Parent School Support Committee – Minutes

April 20, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Attendance: Meghan Whyte, Susan Maxwell (principal), Emma Ferguson (school rep), Madisen O’Donnell, Mary-Beth Watson, Valerie Carmichael, Kaylie Bulger

Regrets: Brittany Holmes; Jessica Shaw

Call to order by Kaylie at 6:40pm

Motion to approve February Minutes: Meghan Whyte. Seconded by: Valerie Carmichael

  • Susan started with the items on the agenda, starting with A) Provincial School Lunch Program: We know that Abdul from the Ramada was the successful candidate for the school lunches. This means likely no interruptions to kitchen use for Breakfast program, etc. The food is meant to be brought to the school daily and already sorted into classrooms. There will be a healthy option, a vegetarian option and other options available for purchase. The projected fee ranges from $6.50-$8.00. The healthy meal has the capacity to be subsidized/purchased at a lower cost for those who need it, unsure of what the cost lower cost will be. Total subsidy is also a possibility where needed. Meant to start immediately in the fall. An app has been created and will be used for ordering. There might be a trial period at some point before then.
  • B) Pilot School Calendar Update: At a recent principals’ meeting, Tiffany Bastain indicated that there will be a second year for the Pilot School program. No other schools will be added to this calendar this upcoming year. The school calendar is being worked on and will be sent upon its completion. The intention is to have the calendar out earlier this year.
  • C) New K-8 School: Susan discussed where the school will be located, as it was announced. Off the old highway (Route 130), and to be modelled after Hanwell School. Projected start day September of 2030.  
  • D) Community Outreach: Susan brought forth 2 ideas for the students to participate in an outreach activity. One of the options was to visit Dunroamin’ and see what is needed in donations. The second option was the Juniper Community Centre and if there were items needed there. It was suggested students could also visit for some milk/cookies and use the outside facilities while there. Ideas for the fall.
  • E) School Culture: There is a lot happening at the school from now until June, here is a list: Musical Festival to take place on Tuesday, April 28th, Blue Jays Care baseball is starting up for Grades 4 and 5. Schedule to be released when known, Drama has started for the 3-5s, the students are performing Jack and the Beanstalk – students practice Tuesdays at noon and Thursdays after school. Action by Susan: Susan is going to reach out to the high school and inquire about booking the theatre for the production.  This will also allow for mobility.  It was suggested to have a donation bin at the door to cover any cost associated, Grades 1 & 5 are going to the Art Gallery, K-2 is going to the Meduxnekaeg trail, Grade 4 is going to Muddy Boots on May 20th, Earth Rangers will be coming to the school, as well as UNB World’s Unbound, our final trip of the year will be Shiktehawk on June 17th. The Grade 5s would like to have a sleepover at the school for their farewell.
  • F) School Behaviour Tracking: Susan brought forth the Fix-It Tickets for feedback. It was received well.
  • G) Butterfly Garden and Planters: The butterfly garden is going to be taken down, as it is too much cost/time to maintain the upkeep. Instead, we are going to participate in a seed-sharing opportunity where we have raised food beds and we will be planting seeds/sharing seeds/plants, etc. There was an application the BrES applied for and didn’t get, however, Valerie Carmichael was able to provide $500 to each of the remaining schools to carry on with this project.
  • H) New Staff Member: Tammy B (our beloved janitor), has taken a role in Perth. We have Penny in her place for the interim; the job will be posted.  
  • I) School Plan: Susan mentioned the staff discussed the school plan on our recent PILOT day, shared the success we have been having and the implementation of the EGLA for the 3-5 classes. We looked at the student wellness data from the Grades 4-5. It was positive in many aspects, with some opportunities for growth from us as a school.
  • J) Pre-K Day: The Pre-K day will be May 28th. The current Kindergarten students will remain home on that day.

Susan shared and went over the Hot Lunch Revenue.We currently have $1559.54 for the Breakfast program, and $2223.66 for the hot lunch program, thanks to a donation from the home and school. Theresa is making the grilled cheese sandwiches and it has been very successful.

Items from community or members: No items.

Next meeting: June 1, 2026 at 6:30pm in person at BrES.

Adjournment at 7:52pm. Madisen and Mary Beth.

Home and School: Briefly chatted with group about where donations can be made from the home and school. It was mentioned to think about gifts for the Grade 5s, perhaps some items on the Toy Shed list, or contributions to the outings for the Movies/Ayr Motor Centre.

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