Minutes
Milliken Mills HS School Council
Date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026
Location: Library 7:00 p.m. (In Person)
Recorded by: Jeet Panchal, Secretary, School Council
Opening & Land Acknowledgement
The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement recognizing that YRDSB is located on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the First Nations of the Williams Treaties. The council reaffirmed its shared responsibility to honour Indigenous traditions, knowledge, and stewardship of the land.
Agenda
- Call to Order & Meeting Norms
- Welcome and Introductions
- Inclusion Activity
- Student Council Updates
- Student Representatives (MBO): Tarani, Alan, and Abena
- Teacher Representative Updates
- Administrative Updates
- PRO Grant Planning and Discussion
- Future Meeting Dates
- Adjournment
Meeting Norms
Council reviewed the established norms:
- No recording or screenshots
- Notes may be taken
- Respectful dialogue
- Listening with the intent to understand
Welcome, Introductions & Attendance
Members introduced themselves and recorded attendance (name + email).
Administration noted that Google Sites will no longer be publicly accessible, and all School Council information will now be posted on the MMHS School Website.
2025–2026 Executive
Chair: Anuraag Sharma
Vice-Chair: Rupal Panchal
Secretary: Jeet Panchal
Treasurer: Chris Lee
2025–2026 Staff & Student Leadership
Includes Student Council President Steven, VP Tristin, Yearbook Editor Tristin, staff representatives, IB lead, Vice-Principals Vanessa Wonnacott & Karen Schuur, and Principal Mark Melnyk.
Approval of Minutes
October 2025 minutes were reviewed for approval.
Inclusion Activity – “One Word for 2026”
Members shared a single word representing their intention for 2026.
- Hope (Anuraag)
- Health & Active Living (Seema)
- Gratitude (parent participant)
- Happiness (another parent participant)
These reflections helped set a positive tone for the meeting.
Student Council Update
Presented by Steven (President) and Tristin (VP).
Highlights
- Strong focus on ensuring student voices are heard.
- Past Events:
- Winter Market – highly successful with strong engagement.
- Semi‑Formal – 400 students attended; excellent feedback.
- Upcoming Events:
- Pep Rally
- SAC-entines (Feb 14)
- Milliken Island Carnival – a fun, high‑energy student engagement event.
- Talent Show (Dec 19) showcased student creativity; photos were shared.
Council members expressed appreciation for SAC’s energy, and Anuraag encouraged families to follow SAC social channels to stay connected.
MBO (Milliken Business Organization) – Student Representatives
Presented by Tarani, Alan, and Abena.
Business Competitions Overview
DECA
- Students participate in written exams, oral role‑plays, and long‑term case studies.
- Pathway: Regionals → Provincials → Internationals (Atlanta).
- Regional Awards Ceremony recently held.
OBEA (Ontario Business Educators Association)
- Competitions in finance, economics, and interdisciplinary design.
- Awards ceremony at DoubleTree by Hilton.
- Cost‑free and excellent for skill development.
Lazaridis School of Business (Laurier) Competitions
- Case studies and presentations are open to all grades.
Waterloo FLC (Financial Literacy Competition)
- Financial literacy competition; top performers receive post‑secondary financial awards.
Business Unlimited – UTSC
- Case competition for Grades 11–12; includes networking with professionals and CPAs.
Experiential Learning
- Students gain leadership opportunities, hands‑on business exposure, and access to experiential learning kits.
Parent Questions & Discussion
- Rupal: How can parents support students in DECA?
SAC Response: Weekly training, mock role‑plays, and posted resources. - Anuraag: Encouraged SAC and MBO to invite parents to major events, especially entrepreneurial showcases.
- Principal: Shared that last year’s AI‑themed pitch event was highly engaging, with strong parent participation.
Guidance Department
Guidance Counsellors
- Jane Wong – Counsellor (A–G)
- Irene Petrou – Counsellor (H–Lin)
- Samantha Altorio – Counsellor (Lina–S)
- Dina Saweriss – Guidance Head (T–Z)
- Ms. Lee – Guidance Secretary
Student Services Leadership
- Sarit Abramovich – Interim Head of Student Services
- Marina Kilada – Assistant Head of Student Services
- Joanna Ding – Student Success Teacher
Staff Updates – Department of Science (Dr. K. Reid)
Dr. Reid shared updates on SNC1W Science Exhibition Projects, emphasizing student voice and choice.
Key Points
- Students selected either:
- A scientific inquiry research question, or
- A real‑world engineering design problem.
- Projects foster cross‑subject dialogue and connections to STEM/STEAM careers.
YRST Fair
Selected students will represent MMHS at the York Region Science & Technology Fair (April 2026).
Additional Insights from Your Notes
- Dr. Reid discussed the engineering design cycle (Ask → Research → Imagine → Plan → Create → Test → Improve).
- She emphasized “rethinking and redesigning approaches” and curating dialogue between STEM and STEAM methodologies.
- A missing “proof‑of‑concept” element was identified and addressed in this year’s redesign.
Staff Update – Mr. Rego
Mr. Rego announced the Cultures in Action Talent Show on Thursday, March 12, 6–8 PM.
Your notes add:
- Performances include K‑pop dance, South Asian dance, singing, cultural food sales, and language‑based activities.
Study Techniques for Students – Dr. Reid
Dr. Reid shared effective study strategies for Grade 9 students, including active learning, consistent routines, and the Pomodoro Technique.
Additional Insights
- The Pomodoro method was personally tested and found effective.
- Parents were encouraged to try it with their children for over four months.
- Emphasis was placed on mental health, focus, and minimizing distractions.
Vice‑Principal Updates
Presented by VPs Karen Schuur.
Key Dates
- Jan 22–29: Exams
- Jan 29: Exam Feedback Day
- Jan 30: PA Day
- Feb 2: Semester 2 begins
- Feb 4–5: Safe Schools Assemblies
- Feb 16: Family Day
- Feb 19: Grad Photos
- Feb 10–12: Semester 1 Report Cards (e‑distribution)
Principal’s Update – Mark Melnyk
Honouring Mr. Birch
The school community mourned the unexpected passing of Mr. Birch, a beloved teacher and branch president. He was remembered for his warmth, humour, and positive energy. Staff and students have come together in support, and the principal remains in contact with his family.
School Growth & Infrastructure
- Enrollment increased by 160 students, now approx. 1,720; projected to reach 1,800+.
- MMHS will be closed to transfers starting September 2026.
- Technology upgrades include short‑throw projectors, AirTames, and computer replacements.
- Vertical learning spaces expanding in Math (2 completed, 2 more planned).
- Creative space optimization continues, including converting small spaces into learning rooms.
Upcoming Events
- Thai Pongal (January)
- Black Excellence Month (February)
- IB Welcome Night – Feb 19
- SACentines – Feb 14
- Graduation – June 23, 2026
- Prom – May 28, 2026
PRO Grant Discussion
Grant Criteria
Projects must support:
- DAP: Achievement, Well‑Being, Human Rights & Inclusive Education
- Board Strategies: Anti‑Black Racism, Indigenous Education, Mental Health, Mathematics, Modern Learning
Ideas Presented
- Group 1: Cellphone distraction, burnout, competitiveness, empathy
- Group 2: Screen time, parent modelling, multitasking impacts
Expanded Discussion
- Anuraag and Mark emphasized the importance of starting early to secure a strong speaker and theme.
- Danny suggested showcasing MMHS’s strengths—its music, culture, and student pride.
- Proposal to collaborate with four local schools, pooling funds (~$800).
- Food/refreshments recommended to increase turnout.
- The principal suggested themes like integrity, AI literacy, managing information overload, and reducing “noise” from constant news cycles.
- Anuraag encouraged selecting a topic appealing to both parents and students, though Mark clarified that the event is primarily for parents.
- A February survey will help finalize the topic.
- Goal: 150+ attendees.
Parent Engagement Strategies
- Rupal: How do we encourage more parents to attend?
- Suggestions included:
- Outdoor social gathering in warmer months
- Building momentum over the summer
- Trial hybrid meeting to understand attendance barriers
- Mark will explore borrowing an OWL device for hybrid capability at the March meeting.
Future Meetings
- Monday, March 23, 2026 (Hybrid trial proposed)
- PRO Grant Evening: April or May 2026
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Highlights of Key Discussion Insights
To capture the richness of the live discussion, the following insights reflect the collaborative and forward‑thinking spirit of the meeting:
Community Values Shared
- Hope, health, gratitude, and happiness emerged as guiding themes for 2026.
Student Leadership Energy
- Strong emphasis on student voice, engagement, and community‑building through events like Winter Market, SAC-entines, and Milliken Island Carnival.
Parent–School Collaboration
- Parents expressed interest in supporting DECA and business competitions.
- Encouragement for parents to attend entrepreneurial events and showcases.
Academic Innovation
- The science department highlighted the importance of inquiry, engineering design, and STEAM integration.
- Study strategies emphasized mental health, focus, and sustainable habits.
School Growth & Vision
- Rapid enrollment growth and infrastructure upgrades reflect MMHS’s evolving needs.
- Commitment to technology, vertical learning, and inclusive programming.
PRO Grant Momentum
- Strong interest in selecting a meaningful, high‑impact topic.
- Desire to create an event that reflects MMHS’s identity, strengths, and community pride.
- A hybrid meeting trial was proposed to increase accessibility and parent participation.
Closing
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the active participation and collaborative spirit of all council members. MMHS continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward‑looking school community.