Supporting student achievement

We had a productive school council meeting last Wednesday. We have a new executive, which includes chair Irit Hartman, vice-chair Wendy Whittle, treasurer Russ P., secretary Reka Nicholas and fundraising chair Joanne Benson. These are time-consuming volunteer commitments and and on behalf of the rest of us -- thank you to the executive for taking them on!

As there were funds left over from last year's fundraising, the council approved some new spending to support student achievement at the school:

1. We've allocated $3,000 to purchase 10 new Chromebooks for the school. These join the ones that we already have (40, I believe - please post below if I am mistaken). Teachers can sign out a group of these computers for their class to use for a period of time, then they are returned to the administration to be recharged for the next group. Students usually use them in pairs, so 15-20 are usually sufficient for one class. The goal is to have 60 by the end of the school year, so that more classes can use them at once.

2. We also assigned $100 per homeroom class ($2,700 total) to be put toward an experiential learning activity of some sort. This can be either a field trip or an in-class activity such as Scientists in Schools, music or art workshops, an author reading or musical or theatrical performance. Classes can use this money individually or pool their spending to take best advantage of these funds. We will report back later in the year on specifically what activities these funds supported.

None of this would be possible without the incredible volunteers who organize our fundraisers. If you can help too, please write to clairleacouncil@gmail.com. Volunteers are needed for various one-time events, both daytime and evening, throughout the year. Even an hour or two is a huge help.

It also wouldn't be possible without you, all the great Clairlea families who buy pizza, attend fund fairs, come to movie nights and order through our Norcard shopping campaign (coming soon). Thank you!

As you know, the Clairlea snack program is moving to 5 days/week starting in October. Thank you to everyone who sent in their donations. You should be aware that your donation of $10/month covers approximately one-third of the total cost. One-third is funded by a grant from the Toronto Foundation for Student Success. The remaining one-third must be raised by school fundraising - so your active participation is greatly appreciated by those 600-odd hungry mouths at Clairlea! thank you!