Milliken Mills HS School Council
Meeting #5 – Monday, May 26, 2025
Location: Library, 7:00 p.m. (In Person)
Attendees
School Council Executive:
- Chair: Anuraag Sharma
- Co-Chair: Seema Shahjahan
- Treasurer: Catherine Chen
- Secretary: Jeet Panchal
Others:
- Student Council & Student Reps: President Emily, Vice-President Steven
- Staff Representatives: Kamla Reid/Sabrina Suleman
- Administration: Principal Mark Melnyk, Vice-Principals Karen Schuur
- Parents: Anuraag Sharma, Seema Shahjahan, Angela Lu, Rupal Panchal, Jeet Panchal, Duvaraga Selvaratnam, Manali Mehta, and others.
Agenda
- Land Acknowledgment
- Review of meeting norms
- Welcome by Chair (Anuraag) and Co-Chair (Seema)
- Approval of April 2025 Minutes and Current Agenda
- Inclusion Activity
- Student Council Updates - Emily and Steven
- Review of Principal Profile (2023-2024)
- Principal Profile Google Form
- Teacher Representative Updates – Sabrina Suleman & Kamla Reid (Regrets)
- Meeting Adjournment
Inclusion Activity
Student Council/Student Update
- A successful Lion Dance performance and Pep Rally energized the student body.
- SAC Elections began on Saturday. This marks the final week for current executive members, including the President. Positions available this year include Secretary and other key roles. Election results will be announced next week following a strong campaign by all candidates.
- The Annual SAC Carnival is scheduled for June 30, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Planned activities include food stalls, prize giveaways, face painting, bracelet making, a watermelon-eating contest, and eight themed games. The event will also feature the introduction of the newly elected SAC team.
- Anuraag and Jeet inquired about the SAC online voting process, including the role of the election committee, the use of Google Forms, and measures to ensure transparency.
Department Highlights
Drama Department – Mr. Keval
- Drama Night on Thursday, June 5 will feature a student-senior storytelling project in collaboration with Community Arts Guild and Scarborough Arts. The performance explores the theme of “home” through intergenerational dialogue.
Visual Arts – Ms. Middleton
- The department showcased student work in the One Truth Show and Mental Health Awareness Week. Updates with photos are available on the visual arts blog.
Science – Dr. Reid
- On March 22, a Grade 11 IB student co-led a board-supported water sustainability workshop with Dr. Reid and an NGO partner. Focus: Watershed planning and water biochemistry.
Administrative Updates
Vice-Principal Karen Schuur
- PISA testing was completed on May 23.
- Exam schedule is available in the Weekly Bulletin.
- Awaiting Spring OSSLT results.
Vice-Principal Vanessa Wonnacott
- 2025–2026 student schedule development is underway.
- EQAO Math: Practice tests on June 4–5; test administration on June 10–11.
Principal Mark Melnyk
- Emphasis continues fostering respect for self, others, families, school, and community.
- Thank you to the School Council for organizing the successful PRO Grant Speaker Night (May 15) with Markham District.
- Appreciation extended to Anuraag, Seema, and Rupal for representing MMHS at the PEAC Forum.
- Gratitude to the Prom Committee and staff for hosting a memorable event on May 22; planning for 2026 is already underway.
- The school is exploring communication strategies, including the use of Instagram to increase family engagement.
- Families are reminded that the school will be closed for summer starting June 26 due to atrium roof repair and staging work.
Important School Closure Notice
- Although not originally included in the agenda, the Principal shared that the school will be closed for the summer beginning June 26 to allow for essential maintenance, including repairs to the atrium staging area and roof leaks.
Principal Profile Development for 2024–2025
Discussion included:
- To help shape future leadership at MMHS, council members contributed to the annual Principal Profile. This document, used by the Superintendent and Trustee for principal and vice-principal assignments, incorporated their insights on essential leadership qualities and community priorities.
- Consideration of equitable access to educational technology, noting challenges with failed AI devices provided by the board.
Resources:
Community Engagement Discussion
- Concerns have been raised about low parent attendance.
- Suggestions included:
- QR codes at orientation to enroll new parents in the Council.
- Creation of a school community Facebook group.
- Evaluating whether virtual or in-person formats increase engagement.
- Manali suggested developing a community presence via Facebook.
- Anuraag proposed digital sign-up via QR codes to streamline Council involvement.
Acknowledgments
Council expressed gratitude to Anuraag Sharma (Chair) and Seema Shahjahan (Vice-Chair) for their leadership during the school year. Thanks extended to executive members and participating families for their dedication and support.
Key Upcoming Dates
- May 29 – Music Banquet
- May 29 – SAC Election Speeches
- June 4–5 – EQAO Math Practice
- June 5 – Drama Night
- June 9 – Athletic Banquet
- June 10–11 – EQAO Math Assessment
- June 13 – SAC Carnival
- June 18–24 – Exams
- June 25 – Last Day of School
- June 26 – Graduation Ceremony (Sign-up via School Cash Online)
- June 26–27 – PA Days
Next School Year Council Meetings
- Monday, September 15, 2025 – First School Council Meeting (7:00 PM, Library)
- Monday, November 17, 2025 – School Council Forum at MCI
- May 2026 – PEAC Forum
Meeting Adjourned by
- Chair Anuraag Sharma
“Thank you all for your dedication and contributions to another meaningful and successful school year. Your efforts truly make a difference!”
– Principal Mark & Vice-Principal Karen