· I'd firstly like to acknowledge Tristen for his persistence in lobbying our local member, Mr Craig Baumann, promoting the need for the second stage of building at SPPS. The second stage incorporates a library and six homebases or classrooms. Tristen's calls /emails have resulted in an on-site meeting with officers from the Department of Education & Communities Asset Management team on Wednesday, March 20. Whilst this may not produce a start date for the next stage of the school's building program, it highlights the need for additional long-term development for the school.
· Whilst on the topic of assets, since the last P&C meeting I have received the engineer's drawings for the Creative Play Spaces project. I foresee the next phase of this project being broken into several components and managed separately given their will be some assistance from DEC:
- DEC have requested Transfield Services to prepare a quotation to undertake the following works:
o construction of the concrete seating below the games court; and
o construction of a footpath from the games court to our Kindergarten rooms.
- DEC have a quotation, which I acquired from Civcon, to:
o repair guttering on COLA and install additional pipework from COLA to a rainwater tank;
o construct a concrete pad for a rainwater tank;
o supply & install a rainwater tank (adjacent to current tank); and
o supply, install and connect a pump to service the toilets within the administration block.
- We also await the appointment of a project manager to oversee the works on the top field and swale to redirect the water from the north-eastern corner of the site.
· There is no doubt that all of the above projects will add greatly to the quality of our school's learning environment.
· The school recently arranged for an arborist from Port Stephens Council to carry out an audit on several trees in the playground. Some of the trees assessed will be 'pruned' and become habitat tress in the coming holidays.
· During Week 8 of this term, we'll be having quite a few environmental opportunities for students and the wider community. These include:
- Our first Bin-free Day on Tuesday, March 19. This will replace Nudie Tuesday for the day and hopefully result in even less waste overall;
- Clean Up our School Day on Wednesday, March 20. Students are encouraged to bring along a glove and plastic bag to collect rubbish; and
- Ride Safely to School Day. This day is being promoted to encourage families to get their bikes out and ride to school thus relying less on motor vehicles & fuel.
· The students have had an array of sporting opportunities already this term and this is set to continue with school teams participating in softball, rugby union and netball to name a few. One recent highlight has been the success of our swimmers at the Port Stephens Zone Carnival where SPPS were crowned Zone Champions. Two of our students Poppy and Aidan were named age champions at the carnival.
· We will be recognising Harmony Day on Thursday, March 21. Students are encouraged to wear orange on this day.
· Newcastle School Portraits will be taking our photos again in 2013. They will be visiting the school to photograph children on Wednesday, April 3. Additional information about this was placed in the newsletter this week. Students are expected to wear full school uniform on this day, including black school shoes.
· The 2012 Annual School Report is nearing completion. The ASR is a comprehensive reflection of the school's programs, activities and achievements for the 2012 school year. I expect it will be completed within the next three weeks and forwarded to the printer for printing during the holiday break. It will be also available on the school website in early Term 2. I would like to thank all staff, students and parents who've contributed to the making of the ASR.
· I thank the P&C and the parents of Soldiers Point Public School for their continued support and look forward to catching up with you on Friday, March 22, at the Welcome BBQ.
Moved: Pam Wildman, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
Treasurers Report: Lesa Cooper
· Canteen balance $4,771.16
· Uniform Shop balance $2,357.86
· Creative Play Spaces Term Deposit renewed with short-term maturity option (30 day rolling option).
Moved: Lesa Cooper, Seconded: Tristen Cosgrove.
Uniform Report: Belinda Lavers
· The shop is currently still well stocked. Stocktake as at 12/3/13 provided.
· Still busy during most of the opening times.
Current account balance
Deposit made 12/3/13
Accounts payable this month
Unpaid cheque outstanding
Adjusted balance
Stocktake value as at today
$2 357.86
$514.00
$1 464.45
$45.00
$1 452.41
$10 601.00
Moved: Belinda Lavers, Seconded: Karen Jones.
SIFC (School Improvement and Finance Committee) Report: Ruth McLeod
· Minutes from meeting 6/3/13 provided.
· Key focus areas include asset management and capital projects as per Principal’s report; and next steps for the Creative Play Spaces project. Engineering plans to be finalised before work commences on swale above the top field. Need remains for a project manager to coordinate works. Ruth and Tristen to discuss possible options.
· Preparation required for meeting with Department of Education Assets staff. Tristen to speak with Simon.
· Currently investigating ways to increase student and parent awareness of cyber bullying / cyber safe behaviour. Possibility for P&C to assist in hosting student and parent seminar. Seminar could be held for SPPS school community or in conjunction with schools on the Tomaree Peninsula. Corporate sponsorship or gold coin donation entry possible funding options. Ruth to discuss with Simon.
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Kylie Screen.
General Business
· Thank you to Paula for five fabulous years as SPPS Canteen Supervisor.
· Tristen informed the meeting that the school has again nominated for Run Around Australia. This year SPPS can only be in the running for minor prizes.
· Lucky Locals promotion on again.
· Parent class list forms to Liz. Lists to be finalised and communicated back to class groups.
· Welcome BBQ now scheduled for 22 March. Jumping castle booked, face painting booked, volunteers required. Option for a P&C Information table discussed as an opportunity to distribute flyers promoting the P&C and parent class list forms, engage parents in conversations about how they can get involved, have more of a public face. Also suggest Tristen provide a short welcome. Thanks to Tristen and Liz for pulling this together.
· Bring a Friend Policy: new approach for P&C. Active members to invite two friends to each meeting; take the time to ask others to get involved.
· Next meeting: Tristen to ask Simon if meeting could be held in the staff room. David to bring the biscuits!