Wednesday's Meeting

I thought a bit about posting a response to the various comments (those that were published on the blog and those that weren't) regarding our last meeting. There is a risk of continuing an issue that has already been put to bed. But I think there is value in defending Council members who may feel they have been unfairly criticized, and some points I'd like to clear up. So here goes...

Firstly (and most importantly), if there was anyone at the last meeting who felt that they were not taken seriously or that they were slighted, I personally apologize. I try to run the meetings with a sense of camaraderie and togetherness that may not fit into a stringent 'Robert's Rules' type of meeting because I think it attracts more people. That is our overall goal - more parental engagement. Sometimes the price of that informality can be hurt feelings, again I'm sorry - I take responsibility and I will try harder in the future to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Secondly, after careful consideration with the other blog authors, we've decided it would be best to moderate any critical comments that are submitted by 'anonymous' or 'x'. Putting your first name on any comment (critical or not) will ensure its publication. The entire Council shares our full names with everyone and you all know us and our families, it's only fair that if you have a complaint or criticism about us or what we do, that you make it as yourself. Council volunteers aren't here to provide targets for random pot shots.

Please don't let this make you nervous to leave comments or to leave only 'sunny words', I'm just asking that you don't say anything here that you wouldn't say in public. If you have a concern or criticism, so be it - we all have tough skin and can take critical suggestions.

Thirdly, I'm a little rankled at the description of 'professional' in one of the comments. Professionals get paid, they are trained, they get continuous feedback and support from other professionals in a professional environment. No one on the Council is paid, no one (with the exception of our treasurer) is a professional in their capacity with us. We are doing our best as volunteers, we have full lives outside of Council with careers and family just like you do. I'm not a professional Parliamentarian nor am I on a business board of directors of any sort. What I've learned about running Council and Association meetings I've learned through experience and reading our bylaws. Everyone on the Council is doing their best to represent you and your issues with the school and to try to create the kind of environment for our children that most reflects the values or our community.

Lastly, if anyone has an issue of any sort with me or the Council - please bring it to me or to another member; in person, on the blog, by email, or even by an old-fashioned phone call. You have my promise that your concern will be heard. If that's not good enough, then step up, take a position, and run for election in some capacity where you can affect the change you desire.

Other than this issue, the meeting went very well. We've spent some more money (on school clubs, the sign, busing, etc) heard some updates about next year's enrollment, discussed some great efforts at welcoming our new population to the school, got some details on the teacher lunch, feedback for the last fund raiser (new survey shortly), Mr. Barkley and I will be attending the next QLD Council meeting, and unfortunately some bad news. Monika, our Volunteer Coordinator for the past two years has decided to retire. She, and her hard work at organizing our efforts, will be sorely missed. Thank you very much for all your dedication and enthusiasm Monika! If you have any questions about the meetings or would like more detail - send me an email.

One last item, there was a discrepancy pointed out at the meeting regarding the photo contest. We have a conflicting rule about the number of entries you can make; make as many as you'd like - there is no limit (thanks for bringing that to our attention Monika).

Next meeting is on May 12 at 6:30 in the library.

Have a great weekend everyone.