2.1Guest -Graeme Valler, Maitland School Education Director, Department of Education and Training.
Ruth thanked Graeme for attending our P & C meeting to give us an update regarding permanent classrooms and a permanent library. We appreciate the car park and new administration building that is currently under construction but we’d really like to see the kids in suitable classrooms. We have an opportunity class and the current library is full with only one class visiting.
Graeme responded by saying he would like to explain the ‘process’. He explained that there were a lot of schools in the Hunter Region with only a limited budget. These schools are on a priority list. We are requesting a “major” request. The “Capital Works Programme” is reviewed every 12 monthswith the list of schools in the Hunter & Central Coast prioritised by need. Sydney then decides against 10 other regions in the state as to who gets what funding. Graeme explained that this area had a lot of work already done here, for example the High School needed vocational training. What we have at SPPS is second to none but he also advised that temporary buildings are a priority when determining budget allocations. Graeme then advised that we are being reviewed next month, Asset Project Directors go around and critique each schools report card, they look at schools on the list and ask themselves if capital works would make a significant difference for that school. It is currently a priority to build classrooms and libraries to core 21 standard for future demographics as it is worth the capital investment. They also make decisions on educational outcomes. For example we have a hall and all other facilities but classrooms score higher on the needs list. Even though we already have a hall we are still higher on the priority list. Graeme stated it is fairly ‘near future’ but no time line available as it’s dependant on budget but we should stay high on the priority list. Priorities when considering is Classrooms 1st, Libraries 2nd and Halls 3rd. We are high on the priority list as we are considered needy but it will all depend on where the budget priority will go, I.e. Gas Heaters. If a percentage is required to be spent on such health issues, then there is less money left in the budget for all other projects. Graeme then confirmed that we are in a good position and progression is happening. The admin block is a shared joint percentage between State & Federal funding.
Ruth stated our frustration as we’ve been on top of the list for many years now. She stressed the opportunity class situation and the fact that the library was not accessible by wheelchair. As far as Ruth could recall we had been on top of the list for at least 4 years.
Graeme said he was well aware of what’s needed as this has been a rapid growth area for the last 20 years.
Brendon stated that in his research we were the worst school in the area for the number of demountable buildings we have.
Graeme said there was very little that can help things jump the queue. In the Maitland area we are considered the number one priority school. The first we will hear about anything is an announcement in the state budget.
Mark Newling asked if we would get the library and classrooms in one hit.
Graeme responded that as we are asking for less now due to the admin block already under construction it would all depend on where we sit, we may get the library first and the classrooms second. We could get both. He couldn’t commit.
Mark then asked how we got a hall as we haven’t got 500 students, as a community we asked for it.
Graeme explained that we could have had a library and classrooms instead of the hall. But now that our requirements are a priority we are high on the list, we are just waiting for the money.
Simon stated that we have 5 demountables. Library and classrooms funding is estimated at $4 million. We used our BER funds on the admin building as we have no current sick bay for kids and we really needed a new administration block.
Brendon thanked Graeme for his time and for coming to our meeting.
After Graeme left Mark stated that we need to discuss strategy as Port Stephens is a very marginal seat and they really want things they can cut ribbons on.
It was explained that we are requesting 4 rooms, a library and a lift worth approximately $4 million. Brendon to send Graeme an email. We need to lobby politicians - ask Mark. Brendon to speak to Jenni regarding mailing letters to politicians. Jeff Gibson’s room has a bad damp odour, Simon has been following up.
2.2Guest -John Pamenter, MSP Photography.
Corrie welcomed John and thanked him for coming out to show us his product.
John stated that he lived in Maitland with his wife and have run MSP for 20 years this year. They have no sales reps and just do business from word of mouth. Their studio is in Beresfield and they currently service Newcastle, Central Coast, the Upper Hunter & Buladelah. Schools want cheap but good product you can cherish. In the past they have lost schools due to the pricing but they always come back due to quality. They are technologically up to date and their equipment is state of the art.
They additionally have new products for producing school magazines with a new way of printing. Covers, Captains, pictures of the school, anything we want and it all is UV coated. They also supply memory catchers that you can put certificates in, everything for the whole year and can all be archived.
It’s a big effort getting the formal photo right. All year 6 children get graduate certificate. They also incorporate things like ‘Year of Sustainability”, all schools get one for their archive. They additionally fo fundraisers, calendars and Year 6 yearbooks. He suggested filling the yearbook with sponsors to get 100% profit.
At phot shoots the have a ‘groomer’ on hand that does/checks hair, collars etc. They have photographed Anna Bay for 10 years as well as Medowie Christian, Graemstown etc.They also offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are unhappy and they will come back and rephotograph your child.
Additionally they offer a yearbook online, this requires a yearbook committee including students to throw up pictures and text, do as you go and the page is done. Eg. Swimming carnival, music days etc. Can do Year 6 only or the entire school, the templates are already set up.
Corrie thanked John for his time and for coming to our meeting.
After John left it was said that nobody discussed unhappiness with our current photographer. The overall opinion was that we didn’t want to change as all previous years work wouldn’t match. Corrie to discuss with current photography company.
3.Acceptance of previous minutes from the 8th June, 2010.
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Sheridan Workman.
4.Business arising from previous minutes.
4.1Brendon and Ruth recognised we need a system in place to communicate changes/cancellations of meetings. It was suggested we ensure all emails are multiple.
4.2Sheridan recommended we invite the Aboriginal Community at Murook and to ask if they would like a stand at the fete. Ruth asked if we could ask them to perform. Sheridan responded that she has asked Lee twice and will see him this Thursday. They have no performers but would ask if he could do a smoking ceremony for the hall.
5.Correspondence.
5.1Various Westpac paperwork previously given to Lesa.
6.Reports.
6.1President’s Report.
6.1.1Brendon stated this was the last meeting before the fete.
6.1.2Great to see how well things in the school are running with all the disruptions going on and albeit slowly it’s good to see some progress with the building works.
6.1.3Brendon knew Liz & Ruth had thanked volunteers for selling raffle tickets but was impressed that over $2,500 had already been raised and it was great to see people getting behind the fete.
6.1.4Brendon thanked everyone involved in the P & C disco who raised about $800. Volunteers were light on and he thanked the teachers who were involved too.
6.1.5Brendon thanked the canteen for a great job organising the BBQ for Education Week, especially the couple of people who jumped in on the day to help.
6.1.6Brendon congratulated all of the Education Week award winners, Finn, Amy, Matt. & especially Ruth who over the last few years has been a huge help within the P & C. Just thanks to everyone involved in volunteering for the P & C. We really appreciate your help.
Moved: Brendon Wilson, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
6.2Principals Report
6.2.1Simon thanked the P & C for organising and manning the canteen for our Open Day, it was greatly appreciated, a very successful day and hoped all that could attend had an enjoyable experience. He sincerely congratulated all students involved with performances and presentations as well as teachers for their preparation and organisation, especially acknowledging Mrs Milton’s milestone of having taught in NSW public schools for more than 30 years.
6.2.2Everyone is keenly awaiting the Tomaree Music Festival next week. This year we have our primary choir, junior, senior & boys’ dance groups participating. Special thanks to the teachers for their preparation of students and well wishes to the students.
6.2.3Book Week will be held in Week 6 (Aug 23-27) and this year‘s theme is ‘Across the Story Bridge‘. There will be a whole school assembly where students from 1S will be doing a play of 3 Billy Goats Gruff and Stage 3 students will be displaying brides they have built this term as well as a magician performing.
6.2.4Our P - K transition will also commence during Book Week with our first Storytime Session occurring, followed by two more on Tuesdays in September. The Kinder Parent Information Session will be held on Tuesday, November 16th at 6.00pm and I invite the P & C to join us to assist providing information about P & C, uniforms, canteen etc. It would be appreciated if the P & C started to plan the documentation for the show bags to be finalised before the end of Term 3.
6.2.5The Year 6 to 7 Transition is also underway. An information night for students accepted into the Academic Extension class and the CAPA class at THS will occur Monday 16/08/10.
6.2.6BER update - progress on building works has been severely hampered by the severe wet weather..
6.2.7.A final special thanks to all parents assisting with the coaching of team sports. This is greatly appreciated by the students and teachers.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Corrie Howes
6.3Treasurers Report (presented by Brendon in Lesa’s absence)
6.3.1Lesa apologised for being absent due to Dion being away again.
6.3.2Worker‘s Compensation Declaration forms for actual wages earned last year and estimated wages this year for Paula in the canteen has been completed and posted to QBE for processing and invoicing.
6.3.3Also attached is our Federation of P & C Insurance renewal for your review. I have completed the form but would like confirmation on whether it is necessary to have our cover in the package of $5K each for cash & property increased to $10K. Last year it only cost us $55 to increase both to $10K which is what we did, but this year it appears they have separated the two and are charging a different rate for each and a lot more, so do we increase neither, one or both?
6.3.4Balance Sheet of Fundraising account $5575.30. P & C account $2883.89
6.3.5Lesa has checked the State Award for Paula’s wages and adjusted them accordingly.
6.3.6The uniform shop is now in a position to repay the loan from the P & C. Can Brendon please arrange a cheque for $1743.00.
. Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Corrie Howes
6.4Canteen Report. No one available from the canteen committee to provide a report.
6.5Uniform Report. Nothing to raise.
6.6Ground Committee Report. No one available, preliminary planning underway. Something coming up in the next fortnight.
6.7SIFC Report. Brendon to send thanks to Graeme Valler for attending..
6.8Fete Committee
6.8.1Ruth, Liz & Kylie working really hard getting people on board. Since it’s been so long it’s like reinventing the wheel. The raffle has been really successful and we have secured $1200 from Soldiers Point Bowling Club and banked more raffle ticket dollars. Optimistic of $10K at fete commencement. Over 80% of school tickets returned compared to 60% standard return. Getting more tickets printed next week.
6.8.2Getting more tickets printed next week. Plan to sell tickets at polling booths, as a great opportunity to plug the fete. Community is excited about the fete and the fact that it’s coming back.
6.8.3Who should we contact regarding putting a banner on the overpass/bridge in Nelson Bay? Weekly fete newsletters are going out,, Week 4 went out today with Show Bags.Pre order gives us an indication of numbers on the day.
6.8.4Haven’t heard back from council re road closures and park usage but it should be OK.Cheques have been banked to put application in. Insurance copies for use of reserve sent to council yesterday. Logistics of planning where everything needs to go needs to be finalised with traffic management ie.Rotary, SES, Lions etc.
6.8.5We need to push editorial in the Examiner. If not small classified ads.