Present – Tristen Cosgrove, Simon Parson, Ruth McLeod
Apologies – Kylie Screen
Previous minutes – 5 March 2014 accepted
Reports and Updates
Principal
· Concept and initial quote has been developed for sculpture/barrier to be installed above the new covered walkway to stop access from the two-storey building onto walkway. Design competition to be run with students.
· Quote received from Transfield for overhead walkway from COLA to Early Stage 1/Stage 1 rooms (to also incorporate drain pipe). Will seek a second quote. Tristen has been able to confirm that we can use the Community Building Grant funding for the covered walkway ($15,000) to do this work. May require additional funds to be included.
· Waiting for confirmation of available funds 2014-2015 for second stage of the Creative Play Spaces works quoted by Soil Conservation Service, NSW Department of Trade and Investment (see 2.0 below).
1.0 Seating below COLA - completed
2.0 Seating (above oval) and oval upgrade – approx $55,000
3.0 Earth mounds, drainage and mulching area above oval – approx $12,000
· Large tree risk assessment to be undertaken 3 April following recent directive issued by the Department for all principals to have all trees inspected. Arborist will (1) identify risks that need to be addressed urgently and (2) report on other less urgent issues. Due to state-wide assessment requirements the report on less urgent issues will be delayed. Risks identified as needing to be addressed urgently will be funded under additional funding attached to the directive.
· Following storm event 16 March, damage to trees and infrastructure has been identified. Further cleaning up and repairs to be completed during April.
· Simon applied for Building Better Schools funds. Application was unsuccessful in 2013.
· Staffing update provided.
General Business
· Discussion about the focus for the next round of grant applications that Tristen is preparing. Will be looking at equipment and materials for playground areas as part of the Creative Play Spaces project.
· Simon outlined initial discussions with DET Assets regarding future options for a new library. Will meet with Tony Rodwell from DET in Term 2. Options include revisiting the use of MDR’s.
· Online survey for parents of current kindergarten students discussed. Aim of the survey is to gather feedback on the transition activities undertaken by the school for new kindergarten students and their families. Survey to be distributed to parents end of Term 1 / early Term 2.
· Student leadership: Kylie provided an outline of the five Leadership Challenges available for students at Merewether High. These include (1) School Carnivals, (2) Academic Achievement, (3) School Representation, (4) Community Service, (5) Attitude and Commitment. Simon to discuss with Stage 3 staff. Might also be included in future discussions/review of the schools Student Recognition Program.
· Feedback to be provided after planned meeting of local principals and DET to discuss school zones and intake enquiry tool. Previous meetings have been cancelled.
· Ruth to speak with Anna about second P&C Update like the one provided to families in December 2013. Include:
- works completed (new covered walkway and seating)
- successful grant funding announced in December
- next steps in Creative Play Spaces Project
- fundraising goals
- tree assessments (?)
Meeting closed at 8.30 pm. Next meeting – 7 May 2014