Meeting opened at 7.10pm and meeting closed at 8pm.
Welcome- Present and Apologies
Present: Karen Jones, Brendan Abberton, Anna-Maria Ford, Simon Parson, Janine Wright, Anna Webster, Paula Adnam, Natasha Lee-Webb, Kirsty Webb, Brenda Madden, Trish Bray, David Smail, Tristen Cosgrove, Vicki Languard, Melanie Bonniface, Frank Renner.
Apologies: nil
Acceptance of previous AGM minutes from the 10th March 2015 Moved to accept: David Smail, Seconded by: Karen Jones
Business arising from previous meeting/s: the uniform committee signatories are unable to see the bank balances on the statement only deposits made. The treasurer will liaise with the bank to have this matter sorted. Since the meeting took place – this matter has now been taken care of.
AGM Financial Membership Payments $1 Annual P&C Membership Fees collected. David Smail receipted all who have paid.
ANNUAL REPORTS
President’s Report
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today to give you an update on the P&C at our wonderful school. There are so many fabulous people who help the School through the P&C whether they attend P&C meetings, School Improvement and Finance Committee Meetings, work or volunteer in the Canteen, volunteer in the Uniform Shop, run School Banking, assist with the many School events throughout the year, assisting with the Disco including the DJ and Zumba ladies this year, special thanks to our DJ Tim Halls again this year, and at no charge, and the Soldiers Point Bowling Club for the use of the venue once more, and at no charge, assisting with the Parents Reference Group and Parents Talking to Parents session, assisting with Book Week, assisting with New Parent Orientations, the Welcome BBQ where the P&C paid for Jumping Castles to welcome the new School families and where Salamander Bay Rotary provided a BBQ trailer with volunteers and then donated the proceeds of $700 to the School. We also had the special Tea and Tissues event again which is very popular. Thank you to all those who assisted with many Fundraising events over the year, including the popular Tea Towels, and many others who make the School year special. Thank you also to the School, our Principal Mr Parson and all the Teachers, staff and support staff who we work with over the year to help the whole School and students have an improved School experience. A recent donation from the P&C was $450 from fundraising around the Twilight Bandstand and this is to go towards musical and band equipment. A future donation that has been earmarked for next year is $1,500 from School Banking commissions which will go towards mature-age readers in our School Library. Thank you to our wonderful banking volunteers. We are fortunate that I do not have time here to name all those individually, who have helped over the year. Regarding Grants, we have been successful with grant fund funding from Community Building Partnership Grants for Supply and Installation of network cabling for $9,630 which will assist the School in its technology needs. I congratulate Kate Washington MP and the NSW State Government who awarded $121,250 or 40% of the $300,000 available to Port Stephens this year to four Public Schools and one Pre School. This shows Kate Washington’s commitment to education. We are continuing with our requests for another fixed building or two to replace some demountable buildings. Over the last four years the P&C has been successful in securing $107,130 in cash Grants from this programme and in a separate programme we have applied for two more grants in the last week. The Creative Play Spaces project is scheduled for completion in early 2016 so we all eagerly look forward to that. It is all bought and paid for and awaiting earthworks, delivery and installation. This project and many similar projects has been a collaborative effort in both time and financial resources between the School and the P&C and has been achieved by us all working together over several years. Whilst the Grants are an enormous boost for the P&C and the School, I want to make clear that the heart of the P&C and the School are all the hardworking people who turn up again and again and do the many tasks that keep it all rolling along. So I want to say thank you again to everyone. Finally, I do wish to name two of our longest serving volunteers who are leaving us as their children move on to High School, they are of course Ruth McLeod and Belinda Lavers. Ruth has dedicated herself to assisting the School through the P&C for the last ten years and Belinda has dedicated herself to assisting the School through the P&C for the last seven years. Their wisdom, conduct and knowledge have been exemplary over the years and they will be missed. Thank you for your friendship and for your wonderful service to our great School community. Thank you. Tristen Cosgrove Moved by: Tristen Cosgrove Seconded by: David Smail
Principal’s Report
This year we saw the introduction of the 2015-2017 School Plan. The school’s vision, our school community is committed to providing a supportive learning environment fostering respect, creativity and resilience, was and remains at the core of all we undertake at Soldiers Point Public School.
This vision is supported by 3 strategic directions: 1. Successful learning through innovative teaching; 2. Successful teaching through cooperative and consistent practices; and 3. Successful partnerships through collaboration and communication.
In order to achieve these directions we implement meaningful, supportive strategies which are carefully monitored and adjusted to meet needs.
In reflecting on the 2015 academic year it’s important we acknowledge and celebrate our successes as well as identify areas we need to improve in the future.
In measuring our success it is important to consider the multitude of creative, educational opportunities the students attending Soldiers Point Public School are offered. Whether in the classroom, being a member of the school musical, learning to play chess, maintaining a class garden or presenting a speech, our students continue to thrive on being challenged.
Our students’ academic achievement in 2015 was positive. The students’ NAPLAN results are one way of reflecting the effectiveness of the school’s literacy and numeracy programs with most of our results being above state average, for example:
In Year 5 we had 73% of students in the top three skill bands in reading, against the state average at 60%. In numeracy we had 68% in the top three skill bands compared to 56% for the state.
In Year 3 we had 78% of students in the top three skill bands for reading, while the state percentage was 71%. In numeracy we had 74% of students in the top three skill bands, while the state was 62%.
The school’s learning support program, which is designed to assist students with additional learning needs, has endeavoured to cater for the increase in demand in recent years. The weight placed on our support programs, such as Reading Recovery and our learning & support teacher, are ever-increasing and I wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts of the teachers involved, as well as our supportive parents and community volunteers who assist our students daily.
Evidence supporting the outcomes of these effective learning & support programs includes, in Year 5 we had 10% of students score in the bottom two skill bands for reading, while the state percentage was 20%. In Year 3 we had 4% of students in the bottom two skill bands for reading, while the state percentage was 10%.
Our students truly embrace the creative and practical arts on offer at SPPS, including opportunities to be involved with the school’s concert band, rock band, dance troupes and choirs. The climax of the school’s creative arts calendar this year was without doubt the school musical 2015 – A Space Oddity. The musical was a highly successful and entertaining event.
Additionally, the success of the 2015 Twilight Bandstand and Evening of Music was a tribute to our staff and students’ dedication to the arts.
In 2015 Soldiers Point students were offered numerous sporting opportunities. We fielded no less than 13 teams in sports such as: netball, soccer, softball, hockey, rugby league, rugby union, cricket and touch as part of the PSSA knockout. Several of our teams progressed through to as far as Round 4 in their respective draws.
Additionally, we had numerous students selected to represent the Port Stephens Zone & Hunter Area and three selected to attend state carnivals.
Our students have enjoyed numerous opportunities to explore their local area as well as further afield through a range of excursions, such as the Stage 3 political adventure to Canberra, which was a particular highlight for our seniors.
Our transition programs, Year 6 to 7 and preschool to Kindergarten, continue to be successful and beneficial in preparing students for their new settings.
Throughout 2015, our teachers have undertaken a significant amount of professional learning, which is critical if we are to remain at the leading-edge of our profession. The focus has been on curriculum development with much attention on becoming acquainted with the new NSW syllabuses in English, mathematics, science & history.
The school’s financial status remains fair. In the 12 months to November 30, 2015, the school had expended $610,798.10. Some of the funds have been expended as follows:
The support of the Parents and Citizens Association through supplementing the school’s resources and adding value and quality to the students’ learning and their environment is greatly appreciated. The progress in improving our playground has been very exciting this year with the installation of playground equipment early in 2016 being the highlight.
The staff, students and I acknowledge and thank the P&C for your generous support, hard work and initiative leading to a better educational experience for all.
In closing I sincerely thank my amazing staff. Each day they engage and encourage each of the children in their classes. Their dedication and care is second to none and I wholeheartedly thank them for all they offer to the children of our school.
I look forward to 2016 being a year of continued improvement as we work closely with the wider community in meeting the educational needs of the children attending Soldiers Point Public School.
Thank you,
Simon Parson
Moved by: Simon Parson Seconded by: Janine Wright
Treasurer’s Report
It has been another successful year financially for the P&C. The auditors Addison Partners have completed the review of the financial data for calendar year 2015, confirming the accounts are in order. Thanks to Karen Jones, Belinda Lavers and Deanne Cosgrove for preparing the files for the annual review. Year end bank account balances at 31 Dec 15:
P&C account:$3,012.55
Uniform account:$6,590.51
Canteen account:$2,761.34
Petty Cash:$200.03
Thanks to Deanne Cosgrove for her assistance with making the supplier and payroll payments throughout the year. Moved by: David Smail Seconded by: Anna Webster
Canteen Report
Nil AGM report was presented – instead the general monthly report was presented as follows:
The Canteen would like thank the P&C for the opportunity to raise funds at the welcome BBQ for new wall fans in the Canteen. We would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone who helped at the BBQ . In particular, Tristen and Deanne Cosgrove, Dean and Karen Jones, Rebekah Newell and her mum Margaret, Anna Maria Ford, Danielle Robinson, Brendan and Mr. McGregor. After costs have been deducted we raised $567.25 I have been to Bunnings and they are going to source the best possible product for us at the best price and they are happy to accept a cheque for payment. I hope to hear back from them this week.
I would also like to thank Simon for the loan of the new fridge, it has helped us to keep our drinks cold and our food at a safe temperature in line with Workplace Health and Safety Policies. We have moved the double door glass fridge that is not in working order out to the back room of the Canteen. A decision needs to be made on where to proceed from here. There has been a suggestion that the old fridge could be sold off for parts or simply removed by the recycling centre. Dairy Farmers currently lend us a single glass door fridge as long as we stock their product. I have put in a request for that to be replaced with a double door fridge. Craig from Dairy Farmers is quite happy to talk to his management about this, however, we do not order enough product from them to warrant it. He is sending me a full list of what is available from Dairy Farmers, Deanne, Karen and I will sit down and work out if changing from our current supplier for some items to Dairy Farmers is cost effective and if so, there is a possiblity of an upgrade in fridge.
The Canteen will be running a Hot Cross Bun fundraiser for easter and order forms will go out with the next newsletter.
Once again thankyou to everyone for helping the Canteen to achieve its aims.
Thank you, Paula
Moved By: Karen Jones Seconded by: Tristen Cosgrove
Uniform Shop Report
The Uniform Shop has continued to run smoothly during the last year. We have had three volunteers assisting all year. Opening times on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons are still working well. Maintaining higher stock levels again this year has resulted in customers not having to wait for stock to be ordered. It also helps with administration. Utilising the Extended Credit from LWReid Pty Ltd (our main supplier) from the months of August to February assists greatly with the ordering of stock for new students for the start of the next year. We currently are well stocked with most items with about $10,000.00 worth of stock. When ordering garments that have the School Logo, I have continued to order larger quantities of those items to ensure we get the best printing and embroidery charges. This assists in being able to maintain higher stock levels all year. Thank you, Belinda Lavers 2015 Uniform Shop Co-Ordinator Moved By: Karen Jones Seconded by: Melanie Bonniface
School Improvement and Finance Committee Report
Eight School Improvement and Finance Committee (SIFC) meetings were held during 2015. The meetings are an opportunity for families to provide input and comment on changes to school policies, support the capital works program and assist in preparing proposals to obtain additional funding.
A broad range of SPPS policies and program were discussed during the year including: - Effective Learning Code (revised edition distributed to families) - 2015-2017 School Plan - Importance of Application to enrol in NSW Government Schools - Tell Them For Me parent survey - Security within the grounds to combat vandalism - Provision of music and language tuition by external providers - Improvements in emergency processes and signage - Updates for Parent Information Book - Student goal setting and student-led conferences in 2016.
Capital works and expenditure focused on: - Tree removal following April storms - Additional demountable, demountable relocation from carpark and removal of old library - Construction of the new library - Grounds work and installation of play equipment: the final stage in the Creative Play Spaces project - Securing grant funding for IT system upgrades (P&C President) - Requests for permanent classrooms to replace demountables (P&C President).
The SIFC also undertook several initiatives in 2015 aimed at engaging parents in discussions regarding continual improvement of communication within the school community. These initiatives followed on from the outcomes of the Parent Forum held in November 2014 and included: - Development of a terms of reference for a Parent Reference Group to hold regular discussions amongst parents outside of more structured P&C meetings - Communication tools analysis spreadsheet: providing an evaluation of existing communication tools by target group and/or content focus - Communication Forum June 2015: first step towards establishing the Parent Reference Group; focus was to obtain feedback on current communication processes between parents and the school - Parents Talking to Parents session September 2015: informal Parent Reference Group session held after Friday assembly aimed at engaging more parents in discussions underway in other forums.
Outcomes from these initiatives have been incorporated into communication activities by both staff and the P&C including: - Maintaining a broad range of communication modes within the school as no single communication mode works well for every family and/or is appropriate for all situations - Planning for more Parents Talking to Parents session in 2016 as a positive way to engage parents.
Thank you, Ruth McLeod 2015 SIFC Convenor
Moved By: Brenda Madden Seconded by: Paula Adnam
Fundraising Committee Report
We would like to thank every one who assisted in the Events & Fundraisers held by the P&C during 2015. Way back in Term 1 of 2015 we started the year with a lovely Tea & Tissues morning tea, and a successful Welcome BBQ. These were both good community-building events.
Inviting Rotary to host the BBQ that year allowed us to enjoy the event away from the sausage sizzle duties, and Rotary were kind enough to donate $700 back to the school after the event. This was quite a blessing, as even though the P&C were selling canteen foods & baked goods, once we’d paid the cost of the jumping castles we were only left with $10 profit. As we mentioned, these 2 events were good community-building events, but not really fundraisers.
In Term 2 we held the School Disco, with a few changes, a bigger venue, in the auditorium of the Soldiers Point Bowling Club. We enlisted Dance/Zumba hosts, who did a brilliant job of keeping the kids involved and engaged in the disco fun. Our new method of pre-payment helped speed up entry on the night. The Lucky Door prize draw incentive for those who prepaid seemed to help. We also trialled an earlier start time for the disco this year & found that worked well. The Disco raised a Profit of $1517.
In Term 3 the P&C were invited to be involved in the School Musical, by way of a rehearsal BBQ, a space themed Mufti Day, and catering for the food & drinks on the performance night. Through these activities we raised $1510.
We had no planned P&C fundraisers for Term 4 last year, as Yr 6 fundraisers and a busy Term 4 at school took precedence. We did assist in the Twilight Bandstand Concert night, by organising a raffle which raised $443.
School Banking was very successful in 2015, thanks to the initiative and hard work of Julie & Nerelle. There are now 177 students enrolled in the school banking program, and during 2015 (since commencing in May 2015) there was over $1500 raised in fundraising commissions.
As a total, these P&C fundraisers raised $5686 throughout 2015. Some of these funds were allocated to the School Music department, for additional instruments & resources. Some went to the School Library for books & resources. And some assisted in the P&C account to keep our Canteen in operation.
Anna & I have co-convened the role of Events/Fundraising throughout 2013, 2014 & 2015. During our time we have focussed on gathering a crew of parents interested in Events & Fundraising, to gain their feedback, discuss ideas and also to develop a new crew of volunteers willing to assist what had become a small core group of regular helpers.
We met once a term last year with this crew during the daytime, and this seemed to help those who couldn’t make the nighttime P&C meetings. Although we lost a number of our regular P&C members to High School last year, we still seem to see the same small group of regular faces helping out at every event. We have greatly appreciated your dedication.
However, there are now a few fresh volunteers who have stepped up recently to help, and for them we are very thankful. We met recently with our events & fundraising crew to discuss 2016. We are pleased to announce that while Anna & I are stepping out of the Events & Fundraising role as of 2016, we are happy to advise that we have 3 interested parents keen to co-captain this role for the year ahead: Mel, Kirsty & Annette. We wish them all the best in their role & look forward to enjoying the upcoming events & fundraisers they will host at SPPS.
Mel has also kindly offered to do some of the admin and updates across the P&C Facebook group page. We appreciate her taking on this responsibility and will continue to stay posted on the conversation.
Thank you to all who have supported the events & fundraisers of 2015.
Moved by: Trish Bray Seconded by: David Smail
Election of Office Bearers for 2016
Tristen Cosgrove declared all positions vacant and asked for nominations. Positions were filled as follows:
President: Paula Adnam nominated; Accepted by all.
Vice-president: No nominations received; Vacant.
Secretary: Frank Renner nominated; Accepted by all.
Treasurer: Janine Wright nominated; Accepted by all.
Canteen Convenor: Karen Jones nominated; Accepted by all.
Uniform Convenor: Karen Jones and Brooke Hill nominated; Accepted by all.
Grounds Convenor: Brendan Abberton nominated; Accepted by all.
School Improvement and Finance Committee Convenor: Tristen Cosgrove nominated; Accepted by all.
Fundraising Convenor: Kirsty Webb, Melanie Bonniface, Annette Smith nominated; Co-Convenors; Accepted by all.
Publicity Officer: Brenda Madden nominated; Accepted by all.
Simon congratulated all of the 2016 P&C Office Bearers.
General Business for AGM Nil. AGM tasks were declared completed.
Meeting closed 8.00pm
March 2016 Monthly P&C Meeting followed after the AGM Meeting.