Date:    May 25, 2013

Time:    12:00 – 14:00

Place:   The Royal Canadian Legion, Churchill Branch 91

              28 rue Ste. Anne

              Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec H9X 1L3 

MHSAA NEEDS A QUORUM TO GO FORWARD – YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!

*Please watch www.machigh.org for further announcements or changes*

Positions:

President                                      (open)

Vice President                             (Vivian Bruce)  

Executive Secretary / Liaison     (open)

Treasurer                                      (Robert Howell)  

Respectfully submitted by,

Vivian Bruce VP / Acting President / Acting Secretary/ Liaison

May 1^st, 2013

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.

In Memory of Micheal Angrove

The chapel filled to capacity, many will remember October 20, 2012 as the day we bid our friend and leader adieu.  Mike would have been very proud of his wife and children as they helped us to remember the greatness of the man and provided us with a precious glimpse into the dynamics of a well-loved husband and father.  Daughter, Kayleigh, has allowed us to reprint her moving address. -VB

From Kayleigh:

My dad was one of my greatest teachers, and luckily for me, he started at a very young age. Of course, he taught me all the usual dad things like how to tie my shoes and how to ride a bike. But he also made sure to teach me the really important lessons. My first lesson I received at the age of 3 when he taught me how to fall asleep every Sunday while watching NASCAR and how to always wake up again just in time to see the last laps. On these Sundays, he also taught me that some things are just made to go together, like grilled cheese and chocolate milk. At the age of 5 he started to coach me on the capital cities of the world every night before I went to bed, and made it fun to the point where I was asking him to quiz me every night. And as far as I’m concerned, Saskatoon is still the capital of Saskatchewan.  Around 8 years old, he taught me what a Phillips #2 was and the importance of using a level (though the latter not necessarily by example). At 10, Dad taught me how to march in a military parade and how to keep in step even if the parade leader marched like a chicken. When I was 13, he showed me my first few chords and how to change guitar strings without poking my eye out. 2 years later he debunked my belief that camping with someone who snores is masochistic and is in fact a thorough method of bear control. Beyond this point, my Dad though he continued to teach me all the fun things in life, also began to teach me some of life’s essential lessons.

            While I was writing this, I was trying to think of an elegant way to tie them all together. And after a few moments consideration, I laughed because he had already done it for me. There were three main ideas that my Dad repeated to me time and time again. The first, “Do one to other as you would have done to you”. The second, “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it”. And lastly, “Cheer up kid, it could be worse”.  My favourite book series A Wrinkle in Time has a quote that goes:

“Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.”

And this is what my Dad chose to say in his 14 lines and rhyming couplets. He told me to treat everyone I meet with respect and compassion. He showed me that there is no point in sharing with the universe anything less than your best self. And he reminded me that happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light. And the funny thing is, I don’t think he ever realized how wise he was. When we used to get into heated discussions about the seemingly more confused state of the world and how we are abusing nature and each other, he would say to me with tears in his eyes, “Kayleigh, I wish more than anything that when I die I can leave you a better world but, I can’t”. And for this reason I don’t think he ever realized that because of what he chose to say, because of what he chose to fight for, because of what he taught me, I view the world as a better place. But my Dad didn’t teach just me, he taught everyone he met by sharing his optimism, compassion and respect. He made the world better by giving his best self.

Thank you Dad, I love you.

Mike, as president of MHSAA, was our rock, a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy. His last function for the alumni was to present the annual award…never happier than when he was giving young people a leg up. Loyal to Mac to the very end, we’ll all miss him so very much.

There will be a memorial service Saturday Oct.20, 2012. Details will be in The Gazette, Oct. 13th.

Submitted in memory of a truly great Canadian who once served his country as a sailor and most recently as President of the Ste-Anne’s Legion #91. Volunteering was his passion and encouraging others to be good citizens his legacy.

Over and out dear friend.

Viv

On behalf of all alumni, thanks to MHSAA President, Mike Angrove, for attending the ceremony September 28^th at John Abbott College, and presenting Bryan with the cheque, a personalized copy of “Clan Spirit”, the award certificate and a Mac High baseball cap.  An updated version of our Mac High flag was also presented to the school; may it always fly high and proud.

Thank you to Treasurer, Robert Howell, for taking excellent photos of the presentation.  Both Robert  and Mike have been kind enough to represent the MHSAA at this event for  several years.  Good envoys both!

The venue remains unchanged at:

The Royal Canadian Legion, Churchill Branch,

9128 rue Ste. AnneSte. Anne de Bellevue,

 Québec H9X 1L3 

514-457-9332

Tentative Agenda:    To discuss progress of fundraising and reunion possibilities

2012 MHSAA AGM

DRAFT MINUTES – Annual General Meeting, May 26, 2012

Meeting opened at 12:12

1.      APPROVAL OF JUNE 18, 2011 AGM MINUTES

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, as posted on www.machigh.org,  were accepted on a motion by  Toni Scholefield

Seconded by:    John Marrett

All in favour: √

2.     APPROVAL OF May 26, 2012 AGM agenda

The Agenda was accepted as posted on www.machigh.org on a motion  by:   Mike Angrove

Seconded by:    John Marrett

All in favour: √

3.   PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Michael Angrove)

It has been a fairly quiet year for the executive.  Primarily, over the year, we have kept in close contact with school administration staff and teachers.  Since the last reunion, we have a sense that the school is slowly becoming a good friend; this because of the ongoing line of communication that has developed.  All good friendships take time to catch hold and this is no different.  We have so many good ideas for working with the school but too few hands.  Perhaps one day this will change.

The highlight of the year, of course, was the presentation of the Macdonald High School Alumni Association Award for Student Leadership to AJ Déziel, who truly impressed us with his work ethic and community spirit.  Teachers and the Community Affairs Officer encourage student volunteers to apply for this award and then screen the applications, narrowing the selection down to three possibilities.  These are bright, energetic young people who deserve all the help we can muster.

In the coming year I think our biggest challenge will be to find a way to encourage more alumni to donate to the MHSAA fund (through Canada Helps), or find other ways to augment the fund. I’m sure you will all agree that it would be nice if we could offer more than one prize each year. Robert suggested that an abridged version of the first prize be awarded to the first and second runners-up.  For this to come about, the fund must be augmented.  We will be addressing this proposal further into the meeting.

It is very encouraging to see new faces around the table and I look forward to hearing your input as we go along.  I am very optimistic about this coming year and hope that you will pass my good wishes along to fellow alumni.

4.     VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Vivian Chandler Bruce)

MHSAA Award:  Last year’s $500 award went to Alain-Joseph (AJ) Po-Déziel.  It was presented by Mike Angrove on October 14, 2011.  Photo credits of the presentation and thanks once again go to Robert Howell.  We have continued to print up a memory book for the award winners and to include a couple of alumni car decals.  The school appreciates being given a pre-glued brass plaque as it makes attaching it to the wooden plaque a seamless operation.

Podium flag:  Last October it was discovered that the vinyl podium flag, given to the school by MHSAA in 2007, was lost.  The replacement and carrying tube were much appreciated.  It was noted by Mike Angrove that the outdoor flag was not on the flag pole last week.

Action Item:           Vivian will follow up.

 Canada Post Mail Box:       Since 2007 MHSAA has received four pieces of mail in the Canada Post box.  Mac has given us a post box and was offered the yearly stipend we paid Canada Post; $200/year to Community Affairs to spend as they see fit.  They were thrilled! We will open a new Canada Post box to handle large events.

New School Principal:  Jad Deegan, came to Macdonald from his position of principal at St. Patrick Elementary; very personable and amenable to MHSAA initiatives.

5.   SECRETARY’S REPORT (Acting Secretary Vivian Bruce)

Resignation of Secretary, Sharyn Robillard, May 1, 2012.  Sharyn filled the position for the year but has since cited family and work constraints as far too demanding for her to be able to continue.  We all thank Sharyn for being there when we needed her most and look forward to seeing her at subsequent meetings. An impromptu by-election was held and Vivian Bruce was unanimously reinstated as secretary; this in addition to current posts held.  Jane Davidson (from Peterborough) volunteered assistance, when possible and as needed.

Donations:     A call for donations into the Pearson Educational Foundation (PEF) / MHSAA was posted on www.machigh.org

Correspondence:

Karen Jones, the Mac High teacher with whom we have worked in the past, wrote to tell us that an old fireplace and sealed-up door had been discovered during a renovation project.  She also convinced the powers that be to allow her to go with them into the old tunnel and is ecstatic to have a memento stone from the walls.  She plans to work on a history of the school with her new class in September, 2012 and has asked if we know of any Mac history buffs who would be willing to talk to her students.   Indeed, she will likely need a little help with printing costs if the project goes to press. Last year she asked for help with the purchase of a display case but has since procured an old one.

 Action Item:              Four people were suggested as possible speakers; they will be contacted by   Vivian to see if they would be willing to visit Karen’s class in the fall.

 Suanne Stein Day, Chairman of Council of Commissioners (Ward 16) LBPSB wrote September 26, 2012 to tell us that her new ‘chair’ fits well and that we have new contacts for PEF business.  The new president of the foundation is Barbara Freeston and our new contact person is Executive Director, Ms. Bessie Michael.

 Numéro d’entreprise du Québec (NEQ) /  Québec Enterprise Number:  Received confirmation that our NEQ has been successfully cancelled

         MAC HIGH: Thank you notes for podium flag and donation.

6.   TREASURER’S REPORT (Robert Howell)

A copy of the MHSAA financial statement is available upon request. The PEF balance will be forthcoming.  Robert suggested maintaining a minimum balance in the fund and that the time had come to generate more revenue.  He would like to see awards given to each of the three yearly contenders ($500, $250 and $100 for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prize winners respectively); this, in addition to more gifts to the school throughout the year.

That the Treasurer’s Report be accepted as read:

Moved by: John Marrett

Seconded by: Mike Angrove

All in favour: √

7.    ITEMS

Amendments to MHSAA Constitution. The Constitution was reviewed and a round-table discussion produced an updated version of the original working document (please see http://machigh.org/about/mandate/ )

Building  the Award Funds.          Robert Howell suggested holding a fundraising BBQ at the legion; Mike Angrove thought this venue might be attainable.  At Karen Knechtel’s recommendation, it was decided that a corn roast be held first, since this was a cost effective way of testing the market for future fund raising events.  Toni Scholefield recommended that we sell any remaining memorabilia from the 2007 reunion at the fundraisers.  In addition, all agreed that MHSAA should attempt to link up with the school’s fundraising events. To this end, Daniella Currie, expressed an interest in collaborating with Mac’s Do Unto Others Club.

At Vivian Bruce’s proposal, Daniella Currie agreed to being appointed Head of the newly formed Alumni Donations Committee.

 Action item:   Daniella will investigate possible avenues for generating funds.  She will be put in touch with Mac High’s Community Affairs officer, Sue Tuff, with an eye to hosting a corn roast.

Jane Davidson asked that the ‘Donation Request’ be posted on Facebook

Action Item:     Mike Angrove will solicit donations on Mac High Facebook page.

Round-table Discussion about future reunions.            There was great interest in having a reunion in the foreseeable future.  Themes, ways of communicating the event to the alumni-at-large, use of ‘MailChimp’, generation-specific drawing cards, target date (TBA) and a slogan were among the several topics contemplated. The Karen Knechtel proposed inviting JAC/MAC students, as several also attended Mac High.  It was felt that a general invitation to all alumni would cover this segment of the alumni population. Jane Davidson said that use of MailChimp might be a communications option.  The proposed foundation of the reunion was that of the school being recognised as a Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Historical Site.  Planting of a replacement for one of the historical willow trees was discussed; the school would have to be consulted before such an undertaking.

Action items:   

• Jane Davidson will look into feasibility of using MailChimp
• Vivian Bruce will write a letter to the Town of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, requesting an MHSAA committee meeting with Mayor Francis  Deroo
• Robert Howell will finalize the wording of a reunion motto

 8.    OTHER BUSINESS

• The link to www.machigh.org   is no longer showing on Mac High web page

Action item:     Vivian will find out why; request reinstatement 

•  With an eye to looking for ways to save on overhead expenses, our current Jumpline expenses (web page) were targeted.  John Marrett volunteered to host a Mac web page in the near future.  All agreed that this proposition looks promising.  It was also agreed that Jen Worden, our current web host and technical advisor, should be consulted before any decisions are made.

Action item:     John will work out the logistics and get back to us later in the summer.

• Vivian suggested that the Facebook page be modified such that conversation and creative writing become two separate and distinct threads.  Users are having difficulty with continuity of chat.

Action item:     Mike will attempt to split the entries into two categorical threads.

• Vivian proposed offering a ‘welcome-to-the-MHSAA’ card to each graduate; this, to officially recognise each student as an alumni member and to let them know that they are automatically inducted into the Association upon receipt of their diplomas.  Contents of the card to be discussed.

Action item:     Vivian will design a preliminary card. 

• It was suggested that a newsletter be posted on www.machigh.org and Facebook.  Robert Howell offered to table a copy of his original online newsletter for comment.  (TBD)

SCHEDULED INTERIM MEETING

Tentative Agenda:    To discuss progress of fundraising and reunion possibilities

 Date:    July 28, 2012     12:00 – 14:00 at Ste. Anne’s Legion

SCHEDULED  2013  AGM 

Date:    May 25, 2013

Time:    12:00 – 14:00

Place:   Ste. Anne’s Legion (tentative)

On a motion by:  Mike Angrove         seconded by: Robert Howell               The meeting was adjourned at 13:42

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by Vivian (Chandler) Bruce ’65 VP/Sec. MHSAA                          Date:   May 28, 2012

Meeting Title 

PROPOSAL OF AMENDMENTS TO MHSAA CONSTITUTION AND REUNION STRATEGY

 Date   May 26, 2012

 Time    12:00 – 14:00

 Location

 The Royal Canadian Legion, Churchill Branch 91, 28 rue Ste. Anne, Ste. Anne de Bellevue  

 AGENDA

1. Approval of June 18, 2011 AGM Minutes
2. Approval of May 26, 2012 AGM Agenda
3. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
4. VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
7. ITEMS

ð        Amendments to MHSAA Constitution

ð        Round table discussion re: future reunions

1. Other Business
2. Schedule next General Meeting
3. Adjournment 

NOTE:  If you wish to participate but cannot attend the meeting please send your e-mail address to vivian.bruce@gmail.com .  Friday night, May 25th, we will e-mail you a phone number to call at noon on the 26th. 

Submitted by V. Bruce

 VP MHSAA