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.

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 (!)

In attendance: Traci Leven, Anne Scott, Debbie Bolton, Wendy Hamilton, Sandra Logan, Anne Spencer, Libby Brittain, Beate Beck-Schwahn, Sheena Mylles, Morven Bulloch, Vivienne Mackay, Sandy Kennedy, Cathie Moir, Lynda Barclay, Mandy Malcomson (clerk to PC).

Apologies received: Seonaid Byles, Lynne Kelly.

1. Formal business – Sandy Kennedy opened the meeting, welcoming everyone. It was agreed not to adopt minutes of previous meeting due to some members not having received a copy.

2. Head teacher’s Report– Sandra Logan thanked PC for support for Christmas parties etc.
Recent events have included an assembly for Mr. Green, Pantomime for CHAS, Viking Society workshop, Scottish National Basketball Team visit (leading to coaching), Celtic Connections workshops (funded by the Burns Club), P6/7 cross country event (silver medal winners).
Upcoming events organised so far include P7 quiz team event, lacrosse tournament, Hopscotch Fairtrade show (June).

Update of School Development Plan: as part of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), each class will undertake a Rich Task Experience (focusing on literacy/numeracy/research and ending with a presentation). Sandy requested that 3 questions from each task be submitted for use on Quiz Night fundraising event– Sandra will liaise.
Sandra reported that an extra CfE staff development day has been added (04/05/10) and parent information leaflets have been received. These will possibly be available during Friday workshops or at Meet the Teacher evenings. Vivienne will post a reminder about these workshops on website.

Morven Bulloch reported on strategies to improve House System i.e. House assemblies linked to school values, Golden Time celebrations/extended time, House songs.
Anne Spencer reported that pupil council will revamp notice board, including a suggestion box and will link with Debbie Bolton for internal painting project. They are also organising a fundraiser for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal and possibly be working towards Green Flag Ecoschool status. Anne Spencer will look into and feedback on this.

3. Report from Chair – Sandy asked group members to report on key areas of PC Action Plan.

a. Non-sports extra curricular activities- Cathie Moir extended thanks to Lynne James in helping to set up the monthly Chatterbooks Book Club. Sandra Logan and Lynne Kelly will also assist. Sandra suggested registration with Author Scotland. There will be a visit from the author of the Ben 10 series.

Cathie also reported that members of Strathblane Gardening Club are keen to get involved with a school gardening club. Sheena Mylles suggested a competition for ideas and Strathblane Gardening Club have offered a school stall at the plant sale (08/05/10). Cathie will liaise with Sheena Mylles and Sandra Logan to move this forward in terms of grant funding and approaching sponsors. Sandy will ask parents to help with heavier work. Traci suggested asking parents for tools/pots/half kegs etc.

b. School Grounds- Debbie Bolton reported that painting work on toilets will start on 11/02/10. She has requested any paint remnants from parents. Vivienne will put this on website. Anne Scott will also liaise with local painter/decorator. Debbie is hoping to tie in with gardening club for exterior painting ideas. Beate Beck-Schwahn reiterated need for visualisation of fundraising wall chart. She will take lead on this and aim for completion at start of summer term.

c. Sports/Physical Activity- Traci reported extensive progress. A line marker machine and 32 sports tops have been purchased (£149 and £360 respectively). Sports tops have been a success with some children requesting to buy them. The School House t -shirts have been launched with good response. There remains money in sport equipment ‘pot’ for future use.

Extra curricular sports opportunities will continue on rotational basis e.g. netball, TOPS, table tennis (lunch time club), hockey, cross- country running, tennis, cheerleading, yoga, cricket, athletics, rugby and possibly football, if a coach could be found. Sandy will ask parents. Traci will liaise with Sandra Logan as to whether yoga could be offered during curriculum time to P1/2/3.

Competitive sports opportunities will involve Inter-House Activities (also National Sports Week and Sports Day) and Inter-School tournaments. There was some discussion about how transport should be funded. Sandra Logan felt that children representing the school should not be asked to pay for transport. Beate suggested informing parents about costs involved and possibly asking for donations as needed. Ongoing discussion will be required.

As part of the “Big Project” Traci also suggested making a basketball court at the back of the school. She will research cost etc. Lynda Barclay talked about possible concerns from neighbours about this. Sandy congratulated all members for incredible progress and also asked for dates of tournaments. It was decided that the school would not support Sport Relief this year but focus on Haiti Appeal.

d. Road Safety – Sandy thanked Vivienne Mackay, Eleanor Forrest, Debbie Bolton and David McNally (Community Police Officer) for their hard work.
Around school- bushes around the library have been cut and leaflets to parents distributed. Due to legal hurdles new/extra road markings may be delayed until August 2010. Vivienne will post details on website.

Traffic attendant- unfortunately Stirling Council have withdrawn budget at short notice, despite position being filled. Councillor Graham Lambie is now involved. The Community Council is also involved and has been advised to initiate a pelican crossing application (medium term). Sandy suggested a possible parent rota (short term). Mandy Malcomson suggested that story should go the media for extra profile.

e. Communications- Vivienne reported that the PC website now had a link to the P3 Blog and suggested that teachers may want to use News section of the website to ask for parental skills in any areas, particularly Rich Task Experience. Vivienne will manage this.
Sandy and Vivienne will work on strategy to encourage parents to sign up for automatic updates. Sandra requested that downloadable forms e.g. medication form be added to website. Wendy Hamilton will liaise with Sandra on this.

f. Big Spend Project- Wendy reported that school has managed to fund one interactive whiteboard and asked PC to fund another (possible discount for two). Staff members present considered purchase of these a great advantage – most schools already have started using them. It was felt that demonstration workshops to parents would be useful – possibly at the Quiz Night. Sandy emphasised that purchase would be a leap of faith and PC voted to fund one whiteboard. Sandra will liaise with Rachel Allen to help promote use of this tool.

g. School/Parent liaison – the group felt that this was improving consistently.

4. Treasurer’s Report- Libby Brittain presented balance of funds as of 30/12/09 to be £9331.92. The Christmas Fair made £1130.09 and hampers made £332.10.

5. Fundraisers- Beate reported on Strathblane Primary Fundraisers successful and forthcoming events and has suggested that Summer Fair funds be divided between whiteboard funds and Greenheart, as Fair will be a community event. Details of events are posted on the website. The group was reminded that MUGA money is still earmarked for outdoor facilities.

It was agreed that funding would be allocated as follows:
£50 for paint/mirrors
£3000 approx. for interactive whiteboard

6. Dates of meetings for remainder of the year- all meetings to start at 7:15pm sharp.
Tuesday 9th March 2010
Tuesday 20th April 2010
Tuesday 15th June 2010

7. AOCB
Libby Brittain introduced a Christmas card fundraising idea.

Sandy closed meeting at 21:50, thanking everyone for attending.

In attendance: Sandra Logan, Sandy Kennedy, Vivienne Mackay, Debbie Bolton, Traci Leven, Libby Brittain, Wendy Hamilton, Cathie Moir, Anne Scott, Beate Beck Schwahn, Mandy Malcomson (clerk to Parent Council).
Apologies: Lynne Kelly, Anne Spencer, Morven Bulloch

1. Welcome – Sandy Kennedy opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

2. Formal business
• Minutes of AGM held on 17.09.09 and meeting held 20.10.09 were accepted as a true record.
• Issues arising – will be addressed in following Action Plan.
• In October, Sandy Kennedy reported being approached by some P6 parents, requesting help in securing support/advice from Stirling Council. After discussion with Sandra Logan, PC will initially support school’s initiatives in this matter. P6 parent group have sent a letter to Stirling Council.

3. Head teacher’s Report
Sandra Logan reported the following initiatives and opportunities:
P5, 6 and 7 have been involved in educational visits and projects within science and technology. Three P7 pupils won a trophy at a recent science show.
Two volunteer staff members were welcomed into school community and fundraisers were thanked for involvement in preparations for Christmas Fair.

A school Christmas show will be performed on 15/12/2009. Christmas parties have been arranged, with Santa making an appearance this year. Sandra Logan has requested money for crackers for school lunch and a small gift for each child. P7 are working on a Pantomime to be performed in early 2010. Funding was requested for a Hopscotch Theatre Company production, following on from the Fairtrade fashion show. Anne Scott reported that this would cost £400.
The Nursery is expecting a Care Commission inspection. Nursery children will do a small performance for parents on their party day.
A carol service will be held in the Parish church on the last day of term and this will be Mr. Green’s last school service before retiring.
There was a request to upload medication use form onto PC website for parents to use. Vivienne will do this.

Sandra Logan discussed some aspects of the School Development Plan, including ongoing GLOW training, implementation and developing resources as part of literacy focus/active learning and positive response to “Amazing Achievers/Wonderful Work Awards”.
Steps have been taken to look at feedback to parents. National Assessment tests will be reported home as soon as they are done. Sandra Logan will implement preparation of downloadable help sheets for parents. Positive parent feedback has been reported after recent parent teacher meetings.
Parent appointment time has been introduced in the Nursery. Due to time and workload restraints, Sandra Logan has suggested that parent appointment time with her should in future be between 9–10 am and 4-5 pm. This should be implemented in January. PC supported this for non-urgent matters.

4. Report from the Chair : Parent Council Action Plan 2009-10
Sandy Kennedy explained that the Action Plan has been broken down into small groups in order to develop participation and realistic delivery goals.
The following themes were presented:
a. Road Safety – Sandy Kennedy is leading a working group, looking at direct action by approaching Stirling Council and raising awareness locally. Sandra Logan reported how other PC’s had set up similar “Safe Routes to School” groups (Strathyre, Callander). Sandy will also approach community policeman David McNally. Traci Leven suggested combining school crossing patrol position with the re advertised office staff position. Sandy Kennedy and Sandra Logan will look into this and aim to have made progress by the end of term.

b. Sports/Physical Activity – Traci Leven has set up a working group (in conjunction with Active Stirling), to promote extra curricular, inter-house and competitive sports activities (to possibly include schools in East Dunbartonshire). There was an overwhelming response from parents volunteering to help. TOPS will be offered to every class. Netball, table tennis and tennis will be promoted and parents are being trained in other sports. Traci presented samples of a “house” P.E. t-shirt for possible purchase by parents in January and “team strip” for use by all school teams. £500 was requested to pay for team strip (£20 each). Traci reported that lines in gym hall would cost £1800 but alternative “sticky lines” can be put on for £250. Traci also requested a sports budget to pay for set up equipment. Sandra Logan suggested that pupils in sports clubs should make a small weekly donation to make clubs sustainable. Anne Scott suggested that school could purchase Fairtrade balls to further promote this project.

c. Extra Curricular Activities- Cathie Moir has agreed to initiate a working group looking at clubs, e.g. science, cookery, book club, chess, arts and crafts, music, gardening, languages. Other suggestions from pupils include Lego/technology and sewing. Lynne Arrol has already volunteered to co ordinate the science club. Sandra Logan reported that a “hobbies club” worked very well and was sustainable over the year. Cathie will look into funding grants for clubs. Sandy Kennedy suggested looking at accessing Gift Aid status for the Strathblane Fundraisers- agreed this as an action.

d. School/Ground Improvements- Debbie Bolton reported ideas for improving school environment e.g. painting games on playground, painting interior and exterior walls, sustainable ideas for the school (school sign, mosaics, murals). Beate Beck Schwahn suggested that the church gardening club may be interested in getting involved – Debbie will follow up. Sandra Logan talked about “grounds day”, getting pupils, staff and parents involved. She will take this to the Pupil Council. Debbie will liaise with Sandra to start work.

e. Communications- Vivienne has taken the lead and aims to have more than 75% of households signed up for email updates, alerting parents to new articles on the PC website and future reduction in paper use. There was some discussion about a school website, with PC website being linked to it. Sandra Logan suggested that PC website could also be linked to the schools GLOW page. There was also some discussion around raising the profile of the website in the next Newsletter and by word of mouth/promotion at fundraising events.

f. ‘Big Spend’ Project- suggested that PC concentrate on one of the following projects.
• purchase of interactive whiteboards
• play equipment (early years) in playground
• other outdoor development (outdoor classroom/seating).
Sandra Logan is working on school budget to fund whiteboards (with fund matching). Each system costs £3000 approx. Pupils have requested extra digital cameras. Sandy Kennedy will look into this. Sandy suggested that interactive whiteboards should be a priority. There was some discussion that parents are not aware of full educational advantages of these. Sandra will take the lead and will investigate further funding and initiate possible presentation for parents. Sandy also clarified that MUGA money will be ear marked for sports/outdoor provision for the school and community.

5. Treasurer’s Report – Seonaid Byles reported that the bank balance on 17/11/2009 was £8816.73 (+£16.63 in petty cash). Halloween Disco made a profit of £17.50 and Fashion Show made profit of £780.02.
It was agreed that funding would be allocated as follows:
£100 for Christmas gifts/crackers
£500 for team sports strips
£250 for lines in gym hall
£250 for further sports funding
£150 for arts/crafts cupboard refurbishment
£200 for Hopscotch recycling show

6. AOCB – Seonaid Byles clarified that £500 is allocated each year for class Christmas parties. Some members felt that parents should be informed about how money is spent. Sandra suggested using a “visual ladder” to identify spending. Sandy and Beate will liaise on this.

Date of next meeting was agreed to be 26/01/2010 at 7:15pm.

Sandy Kennedy closed the meeting, thanking everyone for coming.

Meeting held on 14th January 2010.
Present: Beata Schwahn, Derek Fabel, Linda Barclay, Louise McHugh, Elaine Holmes
Apologies: Suzy Ure, Ruth Reynolds, Ruth Wilson.

Minutes from last meeting accepted.

Review of Christmas Fair
Good co-operation between the school, children and fundraisers was reported.
The Christmas fair raised £1030 and the hampers from the Christmas concert raised an additional £330. The current balance of funds at present is £9,576.
Feed back and suggestions for next years Christmas fair:
● Crafts should be started earlier possibly with collaboration between pupils to make bigger items which would alter the expectation of parents to buy all their children’s crafts. A mix of large and small crafts would be good.
● Better display of children completing crafts was suggested e.g. poster of photos showing children doing crafts to be generated and displayed in hall.
● Look at each stall individually to determine profitability
● Savoury food – was not that successful, better promotion needed
● Entry – became very congested, advanced ticket sales discussed as a possible solution
● Very successful stalls included, Santa’s grotto with over 100 visits, the chocolate fountain, the chocolate stall and the coffee/tea stall

Valentines Curry Night – Friday 12th February
This night has been cancelled due to worries about people being away on holiday as the 12th is just before the mid-term break with possible financial risk. Event planned to be held possibly in next academic year. To confirm with Ruth Reynolds who offered to organise the event.
The news of this will be circulated via the website and notice board at school.

Quiz Night – Friday March 19th
Wendy Hamilton has agreed to do the artwork, including tickets and handouts.
Wendy and Sandy are going to organise the questions.
Time of event agreed as 7pm for 7.30pm start.
Helpers will be needed after school to help set up the tables and chairs.
Beata is to check if more tablecloths are needed.

Summer Fair – Saturday 5th June
The school have suggested Europe along with some sports as the theme for this year’s summer fair.
It will be a community event with the Community Development Trust being involved.
Funding, suggested that the day event could be solely for interactive whiteboards for the school with a silent auction in the evening raising funds for improving outdoor facilities. Both to be proved by PC in there next meeting. It was suggested that one target and aim would be more powerful and a visual reminder of this would be good, e.g. ladder or thermometer wall display of the target and of fund raising achieved. Overall target suggested as £6000.

Suggestions for Fair
To eliminate race and parade as these did not work particularly well last year.
To start the Summer Fair with a ‘grand opening’ of the play park (if work is complete). The pipe band would be involved in this and then lead everyone down to the school (need to ask band if they want to be involved).

The main event would run from 12 – 3pm at the school.
Inflatables – to be lead by the Out of School Care Club
Linda Barclay will look into the possibility of accessing funding for this through the Community Pride Fund and will contact the Community Council.
General Stalls
Wine – this did not do very well during the day last year and it was suggested that it should be held in the evening instead.
Beer tent – to be run in the evening only
Business stalls – 2 stalls wanted by Guns work colleagues, Wendy Ross, Fair trade stall, Anne Balfour book stall.
Composting Clinic – to be run by the gardening club (need to confirm with Gardening Club).

Food stalls
BBQ at lunch time, to be lead by the Scouts or the Football Club
Cotton Candy, Bree volunteered, use of large machine suggested, LMcH to look on E-bay for suitable machine. LB to look at using Community Pride Fund to purchase this.
Café – guild and WI to be approached and asked to help. Discussion about asking for donation of home made cakes from parents rather than buying them in.
Alternative food also discussed. Food which would follow the European theme e.g. soups, pizza, pitta breads, baguettes, salads. Bfeate will meet with Ruth Reynolds about providing lunch type food. LB to look into possibility of using the kitchen and the availability of kitchen staff on the day.
Whiteboard Presentation
LB to liaise with Sandra Logan regarding the possibility of having a presentation by a whiteboard manufacturer in the main hall during the main event of the fair.
It was suggested that any sponsors could be thanked and advertised on the white board during the fair.
Possible feedback of use of whiteboards in schools from Anne Spencer who previously worked in a primary school using whiteboards.
Games
Downscale from last year. (need to ask football club to lead game stalls).
Suggested stalls included: Beat the goalie, tug of war and a sponge toss.
Beauty treatment and jewellery making – to be located in GP room
Story time – professional story teller to be located in nursery room

Large clear posters of the stalls and a plan of activities are to be designed and displayed.

Unsigned Bands 3.30pm – 5.30pm
To be held in the Edmonston Hall
Vivienne is the lead for this event.
It was suggested that the marketing of last year could be improved upon and that it would be good to market local teenagers through Balfron High School. Also the possibility of linking the bands playing at the event to a U-tube clip was suggested.
John has agreed to contact his connection for the PA System.
Evening Event 5pm – 10.30pm (to be confirmed with Sandra Logan and Mr Thom)
To be held at the school
BBQ – to be lead by the Community Development Trust
Beer Tent – to be run by the Blane Valley
Band – to start at 7pm
Cinema – DF to lead, volunteers needed.
Silent Auction – to be held during the evening event. Pieces of paper detailing prizes to be laid out at the back of the hall and bidding is carried out during a set time period.

It was suggested that the business stalls contributed 50% of any profit from the day instead of a fee per table.

All the above is subject to authorisation from the Parent Council and the School.

LB to write an advert for the fair which will be published in Park Life.

AOB: None

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 23rd February in the Blane Valley at 8.00pm.

Present Beate Schwahn , Ruth Reynolds, Derek Fabel, Elaine Holmes, Louise McHugh

Apologies Ruth Wilson, Christine Baume Kennedy

The Minutes of the meeting of 6 October 2009 were confirmed as accurate

Fairtrade Fashion Show – 150 tickets printed and sold out. It was a great success. Profit of £680 so far. Due to the popularity of the show it was suggested that 2 shows could possibly run next time or a larger venue could be sought.

Halloween Disco- 107 children paid. There was a total of £80 profit for the night. The disco is predominantly for entertainment and not a fundraising event as such. However, it was suggested that next year a £2 entrance fee should be charged. Everybody agreed that the halloween biscuits were a success.

Christmas Fair 27 November 7pm – 9pm. Advertisements are to be placed in Park Life and possibly Mugdock Country Park (with permission). Derek Fabel agreed to produce a flyer to be placed in the local shops and library. Santa has arranged to visit and the flyer should state that there will be a photo opportunity.

Entrance fee will be £2 adults and 50p children. This includes 1 free drink.

Stalls – Children’s arts and crafts (children will make these in the school)-Beeswax candles, fun pegs,chocolate houses, paper stars, baubles etc. The school has ordered stickers saying – “handmade by…..”. School calendars will also be available.

There will be a lot of other stalls selling arts, crafts and books. It was agreed that the food stalls shall not handle money but payment shall be by ticket purchased at the entrance. Each ticket will cost 50p and a list of foods/drinks and number of tickets required shall be available on the night – mulled wine, juice, tea/coffee, fairy cakes, waffles, muffins, chocolate fountain etc.The food will be available at the back of the hall and the benches will be provided to prevent spillages. Each stall requires 2 shifts of 1 or 2 volunteers (depending on size/complexity)

Set-up it was agreed that the school tables are to be used. There may not be enough large tables but smaller ones will be fine for some stalls. Tables will be covered with white paper. Fairy lights will be used in the hall. The stage will be decorated with black material, tinsel, a hay bale and sleigh with a few wrapped boxes. It was agreed that the decorators should bring plenty of tape and scissors.

Raffle – All stall holders will be asked to donate a prize and local businesses will be approached. Hazel Campell has kindly agreed to organize the raffle.

AOCB Linda Barclay has provisionally agreed to organise Summer Fair 2010. The Community Development Trust should be approached.

Date of Next Meeting Thursday 14 January at 8.15pm in Blane Valley Inn

In attendance:
Staff: Sandra Logan, Anne Spencer, Sheena Mylles, Rachel Allen
Parent Council: Sandy Kennedy, Debbie Bolton, Vivienne Mackay, Wendy Hamilton, Seonaid Byles, Libby Brittain, Traci Leven
Parents: Tanya Currie, Yvonne Brogan, Iain Macrae, Charlie Haggerty, Jennie McCutcheon, Margaret Urquhart, Bernd Schwahn, Christine Baume, Ruth Wilson, Hazel Campbell, Julie Cruikshanks, Elaine Holmes, Linda Barclay, Mandy Malcomson (clerk to Parent Council)

1. Welcome
Sandy Kennedy opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

2. Apologies
Apologies were received from Gun Orgun, Anne Scott, Beate Beck-Schwahn, Cathie Moir and Lynne Kelly.

3. Centralisation of football coaching.
Ken Wilson, P6/7 football coach explained Stirling Council’s decision to centralise football coaching, reducing opportunities for children in Balfron cluster and Callander. Ken suggested that the parent body should forward written and email objections to this policy to both Stirling Council and local MP. Traci Leven has also spoken to Lindsay Morrison (Active Stirling) for support. Ken Wilson has offered his skills as a qualified P.E. teacher to forming a local coaching and competitive group. Stirling Council has rejected this offer. Ken Wilson will forward appropriate names and email addresses to parent council (PC) for further action.

4. PC Formal Business
a. Minutes of Meeting held on 15/06/09 were accepted as a true record.
b. Sandy introduced Mandy Malcomson as temporary clerk to parent council and invited others interested in position to come forward.
c. Sandy thanked outgoing PC for their hard work and introduced new members. Some roles have been allocated, others will depend on need.
• Sandy Kennedy – chairperson
• Vivienne Mackay- communications, maintenance of PC website
• Debbie Bolton, Wendy Hamilton, Traci Leven, Libby Brittain and Cathie Moir
Two other parents have been co-opted onto the PC:
• Seonaid Byles (treasurer-assisted be Libby Brittain)
• Lynne Kelly
Sandy will also ask Beate Beck Schwahn (representing SPS Fundraisers) if she would like to be co-opted.
d. Sandy gave an overview of accounts (from treasurer’s report) and thanked SPS Fundraisers for their successful work last year.
Starting balance 16/09/08 – £3720.66 (+£11.66 in petty cash)
Spending from 16/09/08 to 17/09/09 – £7948.69
Net profit from 16/06/08 to 17/09/09 – £4339.42
Bank balance at 17/09/09 – £8060.08 (+£22.15 in petty cash)
TOTAL – £8082.23
e. As required in the constitution, Sandy referred to previous PC activities being available for review on the website. Sandy explained that the PC Action Plan for this 2009/10 should be put on hold until further debate within parent group and in close conjunction with staff and children.

5. School Improvement Plan
Sandra Logan acknowledged that new leadership brings a new dynamic and builds on strengths and needs identified in HMIE report. She focused on the fact that partnership between parents, staff and children needs to be co operative, effective, open and honest. She then gave a power point presentation of the School Improvement Plan. This presentation will be posted on PC website in downloadable form, with possible opportunity for parents to communicate with Sandra Logan in “blog” format. Vivienne will look into this. There followed a Q&A session which included questions about the reduction of bullying in practical terms, new Curriculum for Excellence and implications of assessment for nursery children and what can parents be doing most for the school.

Some parents also raised topic of feedback on children’s progress and homework. Sandra emphasised that particular areas have already been prioritised for this year but that the school was approaching a new three year plan. It was agreed that these issues will be discussed further at subsequent meetings.

6. Overview of existing key areas to be carried over
Debbie Bolton reported briefly on activities identified by PC to be carried over, i.e. Extra-Curricular Activities, MUGA, communications and fundraising.
Traci Leven identified possible additional working topics after discussion within new PC and parents in playground, i.e. sports and physical activity, safety and security (internet, road safety and building security), school uniform and how parents can play a role in academic standards.

Linda Barclay provided a brief MUGA update. The Sport Scotland proposal was rejected. There will be a meeting on 01/10/09 with Stirling Council, Community Development Trust, PC and Sandra Logan to discuss £20,000 already secured and possible options /drainage of playing field. Some concerns were raised about range of quotes to drain field effectively over the last 4 years and cost of maintenance. There were also concerns that MUGA funds pledged by previous PC should be used for physical activity if MUGA falls through. Linda will gain clarity on agenda of meeting. Linda will also discuss rejection reasons with Sport Scotland. Iain Macrae volunteered to be involved.

7. Workshops
There followed a series of short workshops in the following groups. Each group fed back their 3 actions to be delivered by summer 2010.
a. SPORTS- introducing different sports (gathering parent skills, recruiting volunteers), introduce competitive tournaments within houses/local schools, to have lines painted in hall
b. SAFETY & SECURITY- use parent pressure to secure action on main road crossing (articles in Blane, local papers, protests to MP and Stirling Council), securing boundary fences over ‘burn’ and clarity over use of scooters and skateboards, making parents aware of safe websites.
c. MUGA – clarity needed on situation after meeting.
d. ACADEMIC STANDARDS- in partnership with staff and School Improvement Plan, providing guidelines for parents in supporting homework and looking at this as future priority (popularity of homework diary), recognition/promotion of extra-curricular clubs to support learning, ongoing debate on best ways to feedback on children’s progress.
e. OTHER ACTIVITES –Beate Schwahn has requested clearer guidance/targets for fundraising from PC and staff. Charlie Haggerty suggested that a rep should demonstrate white board to parents before purchasing. Sandra talked about other successful fundraising ideas.
Sandy explained that ideas will be collated and added to in the future.

8. AOB
Sandra will forward a questionnaire from Stirling Council PC coordinator to Sandy.
Debbie Bolton talked about purchase of picnic tables and storage of these. It was felt that this needs further discussion, as there are cost and legal implications.

Next meeting will be on TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009 at 7:30pm

Sandy Kennedy closed the meeting, thanking everyone for coming.

Meeting opened by Chair at 19:34.

Present:
Chris Sleight, Rob Goodier, John Gray, Jennie McCutcheon, Wendy Hamilton, Gun Orgun, Lisha Orgun, Jamie Orgun (representing the pupil council), Traci Leven, Cathie Moir, Sandy Kennedy, Patsy Fischbacher, Lynne Kelly, Vivienne Mackay, Charlie Haggerty, Linda Barclay, Berndt Schwan, Derek Fabel

Apologies:
Linda Britain, Mandy Malcomson, Sandra Logan, Katie Goodier, Christine Baume, Debbie Bolton, Val McCorquodale

Welcome:
Sandy Kennedy (Chair) outlined the purpose of the meeting:
a. Urgent decision required on how to use the £15k Stirling Council (SC) Grant
b. What should the “School” Funds be applied towards
c. What contribution can the PC make to the playpark
d. PC contribution to short term projects and long term projects?
e. Action plan for the PC meeting on 17th Nov, 2009.

Sandy provided a brief update about the 15k SC Grant stating that a decision on how this money was to be used had to be made by 20/10/09, and that it had to be spent by March 2010. Three options were put forward on how to spend the funds:
1. Continue with MUGA
2. Spend it on draining the school field
3. Put it towards Green Heart Phase 1 of the playpark

Urgent decision required on how to use the £15k Stirling Council (SC) Grant
Sport Scotland has not approved the MUGA. In a meeting held on 19/10/09 with regard to the MUGA, Sport Scotland indicated that numerous funding opportunities existed to raise more money and that Stirling Council should be putting up more money. The actual funding opportunities where not specified, but it was clear that to make a stronger case for funding from Stirling Council, more money had to be raised through alternative funding sources such as the Hugh Fraser Foundation.

Pursuing the MUGA option was considered to be too risky, given that the 15k currently available could be lost in the application process.

Stirling Council provided an engineers report on the potential for draining the school playing field. The report was quite vague, stating that the cost of draining the field could be £30 – £50k and that there would be no guarantee that it would work. The report was based on a site inspection but no test excavations were made, so we do not actually know what underlies the field.

Given the cost and uncertainty about successful draining of the field it was considered an inappropriate use of the £15k.

The final option discussed was using the £15k for Phase 1 of the Green Heart Plan constituting a climbing frame/slide construction to be located in the vicinity of the current playground. Discussions revolved around the security, maintenance, and location. The latter has been discussed with the managing director of Play Practice.

Although the discussions were informative, the main issue for the PC meeting was to decide on how the £15k was to be spent. A show of hands indicated unanimous agreement to put the money towards Phase 1 of the Green Heart Plan.

What should the £4-£5k “School” Funds be applied towards
The funds were raised to improve sport and physical recreation facilities at the school. The sports working group of the PC and the pupil council suggested spending the money on improving existing facilities and creating more opportunities for after school recreation and competitive sports activities. Suggestions brought forward were line markings on the gym floor, school sports strips and specific sporting equipment.

It was agreed that the Parent’s Council would pay up to £250 to have court lines painted in the hall.

Repainting the traffic education lines on the playground was proposed.

There was some discussion about the exclusiveness of funding sports and physical recreation. This was acknowledged and future fund raising could be focused towards the needs highlighted by other PC working groups (e.g. after school arts or science activities or games).

Discussion then moved on potentially using the £4-£5k towards Phase 2 of the Green Heart Plan involving the construction of an outdoor class room and a flying fox. There are some one-off funding opportunities with deadlines in November, and the case was made that applications to funding bodies have a much higher chance of success if it can be demonstrated that the community has already raised money towards the items being applied for. During the discussions it became clear that the PC should be primarily concerned with matters directly related to the school. However it was also agreed that other funding opportunities open to Green Heart could significantly benefit from an indication of funding support from the PC during the application process. It was decided that the PC would support Green Heart make their imminent applications but would not formally commit any funds until other sources of funds had been raised and it was clear what the benefit would be to the school.

Prior to closing the meeting Sandy urged those present to help the PC develop the Action Plan which will be presented on the 17th November.

The meeting closed at 20:50

Present: Traci Leven, Beate Schwahn, Anne Scott, Anne Horrocks, Kim Jones, Marian Hoyle, Ruth Reynolds, Louise McHugh, Derek Fabel
Apologies: Christine Baume, Linda Barclay
Matters arising from last meeting: Size of the school hall is 150 people, however we do not know what the fire regulations state.
Programme of events for the coming year:
• The Fair Trade/ethical fashion show is scheduled for 23rd October and is being co-ordinated by Anne Scott. Doors will open at 7pm with a 7:30pm start for the show. After the show fashion items will be for sale. Payment to be made by cheque or correct cash.
• The Halloween Disco will take place on Friday 30th October at the school, and will be co-ordinated by Beate Schwahn and Anne Horrocks. The DJ has been booked. There was some discussion about the pricing of snacks and glow sticks, keeping in mind we would like to earn more than £150 to cover the cost of the DJ and make some profit, i.e. fundraise. The timing of the event will be 6:30-7:30pm (P1-3) and 8-9pm (P4-7). Helpers will be needed to set up the hall from 3:15pm onwards. Reflecting on last years event I have the comments which were not made at the meeting:
♣ we had a bit of trouble during the change-over from the early session to the later session because of the need to make sure that P1-3 are signed out appropriately. Last year some parents became mildly abusive when the people at the front desk insisted that people were signed out appropriately. My suggestion would be that we ask for a teacher to be present at the dor during changeover. This will hopefully give us a little more authority with regard to signing people out and keeping the P4-7s outside until the hall has been cleared.
♣ Could we ask for some school staff to be present?

• The Christmas Fair will take plave on Friday 27th November 2009 from 7-9pm at the school and will be coordinated by Ruth Reynolds, Beate Schwahn, Christine Baume and Louise McHugh.
• we will ask vendors for £15/table and a contribution to the raffle
• discussed volunteers to help with the creative manufacture of gifts by the students
• there will be a Santa’s Grotto
• some discussion about food: pizza/baguette/ciabata, wafles, mulled wine and juice (Christine), chocolate fountain

• Christmas Concert Hampers : during the Cristmas Concert on the 15th December, Debbie Bolton and Gun Orgun have agreed to organise the hampers.

• Valentines Curry Night to be held on Friday 12th February, 2010 in the Village Hall.
♣ Ruth Reynolds proposed this exiting new event for adults and outlined how it might run. Fundraising by selling tickets for the night, paying jukebox, guessing game (Tracy). To avoid having to wash a lot of dishes and to be environmentally friendly, it was suggested that people bring their own crockery and cutlery.

• Quiz Night to be held on Friday 19th March, 2010 organised by Wendy and Sandy.

• Summer Fair (provisionally 5th June, 2009).
♣ discussions centred around trying to make the event more of a community afair by asking different community groups to all contribute to the Summer Fair. Linda Barclay to approach if she would like to take over the oraginsation again.
♣ discussed presentation of a price for the best ‘scarecrow’ but details yet to be finalised.
♣ Cathy Moir is keen to develop a recipe book to be sold at the fair.
♣ we have not decided on a theme yet.

There was a suggestion that a flyer asking for volunteers for the various events would be distributed via the school bags.

The meeting closed at 10:05pm.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be at 8.15pm on Tuesday 3rd November, 2009. Blane Valley Inn.

Present: Linda Barclay
Patsy Fischbacher

Barbara Allan
Lesley Malkin
Jean Cowie

Barbara recapped that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the £15K awarded via LCDF to Strathblane Community Council in January 2007. The award was termed & conditioned that it would not be released until the full funding package to deliver the MUGA project was in place. (The award was to the Community Council but the Strathblane Development Trust has agreed to future funding applications in its name, with Linda Barclay of the Parent Council taking the lead on writing applications.)

Linda explained that they had been unsuccessful in their Stage 1 application to Sportscotland but they intend to appeal and a meeting will take place with Kevin McGurkin of Sportscotland around the 18 October.

They have currently raised £29K (including £15K LCDF) towards a total project cost of £120K max.

Barbara stated that to retain the £15K LCDF offer she required the following no later than 20 October 2009:

Timescale of all applications to be submitted and the likely decision date to ensure the full funding package is in place
Date the job will be tendered
Date the work will begin
Confirmation that at least £15K worth of work will be completed by 31 March 2010 (thus £15K LCDF grant will be spent by then).

These above points are indisputable.

The question of ongoing maintenance of the MUGA was raised. Lesley explained that due to much reorganisation happening within the Council at the moment no decision had been made on maintenance of MUGAs in general, therefore unable to say what the likely outcome will be for Strathblane MUGA.

Linda asked if they could still request SC to project manage the MUGA; Lesley said this could be done and SC would write up a contract that said it would tender the project, appoint the contractors and oversee the work, and reclaim the VAT. The group (Development Trust) would be billed for this. She advised that the Trust’s legal advisers would probably wish to cast their eyes over this contract.

Given that there is a very tight timescale for the Trust to meet the conditions to retain the £15K towards the MUGA other options were discussed.

Lesley had arranged for a contractor to visit the site on Monday this week to advise on drainage. The contractor proposed drainage of the whole area but in short, there is no guarantee that it will work. There is a long history of the area holding water, hydrologically because of the adjacent burns it will likely always be a problem area and it appears on SEPA’s map as a flood problem area. The drainage would cost £30-40K, the field would be unusable for the following year which would require the area to be protected with Heras fencing at a further cost of £10K.

The Trust will have a think about this option and whether they wish to take advice from another Contractor.

The same conditions apply to this option, ie they will have to confirm to Barbara by 20 October that they can raise the outstanding funds to complete this project, where they can raise it, and they will commence the work before the 31 March 2010 and carry out at least £15K worth of work by this point.

Jean advised that it would be unlikely for external funders to fund a project that was purely the drainage of the field.

A further option discussed was the purchase of new pieces of equipment for the existing village playpark.

Colin MacKay, SC can quickly provide the Trust with quotes for a range of playpark equipment.

If the Trust decides on this option again they should inform Barbara by 20 October.

Barbara requested that the Trust ensures the Community Council, as recipients of the LCDF award, are informed of today’s meeting and can confirm they are in agreement with what has been discussed and any subsequent decisions reached by the Trust.