Dr. G.W. Williams School Council Meeting Minutes - Monday, November 18, 2024

In-person meeting 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Attendees: 

School Administration/staff: 

Melissa Schmidt, Andrew Gazaneo, Michael Bayam 

Parents: 

Johana Vigneswaran, Kathy Duncan, Lauren M., Sana N., Rifath M. 

Student Council: 

Jayden Lu 

External: 

Bob McRoberts

 ItemTopic Lead
1

Welcome and Introductions

  • Meeting colled to order by Johana at 7:05 p.m. with the Land Acknowledgement.
  • There was a connection to the Honourable Murray Sinclair given his recent passing.
Johana Vigneswaran / Melissa Schmidt
2

Agenda and Minutes

  • Approval of Agenda - K. Duncan; seconded by S.
  • Approval of Minutes - K. Duncan; seconded by S. 
Johana Vigneswaran
3

Student Report

  • Clubs recently approved:
    • Pass n' Play
      • Allows for children whoto do not have access to equipment to play sports
    • 3D Design Club
      • After the students come up with designs they are able to use the school's 3D printers
    • Photography Club
      • Allows students to learn photo skills with cameras and photoshop
    • Persian Student Association
      • Hope to establish a supportive network for Iranian newcomers
      • Students of all backgrounds are welcome to join to learn more
  • Sports
    • Varsity girls hockey team just started and beat Aurora High
    • Also have a ski / snowboard racing team for the first time in a long time
  • Events
    • Writing club hosted spooky writing contest
    • Arts Council hosted "Haunted Hallway"
    • Reading Club hosting book fair week of December 9 to raise funds for the library
  • Annual Winter Concert coming up (December 4 and 5)
    • Pay what you can at the door
  • Student Council will be hosting a Spirit Week
Jayden Lu
4

Staff Report

  • New logo designed by the students through a contest.
  • The goal is to have the logo put on the t-shirts
    • All of the tech elements they have in the school are in the logo
    • Some new things
    • Comm tech has started doing the yearbook for the school
      • Newscast shown each Friday in place of announcements
    • Construction - new teacher who is a licensed carpenter
      • He has moved it more into hands on trades based
    • We try to buy the tools the professionals use in the field
    • Bought a laser cutter last year
      • Hope to have the students make a 3D puzzle
    • Auto Shop
      • Building cars, engines, etc.
    • Awards
      • 3 students who won awards from last year
Michael Bayam
5

Admin Report

  • Report cards going home using new system
    • No requirement to use student's GAPPS account
    • Probably most important report
  • Semi Formal on November 21
  • Literacy Test November 19 and 20 mornings
  • Grad photos November 18 - 29
  • Full disclosure date November 27
    • Date by which all marks go the universities and colleges
  • Winter Concerts December 4 and 5
    • Content on both nights is different
  • Community Connection night December 3 (3-6 p.m.)
  • Tech Night January 16
Melissa Schmidt
6

School Council Forum Report

  • Info on transitioning into high school
  • Got a ton of info which is available and which they were not aware of previously
Lauren / Rifath
7

Chair's Report and New Business

  • Nothing new
  • Offered support as school council for planning and move to new building
Johana Vigneswaran
8

New School Updates and Planning

  • Theme for the yearbook will be "The Adventure Book" from the movie UP
    • Yearbook is now a course
  • History of the school
    • Head of History wanted to capture some recordings of alumni relating a short memory and use a QR code to allow people to scan it and then listen to the recording
  • The name of the new building will still be Dr. G. W. Williams
  • Will be asking for parent and student volunteers to set up for a community celebration
Bob McRoberts
9

Meeting Adjournment

  • Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Johana Vigneswaran

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library.

All Parents / Guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend.