JO PAC Meeting Minutes – April 17, 2024
JO PAC Meeting Minutes
Date: April 17, 2024
Meeting called to order at 7:10pm – Fatimah
Welcome and Introductions
Treasurer’s report:
Gaming – $2339.67
Legacy – $332.14
Consultative – $3871.72
PAC account – $970
Teachers Report – Mr. Silver
• Students participated in a skills competition in Abbotsford, some students won bronze
and gold medals.
• A morale survey was sent out to all Vancouver Secondary School teachers, including
local unions. The survey asks how everyone is doing/feeling, the data will be compiled
and then a sit-down with senior management will be organized. The goal is to discuss
the good/bad and the ugly, and the goal is to make student’s learning experience better.
• Timetables are being created, we are waiting to see what the school board will provide
for us and what will come down the road.
Principal update: Mr. Schieman
• May 1 when we find out what our staffing will be for next year. Estimated enrollment is
950 – 960 not including the welcome centre numbers.
• We have two international students which will provide 7 new staff for the school
• Art Fundraiser raised about $42,000 ($14,000 goes to JO).
• Student volunteers were amazing, it was such a positive experience for everyone.
• JO received $27,000 for new technology; school applied received vouchers for
Microsoft products. There is a full set of monitors in the main computer labs with
updated computers including 8 laptops and projectors.
• Parent/Teacher conferences: most teachers liked the in-person more than online;
Admin will suggest having in-person conferences for next year.
• Literacy 10 assessments are on now, there is an opportunity for grade 10 and 11
students to complete it if they haven’t.
• On May 2 there is an Earthquake drill.
• The school fee structure is available on the school website under fees, nothing has
changed for next year.
• Mr. Philips: tentative school trip for May 2025 to France and Belgium for grade 11 and
12 students to learn about language and culture. Students will miss 4 days of classes;
the estimated cost is $6,000 which includes everything but insurance. Mr. Philips and
Ms. Basi are the teachers organizing this trip, looking for parents to help with the
fundraising. Please contact Mr. Philip directly if you are interested.
• Spring fling dance is on
• Donations for the bleachers: Mr. Schieman will look into setting up on the school
website a place where people can donate online.
• Year-end BBQ event idea: food trucks, stage for performances. Not confirmed will talk
to the teachers. The tentative date is June 1, Marlene from the Community Schools
Team is planning the event. If any parents are interested, please contact her directly.
Mr. Kumar has requested $650 for drumline uniforms; PAC has approved funds.
Fundraising Update – Linh
• The monthly 50/50 raffle raised $1300 so far. March jackpot was at $670 and for April
we are only at $120. Parents, please continue to buy tickets, and tell your family,
friends, and neighbours. The jackpot grows when people buy more tickets, all proceeds
support our school.
DPAC Update – Samantha
• On May 3rd
, we will send a rep to sign a proxy to allow the DPAC representatives to vote
on our behalf for BCCPAC members.
• Pamphlet: Know your rights. If any parents have questions about the pamphlet contact
Vancouver DPAC executive Karen Zhang email is karen.tsang@vancouverdpac.org.
o The pamphlet is to educate students and parents about their rights when
interacting with police officers in the school. This pamphlet is available through
PAC.
o In 2020, the Board of Trustees voted to remove the school liaisons, but it was
recently brought back into schools. There are still a lot of concerns from parents
and students. The goal is to educate students and parents on their rights and
prevent negative situations.
