About the school council

The school council is responsible for determining the educational policy for the school within the guidelines issued by the Minister, reflecting views of students, parents and teachers. There are elections to vacant positions for voting members early in term 1 each year. Parents and staff are encouraged to become actively involved in the School Council. This is an opportunity to involve all members of the school community in the establishment and maintenance of an effective and caring school environment.

School Council Meeting Dates For Term 3 & 4, 2009:

Term 3:

 Wednesday 5th August

 Wednesday 9th September

Term 4:

Wednesday 28th October

Wednesday 25th November

What did the School Council discuss at the last meeting?

SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT

At the most recent school council meeting on 17th June 2009 the following was discussed, excluding items already reported in other areas of the newsletter e.g. Principal‟s report and PFA:

- Concerns have been raised regarding vehicles moving through school premises relating to current construction. All vehicles are to move through the grounds slowly and with a spotter to ensure pedestrian clearance and safety. Whilst the builders are very diligent and mindful of this, there have been reports of this not occurring. Meetings have been held with the builders to ensure that this occurs at all times.

- A group of principals that Marg has been working with for the last few years have written an application for the Wider Workforce Work Trials. This is seen as an opportunity for networking and also to be involved in these trials. Marg attended induction sessions looking at how these trials can be implemented within schools. More training will occur in July/August.

- Parent‟s financial contribution levels remain a concern. These contributions are critical to fund the running of the school and ensure the school can provide adequate resources, technology and teaching materials, amongst other things. A significant number of families utilised the instalment payment plan.

- Marg discussed the journey that the TPL team has been pursuing. They are investigating the developmental approach to learning from Pre-school to Primary school. The TPL team has been visiting schools that are taking a PURIST approach and other schools who are taking on certain aspects and how this can be implemented into our school structure.

- 2009 Parent Opinion Survey will be sent out in August with results returned in October. Then an opportunity for data to be discussed before the end of the year.

- Quotes have been received to work on the paving and preparation of garden beds around the new Junior Building.

- HOMESGLEN has been contacted with idea of the garden being a project for students.

- Car Parking Lines on Devon St outside new building are not accurate and need to be re lined.

- Lee White has taken on the role of Web Page Coordinator. He has made contact with Sponsor Ed and is making the website more child user friendly.

- Plenty of enthusiasm shown towards the organisation of this year‟s fair. Fair committee meeting planned for the 20th of July.

- School has been approached about the hire of the hall by some community groups. Terms and Conditions to be looked at.

- Ways to increase attendance to this year‟s Art Show will be looked at.

- Out of School Hours Program:

 Fridge and Couches to be replaced.

 A grant has been received to improve ICT with the vision of purchasing a Laptop and Printer.

 On behalf of School Council, Marg thanked Gabby and her staff for the patience and flexibility with the running of the program since the beginning of this year.

- Parking and traffic flows around the school were discussed as an on-going issue and various ideas considered. This will remain on the School Council agenda for ongoing review to ensure improved outcomes are achieved. Parents should put forward observations and suggestions re parking and traffic flow.

- Council will be requested to patrol the roads surrounding the school looking at parking and speeding issues. Additionally, Ventura bus lines will be contacted regarding reports of buses travelling too fast. Parents should also report any observations of speeding buses directly to Ventura.

Carolyn Lipscomb (Councillor – Parent Representative) on behalf of school council.

The School Council will next meet on Wednesday 5th August. If there is anything you would like to raise with a School Council member, please contact the office for contact details. The names of the main office bearers in the council are also published on the school’s website.

School Council Office Bearers 2009

What are the school council sub-committees?

• Education
• Fundraising
• Communication
• Finance
• Artists' Camp Fair
• Buildings and Grounds
• Parents and Friends Association