Cowie Primary School Parent Council

Meeting 20^th April 2011

· Attendees and Apologies

Attendees: Jeff McGhie (Chair), Julie Moran (Secretary), Sherry Houlihan, Tammy Pollock & Viviene Innes (Headteacher)

Apologies: Avril Knox, Anne Williamson, Christine Fairbairn, Michelle McArthur, Amanda Arkle.

· Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed with no changed. Viviene Innes advised that the issue with the school bell gaining and loosing time had been resolved after being traced to the power being disconnected on a number of occasions during the refurbishment works.

· Headteacher’s Report

See attached.

· Grounds for learning plan

There was a discussion around the grant applications that the Parent Council was making for the next stage of the grounds for learning masterplan. The proposal being put forward is the creation of a ‘picnic area’ with 6 picnic benches on artificial grass with a bedding border. This is to be located by the wall which is currently just tarmac. The feeling was that this would give a much needed area outside where the children could sit out on nice days during breaks as there is now no seating in the playground following the loss of the previous seating area during the refurbishment. There was unanimous support for the proposal to apply to Stirling Council via the community grant scheme for part funding for this stage of the works. Jeff McGhie to fill in application form and submit prior to 22^nd April as this is the deadline for the next round of funding. This would hopefully allow the works to be carried out during the summer break to avoid causing any more disruption to the pupils following the refurbishment works.

· A.O.B.

Mrs Fleming retirement

Viviene Innes advised that with Mrs Fleming retiring after 40 years+ service at the school, they wanted to do something special. The initial plans are for a 3 part celebration, a staff night out, an all school assembly and a combined post refurbishment launch for the whole community. The planning is in its early stages but the Parent Council agreed to be involved wherever possible.

Primary 7 end of term trip

The Parent Council agreed to contribute to the costs of the P7 trip and assist with the ‘graduation’ event. Mrs Innes to advise where the pupils want to go, the associated costs and the arrangements for the graduation event when available.

School Trips

The Parent Council agreed to contribute to the costs of the class trips as in previous years as far as our funds allow.

School improvement Plan

Mrs Innes to bring the draft improvement plan along to the next meeting for discussion.

P1 Information evening

Mrs Innes enquired if the parent council wanted to be a part of the P1 information evening either directly on the night or via the information packs. Julie to look out the leaflet used previously.

School Fun Day

Julie enquired if the parent council could have a stall at this year’s fun day for a 2^nd hand toy stall. Agreed this would be a good idea.

Disco

Julie enquired as to whether we could organise a ‘shorts and shades’ summer disco for the pupils in early June since there was no Easter disco this year due to the refurbishment. Agreed to hold an additional meeting on the 11^th May to discuss this and the end of term arrangements.

· Date of next Meeting

Additional meeting to be held on the 11^th May to discuss proposal for disco and agree end of term arrangements and funding for trips. Any agenda items to be passed to Julie Moran before the meeting.