SOLDIERS POINT PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C ASSOCIATION
MINUTES FROM MEETING HELD ON 11 MAY 2010
1. Welcome - Present and Apologies
Present: Simon Parson, Ruth McLeod, Penny Whatman, Grant Lavers, Brendon Wilson, Kylie Screen, Jenni Bruning, Lesa Cooper, Corrie Howes, Catherine Connick, Liz Richards, Helen Barwick.
Apologies: Natasha Donnelly, Karen Nye, Pam Wildman, Jo Fletcher, Julie Milton.
2. Acceptance of previous minutes from the 9th March, 2010.
Moved: Grant Lavers, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
3. Business arising from previous minutes.
3.1 Ruth McLeod & Jenni Bruning to write letters to local members regarding future plans for a permanent library and classrooms. Liz Edwards requested Fete information to be included in these letters. Preference was given to inviting them to a P & C meeting so parents can ask questions and then request Fete involvement.
3.2 Confirm budget amount required for annual expenses. Lese Cooper confirmed that the disco, DJ, jumping castle and Insurances were the main spends. We have to cover approximately $2110, this figure includes paying accounts. Ruth suggested we have a calendar of monies due and when. Lesa stated Canteen Budget not yet finalised but they had already paid “Healthy Kids” fee.
3.3 Penny Whatman stated that the Canteen Induction and OH&S processes are complete and in place. Her only request being that they could update the First Aid Kit. The Induction pack, Policy routine and hygiene requirements are all in place now and they additionally get all volunteers to sign off the Child Protection Form, even if they have done so already in a different area, just to ensure everyone is covered under the net. Penny also stated they have moved the sign in book to the canteen from the office and this has been embraced by both the canteen and the office. She also reported the new menu is complete and distributed to the school.
4. Correspondence.
4.1 Student Christopher Jolly has applied for assistance from the P & C as he has been accepted into the Hunter PSSA, AFL Team for 2010 and will attend a three day period in Blacktown, Sydney. His estimated costs for participation, uniform, fuel and accommodation totals a conservative budget of $615. Policy was discussed that the P & C can assist $50 per child per ‘event’. Ruth McLeod moved we assist Christopher with a cheque for $50 and Lesa Cooper Seconded the motion.
4.2 Corrie Howes gave Liz Richards mail from Winning Appliances.
4.3 Corrie Howes gave Lesa Cooper two bank statements from CBA.
4.4 Corrie Howes gave Lesa Cooper mail from WorkCover regarding Workers Compensation Insurance providers changing. No action required, covered by WorkCover.
4.5 Corrie Howes gave Lesa Cooper paperwork informing P & C affiliation Insurance due on the 1st of August.
4.6 Action required by Lesa Cooper to arrange a cheque for $50 for Chris Jolly. Name to be made payable to be established by Corrie Howes. Letter to Chris accepting his request and congratulatory note to be done by Corrie Howes. (Ruth to provide Corrie with template)
5. Reports.
5.1 President’s report. Ruth McLeod as acting President states the following.
5.1.1 Ruth has been providing information to Grant for the website.
5.1.2 Ruth has been busy tidying up loose ends.
5.1.3 Ruth to chase up Melinda for paperwork for Corrie.
5.1.4 Ruth has been busy applying for a $5K application with Woolworths.
5.1.5 Ruth has also applied for a grant from Port Stephens Council asking for funding for the Fete.
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Penny Whatman
5.2 Principles Report
5.2.1 Simon thanked and congratulated his staff on their professionalism and commitment to their students during the potentially hostile time regarding the NAPLAN/My School website tests.
5.2.2 Simon is very pleased with the comprehensive overview of school life in the 2009 Annual School Report and encourages everyone to view it on the school website.
5.2.3 Simon stated that we have had seven new enrolments in Term 2. Students now stand at 325 across thirteen classes.
5.2.4 Simon thanked the wider school community for supporting the Mothers Day Raffle. The Year 6’s raised almost $1700.00
5.2.5 Simon hopes that with the website being regularly updated and with more people wanting the newsletter emailed communication will improve. Most feedback has been positive. The P & C website will need to be completed at some time soon.
5.2.6 Simon reiterated that the procedure for speaking to your child’s teacher has not changed and requests that parents either call the office or write a note and if you do choose to email, ensure you email the school directly as some messages haven’t been reaching the teachers direct email accounts. He also urged parents not to ‘drop in’, particularly if they are with the class.
5.2.7 Soldiers Point, as well as other schools on the Peninsula are about to promote themselves in local media providing fantastic opportunities for some students. Tueday 25th May two students will go “On Air” at Port Stephens FM and later in Term 2 several articles from students should appear in the Examiner.
5.2.8 Applications for Year 4 students wishing to be considered for the OC close on Friday 21st May. Simon encourages these to be completed online. The Placement Test is Wednesday 28th July.
5.2.9 Applications are also open for Year 6 students interested in specialist Year 7 classes at Tomaree High. The two classes offered are ‘Academic Extension’ and ‘Creative & Performing Arts’. Applications close at 2.00pm Thursday 10th June.
5.2.10 Parent Workshops relating to the ‘You Can Do It’ programme are currently awaiting if there is enough interest from parents. The three workshops offered are ‘Parenting Today’, ‘Be Emotionally Resilient’ and ‘Developing Positive Relationships’. Ruth McLeod really encouraged parents to participate in this fantastic opportunity.
5.2.11 The only information Simon can provide on the building front is that they are waiting on the relocation of technical equipment by Telstra which has delayed demolition. When the equipment is relocated the school will be without a network for the day.
5.2.12 Simon encourages any parents knowing any potential Kinder students for 2011 to make contact with staff in the office.
5.2.13 Simon requests that the P & C make a decision very soon as to whom we want to do school photographs for 2011. Most in attendance liked “Newcastle School Portraits” work, but some mentioned they appreciated the 2009 backgrounds and portraits better than 2010. The main complaint was of a “Cheesy Smiles” this year. We were open to discuss this with them as well as Corrie researching alternatives.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Grant Lavers
5.3 Treasurers Report
5.3.1 Lesa discussed changing from Commonwealth (CBA) to Westpac (WBC) as they collect three times a week. CBA do not provide that service.
5.3.2 Lesa recommended that we open a separate account for the Fete as we are not charged any fees. Agreed that Brendon and Liz to be signatories and that we would transfer $1000.00 across from the canteen account to assist with printing raffle tickets and paying Mega Mania (amusements) etc. Lesa requires paperwork to open the account and Ruth will provide a signed constitution and Corrie to provide minutes of today’s Extraordinary meeting showing office bearers.
5.4 Canteen Report. No report submitted.
5.5 Uniform Report. No report submitted
5.6 Ground Committee Report. No report submitted
5.7 SIFC Report. No report submitted. Jenni said they wish to lobby to replace the demountables and looking at a landscape architect for the playground.
Moved: Jenni Bruning, Seconded: Ruth McLeod
5.8 Fete Committee
5.8.1 Liz advised they have issued letters for connections in the community - only eight replies.
5.8.2 Kylie has worked on a sponsorship package developed with three levels, Level One is Major Partner, Level Two as Sponsorship Level and Level Three as Supporter. Targeting Eight companies at Partner Level aiming for $1250 per partner. Level Two targeting $400 and Level Three as prize providers.
5.8.3 Hope to align each sponsor with a stall.
5.8.4 Liz & Kylie have also worked on a letter targeting businesses for prizes in the raffle.
5.8.5 Prizes established so far are a $500 voucher at Winning Appliances, a ski trip for two including accommodation, bus and ski hire (no lift passes), a weekend at the Anchorage including breakfast and dinner, a bike from Spocks and many more prizes.
5.8.6 Port Stephens Buses will offer a class a trip for selling the most raffle tickets. Liz to approach the bowling alley as the prize. Also to ask Salamander Shopping Centre for a gift card. Brendon has a table booked for selling tickets. There are many various venues thought of, volunteers required to sell tickets. Ruth was asked to liaise with Julie to tie up.
5.8.7 Liz also hoped for opportunities to meet people who want to be involved, thinking about approaching Murray’s Breweries to provide a sausage sizzle to get coordinators for ticket sales, programme of events and traffic management together. Approach Marine Rescue, SES and Rotary to volunteer to organise angle parking, raffles etc.
5.8.8 Liz advised that the road will only be closed at the front of Kent Gardens to the crossing. Buses will need to change route.
5.8.9 Liz stated that she desires every class to be responsible for a stall.
5.8.10 Liz advised that amusements could have pre paid bands of either $25 or $32. They could include the bungee trampoline. Suggests packaging with food vouchers and we can get an idea of numbers with pre purchases. With more of an idea of numbers, the amusement supplier can put on more amusements if numbers are good. They will also sell Fairy Floss, Popcorn and Snow Cones.
5.8.11 Liz is enquiring into Pony Rides, getting closer to the time they will have to door knock residents.
5.8.12 Need to meet with the Canteen re catering.
5.8.13 Next Fete meeting 3rd June.
Moved: Liz Edwards, Seconded: Kylie Screen
6.1 Uniform
Staff have been approached regarding the uniform list. We don’t specify black laces (apparently colourful laces are the trend). Amend the current uniform list to state “Black Laces”
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Jenni Bruning.
7.1 Website
7.1.1 Grant Lavers provided an extensive presentation on the new P & C website.
7.1.2 Grant stated that the P & C website is a free design, hence zero costs. Any comments were welcome. Going ahead in the next newsletter. Some attendees requested the link to the “My School” website be removed.
Moved: Brendon Wilson, Seconded Penny Whatman.
7.1.2 New P & C Logo. New letterhead to be officially adopted next meeting.
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Corrie Howes.
Meeting closed 9.10 pm.
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