Bondi Beach Public School
Minutes
P and C Meeting: Tuesday 7th July 2009
In attendance: Susan Woodland, Ann Arnold, Tim Burns, Debra Contos, Di Smith, Brenda Miley, Jane Cichero, Linda Henson, Fiona Barron, Suzie Forell, Zea Vargas, Nicole Mayhew, Phil Moore, Claire Hanley
Previous Minutes: The previous minutes to be amended to show that the mother’s day stall raised $1,500 not $1,400. Moved by Linda, seconded by unanimously approved.
Interactive Whiteboard Demonstration
The meeting was held in the connected classroom with Acting Principal, Nicole Mayhew, providing a demonstration of the interactive whiteboard (IWB) with its touchscreen capabilities. Teachers are mainly accessing educational sites from the UK, and are attending training to design their own classroom activities using the IWB. Teachers hope to have an IWB in each classroom.
The connected classroom also has facilities for video conferencing with other schools with the appropriate technology.
Treasurer’s Report
The current account balances:
Canteen $7,240 ($5k payroll outstanding)
Main $17,757 (includes $5k City2Surf parking)
Uniform $19,270 (some bills to pay)
Canteen staff have been issued group certificates for the fin yr 2008-2009, and superannuation paid.
City2Surf
Suzie Forell reported that 29 coaches have booked parking. There are fewer mini buses booked than in previous years.
During building, and once the new hall is built, there will no longer be space for bus parking on the grounds. Also, the DET requested schools cease parking heavy vehicles on asphalt.
The Roads and Traffic Authority, Waverley Council and the City2Surf organisers to be notified of the changed parking situation. It is envisaged that they will pressure the school to continue to provide some form of City2Surf parking.
Parking and Sausage Sizzle volunteers are needed for August 9. Notes to go home in the first week of Term 3.
New School Hall
The question was asked why we couldn’t build to the boundary – two issues complaints from the neighbours and to keep the existing trees.
Concerns were raised re the loss of outdoor playground especially for the older boys playing soccer/footie. But consensus was that the benefits of an indoor space where the whole school can meet outweighs the lost utility as we have far more outdoor space than most public schools in the area. Also noted the benefits of a separate play area with equipment for the younger children. But it is noted that it is important that we utilise the front-grassed area, especially for the older boys. Also the hall can be opened up into a large covered area.
The reissued plan has removed the covered footpath which actually gives us more flexibility in utilizing the playground.
The hall will be powered by its own solar panels but we still need to find where they can be placed in line with DA approval and capturing the sun.
Netball courts have been positioned facing due north, in line with dept guidelines which has resulted in the loss of a few trees.
The building is to be built out of brick and colorbond 6m high 18.5m x 13m. The original plan had a huge stage, which would have meant the whole school couldn’t have fitted in so we have asked for the stage to not be built and the money put towards a sprung floor. The original plan was for a carpeted or vinyl floor but a sprung floor would allow for indoor sports use. Our understanding is that the request for no stage and a sprung floor will be met.
We asked for a wall of windows facing back to the school but that was denied due to acoustic issues, but it is worth pursuing this further.
Along the side of the hall will be chair and PE equipment stores and toilets, including disabled toilets.
Building work is due to start immediately after City to Surf. During building works we will not be able to use the back playground – only the grass area and courtyard. There is an option for classes to be taken to the grass by the beach but this is very difficult for teachers due to supervision of e.g. bathroom visits.
Play equipment – the old equipment is to be removed in August and the area made safe. The new equipment will not be installed until after completion of the hall. Due to vandalism concerns there will be no shade structure. The shelter by the play equipment will also be removed.
The staff toilets are being refurbished in the holidays.
A BIG THANKS TO PHIL MOORE for all his work, it is phenomenal the time, effort and expertise he has committed.
FUNDRAISING REPORT
Sculptures by the sea – parking
School Calenders – Teachers have given their support. Each child provides a drawing which can then be made up into a calendar or cards with part of proceeds going to the school.
School disco – there have been problems in the past when discipline matters have been left to teachers who shouldn’t have had the responsibility. It would be better to leave til later in the year when it remains lighter later – perhaps to celebrate completion of the school hall.
Other possibilities: Film Night, Splendour in the Quad, Bar B Q for sculptures
UNIFORM REPORT
Caps – there has been questions about why we are no longer stocking caps. There needs to be greater dissemination of the safe hat policy. Broad brimmed hats provide much greater sun protection and school uniform is now broad brimmed hats, not caps.
PRINCIPALS REPORT
Thank you to everyone for all their work. School reports are going out tomorrow, Miss Hardy is very proud of all the students.
The school will be a building site next term; please can everybody be very aware of safety.
Will Glasson has applied for 12 months leave to go and work in the UK. He will be missed by all staff, students and parents. We have placed advertisements for a replacement.
