Newbattle Community High School
Friends of Newbattle Meeting
Wednesday 12th May 2010
Present
Christine Carr
Stephen Cresswell
Kim Cunningham
Tony Igoe
Marion MacInnes
Keith Mackie
Karen Rintoul
Lyn Ross
Marianne Smith
Bobbie Storrie
Annette Whyte
Sarah Wozniak
Colin Taylor
Christine Burt
Councillor C Beattie
Councillor L Beattie
Chair
Apologies
Councillor W Chalmers
Councillor K Moffat
Heather Fleming
L Grieve
June Robertson
Staff Member
Staff Member
Advisor
Clerk
Pamper Evening
It was agreed to hold the event in the Hospitality Suite. Flyers to go out to parents via
pupil post. K Rintoul has typed up appointment sheets for booking a therapist,
booking will be made via school office. S Wozniak to arrange to have event
advertised on school web site. Open to both Male and Female.
Everyone hoping it will be a successful event.
Date of Next Meeting
AGM – date to be advised.
Newbattle Community High School
Parent Council Meeting
Wednesday 12th May 2010
Present
Christine Carr
Stephen Cresswell
Kim Cunningham
Tony Igoe
Marion MacInnes
Keith Mackie
Karen Rintoul
Lyn Ross
Marianne Smith
Bobbie Storrie
Annette Whyte
Sarah Wozniak
Colin Taylor
Christine Burt
Councillor C Beattie
Councillor L Beattie
Chair
Apologies
Councillor W Chalmers
Councillor K Moffat
Heather Fleming
L Grieve
June Robertson
Staff Member
Staff Member
Advisor
Clerk
1.
Minute of the previous meeting 24th March 2010 agreed.
2.
Matters Arising
School Opening During Inclement Weather
Nothing further to report. Mr Taylor stated that he tries very hard to keep the
school open to avoid disruption to learning.
Pupil Homework
S Wozniak stated that Guidance staff will continue to check student planners
on a weekly basis during PSE time in the new session.
It is hoped that a Homework Calendar will be in place for the start of the new
session.
Curriculum for Excellence
L Ross asked if the school was ready for Curriculum for Excellence at the
start of the new session. Mr Taylor stated that there is a significant backup of
resources to support schools. Mr Taylor suggested that in the new session an
evening could be arranged for parents to come along and discuss CfE.
Budget 10 / 11 – Staffing Levels
Mr Taylor gave the members a quick overview of staff leaving and vacancies
being advertised for the new session.
Mrs Lyall, Chemistry Teacher retiring at the end of June
No Newly Qualified Teachers would be joining the school this year
Teacher vacancy in Physics to be advertised
Teacher vacancy in Modern Languages to be advertised
Temporary Teacher vacancy in Technical to be advertised
Temporary Teacher vacancy in RMPS to be advertised
L Ross stated that she was concerned that the school may not manage with
staff being identified as surplus. Councillor L Beattie informed the members
that the views of parents and parent councils are invaluable to elected
members.
School Improvement Plan
Mr Taylor informed the members that the proposed meeting to be held at
McSence Business Park did not go ahead on 19th April due to the delays
caused by the Ash Cloud. He stated that new arrangements are now in hand
to facilitate this improved work stream.
3.
Correspondence
Noted and distributed
4.
Newbattle Area Catchment Review
Councillor L Beattie informed the members that there was to be a change in
the consultation date. Nothing further to report.
5.
A.O.C.B
AGM – Meet the Management
It was suggested by the members that the AGM be changed to a less formal
format. Mr Taylor stated that he would discuss this with the members of the
SMT.
Schools of Ambition
Mr Taylor informed the members that he had been at a recent conference and
that Newbattle Community High School features on a DVD that the Scottish
Government has produced about Schools of Ambition.
Staffing Issues
Mr Taylor provided members with details concerning a former member of
staff and a former pupil which had resulted in extreme media coverage. He
outline the level of professionalism and code of conduct expected of a
Teacher and assured members that this had been articulated to teachers and
support staff.
Mr T Igoe praised the school for the way they had handled what was clearly a
difficult situation.
Forthcoming Events
Under 16 Football, Lothian Cup Final, Friday 28th May at Star Park, 6.30pm
kick off.
Summer Concert 9th June
Awards Ceremony 23rd June
Working with Others
Parents on the Parent Council agreed that at times there is not enough notice
given to pupils / parents about ‘Working with Others’ out of school visits and
on occasion no permission slip has been signed. The members also stated
that they felt it would be better if they were sent an information sheet
outlining each step to be taken by parent, pupil and school. S Wozniak stated
that the programme was currently under review by Mrs Ross, PT Guidance.
Mr Taylor stated that he would speak to Mrs Watson, Depute Headteacher.
Kinship Carers
Councillor L Beattie informed the members that Midlothian Kinship Carers
had been short listed for a Scottish Charities Award. She asked that members
tell their friends and neighbours about this worthwhile charity.
McSence – Emplo-Young-People Project
Mr Taylor informed the members that this project was officially opened
today, 12th May 2010, by Scottish Finance Secretary, John Swinney MSP.
Mr Taylor thanked everyone for their support over the last year and said he
looked forward to seeing them in the new session. The members finished off
with a small social gathering.
7.
Date of Next Meeting
AGM – Date to be advised.