Minutes - September 16, 2014

Minutes 

PTA General Meeting, Meadowbrook Preparatory School

7:30AM, September 16 2014

ATTENDANCE
Fifty three parents registered.

CALL TO ORDER 

The meeting was called to order at 7:37AM by President S Little Forbes and who offered a prayer.

APOLOGIES

Secretary Michelle Isaacs who is overseas.

WELCOME

New parents were welcomed by the President, and a general welcome extended to all parents, Principal Francis, and teachers attending the meeting. The President encouraged parents to talk to teachers, be aware of the progress of their children by checking assignments frequently, and by making any concerns known by sending them through the regular channels. This includes using the class rep and the class teacher.

The President asked for confirmation that the standing orders of the meeting could be suspended to facilitate a special presentation. The motion to suspend was moved by Karla Francis and seconded by Paula Payle.

PRESENTATION

Sales Executive of Heritage Education Foundation International Mr Ian Myrie, supported by Phillip Paulwell, made a presentation. This is a long-term savings plan done through a Canadian organisation for a child's tertiary education.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The minutes were read and confirmed by Suzette Williams and seconded by Gwyneth Davidson.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Pre School

The President informed the meeting that the nursery was in operation. Twelve children are registered. She invited parents to stop by and visit. 

Parents were invited to make donations during the month of September. The list of items needed include toys, books, furnishings and linen.

NEW BUSINESS

PTA Accounts

Treasurer Suzette Williams gave a status of the bank accounts as at October 2013.

JMMB Smart Saver $60,000 plus interest of $273/month.

JMMB current account $58,000 less interest of $690/month.

She said that these figures highlighted the need for fund raising that would enhance the learning and teaching environments.

PTA Fundraising

Vice President Karla Francis noted that a concert with the children would help to expose the talent of the school and also help in the children's development.  The event is scheduled for October 25 at Meadowbrook High School. Mrs Francis said that the last such event was done to launch the dance group which has since landed many JCDC awards. She said that the event was very enjoyable and encouraged the parents to support it.

Selection of Grade Representatives

The President said that parents should select their Grade Representative at the upcoming class meetings in September and October. The role of the representative is a voluntary one whose major role is to improve the learning experience of the child by being a reliable point of contact for communication between parents at the classroom level.

PTA Contact Information

This will be circulated shortly.

The newsletter will be published online and a few print copies made to ensure that all families have access to the publication.

PRINCIPAL'S REMARKS

Principal Francis welcomed all new parents and asked them to stand so that they can be identified. About half the people in the room stood up. She then gave highlights of the school’s performance last term as well as current enrolment.

GSAT Performance

A total of 29 children sat the examination. Fifteen (15) were placed at their school of first choice; (5) second choice; (3) third choice; (3) 4th choice; (4) other schools.

She said that the performance of the students gave the school an overall achievement of 87.4% average.

Cultural Activities

JCDC Speech - Four silver, three bronze medals from seven entries.

JCDC Dance - Three gold, three silver, one bronze from seven entries. One of the gold medals went to the national finals.

Enrolment

The school has 185 students on roll at the end of the school year in June. Miss Ivey and Miss Mattison have moved on from the school.

There is a current enrolment of 184 students. Of this number, 38 are new students.

The average class size is 28, Grade 1 has 29 students and the school will be getting a HEART Trainee to assist the Grade 1 teacher.

There are spaces available in Reception, K1 and K2.

Teaching Workshops

Over the Summer break, teachers at the school participated in a workshop on the Teaching of Mathematics; and workshop on The Professional and Service Oriented Teacher.

Pre School

The facility opened on September 1 and currently has twelve children and three teachers. The facility is compliant with Early Childhood Commission standards.

Security

The Principal noted that the caretaker for the property is to be in the car park during peak pick-up and drop-off times. This is in addition to the security guard in the church yard. She reminded parents to participate in security measures by staying alert for their own personal security and that of their property.

Marketing

The school has been running ads on TV and radio and has prepared flyers which are being circulated. All parents are encouraged to promote the good name of the school by their experience word-of-mouth.

Safety and Security

The Principal noted that school is dismissed by 2PM, teachers remain in the classrooms with children until they are picked up. The teacher leaves at 3PM. Children for after-care go to the after-care room at 3PM until they are picked up.

Children who are not in after-care are allowed to play in the schoolyard until they are picked up.

School Calendar

Parents are reminded to check the calendar so that they can stay abreast of events. If event dates change, the school will advise parents.

Grade Meetings

These will be scheduled throughout the end of September to October. All parents are encouraged to attend.

Invitation to Meadowbrook United Founders Day Service

Meadowbrook United Church will be having a Founders Service on September 21 at 8:30AM. All are invited to attend.

School website/Social Media

Parents are invited to visit the school's website http://www.meadowbrookprep.com/ and also Facebook page which is active.

PARENTS' FEEDBACK

By show of hands, it was agreed that the meeting time would be extended by ten minutes.

Security

A parent asked that the caretaker be asked to be in the parking lot half an hour when the first parent arrives and before school is dismissed to provide extra surveillance for parents who come early and park. The Principal agreed to try and facilitate this. The President said that one of the fund raising activities could be to invest in a security camera system.

Savings Programme

It was noted that the school has an active savings programme with COK. New children who already have savings accounts with COK can continue to have those accounts serviced at the school. 

Potholes on Meadowbrook Road

It was agreed that the school and PTA petition the parish councillor and the National Works Agency to have these repaired at an early date.

Tuck Shop 

It was noted that the tuck shop could benefit by having earlier opening hours. The current opening hours are 8:30AM - 3:30PM. The Principal said that the feasibility of this would be examined. New parent, Mrs Pyla, offered to donate a deep freeze refrigerator to the school. The President thanked her for the offer and the matter will be discussed in the coming weeks. The school currently has one deep freeze.

Homework

A parent reminded all that the way to academic success included ongoing vigilance with homework. It was noted that some children will not complete homework correctly unless it has been checked, and it is important that all homework is signed by the parent or person who is responsible for supervision of homework.

Feedback From New Parents

A new parent of a Grade 3 child noted that her child was not finding that the other children were friendly. Grade 3 teacher, Miss Campbell, said that they are currently promoting loving behaviour in the class, and asked that parents remind their children at home to be kind to others. It was noted that Grade 5 and Grade 6 children exert control over playground space and facilities. The school agreed to monitor this so that no one is disadvantaged, and continue to promote good behaviour on the playground.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business.

ADJOURNMENT

The President thanked persons for attending the meeting and by unanimous agreement, it was adjourned at 8:30AM.

/gd