School Council

School Council Meeting

October 19, 2026
6:30pm
Library

1. • Welcome from Principal: Review of Constitution/By-Laws for School Parent Advisory Council and roles and responsibilities

   • Elections: Voted for Chair, Secretary and Treasurer

   • Deina Warren - Chair   

   • Marc Koetzle - Secretary   

   • Meetu Mehra - Treasurer 

   • Student Council and Athletic Council to attend next meetings. Reviewed past and future activities

   • Established dates for next meetings: Dec 14, Feb 8 and Apr 12

   • Principals Report:

   • TAB Enrollment grew. Fully staffed. Budget update

   • Renovation update: significant improvements with elevators, flooring, paint, etc across the East Wing, Theatre, main gym, music room and other areas. Next phases include front elevator, front entrance and Courtyard.

   • Courtyard revitalisation: progress made with weed control. Next steps are to rebuild the boardwalk for safety, followed by building a calming place centered on student well-being and social life. Trees are healthy and will be maintained.

   • Programming update: French Immersion, I-STEM, AP and Health Sciences stream. TAB offers unique benefits to combine different programs, benefiting existing and new students

   • Sports teams update

   • CPP Cafe update: gratitude to the community and parents who supported the Cafe. Still some equipment to source but the hope is to open in the first week of November. The Cafe will serve light food and beverages when the cafeteria is closed. Please come and support this great student-led initiative. 

   • Question Period:

   • Attendance rule: Distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Sports team students are generally auto-excused. If you receive a notice about an absence follow the steps in School Messenger.

   • Exam requirement: Exams are 20% of students’ final grade. Must be written in-school, even for online courses. 60% of grades are on-going assessments.

   • Parent-Teacher Night: success with informal meeting sessions for I-STEM. Council agreed to repeat this format in the second semester.

School Council Agenda

March 30th
7:00pm
Library

1. Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
2. Chair Remarks
3. Student Council Report
   - Big Box of Cards Fundraiser netted a profit of $300
   - Purdy's Chocolate fundraiser has been also very successful.
   - Student Council will be holding a bake sale during the lunch break on April 1st.
   - Spring Semi-Formal to be held on Thursday April 2nd at the OE Banquet hall
   - Spring Bash will be on May 21st, more details to follow
4. Staff Report
5. Principals Comments
   - Relay for Life - invitation to participate in the relay for life fundraiser on June 3rd from 12:00pm - 9:00pm Fundraiser for cancer awareness.
   - Music Night In on April 9th, Adults $25, Students $20, Silent auction
   - Report on updated New Cell Phone Policy
   - Description of program initiatives for 2026-2027
   - Budget Update - presentation of 2025/2026 budget
   - New electronic sign installed and ready for messages
   - Renovation Update - elevator to be completed August 2026, construction of second elevator during summer of 2026
   - Meeting Dates - Next meeting, June 8th at 6:00pm (wraps and salad)

6. Question Period

Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
Location: Thomas A. Blakelock HS (in person)
Chair: (Acting) Principal Jacquie Pece
Minute Taker: Art Hilson (Teacher)
Time Called to Order: Noted as opened; 7:05 pm

1) Attendance

Parents/Guardians: Deina Warren, Sarah Vidic, Jerry Vidic, Denise Mueller
Staff: Jacquie Pece (Acting Principal), Art Hilson (Teacher, Community Pathways Program)

2) Introductions & Opening Remarks (Acting Principal — J. Pece)

• Welcomed attendees; shared background (retired principal supporting schools as needed).
• Emphasized a student-centred, restorative approach to conflict resolution and culture-building.
• Noted strong school climate at Blakelock and the inclusive impact of the Community Pathways Program (CPP).
• Staffing updates:

• • Principal John Stieva currently on medical leave; expected to return after Thanksgiving.

• School size/feel: enrollment a little over ~1,300; “right-sized” for connection and community.

3) Reports

3.1 Principal’s Report (J. Pece)

Facilities & Accessibility

• Major multi-year upgrades underway (labs, bathrooms, accessibility).
• Plan for a larger additional elevator and a ramped front entrance; ongoing work will continue over the next couple of years.
• Athletic field and track have seen significant investment; scoreboard/clock repair completed—electrical/breaker to be re-checked.

Finances & Student Engagement Fund

• Board allocations are enrollment-based; optional parent “student engagement” contributions support school-wide events (barbecues, guest speakers, assemblies) and may help with technology (e.g., library Chromebooks).

Programs & Academics

• iSTEM: strong cross-disciplinary, project-based learning; partnerships (e.g., McMaster/Waterloo).
• AP (Advanced Placement): exams proctored at Blakelock; discussion of more deliberate clustering and exam preparation beginning next school year (curriculum remains Ontario-based; AP adds exam prep).
• Truth & Reconciliation: Orange Shirt Day participation; continued focus on Indigenous perspectives across curriculum.
  
  

Student Life & Events

• Spirit Week this week October 6 to 9 (e.g., Jersey Day, Twin Day, School Colours/Spirit Day).
• “Homecoming-style” football game at 11:30 a.m.; lunchtime barbecue; teachers may bring classes for part of the game.
• Semi-Formal October 9 6:30 to 9:30 pm OE Banquet Hall (no dinner; keep price accessible ~$23). Ticket cap ~400; ~350 sold; strict guest policy; police present; strong safety/behaviour expectations.

Well-Being, Safety & Vaping

• Vaping trend currently down at Blakelock; vigilance remains (washrooms monitored).
• Progressive discipline used; first step often a warning and call home; searches possible if needed.
• Harm-reduction message: do not normalize substance use at school events.

Assessment Integrity (Plagiarism & AI)

• Use of Turnitin and teacher judgment for integrity issues; ChatGPT/AI misuse flagged where detected.
• Progressive discipline focuses on skill-building (redoing work, staged in-class tasks) rather than punitive zeros; emphasis on observation/conversation/product to verify learning.

Upcoming

• PD Day (Friday October 10): Prevention and intervention strategies for bullying; ongoing anti-racism work.
• Grade 8 Information Night: Late November (TBD)—final date to be posted on the website/weekly update.

3.2 Community Pathways Program (CPP) — Brief Note (A. Hilson)

• CPP is well integrated in school life and community experiences; promotes acceptance, inclusion, and friendships across programs.

3.3 Student Council

• No reps in attendance (Spirit Week prep). Principal relayed updates (see Student Life above).

4) School Council Formation/Elections

• Overview of roles provided (Chair/Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer; general members).
• Secretary: Art Hilson.
• Co-Chairs (Acclaimed): Sarah Vidic, Deina Warren, Denise Mueller.

• • Motion not required due to acclamation; council accepted the slate.

5) Discussion & Q&A

• How can the Parent Council help?
• Be a sounding board for school communications; bring community questions forward.
• Support student-led initiatives and volunteer at board-level PIC events as interested.
• Consider guest speakers for parent learning nights where there is demonstrated interest.
• Grade 8 Info Night date?

  • To be confirmed and posted; aim is late November.

• Robotics Club interest:

  • Significant resource and staffing needs (tech/manufacturing/engineering teachers + sponsorship). Mr. Stieva to explore feasibility with staff.
    
    

6) Action Items

7) Motions

• Formation of School Council for 2025–26 acknowledged; Co-Chairs acclaimed (Vidic/Warren/Mueller).
• No financial motions this meeting.
  
  

8) Announcements & Key Dates

• PD Day: Friday October 10, 2025 (focus on bullying prevention/intervention; anti-racism).
• Semi-Formal: ; ticket cap ~400; ~350 sold (strict guest policy).
• Next Meeting: TBD — to be shared via weekly update and school website.

9) Adjournment

Meeting adjourned.  8:43 pm