MINUTES FROM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 13 MARCH 2012
Opened 7.00pm
1. Welcome - Present and Apologies
Present: Simon Parson, Corrie Howes, Ruth McLeod, Tristen Cosgrove, Lesa Cooper, Kylie Murchie, Helen Barwick, Michelle Chesworth, Penny Whatman, Grant Lavers, Rob Richards, Johnny Alessi, Liz Richards.
Apologies: Nicole Mulder, Kylie Screen, Seva Kiprioti.
2. Acceptance of previous AGM minutes from the 8th March, 2011.
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Michelle Chesworth.
3. Business arising from previous AGM minutes.
3.1 No nominations had been received for President. Tristen Cosgrove now holds that role.
3.2 No nominations had been received for Vice President. Position is still vacant.
3.3 No nominations had been received for Fundraising Convenor. Johnny Alessi now holds that role.
Moved: Penny Whatman, Seconded: Grant Lavers.
4. Reports.
4.1 President’s Report.
4.1.1 Tristen stated that it had been a wonderful year with the Education week BBQ and the Bunning’s BBQ etc. The P & C has been able to give the school $12,600 since the last AGM.
4.1.2 The canteen has been very successful with increased hours and systems and Tristen congratulated them again for the report from the inspectors.
4.1.3 I look forward to another year of cohesion with the P & C.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Ruth Mcleod.
4.2 Principals Report
4.2.1 2011 was an extraordinary year and our vision of providing a successful and caring learning environment remained at the core of all decisions. Whether it is in the classroom, on the sporting field, as a band member, a public speaker or helping out as a buddy, our students continue to shine.
4.2.2 The student’s NAPLAN results reflect the effectiveness of the school’s literacy & numeracy programs with results being at or above state average, particularly Year 5. In Year 5 we had 47% of students in the top two skill bands in reading, compared to 32% for the state, and 32% in numeracy compared to 27% for the state. In Year 3 we had 52% of students in the top two skill bands in reading, compared to 43% for the state, and 38% in numeracy compared to 36% for the state. Perhaps what’s not seen in these results are the efforts of the school’s learning support program which assists our students with specific learning needs, such as Reading Recovery and integration are ever-increasing and I whole-heartedly appreciate the efforts of the teachers and the supportive parents who assist our students daily.
4.2.3 Many individual students celebrated success in a variety of academic competitions. Three students achieved High Distinctions in the Australasian Schools Competition with a further twenty-five achieving a distinction. This places these students at the very top of their disciplines.
4.2.4 The school’s creative arts and music programs continue to prosper. The concert and rock bands are now well-established and popular. The success of the 2011 Twilight Bandstand, hosted here, was a tribute to our staff and student’s dedication to the arts, as was our performance in the Tomaree Music Festival.
4.2.5 In 2011 students were offered more sporting opportunities than ever before. We fielded teams in netball, soccer, AFL, softball, rugby league, rugby union and touch as part of the PSSA knockout. Additionally we had numerous students selected to represent Port Stephens Zone & Hunter Area and four selected to attend state championships in swimming, AFL, basketball and touch.
4.2.6 Our students have also had numerous opportunities to explore their local area as well as further afield through several excursions. The Stage 3 trip to Canberra was a particular highlight, especially with President Obama being in town at the time.
4.2.7 It was rewarding for the Tomaree Learning Community to receive recognition from the Director-General of the Department of Education & Communities for the very effective transition programme from Year 6 to 7. This program, along with our pre-school to Kindergarten transition, was highly successful and beneficial preparing the students for their new settings.
4.2.8 Throughout 2011 our teachers undertook professional learning in literacy, numeracy, differentiation & wellbeing, first aid and anaphylaxis training, as well as dedicating time in staff meetings becoming more proficient using the IWB’s.
4.2.9 The school’s financial status remains healthy. In the 12 months to November 30, 2011, the school has expended $408,563.04. Some of that has been expended to Teaching & Learning $99,286; Tied funds (including professional learning) $112,015; Teacher relief $33,255; Administration $52,453; Utilities $31,116.
4.2.10 The P & C are to be acknowledges for their support throughout 2011. Your commitment to the school community in operating the canteen and uniform shop is outstanding. Similarly, activities such as the Welcome BBQ and Movie Night provide an opportunity to welcome new members and develop friendships. The trivia night was also a great success as it was fun for the community as well as raising funds. The support of the P & C supplementing the school’s resources to add value & quality to the student’s learning environment is greatly appreciated, especially the prospect of improving the student’s play spaces in 2012 is very exciting.
4.2.11 In closing I sincerely thank the SPPS staff for the inspiration they provide and genuine commitment to the children of our school. We are very fortunate to have such a great team of professionals to guide and care for our children each day. I look forward to 2012 being a year of continued improvement as we work closely with the wider community in meeting the educational needs of the children.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
4.3 Treasurers Report.
4.3.1 Lesa confirmed the $300 movie night float was transferred from the canteen account back to the P & C account. Corrie confirmed there was no float for the trivia night.
4.3.2 The audited financial statements were presented to the P & C. Lesa stressed that a bottom line loss was showing only due to donations to the school from the canteen account of just over $5,000 in 2011, compared to $290 in 2010 (the year of the fete where the income was earned).
4.3.3 Profit & Loss Statements for year ended 31 December 2011.
· P & C including uniform shop $8,733.19
· Canteen account -$2,509.49
Moved: Lesa Cooper, Seconded: Penny Whatman.
4.4 Canteen Report.
4.4.1 Penny thanked Paula and all volunteers for all their hard work last year.
4.4.2 Being able to contribute towards books, air conditioning and smart boards to the school was rewarding.
4.4.3 Paula started an additional day on Thursday’s doing over the counter sales and homemade food, adding to our being a ‘healthy’ canteen. The introduction of Year 6 helpers has been successful.
4.4.4 The health inspectors came in Aug/Sep and we passed with flying colours, saying “we wish all canteens were as clean as this”. A big pat on the back to Paula and all of the committee members; Paula, Seva, Lesa & Penny. We look forward to the year ahead.
Moved: Penny Whatman, Seconded: Corrie Howes.
4.5 Uniform Report. No report submitted.
4.6 Ground Committee Report. No report submitted.
4.7 SIFC (School Improvement and Finance Committee) Report. No report submitted.
4.8 Fundraising Committee.
4.8.1 Johnny stated that we held a few fun events and were happy to be able to raise some funds. He was disappointed that he couldn’t raise more funds within the business community. He only took on the role halfway through the year and has enjoyed his time but will be unavailable to act as convenor again this year but will still actively participate in fundraising for the school.
Moved: Johnny Alessi, Seconded: Corrie Howes.
5. Election of Office Bearers for 2012
5.1 Tristen declared all positions vacant and handed over to Simon Parson, returning officer for election of the 2012 P & C Office Bearers. Simon thanked all in those positions for the great work achieved last year. Positions were filled as follows.
President: Tristen Cosgrove nominated; Accepted by all.
Vice-president: No nominations received. Vacant.
Secretary: Corrie Howes nominated; Accepted by all.
Treasurer: Lesa Cooper nominated; Accepted by all.
Publicity Officer: Tristen Cosgrove nominated; Accepted by all.
Canteen Convenor: Seva Kiprioti nominated; Accepted by all.
Canteen Treasurer: Lesa Cooper nominated; Accepted by all.
Uniform Convenor: No nominations received. Vacant.
Grounds Convenor: Rob Richards nominated; Accepted by all.
School and Finance Improvement Committee (SFIC):Kylie Murchie nominated; Accepted by all.
Fundraising Convenor: No nominations received. Vacant.
6 General Business.
6.1 Need to discuss uniform committee to see who may be interested as well as advertise a Fundraising Convenor with current initiatives in place.
6.2 Liz suggested we need to get new parents involved, especially in a fundraising team. Need a Vice Secretary, Vice Treasurer, Vice President etc. a comfortable way to get in on the first step. Perhaps have a meeting at a different time or place? Let’s make recruitment a priority.
6.3 Need to write procedures, ie. Disco, Tea & Tissues, Welcome BBQ for new recruits.