Parents' Association Meeting Minutes

5 March, 2007

17.30

School Lobby

Present: Sondra Williamson, Barbara Carlsen, Joey Horn, Emma-Kate Corby, Yildiz Arøz, Susan Sagert, Julie Zell.

Apologies for Absence: Laura Byrne, Carolanne Reissiger.

Approval of Previous Minutes: Approved.

Chair's Report : Reminder that ideas must benefit the entire student body to gain support of the PA.

Treasure's Report: Bank balance as of 5 March, 2007 was 273,441 Kr. Of this amount, 24,500 Kr has been earmarked for basketball backboards and hoops. Hotdogs and snack sales have been averaging 10.000 per week. Quiz night deposit was 3244 Kr. 2530 Kr was paid to Season Plato for toothbrushes.

Old Business :
Baker Book Club: 26 February - 2 March. Excellent response. Although organized by the PA, the money is handled by the school. There is no profit shown for the book club. The classes receive 20% worth of free books of their total order.
World Book Day: 1 March. PA produced book marks for the entire student body, staff and parents which were distributed by the library. The PA also worked with the library on the various activities planned for the day as well as providing refreshments for the After School Book Reading. Seventy students in Year 7 – 10 participated in the lunch time ‘Read In’. The PA will sponsor a pizza party for the participants. A pizza party will also be held for Ms. Hannah Disney’s Year 2 class. They had the highest percentage of students to come dresses as their favorite book character. The After School Book Reading was a great success with 100 plus parents and students attending.

Reports:
Class Reps: No Report.
Newsletter: Next issue to be published and distributed in late April.
School Wear: Orders were distributed. Due to the overwhelming success, another sweatshirt order will be offered 26-30 March. Sale of t-shirts will be held in May.
Student Council: Susan continues to attend the meetings for the Lower Secondary School. Students are currently working on upcoming dance. Will discuss with them the possibility of a book sale in conjunction with the library.
Teacher Appreciation: : A gift was placed in teacher and staff boxes during the month. This initiative is organized by Mindy McDonald. In addition, IFE tickets were distributed to all teachers who work with our children on a regular basis.
Web Site: The International Norwegian Network’s handout was added as were other various downloadable files. IFE pages have been added. Any information that you would like to be considered added should be sent to Sondra.

Events:
International Food Event (IFE): 24 March.
Nineteen tables confirmed. Planning meetings are going well. Sound system to be installed in lobby area. Tickets on sale two weeks prior. Raffle tickets to go out Thursday the week prior to IFE.

Family Events :
Bingo Night: 9 March. Pizza is pre-order only. Volunteers to come at 18.00. Carole Vernon is hosting the event.
Movie Night: To be scheduled in May.

Initiatives :
Baker Book Club: 26 February - 2 March. Excellent response. Although organized by the PA, the money is handled by the school. There is no profit shown for the book club. The classes receive 20% worth of free books of their total order.
Book Discussion:  Parent and Author Ruth Sundt will be present to discuss her recent publication, a work of fiction set in Norway during the Occupation. Susan Sagert/Julie Zell will coordinate.
Primary Winter Sports Day: Cancelled by school due to inclement weather.
Red Cross Course: Dates given conflict with Easter vacation, so Sondra will go back to the Red Cross for new dates.
School Band : PA has approved funds for Mr. Porter to start the band. Mr. Porter will be moving, however, and must find someone to fill his position prior to his departure. Sondra will contact Mr. Porter because there is a concern that the band will not be up and running before he leaves.
Student Driving Course: After speaking to Mr. Luitjens, it has been discussed that there may not be a need for this course. Susan will make up a note to go in the IB newsletter to see if there is any interest.
World Book Day: 1 March – PA produced book marks for the entire student body which were distributed by the library. The PA also worked with the library on the various activities planned for the day as well as providing refreshments for the After School Book Reading. Seventy students in Year 7 – 10 participated in the lunch time ‘Read In’. The PA will sponsor a pizza party for the participants. A pizza party will also be held for Ms. Hannah Disney’s Year 2 class. They had the highest percentage of students to come dresses as their favorite book character. The After School Book Reading was a great success with 100 plus parents and students attending.
Yearbook Sponsorship: IB1 students have not come back with a sponsorship proposal.

Adjourn: Motion to adjourn. Meeting moved up due to two week holiday. Next meeting – 28 March at 18.30.