P&F MEETING – TERM 1, 2017

Tuesday 7th March 2017

Agenda

1 Welcome President Belinda H opened meeting at 7:05pm with a beautiful prayer about joining together as a Community. The new P&F Exec were welcomed and introduced.

2 Apologies Rony R, Belinda B, Matt S, Cass T, Natasha P, Rachael C, Koto T, Blazenka H, Louise M

3 Matters

arising from

previous

minutes

Motion: Accept minutes from previous meeting Wednesday 16th

November 2016 Accepted by Natalie I and seconded by Sarah F

4 Principal’s

Report

Refer to attached for Principals report

5

Executive &

Committee

Reports:

Committee Reports were tabled and provided to the attendees.

Principal Mr Bateman welcomed all in attendance. He acknowledged the hard work done by the outgoing, and new P&F committee, and is looking forward to a great year ahead. He also welcomed and thanked the Class parents for 2017, particularly Gen F who continues to give wonderful support to the Class parents and school. He also gave an overview of the School Advisory Council (formally School Board). The Advisory Council is made up of 12 people (parents & teachers) and their main focus is on being stewards of the school, supporting the school in meeting their Mission statement, and strengthening the relationship between the school and the Parish. They are also looking at the current homework policy and will be engaging parents for consultation / feedback in the coming months.

Google Forms

The school is trailing the use of Google forms as a way of communicating with parents for events such as the Swimming Carnival, Parish School Masses & general permission notes. Feedback from parents was positive. However a concern raised that the form doesn’t give the parent/ family details of the actual event (i.e. paper version would have a tear off section / permission note returned to school and parent still had top half / front page with event particulars – where, when, time etc.

Natalie acknowledged that it was a ‘work in progress’ and learning process for all and has made some changes to the back end of the form so that the parent / family receives a return email with the details that had been entered – and hopefully the event details. Mr Bateman encouraged everyone to keep providing feedback to the school.

QKr

QKr was rolled out to the school community several weeks ago. One of the main benefits of QKr was reducing ‘actual’ cash transactions for the school – fee payments, event payments, canteen etc. The school is continually reviewing and making adjustments in the back end to ensure a quick, easy service for the families. Feedback received suggests that working OK however in some instances, when placing online Canteen orders the SUBMIT button had not been pressed resulting in the order not going through. Also children assuming their parents had done the order when in fact they hadn’t. No capability for “special orders” i.e. gluten free, no butter etc. The school office and Cendrine are working closely with the CSO to iron out some of the initial teething issues. Again Mr Bateman asked parents to continue to provide feedback to the school. New rug for the Library Mr Bateman clarified the discussion regarding the new rug for the library. Mrs Sheehan has chosen a rug that she thinks would be suitable (cost $1094.50). A decision has not been made regarding the purchase (school / parent donation / P&F). Traditionally the year 6 class purchase a gift for the school at the end of the year. Mr Bateman has spoken to the class and has requested a “priority” list of gift ideas by the end of next week. General School update T1 It has been another busy start to the school year starting with T1 Parent / teacher interviews. These

interviews are extremely important as it gives teachers an opportunity to get your know your child. Thank you to all the parents for your support.

The Kindy information evening was very well supported. Based on the feedback from parents we have decided that in 2018 we will follow a similar format for Kindy and Year 1 parents as there is a lot of information to digest / takeaway.

Student leadership teams have been formed, very enthusiastic SRC team. The recent purchase of the library furniture was a direct result of children’s feedback.

This year St John’s has 15 classes + St Lucy’s class = 376 children. The staff work very closely with the teachers from St Lucy’s class to ensure that their children are included & accepted into the school community – Prayer assemblies, SRC representation, sports carnivals, Parish Masses etc

This year we have welcomed back Mrs McGurgan, Mrs Nelson-Smith & Mrs Jones. Also welcome to Ashley Blake who is new to St John’s and is teaching Kindy. The job share arrangements in place for 2017 are working extremely well – great support & communication between the teachers. We are lucky to have such have dedicated / committed staff who have the best interest of our children at heart.

One of the key goals for 2017 through until 2018 is Engaged Learning. The purchase of the new library furniture (cost $17K) supports contemporary learning as it gives teachers options to change the configuration of the room (adjustable height tables, interchangeable height chairs, booth style learning areas) and experiment different teaching strategies with their classes. They are encouraged to take their classes in the library space on Fridays.

We are also committed to improving the play equipment in 2017 with the addition of imaginative play / creative play areas, including chill out areas and a sandpit. The total cost of the project is expected to cost $30K. The P&F have been asked to contribute $15K, and are aiming to raise the funds through the upcoming “Colour Run” and a trivia night later in the year (T3).

Mr Bateman also spoke about one of the schools SIP goals for 2017 – Inspiring Faith.

How do we make faith relevant in everyday / life experiences? Faith, life & culture need to work side by side.

The school is trying to make links all the time in Prayer assemblies and parish masses. They challenge the children about what it means to be a disciple. What does it mean to me (children)? Classes will all have discipleship goals, which will be measured at the end of the year.

The Advisory Council had their first meeting of the year last week and were joined by Fr. Tiziano and Clive from the Warringah Parish Council. They had a very positive discussion about discipleship within our school and parish, and how we can continue to grow our faith and strengthen our links to the Parish. One of the initiatives discussed was a joint review of the Sacramental program. Different ways to create a connection from birth / baptism between the parish and our families. Instead of the parent information evening that happens prior to the commencement of the Sacramental Program, we are introducing a meaningful Liturgy, and will be asking for parents’ commitment to teach their children about faith. An information night is being held on 16

th March for those parents interested in being group leaders.

Building Update

The Bishop has officially approved the construction of the car park. No dates / times at this stage.

Despite numerous requests we have not received an update on the fate of the trees at the back of the church. The school will continue to pursue the Catholic Schools Office for an update /decision, and will inform the school community as soon as this information has been received.

Paul B queried the DA approval process.

It is the schools understanding that the DA for the car park was approved based on the existing DA issued (in 1970’s). No further details were made available to the school.

There has been some discussion recently regarding the merits of homework. Mr Bateman & Ms Ingram asked for parents feedback / thoughts on this topic

Don’t like it

Homework should be purposeful and relate to current learning, otherwise there’s no benefit

Reading most important task

Onerous for parents

Current format for Stage 1 easy to do / manage / clear instruction

Assumption that every child has device

St John’s much more realistic than some other schools

Generic based – not beneficial / relevant to all children

Consequences (school) of homework not being done – follow through from teachers

Kindy reading books great however the Maths kits need easier reference / resources. Make sure the

links work straight away / specific to year groups

Differencing – choice / options / fitting into families lifestyle

One of the school goals is Engaged / Contemporary learning however homework still seems to be very old school. Question benefit to child / learning?

Struggle with the Weebly / online resources – self-motivation not there. Parents have to direct / manage homework tasks as kids become distracted with devices

Homework encourages ownership / responsibility – good practices / disciplines for later / high school

Mr Bateman thanked everyone for the valuable feedback which will be passed onto the School Advisory Council for further consideration / discussion.

President Provided by Belinda H. Thank you to outgoing P&F and Canteen Coordinator. Also thanked all the parents that volunteer their time each every week to help in the library and school banking. Also thank you to those parents that helped at the recent swimming carnival, Pancake Tues, and the Yr 3 class parents that have been busily organising this weekend’s Bush Dance. Refer to the report included in committee report for full update.

Class Parent Co-Ordinator

Provided by Gen F. 5 dedicated parents involved in organising the Bush Dance. Great generosity from the Yr 3 parents in donating / securing prizes for the event. Look forward to seeing everyone there! Refer to the report included in committee report for full update.

St John's Advisory Council

Provided by Meghan B. Meghan introduced herself and re-iterated what Mr Bateman covered in his update re the Advisory Council. She also advised that members of the Advisory Council will be “manning” the BBQ on Sat night … make sure you stop and say hi. Refer to report included in committee report for full update.

Treasurers Report Provided by Russell S. Russell introduced himself and thanked Sonia for her great work for the last 2 years. Refer to the report included in committee report for full update.

Canteen Co-Ordinator

Maria provided an update on behalf of the Canteen committee and introduced Cendrine L who is the new Canteen Coordinator. The Canteen committee is a sub-committee of the P&F and their aim is to move to a “Canteen of the future”. Maria provided a summary of 2016 and outlined their priority items for 2017.

Introduction of QKr – 135 registered, 120 orders per week

Review data in T2 and compare to T1

Review QKr process and impacts on day to day canteen operations – less cash / how to pay vendors etc

Main priority to support Canteen coordinator

How to best manage closures / shortage of volunteers

Survey all parents – what they want from the Canteen / food / service

Aim for the canteen to be a valuable service to the community – cover cost and have some capital

Explore option of opening 5 days – feasibility re volunteers? Would this improve profitability? Refer to the report included in committee report for full update.

Clothing Pool Co-Ordinator

Eva S would like some help on Thursday mornings (9:45am onwards) to help sort / fold / price donated winter uniform stock.

Diocesan Parent Council

Provided by Rony R. Refer to the report included in committee report.

School Banking Provided by Belinda B. School Banking is now on Tuesdays. Refer to the report included in committee report attachment for full update.

6 Guest

Speaker

Curriculum input during Principal’s Report

7 General

Business Follow up Items Raised Owner Status

Cookbook sales Price reduction $19.95 each or 2 for $30

Will be sold at Harry Harthog Warringah Mall & Berklouw Books at Mona Vale $19.95

Considering stalls at Dee Why Grand, Warringah Mall, Warriewood in lead up to Mother’s Day. Can only work if we get parents volunteers to man the stalls.

T4 2015 All ongoing

Any other ideas?

Taking them to parent’s workplace?

Offering to new Kindy parents?

Sell at Bush Dance?

Canteen matters: To be addressed by new Canteen Coordinator, Cendrine Online ordering system- introduced T1 2017

T4 2015

Canteen committee

ongoing

Masterplan Development update & Tree Removal Update to be provided by Mark Bateman. Info also available on the school website: https://www.sjandbb.catholic.edu.au/our-school/159/p/

T1 2016

School Ongoing

Should parking on grass top be allowed during school masses? Safety issues Tree Removal Plans for playground. Refer to Principals update

T4 2016

P&F ongoing

Welcome BBQ Successful day. Suggestion that Year 5 families are invited in the future as they will be the Kinder buddies

T4 2016 P&F completed

OOSH Has been reviewed. Rental returns are commensurate with market value.

T4 2016 P&F completed

Family Levy Will not go ahead due to increase in fees

T4 P&F completed

2017 Major function Trivia Night – Term 3 – Date TBA depending on building works as plan was to hold the event in the school hall Pricing would be no more than $25 per person. BYO everything Call out for Committee Volunteers & for prizes to be donated for prizes, raffle & silent auction

T3 2016

P&F Ongoing

New Items Raised Owner Status

Purchasing Items To make easier for class parents / volunteers organising events, supplies will be pre-ordered and stored in the P&F area in the Parish Meeting Room. All supplies (cups, plates etc) will be purchased through Office Supplier Staples or Manly Freezers We are in the process of setting up a school account with Woolworths for volunteers to buy things such as sausages, bread etc. this should minimise reimbursable payments and also have the option of delivery direct to the school.

T1 2017 P&F completed

Library Furniture

Mrs Sheehan would like a new rug $1094.50. Refer to Principals update.

T1 2017 P&F ongoing

Just One Thing Campaign Notes to will be sent out next week asking parents to commit to ONE thing (or more if they like!!) for 2017

T1 2017 P&F completed

Cross Country Cross-country has been major fundraiser for school in recent years. Amount raised dropped dramatically in 2016 so “revamped” as Colour Run for 2017. As the name suggests children will be encouraged to “embrace colour” for the event and dress up in colourful clothes, footwear, wear wigs, face paint – the more colourful the better!! All classes will be involved – Kindy to Yr 6. Lots of promotion by parents / teachers leading up to the event – scheduled for WED 5

th April

Advertising / promotion will be ramped up after the Bush Dance. Children will have opportunity to fundraise prior, during and after the event with envelopes due back Week 2 Term 2.

T1 2017 Year 4 ongoing

Bush Dance Saturday Night. Would be great to see lots of people there

T1 2017 Year 3 completed

P&F Email Address All correspondence to stjohnspandfassociation@gmail.com

T1 2017 P&F completed

Banking computer P&F alerted to the issue of laptop being broken, raised with the school & they

organising a replacement laptop T1 2017

Belinda B

completed

P&F minutes Explore the option of publishing the p&f minutes on the school website without the need of a password. Financials would need to be removed and configuration of committee / attendees’ names changed for privacy.

T1 2017 Mark B ongoing

School Uniform Several parents raised concerns about children not wearing the correct school uniform, in particular children wearing coloured sports shoes. There was a suggestion that that the school could do more to “police” the uniform policy. Ms Ingram advised that, whilst teachers do not send breach of uniform notes home every day, they are constantly reminding the children about what is acceptable / not acceptable to wear to school. It is part of the school PBL – being respectful, responsible & safe learners which includes taking pride in yourself / your school by wearing the correct uniform – no coloured sports shoes, no excessive jewellery, no nail polish etc. Mr Bateman and the P&F have committed to regular reminders about uniform policy in the school newsletter / P&F communication but would also like the support of the parents to ensure their children are committed to the school PBL and wear the correct St John’s uniform with pride.

T1 2017 P&F Mark B

completed

Walkers / Kiss ‘n Drop There have been some issues in the morning at Kiss ‘n Drop (Waratah Pde). Cars parked in drop off zone. Parents parking & walking their children into school etc. To combat people not doing the right thing, and ensuring that safety of students / teachers and general community the uses Waratah Pde, Mr Bateman has advised that commencing W6 teachers will be rostered on to supervise this area.

T2 2017 Alan L ongoing

Upcoming Events - 2017

Event Organiser When

Bush Dance (social event) Year 3 11th

March

Cross County (fundraiser) Year 4 5th

April

Mother’s Day Breakfast (social event) Year 1 May

Grandparents day / book parade All August

Father’s Day (social event) Year 2 September

Disco (fundraiser) Kindy October

8 Date of next

meeting

Tuesday 23rd May 2017 – 7pm

9 End of

Meeting

Meeting closed at 8:35pm

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – TERM ONE 2016 Start of the year: SIP tie in – Strengthen the sense of resilience and wellbeing

Welcome to our new P&F Executive. I fully support their determination to create a respectful and inclusive

atmosphere in these meetings so that we can have a flow of ideas.

Welcome and thank you to our class parent volunteers (new and experienced). Thanks for the work done by Gen

Ferris in encouraging people to be involved and in supporting the initial activities we have had that have already

been mentioned on the agenda.

Parent / teacher interviews have helped parents and teachers make a connection that is focused on their

children at the beginning of the year. Support for this was strong again this year.

Student leadership teams have been set up in our senior classes as has our SRC. The teams work to get students

involved in projects and ideas and the SRC helps provide the students with a voice in the day to day running of

our school.

We have 15 classes plus a satellite class from St Lucy’s Wahroonga (5/6B) – 364 children at last Census count.

Teachers began working during the holiday period to set up their learning environments, their programs and

their grade and stage partnerships.

We welcome back Chantelle Lewis, Margaret Nelson-Smith, Tori Jones and especially welcome Ashley Blake on

Kindergarten – all teachers are concentrating on setting up positive learning environments.

SIP tie in – to authentically engage students in their learning Creation of more flexible learning environments:

New library furniture provides a flexible, modern learning space for students.

Allows us to experiment with a new way of working together – flexible configurations; height adjustable; colour

and shape influenced; broader range of useful surfaces; comfort and selection of work space. We want it to

encourage, motivate and assist in their learning.

Plan is to trial the furniture for this year and to begin planning for classroom upgrades in 2018.

Continue goal to improve the playground equipment area. Playground design is being done at the moment and

we are using funds from this year’s P&F fundraising to go towards the upgrade. Idea is revamp the current area;

incorporate more imaginative play spaces; gathering points and activities. Plans are being developed at the

moment. Our P&F funding for this year is to go toward that project.

I have started a discussion with the Advisory Council about homework with a view to revamping the school

policy on this. Discussions will be had with staff and with students as well before any changes are made.

SIP Tie in – inspire faith through relevant and meaningful experiences

We continue to focus on the development of discipleship goals in each class.

The children have identified a set of class discipleship goals this term and will measure their own progress

towards the goal as a means of assessment.

The school has been working the Parish and Pastoral Council on finding ways to make the Sacramental Program

be a way in which stronger connections can be made between school and Parish.

A revamp of the first night; the introduction of facilitator preparation and mentoring; use of the school site for

groups; better warning of dates and more efficient ways of enrolling and collecting data about participants.

Strategies for the Parish to make contact with parents following Baptism – birthday wishes or reminder about

Christmas / Easter and a link in to sacramental programs.

OTHER MATTERS:

- Approval was received last week for the construction of the car park from Bishop Peter Comensoli. I have

not been given a start date for the project nor for the changes to the hall, nor has there been any

information shared about the fate of the trees next to the Church.

- No information is available from the diocese about the construction of new classrooms at this stage.

- I encourage the use of Qkr! as it will be quite easy for parents to us and help us reduce the amount of onsite

cash handling. There are no costs to parents for its use. The gathering was asked for feedback about the use

of the application.

Best wishes for the term ahead, Mark Bateman - Principal

St John’s School Advisory Council Report for P&F Meeting, 7th March 2017

Welcome back to a new school year, and a particular welcome to those of you who are new to our school or attending your first P&F meeting. We’re very grateful for your support and interest in growing our community.

Also, on behalf of the Advisory Council, a warm welcome to the new P&F executive team. We are looking forward to working closely with you throughout the year to serve, nourish and strengthen the St John’s community.

We had our first Advisory Council meeting of the year on February 28th where we welcomed back our existing members; Mark Bateman (Principal), Natalie Ingram (Assistant Principal), Christine Dunk (REC) Meghan B, Natalie B, Nicci B, Rachael C, Lisa R, Matthew S and Rich D, welcomed our new members; Julie H, Andrew Land Agi R and had the pleasure of the company of Fr Tiziano and Clive from the Parish Pastoral Council.

Fr Tiziano and Clive joined us to explore how we can support the implementation of the Parish Pastoral Plan and how we can work together to build this community and sense of connection with the love of God at the heart of what we do. We explored the idea of evangelisation and spoke about how we (the Parish and the School) can create opportunities for people to engage with experiences that connect the head and the heart in developing faith. Such experiences can range from seeing Father interacting with the children in the playground through to participating in a Retreat and everything in between! We want to provide a range of these opportunities in ways that invite people in the community to being open to making these connections.

We also began a discussion that will, in time, involve the whole community - around the updating of the current Homework Policy. Mark presented the council with some good summaries of the current research, along with a case study of how another school has implemented this process. We are at the gathering of information and brainstorming phase and look forward to planning how to involve the wider community in this process.

We are also looking forward to supporting the Bush Dance on Saturday by once again, running the barbecue.

As always, everything the Advisory Council does is with a view to sustaining our school and parish as a community of Strength and Gentleness.

Thank You

Meghan Bassett Chair on behalf of St John’s School Advisory Council

QUARTERLY MEETING – TERM 1, 2017

Tuesday 7th March 2017, 7.00pm

Committee Reports

Committee Name: President

Name of person completing report:

Belinda H

Financial Info N/A

Items of note since last report:

Thank yous!

Outgoing P&F

Outgoing Canteen Coordinator

Swimming Carnival Helpers

Class Parents

Shrove Tuesday Helpers

Library Reconfiguration Helpers

Banking Helpers

Year 3 families for upcoming Bush Dance

Congratulations

Cendrine L - new Canteen coordinator Library Furniture

New furniture has been purchased. Looks great!

Mrs Sheehan would also like a new rug $1094.50. To be purchase as Year 6 gift. P&F will cover shortfall.

Purchasing Items

All supplies (cups, plates etc) will be purchased through Office Supplier Staples or Manly Freezers

We are in the process of setting up an account with Woolworths to make it easier for volunteers to buy things eg sausages, bread etc

School Banking

Now moved to Tuesdays Cross Country

Date change – Wednesday 5th

April

Colour Run – please support this fundraising event Bush Dance

Saturday Night. Would be great to see lots of people there Just One Thing Campaign

It would be wonderful if all families could offer to help with at least one thing this year. Notes will be sent out next week.

Follow up from previously raised items:

Cookbooks

Will be sold at Harry Harthog Warringah Mall & Berklouw Books at Mona Vale

Considering stalls at Dee Why Grand, Warringah Mall, Warriewood in lead up to Mother’s Day. Need helpers to man stalls

Any other ideas?

Issues/ Challenges:

Fundraising Goal - $20,000 Major Fundraiser – Trivia Night

Call out for Committee Volunteers

Call out for prizes to be donated for prizes, raffle & silent auction Cross Country – Wed 5

th –Year 4

Revamped to Colour Run – hopefully increased participation rates and will encourage more donations

Committee Name:

Class Parent Coordinator Report

Since a call out to new class parents in first week of Term 1, so far we have filled 25 out of 32 positions. Vacancies are: 4SC two class parents; 4R one class parent; 5/6L one class parent (Year 5 parent); 5/6BF (St Lucys) KB one class parent; and KJ one class parent Kindy is a concern, we have two new kindy class parents on broad and we need at least one of the other 2 class parents to be a parent who has had experience in the kindy disco and other things which would help the new kindy class parents. Having a welcome afternoon tea with the 2017 class parents on 28 February to discuss the role of class parent. A class parent kit will be given out on the day and any class parents who are unable to attend, I will arrange for a kit to be taken home in their child’s bag.

The 2017 P&F Contact Details Authorisation Pink Form went out to all Parents in first week of Term 1. Class Parents are in the process of making social class lists to send out to the parents who nominated to be added to the list.

Shrove Tuesday – 28 March A call out to year class parents to help out with cooking/serving pancakes for the students outside the hall in the morning. A note for next year’s event …… we were short on fry pans this year, not many people have electric fry pans, it would be good to know what teachers have fry pans before following up with parents? Enough notice on that.

Bush Dance – 11 March Year 3 are hosting the event, we had a meeting on 13 February to discuss the bush dance. They had some great ideas for the bush dance and were very enthusiastic about planning the event. Things on track with planning the event.

Cross Country – 5 April Year 4 are hosting the event, we had a meeting on 22 February. Mr Bateman and myself attended to discuss the Cross Country. The emphasis was to revamp the event, it had become a bit stale and increases the fundraising amount with a new theme “Colour Run Cross Country”.

Next social event is Mother’s Day – 12 May (Year 1 hosting) in Term 2 – will have a meeting with year class parents being the end of Term 1.

Ordering of Social/Fundraising general items in the Parish school storage room. In the process reviewing costs between Manly Freezers and Staples. Did a comparison with costings Manly Freezers seems a lot cheaper in costs compared to Staples. Currently doing a spreadsheet to show the variance in costs between both companies. I will send a copy to the P&F Committee to view, and I also spoke to Mr Bateman about it and will send a copy to him too. If he is happy with going ahead with Manly Freezers, I will do a major bulk order of supplies before the Bush Dance on 11 March.

Committee Name:

School Banking

Name of person completing report:

Belinda B

Financial Info (if applicable)

We activated 25 new accounts over the 2016 year. $781 was received in commissions from the bank.

Items of note since last report:

We have a number of very keen and enthusiastic volunteers to help with banking each week. School Banking has now changed to Tuesdays (after 6 years on Wednesdays).

Follow up from previously raised items:

Upcoming Events:

Date/s: Location: Purpose:

Goals Set & / or Goals Achieved:

Issues/Challenges

The laptop we use to input the deposits (in the room behind the library) has two broken letter keys. We can work around this re. passwords, but is a problem when trying to enter new students into the database. The school banking courier collection day was changed from Wednesday to Tuesday resulting in the deposits from Wednesday 8th February not being deposited until a week later. We were not advised of the change and this resulted in the deposits from both the 8th and 15th of February being taken to the bank by myself on the 15th. This change has resulted in a change to the school banking day to Tuesday.