Present: Tristen Cosgrove, Simon Parson, Kylie Screen, Ruth McLeod, Belinda Lavers, David Smail, and Trish Bray
Apologies: Anna Webster and Liz Richards
2. Amendment of Office Bearers for 2013
Secretary: The P&C President has received a resignation letter (copy sighted) from Melanie Bonniface who is unable to continue in 2013 as P&C Secretary. Trish Bray is nominated to fill this casual vacancy, and hold the office of Secretary, technically casually, for the remainder of 2013. Accepted by all present. Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Ruth McLeod
3. Correspondence – In/Out
In: P&C Insurance Approval Certificate for School Disco received
Out: None
4. Reports
President’s Report: Tristen Cosgrove
I am so proud of how we are all coming together to improve the school and the environment and facilities for our children’s education. Well done to all of you. I look forward to an exciting and productive year with you.
Moved: Belinda Lavers, Seconded: Ruth McLeod
Principal’s Report: Simon Parson
· I’d like to acknowledge and thank the school community for your considered support for the Voluntary Technology Contribution. Your contribution will go directly toward the expansion of the school’s wireless network, which we aim to do very soon.
· I would also like to thank the P&C for the $1,000 donation which the School will put toward the Project Rockit initiative. Whilst the school’s role is largely peripheral in managing your child’s social media involvement, we trust that the information shared, particularly at the parent workshop was constructive and helpful for you to monitor your children.
· Additionally, the P&C’s donation of $1,282.00 which the School will put toward the ‘funky classroom’ initiative and has enabled the Stage 3 teachers to purchase some alternative seating for the students as well as the construction of two benches (chest high) for students to work at. These have been very popular and appreciated by the students.
· Throughout late 2012 and Semester 1 this year, all teachers have been attending professional learning workshops preparing SPPS for the introduction of the new Australian curriculum for English in 2014. The new curriculum essentially builds on the previous syllabus but one improvement / difference is that the content to be taught is organised into a K-10 continuum defining processes and skill development. The K-10 continuum has been developed to demonstrate a clear pathway of learning to English.
· In early Term 3 I have arranged for a representative from the NSW BOS to join us for a workshop, which will see us preparing an English program (Unit of Work), which can be applied in 2014.
· The English syllabus will be introduced in 2014, followed by the mathematics and science & technology in 2015.
· The teachers are nearing the completion of the Semester 1 student reports, which shall be forwarded home on Tuesday, June 25. I trust that you find the reports meaningful and constructive. I also remind you that parents are welcome to arrange a meeting to see a teacher at any time via the appropriate manner e.g. email / call to school.
· The school’s grounds have received some much-needed attention of late, which is already seeing some short term improvements:
- the installation of the water tank at the eastern end of the administration building along with the additional pipe work has lessened the erosion on the southern side of the Games Court;
- the recent construction of the concrete path between the Games Court and HB1-4, Room4 and the Library. There may be some adjustments required with the path, i.e. replacement, as it is not in accordance with the school’s specifications i.e. the concept plan.
Two projects on the horizon include:
- the construction of covered walkways from Block I to Block J. This is made possible from the successful application for $15,000.00 by the P&C under the 2012 Community Building Partnership program. I will need to request quotes for this project;
- liaising with Paul Park from the Soil Conservation Service (on-site meeting tomorrow) regarding the drainage problems being experienced in the north-eastern section of the playground, including the top field & retaining wall.
· I have also arranged to visit ABPS to view an MDR on Monday, June 17, at 8:40am. If any parents are interested in joining us, please let me know.
· The students have had an array of sporting opportunities already this term and this is set to continue with school teams participating in rugby union, hockey and touch before term’s end.
· I request that 1 or 2 P&C members carry out an informal survey about the 2013 school photos to ascertain if you’re happy to continue using Newcastle School Portraits in 2014.
· Copy of 2012 ASR to the P&C.
· Term 2 will conclude on Friday, June 28. Monday, July 15 will be a Staff Development Day with all students commencing on Tuesday, July 16.
· Education Week is Week 3 of Term 3 and the school will be holding Open Day on Friday, August 2. The theme this year will be Celebrating Our Stories.
· I thank the P&C and the parents of Soldiers Point Public School for their continued support and look forward to seeing you on Friday, June 14, at the disco.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: David Smail
Treasurer’s Report: As this role is currently in transition from Lesa Cooper to David Smail, there is no report provided in this meeting. Tristen Cosgrove has given an update on the current status of the P&C Account Balance, which is healthy. Westpac online summary transaction report sighted.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Trish Bray
Canteen Committee Report: No report provided, however Tristen Cosgrove gave summary of feedback from Paula Browne: Paula has purchased the Café Grill as discussed at last meeting, it is now in use and the canteen volunteers are happy with it. She also has the coffee machine, with which they are also happy.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Belinda Lavers
Uniform Committee Report:Belinda Lavers
Belinda is happy with how the uniform shop is running.
Current account balance $3,508.16
Deposit made 11/6/13 $378.00
Accounts payable this month $1,664.58
Adjusted balance $2,221.58
Moved: Belinda Lavers, Seconded: Kylie Screen
Grounds Committee Report:
No report submitted
School Improvement & Finance Committee Report:
Meeting was postponed, therefore no report submitted.
Next Meeting is 7th August 2013.
Fundraising Committee Report:
School Disco: Anna Webster, Trish Bray, Corrie Kenrick and Tristen Cosgrove have been working on the School Disco preparations for this Friday 14th June 2013. The insurance has been approved. Certificate of Currency received. Risk Management Forms have been completed, and all necessary precautions for the night discussed. Volunteers have come forward, approx 15 volunteers for K-2 disco and 8 volunteers for 3-6 disco, and they will sign the volunteer register on the night. DJ Tim Halls is confirmed (free of charge) and the function room provision at Soldiers Point Bowling Club has been confirmed (free of charge). The P&C will gain 100% of the proceeds from the night from this fundraiser. Job roles for volunteers have been discussed. We are hoping for good attendance and a great night for all who attend.
DFO Homebush & IKEA Rhodes Shopping Complex Bus Trip: Belinda Lavers and Kylie Screen have been working on preparations for this fundraising event, to be held Saturday 12th October 2013.
· Bus has been confirmed with Port Stephens Coaches – deposit of $100 payable now. Cheque required from P&C Association.
· Anna Webster has been working on the flyer for the Bus Trip. We also need to organise “Save the Date” for the last newsletter this term. Anna has provided Kylie and Belinda with a draft of the potential flyer for feedback/amends required.
· Kylie Screen and Belinda Lavers have been sourcing and organising items required for the trip.
· Collection point at School Office for payment of Bus Trip Tickets.
· Monies to be collected by Belinda Lavers and banked at school. Deposit book/vouchers required.
· Expenses for items – method of reimbursement to purchasers? Discussed. Consumables for the trip (i.e. items for goody bags) should be paid for out-of-pocket, and if appropriate then reimbursed out of the P&C Account upon proof of purchase.
Other Fundraising: Agreed amongst all at meeting, we are happy to float the coordination of any P&C Fundraising amongst all P&C members/volunteers. Any ideas are encouraged, and those with Fundraising ideas are welcome to step forward and present their ideas, with all invited and ready to assist where necessary to bring those ideas to reality. The possibility of a future ‘Art Show’ fundraiser was raised, idea submitted by Anna Webster in her report, brought in by Trish Bray. Anna hopes to be at the next P&C meeting to discuss this idea further.
Moved: Trish Bray, Seconded: Kylie Screen
Publicity Officer’s Report: Anna Webster; presented by Trish Bray
Anna was unable to make it to this meeting, but sent a written report in with Trish Bray.
It reads:
· Newsletter:
- Have I included all that needs to be included each week? Discussed: Kylie Screen mentioned that ‘The Point Directory’ blurb can be omitted from the fortnightly newsletter, as it isn’t really being utilised as much as they’d hoped it would. Perhaps it can be used as a filler if needed, but otherwise omitted.
- If there is ANY information that needs to be included please send it to me by the Thursday before Monday publication.
- Maybe we should have a section each newsletter as to what the P&C is doing and what we are trying to do – when I speak with people they are often wondering what the P&C does (apart from obvious activities). Might be a flag for people to volunteer to become involved in any upcoming projects. Discussed: P&C members are agreeable to this, although they do note that the best way for interested parents to find out and become involved is to attend the P&C meetings. We are commended for our ‘Did you know..’ piece inviting parents to attend the meeting. We are welcomed to try new means of communication, and will likely discuss the potential implementation of some of these ideas (particularly ideas which will help parents who cannot attend meetings) at the next P&C meeting.
· Other items as discussed and noted within the Fundraising Committee report.
Moved: Trish Bray, Seconded: Tristen Cosgrove
5. General Business
· Easter Hot Cross Buns: Bronwyn Sherman has brought an incident to the attention of the P&C regarding community members ordering Easter buns from student/s in SPPS uniform, paying, and not receiving goods. Simon Parson is aware of 2 of these incidents. P&C agrees that a discussion at assembly regarding behaviour whilst in school uniform may be the best way to address this at a primary school level. We note to ensure future Flyers suggest a parent goes with their children (i.e. in the case of doorknocking) if children are to enlist sponsors or have purchases made by friends or family.
· Soap in toilets: Simon Parson advises that all school toilets have had units refilled with liquid soap, as queries had been made on provisions, particularly in aiming to avoid outbreaks of illness in Winter months.
· Community Building Partnership Grant $15,000 update: Nothing further to report.
· Run Around Australia $500 directly to school 3rd Place – Possibly for a technology related purpose? Discussed: Agreed to spend on a technology related purchase, as a guide for the School. The School is free to spend these funds as it sees fit.
· Disco this Friday 14th June 2013: Disco is coming together.
· Insurance update for Uniform Shop and Canteen. Discussed: David Smail will look into a potential increase in insurance cover. Belinda Lavers will liaise to discuss cover required.
· Following up on Lucky Locals $27.50 cash and receipt. Corrie Howes had mentioned that she has the cash and paperwork with her. Tristen Cosgrove to follow up with her.
· P&C Letterhead & Motto: It was commented that the new look is very attractive. There can be further discussion at future meetings.
· Goals for P&C 2013: The School is putting together additions to a wish list and goal should be documented and more publically communicated then they have been, although they are being achieved from previous wish lists.
· Project Manager for Playground improvement (depends on DEC assistance).
· 2013 Class Contact Lists & Class Parent Representative update: Need to follow up with Liz Richards for an update.
Acceptance of previous minutes from the 14th May 2013 Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
Business Arising:
· Agreement on concrete consultancy repair – arising from Principal’s Report
· Kylie Screen has agreed to investigate package options with Newcastle School Portraits, and potentially other school photography companies to compare – arising from Principal’s Report
· Overcrowding on School Bus #3 has been discussed. Concern raised regarding overcrowding with Simon Parson consistently noting 3 or 4 children to a 2-seater seat. It is suggested that a potential solution to this overcrowding would be for Bus #2 (currently a public bus) to be allocated as a SPPS bus, which could then take some of the Bus #3 load, thereby reducing the current overcrowding of Bus #3. Kylie Screen has volunteered to contact the bus company regarding this option.
· David Smail notes that we could possibly discuss the idea of School Banking (student banking) at an upcoming meeting. It was only briefly discussed at this meeting, with mention of an external volunteer being required if this was run, it would not be a duty performed by teaching staff.
· Education Week is in Week 3 of Term 3. Open Day on August 2nd, there will be duties the P&C will require volunteers for.
Meeting closed 9:20pm. Next meeting – 13 August 2013.