Sharon Public School Council - Tuesday, November 3rd, 2025 @ 6:00- 7:30
School Council Meeting Agenda & Minutes
Aligned with YRDSB School Council Objectives and School Improvement Plan (Literacy | Inclusivity | Mental Health & Well-Being) |
Our School Council Goal
As a School Council, we work together to advise, support, and connect our school community — strengthening learning, well-being, and inclusion through collaboration and meaningful partnerships between home, school, and community.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NORMS | ||
ATTENTIVE LISTENING - one person is speaking at a time - face the speaker - listen to the ideas of others - eye contact, nodding - acknowledge and appreciate each other's efforts - supportive language | MUTUAL RESPECT - begin and end on time - focus on the task at hand - people speak honestly and openly and their ideas are respected -comfortable environment -appreciating diversity | RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE/ RIGHT TO PASS -sharing ideas -no pressure to speak in community circle -everyone participating -freedom to add input -include all members -feeling safe to give ideas |
“We are not all in the same boat. We are in the same storm. Some of us are on super-yachts. Some of us have just the one oar.”
— Damian Barr
This quote reminds us that while we share the same challenges and goals as a school community, each family’s circumstances and experiences are different. As a Council, we aim to make decisions that recognize and support that diversity. Ensuring all students and families feel seen, supported, and included at Sharon PS.
Items: | Meeting Notes | Follow Up/Action Items | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive | Chair - Crystal Armstrong Vice Chair - Shuchita Singh Secretary - Ines Rizzi Treasurer - Jen Chaggares | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Staff in Attendance | Principal - Sarah Anderson Vice-Principal - Bryana Lloyd Teacher - Darlene Nagy | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Attendees |
Lindsay W, Aseel A, Adrienne R, Nitin V, Shuchita S, Elton L, Katie T, Christie H, Kelli P, Zoe G, Jenn C, Ines R.
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Land Acknowledgement | Each School Council Meeting we begin by acknowledging the land on which we learn and grow together: We would like to acknowledge that Sharon Public School is located on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Chippewas of Georgina Island, and other Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples. This land is part of the Williams Treaties territory, and it continues to be home to many diverse Indigenous peoples today. We are grateful to learn and grow together on this land, and we recognize our responsibility to care for it and to respect the stories, traditions, and cultures of the First Peoples. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
We share this acknowledgment to remind our children and community that we all have a shared responsibility to learn about and care for the land. It helps us recognize that the land we live, learn, and play on has a long history. One that began long before our school or community existed. How Families Can Join in Acknowledging the Land Here are a few ways families can connect this learning at home and in our community:
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Approval of Last meeting minutes | Principal and School Council | APPROVAL
| School agreed that a PDF copy would be attached to the Weekly following the Meeting | |||||||||||||||||||||
Principal’s Report
| Sarah Anderson | School highlights:
Cross Country
Sibbald's Point trip
Clubs running
Math Club
Robotics
Book Fair
Parent Interview Night
Chad Solomon
Halloween Dance
STEAM Night
Choir Gr. 4-8 | Question: Will school to follow up and put dates and times of these clubs in the weekly so families can encourage their children to attend.
SPS will not be posting dates and times, as they fluctuate
YRDSB Operating Budget: $4,014.22 -already addressed at September Meeting. This was money allotted to Modern Learning purchases requested by Mr. Szeto and approved by School Council in 24/25 school year
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Other Items: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasurer Report | School Council - Jen Chaggares | Fresh From the Farm - $480 Volunteers needed to bag vegetables and fruits
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School Council Objective 1: Advisory Role
| School Council |
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Finalize surveys
Collect 'Top Asks'
Share updates on XMovement. School to connect with X Movement to determine costs, program and availability - in progress
School to provide results to Council from Spring online survey - completed on Nov. 7th | |||||||||||||||||||||
School Council Objective 2: Promoting Parental Involvement
Encouraging meaningful parent participation in school life and student learning. (YRDSB Policy #238.0)
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School to follow up with survey Finalize Family Feedback Survey
Review Family Fridays
School will request Wednesdays for next year, but may be assigned Thursdays.
School to follow-up on permits for the Library to accommodate Family Nights in 25/26 year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
School Council Objective 3: Supporting School Improvement
Working together to support our School Improvement Plan (SIP): Literacy, Inclusivity, and Well-Being. (YRDSB Policy #262.0)
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Review SIP Set Council priorities Align fundraising with SIP goals.
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School Council Objective 4: Building Partnerships
Connecting families, schools, and community resources to support student success. (YRDSB Policy #238.0)
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Staff Wishlist Request | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
School Council Fundraising Initiatives | June 3, 2025 - Fun Fair Fresh From the Farm Pizza Lunches
Request for funds from families? - Donate money to school | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Closing & Next Steps | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Next Meeting Agenda | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024-2025 School Council Meeting Dates | Sept. 29 Nov. 3 Jan. 19 Feb - ? Mar. 30 April - ? May 4 June - TBD
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Thank you to all Sharon PS families for your input and involvement. Your voices help us make decisions that support every student’s growth, well-being, and sense of belonging.
Appendix:
- Role of School Council
School Council Handbook
The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) outlines the objectives of School Councils as follows:
- Advisory Role: School Councils serve as advisory bodies to the school principal and the Board, providing input on school-related matters to enhance student learning, achievement, and well-being.
YRDSB - Promoting Parental Involvement: They encourage meaningful involvement of parents and all members of the school community in support of student learning by focusing on areas such as parenting skills, communication, and collaboration.
YRDSB - Supporting School Improvement: School Councils participate in the development and implementation of the School Improvement Plan, ensuring that initiatives align with the school's goals to enhance student achievement and well-being.
YRDSB - Building Partnerships: They play a vital role in building school, family, and community partnerships through various strategies, including ongoing dialogue with the principal, volunteering, promoting parent education, and coordinating community resources.
YRDSB
These objectives aim to foster a collaborative environment where parents, educators, and community members work together to support and enhance the educational experience of students within the YRDSB.
- Board Fundraising Guidelines:
The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) emphasizes that school fundraising activities should align with each school's improvement plan. According to YRDSB's Policy #676.0 on School Fundraising and Administration of School Generated Funds, principals are responsible for developing and communicating annual fundraising plans that:
- Align with the school's improvement plan and include input from school and student councils, as well as other fundraising groups, in selecting fundraising activities.
- Have a designated purpose, ensuring that proceeds are used for their intended purpose.
This policy underscores the importance of coordinating fundraising efforts with the school's goals to enhance student achievement and well-being.
Additionally, the School Council Handbook highlights that school councils play a vital role in building partnerships by:
- Participating in the development and implementation of the school improvement plan.
- Supporting and promoting parent, family, and community engagement in support of student learning.
- Collaborating with the principal to coordinate community resources that support student learning needs.
YRDSB
These guidelines ensure that fundraising initiatives are purposeful and directly contribute to the educational objectives outlined in the school's improvement plan.
- PRO GRANT - Parents Reaching Out grant (needs to be applied for with a plan)
Practical Strategies for Reducing Stigma and Engaging in Allyship
Working collaboratively with community partners and agencies to develop a series of workshops to understand the importance of Allyship and Solidarity when addressing issues of racism, bullying, mental health concerns
Online Safety at Home
Educating and Empowering Parents re social media safety re social networking and online safety
Mental Health Parent Engagement Evening
The School Council used the funds to sponsor a parent information session on student mental health and well-being. Developing strategies for parents and families on how to develop and support resilience and emotional well-being in their children.
Partnering to Support Mental Health & Well Being Through Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Practices
Working collaboratively with parents-families to notice and name stress and trauma due to racism and oppression (healing informed, culturally responsive)
Teaching-Learning Destraming in our schools
This 3-part learning series included educators, community partners, and subject matter experts from the school community discussing ways to increase financial literacy skills at home and at school