ST MICHAEL’S PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 29^th September 2009

Present: Mr Richard de Figueiredo (Headmaster), Mr Simon Vivian (Chairman), Mrs Sue Christie (Secretary), Mrs Barb Spurling (Form 6), Mrs Suzy Vivian (Form 2), Mrs Fiona Naef-Fritschi(Form 1), Mrs Jalpa Lai (Pre Prep C), Mrs Catherine Mawby (Pre Prep B), Mrs Sue Ward (Pre Prep A).

Apologies: Apologies were received from Mrs Sue Beaumont (Form 5), Mrs Jane Crosby (Form 4), Mrs Jennie Juchniewicz (Form 3).

Minutes of the Meeting held on 19^th May 2009.

Adoption of the minutes was proposed by Mrs Catherine Mawby, seconded by Mrs Sue Ward and carried unanimously.

Matters Arising

Police presentation on dangers posed for children using the internet

It was noted that the Headmaster would arrange for the presentation to take place at the AGM of the Parents’ Association so that all parents who were interested could attend.

Swine Flu

The Headmaster advised that the school was following the guidelines as set out by Jersey Health and he also confirmed that they were strongly encouraging the children in hand hygiene and the “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” campaign.

Matters for discussion

1. Committee vacancies

It was noted that due to the retirement of a number of committee members the following vacancies were required to be filled at the AGM:- Form 4, Form 3, Form 2, PPC, Nursery and Secretary. The Secretary confirmed that nomination forms had been received for all of the positions except Secretary. The committee members agreed to approach a number of parents they felt may be interested in this role.

2. School’s 60^th Anniversary

The Headmaster advised that a letter had gone out to all parents inviting them to the opening of Court House on 9^th October 2009 in celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the school. He also advised that the children would have a special tea party on that day.

3. Portrait Artist - Jason Butler

One of the members, on behalf of a parent, asked if there was any way that a portrait artist could advertise his service to parents through the school. It was felt that this was not really an item to be discussed in this forum, however, it was suggested that the community bulletin may be used for this.

4. Praise for office staff

The committee requested that the Headmaster pass on to all the office staff the sincere thanks of parents who feel the staff do a wonderful job and are always friendly, available and extremely helpful.

5. Email v satchel post

It was yet again raised that satchel post was often unreliable with notes getting lost, and that many parents would prefer to use e mail communication or access the web site for general information.

The Headmaster noted this. He advised that the website had already been updated with more forward notable dates and that the school was looking into ways of modernising the website so more use could be made of the facility. He also advised that a note would be going out to parents about the use of e mail communication between parents and the school.

It was suggested that in the interim of the website being updated, dates such as sports fixtures could be included along with general items such as the school uniform list.

The Headmaster agreed to look into this.

6. Proceeds from the sale of 2^nd hand uniform

It was noted that most parents do not know what happens to the funds raised from the sale of the 2^nd hand uniform. The Headmaster explained that the proceeds raised are put into the school’s embellishment fund which is used to buy special/luxury items for the school. E.g., extra music stands or put towards buying items for the children at special events.

It was agreed that a note concerning this would be included in the term newsletter along with the date of the sale.

7. New PE kit

It was noted that, even though parents understood there was a transition period of a year before it was necessary to purchase the new items of PE kit, some parents had shown concern that the children were feeling anxious that they had not got the new items. This appeared to be because PE/ Games staff were emphasising the need to the children for them to have the new kit especially if the children were chosen to play in fixtures.

It was raised that some of the sizes of items were not in stock and so parents were unable to purchase them.

The Headmaster confirmed that staff understood there was a transition period and also the reluctance of some parents to purchase new items when the old items still fit and the children had only one more year at the school. Parents should not feel pressured into buying new items if not necessary.

The Headmaster also confirmed that although it may look smarter for the children to turn up to matches dressed the same (i.e. sweatshirt tops and tracksuit bottoms) this was not essential as the actual kit (shirts, shorts and socks) they play in are the same as they are supplied to them by the school for the match.

8. Christmas Sale

There was a brief explanation of what help is requested of the committee reps for the Christmas sale. Each rep was handed a sorting rota to assist in getting volunteers for doing ‘sticker duty’ and sorting of contributions for the sale

It was noted that further discussion regarding the Christmas sale would take place at the AGM with at least one member of the organising group being in attendance to advise and take questions.

Any other business

9. Summer Ball

The Headmaster advised that the date of the Summer Ball had been changed to Saturday 26^thJune 2010 and would take place at the Jersey Potteries.

10. Pedestrian gate

It was noted that, for people parking in the top field car park, it was dangerous for them to enter and exit on foot through the school gates used by vehicles. It was suggested that a gate for pedestrians could be installed where the old exit gates are situated. The Headmaster agreed to look into this.

11. AGM

It was noted that the AGM was to be held on Tuesday 13^th October 2009 at 8.00pm in La Houguette Hall and that all parents are invited to attend. The Headmaster confirmed a note would go out via satchel post.

Date of next committee meeting: Tuesday 26^th January 2010 at 8.00pm

The meeting closed at 9.10pm

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Chairman