committee minutes continue to be circulated as they have been in the past (or including them in the agenda). Motion No. 500: Moved by Mr. Henze that Motion No. 499 be amended to state that the Suspension Committee minutes be turned in after they have been dealt with by the Board. Carried. Motion No. 499 as amended was voted on and carried. The Suspension Committee minutes'were then collected. Bus Committee Minutes - Motion No. 501: Moved by Mr. Henze that the Bus Committee minutes of December 6th, 1989 be received. Carried. Mrs. Denischuk reported that the Policy Review Committee raised the issue of form letters being sent to parents of students who misbehaved on the bus due to a suspension hearing where some difficulty in taking action was experienced - it was unclear as to whether advance notice had been forwarded to the parent. Messrs. Henze and Turnbull advised that present Bus Committee procedures strongly advocate that bus drivers report problems to the principal who will then take the required action. The Bus Committee requested that no changes be made to the pre sent policy in this regard. Dr. Cant added that the School Act states that only the principal may suspend a student; teachers and other employees must refer the problem to the principal. The Board agreed that a memorandum regarding the matter should be forwarded to principals with a copy being forwarded to the Bus Committee. In Camera - Motion No. 502: Moved by Mr. Richards that the meeting adjourn to an in- camera session at 11:00 a.m. Carried. Motion No. 503: Moved by Mr. Turnbull that the meeting reconvene at 11:30 a.rn. Carried. Standardized Test Results - Motion No. 504: Moved by Mrs. Denischuk that the 1989 Standardized Test Results be released to the public. Carried. Financial Report: Comptroller/Treasurer Johnsrude briefly reviewed the financial statement, commenting that revenues are on target in achieving our budget . Motion No. 505: Moved by Mr. Snyder that the financial statement for the three-month period ended November 30th, 1989 be received. Carried. School Capacity and Utilization: Mr. Johnsrude submitted a school capacity and utilization review for the Board's information, advising that the Board's requests relative to utilization have been granted by the Department. Motion No. 506: Moved by Mr. Andres that the school capacity and utilization review be received. Carried. ECS Program Continuity: Dr. Cant reported that individuals have requested information On including the ECS program with the school system, and that he expects to provide information relative to the effect on the school system, school bus transportation, etc. Mrs. Denischuk then raised *he issue of the early entrance age policy and was advised that the subject could be debated at the time that information is provided. Mr. Turnbull and Commissioner Epp recalled a recent discussion and decision of the Board not to become involved with ECS. Mr. Howells added that some ECS groups within the County would be very opposed to becoming a part of the regular public school system. Dr. Cant expressed that many ECS programs are experiencing success but that some have asked whether the Board would take over the program should that be a direction given to our Board. Dr. Oke ordered the notice of further study regarding the matter be received as information. Administration was also expected to locate reference to the Board's previous discussion. Appointment - Mrs. Beth Worsfold: Mrs. Beth Worsfold, Local ATA President, made reference to the we and they relationship between their organization and the Board, suggesting that with the election of a number of new trustees it is time to establish feelings of mutual trust and respect and to become partners in education. The teachers believe they can work together with the Board in lobbying the government relative to funding, curriculum changes, a new school in Olds, copyright laws, and a uniform entrance age; in creating better communication with the public and in exchanging a dialogue on factors which influence that which takes place in the classrooms. Mrs. Worsfold invited trustees to contact the teachers and to visit the classrooms. She expressed the desire that the Board reciprocate. Mr. Snyder suggested that both teachers and trustees develop a list of issues which they would like to discuss, and that trustees perhaps be invited to speak in the classroom. Mrs. Worsfold was thanked for attending the meeting and withdrew at 12:05. The meeting recessed at 12:05 and reconvened at 1:00 p.m., with Mr. Robinson in attendance and Mrs. Peterman on rotation. Presentation to Former Trustee: Dr. Oke presented a tray to Mr. Don Chittick for three years of service on the Board of Education and expressed the Board's, appreciation for this service. Mr. Chittick, upon thanking the Board for the tray, wished the new members a term of excitement, learning and satisfaction. Gifted Education Report: Dr. Cant wished the new Board to be better informed as to what is happening in the System regarding gifted education . Mr. Oldridge recalled that two years ago the system became concerned regarding its service to gifted students in comparison to that which is provided to students who excel in other countries. Expanded Horizons provided an opportunity for top students to expand in the areas of their interest and expertise. Mr. Oldridge highlighted programs and projects that have been offered to date. It was clarified that the gifted program includes students who are gifted and who are highly motivated. Fall Administrators' Workshop: Dr. Maryanne Doherty of Alberta Education, Ed- rrlbnton gave her perspective of the recent County of Mountain View School Administrators' Workshop held at Kananaskis. She felt that a strong effort had been made to hold open and honest communication, and that the effectiveness of the workshop is evidenced by the steps taken to address the issues of concern. Dr. Cant distributed a notebook to trustees on the happenings and discussions held at the Kananaskis workshop. Christmas Concerts: Mr. Richards expressed concern that sonje of the County's schools are not holding Christmas concerts. Concerts have been a tradition in the system and it is a time of year when the schools are able to experience excellent public relations with the community. Dr. Cant reported that the Hugh Sutherland School staff chose to hold a spring concert for reasons of down time in instruction and the horrendous task of getting the many students together for the required time. Mrs. Van Eaton added that some elementary schools are considering alternating responsibility for the program by division. Mrs. Denischuck added that Christmas concerts are not held in Cremona or at Didsbury School/s, and that Olds will be changing to a Grades 1 to 3 open house. She felt that Christmas is a time of year when students have the opportunity to perform before their parents, and it is very important to the students to know that their parents have come to their program. Mrs. Denischuk suggested that it is very difficult for parents working outside the home to attend 11:15 a.m. assemblies. Mr. Penner pointed out that teachers spend a tremendous number of hours on concerts, with the result that it can ' be very difficult for a teacher to spend with his/her spouse for two weeks of the Christmas season. He further stated that in today's rapidly changing society the Christmas season is not necessarily a happy time for many children and these activities can add stress to i liheir live*. Mr. Henze reported that Christmas concerts have been very successful in Sundre, and that both noon and evening concerts are extremely well attended. Mr. Howells reported that in Cremona the community is organizing a concert where the parents are also involved. Mrs. Denischuk then stated that the Carstairs ad ministration arbitrarily reached the decision to discontinue the Christmas program without consulting parents, who have in the past assisted with concerts. Mr. Andres spoke in favour of the schools holding an event to encourage parents to attend at the school for reasons other than an incident with their child/children. Dr, Cant responded that there are many activities held throughout the year when parents are encouraged to come to the school. He concurred that more focus is placed on Christmas concerts, and suggested that trustees show their support to school staff and to the local advisory councils. Dr. Cant discouraged the development of a policy governing the matter as he did not wish teachers to feel that the programs would be an extension of their teaching day. He concluded that the Superintendency would convey the Board's thoughts in this regard. Early School Leavers: Dr, Cant advised that Recommendations 1, 3, 4, 7,10 and 11 of the Early School Leavers Report have been undertaken. The brochures and the school leaving form have been developed to address the issue. These were distributed for the Board's information. Mr. Snyder stressed that the system cannot mandate that every student who withdraws must complete a school leaving summary. Motion No. 507: Moved by Mr. Richards that the Early School Leavers Report be received. Carried. Local Advisory Council Reports - Motion No. 508: Moved by Mr. Turnbull that the Local Advisory Council reports be received and that a note of appreciation be forwarded to those who submitted reports. Carried. Practical Arts 15A: Alberta Education's advice that the Practical Arts 15A course has been approved for a three-year period was received for information. Task Force - Continuity of Grade 1: Dr. Cant advised that Central Office administration is planning a task force to review program issues that relate to continuity and student- centered progress in Grade 1. The task force will be composed of a principal, primary staff, resource teacher, two parents from different schools, the Superintendent, Reading Consultant, the director for Gifted and Talented, ECS representative and at least one Board member. Three meetings will be held, one of which is a symposium. Individuals from Alberta Education's regional office, the University of Calgary, the administrative group, parent group, principals, teachers, Special Education Department and Mrs. Van Eaton will be requested to make presentations at the Symposium. Mr. Andres responded that individuals from the public are not being asked to make presentations, thereby giving the appearance that this is one-sided rather than open. Dr. Cant advised that the symposium will be advertised and that individuals who desire may give presentations. Mrs. Denischuk raised the issue of school entrance age, and was advised that while this may be one aspect, the issue at hand is one of continuity of programs. The Superintendency added that a policy on continuity is being mandated from Alberta Education. Mr. Andres, in view of the information provided, suggested that no reference be made to school entrance age. Motion No. 509: Moved by Mr. Robinson that the Task Force/Continuity of Grade 1/Primary Grades report be received. Carried. Trustees Denischuk, Robinson and Peterman expressed an interest in serving on the task force. Chairman Oke agreed to speak further with these trustees and name two to the Task Force. Hugh Sutherland School Band Trip: Dr. Cant reported that the Hugh Sutherland School band trip proposal approved earlier by the Board has been changed to six days (formerly five due to airline connections. Motion No. 510: Moved by Mr. Richards that the Hugh Sutherland School Band trip report be received and the changes be accepted. Carried. Year of Literacy Project: Mrs. Van Eaton recommended that the Mountain View School system undertake a Year of Literacy (1990) project perhaps in the form of an anthology which would be open for all students to participate. Costs are expected to be relatively low and detailed information could be presented at a subsequent meeting. Motion No. 511: Moved by Mr. Robinson that the Year Of Literacy project be referred to the Education Committee for input Carried. ATA Correspondence - Motion No. 512:. Moved by Mr. Snyder that the correspondence from Mrs. Beth Worsfold, ATA President, Local 22, relative to lobbying the government regarding entrance age be received as information. Carried. Enrollments - Motion No. 51.3: Moved by Mr. Henze that the enrollment report for November 1989 be received. Carried. Education Report: Dr. Cant, in presenting the Education Report, advised that letters have not yet been written to MLA's Brassard and Osterman as he was not present for the discussion on the legal drinking age and required clarification relative to the Board's intent. Dr. Oke indicated that he together with the Superintendent would write the required letters. Mr. Howells noted the item on fire drills, and advised that the Cremona School will be having a fire inspection for the first time in five years. Mr. Hepze responded that while annual inspections may be recommended they are not mandated. Commissioner Epp added that the more involved inspections are undertaken by individuals from Calgary. Dr. Oke referred the matter of fire inspections to the Maintenance Committee. Science Fair: Dr. Cant invited trustees to become involved in the February 24th Science Fair. They should contact Assistant Superintendent Phillips or Mr. Milt Sanders if they are interested in serving as judges. Vocational Education: The Superintendent reported that the local industrial partners are still very active in Vocational Education, and that the Ford Motor Company has donated six . new motors to the County's 'A labs. Motion No. 514: Moved by Mr. Andres that the Education Report be received. Carried. Window on Education - Motion No. 515: Moved by Mr. Andres that the Window on Education be received as information. Carried. Olds Building Committee Report - Motion No. 516: Moved by Mr. Andres that the minutes/report of the Olds Building Committee be received. Mr. Snyder suggested that consideration be given to erecting an enclosed walkway to an Olds Elementary portable or to the acquisition of other portable facilities. Chairman Oke advised that the Olds Building Committee will soon be meeting and a plan will be developed for presentation to the Department. Mr. Andres advised that the new Building Committee has not yet met but plans to do so after meeting with Department officials. He added that Mr. Snyder's suggestion will be Bathroom Set 100 Polyester 2 piece sculptured mat Er lid cover. Assorted colors 14oo Set Pot Holders In thick checked pattern, Terry ea. Dish Cloths 100 Cotton*Check Pattern 14 x15 3 for l00 Jumbo Tea Towels 100 Cotton Waffle Weave 23 x 34 129 ea. Terry Tea Towels Colourful Prints, 15 x25 99 ea. Christmas Table Linens Vi Price Lace Tablecloths 100 Polyester, Perma Press Soil Resistent, White Ecru 54 x 72 1600 60 x84 1Qoo Oval X m* 60 x 84 1Q00 Rectangular X mw 70 i qoo Round mm 9 Thermal Blanket by Esmond, Solid Colors 100 Acrylic with nylon binding Double/Queen Size 19 00 Shower Curtains Assorted Colors Patterns 00 Set Tablecloths Linen Er Cotton Blend Assorted Floral Designs 51 x51 600 51 x 68 900 Vinyl Tablecloths 52 x 52 , 52 x 72 60 Round coo Comfortors Attractive Patterns 100 Fortrel Filling Soft Thick Twin 3900 Double 4500 Queen 5000 Wa basso Sheet Sets Trousseau Ensemble Includes Top Er Bottom Sheet Pillow Cases 50 Poly, 50 Cotton Twin Set 2900 Double Set. .37 Queen Set 4200 Craig's Clothing Drygoods Phone 556-3717 5102 - 50th Ave.
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Image 1035 (1989-12-27), from microfilm reel 1035, (CU12514591). Courtesy of Early Alberta Newspapers Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.