Runnymede PS Council Committee Meeting – Jan 23, 2017

FINAL MINUTES

Attended: Rob Hochberg, Susan Wawrow, Dale Cadeau, Greg Kerr, Sarah Frame, Erin Meana, Allison Madigan, Kathleen Hyatt, Shirley Suurdt, Ivana Barbieri, Tasha Balla-Boudreau, Tracy MacIntyre, Marissa Hollis Anne Markee, David Begleiter, Alexandra Caligiuri, Megan Corey, J’bai Deschamps, Michelle Douglass, Laura Edwards, Kelila Fazio, Leslie Fountain, Colette Harper, Emily Hollis, Lisa Iafolla, Anita Jim, Danielle Kaftarian, Richard Kearns, Kate Lupini, Pamela McGrath, Erica Meagher, Miriam Riches, Joa Roth, Lan Trinh, Anh Truong, Helen Williams A.1 Call to order (Dale) The meeting was called to order at 7:14 p.m. A.2 Attendance (Dale) A.3 Adoption of agenda (All) The agenda was adopted with the following additions:

• Letter to Premier Wynne/Min. Hunter regarding the boiler breakdown • Lost and found – who to donate to?

A.4 Review of previous minutes (All) The minutes of the Oct. 25th, 2016 meeting were approved on Jan 23, 2017. A.5 Hot Lunch Vendor Presentations Lunch Lady – Carole and Anthony

• 25th year in business • Serves YMCA and Harbourfront camps plus both school boards • They prefer an online ordering system • Promise to take back all of the garbage back to head office • Believe in green products (including cleaning products in the kitchen) • Kitchen is 15 mins away from Runnymede P.S (Royal York + Queensway) • You can order whatever you want; no minimum order • Cancel by 8am the day of with full credit; Or make a change of order that day • Lunch Lady supports Angelfund and Breakfast for Learning • The school gets fundraising (percentage of every meal goes back to the school) • They provide event lunches – Shrove Tuesday, Valentines day, Earth week, Canada’s 150 etc… • LL uses SCO (School Cash Online) which is piloted in 100 schools in TDSB. • LL strongly believes their service is important; from ordering to delivery • Have expertise dealing with kids and all types of allergies • No volunteers needed • Promise of 5 mins of delivery. Specifically, within 5 mins of the lunch bell, the child will get their lunch.

Rose Reisman

• Started her career in 1988 and has written 19 cookbooks • Launched corporate catering in 2004 • Focus is on healthy and nutritious meals • 2 years ago went to a nut free facility and focused on a kids meal program • All food is made in house (10,000 sq ft kitchen) i.e. make their own chicken fingers and dressings • Can operate at Runnymede 1 or 5 days a week • Students can cancel the day of • Works with Crestwood Camp – served 1,000 kids a day • Choice of regular or large sized meals • Preferred vendor for TDSB (22 schools)

• Rose’s team will arrive 30-40 mins in advance to set up at the school • Will take all waste back to recycle at their facility • Have experience will all allergies – fill out a form online and they will accommodate • Every season the menu is refreshed • Newsletter is sent out every 2 weeks for feedback

Joa Roth – Hot Lunch Program

• Vendor comparison provided in the Appendix (Item#1) • Parent interest sparked research into options • Will be a service to parents, not a big fundraiser like pizza lunch (25¢ per meal) • Will not replace pizza lunch VENDOR SEARCH • Kidssentials •Lunch Lady •Real Food for Real Kids •Rose Reisman (note – RAC lunch vendor cannot serve a full-scale school lunch) EVALUATION

• Runnymede has large population and limited space • Requirements and process were evaluated with school administration

Kidssentials – required more assembly space, only 5 meal options per day Real Food for Real Kids - served family-style, single option each day

SHORTLIST Lunch Lady & Rose Reisman TDSB APPROVED

• Meet food safety requirements and minimum nutritional requirements

FOR PARENTS • Wide selection of food choices • Provide ingredients list re: allergies/nutrition • Online ordering

o flexible, ad hoc ordering, up to 2 days before Lunch Day o cancel by 8am on Lunch Day if sick, account credited o all communication re: orders is between the parent and the vendor o allergies are kept on record

ON LUNCH DAY…

• No volunteers required! • All meals are packaged with labels – contents, name and classroom • Kindergarten meals will be delivered to classrooms • Primary, Junior and Senior students meals distributed in the lunchrooms. • After lunch, the vendor will collect all items and sort for re-use, recycling or garbage.

NEXT STEPS

• Review survey results • Select vendor and customize menu (e.g. no juice, no dessert?). Please note that waste disposal re-

strictions preclude us offering drinks and soup. • Launch hot lunch program on Tuesdays, beginning mid-Feb • Communication plan

• Dale acknowledged Joa’s professionalism and thoroughness in the entire hot lunch vendor search • Dale also acknowledged all of the parent volunteers

A.6 Report from Co-Chairs (Dale and Greg)

• At the November meeting, traffic safety improvements that Dale had been speaking with Councillor

Doucette’s officer were discussed. Councillor Doucette has put forth an ask for increased signage and reduced speeds around the school (speed reduction down to 30 km /hour)

• Dale is asking Doucette to come and observe the school @ 8:30am to see the pedestrian flow • Second crossing guard was approved for the intersection at Runnymede and Glenwood/Kennedy • Suggestions from Council for traffic safety improvements: flashing signs, speed tracking device, word

“SCHOOL” written on the road like at King George, bump outs on Kennedy Rd., add signage to outline the bus loading zones

• A question was posed about why there isn’t a traffic light at Colbeck St. Dale said that Runnymede is considered a minor arterial road so that’s not possible.

• We could ask for another traffic study in order to evaluate options (i.e. traffic light) A.7 Admin Report (Rob)

• Rob gave a big thanks to everyone that organized and supported Movie Night • Rob spoke to many students and they all said they had a great evening. It was an event that really

brought the community together. • What’s been happening since the holidays:

o PD sessions ! Phonological awareness ! Zones of regulation

• Band and string students are going to music symposiums • Many sports teams/activities are ongoing (Senior hockey team won, basketball, etc..) • Math initiative is being implemented in the classroom with the hope of a higher engagement from our

students o Tying in social engagement with the math initiative (i.e. if you leave the water tap on, how much

will you waste?) o Another class was reading the Can Man; and another was tying into a discussion on minimum

wage and could you afford to live in the city o Allows students to go to another level in terms of self inquiry

• Kindergarten classes are doing math talks (mental math strategies) so they can develop more than one strategy to develop math skills

o These are 10-15 min talks where there is a question on the board; goal is the develop problem solving skills

• Mr. Smith and Mr. Earl are back filling in for teachers on leave

Construction • Windows will be done in 2 weeks • Slab is still not completed in the Senior wing • Windows to start on other side in Spring/Summer

Admin has secured a company to do Lego activities with students at lunch

• $60 for grade 1 students for 6-8 week program

• A parent has developed a Runnymede colouring book. Focus on social justice.

Boiler Room (Erin) • Erin crafted a letter to send to Premier Wynne and Minister Hunter regarding the boiler room failure on

Jan 26th • Will be sent on behalf of Parent Council • Full text of the letter provided in Appendix (Item #2)

• Members asked how else they could help. Erin suggested that everyone visit the Fix Our Schools

website to get information and sign up for the newsletter: http://fixourschools.ca A.8 Motion – Centennial Mural (Sarah)

• Sarah is requesting up to a maximum of $900 of unallocated Parent Council funds, to pay for 1/3 of the

Centennial mural installation.

Background: • Several years ago, the Arts and Yard Committees came up with a concept for a mural for the outside of

the building, above the front entrance, in the blank spot where there once was a window now covered with a piece of plywood.

• An artist was commissioned to draw up a concept of the mural and provide a cost estimate to create the work.

• Outside of Parent Council, a group of Runnymede Dads (led by Scott Robinson) organized and held several social/fundraiser events with the goal to raise funds for this mural.

• They successfully raised approximately $4,000 and commissioned the artist to create the works. Our previous Principal, Amelia Dennis was aware of and in support of this amazing project.

• The mural was completed in the summer and delivered to the school. • With the construction happening at the school, there had been ongoing discussions with the contractors

about leveraging their manpower and equipment to help with the mural installation. As it came closer to the time where this would actually occur, the contractors decided that they would like engineered drawings of the installation plan (which Scott obtained and provided).

• They then decided that they would have to charge for the installation, which was concerning news to all of us. They prepared and provided a quote for installation costing $3,000.

• We have informed the contractors that we find this quote to be very, very high and concerning. • They have come back to Rob with a quote of $2,700 and we are working on further reduction. • There is no money set aside to pay for this installation, but we’d really like to get the mural up to help

beautify our school, and as a finishing touch to the Centennial year. • The best solution that Rob, Scott and Sarah can think of is for the 3 parties to divide the costs equally:

1/3 paid by the school; 1/3 paid by Scott’s group (he will have to further fundraise this money) and 1/3 paid by School Council.

• School will pay $900, Scott will hold another fundraiser to raise $900 and Parent Council will pay $900 • Money will not be pulled from the budget; it is an extra expense; hope to have some overages at the end

of the year

• Motion is put forth by Sarah; Seconded by Tasha; • All in favour. None opposed. Motion carried.

A.9 Committee updates

A 9.1 Yard - Sarah • Winter green program starts next week • Yard and STEM had a great meeting last week • Committee will work together to provide outdoor learning materials for Kindergarten students • If you’d like to join the committee, email YARD or STEM for more info • Yard day is slated for April – will need to speak to Rob for permit and construction update

A 9.2 Centennial – Sarah

• Phase 2 of the playground will start in Spring

A 9.3 Communications – Tasha • Transition of website was very successful • Website is now more user friendly • Newsletter went out this week with all the new info

A 9.4 Spirit – Allison

• Movie night was very successful and raised $2600 • Next big fundraiser is Pub Night (Friday March 3rd) @ the Crooked Cue • Tickets will go on sale next week

A 9.5 STEM – Tracy

• Angry Birds – integrate the math they have learned all year in a fun and engaging way

• Looking for volunteers for this half day event for Kindergarten students • Amazing Math Race – integrate math with challenges (grades 1-3)

A 9.6 Arts – Ivana

• Arts enrichment programs were rolled out in December • They were very well received and enjoyed by all the students • Art in Action (pastels, paints, watercolours) • Plan for the Spring is for something bold and colourful • Grade 1-3 program will role out soon

A.10 Teacher Report (A. Markee) • Big thank-you from the Kindergarten team – everyone loved the arts enrichment where they created Ted

Harrison art using pastels with 2 artists • Mme. Blanchard – 4 book clubs are ongoing • Scholastic English and French Book Fair March 3-9 • Kindergarten and Grade 1– food drive to coincide with 100th day of school (Feb 13th)

A.11 PRO Grant (Dale and Karen)

• Parent talk at night (7-8pm) and Student presentation (2-2:45pm) on the same day • Scheduled for April • Topics are aimed at older students • Presenter: Juma Innis from ‘The Message Bridge’ • TDSB Approved Vendor • www.themessagemovement.com

TOPICS:

1. Social Media: The How To’s of Teen Communication Tools

• Social Media are some of the most important communication tools of the 21st century. They are rich and complex environments where young people are having powerful experiences everyday. This talk seeks to help parents understand the communication dynamics of popular teen platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp along with some of the social and psycho-emotional rewards youth can experience from using them.

• Key Outcome - Attendees may understand the communication dynamics of each social media platform and the experiences a teenager can have with them

2. #Lit: A Guided Tour of 21st Century Youth Culture

• We live in a world of profound technological and cultural advancements that are changing the way hu-man beings develop and socialize. Youth culture is a different and rapidly changing phenomenon as a result, distinct from generations past. This talk seeks to equip parents to better understand and engage the world their teens experience through the exploration of popular forms of music, film, technology and social innovation.

• Key Outcome - Attendees may gain a foundational understanding of the social and cultural world teen-agers are experiencing and tips on how to help their youth navigate it safely

3. Translations: How to Communicate Beyond Generational Barriers

• The dichotomies between youth and adulthood can be difficult to navigate, especially between parents and their teenaged children. Well-meaning adults often grow frustrated as they strive to guide the teen-agers they care about safely into adulthood. This talk seeks to help parents overcome communication obstacles they may face with their teens, from getting them to make their beds, to helping them make their grades.

• Key Outcome - Attendees may gain tips and tools on how to transcend generational communication bar-riers between them and the teens under their care

A.12 Ward 7 updates (Kathleen)

• City of Toronto eliminated the childcare occupancy grant to schools in 2017 • On the Ward 7 website there is info on how to contact your councillor • You’ll also find a link to a mental health and wellbeing workshop • On Feb 2nd they’ll be a webcast

A.11 Other business

• Lost and Found • Looking for volunteers (down to 3 people; once a month for 30 mins) • In search of a small charity to donate to • Clothesline will pick up the donations • Could we donate to another local school in need? • Preference is to donate to a local charity • Tap into the parent reps to remind parents to label and pick up their kids stuff

A.13 Next meetings

• The next meeting will be held on Tues Mar 28, 2017

A.13 Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 pm.

APPENDIX Item #1 – Vendor Comparison --all Rose Reisman meals come with a side fruit/veg, so a side of fruit/veg has been added to Lunch Lady meals where necessary to create a fair comparison of price-- Lunch Lady Rose Reisman Chicken fingers with rice and corn $4.75 with mini roasted potato

and fruit/veg $5.25

Pasta and meatballs plus fruit/veg $6 with fruit/veg $5.25 (Protein) teriyaki with rice

chicken with veggies and orange

$6 salmon with fruit/veg $6.25

Plain pasta plus fruit/veg $5.75 with fruit/veg $4.75 Caesar salad with chicken and bun

plus fruit/veg $6.75 with choice of protein

and fruit/veg $7.25

Turkey sandwich in wrap with lettuce and light mayo plus fruit/veg

$6.25 on whole wheat bun with lettuce, mayo and fruit/veg

$5.25

Oatmeal cookie $1.25 with raisins $1 Yogurt tube/drink $1.25/$

2.25 vanilla Greek $1

# meals/combos 76 40 # sides/combos 39 38 Gluten-free 6 7 Halal 5 0 Menu changes 2X/year 4x/year Lunch Lady Pros:

• vast menu selection

• 5-minute meal-to-table guarantee Cons:

• more processed items Rose Reisman Pros:

• focus on fresh, unprocessed food, local and sustainable where possible • meal provided in reusable lunch bag • offers kid and adult portion sizes

Cons: fewer menu choices

Item #2 – Letter to Premier Wynne Runnymede Public School Parent Council 357 Runnymede Road Toronto, ON M6S 2Y7 To: Premier Wynne, Minister Hunter, Andrew Bevan, Gillan McEachren & Peter Milczyn Cc: Trustee Pilkey, Director Malloy, Chief Facility Officer Bacopoulos, Principal Hochberg

January 26, 2017

Dear Premier Wynne, Minister Hunter, Andrew Bevan, Gillian McEachren & Peter Milczyn,

As the School Council of Runnymede Jr. and Sr., we are extremely concerned about the physical condition of our school. Today, in January, all Runnymede parents received an email notification from our Principal telling us that the school boilers are not working, there is no heat, and our children have been told to wear their coats if they are feeling cold. We know that our Principal, our Trustee and TDSB Facilities are aware of these issues and work hard to address them. But that does not make heating system failures in our school acceptable. We also know that the provincial government provides limited resources for school maintenance and that is the real reason repairs go undone for far too long allowing failures like this to occur.

Our school has been undergoing structural repair work in several different locations since June 2016, however the failing mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems are not planned to be fixed or replaced even though they are on the renewal needs backlog list for our school. Our boilers were reported to have been replaced 2 years ago, however today’s heating system failure illustrates that simply adding new boilers to an antiquated heating system is not a long term solution.

The ongoing construction and continuous mechanical and plumbing issues also illustrate how inefficiently con-struction is done due to lack of proper funding; the School Board cannot plan proper renovations because they only have enough money to fix the most dire backlog items at any one school. This ends up costing all taxpay-ers more money in the long run and means our children may be learning in construction zones for most of their school careers.

Little headway is being made on the $3.7 million backlog of repairs and renewal needs at our school, and we feel that our children's Principal must spend an unacceptable amount of his day dealing with repair issues. As parents, we want our Principal to have the time to focus on being a curriculum leader and we look to your gov-ernment to address our repair backlog and provide the funding that would allow this to happen.

At Runnymede, we see no plans to replace items that are about to fail, or have failed. The physical condition of our school continues to deteriorate which negatively impacts our children’s education and personal well being.

As parents it is our responsibility to make sure our children attend school in a safe environment. As the sole fun-der of public education in Ontario, it is YOUR government's responsibility to adequately fund schools so that they are in a safe and working condition. We urge you to start prioritizing education and the safety and well-being of our children at Runnymede Public School and to require that our school be repaired before failures occur rather than after.

When can we expect our school’s Renewal Needs Backlog to be completed?

Yours Truly,

Runnymede Public School Parent Council