Meeting opened at 7.05pm and meeting closed at 8.20pm.
Welcome- Present and Apologies
Present: Tristen Cosgrove, Belinda Lavers, Karen Jones, Ruth McLeod, Anna Webster, Simon Parson, David Smail, Brenda Madden.
Apologies: Anna Maria Ford, Trish Bray, Rachael Waglan
Previous Minutes13 October 2015 accepted
Business arising from previous meeting/s
Canteen Report from last meeting forwarded to Anna-Maria Ford. Apologies for the late submission.
Simon liaised with Brendan Abberton re: grounds maintenance. The permanent grounds assistant is away during November and Simon will discuss grounds maintenance upon his return in December.
Tristen has sent feedback for Joy Shotter.
David provided information about insurance for the Canteen slushie machine. The machine is covered similar to any other equipment in the Canteen but excess would need to be paid if insurance used to cover any repairs.
Correspondence – In/Out
In:
Simon received a sample of student backpacks that were placed on the table for discussion. The backpacks can be branded with the school logo and come in a range of colours. (see general business)
Kate Washington emailed a survey re: Items of importance to the school /P&C and an invitation for a delegate from our P&C to be part of a regional discussion group. Also attached was a list of funding opportunities that can be accessed by the school.
Canteen Supervisor (Paula) has completed the working with children form and this has been approved.
Out:
Tristen responded to Kate Washington’s email in agreement and we will be sending a delegate from our P&C to the regional meetings. The group commented this was a great opportunity to get all schools together to look at regional issues.
ACNC Report has been submitted (due early next year).
Grant acquittal sent re: $5,500 for the covered walkway.
REPORTS
President’s Report
Welcome all to another terrific P&C meeting. The year is rapidly heading to a close with only about a month to go! Thank you to all those who contributed in the last month and to those who contribute every month. Thank you to those who attended the Parent orientation evening especially but also those who did anything at all for our School. It is appreciated. Over the month I had the pleasure of writing a favourable feedback report for our Chaplain, Joy Shotter, after seeking feedback, we also sorted out the purchase of pens which will be a gift to year 6 once again (thank you Anna Maria and Deanne especially), the canteen sorted out the Working with Children check for Paula in the canteen (thank you Deanne), other important Treasurer’s roles (thank you David), the ACNC annual lodgement was completed, I had correspondence with Kate Washington in relation to a survey she has undertaken for a regular basis going forward and I took that opportunity to continue our request for a fixed building block, and the Grant acquittal for the $5,500 covered walkway was completed. During the month the P&C received a document from the department regarding whooping cough which I have today circulated to some regular attendees for discussion perhaps next month. Kate Washington MP today sent us (and others) a list of grants that she has been told about and I have circulated this also. I have heard many times from strangers how they have heard how wonderful Soldiers Point Public School is and that is a credit to the whole school community.
Moved by: Tristen Cosgrove
Seconded by: Ruth McLeod
Principal’s Report
Thank you to the P&C representatives who attended the Information Session for future Kindergarten parents. Your support and sharing of information at such events is greatly appreciated. I also hope you were able to encourage future parents to become interested in assisting with the P&C.
Thank you also to the 2 parents, Ruth McLeod and Karen Smail, for their willingness to be members of selection panels we’ve been operating at the school over the past few weeks. We have recently conducted interviews for the assistant principal vacancy and for a classroom teacher position. We hope to be able to confirm these appointments very soon. Both positions will commence at SPPS in 2016.
There has been a lot of media coverage in recent weeks about the possible extension of ‘Gonski’ funds for schools for example this extract was in the SMH last week… ‘Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull put the Gonski funding plan back on the agenda recently saying that everyone agrees "we need more resources into education and it needs to be needs-based". There is now hope for Gonski whereas previously there was despair under Abbott and Pyne. Turnbull has created some optimism that we can undo the highly segregated school system created by the Howard government's preferential funding of private schools. Howard's funding model entrenched privilege in education, eroded public schooling and shattered the egalitarian role of education in society by widening the achievement gap between rich and poor. By contrast, Turnbull understands the importance of education for individual opportunity, social cohesion, innovation and economic growth. He says he has a lifetime commitment to supporting education. He recognises that a high quality education for all children regardless of family background is fundamental for a fair society and a prosperous economy.’ Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/turnbull-hints-at-return-to-egalitarian-education-20151106-gksihw.html#ixzz3r2Q7Amcq
This ‘Gonski’ funding is of vital importance to Soldiers Point Public School. This year we have utilised our Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funds to support a number of educational reforms as well as ensure best practice for teachers.
Some examples include:
• Nearly $13,000.00 to purchase time to support specific Aboriginal students in their classes; • $18,500.00 was expended to provide opportunities for teams of stage teachers to plan, assess & evaluate learning programs which are differentiated to support the learning needs of all students. This process is also undertaken with our learning & support teacher to ensure learning adjustments are appropriate to meet the needs of students; • $5,000.00 to purchase a comprehensive software package which teachers use to report on students; and • $20,000.00 to provide SLSO time in classes where additional support is required for specific students.
Removing these funds, which equates to nearly $60,000.00, would definitely compromise teaching practice, thus impact on student learning.
As we commence our planning for 2016 we have already identified that it is likely our school population will decrease from 371 to 360 i.e. our Year 6 exiting = 61 & new students entering = approx. 50. This will in turn mean that we will most likely lose a teaching position thus become a 14 class school.
The school executive is currently drafting a class structure based on these numbers. I remind parents interested in their child applying for placement in a selective high school in 2017 will need to apply by next Monday, November 16.
We will hear the SIFC report a little later in this meeting. Included in this report will be an update about the Play Spaces project. I would like to submit the quotation from Play by Design for the installation of the equipment which you may like to discuss later in this meeting.
Term 4 has numerous activities on offer which will keep students & teachers busy until the end of the year. Some activities include:
• Intensive swimming is now underway for more than 60 students in Years 2 & 3 and will conclude on Friday, November 20; • Our school band will be performing for the wider community on Thursday, November 19, at Salamander Shopping Centre, which will be followed up by; • The interschool Twilight Bandstand Concert & Buffet Dinner on Thursday, December 3 (5:30-7:00PM), which we’ll be hosting @ SPPS; o This may be a good opportunity for the P&C to hold a fund-raising raffle, if interested. Proceeds could go toward the purchase on additional instruments as they are so expensive e.g. the school just purchased 5 x instruments which cost in excess of $2500.00. • Our P-K transition will continue with a further orientation to school for pre-schoolers in Weeks 8 & 9; • The final scripture assembly will occur on Monday, November 23, from 1:30 PM in the Hall; • Thinkfest will be held on Tuesday, November 24, for our OC students; • The student representative council election (speeches & voting) will be held on Thursday, November 26; • We will be holding our 2016 OC Information Session for prospective students on Tuesday, December 1, from 2:00 PM in HB6; • Our Year 6 students who will be attending THS will have their Orientation Day on Thusday, December 3; • Our Student Recognition assembly will be held on Friday, December 4; • Celebration Day will be Friday, December 11; • The Year 6 Farewell will be held Monday, December 14; and • If we have any energy left by Wednesday, December 16, we will be holding our annual Talent Show, which is also the final day of Term 4.
I thank the P&C and the parents of Soldiers Point Public School for your continued support throughout Term 4 and look forward to a successful month ahead.
Moved by: Simon Parson
Seconded by: David Smail
Discussion Item Outcome
Quotation for installation of play equipment handed to Tristen for discussion with the group.
The P&C considered the quotation and thanked Mr Parson for the ongoing project management.
The P&C made a donation, approved in a previous meeting, to the School for $18,500.
The donation might be put towards things such as installation of Creative Play Spaces equipment.
monthly supplier and quarterly payroll payments made in the month. Canteen account is holding a healthy balance as a result of the great.
Uniform Account. Refer Uniform Committee report
Moved by: David Smail
Seconded by: Anna Webster
Canteen Report
The Canteen is going well even though we have lost a few of our volunteers due to paid work and children moving on to other schools. I hope that next year sees an influx of new volunteers so we can take the load off of those few dedicated parents that are always there to help even though they have to work a night shift that evening or have other work or family commitments to fulfil. I cannot thank them enough.
Grandparents Day was huge and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for allowing us to overtake their staffroom as we physically could not achieve all the food preparation in the Canteen on that day. The wonderful parents and grandparents who made sandwiches, scones and cream,served coffee and help run the normal crazy Friday lunch period are very special people.
Year 6, as always have been an amazing help to me when I have been short staffed in the Canteen. They are always willing to help with any task I ask of them and work quietly and efficiently. I am very proud of them.
The Canteen committee have discussed providing a slushy/tnt deal in the last two weeks of term as we need to use up all of our slushy mix so we can start fresh next year. I would like to suggest a morning or afternoon tea, something to show our appreciation for those core group of parents who have always said yes to a request for help in the Canteen any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Moved By: Karen Jones
Seconded by: Ruth McLeod
Item Outcome
Ruth suggested a morning tea for the volunteers of the school extended to canteen, fundraising and in class volunteers.
These morning teas have been held in the past and were not well attended however Karen and Belinda will speak to Paula to discuss further. P&C agree to fund this ($200 or less).
Stocktake of Canteen assets still needs to be undertaken.
Karen will speak to Paula to assess progress.
Uniform Shop Report
Current Balance: $ 5924.26 Deposit today: $ 262.00 Total: $ 6186.26 Payments due this month: $ 1873.10 Total: $4313.16 Extended Credit (Feb 2016) $4027.79 The shop is currently well stocked with most items. We will be taking advantage of the extended credit again with LW Reid next week and will be ordering more stock to ensure availability early next year for the start of the Term. We have notified Bronwyn Sherman that the Uniform shop will be opening from 9am to 10am on Wednesday 27 January 2016 (the day before school starts) and also from 8.30am to 9.30am on Thursday 28 January 2016. This will be advertised on Skoolbag and the last newsletter for 2015. Trish Bray will also publicise these extra opening times on the SPPS Parents Facebook page. These extra opening times are needed for new families and for Kindy 2016 and are usually very busy with sales. Karen Jones and Brooke Hill attended the Parent Information Evening on 27 October with a uniform display and spoke to parents about the School Uniform. To date we have had 12 sales for Kindy 2016.
Moved By: Belinda Lavers Seconded by: Karen Jones
Item Outcome
A stocktake of items in the Uniform Shop will be undertaken next week to prepare for the last Kindergarten 2016 Orientation sessions held in Term 4, 2015 and also for the start of Term 1, 2016.
Belinda to conduct stocktake and order items as required.
Belinda announced that Karen and Brooke will be running the Uniform Shop in 2016 as this is her last year at Soldiers Point Public School. Belinda said that she will make herself available by offering phone assistance in Term 1 if required.
Belinda was thanked for her dedication and commitment to the smooth running of the Uniform Shop over the past few years.
School Improvement and Finance Committee Report
The sub-committee held their meeting on the 4th November 2015. The minutes from this meeting can be read by clicking on the following link.
Discussion about possible removal of demountable due to school dropping from 15 classes to 14 classes on 2016.
Simon indicated that if the Department saw a need for the extra demountable elsewhere they would relocate it but things may change during the year as families move into and out of the area. Past history may be viewed to see trends to assist with forecasting before the Department makes a final decision.
Have the boundaries changed for the school?
The boundaries have been changed but it will take a few years to see any change in the numbers. New non-local enrolments are not being accepted. The schools focus is in keeping families together.
Fundraising Committee Report
A fairly quiet month for the Events and Fundraising Team, with the main event being the raffle for music department of SPPS. The raffle prizes that Trish has organised are: Jack’s Music have donated a ukulele with soft case Muso’s Corner have donated an acoustic guitar with hard case, and Lizotte’s have donated a voucher for 2 adults to see a Show of their choice.
The raffle tickets are to be sold at two events: An Evening of Music that was held on Monday 9th November, and at the Twilight Bandstand event on Thursday 3rd December. We’re happy to announce that Trish has already collected $180 from raffle tickets sold at the Evening of Music last night.
The Twilight Bandstand event will have three other public schools attending Soldiers Point School to perform and watch their children. We have asked Mrs Wagland about expected numbers (approximately 100 people attending to watch the performances), the numbers are yet to be confirmed by Bronwyn in the office. Anna will be selling raffle tickets for our terrific prizes at this event, but would appreciate some help. To enable optimum sales we would like to set up two tables if we have the volunteers.
We have organised to have a flyer in the Kindergarten pack about Tea and Tissues, which is to be held on Kindy’s first day – Wednesday 3rd February from 8.30-10.30am. We will be sending a note home later in the Term addressed to current Year 1 and 2 parents about helping out on the day with time and/or food donations.
We have intentionally kept a low profile this term to allow for the Year 6 fundraising efforts. We are still keen to have people’s input with our Events and Fundraising Committee for next year, and welcome any feedback.
Moved by: Anna Webster
Seconded by: Belinda Lavers
General Business Item Outcome/Resp
Ruth thanked Rachael and the music teachers for the Night of Music held in the school hall last night. It was very well coordinated and run. There were 43 items in 1.5hrs and the children did really well. Many families attended. A credit to the school.
All those present who attended agreed.
Tristen mentioned the Liveable Communities Funding that is available for improving the lives of elderly in the community. He suggested that we could look at applying for speed humps outside the school which would slow traffic and assist elderly residents to navigate safely in the road environment during busy school times.
Ruth suggested that we find and make a connection with partners to discuss this idea before applying for funding.
Simon welcomed any increase in road safety improvements around the school. Simon mentioned his appreciation of sporadic Ranger presence as people are often seen speeding in the school zone. The P&C were also encouraged to act as community watchdogs and speak to parents doing the wrong thing.
The existing pick up and drop off zone was discussed and it was indicated that the road providing main access to the school is a local road and therefore does not attract funding opportunities for a ‘Lollipop’ warden from the RMS.
Simon presented the sample school bags to the group for discussion. It was suggested they could be offered for sale in the school Uniform Shop.
The bags come in red or black and had an option to be printed with the school logo. Minimum order is 10 bags.
Belinda said that parents sometimes asked her if the school had a ‘bag’.
It was agreed the bags were well made and priced to sell ranging from $29-35 depending on size.
Belinda and Karen will conduct a verbal customer survey in the Uniform Shop over the next few weeks of school to gauge interest and gather comment on the bags. This information will be brought to the next P&C Meeting and a decision made.
Meeting Closed at 8.20pm. Next Meeting: Tuesday 8 December 2015.