School Council Meeting Minutes - April 2026

Windham Ridge School Council

Monday, April 13, 2026 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Welcome & Introductions ~ I. Petre, C. Lennox

• 6:36pm - Welcome by Irene
• Read email by Vanessa
• Circulated student thank you for crochet activities

Land Acknowledgment 

• Land Acknowledgement read by Justin

Approval of Agenda 

• Agenda addition: Rules for play
• Approval of Agenda motioned by Mel, seconded by Melissa

Approval of Minutes 

• Approval of Minutes for February 10, 2026 meeting motioned by Lucy, seconded by Diana 

Teachers’ Report – N. Saadati

• No teacher present – Admin will report

Administrator’s Report – S. Kofalvi

• Recent and ongoing activity:
  • Yearbook is progressing
  • Mental Health and Youthspace activities in April and May (e.g. Pause to Play)
  • Junior Boys and Girls basketball is underway
  • Badminton tryouts
  • Chess team is going to a tournament – it has been difficult to pick a team
  • Poetry Slam team (grade 8s) went to a competition – made it to next level of competition
  • Shadows of Racism program – the two sessions have happened and students are now working on their art – There will be a show the week of May 7 in Markham – site TBD
  • Grade 7s and 8s are preparing for a science fair
  • Grade 3s are going to Black Creek, and Swim to Survive
  • Grade 1s are going to Legoland
  • Forest of Reading is happening
  • Manie Musicale reveal happened
  • Eco club – making daily announcements during environment month. There will be an Earth Day celebration April 22^nd including Clean up green up
  • Kaleidoscope in the School brought performers into the schools. Percussion presentation happened last Friday + drumming workshops for grade 4s
  • Aladdin rehearsals are underway. Received the RBC grant. Seeking parent help sewing harem pants and turbans
• EQAO is coming up for grade 3 and 6 students
• Primary literacy assessments for grades 1 and 2 – most students are now meeting benchmarks

• Grade 8 parents have been invited to join a Grad Committee to organize graduation events

   

Treasurers’ Report – J. Montagnese, S. Yaghini

• Revenue: Projected ~$33K; actual ~$34K
• Spending: on track with the budget
• Informal vote: no objections to using $500 of the Angel Fund to support a specific family in need
• Informal vote: no objections to $650 donation for therapy dogs (+$150 from RBC volunteer contribution)
• Wish list for surplus (decision deferred due to lack of time):
  • $75 for Chess Club
  • Over $3000 for pinnies (already purchased)
  • $600 for the percussion performance
  • $192 for Reach for the Top

Committee Reports - Various

• Volunteer Committee
  • A new signup has gone out for upcoming volunteer needs
• Fundraising Committee
  • New idea: Frozen pizza sales from Casa Nostra
  • Hot lunches and popcorn are continuing
• Communications Committee
  • Teacher appreciation lunch poster – needs to go out
• Mental Health and Wellbeing & Parent Engagement
  • 4 confirmed dates for therapy dogs – April 29, May 6, June 3 and 17. Sessions will be scheduled by class
  • May 7 – Crochet Club Extravaganza
• Parent Engagement Committee
  • Discussed inviting Paul Davis to speak – only available Saturday morning. PRO grant could cover half his fee
• Student Programs Committee
  • Crochet club is very popular
  • Need volunteers to run a watercolour activity
  • Suggestion: Setareh is interested leading a jigsaw puzzle club
• Grants Committee
  • RBC grant was received for Aladdin. Applying for another grant to support the BBQ

New and Other Business - C. Lennox, I. Petre

• Rules for play – New tarmac-only recess guidelines have been determined with the staff. There will be separate Primary and Junior areas and defined ball play areas. The playscape will also be opened when the surface is considered soft enough. The Board will announce when fields can be reopened. Running is now allowed. Cartwheels are not allowed because feet are not allowed above heads. The new guidelines will be rolled out soon.
• Staff appreciation breakfast - drop off by 8am Friday April 17. Staff appreciation lunch: Friday June 19
• Team treats - PC grant may not be available next year so there might not be surplus from snack bins/room
• PEAC meeting on Wednesday – Rojeen will attend
• Look ahead
  • May 21 - Aladdin
  • May 26 - volunteer tea – 10-11:30
  • May 29 - Grade 1 orientation
  • June 2 - last council meeting
  • June 4 - Fun Day
  • June 11 - Summer celebration
  • June 19 - Staff Appreciation Lunch

Closing - I. Petre

1. 8:30 p.m. – motion to close the meeting made by Irene – seconded by Rojeen
2. Next council meeting – Monday, May 11, 2026