Present – Tristen Cosgrove, Sharon Egan, Danielle Robinson, Guy Holloway, Rob Richards, Simon Parson, Ruth McLeod
Apologies – Kylie Screen
Previous minutes - 3 April 2013 – Minutes accepted
Reports and Updates
Principal
· Asset Management including proposed capital works:
- Path from the COLA to Early Stage One/Stage One classrooms completed. Water tank now installed at the end of the Administration Building and operating well (Solar Schools funding).
- Community Building Partnership Grant for additional covered walkways for Early Stage One/Stage One classrooms was successful (Thanks Tristen and Corrie). Grant is for $15,000. Initial quote received to complete the works was $19,000. Tristen to raise at next P&C meeting to discuss (1) if someone is willing to obtain further quotes by end August that may be closer to the grant amount, and (b) if not then ask meeting to approve P&C funding the additional $4,000 and accept the original quote. Tristen to also confirm if payment of contractor can be made through to the School (check grant payment and acquittal requirements).
- The Public Schools Upgrade Program grant application for $50,000 to fund drainage works (as per the engineering plans developed as part of the Creative Playspaces project) was unsuccessful.
- Paul Parkes from Soil Conservation Service, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has looked at the grounds to prepare a quote for undertaking the drainage and associated works (based on the engineering plans). Indicated access for work trucks will be a problem. The drainage and associated works include the first three current priorities for the playground redevelopment. Quote to also include project management. Currently funding options for this work would include Creative Playspaces money or possible future grant funding.
· Library Upgrade:
- Simon and Ms Merriman visited Anna Bay Public to view MDRs (modular design range prefabricated classrooms) as an option for an upgraded library facility at SPPS. They also viewed Anna Bay’s lovely big permanent library (not an MDR).
- Outcome from staff discussions and today’s meeting is to not seek an MDR as a new library. P&C to continue lobbying for the permanent block of classrooms plus a library as per the school’s staged building program.
· Technology Update:
- Seven new switches now installed to provide stronger, faster system. Work completed by Regional IT staff and SPPS. Wireless equipment has been purchased and soon to be installed. This will allow iPads to be used in all classrooms.
- Expenditure on technology requirements will continue to be an ongoing cost for the school. Future expenditure includes electronic white board replacement, workstations and iPad printers.
- In 2014 it is proposed that the technology levy and book pack/school contribution costs will be combined into a single annual fee per student (fee will vary by stage; approx $75 -$100 for 2014). This proposal is support by the SIFC.
P&C President
· Tristen maintaining positive relationships with the local members.
· Tristen supplied copies of correspondence with Craig Baumann (Member for Port Stephens) including advice from Adrian Piccoli, NSW Minister for Education regarding demountable buildings at SPPS. Minister indicated major capital works at SPPS is on the priority list for the area however, other schools are consider higher priority for funding. The SIFC appreciate the continued representations made by Mr Baumann on the schools behalf.
· Community Building Partnership Grants:
- The previous application round include covered walkways for Early Stage One/Stage One (grant successful) and funding for the swale as part of the drainage works (grant unsuccessful). However Tristen has been contacted about the possibility of part-funding for the swale application. This is to be confirmed.
- Tristen has recently submitted further Community Building Partnership applications for student seating ($36,000) and playground upgrade/subsoil ($12,000). The result of these applications will be known later this year.
· Maintaining our focus on the Creative Playspaces project:
- Priorities for the playground redevelopment:
(1) addressing stormwater in the COLA area;
(2) establishing the swale above the top field;
(3) improving the top field;
(4) seating between COLA and library.
- Current P&C term deposits not sufficient for completing the four priorities above. Additional grant funding to be investigated.
- If the DPI quote does not include project manage or is too costly we may need to revisit requests for a volunteer project manager.
General Business
· Remembrance Garden:
- Danielle and Rob briefed the meeting on the plans for establishing a Remembrance Garden in the school grounds including the planting of a Lone Pine. Approx costs $500 plus volunteer labour. Tristen and Danielle to discuss seeking sponsorship/donations to cover costs. RSL may be interested in being involved.
- Next steps: working bee 18th August to do some earth works; install crushed rock onsite; construction of seating; planting. Guy and Sharon willing to help!
· Additional timber seating to be constructed above fence in back corner of the top field. Rob and Guy to discuss.
· Simon asked about possible major fund-raising for 2014. Will need to be considered to continue the Creative Playspaces project.
· Next SIFC meeting to discuss the parent feedback survey.
Meeting closed at 8.40 pm. Next meeting – 4 September 2013.