Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 (in-person meeting) 

 

1) Welcome and introductions 

     Staff Attendees: Nick Varricchio, Stephanie Clapham plus parents: Rachel Dam, Roisin Pozzobon

      Jackie Stone, Jessica Coombes, Kim Houghton & Andrew Wallner

 

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 Dog Services (NDS) presentation / Lions Foundation Guide Dogs Canada 

-both credited dog service areas 

*Yoshie service dog - student is the handler

-dog not allowed in certain classes (ie. science, phys ed, kitchen where food is prepped for health and safety reasons) 

 

*EA present to handle the dog (Beaumont) is level 3 support 

-train EAs to handle dog but focus in on coaching student to gain as much independence as possible

-etiquette pieces are stated for staff NOT acting as the handler

 

*same rules for both foundations 

-don’t touch dog, don’t feed, don’t stare

-student might ‘snuggle’- light pressure, head on lap; ‘hug’ deeper pressure, on student’s lap

… student might need to leave with dog to go for a walk 

-ignoring the dog does NOT mean ignoring the kid at the end of the leash 

 

*on 11th birthday guide dog needs to retire (often done working by 10) 

-provided good health 

-in talk with clients for the whole life 

-credited dog agencies are the ‘owners’ of the dog 

-dogs get adopted out to family (or a relative?)

-adoption waitlist, and interviews are done 

-families are not at the bottom of the list for another dog 

*child and dog should be very well bonded before they come to school together 

 

*getting a service dog is very difficult

-9 credited agencies across the country

-people are kinder to student as a result 

 

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 & Roisin Pozzobon

…  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 

Well Being Reps - Jessica Coombes & Kim Houghton 

5) Teacher Report 

 

Start up: 

*positive school vibe

 

*Welcome back assembly - Spencer Miller

-former student/graduate of MMR with Cerebral Palsy now sports journalist/motivational speaker. 

 

*USB / Student Council  

-Terry Fox on Monday next week 

 

* Common Ground Collective

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

-events throughout the school year 

-welcome new students to the school throughout the year as well 

 

*Athletics: 

 

*Rams football is playing at Hayden this year (11 students) 

*cross country team

*golf team - tournament at Tyendaga this week (Hidden Lake next week)

 

*girls basketball (2 teams - Jr and Sr)

*boys volleyball (2 teams - Jr and Sr)

 

*field hockey for girls has started 

 

The Athletic Council meets on Tuesdays at the start of lunch in the Health Room.  

Arts: 

Tech Crew - can join at any time to set up AV equipment for presentations or shows

NTS auditions - strong drama program, and students write and perform in plays at high levels

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

*Best Buddies

-support on various lunch hours in CPP classes

-fun activity once a month in library 

HOSA Club - The mission of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Canada chapter is to enable secondary and postsecondary students to become leaders in the healthcare industry by enabling future health professionals to acquire knowledge, skills training and leadership development through competition.  Each year, they hold Canada’s largest health science competition for secondary and postsecondary students.

• 2 MMR teachers are hosting a HOSA Chapter for the second year in a row.  The students are really excited about it and registration is still open for those who are still interested.  There is a registration fee to join so any dedicated students are welcome.

• HOSA is a great program and we should be really proud.  Osama Sabouni finished in the Top 10 Nationally for Medical Spelling last year. 

Horticulture / Eco club

-Ms. Howell runs the club and has led the school to Platinum level the last couple of years

-she has students working at Ireland house, growing and harvesting Heritage vegetables. 

 

      6) Principal Report 

 

*MMR - has variety of programs and pathways

-approximately 1150 students

-school’s enrollment is stable

-slightly above student projection

-given 3 sections to split classes (grade 12 English, grade 10 science, grade 11 biology) 

*budget

-balanced board budget in June  

… approximately 4% reduction in school budget is $11000 

… final money will be given some point in Dec

• budget determined by enrollment (decentralized budget)

 

-online learning 

… board puts a cap on how many online classes students and teachers can have 

… summer school had larger enrollment of online learning, and decrease of in-person learning 

 

*Communication 

-school announcements are on website

-read the Friday update sent to students/parents

-school calendar has come out 

-Oct. 22nd is first Parent/Teacher conference night (maybe Parent Council would like to set up a table) 

 

*Vimy Ridge School Trip 

-planning is taking place right now; low numbers; might not run based on student interest 

 

*Attendance / Participation Policy 

-was a factor in the past in Ontario for grading

-factors such as post covid have led to poor in-person attendance

-parents/students appear to be taking the policy seriously 

-skipping = attendance mark deduction 

-lates do not affect attendance but it will affect participation

-time spent on phone can also impact participation

-parents can ‘excuse’ students up to 3 days after the absence 

- schools will excuse kids for in school trips / events 

-parents can view their student’s attendance on the Parent Portal 

-note: kids can participate in different ways (not just putting hand in air to answer questions)

 

*code of conduct / dress code exists on school website and shared with all staff, parents, students

-cell phone protocol posted on school website

-anti-racism policies and anti-bullying reviewed in classes

-no vaping / smoking (vape detectors are a new potential installation in our bathrooms) 

-public health information is sent out all the time 

-mental health and addiction nurse here once a week 

 

*capital renewal 

-new signs will be installed - date tbd 

 

*parent volunteer process posted on school website

-parents can get involved to coach; must be screened - vulnerable sector check (revised every 5 years)

-AODA video training required 

 

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

-closing the gap between those with IEP vs those that do not (we have narrowed the gap more than any other high school in the board) 

… credit accumulation, success with OSSLT

-working on increasing engagement 

-Wilson Reading program for support 

-Knowledge Hook (short learning cycled data) to determine math concept student is struggling with

-know what accommodation really means in each classroom 

 

*OSSLT / EQAO

-after school literacy sessions being offered

-6 weeks for any student who wants support

-sessions will be each semester 

-need enrollment of 15 kids 

7) Other Business / Questions: 

 

*IEP 

-do teachers have access to it prior to school starting? 

-gets reviewed / updated in the first few weeks of high school 

--student would go to the SERT for help with advocacy 

 

*GLS / GLE 

-great to learn there are both 

 

*Parent Facebook Group - independent of school

-put link for announcements into the group 

-start up forms (blast message was sent to all, even if form was sent in) 

 

*parking lot

-very busy in morning

-parents stop in fire route

 

*wifi

-chromebook from home won’t work with school wifi; there are instructions to fix wifi connectivity for personal devices. 

 

*courses change

-grade 10 female gym is combined grade 10/11/12 co-ed fitness 

-course your student is in will be what is on report card (course code even though courses are combined) 

 

*cafeteria

-compass contractor

-pricing has nothing to do with the school 

 

*Fortinos plaza

-kids can’t sit to eat there

-Dollarama is limiting to 5 kids 

 

*Bullying in class

-teacher must report to office. 

 

8) Next Meetings

*meeting 4 times - Wednesdays

Nov. 18, 2026 - in person (library)    

Feb. 17, 2027 - virtual

May 19, 2027 - in person 

 

 

*in person meeting - in MMR Learning Commons

 

1) Welcome and introductions 

Attendance: Melissa Jamieson, Rachel Dam, Roisin Pozzobon, Jackie Stone, Nick Varricchio (P), Steph Clapham (teacher), Kallum Manning (student) 

 

2)  Approval of Minutes from last meeting 

-approved by all 

 

Approval of Agenda for this meeting 

-approved by all

 

3) Student Note 

Kallum Manning - attended virtually: 

 

*Relay for Life 

-Cancer fundraiser 

-$22000 raised so far

-200 participants 

-1:30-9pm, (tomorrow - May 20); students can stay as little or as long as they want 

 

*HDSB Sustainability Conference 

-generation green 

-100% of schools are connected to eco schools 

-action grants are showcased Wed. morning 

 

*Grade 12 population 

-breakfast is on Thurs. May 21 at 8am

-valedictorian speeches are done, and voted on at this time

 

*Final Performance Tasks

-will start early in June

-culminating activities for the content learned in courses

4) Teacher Report - Stephanie Clapham  

 

School 

 

*Multicultural Week - early April with food and dance and learning activities from different cultures

*Evac drill last week … practise leaving building to park 

*Neurodiversity Month (April 2nd start) … Thurs experiences, and class activities

*Common Ground Committee - recruits needed

 

*King’s Baton

What a fabulous couple of weeks through the halls and learning spaces of M.M. Robinson!  From learning trivia created by senior students, to walking through the legacy and history of M.M. Robinson - the person & the school, to the Baton Relay through the halls, to the Assembly and welcomes from Commonwealth Games Executive &, finishing off with fabulous representation by MMR at the Official King's Baton Relay Event down at Spencer Smith Park where MMR students ran in the ceremonial King's Baton Relay alongside Commonwealth Games athletes, joined by dignitaries from the City & Commonwealth Games, Griffin Dekker and Kallem Manning shared the many ways in which this experience of being part of this historic event has impacted our MMR Community and how we can continue to live Melville Mark's vision and values in our daily lives.

Please enjoy some of the coverage that has been released thus far & I will share once the documentary has been emailed to us.

• Cogeco Story

• BurlingtonToday Story

 

Sports 

 

Football

Coaches always needed 

Spring camp dates - Flyers attached

Boys touch football tournaments

Girls touch football tourneys

 

Athletics/Athletic Council Updates

• Please follow us at @mmr.rams.athletics on Instagram to keep up with all of the exciting things happening in the Phys Ed World and Athletics!  The Leadership class has been specifically working on a lot of promotional videos!

• Jr Girls Soccer has had an incredibly successful season, finishing second in league play and are heading into the Halton Semi Finals vs Nelson on May 25th

• Boys Rugby are heading to the Halton Final on Wed. May 20th @ 11am at Sherwood.  We are holding a Buyout for the game and have fan busses going to support the team.

• Track & Field is competing at GHAC today!  Results to follow.

• Athletic Banquet is coming up on Thursday, June 4th in the MMR Cafeteria.  Athletic Banquet is a fun-filled evening that includes a dinner made by our food school, awards and celebration of the year in Ram Athletics.  Tickets are on sale now on School Cash Online for $25.  Tickets can be purchased until Thurs. May 28th and then need to be picked up the week of June 1st at lunch in the foyer.

 

Arts

 

Music

Congratulations to MMR Music Dept for their performances today in Niagara Falls for Musicfest Nationals.  Our students got to be adjudicated by University Professors and Juno Award Winning musicians. 

- Jazz Ensemble was awarded Gold for the second year in a row and our Wind Ensemble received a Silver Award performing in one of the top categories and tiers of music for the second year in a row.  

- Jazz band was "University calibre" while our Wind ensemble students were awarded an extra certificate in recognition for their excellence in the clinic portion of the competition.

- Congrats to Dinah Lawson and Robert Alexander who were awarded a plaque for their leadership and contributions to the ensemble from Musicfest Canada.  Both Dinah and Robert are planning on studying music at University next year.

 

• Arts Banquet - June 10

• Spring Music Concert is May 29th at 7pm tickets are $5 

 

Drama - NTS 

Cast and crew of No Cause For Concern competed at the 2026 West Region National Theatre School Dramafest at the Gravenhurst Opera House. 

Congratulations on the following achievements: 

- a Regional Award of Excellence the adjudicators called “The Big Bite Award” for their ambitious creative vision of No Cause for Concern 

-Jamie Barry for receiving a Regional Award of Excellence for their performance in the role of Todd Miller.

-Kyan McCormick for receiving the Stage Manager Award! (Only one SM receives this award)

- to our Costume, Hair and Makeup team (Kael Christie, Lexi Smith, Camry Oehring, Dee Lawson, Madison Rodrigues, Leah Dear, Samantha Alabbo, Mariam Al-Dulaimi, Alex Meek and Amelia Painter) for receiving a Regional Award of Merit for their creative design. 

- to Autumn Dann, for winning the Creative Marquis Award (2nd year in a row). 

 

Other Clubs 

 

From Student Council:

- Donated $1000 to Halton Learning Foundation; a portion of proceeds from school dances this year

- Organizing and running Ram Revue during the morning on Friday, June 12.  This is MMR's variety show and awards ceremony.

- Organizing and running the MMR Amazing Race during the afternoon on Friday, June 12.  All students are encouraged to participate…. Afternoon will look different this year for kids that don’t want to participate

 

From the Black Students Association:

- BSA will be having their year end celebration and graduate send-off luncheon this Thursday, May 21.

 

Eco Club

• At the start of May, the Ecoclub completed the 2025-2026 Ecoschool's application. The club accumulated 210.75 points, which means they have more than twice the amount of points that are needed to reach the 101 points required to reach the platinum level. We will know the official certification results in mid-June after the judges have gone over our application. 

• The Ecorams will be having their bi-anual swap event, on Wednesday May 27th. Dozens of students use the swap to find free clothes and household items. All items not picked by students go on to become donations for the Compassion Society and Wellington Square church outreach program.  

• On Saturday May 23rd, the Rams EV car team will be racing up at University of Waterloo in the Waterloo High School Electric Vehicle Challenge. The electric car that they rebuilt this year will be on the track, but they also spent this year creating a new vehicle design that they will be building for next year's challenge. 

Mental Health Week 

This year’s CMHA Mental Health Week theme is Come Together.  Throughout the week, students in each class had the opportunity to respond to class discussions and journal prompts on different topics each day.  Staff greeted students on Friday morning (May 8th) with a special morning welcome, and a small token of appreciation before school begins and to end the week.

 

Grad stuff

-breakfast this Thursday

-scholarship applications have been completed, and teacher committee has voted

-valedictorian voting and speeches will happen on Thursday 

5) Principal Report - Nick Varricchio 

 

*Enrollment is stable

-other secondary schools have declining enrollment

-only 3 classes without a teacher in September but will get filled: 2 grade 9 tech, 1 English 

-redundancy placement mtg on May 26th to fill these vacancies

 

*Public Health Suspensions

-started with 67 and down to 1 (who is now going to another school)

-records are all up to date 

 

*Plan of Care 

-process is started now 

-start meetings with admin to review plans for Sept 

-diabetes, seizure, asthma, anaphylaxis 

 

*Admin moves

-unknown at this point 

-principals often in a school 4-6 years

-vice principals are 2-3 years 

 

*Exams 

-Final Evaluation Block Schedule/Exam schedule is by period starting Thursday June 18, 2026

 

*Transitions for Grade 8s

-MMR Ignite last week of August

-those in grade 8 will do orientation and work 

-literacy and numeracy prep 

-Aug. 26th and Aug 27th

 

*PD days

-Sept 2nd and Sept. 3rd, then Friday off 

-kids start after labour day - Sept. 8 

 

*Room closures

-will have 9 closed

-had 6 closed this past year 

 

*Yearbook Course 

-won’t be a course next year (only 8 students signed up) 

-it will default to be an extra-curricular club

-still need a staff advisor… if not staff steps up, we might need a parent to help or no yearbook. 

 

*Bell change times 

-10 mins earlier start (8:15am) and end earlier 

-cost efficiency measure 

-working with traffic timing 

 

*HDSB Open House

-CKSS on Sept. 26th 

- approximately 5000 people last year to celebrate our board 

-focus is for grades 7-10 

-recruitment / retention strategy 

 

*Parent Council next year meetings 

• Start with Wed. Sept. 23rd 

 

6) Feedback form (together as team)

-google form completed as a team for Board Aps. 

7) Other Business / Questions

*Electrical SHSM

-wants to apply as a year 5 student

-welcomed back if there is a legitimate plan 

 

*Attendance Government Bill 

-has not been passed yet 

- hope is to encourage more active participation and in-person attendance.

- student attendance in school has seen a decline across North American school districts since covid. 

 

*Mindset of working from home

-culture for adults too… have to adjust at an early age

-mental health issues with school avoidance 

* 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