Minutes of Last Meeting - 16.01.2006
Present
Peter Robson, Nick Skeet, Neil Bolton, Letitia Bradley-Proulx, Teresa Lynch, Martin Edmundson, Jane Paulton, Julie Duddy, Anna Taylor, Pauline Reed, Veronique Needham, Fiona Dowling, Margaret Gill, Amanda Fitzgerald, Pat Evans, Pam Williams, Hans Parker, Sarah Taylor, Jackie Parker and Lena Pheby.
1) Apologies for Absence
Julia Robson, Lis Skeet
2) Minutes from the Last Meeting
The past commitments mentioned in the previous minutes, namely, the no turning sign, the PA and the stage lighting still needed further action by the PTFA. The minutes were then ratified and signed by the Chairman.
3) The Chairman's Report
Peter expressed his thanks to everyone who had helped with the raffle including all those parents who so generously donated such wonderful prizes.
In respect of a sound system Mr Croom, one of the parents, has kindly offered to assist us in purchasing and will install it for the School for which we thank him. Mr Croom has agreed to visit the School to help specify an appropriate solution.
Ann Ferris, the Chair of the Governors requested a meeting with the PTFA Chair and Vice-Chair to express the importance of stronger links between the two bodies. It was proposed that the Chair of the PTFA becomes an Associate Governor. The Governors are to set up a strategic planning group and have asked the Vice-Chair to join that group. Both of these proposals were ratified by the PTFA but are yet to be passed by the Governors. It was also agreed that the Governors would receive a copy of the minutes.
Peter also showed up mock-up of the new PTFA website which has been kindly developed by another of the parents Mr Reed. Our thanks go to Mr Reed for all his work so far in the development of a PTFA site which it is hoped will be “Live” soon.
It was agreed with Ann Ferries that there was a need for a central store of Corporate Documents of the PTFA and operating notes. This would be held at the School in printed form and electronically for additional security. It would also assist in succession planning which will ensure that future members will have a list of their roles, and check lists be started to help organise future events.
The most recent constitution is still missing therefore a Special Meeting is to be arranged to address this situation, details to be announced.
The Charitable status of the PTFA was discussed as by law we may need to become a registered Charity, the various issues involved are being investigated and will be reported back at a future meeting.
There is a decision pending with regards the Reception / Year 1 block. This decision when announced later in January will assist the PTFA identifying the need for any contributions and help in setting financial goals for 2006.
5) Headmaster's Report
Anna Taylor explained the main areas where the school hoped funding would be spent.
This fell into two areas Revenue funding (wet day play kits and construction kits together with literacy and numeracy aids, phonic games and Key Stage 1 resources are all hoped for which could then be used throughout the school by the pupils with special needs) and Capital works (an outdoor classroom and building works).
The members decided that we would wait for the specifics in terms of the costs and numbers desired to be presented before agreeing.
When producing this it was requested that items be prioritized in order that any decisions by the PTFA could be taken with all the available information.
The Chair suggested that we may consider a theme for e objectives / projects for this year and that this could be related to outside activities, but that this would not stop the fundraising and allocating of money to indoor activities.
6) Treasurer's Report
Neil presented his report. He is still investigating what accounts might present better returns for the PTFA funds.
School uniforms were discussed in the hope of finding a better a better supplier, Lena pointed out how difficult the job of administering the uniforms is, in particular the time spent ordering and running the shop. Neil is to investigate on-line ordering with direct next day delivery which would take a lot of the pressure off Lena and Fiona. It was pointed out that the quality was important as there had been issues in the past.
Action: Neil to investigate uniform options including ordering alternatives.
7) Activities
Race Night
The point was raised that a Race Night on St Patrick’s Day might not be acceptable as it is in Lent. Several members felt that St Patrick’s Day was always celebrated in fine style and had always been treated as an exception. To ensure that everyone who wanted to attend felt comfortable the Blessing of the Parish Priests for the event is to be sort. This will be confirmed before details of the race night are discussed further.
Valentines Disco
Jane has kindly offered to buy sweets and crisps for this event as they are on offer at the moment. Hots dogs maybe replaced by more healthy but appealing options.
Lena asked to tie in the Heart Associations fund raising/awareness campaign with the disco, she will provide heart shaped balloons etc. This was agreed.
Anna Taylor also kindly agreed to provide some heart shaped decorations that she knows of.
The following points were also mentioned:
- All reception class parents are required to attend,
- The children who go on buses will need alternative transport home
- Some members of the teaching staff are to be asked to attend to help with discipline as this has been an issue in the past.
The Summer Fete
Dates for this were discussed narrowed down to July 1st or 8th.
The fact that this clashes with the World Cup allows us to be innovative with the intention of utilizing this to our advantage.
Lis Skeet has agreed to coordinate the fete but as this is a massive task all ideas and offers of help are greatly appreciated. Lis can be contacted by email at elisabethskeet@tiscali.co.uk
Further Ideas
It was mentioned that it wasn't always easy just to suggest ideas at the meetings and that it is not always easy to attend. It was suggested that a contact person for fund raising ideas be appointed so that all even if parents couldn't attend but had some good ideas they have someone to pass them on to. Letitia has agreed to do that and is happy for you to corner her outside the reception class or at proulx@talk21.com
7) Marketing and Objectives Update
The update was distributed to all those present and Nick gave an quick run through. A strap line (slogan) was discussed and a straw pole taken on three suggestions, another parent who is in this field is to be approached for suggestions, these will then be forwarded to the parent body for a decision on which the PTFA should adopt.
8) The Date of the next meeting
The Date of the next meeting was set for 7:30pm, 6th March, upstairs at the Royal Oak, Corsham.