ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Parents & Friends Association
Meeting minutes
Date:Tuesday, 17th May 2016
Time:7:30pm
Venue:LARC
Present:Sonya Wallace, Kate Hooke, Karen Hardie, Ellen Allen, Louise Miller, Natalie Jones, Chris Burns, Amanda and Ben Jones, Yvette Liaromatis, Barry Shanley, Michelle Sweeney, Angela D’Bras, Nikki McPherson, Carol McKenna, Margaret Nichols, Honor McGill, Sue Bow, Colleen Smith, Kelly Lukic and Colleen Templeton
Apologies:Lyndall McDonald, Sandra Mahoney and Christine Davidson
Meeting opened:Prayer lead by Sonya Wallace
Business from previous minutes to discuss:
No further business to discuss.
Presentation by Sue Bow – Positive Partnerships – notes from the Presentation
Did you know that parents who have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have 6 times more stress to live with? It can be very isolating for these parents. ASD is a neurological, social and communication disorder.
There is great diversity of autism
Non-verbal > High functioning
Includes difficulties with:
- Communication
- Social interactions – often people with autism want to be sociable but don’t have the skills to do it … can appear aloof.
- May display repetitive behaviours eg. Rocking, flapping … children can find these very calming and soothing.
- Restricted or limited interests – we need to see these as the child’s strengths as they can be very knowledgeable around their interest base.
- Sensory processing – a major issue for parents and educators of children with autism.
- Some may be hypo-sensitive – they seek information and may achieve this for example by licking or smelling;
- Some may be hyper-sensitive – these individuals may be sensitive to noise, often placing hands over their ears, scream loudly and may have specific food likes and dislikes.
- Visual learners – often poor executive functioning – very disorganised
Educators often have challengers to expand on children’s learning beyond their special interests.
- Most children on the spectrum are ranked within the mild – gifted range in IQ.
Girls are often diagnosed at about age 8 years and anxieties are more prevalent in girls than boys.
Educators and parents need to see “behaviour” as a sign of communication. Routine is very important for children with autism.
Sue’s presentation was extremely informative and she will conducting some intensive training sessions for SJF educators in the coming weeks, together with a whole day training session at their upcoming Staff Development day. Sue is also planning to run some parent training sessions during Term 3.
Treasurer’s Report
No official report presented
Latest incoming Sport-a-thon raised $6,715
DPC Report
Karen recently attended the DPC cluster meeting – with report following. Karen really emphasised that parents need to visit the DPC website as there is a wealth of information and resources available.
Social Committee
Thank you to Kate Hooke, Louise Miller and Honor McGill for organising the Mother’s Day stall, and also the co-ordinating of all the father s for the Mother’s Day breakfast.
Up-coming events include:
- 27/5 – Disco
- 17/6 – Athletics carnival
- 29/7 – Grandparents day
Principal’s Report
School Uniforms
Barry asked to raise the matter of school uniforms and to add that while the faith, pastoral care and learning of the students was his focus much more than uniforms he felt the need to be well presented. Barry and teachers are keen to look at removing the school ties (both girls and boys) in the future. Barry was keen to hear parent’s opinions and views on being open to looking at removing the tie. Barry would also like to look at a suitable shirt that could be worn over the long winter pants, so that he, and teachers, no longer need to talk to children about tucking shirts in. Barry acknowledges the value of school shirts / clothing being unisex. Barry hopes to liaise with Angela D’Bras and Michelle Sweeney, School Clothing shop co-ordinators, who together with other interested parents can form a committee to work through the phasing in of suitable changes to the school uniform. He also acknowledge the amazing dedication of Jo Chadwick to the school community in running the uniform room over many years.
Homework
Barry raised the area of homework and stated the staff were looking at the value of the different forms of homework. He is considering having a 5 week period of “no homework” and then surveying parents. Reading has been reinforced as being so important and the school does not want children and families to think that “no homework” means also “no reading”. It is anticipated that resources could be sent home to engage children in other home based learning experiences.
Therewere discussionaround the form of the Year 1 homework. The concept of the homework is fantastic, however it would appear that some of the tasks require a significant amount of adult support and guidance. Possibly as many year 1 families also have younger siblings, it may be that many families are time poor in the afternoon / evening when homework is trying to be completed.
Year 4 homework – parents very happy with this style of homework – maths and spelling revision
Year 5 homework – parents very happy as children are given a contract for the term
Year 2 – Spelling City and Ideal Resource – many parents commented that this is very worthwhile homework, which children can engage with independently.
Adam Edwards – 2015 – Year 3 homework – Study Ladder was used – included each child’s spelling words to practise each week. Children could pace themselves through the set work. Parents also commented on project work that Adam scheduled for the children. He would engage the children in the research, planning, and writing of the project. This work was done in class and Adam helped guide the children through the various ways to set out a project eg. Introduction, topics to discuss, conclusion etc. This work then came home for the children and parents together to put it all together, with the child free to choose the way it was presented. This was fantastic.
No parents strongly objected to their being a short break from homework. However parents also see homework as a way in which we can see what children are learning in the classrooms. It would appear that parents want homework that they can oversee and support children with, but don’t want homework that results in battles or where parents have to do the homework to complete.
Robinson Family
As many people are aware Phil Robinson suddenly passed away recently. Lucy is in Year 4, Amy in Year 8 at St. Peters and Sarah at Henry Kendell High. Sue Robinson’s work has a dinner roster and are hoping that St. John Fisher parents assist over for the month of June. Carol will co-ordinate with the assistance of Michelle, Kelly and Colleen to spread the word via year 3, 4 and 5 mums.
A dinner roster for June has now been organised with Carol now working on a July roster. This is a wonderful sign of the community support that is within our school community.
We also discussed the idea of hosting a Trivia night – fundraiser for Sue and the girls. Initial enquiries with Shelly Beach Golf club - $15 per head. Barry has offered the school hall, which can house approximately 300 people, with the view that everyone can BYO and all money raised is then proceeds for Robinson family. At this early stage we are planning for Term 3, week 2, with a combined event with St. Peters, Henry Kendell, St. John Fisher and Sue’s work, Sanitarium.
Meeting closed at 9:15pm.
Our next meeting in Term 3 will be held on a Friday morning.