Inter-A News

Attending:            AC, JF, EK, CR, DH, LZ, LL, AS, AM, PV

Interview with Parent Focus Group

Special meeting with AM to conduct interview with Inter-A parent focus group as part of choice program review. Items discussed:

• History of Inter-A;
• Structure of Inter-A, i.e. the Society and connections between students, parents, teachers;
• Inter-A component;
• Non-traditional methods/philosophies: are these present in other secondary schools and could Inter-a methods work in larger school system;
• Can Inter-A be sustained as a separate program;
• How can we bring newer technologies into program to bring the program into the future; how are students prepared for the future;
• How does it feel to have a student in Inter-A: what are the unique differences appreciated by parents, i.e. the good things about the program;
• What kind of program issues come up at Society meetings;
• Is Inter-A an academic program;
• Why is there so much parent involvement that is not seen in ‘mainstream’;
• Promotion of Inter-A.

Overall feeling was that Inter-A is a successful program and AM seemed pleased with the answers provided by parent group. Next steps in review were to meet with students and alumni and observe the program in action. AM and AS left after this portion of the meeting.

PAC Report

CR reported that the last PAC meeting included a presentation for funds to improve theatre lighting and sound system. Approved; KP administration would put funds into the improvements. There was also a discussion concerning absenteeism and the new system for reporting late arrivals that would be in place early in the new year.

Teacher’s Report

Here are some upcoming dates.

• Craft Day December 19th, still looking for parents to help with options
• January 14th – touring of elementary schools
• January 17th & Feb 7th – Inter-A information nights
• March 6th – Interviews for potential students

Treasurer’s Report

LL presented the financial statement for December and moved it be accepted. Seconded by LZ. Carried.

Adjourned 9:30 pm.

Next meeting: January 8^th 7:00 PM