Class Meeting Minutes
In Division 5, students are encouraged to participate and have a voice about what happens in the classroom. We are now holding class meetings to discuss various topics.
Class Meeting Minutes:
December 8th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - J.
October 28th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - S.
October 14th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - C.
October 9th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - S.
Class Meeting Minutes:
December 8th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - J.
- Meeting started at 1:17
- Compliments were read to the class by Mr. Neumeyer.
- Student Suggestion: We should do more art. - The class had a long 35 minute discussion about this topic. It was felt that while art can not have as much time as some of the other subjects, it should be done more often if possible. There was some interesting discussion about whether art should be directed or students should be free to explore what styles they like. There were good points for each side of the argument. It was felt that a combination of both might work well. Mr. Neumeyer told the class that he would try and have more art time in the new year. Mr. Neumeyer also mentioned that perhaps Ms. Yokome could also come in and teach the class some guided lessons if possible.
- Student suggestion: We should have less PE and more French. This topic was not discussed since these subjects cannot be changed with regards to time.
- Class meeting ended at 2:03
October 28th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - S.
- Meeting started at 10:42
- Compliments were read to the class by Mr. Neumeyer. The boys and girls who haven't done any yet were challenged to participate.
- Topic: Class Attitude - Ms. Thoor has mentioned that class attitude has improved overall, but there are still some things that could be improved. Mr. Neumeyer said that students need to be at least "neutral" when it comes to how they act with different class subjects. Some students noted that being sarcastic was not a positive behaviour. Another student mentioned that being too positive, even when it's genuine might frustrate others.
- Book Share: There have been a few suggestions for a voluntary class book share. Students who want to participate could share a book they have read to the class for a few minutes. They could also read their favourite part of the book to the class. This topic was discussed. In the end the vote was 10-7 against starting a book share for now.
- Student Choice with PE: There was a suggestion that students be allowed to choose what game or sport is played on 1 out of the 2 PE blocks we have. This was a topic that many students were interested in talking about. Some students thought that having a choice would allow a PE unit to still be taught, but it would let students have a say. Others were argued against it as they said there might be too much pressure from peers to pick a certain game, that certain games may get picked too often, and that it would be too disruptive to a PE unit. A secret vote was taken and it was decided 15-7 that we don't change anything. 2 students abstained.
- The class needed to get ready for Music class, so the meeting was adjourned at 11:06
October 14th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - C.
- The question was raised: how should we set up a class meeting? Stay at our tables, or continue to move chairs in a circle, where students face each other. The topic was discussed with students bringing up some good points for both options. In the end, moving to a circle passed, 15-12 in a vote.
- Mr. Neumeyer discussed the idea of voting sometimes in a secret vote (students cover their eyes while voting), or an open vote. It was decided to sometimes have a secret vote and sometimes have an open vote, depending on what it is.
- Mr. Neumeyer read some compliments. Some students took the opportunity to thank each other for the compliments.
- Mr. Neumeyer read some of the suggestions:
- The first suggestion was about the silent clean up challenge: Some students wanted to have an opportunity to do it 2 days a week. Reasons for this were discussed by various people. Ms. Thoor and Mr. Neumeyer decided to extend it to a challenge. It's open any day, but students have to earn it with good behaviour with previous clean ups.
- The majority of students voted to pass the idea of having "yellow light" during Montessori Math. This means that students can whisper to each other, but not talk.
- Mr. Neumeyer brought up the point about the problem the class has been having with cleaning up after students finish their lunch. Students put forward some suggestions for solving this. Mr. Neumeyer and Ms. Thoor listened to all the suggestions and will consider them if the issue continues.
- There was a quick vote to get rid of the cloak room name tags. It was decided that maybe they're not needed. Students who arrive first can put their backpacks where they want. There was a vote, and it passed by a large majority.
- Meeting adjourned at 10:06
October 9th, 2014
Meeting Leader - Mr. Neumeyer
Secretary - S.
- Suggestions on how to improve our class will be taken at future class meetings.
- Students are encouraged to make reasonable suggestions.
- S. suggested to make suggestions anonymous. This was discussed and students felt it was a good idea.
- A. suggested that students bring books that you love to share with others.
- One student suggested to have more gym.
- Another student suggested a book share at future class meetings.
- Mr. Neumeyer explained that for future meetings, there will be a student leading the meeting.
- It was voted on and decided that suggestions will be anonymous if people want.
- A student suggested that we use the High 5 box for the suggestions.
- A class "Compliment Box" was decided upon. Students can write compliments on a different paper colour, box will be shared with suggestions.
- A student suggested that compliments be read each week.
- Another student suggested to have a certain time in the day to write compliments and suggestions.
- A student suggested that Mr. Neumeyer pick a random compliment to read each day, and this would help make more friendships in the class.
- One student brought up the point that when you're having a bad day, you can cheer yourself up by reading a compliment that was written for you.
- Mr. Neumeyer brought up the issue of attitude in the classroom. Positive feelings are encouraged. You don't have to love every subject, but others may love it, so stay "neutral".
- A student suggested that if some looks sad, try to cheer them up.
- The meeting was adjourned.