Minutes November 2011

These will be agreed at our January 2012 meeting

minutes October 2011

These will be agreed at our January 2012 meeting

September 2011 Parent Council Minutes

Also find the summary of the school improvement plan -

Summary of the School Improvement Plan 2011

And the Headteacher’s carry forward report

Headteacher’s Carry Forward Report

2. Apologies: S.Klenka, S.Kennedy, S.Byles.

3. Formal business: Traci Leven chaired meeting in absence of Sandy Kennedy. Minutes of last meeting were approved and accepted.

4. P.C. and Fundraisers Update:

Increasing Parental Involvement- Mandy Malcomson reported on ongoing strategies (workshop at start of meetings, initiation of class parent email groups). Sheena Mylles fed back concerns from some teachers that clarity was needed as to the role of email groups. Mandy reported that email groups (and each class link parent) would act only as an extra resource for the school and Fundraisers. Initially the response has been fairly slow, but members were encouraged to remind parents in playground.

Music Provision- Mandy reported on the music provision within the school (instrument tuition, music in curriculum, reduction in music specialist provision). There are currently no music extra curricular activities and Sandra Logan suggested that any parental input would be welcomed. Mandy agreed to send out a flyer to ask for parent expertise.

Fundraiser’s Update – Beate requested that P.C. and school identify key priorities for funding, as this would help with advertising events. Members voted and approved that £250 should be accessible as an emergency buffer for the school. The Fundraisers felt that large spending requests should be put on the agenda for discussion. Sandra reported that £603.25 was spent on Christmas activities, as opposed to original estimate of £939.

Summer Fair – Linda reported that this would be held on 4/06/11 with an aim to raise £3000. There was some discussion about logistics surrounding possible inclusion of the Clan stunt bikes. The day event will be held at the school between 1-5pm. The evening event will be in Edmonstone Hall. Linda requested that £2000 should be made available as contingency. This was voted on and approved. Members also agreed that any extra curricular group could access £50 from funds.

Road Safety – Parent Council continue to support the community/parent crossing group. It was reported that despite proposed improvement in road markings and bollards, parents would continue to lobby Stirling Council for a pedestrian crossing. Incident reports will be sent to Stirling Council monthly.

Extra curricular sports and activities – Traci reported that TOPS, cross country running and netball continue. Parents may be asked to help with P1 and P3 TOPS activities. The school and volunteers will support sports week later in the year. There was some discussion about too many groups taking place on a Wednesday afternoon. Sandra and group leaders will look at this.

Eco Committee- Jenny Park reported that she is looking at funding for outdoor play facilities. Awards For All fund may be a possibility. Jenny will liaise with Anne Spencer and Anne Scott. Woodland Trust and Grounds for Learning were also suggested. Sandra reported that Eco Day (1/04/11) will involve a drama group performance. Phillip Graves is also liaising with school with eco projects.

Parent feedback and questions – Sandra introduced the ‘Raising Concerns by Parents’ guidelines from Stirling Council. There followed some debate on this and most members felt that PC should actively encourage parents initially to raise any concerns with class teacher or Sandra. Some parents felt that individual issues were taking up significant amount of time at meetings. However it was felt that issues that could not be resolved would be brought to the attention of Parent Council. All items to be discussed at meetings should be on the agenda in advance for transparency.

5. Funding requests: £6145 in account. £2000 contingency to be made available for Summer Fair, £250 to be made available for emergency spending by school and £50 to be made available to extra curricular groups.

6. Update from the School: Sandra reported that play equipment had passed ROSPA inspection and this will be monitored regularly. Unfortunately, Sandra’s meeting with the Education Committee revealed significant cutbacks for next years funding (as outlined)

• Art visiting services will be withdrawn
• Transport funding has been cut
• There will be no funding for maintenance or upgrading of school building (emergency maintenance only)
• No rolling programme for ICT
• Nursery hours to be reduced to 12.5 per week
• Reducing to 6 classes (from 7 classes)

Sandra has requested a part-funded probationer but there will definitely be composite classes 2011-2012 (except P1 which will have 20 pupils).
Some parents suggested that a short workshop on how learning in composite classes works may be useful at start of next meeting.

7. A.O.C.B – Mandy McCarron asked if school uniform could be put on the next agenda for discussion.

8. Date of next meeting: Traci Leven thanked Sandra Logan and Anne Spencer for their informative workshop and closed the meeting, setting a date for next meeting as Tuesday 26th April at 7:15pm.

Present: Beate Beck-Schwahn, Linda Barclay, Anne Scott, Vivienne Mackay, Derek Fabel
Apologies: Anne Horrocks, Yvonne Brogan, Ruth Wilson

No minutes from previous meeting.

1, Feedback from Christmas Fair on 28 Nov 2010.

Admission tickets adults 80 = £160
Admission tickets children 68 = £34
Chocolate stall (fountain and 30 bags of chocolates) 180 tickets = £90
Waffles 360 tickets = £180
Paying stall holders (15.5 tables) = £192.50
Donation from Anne Balfour = £100
Santas Grotto (approx 110 children @ £2/each) minus gift @ £0.69 = £144.10

General feedback:
• Ticket sale in porch and person on door useful but still chaotic. ACTION more people to deal with managing the queues for different tickets (eg. raffle, food, entrance)
• Need to make sure volunteers take over jobs at allocated times. ACTION possibly have one organiser keeping tabs on volunteers
• GP room stall holders felt they did not get enough exposure. ACTION move all food into GP room and keep stalls in main hall
• Attendance mostly by parents/carers of school children. ACTION advertise earlier and wider using glossy leaflet and put banners up earlier
• Pre-ticket sales was not effective. ACTION either abandon, or more active advertising of pre-ticket sale for school parents/carers in playground
• need a microphone for the raffle and raffle needs to be earlier in the evening

2. Discussion about “splinter groups”

Concern was raised about different groups using the same event for their own fundraising purposes. Although in principle we are all concerned about fundraising for the school and nursery but we feel that “splinter groups” dilute the effort. The discussion eventually focused on the need to have clear fundraising targets set prior to the start of a fundraising year.
ACTION: ask the head teacher and parent council to provide the fundraisers with clear guidance about fundraising targets ranked by priority. For example: (A) coaches for class trips, (B) equipment (specify), (C) rapid response fund. These ideas to be added to PC Agenda if possible.

On further discussion about how existing funds have been spent, the fund raisers noted with dismay that £939 was spent on Christmas parties and gifts. ACTION: Shona to advise on previous years Christmas party budget.
The people at the meeting considered the gifts received by the pupils as unnecessary, and while crackers at Christmas lunches were considered eco-unfriendly, there was no serious objection to having them.

Another issue raised during the discussions is that requests for funding of these and other events/equipment should be on the PC Agenda prior to commitment of the expense.

3. Panto
Make sure people know there is no interval so they need to get refreshments before or after the show. Need to make volunteer tasks clear (e.g. who does the raffle)

4. Name
SPF received a proposal to change its name from “Stratblane Primary Fundraisers” (SPF) to “Strathblane School and Nursery Social and Fundraising Group” or SSNFG.
We discussed this and agreed to compromise on “Strathblane Primary and Nursery Fundraisers”, or SPNF.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Quiz Night (25 March 2011)
Derek to liaise with Sandy and Wendy (organisers) about what they need. Organise people for ticket sales at the door.

The Summer Fair

Linda provided an update on the planning of the summer fair.

Friday 3 June 2011 (evening): Party and prize draw
Saturday 4 June 2011 (1 – 5 pm): Fair
Sunday 5 June 2011: possible fundraising race

Saturday Event:

Anne Scott has been in contact with professional stunt bike team The Clan as a potential attraction. Their involvement would be promoted through their website. The cost of this event would have to be covered by sponsors.

Potentially involvement of The Clan would lead to larger visitor numbers, particularly younger people. This raises potential hygene issues. ACTION: find out the cost of mobile toilets. Larger crowds also raises security and ticketing issues.

Battle of the Bands to be held at the main fair. ACTION: Vivienne to explore the cost of an adequate marguee and sound system.

PC Agenda item: According to PC minutes of 6/6/2010 £2000 was to be set aside as contingency funds for the Summer Fair. Has this happened?

Other events:
Laser Quest
Inflatables (1 x obstacle course, 1 x castle, 1 x sumo)

Possible: Dog show

Food:
BBQ, other food, beer tent (similar to 2010)

ACTION: Linda to provide financial plan.

Since the Summer Fair is not just a school event we need to be clear about how the raised funds are divided between the school and community groups. Various scenarios were discussed and for the moment it was decided that the Friday evening event should be for the community, while the Saturday afternoon event should be for the school. PC Agenda

Next meeting: Thursday 3rd March at 8pm at the Kirkhouse Inn.

1.In Attendance: Sandra Logan, Anne Spencer, Jim Wilson, Andy Thompson, Vivienne Mackay, Libby Brittain, Beate Beck – Schwahn, David Urquhart, Trevor Smith, Mandy McCarron, Elaine Holmes, Kristine Campbell, Sandy Kennedy, Jenny Park, Sheena Mylles, Wendy Hamilton, Mary Titterington, Mandy Malcomson (clerk to PC).

2. Apologies: Sarah Klenka, Seonaid Byles, Traci Leven, Christine Baume.

3. Formal Business: Minutes of last meeting were approved and accepted. Committee positions until end of year – Chairman (Sandy Kennedy), Treasurer (Seonaid Byles, supported by Libby Brittain), Secretary (Libby Brittain).

4. PC Objectives 2011: Sandy reported that due to time restraints only a few objectives would be discussed at this meeting.

• School crossing update – PC will support the community group involved with this. As P.C. David McNally was available to advise (having presented an Internet Safety talk to parents prior to meeting) he suggested that Alan Ivett (coordinator for school crossings) could be lobbied by parents and community members. Strathblane Community Council is also involved and a letter proposing a pelican crossing has been sent to Stirling Council. Some parents requested that this letter should be posted on the website. Sandy will ask Christine Baume to add a covering paragraph. Sandra Logan reported that a register of incidents/ near misses on the road or crossing should be recorded and offered to keep a register of such in school.

• Increasing Parental Involvement – a group met to discuss strategies (Sarah Klenka, Vivienne Mackay and Mandy Malcomson). It was felt that a short theme/workshop at start of meetings might promote more interest. Ideas such as behaviour/positive parenting, mental maths techniques, and homework were put forward. Parents will be asked for further suggestions. Most members felt that this was a useful strategy.

Another suggestion was to promote easier communication by having “class parent links” (preferably two) for each class, who would be in email or face-to-face contact with parents. They would forward information and requests for help with school activities and fundraising events, as well as feeding back parent comments to PC and fundraisers. Some parents volunteered to provisionally take on these roles.

Nursery- Kristine Campbell (AM) and Sarah Klenka (PM)
P1- Jenny Park (Jenny agreed to ask another parent to assist)
P2- Mandy McCarron (Mandy agreed to ask another parent to assist)
P3- Vivienne Mackay and Mandy Malcomson
P4- Yvonne Brogan (tbc)
P5- Sandy Kennedy (Sandy agreed to ask another parent to assist)
P6- Wendy Hamilton (Wendy agreed to ask another parent to assist)
P7- Beate Beck Schwahn (tbc)
A summary of PC meeting minutes will also be sent out to parents after each meeting. Mandy Malcomson will action this.

• Behaviour Policy –Sandy reported that an update would continue to on PC agenda. Sandra reported that this continues to evolve and Traci Leven had volunteered to be involved as the parent representative within the working group. Paul Brogan also offered to assist. Anne Spencer offered to get involved with future positive parenting forums. It was suggested that “Promoting Positive Behaviour” should be the theme of the next PC meeting.

5. Funding request- Sandra requested £100 for two framed aerial photographs of the school environment. Members approved £50.

6. A.O.C.B- Some parents sent questions/comments to PC and Sandra Logan via website and in person. These included:
Composite classes- discussion concerning staffing is ongoing with Stirling Council and composite classes will again be a possibility. Five members of staff are on a temporary contract and policy within Stirling Council is that these positions will not be made permanent. Andy Thompson and Sandy will draft a letter of concern to Stirling Council about lack of stability and consequences of change.

Outdoor play during the snow- this was welcomed by parents.
PE – some concern that PE had been cancelled due to rehearsals for Christmas show and Pantomime.
Homework Policy- Sandra reported that this is on next year’s improvement plan but will need to be a school community approach.

Scripture Union- a parent reported that a child had attended without a consent form. Sandra reported that SU is not a school club but would be happy to speak to parent and Mrs. James.
Provision of hand washing facilities- some parents expressed concern that soap provision is inadequate, particularly during flu season. Sandra explained that new soap pumps would be purchased under new budget in April.

Calendars- two parents expressed disappointment at quality of photocopying of school calendar. In future parents may be asked for help with production of calendars, as these are time consuming.

Website- a parent asked if items for sale could be put on website. It was felt that this was not the appropriate forum.

Clock – a pupil has requested a clock for the gym hall. Anne Spencer will action this.

7. Sandy closed the meeting, setting a date for next meeting as TUESDAY 1ST MARCH 2011 at 7:15pm.

1.In attendance: Sandy Kennedy, Wendy Hamilton, Libby Brittain, Beate Beck-Schwahn, Jenny Park, Traci Leven, Kim Jones, Anne Spencer, Sheena Mylles, Sandra Logan, Andy Thompson, Sarah Klenka, Mandy Malcomson.

2. Apologies: Vivienne Mackay, Seonaid Byles, Eleanor Forrest.

3. Formal business: Minutes of AGM have been posted on PC website for approval. Mandy will send future minutes directly to all members via email.

4. Introduction of new PC members: Sandy welcomed Jenny Park and Sarah Klenka and extended thanks to Cathy Moir for organising the election.

5. Fundraising update: Bank balance stands at £4,958.29. Sandy requested that accounts show items pending.
Beate reported that fundraisers (SPF) have been unable to recruit any “new” parents from lower school and that therefore the number of fundraising events in the year 2010/11 had to be cut down compared to years before. She expressed concerns that nursery parents were not always aware that they were able to access money from the Parent Council. There was discussion about integration of “enterprise” initiatives (as part of the Curriculum for Excellence) and the need for centralised fundraising. Some members felt that it was important to discourage “splinter” groups and that it was important to raise awareness that funding is available to both the school and nursery class. Sandra pointed out that all fundraising efforts and any parental involvement should be encouraged. It was also acknowledged that nursery parents might want to remain a separate group to raise funds for small items, with the view to contributing further as children move into the primary school.
Beate reported that the Hallowe’en Disco made £219.13 profit. She also reported that Curry Night was to be cancelled, concentrating on Christmas Fair.
Beate also requested that another PC member should maintain the fundraising “ladder”. Wendy Hamilton agreed to do this.

6. Action Plan 2010/11: Anne Spencer reported that the Pupil Council had prioritised an extension to the adventure trail, goal posts and a willow tunnel as outdoor improvements. There was some discussion about what staff and pupils would identify as an overall school priority this year (The Big Project). The school now has 3 interactive whiteboards in classrooms and it was felt that further acquirement was still a priority. Sandra suggested that there were grants available for outdoor and community facilities. Members felt that this should be researched before committing any funding. Andy Thompson also suggested using a conduit (e.g. Greenheart charity) to help look at grants/funding. Jenny Park reported that she works for Scottish Natural Heritage and may be able to liaise with community groups.
Sandra requested a PC member to be a link between the school eco-committee, the community and parents.

5. Head Teacher’s Report: Sandra Logan reported on the following events:
School website launch, Christmas writing book launch (focusing on presentation and cursive handwriting), P1 transition and school shows. Wendy Hamilton agreed to action the organising of tea, coffee and mince pies at the Christmas Shows. It was also agreed to encourage donations for tickets and refreshments on this day (16/12/10).
Sandra reported reassessing funding for trips, in view of a new excursions policy. She suggested that approximately £150 per class would be needed from Parent Council for trips/outings. Members agreed to look further at this matter in terms of accessing local community groups for possible funding (e.g. Rotary Club, Round Table etc.)
Sandra requested £939 for Christmas events. This was voted on and approved.

Sandra Logan updated members on the ongoing development of the behaviour policy. The following has been implemented across the school:
• Agreeing principles and expectations – every class displaying rules/traffic light system.
• Individual behaviour plans for some pupils, with earlier intervention/parental involvement. (Additional support needs identified).
• Pupil council have input into what is acceptable and pupil feedback is evidenced.
• House system and contracts with house captains, buddy system, maintaining modelling of good behaviour and promoting idea that “it’s everyone’s job”.
• Keeping records of significant behavioural events (behaviour book) and support for learning supervision in playground at break times.

Sandy Kennedy endorsed all efforts being made and offered support as required.

6.Crossing Update: Sandy reported that a community group has met, a letter has been written and a Councillor involved, with view to acquiring a Pelican Crossing. Sandra suggested that Sustrans would probably support this move.

7.A.O.C.B.: No other business.

8. Sandy closed the meeting, thanking everyone for coming. Next meeting will be 18th January 2011 at 7:15pm.

1. In attendance: Jim Wilson, Robin Hoyle, Christine Baume, Paul Brogan, Seonaid Byles, Beate Beck-Schwahn, Anne Scott, Pamela Smith, Libby Brittain, Traci Leven, Sandy Kennedy, Jenny Park, Andy Thompson, Iain Macrae, Sandra Logan, Anne Spencer, Sarah Klenka, Mandy Malcomson (clerk to P.C)

2. Apologies: Wendy Hamilton, Kim Jones, Vivienne Mackay

3. Formal Business: Minutes of the meeting on 14/06/10 are to be prepared as draft minutes on the PC website before being adopted.

4. Constitutional issues/election: 2 members have stepped down (leaving 2 positions vacant) and 5 people have shown interest. There was a lengthy discussion about election of new members, possibility of changing the constitution to allow more than 7 members and co-opting members. Members of the parent body voted to have a formal election and not to change the constitution. Co- opting will be addressed again after the election to aid continuity over a two-year cycle. Sandy informed the group about a change in his personal circumstances which may lead to him having to step down as Chair. The P.C will discuss having a deputy chair at subsequent meetings. Sandra confirmed that 2 members of the teaching staff would represent staff and pupils. Sandy will liaise with members to organise the election.

5. Treasurer’s Report: Bank balance as of 10/09/10 is £8342.98. An invoice for the newest interactive whiteboard is still to be taken out. Accounts are being audited, will be reviewed and adopted at the next meeting and published thereafter.

6. Head Teacher’s Report: Sandra reported that the school improvement plan would be focusing on assessment, management and ethos of behaviour and environment (including resourcing).
There was some discussion about the present behaviour initiatives. Sandra explained that developing an individual school policy would create greater ownership. Beate suggested that not all classes have the same behavioural issues and requested the possibility of greater parental involvement with any difficult issues. Sandra will look into clarifying this and encouraged parents to contribute to developing policy.
There were some concerns voiced about some additional support withdrawal. Sandra is appealing this decision. P.C. offered their support with this issue.

Sandra explained some cost cutting strategies (ie.covering staff absences) with target being £4000 across the budget. Balfron Cluster is looking at literacy (writing for life/ functional writing) and health (mental health and wellbeing/ child safety. P.C. David McNally will run workshops about Internet safety and work with the P6 class.

Sandra outlined some school events including introduction of the Webcrew (designing and setting up a school website with Mrs. Bairner/Mrs.Arrol), and continuation of Chatterbooks (with Rhona McColl, Wendy Hamilton, Mrs. McGregor and Mrs. Brown being available to help) and Wellie Boots gardening club. Sandy thanked staff for getting involved with extra curricular activities. Sandra also reported on upcoming enterprise initiatives (P3 Bring and Buy Sale 05/11/10 and P7 Panto 20/01/11). The whole school Christmas Show will be on 16/12/10.

6. Identifying P.C. Key Areas: Sub-groups then discussed possible key areas for 2010/11. Ideas put forward included:
Behaviour
School Crossing Action
Increasing interest in parent council/ communications
Extra Curricular Activities (sports and non-sports)- particular emphasise on music provision
Eco Flag/Playground Improvement
Interactive Whiteboards/IT facilities/Fundraising (encouraging parental involvement)

It was suggested that many ideas would dovetail with school improvement plan.
Jim Wilson suggested getting together with the wider community/groups in discussing the provision of a pelican crossing.
Christine Baume suggested using SMS texting to remind parents of pending P.C. meetings.
The above ideas will be discussed further in subsequent meetings.

7. Fundraising: Beate outlined the following events but reminded members that expectations may be too high. Mandy reported that recruiting and maintaining fundraising volunteers is proving to be difficult.
Halloween Party – 29/10/10
Christmas Fair and Hampers – 26/11/10
Pantomime refreshments
Quiz Night – TBA
Curry Night- TBA
Summer Fair- 1st Saturday in June.

Sandra requested that pupils be involved in an enterprise project at the Christmas Fair.

8. Funding Requests:
Wheelbarrow for Mr. Thom – school will price and action
Football Club equipment (pending Fair Trade status) – £115
Netball bibs – £33
All voted on and approved.

9. A.O.C.B.: Sandra requested that ‘Ragbag’ money should be ‘ring fenced’ for Eco Committee related activities/playground improvement. This was approved. It was suggested that another one off ‘Ragbag collection day’ would be useful in addition to the ‘Ragbag’ box.

10. Sandy closed the meeting, thanking everyone for coming. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 23rd November 2010 at 7:15pm.

1. In attendance: Traci Leven, Morven Bulloch, Sheena Mylles, Seonaid Byles, Sandy Kennedy, Libby Brittain, Debbie Bolton, Vivienne Mackay, Sandra Logan, Anne Spencer, Robin Hoyle, Beate Beck Schwahn, Cathie Moir, Mandy Malcomson (clerk to PC).

2. Apologies: Lynne Kelly, Jim Lesley

3. Formal Business: Minutes from meeting on 10/05/10 were adopted as a true record and matters arising would be addressed as meeting progressed.

4. PC membership/elections: A replacement for Cathie Moir will now be organised at start of new term, with new member/members to be in place by Parent Council AGM.

5. Treasurer’s Report: At time of report there was £12,117.37 in bank account and with further expenses to come out, a balance of approximately £9,500 was predicted. Approximately £3700 was made during the Summer Fair day event.
Full accounts will be available at forthcoming AGM.

6. Head Teacher’s Report: Sandra Logan reported a number of staffing changes. Miss Allen will have a career break for one year, Mrs Lowry is retiring and Miss Bulloch has secured a deputy head position in Aberdeenshire. Sandy extended congratulations to Morven Bulloch and wished her success in her new position. Sandra outlined the following class allocation –
P1 –Mrs. Mylles
P2 -Mrs. Grant
P3 –Miss Bairner/Miss Spencer
P4 –Mrs. Paterson (probationer)/Miss Spencer
P5 –Mrs. McGregor
P6 –Mrs. Brown
P7 – Ms. Marshall
Pupils will meet their new teacher before the end of term and there will be changes to class layout (bottom floor P1-P5 and P6-P7 upstairs). Sandy offered PC support to any changes. Cathy Moir suggested an early Meet The Teacher event. Sandy reported positive feedback on the P7 transition to high school and Nursery transition to P1. Sandra reported positive comments from pupils on pastoral care, staff members and Mr. Thom (caretaker). Children have also been participating in the school improvement plan. Sandra thanked parents for their support on a successful Sports Day.

7. Report from the Chair: Sandy recognised the spirit of teamwork and asked individual members to report to group.
School grounds: The PC extended thanks to Debbie Bolton on extensive improvements to school environment. Sandra suggested that next project should involve more pupils and local craft people. Anne Spencer will ask pupil council for ideas. Sandra thanked parents for their help in the Nursery garden. There was discussion about the general condition of the school building (guttering and rendering etc.) and questions about school building improvement plan and its timescale. It was suggested that PC could lobby Stirling Council from a health and safety perspective. Sandy will initially action this.
Sports: Traci Leven was congratulated on a very productive year and she in turn thanked all parent volunteers and staff, in particular, Lyndsay Morrison, Cara Murray and Christine Baume. To carry on from this year’s sport’s provision, there are plans for an extra curricular football club, cheerleading, TOPS and tennis. Traci requested more volunteers for new school year.
Non-sports extra curricular activities: Cathie Moir thanked Lynne James for her involvement with the Chatterbooks Book Club and reported very good attendance. She also thanked Sheena Mylles, parents, grandparents and other community members for their involvement in the successful Wellington Boots gardening club. Sheena Mylles and Sandy Kennedy extended thanks to Cathie for her involvement to the school and PC. Cathie will remain involved next year.
Road Safety: The process is ongoing for line markings to be ready for the start of the new term. Crossing attendant and funding is now in place. Sandy extended thanks to Vivienne Mackay and David McNally (community police officer) for their continuous support in these issues. A letter of thanks will be sent to David next term.
Communications: Sandy thanked Vivienne for great progress in this area. 50 households have now signed up for website updates and sign up forms will go into P1 information pack. Sandra reported a plan to reduce consent form use, dependent on health and safety. Robin Hoyle said that some emails are difficult to read depending on formatting. Vivienne will look into this. There was some discussion about potential future development of a school/nursery website and link it with PC website.
Fundraisers: Beate Beck Schwahn thanked all parent volunteers and in particular Linda Barclay, Derek Fabel and members of the Community Development Trust for involvement in Summer Fair. Beate reported a provisional profit of £3700 for school funds and £2200 for the play park. Sandy suggested that PC strive to retain £2000 in the bank to cover financial buffers for subsequent Fairs and events. Sandra reported some issues with evening event in terms of security and a lap top theft. There were also questions raised about biggest fundraising event being at the end of the year when momentum is low, and practical obstacles e.g. the inability to use school kitchen during school events. It was agreed to action a review of fundraising and promoting the work of fundraisers with P1 and Nursery parents. These issues will be explored in future meetings. Sandy will write to Larry Gilmore concerning use of school kitchen and their staff. Sandy thanked Beate and the fundraising volunteers for their phenomenal effort.
Big Project: Wendy Hamilton reported that the PC could provisionally pledge one further interactive whiteboard. Sandra reported that the school is unable to fund match a second whiteboard until a review of funding in January 2011.

8. Funding Requests: The following requests were put forward-
drumming lessons – £210
school trips/transport – £100
house party – £40
matching of parent contribution for P7 party and gifts- £300
There was some discussion about increase in transport costs and future strategy for this. This matter will be revisited. Sandra suggested that P7 might use enterprise to raise their own ‘party’ funds during the year. Sandy will revisit acquisition of digital cameras.
PC agreed to all funding requests.

9. AOCB: No issues were raised. PC extended well wishes to Miss Allen, Miss Murray, Mrs. Lowry and Miss Bulloch in their future adventures. Sandy thanked all members of the PC and parent body, school staff /support team, Mr. Thom, Ms. Logan and Miss Spencer for their dedication and hard work. He also thanked outgoing PC member Cathie Moir for years of dedication to the school PTA and PC.
Sandra thanked the parent council for their contribution to children’s learning.

10. Dates: Sandy will send out possible dates for AGM. Sandy closed the meeting, thanking all for coming.