Terry Fox Public School School Council - Monday, October 6, 2025

Agenda:

1. Introductions
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. School Council Purpose and Norms
4. Elections
5. Administrators' Report
6. Treasurer's Report
7. Fundraising
8. Meeting Dates and New Members

Land Acknowledgement 

We affirm that we are all treaty people and acknowledge that the York Region District School Board is located on the lands of two treaties. These treaties are signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the First Nations of the Williams Treaties who are: the Mississaugas of Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Scugog Island; and the Chippewas of Beausoleil, Rama, and Georgina Island our closest neighbour and partner in education.

To honour this agreement we will take up our responsibility to be respectful of their traditions, knowledges and inherent rights as sovereign nations. We will respect their relationship with these lands and recognize that our connection to this land is through the continued relationship with these First Nations, and we acknowledge our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.

YRDSB School Councils' Purpose

The purpose and objectives of our School Council include but are not limited to:

• Fostering and encouraging effective parental, guardian and / or family involvement in the education of their children;
• Providing a means for regular communication and dialogue between all partners in education
• Participating in the School Improvement Process; and
• Providing input into decisions made by the school administration, the Board, and the Ministry

Building family and community partnerships in support of student achievement and well-being. 

Authentic Family Engagement

• Inform
  • School shares information about the school and system
    • School informs parents, caregivers, and families through newsletters
• Consult
  • School asks for feedback to support school decisions and actions
    • School asks for parent, caregiver, and family feedback on lunch options for student orders, Grade 8 graduation trips and date preferences for School Council meetings
• Involve
  • School asks for involvement and engagement in activities, events, and planning.
    • School involves parents through participation:
      • Pizza lunch distribution
      • Support for supervision on an excursion
      • Participating in a class lesson to do an activity (i.e. share a story with students and educators)
• Collaborate
  • School partners with families to co-plan and co-create plans, processes and initiatives.
    • School works together with parents, caregivers, and families to co-develop a series of family nights, co-plan a process for educators and students to discuss achievement and co-construct classroom practices. 

School Council Norms

• The meeting will begin and end on time (6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
• All members and guests will:
  • Be open-minded and objective
  • Recognize and respect the personal integrity of each member of the council
  • Allow for diverse opinions to be shared without interruption
  • Limit discussions to matters of school-wide concern
  • No discussion of personal matters or matters concerning specific teachers, students, or staff
  • Not participate in 'side discussions' during the meeting
  • Acknowledge and accept the consensus of the Council
• Items not on the agenda
  • will be scheduled and discussed at the next meeting; or if time permits, and a consensus is reached, can be discussed at the conclusion of Agenda Items

School Improvement Plan - Goals - 2025-2026

Student Achievement: We promote and support high expectations for all

If we provide high quality instruction, with foundational skills in math and literacy where we centre students as co-leaders, then we will see improved student achievement.

Health and Well-Bring: We build healthy environments and positive relationships

If we enhance student engagement and learning outcomes through environments that reflect students' interests and needs, then we will create a safe and healthy environment for all of the TFPS community. 

Human Rights and Inclusivity: We learn and grow together, and affirm our diverse identities.

If we build partnerships that serve students and families while creating opportunities for community engagement then we will affirm our diverse identities so that staff, students and our community feel valued and respected.

Elections

Co-Chairs: Meagan Held and Lianne Terry

Secretary: Amy Connor

Treasurer: Kelly Williamson

Teacher Representative: A. Holtzman

Administrators' Report

• New Staff:

  • E. Alekasiri - Vice Principal
  • S. Callaghan - Grade 5
  • S. Fernandes - LTO (prep)
  • E. Smout - LTO (Grade 6 and 7 - 50%)
  • G. Binning
  • S. Pountney
• 17 Homerooms, 2 Community Classes
• Current Population: 403
• Re-organization - approximately 50 students affected
  • Changes to 3 teacher assignments
  • Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten to Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1
  • Grade 1 and 2 to Grade 2 and 3
  • Grade 3 and 4 to Grade 4 and 5

Administrators' Report

School Through Line

From "Your Story Matters Here - You Matter" to "Our Stories Matter Here - We Matter"

Other Items:

• Caring and Safe Schools Presentations
• Safety Week
• Meet the Staff Event
• Scholastic Book Fair
• School Wide Art Project for both "Our Story Matters" and Orange Shirt Day
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Walk to School Wednesdays
• Black Student Alliance
  • Drop-in Sessions for Staff
• Power Teacher Pro
• Terry Fox Walk
• Cross Country (approximately 30)
• Flag Football - Co-Ed
• Soccer - Intermediate
• Volleyball - Intermediate
• Band
• Primary Choir
• Orff Ensemble
• Dungeons and Dragons Club
• Drawing Club
• Eco-Team
• Leadership Team
• GSA

Fundraising Plan 2025-2026

A fulsome plan will be shared at the November meeting:

• Art Therapy - Grades 5 to 7
• TFPS Trailblazer Tent

School Council Fall Forum 2025-2026

When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School

Who: Administrators and 2 Council Members: Kathryn Gravill, Meagan Held, Lianne Terry

The Area School Council Forums are an opportunity for School Councils to connect with one another and learn together.

Fundraising:

• Lunches
  • Pizza
  • Zuccas
  • Subs?
• Fundscrip?
• Flipgive?

2025-2026 Council

• Meeting Dates - First Monday of the Month
• Student Representatives
• Meeting Dates:
  • November 3
  • January 12
  • February 2
  • March 2
  • May 4