HEATHCOTE HIGH SCHOOL P&C
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 25 JUNE 2014
The meeting was declared open at 7.38 pm
Present: Cathy Pearse, Leanne Hore, Tracey Stevenson, Tania Ellem, Cara Dickson, Deb Kimber, Sandy Ridge, Kathy Cunynghame, Tracy Dimmock, Neridah Armstrong, Rick Coleman
Apologies: KarynFanous, Ashley Hill
Chairperson: Kathy Cunynghame
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of Heathcote High School P&C held 28 May 2014 were read and confirmed as correct.
Accepted: Leanne Hore Seconded: Kathy Cunynghame
Correspondence In: Various pamphlets
Correspondence out: Nil
Treasurer’s Report
Balance Brought Forward: $13 953.00
Cheque Account: 328.48
Balance: $14281.48
Principals Report:
At past P&C meetings we have mentioned purchasing a digital sign for the front of the school. If and when we decide to go ahead with this it appears that the sign purchased by Marton Public School seems to be the best choice. The cost would be $5000-$15000 depending on the cost of electrical wiring needed. We could perhaps look at local sponsorship.
The school would like it noted by the P&C the incredible support the School Management has received from Ms Joanne Jarvis, Principal, Engadine High School over the course of this year.
At present we have 190 students enrolled for Year 7 2015. We also have 58 students registered to sit the selective class examination in term 3. The school has identified children with additional needs and is proactively putting educational support in place for next year. The enrichment program has once again been successful. As we have had such a significant increase in numbers for next year we have had to create a waiting list. We are also looking at a new enrolment form for next term which will provide us with the opportunity to gather more detailed information.
Ms Vials has taken over the management of the Heathcote High School website including the Bottlebrush. We are investigating E-news and working on the apps that would be required to utilise this service and the cost involved to use this service. We are looking at new ways of communicating with parents for example through push alerts – this would enable teachers to notify parents of the events at school (eg cancellation of swimming/sports carnivals and excursions). It was noted that Bangor Public School has a very effective system in place providing constant information to school members.
Moving forward we will be sharing a Technical Support person with Jannali High School. This will give us 1 day per week of assistance.
We are also looking to access 30 Ipads for the school. The ipads will stay in the library to be accessed by a class at a time. It is felt that technology is another learning tool for children and may engage more children. It is envisaged that depending on the success of this program that we may be asking for P&C support in the future to expand the program.
We are pleased to announce to the P&C that we have appointed a Head Teacher PDHPE. Mr Craig Holmes will be starting in term 3. He has been Head Teacher for 14 years at Matraville High School.
P&C have been advised that the school is fazing out our slopeyjo and replacing it with a woollen jumper. The jumper is fully machine washable and it is believed it will improve the school’s image. The school is also investigating matching track pants to the jacket.
The P&C were very happy to hear that Mr Noonan’s health is improving and look forward to perhaps seeing him visit the school in term 3.
Mr Coleman asked if any members of the P&C might be available to attend a meeting on 14 July (pupil free day). This session would entail community members, SRC representatives and staff conducting a school self assessment with a view of making recommendations for the School Management Plan 2015-2017.
The school is making some changes to the Student Leadership Team format. Usually we have two Captains (one male; one female), two Vice Captains (one male; one female). This will not change but we will be adding another four students to be part of the student management team. The next four students will be chosen purely on numbers and will not be required to have gender balance.
Letters have been sent out to all families concerned with regard to the reporting of school students with disability. This reporting is optional this year but will be mandatory starting 2015.
General Business
The Mad Hatters Tea Party was a great success. The students are to be commended on such a wonderful effort. All parents that attended were very impressed with the morning tea and how welcome they were made to feel. The school raised over $2000 for cancer research.
Kathy Cunynhame wanted to thank the teachers for organising a seminar held at the school by the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation with regard to safety issues to consider when travelling. By all accounts the session was well received by students.
Meeting concluded: 8.30 pm
Next meeting to be held 23 July 2014 at 7.30 pm