Echuca Primary School
School Council Minutes
2014
‘A School with Tradition and a Future’
DATE:
WHERE:
TIME:
Wednesday 19th March, 2014
Staffroom
8.00pm
PRESENT: Ange Procter, Rohan Stone, Mary Hawker, Lynda Reid, Gayle Bedford, Gavan Hughes, Trav
Cartwright, Scott Trewhella, Pat Turner, Mel Mann.
APOLOGIES: Paul Hon (Leave), Shaquille Mubariz, Andrew Thompson, Libby Preston
Minutes of February School Council Meeting are true and accurate.
Moved: Ange Procter
1.
Seconded: Lynda Reid
Carried
BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
Photo copier contract – gaining new quotes – Lisa at school office
Early Ford V8 car club – March 2016 display – still to be confirmed
Campaspe Shire – New bins as per shire changes to sizes etc, Gayle has sorted
Inclusions Day 2014 – waiting confirmation with Jacqui Davies
Junior Footy – use of oval ok
YMCA – After School program proposal – negotiations are still in process
Mal Whyte Brick Wall – Have asked Neil Thomson to access the wall, Gayle will contact him again
tomorrow for a report.
2
CORRESPONDENCE:
2.1 Inwards
Date
From
12/3/2014 Carmel O’Connell
13/3/2014
Dyson Bus Group
DEECD
2.2
Outwards
2.3
Excursions
What
OHS concern for air-conditioning in the gym.
Change to pick up point from Rich River Lakes
Annual report to Community date change, now 30th
April not end of March.
Action
Discuss in general
business
Information only
Information only
Moved approval of camps
2.4
Pupil Free days for Approval
Motion
Motion: The Inwards Correspondence is received and the Outwards Correspondence is endorsed.
Moved: Mel Mann
Seconded: Rohan Stone
Carried
3. REPORTS
3.1. Finance Report - Rohan, Lisa and Gayle in discussion as to a report that is meaningful to School
Council. The new Finance Committee will meet during the day at school monthly as lisa the Busines
manger and the School Improvement Focus Team can attend.
Motion: That the Financial Reports for the month of February 2014 be received and that the
accounts paid therein be ratified and further that the tabling of the receipt journals for the month
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Echuca Primary School
School Council Minutes
2014
‘A School with Tradition and a Future’
of February 2014 be acknowledged. – NOT finalised - Feb and March Finance to be tabled at next
meeting.
Moved:
Seconded: -
Carried
3.2
Principal’s Report: presented by Gayle Bedford.
The year has started very well with new staff and students settling in very well. The many visitors who tour
our school are very impressed with the focussed learning displayed by students and teachers within a very
pleasant and welcoming environment.
School Council Parent Elections was quite well supported with a third of our families having their say. This a
very worthwhile process showing transparency in our governing body.
Census enrolments on 28th February were 497 but I have resubmitted in the following week as the three
Watson children returned and a new student enrolled. Hopefully our new figure will be 501 but won’t know
until the end of March. This has implications for the ongoing employment of any eligible contract staff. Still
waiting on funding notification for two students with a disability in Foundation. Planning for 2015-A
Discovering 208 evening was held on May 7th 2013 for any potential enrolments for 2014. SIFT with input
from staff will begin planning to showcase our school. Due to the loss of enrolments to the Grammar last
year future numbers are crucial for effective school operations.
Building Relationships began with the very successful Welcome to 208 Family Information and BBQ and
early get to know you Parent/Teacher Interviews. Making times online was well received can tweak for
improvement in the June Interviews.
The Data form the Annual Report, tabled will need to discussed and reported to our School Community by
April 30th and the 2014 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) is currently being developed. There are a few
changes which the School Improvement Focus Team SIFT (Leadership Team) will be addressing to as to
table at School Council at the next School Council meeting.
Grass Roots After School Care- our site has checked over by Eli Geary. He has measurements for the gym,
the ARTS Hub and room 8. Though staff agree that after school care would be good for our school,
conducting these daily sessions from 3.20-6pm in their work space is not ideal. The gym would be the
preferred option by staff.
The initiative of Maria Hughes to conduct Toddler Time singing and dance sessions in the spare classroom
has had a positive response.
Trainee- the school was successful in securing a grant through the Youth Employment Scheme for a trainee
in 2014. Victoria Weaver will be studying a Certificate III in Education Support whilst supporting students
and programs.
Gym air-conditioning: Quotes have come in at $27 000 to $21 000.
The gym cooling is a major cost for which we do not have the money. I have spoken to Peter Kuhne from
Region in this regard. There is no immediate funding from the DEECD as there is no immediate danger and
its inefficiency is not due to storm damage. There are no supplementary grants available either.
1.1 The overall rating of the gym is 2.94 which should be a 3.0. When an assessment of the whole
school was conducted in 2012 the Gym Air Con got a rating of 3.0, which according to the Depart is
acceptable. He also stated that many gymnasiums do not have air conditioning. So it seems we are
at a stalemate unless the funds are raised ourselves. Minutes from March 20th 2013 School Council
prioritised locally raised funds of $25 000. Discussion around revamping the gym- air conditioning,
thought needs to put into appropriate stage area & change area. Maybe a long term vision. This is
possibly a ‘major’ work. Develop a staged plan for improvement.
1.Gym air-con 2.Side fence Pakenham – Landsborough 3. Walk way 4. ipads 5. Logo at front
of office 6. Paint gym 7. Office Entrance 8. 3/4 dust bowl 9. Stage gym 10. House banners
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Echuca Primary School
School Council Minutes
‘A School with Tradition and a Future’
2014
Motion is to allocate @$10 000 on gym air con and gather funds over a three year period, side
fence and 3/4 dust bowl to be costed.
Moved; Mary Hawker
Seconded; Chris Kadri.
Carried
As part of the School Improvement Focus Team work a succinct vision for EPS has been established;
‘To ensure high levels of learning for all students’ and the
‘Roles- the core responsibilities’ of all its members have been clarified.
I would like to discuss the roles for the new school members at this meeting.
Principal
 Promote the vision of Echuca Primary School
 Maximise Resources
 Employ quality teachers- build capacity
 Demonstrate improved individual student learning outcomes
 Maintain whole school culture of high expectations
 Sustainable high quality workforce
 Safe, secure learning environment
Leading Teachers
 Share the vision of Echuca Primary school
 Build capacity
 Apply unbiased knowledge & expertise to advise Principal
 Be a role model- exemplar practitioner
 Help make school decisions- ‘professional’
 Role model of all school values and trademark behaviours
Teachers
 Share the vision of Echuca Primary school
 Demonstrate personal growth
 Have a strong belief that ALL students can achieve
 Demonstrate improved individual learning outcomes
 Build community
 Build culture of high expectations
 Collaboratively develop a documented curriculum.
 Role model of all school values and trademark behaviours
Education Support Staff
 Share the vision of Echuca Primary school
 Build capacity of self & students
 Share knowledge of students to teachers
 Support the Principal, staff, students and school community
 Role model of all school values and trademark behaviours
 Do our best at all times.
Students
 Believe that they really matter
 Follow school values
 Know what they need to do to improve
 Do their best at all times
 Meet deadlines
 Support their classmates
Parents- core things
 Support the school
 Actively participate in child’s learning
School Council
 Share the vision of Echuca Primary School
 Support the school and its Principal
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Echuca Primary School
School Council Minutes
‘A School with Tradition and a Future’
2014
 Role model of school values
 Have no conflict of interest
 Participate & volunteer
 Adhere to matters of confidentiality
School councils in Victoria are public entities as defined by the Public
Administration Act 2004. School councillors must abide by the Directors’ Code of
Conduct issued by the Public Sector Standards Commissioner.
A school council member must:
• act with honesty and integrity
• act in good faith in the best interests of the school
• act fairly and impartially
• use information appropriately
• use their position appropriately
• act in a financially responsible manner
• exercise due care, diligence and skill
• comply with the appropriate legislation
• demonstrate leadership and stewardship.
3.3
Teaching & Learning Report: Rob Hogan
Foundation: Gayle Bedford- Area Leader
The 81 Foundation students have settled quite well now that rest days are over and they are attending
fulltime. The focus is on letter sound relationships and basic number facts. Routines in reading are
beginning to establish with parent helps in the classrooms. Parents are also invited to ‘reading morning on
the 25th March at 9.10am to inform them of reading strategies to try at home. A Foundation Family Feast
to welcome new families is on Friday March 21st.
Level 1 and 2: Rob Hogan Area Leader.
Classrooms have been establishing routines and protocols around the Teaching and Learning program. We
are really focussing on the 2 hour Literacy block and ensuring we can fit all elements into this block.
Classrooms have started grouping students to deliver point of need instruction, based on data collected
through assessments such as Spelling Inventory, Running Records and Mathematics On Line Interviews.
Swimming over the next 2 weeks will have an impact on classroom programs, but is a necessary part of the
curriculum. Religious Education starts this week for all Level 1 and 2 classes.
3.4
Staff Development- Gavan Hughes
Induction for new staff members was conducted in the first month of school. During the sessions new staff
had the opportunity to learn about day-to-day procedures, the teaching and learning program, student
engagement and well-being and staff development.
The department has distributed a draft document outlining the new Performance and Development
process. We are still awaiting the final document and associated templates.
We have developed a process for using student learning data as a tool for professional learning. Research
has indicated that this is a highly effective way of improving professional practice that leads to improved
learning outcomes for students. All levels in the school will use student learning data to drive professional
learning in an aspect of writing that they have identified as in need of improvement.
A new process is now in place to ensure staff professional development is targeted at the Annual
Implementation Plan and individual Performance Development Plans.
3.5
Community Engagement- Scott Trewhella
The SEW Team have been reviewing and updating the Student Engagement and Wellbeing Policy. This
document will be presented to School Council for ratification.
Amy Connors will be leading our Sustainability Soldiers. Grade 5/6 students have applied for selection to
this team. The team will be responsible for leading the school in areas of sustainability such as power
usage, recycling and composting. It is hoped we will then expand this team into Grade 3 and 4.
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Echuca Primary School
School Council Minutes
‘A School with Tradition and a Future’
2014
We are also calling for applications from our senior students for the positions of peer mentors. The mentors
will be used to assist in supporting younger students in the playground. They will assist with sandpit play
and umpiring a variety of games.
Alan Corby our School Chaplain along with staff from Level 3/4 will commence the Rock and Water Program
with a group of Grade 4 boys in Term 2. This program is designed to develop social skills and support boys
in a variety of situations.
The SEW Team are now researching Resilience and Anxiety to enable them to run professional
development sessions for our staff as well as parent information sessions later in the year.
Student Action Team
The Student Action Team is involved in a number of activities at the moment. They are currently running
the Easter Raffle, The Easy Bat Fundraiser and on Friday will celebrate Loud Sock Day to acknowledge
National Anti-Bullying Day.
Parents and Friends
Parents and Friends have elected Nadia Mason as President for 2014. They are currently looking at a
possible date for the trivia night – 20th June and the fete- 14th 0r 21st November. It is hoped we will get
parent representatives for each grade and they will become the class link for the fete.
3.6
Facilities Report – Gayle Bedford
Painting of the fascia of the remaining portables has been completed
Trees: Two Silver birch trees did not survive the heat. They will be replaced in cooler weather. Holes have
been dug for 5 bottle brushes along the High St wall of the new 5 MOD.
Mal Whyte Wall; Neil Thomson has been approached to give advice to fixing the cracks in the wall
Play Areas: soft fall in playgrounds equipment needs raking up and new sand is required in the pits
Air-conditioning: The gym system is still a concern is extreme heat. Carmel has formalised a OHS complaint
regarding OHS issues with heat in Gym, air-con not working, Gayle to respond on behalf of the OHS
responsible teachers. School Council acknowledges the issue and have a three year fundraising program in
aim of replacing the Gym air-con. Discussion regarding a sub-committee to be formed, next meeting to plan
our needs and costs for the future. Access the links to the schools strategic plan.
3.7
Parents & Friends- Scott Trewhella – refer to Community Engagement Report.
4. STRATEGIC FOCUS
4.1 - Student Engagement & Well Being- Scott Trewhella /Student Action Team- Andrew Briggs - Refer to
the Community Engagement Report.
4.2 – Literacy – by Kylie Coutts – read and attached
The Literacy focus for 2014 is to improve the writing outcomes of all students through the effective
implementation of the writers workshop.
Goals for 2014 include:
 To create a writers resource for all staff across all levels within the school.
 Ensure we have enough copies of effective teacher resources to assist with more efficient planning.
 A focus on the writers workshop for peer observations within our SFG, and across the whole school.
Writing has been identified as the key learning that has not shown the same growth as other Literacy areas
over the past 2 years.
4.3 – Numeracy – by Dylan Cuttriss – presented by Gavan Hughes – attached
A shift in staffing has also seen a shift in staffing within the Numeracy SFG. New members have
expressed their reasons for joining this group, which has made for a dynamic mix of professionals
gathering to continually improve the outcomes for all students in the field of Numeracy.
We have agreed on a whole school Numeracy goal, which is “To use data effectively and consistently
throughout the whole school to provide point of need learning.”
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Echuca Primary School
‘A School with Tradition and a Future’
School Council Minutes
2014
With this goal in mind, our Numeracy plan has been updated to ensure that we are focusing on actions
that will directly enable us to achieve our goal.
Another large push within our group is to ensure that students have access to all our available
mathematical equipment. This will mean that our equipment will now be housed within classrooms,
with teachers constantly directing students to utilise these tools.
Planning documents will now be maintained within our internal server for all teachers to refer and
develop in future. This procedure will make week and term planning more effective, by allowing
teachers to look even closer at student areas of need.
Learning intentions will continue to be visible in classrooms for reference of both teachers and
students. Our expectation is that at any stage during a Numeracy session, each student will be able to
explain what they are learning, what the teacher is looking for in their learning and why we are
completing certain tasks.
4.4 e-Learning – presented by Trav Cartwright
Foundation: The Foundation children have been enjoying using the interactive whiteboard for both Literacy
& Numeracy. Students have been introduced to iPads and laptops, which will both be used regularly in the
classroom for a variety of subjects.
Level 1&2: Students have so far been accessing the Computers on Wheels (COWS) in the classroom once to
twice a week. Some of the students have been using the website www.sumdog.com to practice maths
skills. This is a great site for teachers, as we are given up to date reports on how each student is going and
what areas they can improve in. Students can use their login at home as well. So if parents have Internet
access at home, they can get their access and practice at home. The use of the Interactive Whiteboards has
been gradually increased in the level. Continued promotion of safe use of laptops in classrooms.
Level 3&4: In Levels 3 & 4 students have been receiving an hour a week of explicitly taught ICT lessons.
Topics covered in the last three weeks include Cyber Safety and being Cybersmart, word processing
software such as Microsoft Word, and how to save and manage digital files and documents effectively. The
iPad trial is still in its very early stages but feedback from students, parents and teachers has been very
positive. The uptake of students bringing iPads has increased around 15% since the beginning of the trial.
Level 5&6: Levels 5/6 Using Student Shared a lot more recently in reading and writing. Accessing resources.
Utilising online maths resources such as Sumdog. Also using Freemind software that comes on the Edustar
tab for mind-mapping.
Future Directions:
The eLearning SFG has been in discussion about what we want to achieve this year. We are in the process
of establishing a Focus Group Learning Goal that the school community will be made aware of.
Some of the ideas for this Focus Group goal:
* Increasing staff knowledge to build the skills of all students.
* Ensure the eLearning/ICT Scope and Sequence is implemented in levels and used in planning.
* Continue to establish the iPad trial in level 3 & 4.
* Further development of the eSmart policy and working toward an eSmart school.
* Sourcing a user-friendly alternative for the Ultranet as a way for collaboration for teachers, students and
parents.
4.5 Inquiry – by Kirsten Wright
This year Echuca Primary School has made a commitment to focus time and effort on creating a Scope and
Sequence Units of Study that correlate directly with the new AUSVELS standards and ensure that we build
on the Foundation Year of Learning to each specific year levels expectations.
We will endeavour to build Units using an agreed upon format and this will assist us in allowing reflection at
the end of each Unit to improve and modify to benefit the students in each year level. We will also
investigate camps and excursions to directly relate to meeting AUSVELS standards and this will ultimately
mean that there will be some changes in 2015.
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Echuca Primary School
School Council Minutes
‘A School with Tradition and a Future’
2014
As a new team we have an awareness of Kath Murdoch planners but have a forward opportunity that 2
teachers will be attending a Professional Development weekend on Learning by Design by Jay McTighe.
Motion: That the Principal’s Report, Facilities Report, Student Action Team Report, Parents and Friends
Report, Strategic Plan and Teaching & Learning reports for the month of February 2014 be received and
acknowledged.
Moved: Gavan Hughes
Seconded: Trav Cartwright
Carried
5. GENERAL BUSINESS
5.1
Role clarity- Making the Partnership Work – sheet hand out to members
5.2
Sub- committees – carry over to April meeting
5.3
Co-option of Community Representatives – carry over next meeting April
5.4
Draft motions – read by Gayle and approved parts – see attached report
5.5
Discovery Information Evening – showcasing our school to prospective families – Gayle to check
dates with other schools
MEETING CLOSED: 10.00 pm
Finance: Tuesday 22nd April, 2.45 pm
Next meeting: Wednesday 23rd April, 7.30 pm
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