Please find below the meeting minutes from the February 2026 AES PAC meeting.
Meeting info
Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Armstrong Elementary School Library
Call to order, welcome, and acknowledgement
Meeting called to order: 5:33 PM
We respectfully acknowledge that we are grateful to live, work, and play within the beautiful ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people, Secwepemc Nation, and acknowledge the Métis people who reside here.
Attendance:
Aislinn Harmston, Nicole Shore, Michelle Reinhart, Megan Weir, Nadine Zakoski, Pia Pechtel, Nanae Phung, Chloe Hale, Leon Bosse, Pamela Rennie, Kaitlin Fulljames
Approval of previous meeting’s minutes
Approve January’s meeting minutes (all in favour):
1st: Chloe Hale
2nd: Nicole Shore
Additions to today’s agenda
Additions to February’s meeting agenda:
None
Adoption of today’s agenda
Adopt February’s meeting agenda (approve amendments / all in favour):
1st: Chloe Hale
2nd: Michelle Reinhart
Principal’s report
Principal – Megan Weir
Megan shared an update on the school learning plan. The school continues to focus on FSA writing and Writing Thinkers, including stamina, idea development, organization, and “brave spelling.”
School doors will now be locked, except for the main doors at the side. This change is a response from the school district to the Tumbler Ridge incident.
Megan shared a reminder about the school cell phone policy. No cell phones are allowed during instructional or non-instructional time, including in bus lineups. Families can refer to the school district manual for more details. There was a question about phone use while on the bus, and Megan will follow up.
The pancake breakfast will take place on March 12. The Leadership students will host the event. The breakfast will happen in classrooms this year because larger spaces are unavailable due to school-wide painting.
The event needs griddles. A warning was shared not to use the lunchroom stove, as the temperature regulation is not good for pancakes. It was mentioned that Len Wood Middle School uses a Sunbelt grill for events. Aislinn will post a request on Facebook asking for the use of griddles and parent volunteers.
The Grade 4 Student Learning Survey will be released at the end of March. Students and parents will complete the survey. Parents will receive an email with the survey link. The questions include personal and school-related questions.
The Grade 5 variety show will take place on March 13 at 10:20 AM. There are approximately 60 students. A reminder discussion was shared about why this is not a school-wide talent show this year. The reason is limited space. This event will be revisited in September with the goal of including all grades.
The painting update is that room 123 is currently being restored.
Willing to Ninja nominees for Term 3 will be announced during the May assembly.
The SD83 Art Fair, School Crossing Art Show, will take place in May for Grades 4 and 5. It has received a positive response.
Kindergarten registration is currently at 37. The “magic number” is 40.
Teacher’s report
Teacher – not in attendance
President’s report
President – Nadine Zakoski
Nothing to report.
Treasurer’s report
Treasurer – Alex Crowie
Alex was not in attendance. Nadine Zakoski gave the report.
As of January 30, 2026, balances are:
Operating account: $33,372.68
Gaming account: $6,282.50
Reminder: PAC needs to set a minimum balance that the accounts cannot go below. This will be discussed at the AGM and next year’s budget meeting.
Old business
Parent Connect
At this time, there does not seem to be interest from parents outside the active PAC group who are wanting or able to attend. This group will be put on hold until interest is expressed again.
Fundraiser: Nature’s Fare
Nature’s Fare provides a 3% return. There are two boxes for receipts at the front office.
Aislinn will post a reminder for parents on Facebook and have Kyla send an email to all parents.
Teacher wish list
Megan confirmed there is no need for additional Kindergarten pinnies.
Nadine connected with Heather and confirmed that she received the $100 for LRT and does not need more at this time.
DPAC and SD83 advocacy updates
Michelle has created an email to send to the SD83 board regarding trustee allocation.
AES PAC has five spots to fill at the upcoming SD83 roundtable discussion with DPAC on April 1. The discussion will focus on CEA staffing issues. Michelle will open the invitation to other parents if active PAC members do not fill all five spots.
New business
RESP information session
Leon Bosse, an LLQP financial advisor, would like to offer a free information session for AES parents. The session would help parents learn more about investing in RESPs.
Leon will not sell anything or promote his business during the session.
Leon and Megan will coordinate a date when the library is available one evening. No more than one hour will be needed. Leon will pay for babysitting to attend.
Aislinn will post information on the PAC Facebook page when it is ready.
New fundraising ideas
Purdy’s Easter chocolate was discussed. Aislinn will create an account and run the fundraiser. Orders will be delivered to her, and she will arrange pickup and delivery.
Nicole has been looking into a meat box fundraiser, similar to last year. She will bring more information to the next meeting, as this is currently just an idea.
Aislinn is currently running a Snow Cap frozen cookie dough fundraiser for other groups and would like to run it for AES. Aislinn will collect orders and payment by email, phone, and Facebook, as it is too complicated to run through Munchalunch. Aislinn will start the fundraiser in late March or early April.
Nanae presented the idea of a cold brew coffee fundraiser for parents during after-school pickup. This could be in addition to Freezie Friday.
Budget review
Willing to Ninja has been paid for and is happening at the end of the week.
Megan reviewed costs for the waterslide year-end event and bussing. PAC discussed whether funds could come from the Gaming account instead, which would free up money for the teacher wish list.
Teacher wish list for decodable books
Motion: To spend $2,000 to pay for some decodable books.
1st: Chloe Hale
2nd: Pam Rennie
All in favour. Motion passed.
Meeting closing
Next meeting:
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Motion to adjourn: 7:13 PM
Respectfully submitted by Aislinn Harmston, Secretary.