MINUTE OF WHITHIRST PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2014 AT 7:00PM PRESENT Mr P Cordiner Mr I Boyd Mr A Gray Mrs J Collins Mrs E Wright Mrs K Welding Miss E Magee Mrs J Aitken Chairperson Vice Chairperson Treasurer Parent Member Parent Member Parent Member Head Teacher Teacher Representative APOLOGIES Mrs L Gibson Mrs K Mathie Mrs P Wilson Mrs G Hoffman Mrs L Sim Parent Member Parent Member Parent Member Parent Member Parent Member The Chairperson opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending.He extended a warm welcome to two members of Kilwinning Academy Parent Council who were attending the meeting to talk about joint fundraising ideas. Due to limited amount of time available Mr Cordiner invited Carol and Jackie to address the meeting first before the usual order of business commenced. Jackie gave some background information on how they had reached this point. She informed that they were visiting all six primary schools in the Kilwinning Cluster to gather support for a “big” joint fundraiser in relation to the P7 Transition Trip which everyone agreed was a worthwhile venture, with feedback and good evidence that this makes the transition from primary to secondary much smoother for the majority of children. Members agreed that this was something they would be happy to get involved in and felt that fundraising for this initiative should not be the sole responsibility of Kilwinning Academy alone. Further discussion took place regarding ideas for a “big” joint event involving all the cluster primary schools and the wider community. Jackie informed that they are looking for one or two representative from the six primary schools to form a sub-committee dedicated to raising funds for the P7 Transition Trip, however, acknowledged that to bring something together by June of this year will be a challenge. Mrs Collins advised she would be willing to represent Whitehirst Park and was hopeful that she can persuade another person to join her. Jackie advised that they are hoping to have the first meeting in March. Jackie expressed her thanks and appreciation to members and advised that if there are any events planned where Kilwinning Academy could participate e.g. buying a stall, they would be happy to get involved. Before returning to the usual agenda Miss Magee requested clarification re any additional money available to increase the amount donated to Kilwinning Academy for the P7 Transition Trip, over and above the £100 agreed previously. A brief discussion took place regarding amount donated, percentage paid by parents, funding sources available and it was agreed for Miss Magee to get back to members regarding this matter after the next Head Teachers meeting next week. The Chairperson reverted to the normal agenda and requested approval of the previous minutes. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. CORRESPONDENCE “Backchat” magazine was made available at the meeting. Information re SPTC Working Together Conference on 22 nd March 2014 in Edinburgh was received. Mr Cordiner informed that there will be a number of keynote speakers attending and anyone interested in going along should email him before the deadline of 10th March. Letter received via email from a former pupil requesting sponsorship to assist with the cost of attending the 23rd Scout Jamboree in Japan. Mr Cordiner read this letter in full and following a discussion it was decided to offer the ex-pupil a stall at “Whitehirst in the Park”, free of charge, with any money generated being retained by her, however, members agreed that in order to prevent any clash with existing stalls, the type of stall would need to be vetted. It was also agreed that Mr Cordiner would respond to this letter and post information about it on the Parent Council Facebook Group page. Mr Cordiner gave an update on his recent attendance at a meeting of Parent Council Chairpersons. He reported that there was very little discussed that was relevant to primary schools, however, he did highlight one or two items including the twinning of primary schools with a Commonwealth Country (Nigeria in the case of Whitehirst Park), fundraising events (very similar ideas), presentation by Education re increase in Early Years Education for 3-4 year olds and vulnerable 2 year olds, and proposed free school meals for P1, 2 and 3. Billy Gibson, representative on the National Parent Forum also gave an update. TREASURERS REPORT Mr Gray reported bank balance is currently £1264.41. He also informed that he had the bank mandate to amend signatories, however, Mrs Mathie was not at the meeting (Miss Magee will arrange to send this to Mrs Mathie). Mr Cordiner enquired if a cheque for £100 - the donation for Kilwinning Academy towards the P7 Transition Trip had been issued. Mr Gray confirmed that this had not yet been issued, however, he would complete the process at the meeting. FUNDRAISING SUB-COMMITTEE Mrs Collins advised that the bank balance is currently £4470 (less £1000 donation to the school for buses to the Panto). The Valentine’s Disco had to be cancelled, however, will now take place on Friday 28th February. Future fundraising events planned are Bingo on the 28th of March and Whitehirst in the Park on 30th May. Discussion took place regarding inviting the wider community to attend events by dropping flyers into other schools in the cluster group or in local churches – members felt this would help to include everyone in the community. HEAD TEACHERS REPORT Miss Magee advised that she did not have a great deal to report; however, she advised that she had met with someone from Community Police to talk about the car park. She went on to outline the content of the discussion which included blocking off entry into the car park from the cycle side, putting up another barrier, and prohibiting parking between certain hours. A brief discussion took place and Miss Magee advised that she feels the issues are being taken seriously and is hopeful that plans can be drawn up to change the dynamics in the school car park. It was acknowledged that most schools have the same issues. Mr Gray enquired about the school’s relationship with Mansfield Church following an issue some time ago and Miss Magee was able to advise that she has written to them and this issue has been resolved. A.O.C.B. Internet Safety Mr Boyd gave an update on progress since this subject was discussed at the last meeting. He informed that Sgt Boyle was willing to come and give a presentation based on the consensus of parents who responded. The date suggested is Monday 17th March at 6.30pm comprising of a presentation followed by a Q & A session. Mr Boyd also advised that due to the hard hitting nature of the agenda, the police would prefer this to be for adults only. Discussion took place regarding the provision of crèche facilities and it was agreed that Miss Magee, with assistance from Mrs Aitken and Mrs Welding would facilitate this and supervise children. Mrs Wright enquired about the level of education children have on this topic during the school day and Miss Magee advised that because children have access to IT as part of the curriculum, this starts at P1 and continues through to P7. It was acknowledged that the main aim of the awareness session would be to up skill/educate parents on privacy settings, security controls, downloading etc. It was agreed to book the main hall and dining area for the 17th of March from 6pm to 8pm – this would be one of the free lets the school is entitled to and other activities within the school would need to be cancelled (clerk to submit let form 2502-14 and advise Janitor). It was also agreed that Mr Boyd would post information on the website and Facebook group page and Mr Cordiner will produce a Flyer to be sent home via pupils. A brief discussion also took place regarding potential numbers attending, however, it was acknowledged that this is hard to predict – a suggestion was made that a text be sent on the Friday to remind parents. Mr Boyd enquired about equipment e.g. screen, projector, pc, laptop etc. – he will liaise with Sgt Boyle and the Head Teacher regarding this. Crèche Facility on Parents Evenings Mr Boyd made the suggestion that a small charge is made for this service and requested input from other members. A brief discussion took place regarding whether a set charge should be levied, or whether there should be a donation box with a suggested amount. Due to time constraints it was agreed that this could be raised again for further discussion if required. Television Miss Magee informed that due to staff shortages through illness no additional work has been done regarding this, however, once staffing levels allow, the outstanding tasks will be completed. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Monday 24th March 2014 at 7:00pm.