December 1, 2025

Date

Time Started

Time Adjourned 

Attendees 

BHES Staff 

Heather Schreider (Principal)

Ms. Georgia Petinarelis (Vice-Principal)

Ms. Leder (Teacher)

Ms. Lisogurski (Teacher)

Ms. Wilson (Teacher)

Ms. Myers (Teacher)

BHES 2024 - 2025 School Council

Pegita Ghasemi (Co-Chair)

Devika Mathur (Co-Chair) 

Anita Li (Treasurer)

Daphne Chen (Secretary)

Karen Li

Atty Mashatan

Rick Lew

Mona Moineddin

Guests

Maggie Lee

Tasmeen Kinchwala

Regrets

Ms. Sawchuk

Parisa Bahrampour

Anabela Costa

Raymond Chong

Shelly Bhinder

Zehra Haider

Scarlett Choi

1. Welcome and 

Minutes Approval 

Pegita/Devika

• Pegita welcomed everyone. We do have on the agenda voting of the agenda but not enough members.

3. Treasurer Report

• Anita said there isn’t so much to update.
• Funding available for the whole year is almost 102K after the cookie fundraiser.
• The amount we raise was down from last year – 120$
• We do seem to have more families involved vs. a few large orders last year.
• Seems to be more involvement from more families.

3. Admin Report

-School update 

 Heather/Georgia

• Georgia spoke about Pro Grant 101.
• Comments from the survey and what parents wanted to share.
• Results are changing as we get more responses. Helped a lot with the paper that was sent home.
• It will be sent one more time through information this week.
• The survey was a collaborative between Georgia and council members.
• Sent out as an email 1^st – 50 responses.
• Over the next few days QR code was sent out – 116 responses now.
• A lot of grade 8 responses.
• A lot of things focused on – Engagement events, Seasonal Funding, Inclusivity Initiatives, Spirit Days, Virtual workshops, Seasonal Fundraising, Safety / Recess, Morning Entry Concern
• Then we looked at specific fundraising initiatives: Ho Lunch, Spirit Wear, Cookie Dough Sales are the top 3. With direct donations being #4.
• We had a meeting with our playground team.
• She followed up on the donation allowed question.
• If it's donated to BHES directly on School Cash – Directly to our school.
• We cannot do a Go Fund Me. The school cash donation button is essentially the Go Fund Me.
• The majority (82%) are moderately to highly willing to participate in funding.
• Lower willingness (23%) for the time.
• Then we went through some past school events.
• 94% are in favor of the year end carnival
• Multicultural Night 79%
• Movie and skate nightmare also high percentage
• What other ideas do you have for BHES events this year (Heather showed a slide with  large list of ideas)
• What other idea do you have for initiatives that fund school improvement (another slide with a large list)
• What challenges or barriers prevent you from attending school events – work schedule was the #1
• Mental Health Support has an approx. count of 120as well as social skills and friendship building workshops.
• Heather said that they can see that a lot of kids are struggling with social skills.
• In November, we started our newcomer meetings and we helped them with tech and navigating.
• We are having a casual tea and chat this Thursday, going a little deeper into Google Classroom.
• We are really tightening the partnership between the families that need help.
• When these events are held, there are community partners that help with translation.
• Also community members (ie: Library) came and gave out cards.
• Would you be more interested in joining Sub- Committees? Predominantly no (84%) but we will continue to take their ideas and run with them.
• How would you like us to communicate with you?
• Atty said that in this example, most people are indicating that email is the best.
• Overall patterns: Atty said parents are keen on education. Especially evenings and weekends.  Student well-being is a huge priority.
• Academics and Physical Wellbeing was brought up a little. She feels that parents are looking at the school for a helping hand.
• Georgia said there is no one size fits all for mental health. We are working with our partners to help tap into what the community needs.
• Kids oftentimes feel they want to do better and have a higher level of engagement.
• Thank you Atty for putting the presentation together.
• Georgia said there is no pressure tonight to decide what we want to do.
• The survey was very helpful in helping us understand what the parents need from us.

• Parents reaching out Grant (PRO Grant) are ideally for families but in some schools where parents and children engage together.
• An Application will need to be completed – 800$ grant.
• We can partner with their schools.
• Heather said these are not entertainment based.
• Georgia said we have to have a goal for each pillar – Student Achievement, Health and Well-Being, Human Right and Inclusive education.
• Georgia went briefly through the timelines for the PRO Grant – the activity has to be done by June 19^th.
• Heather said that the way she looks at these is that they are educational preparedness. The whole idea is to help parents / families.
• Devika said that in previous years we did an online lecture, the turnout was not great.
• Atty asked if we can do child minding to encourage participation.
• Devika said we did offer but are we really sure this is what parents are asking for.
• Georgia said that she has been to other schools where the lecture takes place but there are also other workshops going on (Yoga, Dietician, etc.)
• Devika asked if the demographic was the same.
• Standalone doesn’t seem to be doing well.
• We have Triple P and they are phenomenal.
• Devika said that when we think of mental health we think of seminars. Maybe we should focus on a fun event included so the kids can also come and families can be together.
• Georgia went through a PRO Grant idea: The empowerment Project does a day event for children and the parents come at night. They have educator and parent workshops.
• Ms. Leder said we had X Movement that kids did throughout the day, and when families came in for curriculum night the families could go out to the tarmac and take part with their child.
• X Movement promotes well-being and participation.
• Ms. Leder said the one good thing is that if kids like it, they will encourage their parents to come.
• Duane Gibson is a rapper that makes up songs on the spot.
• Anita suggested we have him at Carnival?
• STEM: speaker on wellness and academics. You can go in, no formal discussion, stations set up. We have robotics so something we can maybe do.
• The Artsy Therapist: She did a workshop for kids and families. Kids did art and it was centered on wellness. She does school events. She uses art as her vehicle.
• She had stations set up everywhere, simple things.
• Georgia asked if we can spread the word and she will work on it during the break.
• Devika asked if we can get the cost of the events. Yes!

Devika/Pegita

• Pegita spoke about Staff appreciation Breakfast.
• Pass the word around to parents.
• It is posted on the WhatsApp group.
• Movie Night is the next thing. Daphne has taken the lead on this.
• We asked if we could do Jan 29^th, PA Day the next day.
• There is a JR. tournament that day.
• Last movie night there was also a tournament, but we set up after lunch duty.
• Request to increase funding for MC and Carnival
• MC was 2250$, increase to 3500$
• Carnival was 6000$, increase to 8000$
• Unanimous vote to increase both.
• Devika asked before we vote on the asks, do we want to talk about Playground.
• Georgia said they got some layouts – $164K at this time.
• Only one vendor. But she can talk to others, we’ve had 3 contractors come to our school.
• We looked at direct donation – always on School Cash.
• We are looking at a thermometer to see progress, have some friendly competition, etc.
• We are also looking at a spring bazaar – Bake Sale, Candy Hunt.
• Georgia will connect with the artist in our school to get started on a display.
• Devika asked if there is a timeline as to when the playground has to be replaced.
• Heather said it is past its life but we can continue to use it.
• Georgia said there is a holding pattern. Because of the new AODA, we have to redo the playground policies. Until those are redone, all playground construction is on hold.
• When they do come up with a new procedure, we need 80% as down payment.
• For long term projects, we are allowed to carry over funds.
• Until the board updates the policy, we are in a holding pattern.
• There is no imminent timeline.
• Karen said right now we need to start the awareness. If we do not have funds, we can’t start even with an application.
• She suggested that we look at raising 200K and earmark money each year.
• Rick asked if there was any other idea instead of a playground. If the life span is 20 years, we will have to be starting over again when it needs to be replaced.
• Karen contacted Loveable Labels, no manpower required from us. Could be an ongoing initiative that will carry over. 20% commission and when we reach 500$, they will send it to the school.
• Ms. Leder suggested it be a late year initiative so parents can order and get ready for a new year.
• She suggested maybe we have a silent auction.
• Carnival is a great way to fundraise.
• Devika said we need to make approx. 40K a year.
• Ms. Leder suggested maybe some of the food vendors would donate.
• Mona said maybe we spread the word to Bayview Hill, we send flyers out to the community.
• Karen suggested we have kids go door to door, to sell chocolate.
• Heather said that honestly cash donations are probably the way we will need to approach this.

• Karen said we need to make kids aware and have them get excited and involved.

   

• Kernels Markham said they would sell for 1.45 and she suggested we sell for 4.00 or have a family combo and sell.
• Drinks we cannot, we make reusable water  bottles. We want to stay with cost effective and less plastic.
• We can do a giveback, but sell food so families do not have to worry about it.
• Karen suggested a Christmas market – rent tables, kids on as entrepreneurs and sell their stuff. We can set up a craft corner, photos with Santa.
• Rick said we will need someone to take the lead or it never will happen.
• Georgia said at their monthly meeting, they talk about these things, we have a subcommittee.
• Maggie asked if we can just go ahead with the initiative.
• Georgia said we will need to let families know prior.
• She will send a follow up to the Playground Committee meeting and we can create a poster for direct donation.
• Ms. Wilson said we are not charging for the show. Maggie asked if we can charge a minimal admission and keep the front row and raffle off.
• We can move ahead with any fundraising but we have to be transparent about why we are raising and provide updates.

• Devika went through the items that were shared with the council for funding requests.

• Maker Space Items and the Recess items (asking for donations from the community).

• Devika spoke with The Curtain Club sound tech and he is super interested in helping out. She will connect Ms. Wilson to him. If the need arises we can revisit the funding request for this but let’s hold off on this right now.

• Right now we are saying 0$ for music. License should not be an issue but right now we are putting it in the parking lot.

• The Grad Year Book is on pause.

• Chef a L’ecole 

• Bon Homme Carnival

• Touch Screen Mobile for Spec Ed

• JR resources: Print and Digital Tools / MLL Piece – IXL

• Intermediates: Microscopes

• FDK resources : Rhythm sticks, light table, sensory bins

• Team Building Materials: Youth Space – Mental Health (button maker machine and Cricut machine)

• Instruments for Music and Repairs

• Performance Experience for Primary (Author, Play, etc) – Ms. Lisagurski suggested we charge for this and take out the 3000$ request.

• Busses for Track and Field

• Tech for School Wide

• Forest of Reading Junior Material is not on the list as per Heather.

• Materials for the Library

• Anita asked to put a vote in for $45,960.55 for all the items listed above – YES!!

• Listed in Red is on hold for now.

• We will purchase the license for music.

• Heather said what we don’t need, we don’t spend.

• Lisa will go through final numbers and heather has asked for this to be a priority.

   

• Mona spoke about the Special Programs: 

• Monday – Stem and robotics confirmed. 

• Tues or Weds – Chess – Parents are volunteering to run this. We need to know how many kids we can host and a staff member will need to be present.

• Mona said because it’s a parent there is no charge but suggested we charge something nominal to hold kids accountable.

• Chess is suggested to be on hold.

• Art for Wednesday’s afterschool. Heather said we can facilitate the person running the art club and dismiss them directly.

• Act One on Thursdays.

• Ms. Wilson mentioned her musical that is running for 4-8; she suggested we do Act One for 1-3.

• Maggie said the Act One program is very expensive and there wasn’t a great turnout. She suggested a different vendor instead of theatre.

• Ms. Wilson is working with 2-4 to work toward a musical.

• Sports are very difficult due to space constraints.

• Mona asked if we can send an email out to parents regarding Robotics, Art with Chess being on hold.

• Atty said there are quite a few vendors and she is not sure how Parisa came up with the list of vendors.

• Mona said they chose based on ease and what people were already familiar with.

• Heather said that with the work that’s gone into it, let’s not cancel Act One now but look at a change in the future.

• Heather will reach out to the Arts person; Mona will reach out to Act One and ask if we can do a play for 1-3s.

• Pegita said we will not vote on any other things right now.

• She asked about a date for MC Night –April 16^th (optional).

• There is a rehearsal for the musical until 5:45. 

• MC Night setup usually starts at 4:45.

• Heather said we can do it on a Wednesday and we will just cancel the permit but we need advance notice.

• 9/16/23 Musical Rehearsal

• April 15^th is decided for MC Night.

• Pegita will send an email to remind of permit cancellation.

5. New Topics/

Misc.

• Tasneem asked if an agenda was sent out prior to the meeting.
• Pegita said it's normally for voting members but Heather said we can send it out the Friday before. Tasneem also asked if we can send it out in the WhatsApp group. Yes!