SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES FROM MEETING HELD 2 SEPTEMBER 2015
Present – Brenda Madden, Simon Parson, Ruth McLeod Previous minutes – 5 August 2015 accepted
Business arising from previous minutes (not discussed elsewhere)
Communication tools analysis – Ruth to finalise for next meeting
Reports and Updates Principal
Asset Management:
Work on safety fencing and piers for relocation of the demountable currently in the staff carpark will begin next week. Classroom to be relocated next to the new demountable behind kindergarten rooms during September school holidays.Old library to also be removed at the same time.
Simon discussed use of security cameras with representative from Assets Unit. Decision is not to proceed at this time. School to continue to report incidents of vandalism.
Creative Play Spaces:
Engineering plans being prepared for the new playground. Plans will include levelling the site with two levels and a step between the levels. Paul Park from Soil Conservation Service, Department of Primary Industries engaged to act as project manager.
Staff finalised equipment to be installed; 3 pieces. Order now to be placed with preferred provider.
Anticipate earthworks works and installation to be undertaken during Term 4 with completion by the end of the year. Possible time delays may be due to availability of play equipment (possible 12 weeks from order being placed).
P&C funds to be transferred including $50,000 Community Building Partnerships grant announced December 2014. Total costs approximately $80,000.
Upgrades for IT systems including switches and data outlets ready. Waiting to hear if grant application to support the $15,000 upgrade has been successful.
General Business
Requests for additional music and language tuition at the school were discussed.Agreement that the numbers of hours reasonably made available for external providers to hold tuition during school hours be limited.Priority to be placed on tuition that supports students participating in the school concert and rock bands. Families can also make arrangement with tutors for lessons outside of school hours. Simon offered to discuss possible arrangements for tutors to hold classes immediately after school e.g. between 3 and 4pm; may include french or singing.
Simon noted the new student attendance policy. Increased auditing requirements for school and of school records to be undertaken. Participating in private tuition during school hours may not meet the requirement for attending school.
Federal community engagement funding has been provided to all schools; SPPS received approximately $9,500. Funding to be used for engagement when developing and implementing the School Plan. Possible expenditure items discussed. Options include development of emergency processes and signage to meet current requirements; holding student-led conferences including student/parent/teacher; installation of an electronic notice board. Support for expenditure on emergency process (2015) and student-led conferences (2016).
Notification has been made of flashing road-safety lights to be installed.
Tell Them For Me Parent Survey discussed. Option for online survey to replace previous parent surveys designed and administered by the school. The survey is administered by Centre for Education, Statistics and Evaluation within the NSW Department of Education and Communities. Parents and carers from the school community are invited to participate (by email or link in school newsletter etc), responses are anonymous and results are collated and provided back to the school. Support given for the survey to be run over the next few weeks.
Ruth and Brenda to host an informal PRG session after the school assembly on 11 September. Parents to be invited to discuss issues including communication, before/after school care needs and ethics classes. Focus to be on parent driven engagement.
Further PRG workshop and/or informal day time discussion may be held in November to discuss outcomes from the Tell Them For Me Parent Survey.
Proposed meetings / activities for remainder 2015:
Term 3 11 September PRG PRG informal discussions after assembly - communication, before/after school care, ethics classes
Term 4 7 October SIFC Regular meeting
4 November SIFC or PRG Regular meeting or possible PRG to respond to outcomes from the Tell Them For Me Parent Survey
20 November PRG Possible PRG informal discussion after assembly - Tell Them For Me Parent Survey
2 December SIFC Regular meeting
Meeting closed at 8.25pm. Next meeting – 7 October 2015