DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
FOR
A meeting of the St. Thomas School Development Council was called to
order at the St. Thomas School Library/Media Center at
Norman Provost called the meeting to order and offered a prayer.
Agendas were distributed as well as copies of the minutes. The third full paragraph on page two of the minutes was amended to reflect the fact that Claire Webb has come forward and expressed an interest in next year’s Milk and Cookies Club. The Secretary’s Report, as amended, was then presented and it was moved and seconded to accept the Report, as prepared and amended.
Mr. Provost then noted that Brian Coffta was not present and that the Treasurer’s Report would be considered at the next meeting of the Council.
Mr. Provost then presented the Principal’s Report and advised the Council there is the perennial problem of people waiting on registrations for the coming academic year. It was noted, as of the date of the meeting, that 20 students are registered for the all-day kindergarten session, 6 are registered for the half-day kindergarten session, and 16 total are registered for the pre-kindergarten program (10 for the 3-day program, and 6 for the 5-day program).
Mr. Provost then advised the Council that Tom Ursia has been hired on a part-time basis as a Grant Writer for the School. It is anticipated Mr. Ursia will be introduced at the next Council meeting.
Mr. Provost then advised that science programs for the upcoming academic year are being considered, including a program under the auspices of Foss & Delta.
It was also reported that on May 9 there will be a visit from a member of the Accreditation Committee. This person, who will visit, has been assigned to the full site visit for the school, which has been scheduled for October.
The Council’s attention was then directed to the exit survey. There was extensive and spirited discussion concerning the parent/guardian survey student withdrawal. Some of the paragraphs were re-written and placed in different places in the two-page document. Based on these changes, the document will be redrafted. In addition, the grade six student exit survey and the grade six parent exit survey were also reviewed extensively, with changes and modifications recommended. These changes will be reflected in another draft of the documents.
Donna Jacques brought the Council up to date regarding the School’s web site. She advised she and Rich Worrell will be meeting on Friday, April 27, 2007. The format has been changed, and Donna advised the Council that her husband has provided some good suggestions and input. As an example of some of the changes to the web site, it was noted that the quarterly newsletter should be put into a PDF format to be on the School’s web site. It was also pointed out weekly notices from the Principal’s Office could be placed on the School’s web site. Donna stressed to the Council there needs to be a uniform format so that items can be added. Parent Joe Abbiatti has expressed interest in helping.
Christine Beaudoin reported on the upcoming edition of the quarterly newsletter. She advised the last section of the last page has been left blank to allow mailing of the newsletter in a tri-fold format. This would allow the newsletter to be mailed to alumni living out of town and out of state. Labels will be prepared for a bulk mailing. Michelle Gagnon (at the Post Office) will provide guidance and help for mailing.
Mr. Provost passed out copies of photographs from Catholic Schools Week, which appeared in Harvest magazine (a magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Portland). Ferry Beach Ecology School visited St. Thomas and put on several demonstrations. These are the photos, which were published in Harvest magazine.
Theresa Breault reported on the Milk and Cookies Club. The next meeting of the Club is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th. Other meetings have been set for May 10 and May 24.
The attention of the Council was then directed to a slate of officers for the coming academic year. Joanne Cusack has indicated she is willing to continue on as President of the Council. Edward Titcomb is willing to continue on as Secretary, and Brian Coffta will continue on as Treasurer. Members of the Council were urged to give thought to potential candidates for membership on the Council. It was noted that three valued members of the Council have terms expiring at the end of the current academic year.
The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at 6:30 P.M.
There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was voted to adjourn.
Respectfully Submitted,
Edward J. Titcomb, Secretary