Martine welcomed everyone in attendance.

Minutes of September 28th & November 22nd, 2011 meetings were reviewed and APPROVED.

Presentation by Mrs Linda Luffman on Student Success

Linda Luffman briefly reviewed the programs currently being employed to support student success. She demonstrated various tools and assistive technologies that are available to student to better enable them to achieve their academic goals towards credit certification. She mentioned 3 programs that offer speech to text and translation - namely, Kurzweil, Premier and Dragon.  She clarified that Premier is available to everyone as a free web download. Further info on these are available at Mrs. Luffman's 'My Class' site on the school's web page.

Principal’s Report

Cathy Patterson reported great visits from Grade 8 feeder schools over the last few months. While its too early to know exact enrollment for September, she confirmed that French numbers remain solid and it is likely that enrollment would hover around current numbers.

She showed a brief video from the Christmas Concert which was well received.

Treasurer's Report   

Debi Lawrence reported the current balance $2,059.40 which includes all donations and QSP to date. The BonPatron license has been paid.

There was a brief discussion regarding the School Council Bursary and it was agreed that criteria would be established for the selection of winner(s).  Due to budgetary limitations, both of last year's winners were awarded approximately $150 each from the school's own budget. This year, the Council has funds available and will decide the value and whether it would award 1 or 2 prizes. The Principal agreed to provide the list of criteria which was previously used to select winner(s). Sue & Guylaine volunteered to put together selection criteria for review and approval at the next Council meeting. Following the meeting, the Guidance Department will provide a list of candidates and their relevant information and winner(s) will be selected by email vote amongst the Council members.

Gymnasium Mural

Jim Kardash committed to get back to the Council by the end of the week with the requirements and description for the mural in order that applications for funding can be submitted.

ARC (Accommodation Review Committee) Update

Council representatives were in attendance at the recent meeting and confirmed there was unanimous support for the proposed closures and realignment to Clarkson's feeder schools.

School board representatives indicated this change would not negatively affect Clarkson HS for the next three years.

New Website Feedback

The following suggestions were recommended for the school web site:

-  more Student Council activity and posting of the report they provide to the Parent Council three times per year

- upload the school newspaper - The Clarion

- posting of various student and team awards and achievements and retain the information historically

- posting more information regarding alumni success for example, a "Where Are They Now?" type of section

Martine also indicated additional help/support can be made available in order for this information to be uploaded to the website.

Staff Appreciation Treat Day

A small committee comprising Jayne Manktelow, Margaret Morse, Cyndi Asbil and Brian Hudson have agreed to coordinate this event and organize the day and donation of baked goods. Margaret Morse will take over the email communication from Maria Cammisuli. Maria has offered to co-ordinate coffee donation from Starbucks.

A date was not set but it was suggested that it take place the week following the school's 'cancer drive' which will be either late April or early May. Cathy Patterson and Jim Kardash are to look at the school calendar and provide a viable date for this event.

Other Business

Cathy Patterson agreed to get an update on Spotlight requirements from Mr. Drake as this item dates back a few years and technology and costs have changed.

Next Council Meeting:                      Wednesday, April 18, 2012    

Council Meetings begin at 7:00 pm and take place in the Principal’s Conference Room.