Minutes of the Hamilton-Wentworth Executive
March 2, 2005

Members: Roz Minaji, Deborah Doody, Kaywana Gargarello, Frank Torelli

Regrets: Tracey Cseresnyes, Carrie Crockett, Ron English, Dianne Mackenzie, Susan McClure, Marie Patenaude

The Chair called the meeting to order.

1. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

Review of minutes
The minutes of February 2, 2005 were approved.

2. CHAPTER UPDATES

Volunteer Hours: 65

Treasurer's Report:

As of March 2, 2005

Opening Balance February 2, 2005 1,382.61

Revenues
CPF Ontario advertising refund 1,700.00
Total Revenues January 1,700.00

Expenses
Alimentation - Sloche Candy # 91 Feb-05 198.21
Deborah Doody - SEVEC #73 Feb-05 48.99
Deborah Doody - SEVEC #74 grant appl. copy Feb-05 23.47
Deborah Doody - SEVEC #75 courier Feb-05 43.20
Deborah Doody - Lunch # 76 Étienne Feb-05 56.90
Carrie Crockett -Membership Mailing #92 Feb-05 40.06
Total Expenses February 410.83

Balance as of March 2, 2005 2,671.78

** In addition, in our savings accounts is $250.00 a SEVEC Donation

Membership:
There may be one or two new members due to the Esprit D'Ecole weekend sponsored by CPF Ontario. Carrie has sent renewal forms for all expiring memberships offering Keys to French Level II.

Communications:
CPF volunteers attended all the FI information nights at area schools. CPF materials were made available at each of the meetings. Turn out was as follows: Glen Echo -25, Earl Kitchener -25, St Josephs -40, St. Eugene -30, Norwood Park -80, Sts. Peter & Paul -30, GR Allan -45 Marie was requested to pick up additional CPF brochures the next time she attends an Ontario Board meeting.

Next newsletter will be prepared for the end of March. Topics will include: SEVEC update, Concours results, Etienne review, ARTFO promotion, transportation review update, homework tips, Opera Hamilton production of Carmen, and a review of the Esprit d'Ecole event by CPF Ontario.

3. PAST CHAPTER EVENTS

Concours
Catholic Board's Concours Inter-school competition took place on February 16, 2005. Three schools were included and the children were split up by age into three classrooms. Parents invited to attend. Book prizes were provided for the winners by CPF Hamilton-Wentworth. It is not known whether the separate school finalists will be attending the official CPF Concours in Toronto.

Marie will contact Roz to let her know the number of categories for the Public Board competition, so she can prepare the book prizes. The competition takes place at Dalewood on March 24. Public board finalists will be heading to the official competition in Toronto on Saturday May 14.

Étienne Concerts
The concerts on February 23 & 24 were really well received. Thanks to the CPF Volunteers who took the day off to help with the shows. Deborah took some photos which Roz will scan for the April newsletter. Once all the schools pay, CPF will receive a donation from Étienne. We were sorry to learn that he will not be touring again next year.

4. ONGOING CHAPTER INITIATIVES

SEVEC
The Chapter has now officially separated from Deni Cavanaugh as we have learned he planned to charge over $5,000 for organizing the exchange. We will now take back financial control of the exchange and run it on a non-profit basis. We are arranging to pay Deni for the time he has spent to date on interviews and out of pocket expenses. All forms, cheques and paperwork will be returned to CPF Hamilton-Wentworth.

Debbie has submitted the Trillium funding application and also an application for a federal wage subsidy. Sue visited Dalewood this week and the reaction was very good. Debbie is completing some additional home interviews this weekend.

Our formal SEVEC application has been submitted and approved. The match has been found in the Levis-Beauce Region of Quebec, south of Quebec City. They have lined up their 46 students already, so we hope to complete our quota quicky and start twinning later in April. It was suggested that kids from Vanier might also be interested in the exchange.

Items for follow-up:
1. Frank will book a student presentation meeting for Debbie at Ryerson
2. Kaywana will book St. Joes and Sts Peter & Paul
3. Kaywana will speak to Dianne about booking St. Eugene
4. Deborah will continue with home interviews
5. Roz will add SEVEC information to our web site
6. Sue will speak to Ann Klaus at Westdale about possible student monitors
7. Kaywana will speak to Madame Turkstra at St. Joes about possible co-ordinator job
8. Roz will investigate Staircase Café 3rd floor at Rain Day location
9. Debbie will visit Norwood Park and Glen Brae to speak to students

AGM
An Annual Report will be mailed out to all members this year in May. Instead of an AGM, a French Trade Show will take place instead of a Parent Information Night. The French Trade Show will be hosted jointly with the School Council of Norwood Park during the first week of June (date to be finalized). The evening will also include Norwood Home and School's book fair and a barbeque.

The object of the Trade Show will be to promote French activities available outside of school. The following is a list of possible participants: ACFO, Centre Français, St. Charles Tutoring, College Boreal, SEVEC, Summer Student Exchange, CPF, Bilingual Link Career Fair, French Brownies, Heritage Canada, Poster Pals, Summer Camps.

Member Appreciation
All members are asked to research possible performers for the St. Jean picnic at Pier 4 Park Sunday June 26 (budget $400). Carrie will look into costing the rental of a cotton candy machine and supplies. Kaywana suggested Cathedral drama students as the opening act. Roz will look into Rendevous grants. Can we apply for a second grant in one year since we are already applying for SEVEC?

Summer Camp Planning
Roz and Kaywana are meeting with Lisa Breton on March 16, 2005 to continue discussions. A draft budget and format for a two -one week camp sessions in August have been drafted. The Centre Français is considering whether it has the staffing resources to devote to this initiative in 2005.

5. PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD ISSUES

The Board is reviewing their policy on Transportation. The next meeting takes place on Tuesday March 8 at 7:30 p.m. This meeting will be the one at which the Committee members decide whether to consider bussing for French Immersion separately from bussing for Programs of Choice. Roz has prepared a written submission on behalf of CPF which will also be posted on our web site. Members have been informed of the meeting by e-mail.

6. SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD ISSUES

The Separate School Board is considering opting for a 50% FI model in Senior Kindergarten (a reduction from their current 100% model) The reason for this change is to increase emphasis on English literacy -even though reading skill sets are the same in English or French. Kaywana and Dianne have been vigilant in keeping parents and teachers informed of this possible change and are ready to react if further steps are taken by the Board to approve it.

7. FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY EVENTS

French films will be offered at the Staircase Café in this weekend. Roz has prepared a translation of the film list, which has been forwarded to FI schools and CPF members.

Next Meeting Wednesday, April 6, 2005
Fortinos Board Room: Mall Road 7:00 p.m.