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School Council

Chair - Whitney Bebb

Co-Chairs - Jeff Moore & Jenn Reardon

Treasurer - Laura Kuyntjes 

Secretary -  Shahira Hassanien

PIC Rep(s) - Kim Lang, Jeff Moore 

Voting Members - Tricia Rawlins, Kyla Soucie, Mohini Patel, Kim Lang, Whitney Crews, Kaleigh Renton, Marissa Burns, Jenn Monings, Sara Rice, Laura Speck, Aysan Dilfanian, Scott Morgan, Daniel Berniker

Teacher Rep - Ms. J. Dean

Administration - Mrs. S. Lynch   

March: 2, 9, 23, 30

April: 13, 20, 27

May: 4, 11, 25

June: 1, 8, 15, 22

  • Proceeds will be used to purchase technology, team jerseys, enhance our amazing STEM program and towards a new school sign
  • Panago Pizza is our pizza vendor
  • Missed lunches cannot be refunded

April: 14, 21, 28

May: 5, 12, 19 25

June: 2

  • Proceeds will be used towards School Presentations, Concerts and our Nutrition Program
  • Late orders cannot be accepted

School Council Meeting Minutes

September 29, 2026 – School Council Meeting Notes

This year’s committee:

  • Chair: Jeff Moore
  • Vice-chair: Shahira Hassanien
  • Treasurer: Rob Logan
  • Secretary: Marissa Burns

Voting Members

Suzanne Gallant

Kaleigh Renton

Michelle Knupfer

Whitney Crews

Colin Meincke

Jenn Reardon

Jennifer Monings

Aysan Dilfanian

Chris Bladek

Leona Kemp

Cat Wilson

David Despinic

Tara Blauel

Ainy Farooq

Daniel Berniker

 

Other attendees: Lisa Ricciuti; Nancy Craig; Teressa Joubert; 

Regrets for this meeting: Aysan Dilfanian; David Despinic; Ainy Farooq

Jeff Moore:

Council’s job function is to work with the administration to try to improve the day to day for our kids through fundraising, volunteering, providing feedback and ideas. Our focus is fundraising, but it’s also about building our community and gathering families together.

Whenever you are available to volunteer, let us know when.

PIC conference- Saturday, October 24, 2026- Shahira will be attending this year.  They have great speakers on a variety of topics, feel free to attend. Let Shahira know if you are interested.

If you have questions about council, feel free to look at the guidebook, which is linked below: 

BTL Meeting Norms:

  • Student centred forum
  • Respectful & collaborative
  • Be Present & Punctual
  • Shared Responsibility
  • Solution oriented

If there’s an item you’d like to discuss at the meeting, reach out to Jeff so he can include it in the agenda.

Note: this isn’t the place to complain about teachers, or administration, for these items please go through the proper channels.

Staff Updates: Jennifer Dean

On behalf of the staff, we want to thank you again for all that you do to support us! We are so grateful for our parent community and want you to know how much we value you! The staff wanted to let you know that they are enjoying getting to know your children, and are excited about the year ahead.

  • We met our target for Terry Fox
  • Successful cross-country meet

Sandra:

BTL in 2026-27:

  • 325 students
  •  K-6
  • 15 classes: 3 kindergarten, 4 French immersion
  • Grade 7- Students go to BHPS (English), ROM (FI)- we do a lot of transition work before they go, so the kids feel comfortable
  • Who are we? Principal Message:
  • Every student comes to school to do well, and if they are unable to, it's up to us as adults to figure out ways to help them do so
  • Every student is valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential
  • Our Goal is an inclusive, caring learning environment that inspired productivity and confidence
  • We are a sustainable school- we work closely with LSF (Learning for a Sustainable Future)
  • We provide extra curricular activities
  • We want to have a partnership with you as a parent.  Always feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher- to problem solve together.
  • We have our HDSB 6 pillars

Our three main goals this year are:

    • Empathy
    • Sustainability: Climate Action
    • Academics and learning: big focus on math this year.

Emergency procedures:

    • We’ve had two fire drills already, and the students are very efficient
    • Hold & secure. Something is happening outside the building. WE lock down and continue inside the school
    • Lockdown: something happening inside the school
    • Shelter in place: weather event
    • All of these are practiced
  • Adults and pets are to stay to the perimeter of the blacktop; Adults to check in at the office only; If you are volunteering, please wear a lanyard

Fundraisers:

  • Plan is due October 31, still being worked on, to be shared at November Meeting
  • Fundraisers:
    • Pizza x 3 Terms – always looking for volunteers on Monday afternoons- touch base with Jeff if you are available
    • T1 STEM & Presentations
    • Treat days
    • Popcorn days
    • Poinsettias
    • Lunchbox Subway
    • Fun Fair: June 3

2025-2026 Fund Allocation

  • Allocated to: Jungle Sports for February, presentations, STEM & technology enhancements, Winter Concert & Spring Musical & deposit for 2027 funfair inflatable deposits
  • We made over $9000 at the fun fair last year- over $3000 more than the year before
  • We do the fundraising, so we don’t have to ask individual parents to pay for the activities our kids get to do (i.e. Jungle Sports).  We also have the angel fund which provides pizza to the kids who can’t afford it for pizza days.
  • Going forward we are going to be very clear on what we each fundraiser is for.
  • Fundraising provided the following last year:
  • In order to volunteer you do need a police check (expired every 5 years)

2025-26 Fundraisers Raised Money to buy:

  • Jerseys & Pinnies
  • Chromebooks and 1 iPad
  • Chomp Saws
  • Drumming presentation, Get Real presentation & Prologue Performing Arts
  • Library refresh
  • Gym equipment
  • Home reading resources & games
  • Kindergarten equipment upgrades and classroom enhancements
  • Teacher classroom wish lists (indoor recess games, etc.)
  • Assisted with the Front Sign

Also, Facilities upgrades: 

  • Kindergarten Pen Upgrade
  • New Windows and Blinds

Future Meeting Dates:

  • November 16
  • January 18
  • March 8
  • May 10
  • June TBD

BTL School Council Meeting 

Virtual Meeting Notes 3/2/2026     Time: 6:00pm-6:50pm

Attendance: Jeff Moore, Jenn Reardon, Whitney Bebb, Laura Clarke, Jennifer Dean, Sandra Lynch, Mohini Patel.

1. School Council & Administration

  • Council Leadership:

    • Chair: Whitney Bebb

    • Co-Chairs: Jeff Moore, Jenn Reardon

    • Treasurer: Laura Clarke 

    • Secretary: Shahira Hassanien

  • Principal’s Update (Mrs. Lynch):

    • Facilities: Kindergarten pen and windows upgrades scheduled for Summer 2026.

    • Projections: Planning underway for the 2026-27 school year.

    • Volunteer Requirements: New Ontario Ministry of Education rules (Regulation 298/25) take effect April 1, 2026. All volunteers require a new Police Record Check (PRC) with a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) every five years and must submit an Annual Offence Declaration by Sept 1.

2. Staff & Program Updates (March)

  • Arts: Rehearsals are active for Olympus! The Greek Rock Musical. In-school show on April 22; family performance on April 23.

  • Athletics: Floor Hockey and Skittles are running in the gym.

  • Clubs & Competitions: 

    • Eco Club: Working toward Eco Schools goals.

    • Halton Skills: Tryouts and practices are active for the board-wide competition in late March.

    • Waste Warriors: Grades 3 & 4 leading recycling/composting initiatives.

    • Culinary Literacy: Grades 1–3 are preparing food 1–2 times monthly, tied to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3. Fundraising & Financials

The council has seen strong success with recent initiatives:

  • Pizza Block 1: $4,770.22 (Funded Chromebooks, iPad, and headphones).

  • Danceathon: $1,672.44 (Funded athletic pinnies; jerseys pending).

  • Popcorn Sales: Over $1,600 raised for furniture and technology.

  • Poinsettias: $731 (Allocated toward a new $5,000 school sign; 2-year project).

  • Upcoming Events: Flower fundraiser (April) and Fun Fair (June 4). Volunteers needed.

4. Student Achievement (EQAO Results)

Comparison of students achieving Provincial Standard (Level 3 & 4) for the 2024-2025 year:

Grade

Mathematics

Reading

Writing

Grade 3

55%

83%

60%

Grade 6

56%

91%

87%

  • Math scores are low across the province

  • Upcoming Testing: The next EQAO window for Grades 3 and 6 is scheduled for Early May – Early June 2026.

5. Sustainable Future Schools (SFS)

BTL continues its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • March Focus: Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

  • Pledge: The school community has pledged to protect and care for water daily at home and at school.

6. Fun Fair: June 4th: Save the Date and let Jenn Readon know if you can volunteer

Next Meeting: Monday, May 4th at 6pm

BTL School Council Meeting
Virtual Meeting Notes 12/01/2026 

Time: 6:00pm-6:40pm

Attendance: 

Council Members: Jeff Moore, Whitney C, Shahira Hassanien,

Non Council Members: Laura Speck, Mohini Patel, Scott Morgan, Jennifer Killip, Valerie Goodfellow, Kim Lang, Laura Clark

Staff: Sandra Lynch, Jennifer Dean-Burns

1. BTL Actions & Indigenous Education Initiatives

Staff shared an overview of ongoing and upcoming initiatives that support Indigenous education, equity, reconciliation, and student well-being across the school community.

Key highlights include:

  • Daily Land Acknowledgement embedded as a regular school practice
  • Outdoor Education opportunities integrated across subject areas
  • Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on:
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Quality Education
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observances, including:

    • Orange Shirt Day
    • Student-created classroom commitments

  • Treaties Recognition Week acknowledged annually in November
  • Indigenous perspectives embedded across the curriculum, beyond Social Studies
  • June 2025 – Autumn Peltier presentation and Water Commitment initiative

Upcoming initiatives:

  • February 12 – Indigenous Team “Snack and Chat” for staff
  • June – Recognition of National Indigenous History Month

Staff invited school council members to volunteer to present a reflection at a future meeting.

2. From the Staff – School Activities & Programs
Olympus! The Greek Rock Musical

  • Auditions held January 7–14
  • Nearly 80 students participated (approximately 70% of junior students)
  • All auditioning students will be included in the production
  • Rehearsals begin next week
  • Performance date: April 23

Junior Volleyball (Boys & Girls)

  • Practices began during the first week back
  • Teams will participate in a family-of-schools tournament prior to March Break
  • Additional details to follow

Eco Club

  • Meets weekly lead by Mrs Graham
  • Focused on EcoSchools goals and environmental initiatives

Halton Skills Competition

  • Tryouts and practices underway
  • Selected students will compete in the board-wide competition at the end of March

Climate Action Conference

  • Seven Grade 5 and 6 students selected to attend
  • Conference date: January 29

3. Administrative & School-Wide Updates

  • Letter to Parents was sent today regarding student safety
  • Pro-Grant application with a focus on SDGs; ideas welcome
  • Report Cards to be sent home on February 17
  • PA Day – January 26 dedicated to report card writing
  • Indigenous Team Event: February 12 – “Chat and Snack”
  • School Carnival: February 20
    • Volunteers needed - croissants or pancakes
    • Bon Homme costume volunteer needed
  • Fundraising Initiatives:
    • April – Terra Cotta Cookies (volunteers needed)
  • School Grounds Update:
    • Planning for new front-of-school signage as part of a two-year plan ($2500 per year)

4. Sustainable Future Schools & SDG Focus

The school continues its involvement in Sustainable Future Schools (SFS) and SDG/MYSP initiatives.

January SDG Focus:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education
    • Inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities
    • Focus on access, relevance, and skills for sustainable development
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
    • Reducing waste
    • Efficient use of resources
    • Encouraging informed everyday choices

5. Fundraising Update

Staff shared an update on recent fundraising efforts and planned use of funds:

  • Pizza Block 1: $4,770.22
    • Funds allocated toward:
      • 5 Chromebooks
      • 1 iPad
      • Noise-cancelling headphones and additional headphones
      • Possible outdoor gym equipment
  • Dance-a-thon: $1,672.44
    • Funds to support athletic pinnies
  • Poinsettia Fundraiser: $731
  • New School Sign:
    • Estimated value of $5,000
    • Part of a two-year fundraising initiative

6. Upcoming School Council Dates & Reminders

  • School Council Meetings (Mondays at 6:00 p.m.):
    • January 12
    • March 2
    • May 4
    • June – TBD
  • Meeting minutes will be posted on the BTL website
  • Fun Fair: June 4. 
  • Next Steps / Reminders
  • Council members are encouraged to volunteer for upcoming events and presentations, ensuring they have a valid police check with vulnerable sector screening
  • Additional details for activities, tournaments, and fundraising will be shared as dates approach

Minutes from BTL School Council Meeting 

Monday November 24th, 2025

  • 6:01 Meeting called to order
  • 6:01 Land acknowledgement 
  • 6:02 Reflection 
    • Braiding sweet grass
  • 6:05 Introduction of Shahira Hassasnien as new secretary
    • Laura Sharpe has stepped down from the position. 
  • 6:06 Staff update 
    • Winter celebration prep
    • Drum assembly
    • STEM and Sustainable Development Goals 
    • Robotics club and puppet club
    • Lettuce for food carts using new hydroponics equipment
    • Winter Drive coats, mitts, etc
  • 6:11 Sustainable Future School Update 
    • Responsible consumption
    • Food drive for winter concert
  • 6:15 Principal Update 
    • April book fair
    • Council Notes on website 1 week after meeting
    • Kindness challenge recognition for acts of kindness
    • Bully prevention
    • Screen TIme Plan
    • Code of Conduct and Consent lessons
  • 6:28 PIC Conference update 
  • 6:35 Fundraising update 
    • Pizza, cookies
    • Danceathon $1672.44 raised
    • Poinsettas 128 sold approximately ~$950 raised
    • Fun Fair planning started speaking to vendors hope to be ready to go by March
  • 6:40 School sign 
    • Approx $4,000 plus tax
  • 6:45 Pro grant discussion due Dec 12
    • Request for ideas 
  • 6:48 Treasurer update 
  • 6:54 No questions or concerns raised
  • 6:54 Adjourned 
    • Next meeting date set January 12 location TBD

Attendees: Sandra Lynch, Whitney Bebb, Jenn Reardon, Jeff Moore, Kaleigh Renton, Kim Lang, Laura Kuyntjes, Marissa Burns, Mohini Patel, Scott Morgan, Suzanne Gallant, Tricia Rawlins, Whitney Crews, Shahira Hassanien

School Council Meeting Minutes: Sept. 22, 2025

Introductions/Attendees: 

Chair

Co-Chairs

Treasurer

Secretary

Whitney Bebb

Jeff Moore - 

Jenn Reardon

Laura Kuyntjes

Laura Sharpe

Alt: Shahira Hassanien

Voting Members: 

Tricia Rawlins

Kyla Soucie

Mohini Patel

Kim lang

Whitney crews

Kaleigh Renton

Marissa Burns

Jenn Monings

Sara Rice

Laura Speck

Aysan Dilfanian

Scott Morgan

Daniel Berniker

     

Other Attendees: 

Jennifer Dean: BTL Staff Representative

Julianna Macedo: BTL Staff - Presenter

BTL Parents: Poonam Singh, Valerie Goodfellow, Suzanne Gallant, They Tsan, David Mione, Laura Allaster

Principal’s Report

Staff Rep Update

  • Sustainable Futures School (SFS)- (Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs)
    • BTL’s September Focus: SDG #6 Clean Water and Sanitation; and #14 Life Below Water
  • Field Trip Gr. 2- 5 Water Festival at Kelso: Creating Climate Wise Kids!
    • Water and Society: Topics include the history of water and its relationship to community, the uses of water, and how to steward water locally and globally.
    • Water Science and Technology: Topics include the water cycle, the physical science of ground and surface water, water treatment and distribution systems, and more.
    • Water Health and Safety: Topics include safety around watercourses and the role of water in community health.
    • Water Conservation and Protection: Topics include the impacts of human activity on water systems, how to conserve water at home, at school and in the community, and how to protect local water sources.
  • Terry Fox Run/Walk: Raised $1485
  • Upcoming Events: 
    • Cross Country Meet: Gr. 3 - 6: October 8 at Sherwood Park
    • Primary Gr. 1 - 3: Winter Concert; Thursday, Dec. 11
  • Requesting Funds for Athletic Jerseys and Pinnies
    • BTL Student has used the same jerseys and  pinnies for over 18 years
    • Council Approved a Fundraiser for Jerseys and Pinnies: Up to $3500

Treasurer Report

  • Will work with Senior Admin Assistant 
  • Will update soon

Fundraising/Fun Fair

  • Fundraiser Committee to put together Proposal for the year
  • Fun Fair: Jen Reardon will send an email to the Council asking if they can help with the fun fair; Lots of hands are needed for the Fair
    • Prep work; volunteer during the fair, clean up
    • Looking to add more activities as last year students had tickets left over
  • Fundraising has helped BTL improve in many ways in the past, including: 
    • Free School Presentations
    • Technology
    • Nutrition Program
    • Water Fill Stations
    • Library Shelves
    • Outdoor Play equipment
  • Gather wish list items from BTL Staff for possible items to fundraise for

Council will organize a Halloween Dance-a-thon on Oct. 31

Meeting Dates:  Monday Evening 6pm - 7pm (time To be confirmed)

  • November 3 
  • January 12
  • March 2
  • May 4
  • June TBD

Save the Date: June 4th: Fun Fair Evening