MINUTES OF STRATHBLANE P.S. PARENT COUNCIL MEETING – 10/05/2010
1. In attendance: Sandy Kennedy, Cathie Moir, Debbie Bolton, Traci Leven, Libby Brittain, Vivienne Mackay, Wendy Hamilton, Linda Barclay, Mandy Malcomson (clerk to PC).
2. Apologies: Sandra Logan, Lynne Kelly, Beate Beck- Schwahn, Seonaid Byles, Anne Spencer.
3. Formal business: Sandy opened the meeting and minutes from meeting on 09/03/2010 were adopted as a true record. Any matters arising would be addressed under separate reports. It was decided that The Blane Valley was not suitable for future formal meetings as it may exclude some members.
4. Head Teacher’s Report: No report was available. Some members commented on the May Newsletter (sent out same day), particularly on the news that a probationer has been provisionally allocated to the school and therefore there will be no composite classes for 2010/11. Vivienne requested that the Newsletter be forwarded to her earlier so that she can put it on PC website. Sandy will follow this as an action. Some members commented on how useful the learning agenda (overview of events) was as a communication tool.
5. Treasurer’s Report: Libby reported that there was £5894.55 in the account. There has been new income from Rag Bag. There was discussion about what balance should be carried into next term (as there is not much fundraising in 1st term). There was also discussion about a targeted amount for Summer Fair and funds to be earmarked as a “financial buffer” for subsequent Summer Fair events (e.g. hire of inflatables etc.). An amount for this will be debated after consulting Community Development Trust and Community Council, as well as confirming profit made at Summer Fair. It was felt that any ‘buffer’ needed to be clearly stated in accounts. An approximate amount of £400 was requested.
Linda explained that all money raised during the Summer Fair ‘day event’ will go to the school and ‘evening event’ will go towards phase 2 of the play park. This was agreed. All groups involved in fundraising for the play park will be involved in the opening ceremony. Sandy felt that an optimistic aim would be to supply a further two interactive whiteboards with the money raised for the school, depending on aspects of matched funding.
Sandy acknowledged the fantastic ongoing effort of the SP Fundraisers and local groups involved in the organisation of this huge event.
6. Report from the Chair: Sandy asked each member to report to the group.
• Big Project: Wendy will speak to Sandra concerning optimistic view to purchase two more interactive whiteboards and fund matching.
• Road Safety: There has been no further progress on road markings. Vivienne has emailed Darren Ryan and contacted Colin O’Brien (Community Council) with regards to this. It is unlikely that school will have double yellow lines before start of new term. Many felt this was unacceptable as this was a mistake by Stirling Council initially. Linda Barclay also offered to get involved.
• Crossing Attendant: Both the attendant and funding have now been allocated but disclosure process has not been completed yet. Sandy is liaising with Stirling Council.
• School Grounds: Debbie Bolton reported that P1 bathroom has been completed. Debbie is planning to paint the outside of the school building and will liaise with Sandra to get children involved. Sandy will ask Gordon Smith (GS Roofing) if he can lend scaffolding. It was agreed to allocate £250 for exterior paint. Debbie will ask for volunteers to do this one weekend in near future. Vivienne will put this on the PC website.
• Communication: Vivienne reported that 47 households have now signed up to the website. Libby will follow up invoice for payment of website housing. Vivienne again requested early information placement (news, articles etc.) There was some discussion about how it may be better to have a school website, linking in PC. There was some discussion about aiming for email communication only in future.
• Extra curricular Activities: Cathy Moir reported that the Book Club was going very well. Cathy was delighted with the popularity of the Gardening Club (Wellington Boots). They raised £27 for Water Aid at the Strathblane Gardening Club plant sale. There was some positive feedback from older members of the community, congratulating the Wellington Boots. Vivienne requested an article from the Wellington Boots and Cheerleaders.
• Sports: Traci reported that this continues to go well. There are a few activities towards end of term (National Sports Week, guest speakers). Vivienne offered a connection to a Commonwealth Games representative for future reference.
7. Requests for funding: No other requests were made.
8. Election for new parent council representative: This was discussed as Cathy Moir has decided to stand down. There was a question as to whether to change the constitution to increase numbers to 9 members or stay with 7 members. It was agreed to hold an election for 1 or 2 new members. Sandy will find out how an election is run.
Some members felt that it may be more appropriate for chair of SPS Fundraisers to be a full member of the PC.
9. A.O.C.B: No other issues were raised.
10. Dates: Next meeting was arranged for Tuesday 14th June 2010 (time to be confirmed). Sandy closed the meeting, thanking everyone for coming.