MINUTES FROM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD 10th MARCH 2015
Meeting Commenced 7.05pm
Welcome – Present and Apologies
Present: Tristen Cosgrove, Simon Parson, Michelle Sproule, Ashlee Pawley, Pip Friend, Anna Webster, Belinda Lavers, Karen Jones, Julie Thomson, Trish Bray, David Smail, Anna-Maria Ford, Kylie Screen and Ruth McLeod.
Apologies: Nil.
Acceptance of previous AGM minutes from the 11th March 2014 Moved to accept: Anna Webster, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
Business arising from previous AGM minutes. - Ruth McLeod queried the Signatories on the Canteen Account. David Smail to check, as it was noted that although the P&C have submitted the request to change signatories, it can occur that the bank may not have effected the change. We should ensure no bank account has dual signatories with authority granted to two members of same household.
AGM Financial Membership Payments $1 Annual P&C Membership Fees collected. David Smail receipted all who have paid.
Annual Reports
President’s Annual Report
Congratulations to all for a wonderful 2014 calendar year. During this time we were successful in the Uniform Shop and Canteen and also with our fundraising and planning for the future.
We hosted a Welcome BBQ, a Disco, Tea Towels, and of course the Twilight Markets amongst other events. We were also successful with $27,000 cash in grants physically coming in.
We presented donations to the School during the year of:
$50 each for two students at State Athletics;
$449 for the cost of the Jumping Castles at the Welcome BBQ
$600 for Craft Resources in relation to the Twilight Markets
$6,750 which included $6,500for for literacy resources to support the implementation of the new English syllabus and $250 for Music Stands
$15,500 for a Covered Walkway
$35,000 for grounds improvement, including $12,000 to install subsoil drainage and turf for the top field.
Further, as you all know we were also successful for additional grants for this current year of $5,500 for Covered Walkways and $50,000 for a Creative Play Spaces playground.
Thank you to everyone who helped for the year in making it so successful and satisfying.
Moved: Tristen Cosgrove, Seconded: Ruth McLeod.
Principal’s Annual Report
Two thousand and fourteen was definitely a dynamic and progressive year for Soldiers Point Public School. We saw positive growth in student learning outcomes, as can be seen in our NAPLAN results, as well we witnessed the continued construction of the school’s grounds, which is almost completed. Importantly, our core focus at all times has the provision of an inclusive & engaging curriculum for our students.
Student achievement at Soldiers Point has been impressive. The students’ NAPLAN results clearly identify the effectiveness of the school’s literacy and numeracy programs with our results being at or above state average. For example:
In Year 3 we had 69% of students in the top two skill bands for reading, while the state percentage was 46%. In numeracy we had 46% of students in the top two skill bands, while the state was 41%.
In Year 5 we had 45% of students in the top two skill bands in reading, with the state average at 32%. And in numeracy we had 33% in the top two skill bands compared to 27% for the state.
Our results also highlight the strength of our learning and support programs, including Reading Recovery, with few students being identified in the lower bands in Years 3 and 5.
I congratulate our students and teachers on their amazing achievements in 2014. Such results demonstrate our commitment to providing a supportive learning environment where success and equity are promoted has not wavered.
Throughout 2014, teachers undertook professional learning in:
• Literacy: as we consolidate the implementation of the English syllabus;
• Numeracy: in preparation for the new mathematics syllabus;
• Science: in preparation for the new science syllabus; and
• Teachers also attended training to assist with supporting students with disabilities in the mainstream classroom.
Many individual students celebrated success in a variety of competitions. Twenty- three students
achieved Distinctions in the Australasian Schools Competitions with a further fifty-five achieving a credit. Four stage 3 students also achieved high distinctions in the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition.
Soldiers Point students have also been impressive in the sporting arena. In 2014, twenty-seven students went on to be selected to represent the school & Hunter Region and four were selected to go to state in their various sports.
The school’s arts program continues to grow & strengthen. The band and instrumental lessons are continuing to be very popular and appreciated. This has been complimented by our choirs, which performed so well last year, along with the school’s dance troupes.
Our students have also had numerous opportunities to explore their local area as well as further afield through several exciting excursions.
The school’s financial status remains healthy. In the 12 months to November 30, 2014, the school had expended $458,348.17. Some of the funds have been expended as follows:
The P&C are to be congratulated on their outstanding achievements throughout 2014. The Twilight Market was without a doubt one of the year’s highlights. The Twilight Market not only raised a significant amount of money for the P&C but it also created a wonderful bond between the school and the wider community, which is very precious.
The support of the Parents and Citizens Association through supplementing the school’s resources to add value and quality to the students’ learning and their environment is greatly appreciated. Your many hours of tireless effort does make our school a better place and adds to the achievements of our children.
The school’s grounds have improved enormously and, through the tenacity of the P&C, our school will receive a new library in 2015.
Before I close I would like to pay tribute to the students and teachers of SPPS for their flexibility and resilience throughout 2014. The disruptions to school routines during the construction period were regular and often frustrating. I personally thank the staff for their fortitude & commitment to our students and their learning. They are an amazing team.
I look forward to 2015 being a year of continued improvement as we work closely with the wider community in meeting the educational needs of the children in our care.
Moved: Simon Parson, Seconded: Anna Webster
Treasurer’s Annual Report
It has been another successful year financially for the P&C.
The Auditors SiDCOR Chartered Accountants have the financial data for calendar year 2014 although unfortunately the accounts are not yet complete.
Donations provided from the P&C through fundraising and grants include the following:
Jun14 SPPS Covered Walkways $15,500
Aug 14 SPPS student selected for All School State Soccer Competition $50
Aug 14 SPPS Twilight Markets contribution $600
Aug 14 SPPS Oval and works$35,000
Oct 14 Student selected for State Sports $50
Nov 14 School Resources, English Curriculum $6,500, and Music Stands $250
The following improvements were implemented throughout the year:
A petty cash card for the Canteen, allowing purchase of fresh local produce, without the need for carrying cash, providing a simpler audit trail
Assistance to the treasurers position, Deanne Cosgrove as a representative of the canteen committee has been making supplier payments and wages payments for the canteen
The Canteen Committee assisting in raising additional funds in the canteen
Balances at 31 Dec 14:
P&C account: $2,489.48
Uniform account: $9,695.34
Canteen account: $6,978.41
Petty Cash: $142.06
Thanks to all those that contributed throughout the year.
NOTE: Copy of Auditors Report to be Submitted as attachment when complete & printed.
Moved: David Smail, Seconded: Belinda Lavers
Canteen Committee Annual Report
The Canteen is going well, the slushy machine has been a big hit and is increasing our profits. The only down side is the amount of hot air the machine pumps out, the Canteen in unbearably hot at the moment, we have to operate without the overhead lights on to try to stay cool. Fridays are particularly uncomfortable due to the slushy machine, all the pie warmers and the oven on at the same time. I would like to put forward a suggestion that we look at fundraising for an airconditioner in the Canteen. We have a dad that is an airconditioning installer, I am sure he would be willing to help us out in that regard therefore bringing the cost down.
I would like to thank the wonderful helpers both parents and children who helped on Camo for Cooper day. We managed to get out all but 12 of the slushies on order and those children had the opportunity to have a different drink or to come back on Thursday to redeem their slushy. Considering we lost a machine full of product due to leakage that was a pretty amazing effort.
The new canteen committee is up and running and are very supportive and enthusiastic with some fabulous ideas to improve our service. We continue to sell out of the fresh food that is cooked in the Canteen and I am grateful to the P&C for approving the extra hour for cooking purposes. I would like to thank Deanne Cosgrove for taking on the maintenance of the slushie machine and liaising with Nathan from Port Stephens Ice, and as well as Belinda Lavers for opening the Canteen on a Monday morning to allow me to do the fresh food shopping. We will be planning a meal deal a term for the next three terms, details to be worked out soon. We have picked up a few new Kindergarten mums for the roster and I sincerely thank those mums that have stayed on over the last few years. It really is a fun place to be and I couldn't do it without you. Year 6 are amazing in their willingness to help out in the Canteen. I am overwhelmed at their expertise and enthusiasm and they are a pleasure to work with.
Presented: by Kylie Screen for Paula Browne, Seconded: Julie Thomson
Uniform Committee Annual Report
The Uniform Shop has continued to run smoothly during the last year. We have had three volunteers assisting all year.
Opening times on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons are still working well.
Maintaining higher stock levels again this year has resulted in customers not having to wait for stock to be ordered. It also helps with administration.
Utilising the Extended Credit from LWReid Pty Ltd (our main supplier) from the months of August to February assists greatly with the ordering of stock for new students for the start of the next year.
We currently are well stocked with most items with about $9,000.00 worth of stock.
When ordering garments that have the School Logo, I have continued to order larger quantities of those items to ensure we get the best printing and embroidery charges. This assists in being able to maintain higher stock levels all year.
Moved: Belinda Lavers, Seconded: Karen Jones
School Improvement & Finance Committee Annual Report
Nine School Improvement and Finance Committee (SIFC) meetings were held during 2014. The meetings are an opportunity for families to provide input and comment on changes to school policies, support the capital works program and assist in preparing proposals to obtain additional funding.
A broad range of SPPS policies and program were discussed during the year including:
Introduction of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy and Student Agreement
Changes to zone boundaries; to take effect in 2016
Updated Enrolment Policy
Review of the Effective Learning Code; including student recognition program and student leadership
Requirements of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability.
Capital works and expenditure focused on:
Additional tree maintenance program
Securing funding and finalising the Creative Play Spaces works on the top oval including drainage, earth mounds, mulching, turf and seating
Funding obtained for covered walkways and installation of play equipment; the final stage in the Creative Play Spaces project
Support for construction of new library
Overview of technology equipment purchase and replacement including equipment maintenance program.
A further initiative of the SIFC during 2014 was the Parent Forum held in November. The aim of the forum was to hear directly from parents about some of the school's current practices and share ideas for improvement to help shape the future directions for the school. Nine parents attended the forum with key outcomes including:
SPPS provides a positive, caring learning environment supported by professional staff and the broader school community
Communication between the school and parents/ care givers continues to be of concern
Ideas to improve communication include more opportunities for direct contact between class teachers and parents/care givers; and increased communication regarding school processes.
The school executive have reviewed the outcomes and used issues raised by parents to inform the development of the school’s 2015-17 School Plan. Outcomes will also assist the P&C in planning future activities.
Focus for the SIFC in 2105 will include:
Establishment of a Parents Reference Group to meet 3- 4 times per year
Review of possible resources required once new library established
Development of playground area and play equipment
Ongoing advocacy for the establishment of permanent classrooms.
Moved: Ruth McLeod, Seconded: Kylie Screen
Fundraising Committee Annual Report:
We have had an enjoyable year of P&C events & fundraisers at SPPS throughout 2014.
Tea & Tissues Feb 2014 - event
Welcome BBQ March 2014 - event/fundraiser with $172 profit raised
Lucky Locals card fundraiser in Term 1 2014 - $38 for the school
School Disco & Raffle 13 June 2014 - raised $1545
Tea Towels May 2014 ($800 raised as at May, $1500 once all stock sold - q. Ruth, all stock gone?)
Ikea Trip 2014 Oct 2014 - unfortunately cancelled due to lack of response
Twilight Markets Oct 2014 - raised $6766
Thank you to all who assisted on these events. We also note that Fundraising is achieved by the P&C through many avenues, such as successful Grant Submissions, Canteen fundraisers, and also funds are raised for the school with school-led Fundraising, such as the Year 6 fundraising initiatives. So to all, well done! And to all the Parents who support these fundraising activities, thank you. It is fantastic to see so many wonderful things happening at SPPS and to be a part of helping them come to fruition.
Moved: Trish Bray, Seconded: Ruth McLeod
Election of Office Bearers for 2015 Tristen asked Simon Parson to chair the meeting and act as returning officer for election of the 2015 P&C Office Bearers. Simon accepted, declared all positions vacant and asked for nominations. Positions were filled as follows:
President: Tristen Cosgrove nominated; Accepted by all.
Vice-president: No nominations received; Vacant.
Secretary: Anna-Maria Ford nominated; Accepted by all.
Treasurer: David Smail nominated; Accepted by all.
Canteen Convenor: Karen Jones nominated; Accepted by all.
Canteen Treasurer: Deanne Cosgrove is nominated; Accepted by all present, to be confirmed by Deanne.
Uniform Convenor: Belinda Lavers nominated; Accepted by all.
Grounds Convenor: No nominations; Vacant.
School Improvement and Finance Committee Convenor: Ruth McLeod nominated; Accepted by all.
Fundraising Convenor: Anna Webster & Trish Bray nominated; Co-Convenors; Accepted by all.
Publicity Officer: Anna Webster nominated; Accepted by all.
Simon congratulated all of the 2015 P&C Office Bearers.
General Business for AGM
Vacant positions on the P&C are to be advertised within the School Newsletter.