Dear Students, Teachers, and Administrative Members of Garneau,
As the school year begins, I hope that everyone has been smoothly transitioning into their September school routine. For Grade 9s, I know the start of the school year is daunting, but I am sure your teachers—and the Student Council—will make this progression into high school effortless.
The Student Council is looking forward to head into the new school year on a strong note. Here’s to a great summer, and hopefully, an even better school year. Good luck in your studies and have a wonderful September until our next Open Letter.
On August 20, 2019, Vice President Ryan Chang and I met with the new Principal, Mr. Di Felice, and new Vice-Principals, Mr. Haid and Ms. Papadopoulos. They are settling well and love our school atmosphere. We are looking forward to working with these new, enthusiastic Administrative members, and with returning Vice Principals Mr. Sharp and Ms. Duffy.
Alongside Vice President Ryan Chang, I refurbished the SAC Office and have been working to create a question-period schedule for open communication.
Vice President Ryan Chang and I are always in the SAC Office by 7:30 am so drop by before school if you have any questions. Within SAC Meetings, I have been advocating for the passage of major campaign promises. I am in the process of communicating with mental health workers within the school to start addressing mental health stigma and encouraging a positive and inclusive community. Over the week, I have been setting up meetings with different Club Presidents to encourage an increased membership diversification and Club promotions through @mgci.sac. I have tasked the Co-Communications Coordinators to increase our @mgci.sac Instagram account response rates.
In the month of August, the Student Council helped host one of the most successful Registration Weeks. There was a concerted effort to maximize efficiency for students to reduce time wasted in line. This was done successfully by strategically placing tables to facilitate natural foot traffic. In addition, the Student Council sold 125 SPC Cards, garnering $930 of starting capital for better Student Council events. The success of the SPC Cards was orchestrated by a wide-reaching marketing effort from the Treasurer, Mohamed Dasu. Grade 9 Registration, and Registration Week as a whole, could not have been possible without the hard work from all of the Student Council and volunteers. I applaud everyone for their commendable effort to help and serve the students at Marc Garneau CI.
In August and early September, Vice President Ryan Chang has continued to find ways to maximize Student Council efficiency and outreach while being a true leader during Registration Week, introducing the Student Council at Grade Assemblies, and chairing our first SAC Meeting. Alongside his committee, Special Events Convenor Qays Matadar has continued to plan for International Street. Athletic Convenor Eram Ahmed has been coordinating his committee to set dates for Intramurals.
Spirit Convenor Evan Woo has been working enormously hard to ensure the revival of the House Colour System is successful. Further details with this regard will be released later in the month. He and his Spirit Committee also hosted Marc Garneau CI’s first Opening Ceremony. They gave out high fives, photo forms, and lots of school spirit. In the next two weeks, students will receive their House Colour Stickers in their Homeroom. Evan is also working hard to prepare an excellent Spirit Week Pep Rally, and Grade 9 BBQ.
Social Convenor Taira Mehta has met with Vice Principal Mr. Sharp and will meet with all MGCI Administrators to discuss the details of future dances. She is currently in the confirmation process for her venues. She has also been looking into transitioning into an e-ticket format for Dances to help the environment and reduce costs. Taira is working with her committee to propose a concrete plan at an upcoming SAC Meeting for her Grade Lounge proposal.
Graduation Convenor Zeinab Omar has been communicating with the Graduation Committee Staff Advisor to confirm a Prom venue while talking to committee members about Senior Sweater designs. She is also working on the itinerary, photo booths, and different awards that will be presented at Prom.
Chairperson Arfeen Zaffar has continued to be working hard on finding methods for passing policies where every Student Council member and Garneau student’s voice is heard and respected. Secretary Zain Altaf has adjusted the format of the Student Council Meeting Agenda to be eco-friendlier and more readable by going digital. Co-Communications Coordinator Mahnoor Irfan and Edith Nyamekye are working hard to improving communication between students and the Student Council. External Affairs Coordinator Fatima Gulab has been researching potential vendors for Student Council merchandise. She has also been looking for volunteering opportunities in the local neighbourhood that can be promoted by MGCI SAC.
Treasurer Mohamed Dasu is continuing to design a fair way to distribute funds for Clubs. He is working through the Club Registrations and Budget Requests to formulate an equitable budget for all. Once again, I want to congratulate Mohamed for achieving phenomenal accomplishment by selling the highest number of SPC Cards and garnering the largest amount of profit in MGCI SAC history.
Co-Clubs Coordinator Jessica Guo and Nuzhat Kanti have sent out Club Registrations and are preparing for the first Clubs Fair of the year. The Clubs Brochure was brilliantly revamped this year; students love it and are encouraged to join more clubs. They are working to increase communication between SAC and clubs and advising Treasurer Mohamed Dasu during Budget allocations.
Social Justice and Equity Coordinator Serena Poonawalla has been looking into ways our Student Council can promote our social values on the environment and climate across the city. She and I are pushing forward on creating a MGCI SAC Climate Pledge to curb our own emissions and reduce waste.
The Student Council is looking forward to head into the new school year on a strong note. Here’s to a great summer, and hopefully, an even better school year. Good luck in your studies and have a wonderful September until our next Open Letter.
Best,
Nelson Lee
MGCI Student Council President 2019-2020
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