CHURCHLANDS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
An Independent Public School
SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES – MEETING NO. 1 OF 2018
HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THURSDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2018
ATTENDEES: John Gillon (Chair and Community Member), Neil Hunt (Principal), Grant Brinklow (Parent Member), Adrian O’Brien (Parent Member), Tracey Gralton (Alumni Representative), Chris Porteous (P & C Representative), Kim Hudson (Staff Member), Paul Housley (Associate Principal – Senior School) and Kylie Hearle (Minutes). Meeting commenced at 5.35 pm.
AGENDA ITEM NO. / ITEM/DECISION / SPEAKER / ACTION/OUTCOME1. / Welcome / John Gillon / John welcomed Ethan and Shrushti to the meeting as Head Boy and Head Girl for 2018. John stated that their input is important in their role in representing the student body and their comments are welcome at any time.
2. / Apologies / Jane Hegarty (Staff Member), Janet Pettigrew (Parent Member) and Allirra Winmar (Community Member).
3. / Paul Housley – Year 12 in 2017 Exit Data / Paul Housley / Paul showed a PowerPoint presentation on the 2017 Year 12 students exit data.
Churchlands SHS came in fourth in the top public schools awards (2016 ranked fifth).
Based on the median ATAR League Table of 86.6, Churchlands ranked 23rd in the state and 6thhighest government school. This was an improvement on 2016 (84.7) and it is thought that it could have been attributed to WACE exam preparation and counselling into appropriate pathways.
The success of the academically selective Perth Modern School has impacted on the enrolment of students at the very top end and could distort comparisons with some measures from 3 or 4 years ago.
The Churchlands SHS WACE achievement rate was 97% versus the state average of 88%. Five Churchlands students received ATARs of 99 or above. Forty students received an ATAR above 95%.
The Churchlands SHS ATAR Dux – Marsha Chin and the VET Dux - Abbey Walker received $1000 from the Government, but due to funding cuts, this would no longer be available.
The courses that had the highest performing Churchlands students were:
- Earth and Environmental Science
- ELD
- Geography
- Health Studies
- Japanese Second Language
- Literature
- Music
- Physical Education Studies
- Politics and Law.
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Health Studies
- Music
- Politics and Law.
The Top Music Student in the state was: Ariel Tan.
Certificates of Excellence were awarded to (in the top 0.5% of the state):
- India Sadd – Earth and Environmental Science
- Jasmine Cebastiant – English
- Luke Inamac – Maths Applications
- Brian Khoo – Maths Applications
- Ariel Tan – Music
Certificates of Merit were awarded to 66 Churchlands SHS students (ATAR, general and VET students can qualify).
The 2017 Year 12 VET students resulted in 208 of the 212 students (98%) completing a full Certificate II or higher qualification.
Our“attainmentrate” (ATAR55+and/orcompletion ofminimumCertificateII)was98%which is the same as the previous year which in turn was the highest level we had achieved since this measure began.
The 2017 cohort produced a number of strong individual performances and overall showed an improvement over the previous year. The top end of the ATAR results, in particular, exceeded predictions, which is an indicator of strong WACE exam preparation and performance. Sixty eight percent of Year 12 students undertook four or more ATAR subjects and this is a much more reasonable percentage compared to the previous few years, in keeping with like schools. Rigorous interrogation of data and counselling continues to occur to ensure students maximize their results. The VETcompletionrate of 98% was an excellent achievement and compares favourably to a few years ago when the rate was 66% in 2011 and 2012.
4. / Acceptance of the Minutes / Resolution:
That the minutes of the meeting held on the 30 November 2018 be accepted as tabled.
Moved: John Gillon, seconded Neil Hunt. Carried unanimously.
5. / Business arising from Minutes / John Gillon / The two surveys conducted:
- School Board Effectiveness Survey 2017
- Self -assessment Survey 2017
Tracey suggested that from time to time, the Board should discuss a policy or two so that the Board has a better understanding. Neil advised that policies are reviewed, but not in a set way, changes are created by external consequences on the school eg Education Department policy changes and wording. For school management policies it is not necessary for these to be brought to the Board, though any impact or whether it reflects on the parent body or the community, it would be deemed a requirement.
Adrian enquired as to whether there should be a time frame on policies before being reviewed and Neil responded that a considerable amount of policies change each year. Most of the policies within the school are management of Department policy.
John would like to see a report on any major adverse items and if Neil could please add any to his Principal’s report.
Kim Hudsonto report to the next meeting if possible on behavioural management.
6. / Finance Report / Neil Hunt / The following documents were tabled:
- Income/Expenditure/Bank Statements summary as at 31 December 2017.
- The Collection Rates for 2017 Voluntary Contributions/Subject Charges/Extra Cost Optional Charges.
The Contributions and Charges sheets for 2018 were mailedto parents late November 2017. A reminder notice is also given to parents each term.
There is the incentive for parents to pay in full their child’s Contributions and Charges by the 13 April, 2018 to go into the draw to win back the full amount. There will be six winners – one for each year level.
Tracey suggested that some parents may take some items/services for granted and it could be worthwhile acknowledging that the school appreciates early payment, and by paying all charges this assists the school considering the cuts in funding. Neil will ask if this can be added to the next reminder.
One major concern is the expenditure on maintaining the swimming pool.
7. / Correspondence In /
- Letter from Hon Sue Ellery MLC in reply to the Board’s letter dated 7 November 2017.
- Letter from Sean L’Estrange re YouthCARE advising he had written to the Federal Member for Curtin, Hon Julie Bishop MP seeking her support. Sean had received a response from Julie Bishop with her advising she had written to the Hon Simon Birmingham MP, Minister for Education and Training to seek his advice on the funding allocation for the school. Sean will reply when further information is obtained.
8. / Correspondence Out / Nil.
9. / Principal’s Report / Neil Hunt / Attached as an addendum.
The sudden death of our Head Cleaner Jimmy Krleski was a shock to the school community. Jimmy made a significant contribution to the school, he was great asset, always went the extra mile and will be sadly missed by staff and students.
Enrolments
The projected enrolment figures are down by 46 students and this has a considerable impact on funding. It had been forecast that 2764 students would be enrolled for 2018, however currently it stands at 2718. It may now be that the size of the school is now having a negative impact on some in the community.
Forecasting numbers will become more difficult for 2019 as it is important for setting up the following years’ infrastructure and possibly we may need to be more conservative.
Ethan thought that students were not really impacted due to the student population except at recess and lunch time and in particular in the stair areas. Most of the time there appears to be no effect and especially now that the buildings are fully completed.
John asked if there were guidelines on using the reserve funds for operational needs. Neil advised there is flexibility in the school changing what the reserves are for, however it must go through the Finance Committee and the School Board for approval. All Cost Centre reserve accounts need to have three year rolling expenditure documentation to show their acquittal. Alternatively documentation showing these are targeting items over a longer period.
The consequence of the shortfall in enrolments there is a budget shortfall of approximately $500,000 when all factors are taken into account. Neil has requested the Department carry out a Budget Review of the school. The Department will then put forward any recommendations.
John would like to see a breakdown of the Reserve Accounts and Neil advised that the report will be tabled at the next Board meeting.
Ovals
- The ovals are of a major concern with the new roll on grass outside the Sports Hall through to Hale Road not tobe used until the beginning of Term 2 and only after the turf experts give the okay.
- The middle oval once the last two remaining transportablesare removed will also have new roll on grass, therefore this oval will be out of action for about three months.
- The bottom oval is too dangerous to use, and the drainage and flooding is a huge issue. The Department is hoping that after some coring/trenching takes places and filled with porous soil it will alleviate the issues. Possibly Woodlands Reserve on Teakwood Avenue may need to be utilised for some PE classes. More investigation is to take place.
Neil is still awaiting on replies from the Department to see if it is possible for BMW toallow a tender process for the design and construct of a 50 metre pool. This will be the only way it will allow the school to get it at a price we can afford. Neil will advise at the next meeting of any further updates.
Fires in parkland
Tracey asked about the fires in the parkland and what impact it had on the school. Neil advised that it was under police investigation. From a school perspective, it was looking at more fine tuning of evacuation procedures.
Cancellation of 26 July meeting
Due to the meeting being so close to the start of Term 3 that the 26 July meeting be cancelled.
10. / General Business / John Gillon
Chris Porteous
Tracey Gralton
John Gillon
Neil Hunt / Churchlands Foundation:
- John advised that they have finally received a report on the Solar Panel Project and will be meeting next Tuesday with BMW. The Foundation will need to put an application into Western Power for the augmentation costs and will be done in the next few days.
- The Year 7 Music scholarships have been awarded and paid, along with the ongoing annual scholarship payments for the higher year levels.
- A Foundation Board meeting was held on Wednesday, 21 February and the AGM meeting was held in December 2017 and all reports have been completed.
- The Foundation funds are on interest bearing deposit.
- The Music Parents had their AGM earlier in the week and the P & C AGM will be held on Monday, 26 February.
- The draft audit 2017 has come out and will beratified at the meeting.
- The P & C spent $85,000 on the school last year ($10,000 in 2016) and contributions to Music $47,500 ($7,500 in 2016), so a significant increase in funds to the school in 2017.
- In term deposit is approximately $560,000 with about $270,000 committed - $200,000 (solar project), $50,000 (seating), $10,000 (grass project) and $10,000 on standby for the Alumni project. This leaves about $290,000 plus $100,000 operational.
Tracey had nothing to report, however will meet with Nawal Kurson next week.
John spoke about the 50th Anniversary of the students that graduated in 1968. The date has been set for the 11th October, with a plan of a school tour, morning tea in the Concert Hall and then lunch at The Boulevard. It is hoped to set up a pattern for the following years.
Open Meeting:
It was agreed that the 2018 Open Meeting be held on 30th August.
Office 365 and One Note:
Neil advised about the process of using Office 365 and One Note whichwill save considerable time and also save photocopying. Board members will need to bring their laptop to the meetings and Kylie will send an invite to each member and do some tests prior to the next meeting.
11. / Meeting closed / Meeting closed at 7.35 pm.
12. / Next Meeting / Thursday, 29 March 2018
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