Present: Tristen Cosgrove, Anna Webster, David Smail, Simon Parson, Belinda Lavers, and Trish Bray
2. Accepted Minutes of Previous Meeting (13 Aug 2013) Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Belinda Lavers
3. Business arising from previous meeting/s: No official September meeting was held, as numbers in attendance on the night were low. However, items to follow up on will be discussed in General Business tonight.
4. Correspondence – In/Out
In:
- Email from Bronwyn Sherman, Admin Manager of the school, regarding P&C archive boxes to be sorted. Tristen will take the boxes for sorting.
- Email from Melissa Lonie, school parent who is a Paramedic/Registered Nurse/Intimo Lingerie Stylist, re: proposed educational presentation / school fundraiser. All present at meeting agreed to support the event by promotion & inclusion in the school newsletter, (P&C Section) however we agreed that the event should be held off-site, not within the school grounds and not be nor be seen to be a P&C or School run event. Tristen will liaise with Mel to further discuss, and Mel can contact Anna for newsletter inclusion. Any fundraising done at such an event should be directed to a charity directly, possibly related to Breast Cancer, at Mel’s discretion, and not to the P&C/School in this instance. The level of involvement by the P&C will only be a promotion in the newsletter to foster community awareness. What transpires after that is not a matter for neither the P&C nor the School.
Out:
- Nil.
5. Reports
President’s Report: Tristen Cosgrove
Well done to all involved in the various works we have been attending to as a P&C. I’m pleased to see the near-completion of the Covered Walkways which were a good achievement by the P&C for the benefit of the school community. You’re all doing a great job, on the many things we’re working towards for the school community, and I congratulate you for that.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Trish Bray
Principal’s Report: Simon Parson
I’d like to start by thanking the P&C for your supportive efforts throughout Term 3, particularly as we have had so many school-based events occur during the term. The staff and I greatly appreciate your active and on-going support - whether it was Book Week, Storytime or even helping with the Election BBQ, your time and participation is appreciated and adds to the essence of our school community.
Additionally, I would like to acknowledge and thank Tristen for his tenacity in preparing applications for numerous community grants. This is indeed an arduous process often taking many hours to prepare, but I guess this makes it even more exciting when the application is successful as was the case with the covered walkway, which is nearing completion.
To this, I’d like to add that having the master plan for our school grounds has provided our school community with a clear focus for both the short and long term. I envisage that it will take a few more years to complete but importantly the vision for the playground is prepared.
In coming weeks we will see further improvements taking place with the construction of the concrete seating below the Games Court. The contractor was out to the site during the break to fall a number of trees, which Rob has been able to use to form part of the seating in the Remembrance Garden.
The Remembrance Garden is coming together beautifully. Rob has been in during the holidays to work on the garden’s structure, decking and now timber seating. Do we need to arrange a date for a further working bee to assist, Rob?
I would like to congratulate all of the students who were involved with the Tomaree Music Festival and Evening of Music which were held during Term 3. To see students as young as 5 performing in front of an audience of 120-plus followed by our senior primary students performing so capably and confidently was an outstanding achievement.
Our P-K transition has been well supported again this year with between 30-40 pre-schoolers attending the sessions. We will be holding our Parent Information Evening on Wednesday, November 13, and the Orientation will be held in Weeks 7 & 8 (Nov. 18-21 & Nov 25-28).
The school’s NAPLAN results for Year 3 and 5 students have again been above state average. Our analysis thus far has identified areas of strength and areas to develop further in the future. For example, some of our school percentages include:
(these are % for top 3 skill bands i.e. Bands 4-6 Year 3 & Bands 6-8 Year 5)
Year 3
Strand
School
State
Reading
76
71
Writing
80
77
Numeracy
69
67
Year 5
Reading
71
66
Writing
67
53
Numeracy
57
54
Our focus on writing in recent years is seemingly paying dividends with improved results. Mathematics is an area which will require more focus as some concepts such as number (decimals / fractions) and space. We will continue analysing our results to draw out some specific areas to improve in 2014 and beyond.
As I have mentioned at previous meetings, we have dedicated a lot of our professional learning time this year to preparing for the introduction of the new English syllabus. Stage teams are now required to prepare a draft unit of work in readiness for Term 1, 2014.
Several teachers will also be attending conferences early this term which are related to the introduction of the new mathematics and science syllabuses in 2014. The teachers shall be attending these conferences to obtain as practical information from both Board of Studies staff and external consultants about the new documents. They will then have the responsibility of leading our staff through the transition to the new syllabus in 2013 / 2014.
The 2013 Parent Satisfaction Survey, which was sent out at the end of Term 3, was responded to by about 50 families, which is less than 2012. I have spent some time reading over the responses and it has provided us with lots of valuable feedback.
Staffing – DEC has requested that I bring together a selection panel with the intention of selecting a new AP due to the retirement of one of our current APs. Is there anyone here who would consider being involved with this process?
Finally, we have two boxes of P&C records which will need to be culled / destroyed / other. We’re happy to keep current information but storage is very scarce so would appreciate someone going through the boxes.
I thank the P&C and the parents of Soldiers Point Public School for your continued support throughout 2013.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Tristen Cosgrove
Treasurer’s Report: David Smail has given an update on the Account Balances. Westpac online summary transaction report sighted. However, there may be some funds movement overnight between accounts for items approved in August meeting (see minutes).
Moved: David Smail, Seconded: Belinda Lavers
Canteen Committee Report: No report provided.
Uniform Committee Report:Belinda Lavers
Current Balance: $4276.44
Payments due this month: Nil
Subtotal: $4276.44
Extended Credit Payments
(Due January 2014) $2870.91
Total: $1405.53
The Uniform Shop is currently well stocked with most items. I placed a large order with LW Reid (our extended credit supplier) during the holidays, which is due to arrive over the next week as well as other orders with our two other suppliers. We have already had our first Kindy 2014 sales for the year. This term should see a big increase in the number of purchases for the warmer weather and of course for Kindergarten 2014. The Kindergarten 2014 Order forms are requesting that Uniform Orders must be received before 1/11/2013 to ensure delivery prior to February 2014. This will enable me to order sufficient stock prior to the end of the year and to complete orders.
Moved: Belinda Lavers, Seconded: Anna Webster
Grounds Committee Report:
No report submitted, however Rob Richards has been in contact with Tristen regarding the ongoing work with the Remembrance Garden, and therefore at the meeting we discussed the following:
- Movement of funds approved for the Remembrance Garden, so they can be used for purchase of remaining plants and supplies necessary to finish the garden. An additional $500 was approved by the P&C, if required for the project. Note to follow up with Danielle Robinson also, upon her return from holidays, to see whether she had made contact with the RSL for any additional funds or involvement of any kind.
- It would be good if someone was able to contact the RSL, or a returned serviceman who may like to be involved in the planting of the Lone Pine / official opening of the Remembrance Garden, perhaps for Remembrance Day, as it should be completed by then.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Trish Bray
School Improvement & Finance Committee Report:
Meeting was held on 4th September, with detailed Minutes submitted and circulated at this meeting. Minutes from this meeting are on P&C website.
Next SIFC Meeting is 6th November 2013.
It was mentioned tonight that we have now received detailed quotes from the Soil Conservation Service to address the following works: 1.0 Seating below the COLA, 2.0 Seating and oval upgrade, 3.0 Earth mounds, drainage and mulching area above oval. Along with a quote to Project Manage the works. We are waiting to hear back about possible Community Building Partnership Grant funding. Tristen is liaising. The result of these applications will be known later this year. Meantime, it is discussed that these works lay the foundation for the remainder of the Master Plan for the school grounds, it would be ideal to continue to aim to achieve the funds to complete these works, regardless of whether we receive the CBPG funding. See General Business notes below for discussion on this.
No official reports submitted, but it was noted that:
- The election day BBQ & Cake Stall on September 7 went well. Although sales weren’t as high as we’d hoped, we were appreciative of all the donated cakes (which sold well, and were a lovely sign of volunteer involvement) and the remaining raw sausages were frozen, and then used as a sausage sizzle day on the final day of term 3.
- Update on Sydney Shopping Trip Fundraiser; Although there had been many interested in attending, many factors seem to have kept numbers from full capacity. There may be a couple more this week, but at present the bus appears to have bookings for approximately half of it’s maximum capacity, which means we will cover the cost of running the trip, but it may not be a high yield fundraiser. We congratulate Belinda on her work in facilitating this trip, and believe it will still be a good community building event.
General Business
· It was noted that the P&C approved an independent voluntary file review (CPA Quality Review Program) recently, by accountants and business advisors, Mark Edmunds Associates Pty Ltd.
· Leading out of NAPLAN discussion, and an agreed appreciation of the importance of parents reading to their children and being involved in early literacy activities, particularly during school holiday time, it was suggested that the P&C be in discussion with our local Tomaree Library who run school holiday reading activities and other early literacy events. The public library may be appreciative of exposure in our newsletters for their activities, which may also benefit the school community.
· Goals for P&C 2013 Followed up –
From the wish list in the administration block in priority order per Principal:
- PM Readers for Stage 1, Support Group 1/ 2 E, Levels 9,10,11,12,13 Selected Titles $500: P&C approved in August. Ordered and may have been delivered already.
- Kindergarten Seating & Tables Outside $1,500: P&C approved in August, funds moved to correct account – Simon to arrange order.
- Covered walkway $2,974 (& $15,000 from CBP Grant funding): P&C approved in August, near-completion by builder – Follow up is required: Documents from builder stating completion + before/after photos, to send to CBPG.
- ANZAC Remembrance Garden $1000: P&C approved in August. Extra $500 approved tonight if required. Follow Up with Danielle Robinson upon her return, to discuss official launch & RSL involvement.
Next: not in order
- IWB step for Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 (cost ?)
- Tiered decking platform for outside learning area near Room 1 and Room 2 (Stage 2 area) $1,500
- Bag hooks for 3 / 4 N ($100-$150)
Long term:
- Weatherproof lockable outdoor notice board to go outside the School Reception (great for putting upcoming events in) costs depends on size.
- Brochure Stand for School Reception (to put all the leaflets in) Ph 1300 658 808 www.slimlinewarehouse.com.au $295
· Community Building Partnership Grants 2013 (CBPG2013) – Outcome known in December 2013
P&C has applied for 4 more grants, hopefully for at least some of $93,000
$15,000 different covered walkways to Room 6,
$12,000 Playground Upgrade,
$36,000 Student seating – tiered concrete seating off COLA
$30,000 Swale and Earthworks
· From the SIFC:
- Building Update : Discussion at SIFC in September update
- Public Schools Upgrade Program grant and DPI quote
- Drainage works (proposed in Creative Playspaces Project (note the CBPG2013 is trying to address these matters)
- Options for the Library
- Technology Update including Book Pack and Technology Contribution in 2014
- Remembrance Garden (Lone Pine Planting) (Rob Richards, Danielle Robinson, and others) On 12/8/13 Tristen has asked Nelson Bay RSL for $500 - $1,000 but no reply.
- Also Community Grants are available of up to $5,000 and we should look into this through Anzac Community Grants Program at www.veterans.nsw.gov.au Applications from 31/5/13 to 28/2/14. We were previously unsuccessful in a previous attempt at this grant.
· Possible Major fund-raiser in 2014: Discussed the proposed suggestion of a School Fete, to be held in September 2014. This would potentially bring in enough fundraising to complete the Master Plan for the school grounds; a great achievement for the school, our kids and the P&C. There is a concern that there are potentially members of the school community who have not kept up to date with the Master Plan, and the costs that have been associated with the foundational work that has been done, and the costs which would be required to complete the entire Creative Playspaces Plan, who may be querying the necessity of another school fete, or the current financial position as it stands. We propose drafting a document to be distributed to all SPPS parents outlining this information in effort to explain the vision and motivate all towards embracing the idea of working towards the eventual completion of what’s been started. We agree that this would be a valuable message to communicate to the school community, regardless of the decision on any major fundraiser. We realise many volunteers would be required in order to successfully achieve a Fete as a major fundraiser for the school, and we would need to rally a groundswell of support for the idea to be embraced and supported by all. We would like to gather info and advice from Liz Richards & Ruth McLeod, on their experience of the last school fete. We will aim to set up a meeting to chat. Following that, a decision will be made as to next steps.
· Volunteer of the Year Finalists: Congratulations are given to Belinda Lavers who was recently awarded as a Finalist in the Port Stephens Volunteer of the Year awards, for all her volunteer efforts that so greatly benefit our school. Simon Parson and the Staff at the school wanted to further acknowledge their appreciation, by awarding her with a $100 beauty voucher from Amcal Chemist (at no cost to the School or the P&C as the voucher came from the most recent Run Around Australia promotion as a store award to the School). Congratulations on all your work Belinda. You deserve it!
Meeting closed 9:15pm. Next meeting – 12 November 2013.