Friday, September 25, 2009

Steering Committee Timeline

The Steering Committee met for the first time in the Library of CSS. After introductions were made, a timeline was introduced for the new school to be built. The Steering Committee is to Complete the conceptual design by the end of November. There are then Request for Qualifications (bids) to be submitted and 3 will be shortlisted by the end of December to early January. These shorlisted firms will then have until April/May of 2010 to make a request for Proposal. At this point, once a firm has been selected, construction can begin. The new school is set to open on September 2012.

At this point, the committee had an initial brainstorming session to get the ideas flowing. What are they looking for in a new school. A list of these ideas is given below:

Open areas
Natural light **
Security sensitivity – sight lines / access
Multi Purpose space –
Located near storage?
Environment a priority – carbon footprint
Visual impact is essential
Core programs need to be pronounced – Foods / Arts / Science
Flexibility for Classrooms and Technology*
Looks like a school
Feels like home – this is a safe place***
Cost efficient
Several gym spaces
Synthetic Turf with blue rubber track
Select Community involvement
Who is our clientele
Flexibility in future offerings
Offer partnering
Trades / Vocations ****
Employable skills
Social spaces
Display history – past and present
What partnerships work / don’t work
Partnership with UFV and other organizations
Applied Sciences / more relevance
Arts / History – focus
Healthy lifestyle – need to promote
Potential 15% NOL – Large banquet space with stage … Outside stage. Work with city / BIA
Studio for rendering for music. Available to community
Location of the school – prefer no blind corridors
Campus idea is fascinating – need to avoid segregation
University layout
Agriculture – links to past farming, logging
Agriculture – We used to be strong in this area. This would be a great focus for our school
Exposed windows that are high and out of reach
Courtyards with big windows
Natural design (use of wood)
Site based commercial shops tailored towards students’ needs (book store / coffee shop, etc)
Keyless entry
A place to learn
A place you want to be in
Storage is critical
Recycling system
Neighbourhood of Learning (NOL)
Mall : Tim Hortons / Subway included
Canopies – Covered area for sun / rain
Reduce leaving campus
Pool
Tennis Courts
Gym – DPA (2 Gyms)
With solid dividers
Theatre
Skylights
Community : Demographics : Seniors
Art Gallery
Parking: underground or roof
Green Roof with Goats
Water Feature

The discussion then turned to Additional Communication Ideas to Consider, in other words, how do we get the message out about the new school and get feedback.


Local media / radio shows / local tv
Mall display
Website
Engaged possible partners / groups – agriculture / arts
Rotary clubs
Write in the newspaper – an weekly feature/update

If you have any comments on the ideas of the committe, or would like to submit some of your own, post a reply.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Introducing the Steering Committee

The Steering Committe for the new Chilliwack Secondary School met for the first time on Thursday, September 24th. The committe was divided into six groups, each group responsible for a different task.

*Indicates group leader

Group 1 - *Robert Lindsay - Teacher CSS

Gord Pederson - Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Chilliwack

Dale Cuthbertson - Executive Director, Chilliwack Community Services

Martha Wiens - School Trustee

Group 1 will be focusing on the Community School Component.

Group 2 - *Curtis Tieu - Teacher CSS

Chris Reilly - Teacher CSS

Lynda-Lee Saunier - Business Manager CSS

Melissa Keenan - Student Representative

Dale Churchill - Director of Operations for Maintenance, School District #33

Group 2 will be focusing on Technology Considerations and Environmental Sustainability

Group 3 - *Brent Moore - Teacher CSS

Silvia Dyck - School Trustee

Christine Cutajar - Parent Representative

Pam Jones - UFV Student Transition Coordinator

Patrick May - Atelier Pacific Architect

Group 3 will be focusing on Adult Learning and Structures for Learning

Group 4 - *Steve Anderson - Teacher CSS

Deryn Barnes - Parent Representative

Chris Reitsma - School District #33 Work Experience Coordinator

Rick Jones - Principal CSS

Group 4 will be focusing on Curriculum considerations and program offerings

Group 5 - *Ron Meadwell - Librarian CSS

Bob Patterson - School District #33 Assistant Superintendent

Jeff Beer - Custodian CSS

Matthew Hubner - Student Representative

Group 5 will be focusing on Instructional Practices and Impact on School Design

Notes from this meeting are in the next entry.