Present: Simon Parson, Corrie Howes, Ruth McLeod, Tristen Cosgrove, Helen Barwick, Belinda Lavers, Liz Richards, Kylie Screen.
Apologies: Nicole Mulder, Rob Richards, Penny Whatman, Lesa Cooper.
2. Acceptance of previous minutes from the 13th March, 2012.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Helen Barwick.
3. Business arising from previous minutes.
3.1 Tristen thanked Belinda for all the work she’d done at the Uniform Shop recently and nominated her to be Convenor as the position is currently vacant. All present accepted. Congratulations to Belinda Lavers our new Uniform shop Convenor.
3.2 A report was tabled regarding the issues raised last meeting on the ergonomics of computers in the classrooms. A Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSA) Paul Cotterill visited the school on the 20th March and inspected all workstations in every classroom and the library, some of which were being used at the time. The report is available in full to anyone on request. In brief though, although not all current situations are ideal we were considered as “reasonably practicable’. Suggestions for improvement were made and will be put in place over time. It was noted that Grant Lavers had re cabled Mrs A’s room. Simon stated that the most important advice Paul Cotterill gave was the students need to move every 15 minutes.
3.3 Run Around Australia – Liz advised that last year Tomaree came 2nd and SPPS came 3rd Australia wide!!! There are only 23 Colonial State Bank shopping centres nationally, and only Ballina, Lake Haven & Salamander Bay in NSW (probably 5 to 6 schools for each centre). So the statistics for our school to do really well are high. They advised us that the letterbox drop we did last year encouraging the neighbourhood to write on dockets on our behalf really helped. All up there is $46,000 benefit’s for the school, $15,000 in cash, $15,000 in modern teaching aids, $6,000 towards the canteen, including a Thermomix. Liz submitted a 1 page expression of interest to get Shannon Pontoon to visit our school. This included dedicated supermarket tours as well as a ‘Try-athalon’. The visit, if we are successful will be on the 31st May. We find out Monday if we are the school represented for the area. Liz will do the letter again and urged everyone to sign up to the Salamander Shopping Centre website for an extra 200 points per sign up. Also suggested a prize for the biggest receipt submitted.
3.4 Recruitment is currently advertised in the newsletter.
3.5 Tristen is currently writing the procedure documents for Disco, Tea & Tissues, Disco, etc.
3.6 Fundraising. We discussed the raffle, considered getting it out across T2 & T3 as well as the holidays. People concerned that there are too many things planned for the year and we didn’t want to overwhelm the parents. All agreed to defer to next year.
4. Correspondence.
4.1 In
Pete’s no dig garden kits
4.2 Out
None
.
5. Reports.
5.1 President’s Report.
5.1.1 Since the last meeting we held a successful Disco raising $950. We’ve also had a successful Hot Cross Bun drive, a Tea Towel fundraiser with orders for a second print run. We are involved in the current Woolworths “Earn & Learn” promotion and gearing up for the upcoming ‘Run around Australia’ promotion encompassing the ‘Let’s Live Better’ campaign. Those involved have been publically thanked in the newsletter and I would like to thank them here again.
5.1.2 We’ve had great progress with people stepping up to volunteer in the Uniform shop and have also received an offer from a corporate identity (Lowes) who have offered to partly or fully fill this role, that will be discussed tonight following on from discussions I have had with the SRC and a key Uniform shop volunteer.
5.1.3 We have other key projects to discuss as landscaping, fundraising ideas and the Anzac Community Grant, which is still being decided.
5.1.4 We also received feedback from the school regarding computer ergonomics in the school from a Workplace Health and Safety Advisor. Whilst our situation is not ideal, it is “reasonably practicable”. The P & C and the school can work together to improve the situation over time as quickly as competing needs for funds and time allows. It remains however an important issue to address.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
5.2 Principals Report
5.2.1 I would like to congratulate and thank the Soldiers Point Public School community for their active support of this year’s ANZAC Day commemoration. As a school we should be justly proud of our representation at the ANZAC march & service in Nelson Bay, as well as our own school commemoration. I would particularly like to thank our DSTA Danielle Robinson for her organisation and practical activities with the students. We look forward to growing this significant event in 2013.
5.2.2 Congratulations also to the P&C for their tea-towel drive which has clearly been very successful. Can I add that the school staff has been only positive about the clarity and organisation behind this fund-raising initiative – well done!
5.2.3 Our Year 3 & 5 students will complete the 2012 national assessments in literacy & numeracy (NAPLAN) next week. The assessments provide us and you with valuable standardised information about how each child is progressing with their academic development at these stages of their education. We wish our students well with their assessments which will take place next Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday with Friday being a catch-up day, if required.
5.2.4 Applications are currently open for students interested in entering the Opportunity Class in 2013. Applications should be entered online (preferred option) or paper copies are also available from the school’s office. Completed applications must be lodged by Friday, May 18.
5.2.5 In relation to staffing there are a few minor changes which will take effect within the school shortly:
· The school’s GA allocation has had a slight boost so we’ll gain an extra day per fortnight to assist with maintenance. This will be filled by Tony Newton;
· Mrs Bower will soon be taking maternity leave and will be replaced by Mrs Lucy Merriman as teacher-librarian. Mrs Merriman will work full-time from the beginning of Week 7 and then revert to a job-share arrangement with Mrs Davis, when she returns at the beginning of Term 3.
5.2.6 You may be aware that one of the school’s focus areas is student engagement in the middle years. A group of teachers from SPPS recently visited several primary schools in Sydney to observe how they are endeavouring to maximise engagement in learning by making the learning environment more attractive and interesting for the students.
5.2.7 Time was spent at our recent Staff Development Day discussing and planning some minor, short-term adjustments that we can incorporate into our classes. The exercise was exciting and some classes have already undertaken some changes.
5.2.8 One area we’re always keen to extend is our use of technology. We’re currently planning how to upgrade our wireless facilities within the school to provide additional access.
5.2.9 We are about to install a number of wireless access points into several classrooms which will enable wireless access via portable computers / iPads. This is effectively a trial and if it works well we’ll look to extend further in the future.
5.2.10 The SRC are getting behind this initiative by holding a fund-raiser (mufti day) with money raised to go toward purchasing a number of iPads for the school.
5.2.11 I remind all parents that the 2011 Annual Report is complete and available on the school’s website for parents & community members to read and enjoy. I encourage parents to take time to view the report as it gives a broad overview of school programs, including information about our school’s NAPLAN results. A number of printed copies are also available from the office.
5.2.12 Don’t forget that Friday, May 18, is Walk Safely to School Day and I hope to see lots of parents out walking with their children.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Belinda Lavers.
5.3 Treasurers Report. No report submitted.
5.3.1 The P & C account balance currently stands at $8,521.92.
5.3.2 Canteen account balance currently stands at $6,345.68.
5.3.3 Uniform account balance currently stands at $1,669.24. Belinda reported plus income, less expenditure the expected balance will be $1,097.79.
5.4 Canteen Report. No report submitted.
5.4.1 The new menu for winter will be released with the next newsletter.
5.5 Uniform Report. No report submitted.
5.6 Ground Committee Report. No report submitted.
5.7 SIFC (School Improvement and Finance Committee) Report. No report submitted.
5.8 Fundraising Committee. No report submitted
5.8.1 Ruth advised that the Tea Towel fundraiser has achieved $1,200 profit so far with a second print run going ahead.
6 General Business.
6.1 The uniform shop has yet another new volunteer so are probably at the most numbers they need right now. Lowes has approached us with options to supply on our behalf. Those in attendance were worried that they couldn’t keep the costs as low as we currently do, and like the canteen, it’s a great social hub for parents. The hours of opening are our biggest detractor. Belinda said she could also open on Friday afternoon’s after assembly and perhaps extend our current hours. Simon said the office is still happy to go across for new family arrivals. Belinda will talk to Jo Fletcher and advise new hours. Currently thinking 2.30 – 3.30 on Friday and 8.30 – 9.30 on Tuesday, and drop the Thursday.
6.2 We discussed Rob’s proposal for the garden at the far end of the COLA. Liz asked if she could try to negotiate a better rate on the steel via her suppliers, cheaper sleepers had already been sourced. Plant donations were also offered. All in attendance agreed to go ahead trying to save as many costs as possible.
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Corrie Howes.
6.3 Tristen advised that we’ve had about a dozen unofficial complaints about the newsletter being changed to fortnightly. Simon advised of only one formal complaint. As discussed when we changed over to fortnightly, it takes far too much time for the office to produce to warrant going back to fortnightly. It’s also available on the website. Ruth asked if the calendar function could be utilised more with permission notes, etc. The school website had 498 hits last week.