MINUTES

WALTER LEE FEBRUARY 2026 PAC MEETING

Feb 25, 2025 @ 5:30 pm | Meeting called to order by: KC

Location: Walter Lee Library

In Attendance

PAC Executives - KC, GA, SD, TS, KB

PAC Members - CC, LJ (virtual), DC (virtual), RS (virtual)

Admin - N/A

Welcome and Introductions

KC called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm, Land acknowledgment, and

thanked all in attendance.

Review and Approval of Agenda

Motioned by GA and seconded by TS

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Motioned by TS and seconded by SD

Admin Report (notes from Alfred)

Security incident outside this morning - there is no indication of any risk to our students, but for more information, please refer to Alfred’s email sent this afternoon. 

School painting project - has started. This will be about a 20-week project.  It will be a full interior painting project.  Each classroom will be relocated for about 1 week to allow the painters to do their work.  It has been a very long time since our school has been painted.

Rhythm resource programming and assembly - we are pleased to have this drumming residency program at Walter Lee for the last week of school before spring break.  Each class will receive daily programming. The school will advertise an assembly and performance on March 13 after lunch.

Student learning survey - linked here (has also been provided in the past 2 newsletters).

Gr 4&7 students will be completing the survey with classroom teachers and Alfred.  This annual questionnaire allows the Ministry of Education to gather information about how students and schools are doing. Parents and staff are encouraged to complete the survey.

Emergency preparedness - in the light of the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, the district has had a couple of meetings with administrators to ensure that our district procedures are clear and consistent with all staff and students.  Walter Lee has done well during our practice drills (Fire, Earthquake, Lockdown, Hold and Secure); our students have been following the same protocols and procedures in accordance with the district guidelines.

A "parent guide to emergency preparedness" is in its final stages and will be shared with parents when ready.  The district will be sharing this information.

Feeding futures and district lunches in term 3 - We have picked 1 day per month where the district will be providing lunch for students.  We have picked Thursdays between the PAC sponsored lunch days (April 16, May 14, June 11). A memo to families will go out just before spring break with instructions to order through Munch-a-lunch.  There will be a separate logo “feeding futures” on the munch site to ensure that there is no mix up with the PAC. Families will need to order to receive lunch.

Chair Report (KC)

Constitution / Bylaws

The proposed updated language for the Secretary and Communications Coordinator role descriptions was reviewed. KC will bring a clean, revised copy of the Constitution and Bylaws to the April meeting for an official vote on adoption.

Hot Lunch Update

A new vendor, Premier Central Kitchen, will be launching soon. The team is currently navigating some supply challenges related to snack options due to Costco inventory changes.

KC has asked Alfred to remind staff to review bin reports for any missing lunches or issues. Students may also be directed to the art room if needed.

Fruit and Milk Update

The most recent fruit delivery was declined due to an existing surplus. A suggestion was made to explore using fruit in June for Sports Day or Prowlathon. KC will review the delivery schedule and report back.

Grade 7 Fundraising Update

A recent hot chocolate sale was held; final fundraising totals are pending.

Treasurer’s Report (notes from AC)

General account and Gaming account balances given.

Fundraising Coordinators’ Report (KB)

Upcoming Events

• Movie Night
• Family Photo Days

Potential New Fundraisers

The PAC is exploring several new fundraising opportunities, including Lee’s Donuts and a Bubble Tea sale. It was noted that the new bubble tea shop opening in Broadmoor Plaza may be a potential partner. Further information will be gathered and shared at a future meeting.

RDPA Update (notes from DL)

The last meeting was held on Tuesday, February 3rd. 

An overview of Inclusive Education at SD38 was presented by Liz Hayes-Brown and Sarah Loat. They discussed the School District's Inclusive Learning Values:

• Collaboration between families and schools
• Supports that meet unique needs
• Equitable access to supports

They shared about the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process:

• An IEP is developed for children with a diagnosed disability or diverse ability that has a direct educational impact.
• An IEP is a 'roadmap' to help everyone (teachers, EA, families) involved in the learning process be on the same page about how to support the child.
• They emphasized the importance of collaboration between families and the school team when your child has extra support needs.

The RDPA is planning a volunteer recognition program of some kind for PAC volunteers. More info to come. 

The School District has seen a $3.5 Million decrease in revenue because of decrease in enrollment and international students. There will be a survey for parents regarding budget priorities.

Custodial service costs for rentals are increasing by 5%.

If your school experiences traffic issues, talk to the principal, who assesses the issue; if there is an issue that needs to be raised to the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee, the School District can raise this.

Roundtable Discussion

Movie Night

A motion was put forward to approve $425 for the AudioCine licence. The motion was carried unanimously.

Welcome Back BBQ (2026–2027 School Year)

Traditionally, the PAC has hosted the Welcome Back BBQ in conjunction with the school’s Meet the Teacher event (typically held on the third Thursday of September).

For the 2026–2027 school year, the school will be changing the format of Meet the Teacher to a 45-minute session held immediately at dismissal time, likely on the first Friday of September.

The PAC will need to determine whether to continue aligning the BBQ with this event and, if so, at what time. One suggestion was to host a 4:00–6:00 pm event without a full dinner, offering treats for purchase (e.g., ice cream or donuts). Vendor availability will need to be confirmed, as the revised timing may present staffing challenges.

Prowlathon (May 22, 2026)

Donation and prize solicitation to begin shortly. KC will update and distribute the donation request letter and create a tracking spreadsheet for requests and responses.

This year’s proceeds will fund the purchase and installation of additional bike racks.

A suggestion was made to purchase pom-poms or similar items to encourage support for the students and engage attending families.

The class theme contest was successful last year and will be proposed again to increase participation and fun. 

The PAC would also like to request that a staff member lead a group stretch outdoors so families can also participate. KC will speak with Alfred regarding staff involvement.

TS has volunteered to create another balloon arch and make a cameo appearance in her dinosaur costume!

Grade 7 Graduation Committee

Several Grade 7 parents have volunteered to assist with graduation planning. CC will connect them with PC, who will be leading this year’s planning efforts.

The tentative plan is to follow last year’s format:

• Morning ceremony (families welcome)
• Lunch for Grade 7 students (combined with the staff appreciation lunch)
• Afternoon dance

CC will also research instant photo printing options for the ceremony and report back.

Staff Appreciation Budget

A proposal was made to allocate a portion of the staff appreciation budget toward snacks for the staff room the week following Spring Break.While the majority of the budget will remain allocated to the graduation day staff appreciation lunch, KC will purchase <$100 in snacks to be provided on March 31, 2026.

Canada Post Grant

GA has submitted an application for the Canada Post Grant (up to $5,000). Funds, if awarded, would support the purchase of bike racks, sports equipment, and/or the Welcome Back BBQ. Notification of the outcome is expected in August.

AGM

The tentative date for the Annual General Meeting is June 17, 2026.

Next Meeting

Next PAC meeting set for April 22, 2026 - 5:30 pm in the Library. 

Meeting adjourned at 6:31 PM