* virtual meeting

1) Welcome and introductions 

Attendance: Melissa Jamieson, Rachel Dam, Roisin Pozzobon, Jackie Stone, Nick Varricchio (P), Christa Talarowski (VP), Steph Clapham (teacher), Angela Vandermerwe, Kallem Manning (student) 

2)  Approval of Minutes from last meeting 

- done by Melissa

Approval of Agenda for this meeting 

- approved by all

3) Student Note - Kallem Manning 

Relay for Life… launch party last Thurs

… Cancer Society 

… goals is $35000, last year school reached top goal of $32000 

… team sign up started today 

BSA - Black History Month 

… weekly activities to get students thinking with different mindsets

… recognize excellence that come from those in our Black community 

Equity team (CEOs of Equity) 

… Diversity, Equity and Inclusion week to look at various cultures

… look at how our community is united through our differences 

… connection with Best Buddies is a way to promote one piece of this week 

4) Teacher Report - Stephanie Clapham  

Events Since Nov: 

Christmas spirit days 

Teacher lip sync 

Coat collection 

Light bulbs of supports - Angel Fund

Teacher recognitions in Jan: 

- Heather Howell earned the Governors General award for history and agriculture; 

- Marco Ferrone was in the paper, with CFL player AJ Allen; AJ brought the grey cup to visit our school 

EQAO for grade 9 math was completed at the end of the semester

Final Evaluations had a hiccup with the closed school snow day; therapy dogs visited 2 days 

Pathways Assemblies

- course selection assemblies occurred

- visits to classes from guidance staff occurred 

Sports 

Boys hockey - playoffs start on Wed. Feb. 18th

 

Sr. Girls Volleyball team had fun season

Jr Girls volleyball - strong building team for next year 

Bantam Girls volleyball - playoff tournament last week

 

Boys JR basketball - playoff tournament last week 

Varsity boys basketball made it to semi finals

 

Football is still looking for coaches. Fundraising has been doing well with a textile drive in Jan again. Starting girls and boys Varsity touch football - boys tryouts last week; girls next week.

 

Swim team - Para Olympians winning medals at Halton Finals; GHAC is next 

 

*Online Spirit Wear Store Open now until Feb. 27.  

Clubs

Student council - Kallem above

 

Wellness week - pink shirt day on Wed. Feb. 25th

-staff analyzing the Tell it From Me survey 

 

Staff resources are shared each month - Human Rights, Equity, Inclusion Education 

(in conjunction with the DEI team) 

 

Ecoclub (EcoRams) conference - continue working to bring in new initiatives to stay at Platinum level.

 

Black History Month from the BSA - 

MMR Black History Month Calendar of Events 2026

Drama

Tuesday, February 24th: MNL Info Meeting 

 

11:05AM in LBP Community Theatre, M.M Robinson High School

For those students interested in Improv and Sketch Comedy, writing and/or singing come to the meeting to learn about Monday Night Live (MNL) 

 

Thursday, February 26th:  NTS Preview Show of No Cause For Concern

Best Buddies

-Pal-entine’s Event … cards, snacks, games next Thursday 

-Resource Fair … last Thursday for all in the Community who have a student with Special Education 

5) Principal Report - Nick Varricchio 

*Christa Talarowski (outline her portfolio) 

Mark Reporting 

… parent portal is a way to gain electronic copies of report cards 

… reports are also emailed home, for now 

… need to register in order to have access to the reports 

EQAO

… done during final evaluation for semester one 

… preparation has begun for students in grade 9 math right now 

… Knowledge Hook is a valuable resource to practise skills 

… working closely with elementary schools in order to help to bridge gaps 

… note: our students are improving, closing the gap between students with IEP and those without 

(our results are above the board and provincial averages for gap closing) 

Wellness team is up and running 

… semester 2 kick off assembly (want Spencer Miller to come in to talk) 

… in Nov, actual results were shared, and period 4 classes looked at the answers

… 700-800 kids completed the survey

… overall, our results were better than the board average on most indicators

… working to see how we can support students to implement their ideas to feel a stronger self of wellbeing, or engagement 

* Support

- offer after school activities in order to solidify skills for EQAO work, literacy or numeracy

- free to students, and teachers are hired to run the 6 sessions

- dates are already communicated, but need 15 students to run them 

* Brant Hills Engagement Night

- Lisa Brown has invited our parents to participate in their open house 

- Joel Zinn (dept head of PhysEd) has volunteered to be the staff rep, and is going to take some students for volunteer hours 

- work to minimize transition process to MMR (same night as our Parent Teacher Night - March 26)

… half parents go there, half come to our parent night? 

(6:15-7:30; our parent night is 6:30-8:30)

* King’s Baton

- put in a bid to be host for the King’s Baton (similar to Olympic Torch) 

- May 6th it lands in Hamilton 

- Baton will likely come across the lake to Spencer Smith Park, and some of our kids will likely bring it up to City Hall 

- M.M. Robinson was the initiator of the Commonwealth Games 

- Eco Club will look after some community clean up for the event 

- Mary Velpel will weave in some history lessons around Ireland House and Melville Marks

* Parent-Teacher-Student  Evening Conferences March 26, 2026

- book 1:1 sessions using parent software; parents encouraged to attend with their student

6) Other Business / Questions

* NONE

 

NEXT Meeting - Tue. May 19, 2026 at 6 pm in the library 

1) Welcome and introductions 

In Attendance: Melissa Jamieson (co-chair), Nick Varricchio (principal), Rachel Dam (co-chair), Jackie Stone (PIC Rep), Stephanie Clapham (teacher rep), Melissa Jamieson, Sarah Pate, Roisin Pozzobon, Rachel Dam, Angela VonDerMerue 

 

2)  Approval of Minutes / Agenda

-approved of minutes / agenda

 

3) Burlington Fire Dept

*K. Csanyi - education officer 

-fire trend in city related to devices

-social media challenges with creating sparks from chromebook 

-prevent some of these fires… cheaper devices on amazon is not necessarily better

-ensure devices have CSA label, compatible, trusted sources

*check out these sites: burlington.ca/batterysafety OR charged4life.ca

*watch the video shared that offers tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTGV-Y0nS34

-pay attention to heat, puffy batteries, crackling noises

-do not charge on bed or in backpacks

-chemical reaction in the fires = more danger 

-use “surround and ground” strategy (don’t touch the batteries) 

 

4) City of Burlington Community Development Team - Nikita, Kaitlyn   

*programs for residents: (see summary attachment)

-Cogeco Neighborhood Rinks (7)

… in city owned park

… need 6 volunteers to apply in your area 

 

-Building Community together grant 

… applying for $10000 for funding

… community garden, sitting areas, food support

… schools cannot apply, but projects can be done on the school grounds

(Eco Club Idea!!)

 

-Love my Neighborhood

… $500 to host a community event (street parties) 

… pay for food, vendors, music, kid activities

… city facility (zero cost) 

 

-Activate your neighborhood

… partner with City team

… ambassadors run the activities (road hockey, lawn games, art in the park) 

 

-Play Lending Library

… rent out different toys or sports activities 

… $50 deposit, which is returned when equipment brought back 

 

5) Student Voice - Kallem Manning  

*SuperIntendent Meeting - last Tuesday

-kindness, community, connection

-each club is quite small, which makes visions challenging (when wanting to create mission) 

… created a club head committee (leaders - elevate, eco, student council, BSA, interact, drama council, best buddies, equity, other kids who have skills of expertise)

… trying to change image of school

… make sports clubs visible, revamp main foyer bulletin board to display

… combine clubs to collaborate as much as possible 

… combine with other schools to see what their ideas are, or how they can help our school (make a cohesive HDSB team) 

 

*Club activities can be seen in classrooms

-advertising at front of room 

-GOOS bins

-fundraising notes for Terry Fox, etc 

4) Teacher Report - Stephanie Clapham

 

*School reporting: 

• IEPs went home end of Oct

• Midterm report cards sent home on Mon. Nov. 17

 

*School events

-Halloween photo booth, cosmo class

-remembrance day assemblies by grade

-career coach events for grade 9 and 10s

 

*Wellness week - unpacking data, morning greetings

Questions discussed per class will be:

1.  What stands out as strengths of our school

2.  What are some opportunities for growth

3.  What are some possible actions by students?

 

Clubs: 

 

*RAM TV

-senior level class

-video / interactive announcements

 

*Best Buddies:

We have our second event on Thursday, November 27th where Mainstream kids and CPP kids came together at lunch in the library,  did various activities (colouring, creating cards for Bethany house, relaxation music, etc.)

 

*Eco Club: 

• The MMR EcoRams had a successful Swap event on October 16. Students were able to 'shop' and find new treasures for themselves, their families and pets. This thrift event helped divert over 400 items of clothing/jewelry/accessories/books/household items & games from the landfill and got used again by someone else at the school. Any of the warm clothing items that weren't picked out by the students were donated to the Compassion Society and the Wellington Square charities for their clothing handouts to families in need within our community. The next MMR EcoRams swap event will happen at the start of May of 2026.

• On Oct 22nd, the school participated in the nationwide 'Take Me Outside Day' . Several of the classes participated that day or during the week when the weather was a bit nicer. Below is a photo of the CPP outdoor ed class that learned about edible wild plants that day. The following day, that class made an indigenous drink recipe which was staghorn Sumac lemonade with the sumac flowers they collected. 

• Mid-October was also the last day of harvesting of the Ireland House Heritage Kitchen Garden. This is a joint project that the MMR CPP horticulture class has with the Museum of Burlington. This season the garden yielded over 250 lbs of fresh produce which was all donated to the Burlington Food Bank. The produce included hot peppers, eggplant, lettuce, tomatoes, okra, mouse melons, cucumbers, kale, potatoes, zucchini, basil, choi cabbage and more. The students of course grew some watermelons as well, which they enjoyed as a treat in September. This garden project was recently awarded a major prize which will be shared with the parent committee when the formal announcement is made in January. 

 

Student Council

- raised over $1000 in this year’s Terry Fox walk, which met our school-wide goal

- semi-formal dance “Swan Lake” will take place on Dec 4.  A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Halton Learning Foundation.

- there will be a Spirit Week taking place in the final week before Winter Break

 

Equity: 

Equity is looking to organise a DEI week at the end of March/April (like multicultural week) and we would certainly appreciate support in that regard, whether financial or otherwise. 

Do you think there is anything that the Parent Council might be able to do to help us?

 

Also, the Equity students have had lots of other great ideas for different initiatives, including guest speakers, but one of which has been the topic of conversation which is to present a film during lunch or in the evening(?) to raise money and/or awareness around a cause important to them.

 

Staff Equity team provided class activities for: 

-truth and reconciliation week 

-treaties recognition week 

-remembrance day (reflection cards)

 

BSA

- will be travelling to St Lawrence Market in Toronto on Nov 27 along with BSA students from Central and Hayden 

 

Over: 

*boys volley ball and girls basket ball 

*girls field hockey 

*cross country - athletes competed in OFSSA

 

Junior football 

-Boston Pizza fundraiser nights (Nov. 20, Dec. 4) 

-see attached flyer

 

Varsity Girls - folded after 2 tryouts

Boys' Hockey -tournament Thursday 

 

*tryouts and teams have just happened for girls volleyball and boys basketball

 

Math contests ongoing

Model UN club - competitions 

… we are hosting again 

 

Rotary Club (interact) 

-hosting the PD experience at our school 

-ideas shared from community organizations

 

*Music concert - Dec. 11

-ongoing drama performances - see daily announcements

 

Student Supports & Contacts MMR has a dedicated team to support student success, well-being, and individual needs.

6) Principal Report - Nick Varricchio

 

*Annette Markle - VP since Feb 

-OSSLT tomorrow and next day 

… accommodated spaces, extra adults

… Nov. 26th is make up day for those sick tomorrow or unsuccessful last year 

… also have opportunity to write next semester 

 

-Lockdown last week

… 15mins of time 

… went well 

 

-3 Firedrills each semester 

… firefighters came one of the times 

… did them in nice weather 

… students need to leave at closest exit 

 

-Emergency Evacuation

… site is Champlain Park OR Rolling Meadows

 

*Nick Varricchio

-grade 8 family information night

… Thurs. Nov. 20, 6:30-8:30

… parent council will have a table set up for honest parent perspective 

… interest from feeder schools may be higher (due to all schools being open schools) 

… we often end up by 5 kids; our projection right now is stable 

… people promote schools, and we have strong, diverse programs  

… safe school incidents happen at every school and we response in a consistent approach.   

 

-Course Selection 

… we offer multiple programs and pathways 

… start the process early Dec. for current students to pick for next year 

7) Other Business

 

*clubs happen at lunch because we have common lunch and because of bussing. 

-provides opportunities during idle time.  

 

*Eating Food

-can’t consume hot food in the library 

- students can eat in halls in addition to the cafeteria 

 

*Washrooms

-student was afraid to use the washroom, but can use office washrooms

-doors are removed from stalls when vandalized and until repaired. 

 

*PIC Conference 

-4 MMR parents went on Saturday 

-there were much fewer workshops this year compared to past PIC

-not as well attended as was expected

-long day 

-didn’t separate elementary and secondary by titles, but did when talking

-AI presentation (Jamie Mitchell) … get him in to present to us - he was great. 

 

Next Meeting - Virtual (Tues. February 17th, 6pm)

1) Welcome and introductions 

Attendees: Nick Varricchio, Stephanie Clapham, Melissa Jamieson, Mia (Michelle) Tsanis, Sarah Pate, Roisin Pozzobon, Rachel Dam, Jackie Stone, Angela VonDerMerue 

2) Approval of Minutes from last meeting 

(see website for all of last year's minutes) 

Approval of Agenda for this meeting 

*very standard template 

3) National Service Dog (NSD) Rep - Danielle Forbes 

-speak to the role of the service dog 

-not the same as therapy dogs that come in around exam time 

-specifically tasked for those with disability (PTST, blind, autism, deaf and hard of hearing, diabetes alert) -deep body pressure, light touch for focus 

-behaviours are mitigated or realigned 

-sleep hygiene support 

-road safety,elopement 

-support the team (dog and kid) ... don't distract the dog or engage with him. 

... autism supports can be the team of kid, dog, parent / EA(s) 

... depends how capable an individual is to handle the dog / communicate commands 

-kids understand the concept of support dogs, better than adults 

-allergies issue... dog is well groomed, wears a jacket, no contact, dander study showed same air quality as outside air 

-fear... can use Beaumont (MMR dog) as a training tool to mitigate concerns 

-keep an open mind - you can't know the value to the relationship between the dog and kid 

4) Student Voice - None this time. Student Rep to be arranged for the next meeting. 

(often a student from United Student Body) 

5) Review of Committee: 

Chair Rachel Dam/Michelle Jamieson 

- 

has to be a parent; name listed on report card; bring up concerns, if other parents have them; review minutes; 

Secretary - Stephanie Clapham (teacher rep) 

PIC - conference, proposals can be done for ProGrant - Jackie Stone 

Parent Rep on Well Being Committee - Roisin Pozzobon 

5) Teacher Report 

Start up: 

*positive school vibe 

*Welcome back assembly - focus on service side supports in the school 

-semester two welcome assembly will be Spencer Miller sport announcer/MMR graduate 

*USB / Student Council 

-Terry Fox breakfast buy out and walk (moved to Friday due to rain) 

* Link Crew Leaders 

-Grade 9s should have mentors to help them feel welcome and comfortable in our school community. 

*Athletics: 

*football (junior), senior folded 

Jr football is selling candles on School Cash to raise money for new practice jerseys. 

*4 Burlington Central students on junior team 

The candle company is run by two MMR students. They have already raised over $2500 for other community organizations. The candle costs $20 and $5 of every purchase goes to Rams football. 

Rams football is always planning ahead. We are still looking for coaches, part-time or full-time. First step is to email Marco Ferrone at ferronem@hdsb.ca. 

*5 senior football students are joining Hayden football team 

*cross country - meet Thurs. Sept. 25 

*golf team - tournament at Turtle Creek and Tyendaga this week 

*girls basketball (2 teams - Jr and Sr) 

*boys volleyball (2 teams - Jr and Sr) 

*hockey interest meeting this week - girls and boys 

*field hockey for girls has started 

Athletic Council meets on Tuesdays at the start of lunch in the Health Room. We always welcome new members and have a Google Classroom they can join to receive updates and info. Some of the tasks of Athletic Council include scorekeeping our athletics events, helping with major athletic events (buyouts, pink games, etc), planning Athletic Banquet and other things we need for both Phys Ed and Athletics. A great way to get volunteer hours and refine leadership skills! 

**Also, our Spirit Wear Online Store is open now until Sept. 25th as the deadline. 

Arts: 

Tuesday, September 23rd and Wednesday September 24th: NTS Auditions 

Tuesday, Sept. 30th: Junior One-Act Festival Director Pitches 

Wednesday, October 1st: NTS Techie Meeting 

Thursday, October 2nd: Junior One-Act Festival Festival Auditions 

For those grade 9 and 10 students interested in performing in a play, come to auditions. No preparation required. 

Thurs. Oct. 9th: Junior One-Act Festival Techie Meeting 

Continuing: Eco Club, Math Club, Reach, Cosmo Club, Auto Club, Yearbook, Muslim Student Association, Christian team, Model UN team 

*Best Buddies 

-intro joining meeting at lunch tomorrow 

-support on various lunch hours in CPP classes 

-fun activity once a month in library 

*Equity 

The Equity team at MMR is a student-led initiative to promote the values of inclusion, diversity and social justice within the school community. Any student interested in learning about diverse perspectives and broadening their worldview is welcome to come to Room 323 every Friday at lunch. Importantly, the team is also behind one of the largest events at MMR, the Multicultural Week event typically held in springtime. Over the course of five days, the whole student body is invited to sample cultural foods, watch a fashion show of traditional clothes, listen to educational presentations and more. 

Guidance: 

MMR BSA and Infinity Space is open 

MMR Wellness - yoga (Thursday's 3-4 pm) and meditation/mindfulness (Wednesday's 11:30 am) MMR Peer Tutoring - starting up the last week of September 

HDSB Open House this weekend and getting the word out to families and to students who would like to volunteer for community involvement hours. Hosted at CKSS this Saturday, Sept. 27. Focused for students in grades 6-10. Sign up here HDSB Open House Sign UP. Any questions - See Ms. Hagley or Mr. Clark 

6) Principal Report 

*Grad Coach for Black Students 

- Joseph, started in March 2025 returns 

-assembly on Monday September 25 for all kids to explain his role 

-he will talk through Have Your Say 

-currently our Grad Coach is at MMR Mondays - shared with Hayden and another school 

-wants students to feel a sense of belonging 

*Closing 6 classrooms - not needed for current enrollment - cost efficiencies 

-could accommodate more kids in the school 

-we are considered an open school 

-we have more kids come in, than move out 

*MMR - has variety of programs and pathways -approximately 1150 students 

-school's enrollment is stable 

*budget 

-determined by enrollment (decentralized budget) 

-required to spend all but 10% of money given to us in the school year it was allocated 

-decentralized budget is for instructional needs (books, computer, paper etc.) 

-a portion of money given to schools as preliminary in June, and then another chunk in December 

-large capital money/projects is covered by the Board (theatre stage, roof, paving etc) 

-school generated money (ie. yearbook money, graduation) ... money in and out. 

-money raised for charity (ie. Terry Fox, Earthquake, Cancer society) all feed into school generated account 

*Attendance Reporting 

-mechanism to call in is working 

-student messenger has to be done before school starts 

-phone call/email to get absent or late reported 

*parent volunteer process posted on school website 

-parents can get involved to coach; must be screened - -vulnerable sector check / declaration meeting -AODA video training required 

-student teachers are set up and most coming from Queen's 

*homework 

-amount will differ from grade and subject 

-doesn't get graded directly, but the practise should be done 

-every teacher has BrightSpace 

*video surveillance exists in building; checked for safe school incidents when required 

-police can request footage by going through the board 

-getting a new unit to be more compatible with admin computers we use 

*code of conduct / dress code exists on school website and shared with all staff, parents, families -cell phone protocol posted on school website 

-hate protocol is in development 

*OSSLT/EQAO 

-literacy test is no longer a one day event 

-test is online, and it is completed over a stretch of days 

-test will be in Nov for first time writers and those that want to try again; those in grade 10 with English second semester will write then 

-there is a course that can be taken instead for unsuccessful test writers. 

-EQAO math assessment is NOT a diploma requirement but it makes up 10% of final grade for grade 9 math. 

*school improvement plan continues focused on multi-year plan. 

*parents/students are encouraged to read the Friday communication each week- a key way to stay informed -information posted on website, if you don't get regular emails 

7) Other Business / Questions: 

*SHSM - how many years? What is the value? -focused courses for students in senior grades 

-prescribed list of focus courses that should be taken 

*length of time for principals staying in a school 

-principals average 4-5 years 

-VP average 2-3 years 

-no fixed time 

-composite schools = multiple pathways 

-75% of administrators across the province are eligible to retire in next 5 years 

*PIC (Parent Involvement Conference) 

-so many resources in one place 

-phenomenal event 

-Saturday, free 

*money available in our Parent Council account 

-don't need to apply for more grants because we have money left over 

*Student Volunteer Hours 

-drop off sheets in bin in front of Ms. Child's office in guidance 

-upload signed form from the school website 

*University / College 

-fairs in different locations (ie. Toronto this weekend) 

*Online courses 

-counts as one of the 30 credit requirements 

*Locked doors 

-4 are open throughout the day at high schools -front, phys ed, art, tech 

8) Next Meetings 

*meeting 4 times - Wednesdays 

Nov. 18 in person 

Feb. 17, 2026 - virtual 

May 19, 2026 - in person

SAC Minutes 2024-2025

SAC Minutes 2023-2024

SAC Minutes 2022-2023

SAC Minutes 2021-2022