ST MICHAEL’S PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 19th May 2009

Present: Mr Richard de Figueiredo (Headmaster), Mr Simon Vivian (Chairman), Mrs Sue Christie (Secretary), Mrs Jane Bolle-Jones (Form 6), Mrs Barb Spurling (Form 5), Mrs Jane Crosby (Form 3), Mrs Jenni Juchniewicz (Form 2), Mrs Fiona Naef-Fritschi (Pre Prep C), Mrs Catherine Mawby (Pre Prep A), Mrs Sue Ward (Nursery).

 Apologies:  Apologies were received from Mrs Sue Beaumont (Form 4), Mrs Suzy Vivian (Form 1), Mrs Jalpa Lai (Pre Prep B).

Minutes of the Meeting held on 27th January 2009.

Adoption of the minutes was proposed by Mr Simon Vivian, seconded by Mrs Barb Spurling and carried unanimously.

Matters arising

Waterproof games kit: The Headmaster advised that waterproof tracksuits had not been decided upon. However, new style rugby shirts and tracksuit bottoms had been ordered and would be available as soon as the stock arrived, both items being of more practical material than those currently used. (A note would be included in the half term newsletter)

It was noted that seniors have the use of waterproof tops when representing the school at matches and all other children have the option of bringing their own waterproof to matches. 

It was also noted that a number of parents have suggested that shower proof tracksuits be offered as part of the uniform list but on an optional basis to purchase.

Police presentation on dangers posed for children using the internet and mobile phones: It was felt by the committee that the presentation would be of great interest to all parents and the Headmaster suggested that the video be shown prior to the next AGM.

(Is there a possibility of the community policeman returning and doing a short presentation at this time)

Advance notice of important dates:The Headmaster advised that term dates for the forthcoming year were already detailed on the website as well as on the printed diary sent out every term. However, he agreed to look into putting on the website other fixed dates such as school concerts, sports days, open day etc.

Matters for discussion

1. Email Communication: The Headmaster advised that once again the school was going to try to implement all communication to parents, except for bills, by email instead of post/satchel. Items that required a return would be done either by a voting button or by parents printing off the appropriate form if a signature/ consent was required. It was noted that once this was up and running communications would no longer be sent out by post. It was suggested that a notice be put up at school advising parents that a communication had been sent out so that parents without email would be able to collect the information from the office.

It was also suggested that parents’ consent be sought to include email addresses on the class lists (presently only telephone numbers are printed).

2. Parking and paved walkway: The Headmaster sought feedback from the committee regarding the new paved walkway. It was agreed that the walkway had improved safety for the children as they walked around the car parking areas and from building to building. It was also noted that the children themselves liked using the walkway.

It was agreed that the extra car parking in the field had improved the overall parking situation.

3. Lunches on match days: It was suggested that on Thursdays when it is salad for lunch that more carbohydrates could be offered such as pasta salad, as some parents felt that their children required the extra energy if taking part in sport fixtures on Thursdays. It was noted that jacket potatoes are served with salad, however the Headmaster agreed to pass on the suggestion to Paula.

4. Information for Parents on Common Entrance exams: It was noted that parents of Form 5 students would like information concerning the Common Entrance exams that are taken in Form 6. The Headmaster advised that he gives a talk every year at the beginning of the Michaelmas term to Form 6 parents about life in Form 6 which includes information about the exams. It was also noted that scholarship decisions are made jointly between the school and parents.

The Headmaster advised that the next Form 6 talk would be given on Friday 11th September 2009.  

5. Cooking activity: It was noted that a number of parents of senior students had suggested that the cooking activity include more savoury meal items such as Quiche, Pasta meals with sauces, Cottage pie etc, so as to teach ‘life skills’ in cooking instead of cakes and biscuits. The Headmaster agreed to pass this suggestion on to Paula.

6. Representative resignations: It was noted that a number of committee members would be resigning, at the next AGM to be held on 13th October 2009, due to them either having completed the maximum number of years on the committee or having other commitments. Therefore the places looking to be filled for the next school year were Secretary, Form 4, Form 3, Form 2 and Pre Prep C. 

It was noted that any parent wishing to be on the committee could contact the school office or the secretary to find out more information.

Any other business 

7. School’s 60th Anniversary: The Headmaster advised that the next school year 2009/10 would be the 60th anniversary of the school and a number of activities were being scheduled to commemorate this. One of the events is to be the official opening of the new school building ‘Court House’ by the Bailiff on Friday 9th October 2009 (It was noted that due to lack of space this could not be an open invitation to all parents and so the members of the committee had been invited to represent the parent body). There will also be a special afternoon tea for the children on this day.

It was noted that a Summer Ball will also be held in July 2010.

8. Flu pandemic: The Headmaster said that, in the half term news letter, he would be advising parents to follow the information in the leaflet that had been sent out to all households by Jersey Health and should there ever be the need to close the school all parents would be contacted.

9. Homework sheets: It was noted that loose worksheets are often given as prep and parents had suggested that students are given a file to keep them in so they are available for revision. It was noted that because the sheets were loose they were often lost and/or damaged. The Headmaster agreed to look into this.

10. Information for parents regarding test week (after May half term): It was requested that parents of Form 3 students be given information about what is expected of their children for test week, ie how much revision they should be doing and advice on planning the revision. The Headmaster advised that the children have all been briefed but accepted that if parents were also kept informed they could assist their children if necessary and that consideration would be given as to the best way of delivering this.

11. Form 3 reports (grading system): It was noted that when reports are sent out using the Alpha grading system (A-, B+, B, B-, C+, etc) an explanation of the grades was not included and therefore some parents did not understand the sub division of the grades. The Headmaster advised that an explanation of the grades was included in the children’s planner but he agreed to consider including an explanation sheet in the reports.

Date of next committee meeting: Tuesday 29th September 2009 at 8.00pm

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

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Chairman