Minutes of Woodfarm High School Parent Council Meeting and AGM
8 September 2011
Present:
Mike Battcock, Alison Anderson, Alison Grindlay, Allan Hogarth, Carol Shields,
Eileen Cabuk, Fowzia Naeem, Gordon Reid, Harjit Ahir, Irene McNeilage,
Jabeen Muhammad, Jonathan Edgar, Lorraine Kirk, Marian Miller, Mohammed
Shahid, Naheed Ameen, Oonagh Robin, Susan Crawford, Suzie Fleming,
Vanessa Murray, Waheeda Shahid
Attendees:
Ann Stewart (Head Teacher), John Stuart (Deputy Head Teacher), Sarah Little
(Head Girl), Murray Humphrey (Head Boy), Councillor Gordon Wallace,
Councillor Jim Fletcher, Fiona Beattie (Parent Forum Member), Alan Thomas
(Parent Forum Member)
Megan Sangster (Minute Secretary)
Apologies:
1.
Jan Wilson, Lorraine Allan
Welcome
Mike B opened the meeting and welcomed all members of the Parent Council and Parent
Forum.
2.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting. This was proposed
by Oonagh R and seconded by Susan C.
3.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising that were not already covered in the Agenda.
4.
Chairperson Report
Mike B discussed the Parent Council’s Draft Annual Report for 2010 – 2011 and explained all
elements of its contents (see attached).
5.
Resignation of Office Bearers and Subsequent Nominations
Mike B has been an Office Bearer for 4 years and wished to resign as Chairperson. It was
decided that a new Chairperson would be appointed at the next PC meeting.
Colin Grant wished to resign from the position of Vice Chairperson and Allan H agreed to fulfil
this role. This was proposed by Irene M and seconded by Oonagh R. This decision was
unanimous and therefore unopposed.
Lorraine A is the current Treasurer and this remains unchanged.
Gordon R is the current Chair of the Communications Sub Group and this remains unchanged.
Colin Grant wished to resign as PTA Group Chair. It was agreed that the PTA role would be
shared between a small group of PC members as opposed to assigning a new Chair. Allan H,
Vanessa M, Suzie F and Jonathan E all agreed to form this group.
Allan H expressed a wish to arrange a Burns Supper to be held in January 2012 as this was a
previous success.
Liz Shaw wished to step down as member of the PC.
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Minutes of Woodfarm High School Parent Council Meeting and AGM
8 September 2011
6.
Head Teacher Report
Ann S reported that the school will be subject to a HMI inspection on 3 October 2011. A
questionnaire on school performance will be distributed to approximately 250 parents in order to
gain a parental perspective. The last HMI inspection took place in 2003. Ann S suggested that
the HMI report should be available prior to the Christmas holidays. The inspection will involve
meeting with Mike B as Chairperson to discuss PC involvement within the school. Ann S stated
that the report sent to parents with regards to findings will highlight HMIs confidence in the
school. Ann S and Mike B will receive a full report on performance. Eileen C suggested there
may be a greater emphasis on achievements as opposed to attainment level.
Ann S briefly explained this year’s exam results for S4 and S5 pupils. It was reported that
Woodfarm continues to perform highly when compared to other Scottish schools in a similar
socio-economic group. It was agreed that at the next meeting, results could be discussed in
more depth.
Ann S stated that a Parents Evening has been scheduled for 21 November to discuss
Curriculum for Excellence and its impact on pupil experiences within the school.
It was highlighted that our drive to raise standards has been a successful venture, gaining a
positive response from pupils, parents and the local community. Ann S highlighted that the
uniform focus, including the introduction of blazers, has been adopted well within the school.
Ann S stated that ERC have introduced a revised standard circular on school uniform, Dressing
for Excellence, and leaflets regarding standards will be distributed shortly to all ERC schools.
Ann S highlighted the success of an S1 settling in event which encouraged teamwork whilst
allowing the pupils to meet their pastoral support teachers.
It was stated that the UCAS /SAAS evening received positive feedback from parents.
The Primary 7 open evening will be held on 29 September from 4pm until 6.30 pm. Ann S
invited PC members to attend to promote the work of the PC.
On 21 September, the school will host an Art Exhibition, details of which will be available on the
website and newsletter.
Ann S reported that the new Head Boy and Girl have been appointed. Susan C represented the
PC through being involved in the selection process. Ann S stated that the rest of the Prefect
elections would be organised for the following week.
It was suggested that there were possible concerns with regards to the Madagascar trip. Ann S
suggested delaying the trip for a year due to time and funding issues.
Ann S reported that there are new staff members for the new school term, including four NQTs
(Newly Qualified teachers), temporary staff members and three new permanent staff members.
Ann S highlighted that a let has been booked for 1 December for a Christmas Fayre. Ann S
highlighted that this could be used as a fundraising event if the PC were interested.
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8 September 2011
Standards and Quality Report
Ann S distributed the Standards and Quality Report and briefly explained its contents.
Ann S clarified that although the schools current roll stands at 880, the overall capacity is
approximately 960. John S highlighted that theoretically the upper school has the capacity for
more pupils to stay on and complete their 5th and 6th year. It was stated that if the school was
operating on full capacity, resources would be strained.
School Improvement Plan
Ann S distributed the School Improvement Plan and highlighted important elements to consider.
Ann S stated that the school is working towards achieving a Level One as a Rights Respecting
School. Classroom Charters are being introduced, allowing pupils to input their thoughts on
proper classroom conduct, taking rights and responsibilities into account. The PC will be asked
for their input into the Charter in October.
Ann S stated that from feedback received, it was thought the S1 Parents Night was currently
being held too late in the school term (January). Therefore a decision has been made to bring
this forward and it will be held in November instead. Ann S reported that this season parental
focus groups will be integrated into Parents Nights for all year groups. However, as the gap
between the S1 and S2 Parents Night is now longer, an extra focus group will be staged
between these dates to inform the new S2 parents of developments in this year group.
Allan H queried the possibility of offering pupils the opportunity to take part in the Duke of
Edinburgh Award. Ann S highlighted cost issues associated with this, and explained that it
would cost over £200 per pupil involved. John S further explained the implications of
introducing this option and Ann S stated that although many pupils are already involved through
the Guides and Scout Groups, the school is committed to the introduction of the Duke of
Edinburgh Award scheme.
Naheed A raised a query regarding Urdu classes being taught within the school. Ann S stated
that Woodfarm is the presenting centre for pupils wishing to sit the Higher Urdu exam and that
an external teacher will be attending the school from 21 September to support senior pupils to
achieve this. Ann S suggested that there is a possibility in the future to open this opportunity to
younger pupils.
It was stated that the Italy ski trip intake includes mainly S2, S3 and S4 pupils. However, it was
highlighted that generally, extra-curricular activities offered tend to be open to all year groups.
Ann S stated that a list of available activities to participate in can be accessed on the school
website.
Ann S stated that any further questions regarding the School Improvement Plan or the
Standards and Quality Report can be answered at the next PC meeting.
7.
AOCB
Vanessa M queried whether the school Jazz Band would be reconvened. Ann S highlighted
that the new music teacher, Mr Morrow, wishes to introduce a variety of musical activities for
pupils to become involved in.
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8 September 2011
It was suggested that the e-mail system for communicating information to parents could be used
more readily, for example, regarding the newsletter. Ann S stated that traditionally four
newsletters would be produced annually; however there is progress towards making newsletters
shorter and more frequent. It was stated that newsletters are too large to send via e-mail,
however they are available to access on the school website. Ann S highlighted that the text
messaging service will be used readily to inform of its upload onto the website. Eileen C
suggested e-mailing parents to inform them of the newsletters existence on the website and
provide a link to the webpage. This was agreed to be a sensible suggestion to be considered.
Jabeen M raised concern over a lack of choice with regards to Halal food served in the school
canteen. Ann S reported that the issue is currently being considered. John S highlighted that a
choice of Halal food was piloted at Braidbar Primary; however the uptake level was low and was
not cost effective. Ann S stated that the nature of the school kitchen would not allow for the
separation of different food groups, meaning the food would perhaps not be Halal in the true
sense. However, John S suggested surveying Woodfarm pupils to gauge interest levels and if
an adequate number express interest, choice could be piloted to assess the practicalities of its
uptake. Ann S agreed to report progress at the next PC meeting.
8.
Date of Next Meeting
The next PC meeting and Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 6 October 2011 at
7pm in the Conference Room.
Subsequent Meeting Dates
10 November 2011
8 December 2011
12 January 2012
9 February 2012
8 March 2012
10 May 2012
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