Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Castlemore Public School Library
Attendees:
- Amanda Zamperin
- Leeanne Hoover Joy
- Wayne Spencer
- Dianie Murugananthan
- Supriyo Majumdar
- Anita Huang
- Cecilia (Xizi) Wu
- Mahlena-Rae Johnson
Welcome and Introductions
- General welcome and introductions were made.
- Catchment updates: Discussion on future expanding school boundaries for Castlemore PS.
Treasurer Update (2025 - 2026)
- Introduction of new Treasurers: Cecilia (Xizi) Wu and Dianne Murugananthan.
- Overview of process for presenting financials:
- Bank deposits/pickups will occur once a month.
- Two people are required to count funds/cash for transparency.
- Regular summaries will be provided for council funds and purchases.
Current Balances:
- General Account: $5,278.27
- Fun Fair Account: $22,060.00
Fundraising Focus and Allocation Review
Cost Sharing (Modern Learning Initiatives)
- Requests to be submitted by April 2026.
- Example: Chromebooks – 20% school contribution required, with a minimum of one per homeroom.
- Action: Review funding priorities for fall.
Potential Funding Priorities and Considerations
- Forest of Reading Program ($700): Board-vetted literacy program that encourages reading, reviewing, and sharing books.
- Action: Leeanne to confirm previous student participation and program impact.
- Music Program: Replacement of aging instruments (e.g., xylophones); potential for a school performance.
- STEM and Science Materials: Focus on junior grades.
- Action: Leeanne to provide a list of items for consideration.
- Financial Assistance: Continued support for families in need.
- Graduation: Crystal Fountain venue at $25/student (approximately 110 Grade 8 students).
- Math Manipulatives: Review and replenish materials for Grades 1–8.
- Action: Details to be provided on supplies required.
- Word Matter Movement: Proposal for a buddy bench for the junior yard.
- Action: Leeanne to share historical classroom purchase records for context.
October Highlights
- Islamic Heritage Month activities
- Terry Fox Run
- Curriculum Night
- Picture Day
- Diwali Student Display
- PA Day
- Volleyball teams
- Primary Art and Lego Clubs (TBC)
- Junior Robotics
- Intermediate Trivia Club
- Choirs and Bands
Staff Appreciation - Ideas for Discussion
- Gratitude cards from students and families
- “Food & Bev” cart (Friday snack cart for staff)
- Opportunities for student involvement
Fun Fair Planning
- Event Date: May 28, 2026
- Rain Date: June 3, 2026
- Some rental items have been booked.
- Need to source or purchase additional items (e.g., large chess and checkers boards – currently booked out).
Next Steps
- School Council East Forum: Scheduled for November 17, 2025.
- Attendees from Castlemore: Amanda Zamperin, Dianne Murugananthan, Leeanne Hoover Joy, and Wayne Spencer.
- Teacher/Department Funding Requests:
- Leeanne to provide more details on specific asks from teachers and departments.
- Potential invitations for teachers to present requests at future council meetings.
- Executive Review: Following initial requests, the School Council executive team will meet to review options and prioritize funding allocations.