Maple Creek P.S.

(905) 417-9177 maple.creek.ps@yrdsb.ca
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School Council Meeting Minutes - March 4, 2025

04 MARCH 2025 / 6:30 PM / maple.creek.ps@sc.yrdsb.ca 

Attendees:

Laura C.,Laura M., Alena K. Nav S., Linda L., Holly H., Teresa N., Preeti N., VP Sarah Carter, Principal Hema Parekh, Ms. Liz Torch

 

Agenda Items (Chair/Co-Chair/School Admin)

 

Land Acknowledgement

Ms, Torchia

 

Agenda Approval

  • Holly
  • Alena

 

Financial Report 

  • Current school council funds balance: $19,652.70
  • Detailed account balance provided to council - Treasurer will review and discuss at the next meeting if required.

 

2025 Council Meetings

  • January 14 2025
  • February 4 2025
  • March 4 2025
  • May 6 2025

 

Outstanding Items (All Attendees) 

 

Class Placement Form discussion 

  • Hema said that usually teachers know who the students will get along with or not and make that decision; She said the newsletter can ask parents to contact teachers with any concerns.
  • Hema talked to staff about the form at the staff meeting today and the vote on whether to bring it back was split. Hema also mentioned that she spoke to surrounding schools about the form and most of them are not doing it.
  • Council voted that the class placement form has been in place since pre-pandemic and would like to bring it back annually.
  • A decision will be given to council by March 30

 

Website Updates 

  • The website is currently working now and agenda and minutes are being posted.

 

Principal Profile 

  • Teresa will send an email to council to provide feedback on a draft principal profile that was created
  • The final version will be presented at the May 6 meeting to submit for the following year.

 

Open Forum Discussion (All attendees) 

  • Shehzad met with Hema and put together a petition that Laura read to the council.
  • Petition talks about the following concerns: Infrastructure & Facilities: Our public school is in a state of visible disrepair, with unpaved surfaces in both the parking and playground areas, and a complete absence of play structures that support children;s physical and social development. In stark contrast to neighboring public schools, which have modern play facilities, our students are left with only painted lines andaging, rusted basketball hoops. Furthermore, basic landscaping maintenance has fallen to the teachers and staff, who, despite their best efforts, cannot compensate for the lack of proper upkeep. The current condition of the school grounds not only detracts from the learning environment but also fails to reflect the value and significance of the school within our community. Educational Resources – Discuss shortages of books, learning materials, computers, science equipment, etc. Staffing & Support Services – Mention understaffing, lack of special education support, need for more counselors, etc. Extracurricular & Enrichment Programs – Highlight the need for sports, arts, music, and after school programs Health & Safety – Address concerns related to security, hygiene, mental health services, etc.
  • Council decided to specifically address the outdoor maintenance issues ONLY
  • The board made the decision to cut the snow removal costs; Hema contacted the Board on the snow shovelling/snow removal decisions and updated the council at a previous meeting.
  • In the past, the tarmac used to be cleared and now, only the areas around the doors (a 2 to 3 foot path) is being cleared.
  • Hema will share the map of snow clearing that the caretakers follow when doing shovelling with Council
  • Council is concerned about the safety of the parking lot during the snow storms; A trustee (Nadeem Mohammed) and the Superintendent was contacted to get that snow removed (it was removed promptly).
  • Hema sent an email to care taking regarding the Ontario School Improvement sign posted at the front of the school. She indicated that she got no further information regarding the sign and was told by the province to stay tuned. Once she gets a response, she will share it with the school council.
  • Holly will draft a communication about the snow plowing issue and will provide an update to council
  • Hema to email the caretaking staff about ensuring toilet paper and soap is refilled in the bathroom and cleanliness.
  • Public Health sent a notice regarding Measles but when asked Hema-no further details were provided to her that she can share.
  • Nav presented information regarding smart boards in the classrooms: Smart Panel ---on wall $3627 (75 inch) & $2889 (65 inch) much more affordable than the projectors that don’t last as long and burn out.
  • Sarah mentioned a parent inquired about what is available for students after school

Maple Creek Administration Updates (School staff) 

  • Robotics team got first place at Areas and are going to regionals which is on March 6
  • Students participate in a dental screening through York Region Public Health
  • There is a consistently late bus the school is dealing with
  • Scientists in the School (funded by parent council) is happening this week
  • Student Showcase will be held on Friday
  • A multi-faith room is in full use by students who require it
  • The girls cricket team was featured on a YouTube clip
  • All of the clubs and teams are currently running: Trivia, Snowbirds, Drama and Basketball
  • Math Learning Updates - Administration is meeting with teachers to encourage the use of mathup software
  • Friendfest—was very successful; there was music, dancing, having snack with each other and lego and bracelet making, playdough, quiet space in the library and can play board games and us the Make your space in the Library
  • Library Maker Space Ms. Torchia — the space is completed and is open 3 days per week. The space will continue to grow annually. Ms. Torchia thanked School Council for the funds donated to the space
  • This week is Be Your Best Self Week---kids seem excited about it
  • School Refresh: Tarmac is slated to be updated in summer of 2026. Parking lot is being updated summer of 2025
  • The Community Classroom is doing a Krispy Kreme fundraiser. They will be doing it to celebrate/fundraise for Autism since the month of April is Autism awareness month.

 

2025 Fundraising Discussion (All attendees) 

  • The Terra Cotta cookie fundraiser is planned for the week of Mother’s Day by the School Council. Volunteers will be needed to hand out cookies on the day of delivery. Flyer can be sent out in the School newsletter and as a stand alone email. Suggestion made to have the campaign open for 3 weeks.
  • School council is willing to support any initiatives that the teachers want to implement as long as emails of the details are sent to school council
  • School council is also willing to support any resources needed for spring planting if there is an interest
  • A pack of 10 Wipe Boards will be purchased on behalf of council for Grades 4-8 classrooms at the request of Ms. Mezzesta and other Junior/Intermediate teachers.
  • Council is asking for a letter of request/email with quantity and cost to approve small white boards for k-3 grades.
  • Council would like confirmation what other equipment is allowed for recess and what can be purchased for the school.
  • Council would like information on shade structures and if they would be possible to purchase for the school yard
  • Council would like Hema to obtain 3 quotes to have the tarmac painted for the spring/summer (painting completed prior to May)
  • Sarah indicated that the basketball nets can be replaced this year - council would like to fund and expedite this asap.
  • Council would like to sponsor a FREE treat day for all the kids/staff; Would like to leverage school cash online for kids preference; Proposed timing for the event is mid-June. Council will also provide treats for the teachers in the staff room
  • Parent Council will source and provide 2024/2025 Maple Creek stickers for students and staff again this year
  • Hema to investigate the Mr.Sub vendor that was used in previous years as another vendor for School Council lunches next year

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm