MINUTES OF STRATHBLANE P.S. PARENT COUNCIL MEETING – 09/03/2010
1. In attendance: Sandra Logan, Anne Spencer, Elaine McLeod, Ross Martin, Lynne Kelly, Beate Beck-Schwahn, Vivienne Mackay, Libby Brittain, Mandy McCarron, Vicki Aitchison, Kim Jones, Sarah Klenka, Alan Campbell, Sandy Kennedy, Mandy Malcomson, Paul Brogan, Nicky Corrigan.
2. Apologies: Traci Leven, Cathie Moir, Seonaid Byles, Wendy Hamilton and Debbie bolton.
3. Formal business: Sandy Kennedy opened the meeting and minutes from meeting on 02/02/10 were adopted as a true record. It was decided that matters arising would be addressed as meeting proceeded under separate progress reports.
4. Head Teacher’s report: Sandra Logan reported on following aspects.
Update on future planning strategies, including putting together a spelling guide and liaising with Jill Friel to look at ‘writing’ within Balfron cluster.
Pupil Council have been evaluating the Haiti Pyjama Day (raised £251) and have been giving excellent feedback on toilet makeovers and interactive whiteboards.
Stirling Council are developing an interim parent report format, integrating Curriculum for Excellence and 5-14.
Sandra has been in negotiation with Stirling Council about staffing levels for next school year. Roll numbers have been falling and a ‘free’ probationer is unlikely to be available, therefore the school may have to adopt ‘composite’ classes in all but the P7 class. Composite classes have a maximum class size of 25 pupils.
Sandra explained how composite classes work in terms of learning. Some parents voiced their concerns about ranges of development within one class, concern about some children being seen as being ‘kept back’, whether classes would be changed every year etc. Sandra Logan and Anne Spencer talked about the positive aspects of composite classes in their experience and said that most of the SPS teachers have had experience in teaching composite classes. Anne Spencer would be available as additional support to these classes. Lynne Kelly stated that most of Stirling’s rural schools had composite classes and SPS was probably one of the last not to have composite classes.
Alan Campbell expressed general concerns about the situation but would research evidence/statistics about composite classes. Sandra Logan said the decision about whether the school would get a ‘free’ probationer would not be known until May.
Discussion continued and it was decided that the school and parents would look at the language used to introduce the idea of composite classes at school and at home, there would be an ‘open door policy’ so that concerned parents could discuss any issues arising, Sandra would send out written information addressing immediate concerns and that clear communication on both sides would be essential over next few months.
Sandra explained that there would be some flexibility about how individual children would be placed, however it would mostly be decided on date of birth. She also acknowledged the concern of parents surrounding this change.
5a. Treasurer’s Report: Libby Brittain presented the balance of the accounts to be £5789.28. The line machine, school sports strips and interactive whiteboard cost £3359.62.
b. Fundraiser’s Report: Beate expressed concern about the lack of ticket sales for the School Quiz. Sandra will announce details again at assembly. Wendy will send a reminder.
There is ongoing organisation for the Summer Fair. The Village Club will be used this year for local bands event.
Alan Campbell manages the Strathblanefield website and offered to liaise with Vivienne to improve community communication. Lynne Kelly agreed to write an article for the Blane magazine to promote the educational advantages of interactive whiteboards, as a large percentage of funds raised at the community Summer Fair will be used to buy these.
6. Report from the Chair: Sandy Kennedy fed back on progress of the PC Action Plan key areas.
• The Big Project – two new interactive whiteboards have now been purchased, installed and are being used daily.
• Road Safety – with the help of Community Counsellor (C. O’Brien), funding has been secured again and the crossing officer will be in place by the Summer Term. Yellow parking lines outside school gates will also be in place by August.
• School Grounds – Sandy congratulated Debbie Bolton and her team on their outstanding artwork in the toilets.
• Extra Curricular Activities – Sandy thanked Cathie Moir for her work in setting up the Book Club and Gardening Club, which are now up and running. He suggested focusing on the Science Club next year, as Lynne Arrol (staff member) has volunteered to help co ordinate this. Sandra suggested starting a Press Club next year to harness communication. She is happy to co ordinate this in conjunction with parents.
• Extra Curricular sports – Sandy reported that the line machine was being used successfully. Sandra is still to liaise with staff about the timing of offered yoga sessions.
• Sandy will ask Traci Leven to find out how much portable basketball posts cost. Sandy also reported that Linda Barclay has offered to continue with lunchtime cross-country running club. Sandy has approached some parents about helping to start up a football club. He will liaise with Traci about disclosures.
• Communications/Website – Vivienne reported that medical forms, audio casts and newsletters have been uploaded onto the PC website.
• There was a discussion about advantages of having a Parent Council website (cost, eco friendly, time saving, opportunity to feedback, forum for teachers to ask for help, access to class blogs etc.) and how to get more parents to sign up to the website in order to access information. It was decided that one or two parents from each class should ask all parents of that particular class to either sign up themselves or get permission/ email address in order to sign up for them. The following people volunteered to do this:
Nursery- Nicky Corrigan
P1 – Mandy McCarron/Vicki Aitchison
P2 – Mandy Malcomson
P3 – Sandy Kennedy/Christine Baume/ Yvonne Brogan
P4 – Libby Brittain
P5 – Wendy Hamilton
P6 – Beate Beck-Schwahn
P7 – Vivienne Mackay
Vivienne also said that she would like to eventually add club reports and photographs. It was suggested that a website ‘sign up’ slip should be included in the P1 Enrolment Pack.
7. Funding: – there were no requests for funding.
8. A.O.C.B.: – Vicki Aitchison asked about skateboarding times, as she felt that some wooden ramps etc. had been left in playground from the weekend and were dangerous for the younger children. Sandra will speak to Mr. Thom.
Beate asked if there was need to fill out same form repeatedly for sports activities. Sandra explained some rules of health and safety outwith the school and how there was no way round this.
9. Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 20th April 2010 at 19:15. [NB This meeting has now been replaced by a school meeting on composite classes. The next PC meeting will be rescheduled.]
Sandy closed meeting, thanking everyone for coming. There was then a tour of the toilets (!)