School Advisory Council Back to Programs and Activities page

2005-2006 Member List NAME GROUP WORK PHONE Sandy Hess Principal sandhess@fc.gedsb.net (905)768-3318 Shayne Mann Vice Principal shaymann@fc.gedsb.net (905)768-3318 Winston Sardine Community wssardine@fc.kwic.com Anthony Whitman Teaching Staff awhitman@fc.gedsb.net (905)768-3318 Lynn Flonder Support Staff lynnflonder@hotmail.com (905)768-3318 Sharon Hughes Parent Sharon.hughes@stelco.ca (519)587-4541 ext.5413 Julie Rowntree Parent Cathy Zdunich Parent

2002-2003 ANNUAL REPORT

Objective

The objective of the HSS Advisory Council is to assist in identifying problems and concerns within the school environment and advise in the developing of strategies and solutions in order to enhance the development and educational experiences for all at Hagersville Secondary. The Council acts on behalf of the entire community in an advisory role to the principal, and goals, priorities and procedures are carried out in a professional manner to the benefit of all students at HSS. We encourage parents, students, staff and the community to work together to share information, increase community and parental involvement in the school, enhance student learning and communicate regularly with each of the constituent groups to seek their views and report on activities of the Council. We recognize the diversity of the school population and community and encourage and support active participation by all. Council has established and maintains contact with other School Councils, and with Board Committees and the Ministry as they apply to the Council.

Future Focus

School Council members will focus future efforts on promoting HSS as part of "Health, Wellness & Responsibility". Use of the HSS Webb Page, increased parental and community involvement, and encouragement of our Native parents will be considered as members determine what specific direction they will take.

Summary

HSS School Plan

School Council members focused their efforts on promoting HSS as part of "Making Curricular Connections". Increased parental and community involvement including a new promotional flyer, promotional news in the local press, input on the HSS Webb Page, building bridges with feeder school councils, and the support and encouragement of involvement by our Native parents were undertaken.

In keeping with our intent to support the initiatives underway to enhance the role and involvement of parents in our education process, an open invitation was extended to all parents to come to HSS and to experience first hand classroom activities.

Council organized an information booth for the Grade 8 Orientation Night.

Membership Initiative

The personal approach has been used to appeal to individuals who have an interest in HSS to sit on the committee by way of flyers distributed at open-house events throughout the year.

Media Initiative

The Haldimand Press agreed to assist S.A.C. keep the issue of parental involvement before the community, with the goal of stimulating interest as to the vital role that parents play in the lives of the young people in our school system. Parents need to know that their presence and support helps students to learn. An increased comfort level in school for parents is also a priority.

Council was also successful on their approach to the Haldimand Press who support and publish a weekly column written by school students in order to promote Hagersville Secondary School.

Electronic School Sign

Members continue their efforts to work to obtain a new programmable school sign, a useful tool in communicating both school and community news. A fall community service project was approved in which students were contracted to the community for a one-day blitz to complete odd jobs, with all service fees being donated to the Sign Fund. Members agreed that all future projects of this nature would require extensive promotional efforts in order to gain maximum participation and ensure success. While first time efforts were only somewhat successful monetarily, growing "good citizens" to become positive members of the community is also seen to be a valuable educational experience for our students. This undertaking had very positive public relations for our school.

A Spring Dance was held in partnership with the Hagersville Lions to raise additional funds. While parental participation was somewhat disappointing, a Silent Auction was held at the dance which was very successful, helping to bring total funds raised to somewhere over the half way mark. School Council members are appreciative to local business merchants, the Hagersville Lions and the parents and staff members who participated and supported our efforts.

Former Student Achievement Wall of Fame

S.A.C. members continue their efforts to support volunteers in the research of former HSS student alumni in order to celebrate their achievements by creating a "Student Wall of Fame".

EQAO Testing - Issues/Concerns

Council addressed issues and concerns regarding the EQAO testing. While members were in basic agreement with Province-wide testing, and recognize the need for standardized testing in today's education, they hoped ultimately to address its timing and inflexibility. Chair, Winston Sardine addressed the District Assembly of School Councils and obtained additional support from other School Councils. Concerns with the time involved and the related impact on staff and students, the timing constrictions of the testing with no provision for in-school remediation opportunities, and the inflexibility of the test in that students are provided with only one attempt per year to write the test with no exceptions were then forwarded to EQAO.

Review

The following were reviewed or completed in conjunction with Ministry and Board guidelines/legislation.

Hagersville Secondary School Council Constitution

School Code of Conduct

Qualities Requested in a Principal for Hagersville Secondary School

School Profile

Facilities Survey

Clarification

The following issues were clarified with respect to results, assessment and recognition.

Motivation of "At Risk" Students

Exclusive Suppliers: Food Services Vending Machines in Schools

Call For Input Tabled

The following Grand Erie District School Board policies were reviewed:

Exclusive Suppliers: Food Services Vending Machines in Schools

Dealing with Behavioural Students

Threats, Intimidation & Assault of Employees by Visitors

Special Education: Guiding Principals

Threats, Intimidation & Assault Against An Employee by Students

Learning Resource Selection

 

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