BONDI BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C MEETING – MINUTES
Tuesday 8 September 2009
BBPS Staff Room
7:07pm meeting called to order
APOLOGIES: Claire Hanley, Linda Henson, Scott Milson
IN ATTENDANCE: Ann Arnold, Jane Cichero, Deb Contos, Maria Hardy, Brenda Miley, Leisa Millin, Felicity Simpson, Zea Vargas, Susan Woodland, Michael Woolley
RECEIPT AND ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: Postponed till next meeting.
MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:
Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) – Previously the committee agreed to purchase an interactive whiteboard with funds from City2Surf day. Teachers were invited to submit an expression of interest to have the board in their classroom. Two very good submissions received, from Vanessa Brown (Stage 2) and Cheny Mitchell (Stage 3). However, Cheny Mitchell’s classroom requires expensive renovations to accommodate the board. Portable boards deemed too fragile.
The committee unanimously agreed to fund the purchase of two IWBs. One for a Vanessa Brown’s Stage 2 classroom and one for a Stage 1 classroom (TBC). Will free up connected classroom for more Stage 3 classes.
Film Night – The idea of having a family film night prior to the start of daylight savings was raised previously. The committee agreed it would be difficult to attract families to the film night and Splendour in the Quad.
A P&C family barbeque was suggested for Term 4, however after discussions it was agreed that with the absence of an October meeting, the short term (only 9 weeks), and the construction of the hall, this was not a good idea.
It was agreed that a Welcome Barbeque take place in Term 1, 2010 with an alternative date being offered in event of rain.
REPORTS:
Treasurer: The account balances are as follows:
- Canteen $9,993.90 ($5,000 to be transferred into wages account)
- Main $26,400.00
- Uniform $20,512.42 ($2,500 owing to L W Reed)
Fundraising (Brenda Miley): The Father’s Day stall raised $1.5k. Later this year a survey will go out to parents and carers to gauge their response to the Father’s and Mother’s Day stalls, and inviting suggestions re fundraising activities.
Michael Woolley raised the possibility of having a Father’s Day Breakfast similar to those being held in other schools to promote father-involvement in the school.
Children’s Artwork fundraiser (Deb Contos). All children have created an artwork on the theme, “Something that makes you happy”. The artworks can be purchased as calendars ($10 - $4=profit) or cards ($13 for 8). Order forms to be distributed shortly. Families who do not place orders will receive their children’s artworks.
Sportathon – Jane Cichero reported on a popular Rose Bay Public School fundraiser involving a round robin of activities coordinated by parents. Children each receive a passport that they complete as they attend the sessions. Sponsorship is the fundraising element and donations are sought for highest fundraising and participation prizes.
Disco – A possible school disco will be revisited after completion of the hall. Concerns exist around parents and carers disciplining other people’s children.
Money in Bank – Total fundraising this year is $26,500 with a couple of P&C sizzles and calendar/card fundraising to come.
Maria Hardy noted that P&C money goes towards things and not human resources, ie salaries.
Wish List – Sporting equipment is a high priority. A Premier’s Sporting Challenge grant will pay for some lunchtime play equipment. Cricket nets are a high expenditure item, around $20k-$30k, that the school would like to investigate after the hall and playground equipment have been completed. Children to be consulted at next SRC meeting.
The aim was to have five computers per classroom and interactive whiteboards more widely available. Each classroom now has six computers and once the two new P&C-funded boards are installed, there will be one per stage.
Larger younger classes mean that stocks of home readers and guided-reading books need to be boosted.
President:
Principal – The School24 online ordering system now has a PayPal option. It is advisable to wait till any problems are resolved surrounding the upgrade before trialling at BBPS.
Contacted Waverley Council with a request to have parking at the rear of the pavilion made available to teachers and ancillary staff at BBPS while the hall is being constructed and beyond. As yet no response has been received.
Canteen:
Canteen operating well and profitably. However, register needs to be reprogrammed to reflect pricing changes.
Sizzle: Sunday 13 September is a Year 3/4 fundraiser
Principal:
Father’s Day Stall – The children love the stall. Thank you to the P&C for organising it and for the generosity of those donating gifts.
Vegie Gardens – Each year will have their own garden. Children and teachers are excited about the gardens, awaiting assistance from Bunnings.
Dance Ensemble and Choir – The groups have performed at a number of events. Praise for their good behaviour and professional performances.
Debating – BBPS promotes participation from all interested students. Many students have had the opportunity to debate this year, and have done very well. Thank you to parents for assisting with transport.
Policies – The School Council will be looking at policies shortly, parent responses will be welcomed.
Uniform – Parents to be surveyed re the uniform. Do they want to retain the yellow shirts? Should there be a winter tunic for girls? Etc. Students to be consulted further along.
Shade Structure – The DA for the shade structure has been approved by Waverley Council, and amendment to be submitted.
Restorative Practises – A consultant, Tim Connell, is currently working with students on building and restoring relationships. The aim is to support children and families experiencing family breakups, serious illness, unemployment issues, playground disputes etc. The program will be evaluated at the end of term. Pending a positive evaluation a grant will be sought to extend the program.
The restorative practises program centres on asking questions and devising solutions. It is being linked with the literacy learning area.
Literacy and Numeracy Parent Sessions – Sessions were held for parents to aid them in assisting with their children’s homework; 20 parents attended the literacy session and 18 numeracy. Future sessions may be offered, and handouts made available. Homework Tips to be included in the weekly newsletter.
CREATIVE ARTS
Jane Cichero questioned the lack of emphasis on art in the curriculum. Maria Hardy reported that Wendy Bray had previously worked as a dedicated art teacher providing two hours of specialist arts teaching to students weekly. Note: Teachers are relieved from two hours of classroom time weekly. This is currently filled with music (one hour) and dance (one hour). Recent research has shown music instruction aids numeracy skills.
Teachers are required to integrate art into curriculum areas. However, the school is investigating options for providing specialist creative arts, eg offering a series of master classes from authors, artists, photographers etc. Or providing a two-yearly cycle of involving a specialist art teacher.
To be discussed at the September School Council meeting.
SPLENDOUR IN THE QUAD
Ann Arnold has sourced a quote, at a community rate of $440, for a sound system and technician for the SITQ evening on Thursday 1 October. The committee unanimously agreed to fund the cost.
P&C to sell drinks (juice and water only – no soft drinks) prior to the performance and during interval. Families invited to donate a plate of cakes etc to be sold alongside drinks. No cooked food to be offered.
GENERAL BUSINESS
The P&C coffee machine, temporarily used in the canteen, to be donated to the staff room.
CLOSE OF MEETING
8.25pm
NEXT MEETING
10 November 2009
