The Westerner for January 10, 2011
Meeting: chair, Mike Ryan; music, Jerome; grace Chris
Attendance/Guests: 31 including Jennifer Lesko, guest speaker
Thank You : John Blimke donated 2 sets of 2 tickets to Oil Kings game for January 29, these went to 50/50 draw winners who did not match the cards (Dan Graham & Dave)
Interact Fundraiser: tickets available from Ron, Thursday, April 15 @ Chateau Louis Conference Centre, $45 each, supports projects for our Interact Club @ Ross Shepard High
Casino: Bill Buckham announced we are on the list for the summer quarter - actual date to be determined by draw in February
Hockey Pool Winners: Mike Henry, Al Sanderson, Dan Graham, Dave plus holder of ticket #97 (let Mike Ryan know if you hold this pool ticket)
Finemaster: no fines per Bert because of high Christmas expenditures
Guest Speaker: Joe introduced Jennifer Lesko, vice principal and teacher of grade three at Athlone School. This is a school in a tough neighborhood and many of the families are low income earners. Jennifer is also coordinator for special needs students and is trying to build community relationships to develop programs for these students (as she said, there is no directory that she can go to to obtain a list of potential donors - donors of time and/or money)
She has entered into some community relationships such as the Family Centre provides a councillor and SaveOn foods provides bake goods several times a week. 20 of the 156 students at Athlone School qualify for a City of Edmonton funded recreation program. The school is 50 years old and was on the review list for potential closure until the new Board of School Trustees put that process into limbo. 1/3 of the students that used to go to this school are being bussed to newer schools in north Edmonton, thus a budget hit for Athlone as they now get much less funding from the school board.
As a result the school is down to 9 teachers who are dedicated to the entire school student population. An ad hoc survey of grade three students gave the following responses about the students perception of the teachers and the school environment - teachers are sweet, lots to do, no bullies, students are cared for, teachers are pretty, teachers love the students. The teachers alone cannot meet the needs of the students - they need adults to act as mentors - provision of positive role models. One hour a week helping to read, bake, or show other skills. Presentations on the possibilites available in the greater community would also be appreciated (CleanScene is there). They also could use data on available grants or other student oriented programs. Taking students skiing or camping or provision of tickets for art gallery or symphony would be appreciated.
16 kids are going to the Edmonton Jopurnal Games but many do not have sports equipment, even running shoes or T shirts.
Library in the school is open every day but only has staff 3 mornings per week.
Parent/teacher nights are attended only if food is provided. The Parent Council comprises of only 3 members
Thank you to Bert who offered to supply T shirts, Mike Ryan offered to assist in the cost.
Mike Ryan thanked Jennifer. Joe is the contact, at this time, to arrange to help if you can.
Condolences: June King, wife of Rotary Club of Edmonton West past president Gord King (81/82) passed away. June was mother to Cathy King, renowned curling skip, and founder of June King Dancers (they performed for our club many years ago).