MINUTE OF MEETING OF WHITHIRST PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2012 AT 7PM
PRESENT
P CORDINER
J COLLINS
G CALDWELL
G HOFFMAN
L GIBSON
L TAYLOR
A TELFER
K MATHIE
J MOORE
I BOYD
E MAGEE
J AITKEN
CHAIRPERSON
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
PARENT MEMBER
HEAD TEACHER
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE
APOLOGIES
D CLARK, A GRAY
The chairperson opened the meeting and extended a warm welcome to the four new parent
council members. It was noted that Mr Baird had submitted his resignation from the Parent
Council. It was also noted that the Parent Council now has representation across all ages and
stages within the school.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Parent Forum AGM Minute
Mr Cordiner outlined practice of approving previous AGM minute, however, since no Parent
Forum AGM will be held as a result of recent consultation exercise, where it was established
that parents would prefer to be communicated to by Newsletter or via social network, a brief
discussion took place regarding approval of AGM minutes and the Parent Council
constitution. It was decided that previous AGM minute should be emailed to members and
approved at the next regular meeting. Mr Cordiner highlighted that if the constitution did
require to be amended, then the wider Parent Forum would require to be consulted.
CORRESPONDENCE
1
“Backchat” magazine was received from SPTC – this was made available to
members at the meeting. Renewal of public liability insurance was also received for
2012/2013.
2
School Handbook Guidance was also received – basically guidance on how to
construct the school handbook – this publication was also made available to
members at the meeting. Miss Magee informed that any fundamental changes are
posted on the school website, however, the school is duty bound to have a hard copy
available if required.
3
Information from North Ayrshire Capacity Building Team re a number of workshops
on a variety of topics e.g. how to source funding. This was previously attended by Mr
Cordiner and Mrs Collins and both felt it would be useful to keep as a reference
document.
4
Details of the National Parent Forum Scotland’s yearly conference which is being
held at Bishopbriggs Academy on Saturday 6th October was received. Mr Cordiner
who attended last year is unable to go this year and he advised that anyone wishing
to attend should let him know.
5
Mr Cordiner advised that he has been contacted by the newly elected Independent
Councillor Robert Steele who has expressed his desire to become involved in the
local community. Mr Steele advised he would be happy to come along to a future
meeting to introduce himself. Following a brief discussion it was decided Mr Cordiner
would contact Mr Steele regarding his attendance at the next meeting. He will also
send an open invitation to all the councillors.
ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
Mr Cordiner explained that Mr Gray had assumed the role of Treasurer in addition to that of
Vice-Chairperson. A brief discussion took place and in the absence of Mr Gray, it was
unanimously decided to nominate Mr Ian Boyd as Vice Chairperson, with Mr Gray remaining
as Treasurer. Mr Cordiner will contact Mr Gray regarding this matter.
HEAD TEACHERS REPORT
Playground - Miss Magee gave an update on previous request to have a small dividing fence
erected in the playground to separate the activities of P4-7 from the infant area as a safety
measure.
She informed that NAC have contacted her regarding extending the area available by pushing
back the fencing and incorporating the grass area, thus enabling additional usage as well as
improved condition i.e. more frequent cutting of grass, less water logging and no dog fouling.
A brief discussion took place and concern was raised regarding the type of fencing to be
used, it was acknowledged that grey metal palisade fencing would not be conducive to an
outdoor classroom for example, however, it would enable the 2 hours of PE to be provided,
something which is currently not possible due to limited space. The Parent Council welcomed
the opportunity to extend the usable area for children, however, they share the Head
Teacher’s concern regarding the type of fencing to be used. Miss Magee agreed to keep
members up-to-date regarding progress of this matter.
Finance – Miss Magee made members aware of a bill received relating to the erection of the
flagpole for the amount of £24. It was agreed that the Parent Council would meet this cost. It
was also agreed that the Parent Council would fund the installation of the wormery, as
discussed last year.
The topic of let charges was also raised and Mrs Collins advised that the fundraising subcommittee is being charged for their meetings even although the school is in use. Miss
Magee advised she would contact the appropriate person to clarify.
FUNDRAISING SUB-COMMITTEE
Mrs Collins gave an update on recent activities. She informed that the first meeting of the
new term had taken place - unfortunately, filling the office bearer’s positions has been difficult,
with Mrs Collins assuming responsibility for both Chairperson and Treasurer. She advised
that Mrs Telfer has kindly offered to continue in the role of Treasurer on a temporary basis.
Mrs Collins gave details of events planned for the forthcoming session:
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Halloween Disco
26th October 2012
Christmas Disco
7th December 2012
Christmas Fundraiser – Ivory Webb catalogue – already distributed – it was noted
that deliveries would require to be co-ordinated when they arrive.
Bags to School – very good response
Valentine’s Disco – date to be confirmed
Whitehirst’s Got Talent and Whitehirst In the Park - to be arranged for sometime in
May/June 2013.
TREASURERS REPORT
Miss Magee advised bank balance is currently £1757.49 – NAC contribution of £720 received;
however, £47 of this has to be refunded.
MATTERS ARISING
Parents Evenings
It was agreed to send out a letter similar to last year offering crèche facilities between 5pm
and 7.30pm for parents who have no alternative but to bring their children with them.
Mr Cordiner requested volunteers for this task and a number of members indicated their
willingness to assist. Mr Cordiner will co-ordinate individual availability and email everyone
with this information.
Mrs Mathie agreed to co-ordinate written responses and liaise with Mr Cordiner.
Parent Council
Mr Cordiner requested input re any issues the Parent Council need to focus on in the coming
year and discussion took place regarding a number of issues including refreshing the paint on
the playground illustrations, car park hazard due to irresponsible parking, grounds/fields
development/drainage, additional bicycle racks, new litter bins, additional litter pickers, and
funding resources.
Green Flag
Mr Boyd enquired if a letter of thanks had been sent to Springfield Homes who provided the
flagpole and Miss Magee agreed to undertake this on behalf of the Parent Council.
Sports/Extra Curricular Activities
Miss Magee was able to update information re various activities –
P7 Football – coaching being provided via Active Schools by a young man who is a student at
James Watt College, Greenock
P3 Football – coaching continuing with Mr Shield
Choir’s – well underway
Netball – no one available to coach at the moment
General discussion took place re difficulty for volunteers to give level of commitment needed,
also additional responsibility involved in participating in league/competition sports. It was
acknowledged that it is difficult for working parents to commit to a level of time; however, Mr
Cordiner will contact parents re any particular skills they possess and try to build up a bank of
volunteers who could offer some time on a rotational basis.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will take place on Monday 22nd October 2012 at 7pm