Apologies: Johnny Alessi, Paula Brown, Grant Lavers, Rob Richards.
2. Acceptance of previous minutes from the 13th December, 2011.
Moved: Lesa Cooper, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
3. Business arising from previous minutes.
3.1 Discussed tentative dates for a school disco, decided on Thursday 29th March. Tristen has been in contact with Soldiers Point Bowling Club and they have agreed to donate room hire for the night. Suggested another option for disco man – Rob Hall. Disco supported by all. To be considered; theme, who will the main organisers be, will we have gifts/glowsticks, cost to be charged, supervision ensuring we have sufficient parents.
3.2 Also discussed a cinema excursion as another option for fundraising. Tristen to follow up.
3.3 All policies and inductions etc. Have been adjusted in the canteen regarding Year 6 workers, i.e. can’t use scissors/handle hot food.
4. Correspondence.
4.1 In
Various Westpac correspondences given to Lesa
Anzac Community Grant
Cancer Council Sun Smart Program
4.2 Out
None
.
5. Reports.
5.1 President’s Report.
5.1.1 The year started off well with a successful welcome BBQ complete with jumping castle and Tea & Tissues. Tristen suggested we use the same company again next year. Tristen thanked all of the wonderful volunteers at both of these functions as well as all of the other volunteers who have assisted throughout the year.
5.1.2 We continue to speak to Craig Baumann’s office regarding the school building funding and will continue to do so.
5.1.3 I look forward to another successful year with the P & C.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Ruth Mcleod.
5.2 Principals Report
5.2.1 Firstly, I would like to welcome all new parents to our school community and welcome back all past parents for what will be an exciting and industrious year. The students have settled back in quickly.
5.2.2 Our current population is 342 students across 14 classes, an increase of 9 students from the end of 2011.
5.2.3 This year we have 50 Kindergarten students across two straight classes and one composite class. The Kinder students and their parents seem to be adjusting to their new environment well and have greatly appreciated the support of their Year 6 buddies. All Kinders have started their Best Start assessment and will be followed up with interviews. I thank the parents for their support of bringing the children up to the school for their assessment.
5.2.4 I extend a thank you to the P & C for organising the Tea & Tissues that had many parents stopping for a chat and thankfully not too many tissues were required. Similarly, I thank the P & C for coordinating this year’s welcome BBQ which was a terrific success. Events such as these can only help build a supportive school community.
5.2.5 There are a few changes in our staffing team. I would like to welcome; Miss Shand who is teaching Kindergarten, Mrs Soulsby who is teaching the K/1 composite class, Miss Cornwell who is teaching Year 3 and Miss Fidler who is teaching Year 5. Other internal changes include; Mrs Bower is our teacher librarian, Mrs Aitchison is teaching a Year 3/4 composite, Mr Gibson is teaching Year 6 and Mrs Dawson will be teaching some of our infants classes on a Tuesday and Wednesday. I also welcome Mrs Danielle Robinson as our DSTA.
5.2.6 With the introduction of the 14th class to the school, I am keen to ensure equity of learning opportunities. As a school we have an enthusiastic commitment to the integration of technology into learning. This is evident by the school purchasing and installing four Interactive White Boards (IWB) in 2011 making SPPS one of the only schools in the area to have IWB’s in all rooms. I am keen to extend this enthusiasm by purchasing another IWB for the new classroom and would ask the P & C for financial assistance of $2000 to achieve this.
5.2.7 Our school swimming carnival was a brilliant day with a high level of participation across the years. I thank the many parents who generously gave their time to assist. Not only is your assistance appreciated, it is vital to the success of such big events.
5.2.8 I am currently working on the 2011 Annual School Report and will be including some of our priorities for 2012 including;
· Sustain improved outcomes in writing – persuasive text, vocabulary, paragraphing, sentence structure and cohesion.
· Improved outcomes in reading – focusing on inferential comprehension, interpreting figurative language and visual literacy.
· Improved outcomes in numeracy – focus on place value, decimals, money and interpreting graphs.
· Integrate technology and strengthen differential teaching and learning practises.
· Continued implementation of the You Can Do It (YCDI) program.
5.2.9 School photos will be taken by Newcastle School Portraits again in 2012 on Tuesday April 3rd.
5.2.10 The School Representative Council (SRC) had it’s first meeting this week and the members have decided to implement ‘Nudie Tuesday’, which the staff and I fully support. The purpose is to minimise our waste contribution, thus considering the environment. You can support ‘Nudie Tuesday’ by sending the school lunches in a lunchbox without plastic/paper wrapping. It will commence Tuesday 28th February. Tuesday’s were chosen as that is the day the canteen is closed. Corrie asked if the SRC would appreciate a letter of support from the P & C. Simon said a note in the newsletter would be greatly appreciated.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
5.3 Treasurers Report.
5.3.1 Lesa said the $300 movie night float needs to be transferred from the canteen account back to the P & C account.
5.3.2 The Term Deposit has been rolled back into the P & C account. Agreed to put $25,000 back into a Term deposit for 3 months. P & C account balance currently stands at $43,974.66
5.3.3 A cheque has been given to the school for 50% of the jumping castle of $250.
5.3.4 It was agreed by all to give a donation to the school of $12,000 towards general school improvements, including the new IWB.
5.3.5 Canteen doing very well. Lesa confirmed Paula’s back pay has been done, including super and is now on the correct pay rate.
5.3.6 Canteen account balance currently stands at $5,604.49.
5.3.7 Uniform account balance currently stands at $1800.24
Moved: Lesa Cooper, Seconded: Penny Whatman.
5.4 Canteen Report.
5.4.1 Paula advised there was a food handling course available, she is already certified and preferred to do a nutritional course as discussed last meeting. Cost only $150, all in attendance agreed.
5.4.2 Paula wanted opinions whether to have a morning or an afternoon tea to thank volunteers. It was suggested the Year 6 helpers ‘ran’ the tea to serve the volunteers. Off site attempts haven’t been successful previously as everyone is really busy at end of term. Perhaps early Term 4 or late Term 3? Maybe get Yr 5 trainees to serve Yr6 too?
Moved: Lesa Cooper, Seconded: Corrie Howes.
5.5 Uniform Report. No report submitted.
5.5.1 Ruth said that the uniform shop dealt with the early rush brilliantly and were really well stocked.
5.6 Ground Committee Report. No report submitted.
5.6.1 Corrie suggested we have another working bee as the trees leading up to the school are in dire need of pruning. All agreed on Sunday 18th March 9.30 to 12.00. Simon said we need to apply for vouchers from the tip and arrange thank you nibbles and drinks for the helpers afterwards.
Moved: Penny Whatman, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
5.7 SIFC (School Improvement and Finance Committee) Report. Minutes from 7th February submitted.
5.7.1 Ruth provided a list of suggestion submitted for the creative play space at the Welcome BBQ. The suggestions were many and varied including; a 50m pool, bridge, cave, flying fox, haunted house, massive slide, monkey bars, rock climbing wall, sandpit, sea saw, sensory trail, skate park, slide, sounds, spider web, stepping stones, swings, tennis court, toboggan, totem pole, two quarter pipes, tyre swing, undercover hall and last but not least a big twister water slide with lots of stars.
5.8 Fundraising Committee.
5.8.1 It was agreed not to participate in the Bunning’s BBQ again this year, too little return on the manpower required to organise and run. We also agreed that a Trivia Night wouldn’t gain the same attendance if run every year. Tristen will look into a movie night at the cinema. Corrie to look into pre arranged raffle and Living Fundraisers. Decided to pencil in Tea Towel’s for next year.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Corrie Howes.
6 General Business.
6.1 Discussed the Anzac Community Grant. If successful, Simon would like a mural that could be seen. Helen was concerned that kids may play handball against it disrespectfully. We could engage a local artist and involve the students. Perhaps have a design competition with the kids and stipulate all services (Army/Navy/Airforce). Danielle will look into the history of Soldiers Point.
6.2 Cancer Council has offered $300 in free sun cream to the school if we sign up for the “Sun Smart” program. Nicole seems to recall that all staff will have to cover up too. Penny will contact them for details.