3.1 Brad Eggleton of Mac1 Newcastle did an iPad demo for us. He pointed out there are no barriers (keyboard & mouse) and present is books, internet, ‘everything’ is there. Kids get excited by iPads, teachers say they are so much easier to teach with than the traditional book method. Students who won’t write in books will write copious amounts on an iPad. iPads have become central to everything of schools who’ve embraced them. They are an everyday tool, all day. Especially with kids suffering from Autism/Aspergers/ADHD/etc. with no communication skills, with iPads they are able to concentrate, sit and do something for extended periods of time. For teachers iPads ‘promote curiosity’. Brad suggested we visit the following Australian based website; http://www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au/
One of the many reasons for purchasing iPads is the many functions available and the number one goal is a higher level of engagement with the kids. It’s also a far more attractive system to operate with far more scope and certainly more mobile. Benefits against traditional PC’s/laptops include it’s a portable device, lack of uniformity, more prone to viruses, it’s thin and light, will reduce paper use, so much is available online, Photo & Video capabilities of a decent quality, both front and back, up to 10 hours battery life and all WiFi Bluetooth connected. Video mirroring (Apple TV) means you can share everything from the iPad on the interactive whiteboards or television. Teachers don’t have to be tethered to the front of the class and shy kids don’t have to get up. Equity of the utilisation of the equipment can’t be guaranteed, but either could the playground expenditure for our current Year 5 & 6 students. At least they would get to ‘see’ a benefit from the RAA win.
Some of the applications discussed were Garage Band, iBook, iWork (Compatibility with Microsoft), iBook Author for the kids to write their own books and share. One iTune account will support 10 iPads. Apple has just launched volume discounts, i.e. for schools to buy apps in high volume. Apps are an additional cost, but most apps out there are free or very cheap ie. 99 cents each. Shoal Bay Public School bought 30 iPads and has an App committee and has set up a page on their website showing favourite apps with examples. http://www.shoalbay-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/share-our-success
Simon stated that this is an initial trial to see if/how it works, hence only investing in ten iPads. Three teachers went to Sydney to check other working situations; it may or may not work here. Ruth mentioned that kids are getting used to not using pen and paper and current Year 12 exam students get fatigue. We thanked Brad for his time.
3.2 Garden Bed. Rob reported that we had had two working bees, the second very disappointing in numbers. Rob estimates he has six person hours left to complete it before landscaping (rocks/logs) and planting. Spent so far;
Salamander Sand & Soil $206.50 (Ag drain above bed to intercept the sub soil lateal flow)
Georges Rd Timber & H’W $333.60
Georges Rd Timber & H’W $166.80
Total $706.90
The idea that we were thinking about an ‘outdoor classroom’ was planted for thought.
Moved: Corrie Howes, Seconded: Tristen Cosgrove.
3.3 Discussed recruiting a new treasurer. Corrie approached Jenny who declined immediately but Penny may put her hand up for the job.
4. Correspondence.
4.1 In
Westpac correspondence given to Lesa
Letter from Craig Baumann acknowledging receipt of Tristen’s letter, following up on building funding and demountables.
Letter from Peter Riordan on behalf of Adrian Piccoli acknowledging receipt of Tristen’s letter, following up on building funding and demountables.
4.2 Out
None
5. Reports.
5.1 President’s Report.
5.1.1 It’s been a busy and successful month for the P & C being involved with;
· Thermomix training for Chef Laurent
· Run Around Australia Prize Presentation
· Open Day sausage sizzle with over 400 sausages served.
· Book Fair.
· Story Time.
· Election Day Sausage Sizzle at the canteen raising $270 for Yr 6 Graduation
· Work on the garden bed that continues this Sunday
· Working Bee
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Corrie Howes.
5.2 Principals Report
5.2.1 Simon showed us some proposed plans from Terras Landscapes of the playground;
· Improvements in the top field, the retaining wall and more seating.
· Garden in front of heritage building, perhaps add water tank and extend vege patches.
· Under trees near walkway is a high compaction and high erosion area, a cause for concern as the grass can’t grow. Proposed stepping stones, additional seating and bark chips around trees.
· Around the Anzac grant garden section additional decking and seating to minimise erosion.
· Section where the raised fence is – install sandpits, being cleared and currently used a lot more.
· Below COLA between library (current) install an extra water tank next to current tank. Use rain off COLA and use as toilet flushing. Add soft fall area and equipment.
5.2.2 Firstly, I would like to thank the Soldiers Point P&C for your contribution toward the success of our recent Open Day. The whole day was a great opportunity to celebrate the RAA win and acknowledge the generous support of the wider school community.
5.2.3 Donations for the walkathon have already surpassed $1200.00 which is a great result at this early stage. As I have already stated, funds raised will go towards the school’s technology program to purchase additional infrastructure. Incentive prizes will be distributed to students early in Term 4.
5.2.4 I thank the P&C for your presentation at the recent Storytime session. As you will appreciate, the more information we can provide for our new families the better for their child’s transition to primary school. The next opportunity for the P&C to liaise with the new families will be at our Parent Information Session which will be held on Tuesday, October 30, in the hall.
5.2.5 In recent weeks the Federal Government has released subsequent information about their future educational priorities, which incorporate several of Gonski’s recommendations over an extended period of time. FYI - I’ll submit an article: Beyond Gonski: The Fight for Equity in Education which members of the P&C may choose to read.... (From Corrie). Please check this link www.saveourschools.com.au/file_download/83
5.2.6 Early in Term 4 I plan to launch the 2012 Parent Satisfaction Survey which will be a link from the school newsletter / website. Last year we had 47 visits, however fewer parents completed the survey. It would be appreciated if the P&C were able to provide support by encouraging the school community to complete the survey.
5.2.7 Preliminary drawings of the grounds have been returned to the school for consultation. The staff has viewed the drawings and a teacher is undertaking consultation with students. One decision which we’re asking the students to consider is the type of playground equipment they would like, which will determine size of play areas etc. View concept plan. The engineering component has come back with a concerning price tag, which is in the vicinity of $10K. I consider this to be excessive and would like to hear views of members present.
5.2.8 Solar Schools Grant – The school has been successful in its application to receive funds under the National Solar Schools grant. The application I submitted was to acquire funds to purchase and install an additional water tank for the school. The school will receive approximately $12000 for this project, which I hope to have completed by the end of 2012.
5.2.9 I thank the P&C and the parents of Soldiers Point Public School for their continued support throughout Semester 1 and look forward to a highly successful Semester 2.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
5.3 Treasurers Report. No report submitted.
5.4 Canteen Report. No report submitted.
5.5 Uniform Report.
5.5.1 Current account balance is $2,259.11. After Sept expenses $1,287.33 leaves a balance of $971.78.
5.5.2 I have purchased $3,630 worth of uniforms that have extended credit until February. This is the start of stock purchases for Kindy 2013 after analysing what was ordered for the same period last year. I estimate that the extended credit amount will be around $8,000 which should be covered by uniform purchases over the next few months.
5.5.3 Currently the shelves are well stocked and I am hoping that most orders will be completed at the time of purchase with very few backorders.
5.5.4 We will still need to order stock from other suppliers that are a monthly account.
5.5.5 Uniform order forms have been issued to all Kindy 2013 parents that are due back with payment by Nov 2nd.
5.5.6 I will no longer open the uniform shop during the orientation week in November as it would be futile as it occurs after the cut off date. Instead I propose opening the uniform shop Thursday November 1st between 9 – 10am to enable parents to check sizing, we will be open Friday as usual. This needs to be advertised at the parent info night. I also propose despatching completed orders to parents in week 7 orientation. In the event of outstanding orders not completed by week 7 we could suggest a pick up date in December.