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Thursday 07, December 2006
School Board Minutes 25/04/06 |
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School Board Minutes 25/04/06
Opening
The regular meeting of the Graeme High School Board was called to order at 7:10pm on Tuesday April 25th 2006 in Graeme High School, by Allister Perston.
Present:
Allister Perston - Chairperson
Tony Matchett - Treasurer
Liz Rankine - Parent Member
Carole Christie - Parent Member
Ken Donald - Parent Member
William Thomson - Rector
Ian McLean - Staff Member
Pat Reid - Councillor
Apologies:
Alan Harris - Vice-Chairperson
John Jenkinson - Councillor
Grace MacDonald - Co-opted Member
A - Welcome and Approval of Minutes
The meeting was opened at 7:10 by Mr. Perston. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. (Copies available).
B - Action Points Arising from Previous Minutes
Regarding item E, Co-opted Vacancies, The pupil selection process is progressing, it is hoped the selection process will be completed in time for the next meeting. Regarding item C4, Dates of meetings of the Falkirk/Braes Forum, the Clerk will circulate the dates via email when they become available. Regarding item C2, Mr. Perston will progress. Mrs. Rankine told the Board of an occasion, shortly after the last meeting when only one bus turned up. Mr. Harris reported this. School Transport will be an issue highlighted in the newsletter.
C - Correspondence
The following pieces of correspondence were tabled:
- Letter from Falkirk Council: Parental Involvement – end of consultation period.
- Falkirk Council: Partnership Newsletter March 2006
- Falkirk Council: Education Matters Newsletter
- Letter from Falkirk Council: Parents Meeting, Revenues and Capitals Budget, Improving attendance.
- Copy of Falkirk Strategic Community Plan
- Letter from Falkirk Council Education Services: Consultation on Religious Observance Policy, (Mr. Perston will distribute copies to Board members for consultation.)
D - Rector's Report
The Rector communicated to the Board the sad news of the death of former school captain and recent graduate, David Cochrane, and also the death of Mrs. Avril Stanley. The Board extends their sympathies to both families.
1. Consultation Exercise
The Rector prepared a comprehensive summary of the findings of the consultation exercise, including presentations which were delivered to staff and the pupil council (distribution to the entire school will follow). Mr. Thomson confirmed the School were beginning to address the issues raised by staff in the exercise. He also confirmed the results of the Parents questionnaire will be communicated to parents shortly after this meeting. One of the main issues from the parent’s questionnaire is that parents are not aware of the improvement agenda. Mr. Thomson told the Board the School requires to give parents more advice and support as how to improve their child’s education. One solution would be to produce a pack which summaries various aspects of the School. Mr. Thomson also confirmed he needs to issue a summary copy of the development plan in addition to a more user friendly quality and standards report. Mr. Thomson also told the Board that he has set up consultation forums in order gain more input from staff, however no-one had signed up. Mr. Thomson indicated that another attempt will be made to engage staff. Ideas such as using a suggestion box for staff and pupils, using white board and post it notes and to use in-service days for consultation were discussed, however Mr. Thomson stressed that in-service days are normally have very busy timetables and this may not be feasible. Mr. Thomson indicated that the consultation exercise will be repeated by the HMI Inspectorate within the next few years and the results of the exercise will influence the agenda for next years School Development Plan.
2. S4 Study Leave
Mr. Thomson indicated that there was a genuine feeling that last years policy would have been reversed, as the vast majority of parents and pupils opposed the removal of study leave. However in the March Committee Paper it was proposed to continue with the non-authorization of study leave as it was believed that Head Teachers had not implemented the policy correctly. A letter will be distributed to parents of S4 pupils this week detailing the arrangements for the exam period. Mr. Thomson again stressed the problems of accommodation during the exam period and proposed that 3 subject specific study session (in accordance with upcoming exams) will be offered to pupils every day. For pupils not taking a specific subject a generic study session will be offered. Mr. Thomson indicated that Graeme High School will be fully supporting the Council’s Policy on Study Leave.
3. Anti Bullying Case
Mr. Thomson communicated to the Board the results of a recent trial whereby a local Sheriff dismissed the case against a parent who entered a local high school, and assaulted a pupil who allegedly bullied her daughter. The Sheriff was critical that the School had done little to prevent this attack, however Mr. Thomson indicated that there was little evidence to support this and that the Local Authority are fully supportive of the School in question.
4. Splash Books
Mr. Thomson had been asked to bring to the attention of the Board a discount book costing £20. The School would receive a donation for every parent that signed up. Mr. Thomson was not keen to implement this idea especially as it contains advertisements for public houses (this is in contravention with guidelines issued by the Scottish Executive). The Board supports him in this decision.
E - Board Newsletter
The Board agreed to issue a newsletter to Parents before the end of term. Issues to be included are Changes to the Board, Transport and the Study Leave Policy. Mrs. Rankine has volunteered to produce the newsletter. It was also agreed that the newsletter would have a simple format in order to keep costs down.
F - Treasurer's Report
Mr. Matchett told the Board that the Accounts are currently with the Auditor. The Board started the year with a balance of £632.97, and at end of year the balance was £728.25
G - Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for 6th June 2006. Any items for the agenda to be submitted at least two weeks in advance.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 by Allister Perston.
Minutes submitted by: Nicola Matchett (Clerk)
Approved by: Allister Perston (Chairperson) |
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