Ayr Grammar Parent Council AGM Minutes Meeting held on Tuesday 4 th October 2016

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1 Ayr Grammar Parent Council AGM Minutes Meeting held on Tuesday 4 th October 2016 Present Gail Gilbert (Head Teacher), Alison Coxon (Depute Head), Marsha Ford (Parent Council Chair and P4 and P6 parent), Neil Reid (Treasurer and P5 parent), Kirsty McHarg (Secretary and P3 and P6 parent), Douglas Percy (P1 parent), Fiona Wilson (P2 parent), Mariam Barami (P7 parent), Karen Kirk (P6 parent), Lorna Morrison (P3 parent), Suzanne Borland (P3 parent), Lorna Davis (P3 parent), Evey Henderson (P2 parent), Lynn Hill (P4 parent), Claire Dunn (P3 and P5 parent), Sarah Edwards (P1, P5 and P7 parent), Alison Gooding (P2 and P6 parent), Deborah Ferguson (P3 parent), Caroline Heslop (P2, P4 and P7 parent), Nicola George (P1, P4 and P6 parent), Wendy Mitchell (P1 parent) and Gordon McNab (P1 and P5 parent and Chair of Holmston Out of Skool Club). Apologies Jo-Anne Jess, Sara Jane Hemmings, Lesley Goater, Anne Wilson, Colin Marr and Aileen Good Welcome Everyone was welcomed to the AGM. It was a very good turnout, and there was representation from every year group at the meeting. Two new parents attended the meeting. Chair Summary Marsha provided an overview of the last 12 months and highlighted the following significant changes that have taken place with parent council involvement / consultation in conjunction with the school : The parent council were heavily involved in the consultation process of the new Ayr Grammar building to move to the current Ayr Academy site. The final outcome will be reported in November The school and the parent council have been working closely with Ayrshire Roads Alliance for new parking restrictions to be set up outside the school (similar to Forehill Primary) New windows and blinds have been fitted in every classroom (each classroom now has 2 windows that can open). Classes are now attending the Citadel for PE sessions, coaches funded by SAC. Homework review - now a focus group will work with Mrs Gilbert to try and address how we move forward to attempt to streamline the timing of the homework across all levels in the school. Grants for guitars. Corum providing products for the school to use with their name on it (hi-vis vests etc) Treasurer Summary Neil provided a financial overview, advising that the funds are at their lowest since he started the role 6/7 years ago. The parent council have put a hold on issuing classroom gift money. The accounts are included at the end of these minutes.. Discussion Point Detail Owner/Facilitator Completion/Review Date Parking & Traffic PLEASE ensure children cross at the lollipop crossing. All parents / Carers of Ayr Grammar Ongoing issue Reminder it is illegal to park on single and double yellow lines. You are only permitted to park there if you are a disabled badge holder. Future Parking Plans To improve the current parking issue - suggestions raised - red lines to replace Gail and Marsha to continue to follow for updates and Marsha Review at the next meeting

2 double yellow, increased railings and a dedicated bus bay. Gail and Marsha met with Ayrshire Roads Alliance and toured outside the school. The legal process for consultation stage is due to begin. The parent council will put letters through the doors of the neighbours of the school to inform them of what we are trying to do. The hope is to get something similar to what Forehill Primary have in place to arrange for letters to be put through neighbouring doors. In the meantime, there will be a campaign of irregular spot checks taking place (both at drop off and pick up) by a team of traffic enforcement officers to ensure parents and carers comply to the existing traffic regulations. Holmston Out of Skool Club They have a care programme available for the October School holidays (10 th 14 th October inclusive), please contact them on holmstonoutofskoolclub@gmail.com or or on Facebook if you would like to book or for any further information. All parents / carers of Ayr Grammar For breakfast club and afterschool childcare throughout the year, please contact them on the above phone number No Dogs Allowed AND No Smoking (Including Vaporisers) Gail emphasised AGAIN at the meeting that no dogs are allowed in the playground and that the signage is displayed. PLEASE do not tie dogs to the main school gate. Discussions/consultations to also take place in the future for when we move to the old Ayr Academy site. Dog Owners of Ayr Grammar Another No Dog sign has been ordered. Staff continue to monitor the situation regarding dogs in the playground. Gail re-iterated at the meeting that there should be no smoking in the playground and no vaporisers either. Smokers Homework Gail advised that she is going to work with a few parents to set up a focus group on homework. Gail Gilbert

3 Grammar relocation to Ayr Academy site There has been a very positive public consultation. A site survey of Ayr Academy building took place and Education Scotland have been in to the school to speak to pupils and parents. Final report will be issued in November School Swimming Gala Ayr Grammar have entered into the Swimming Gala on 23 rd October. Please come along and support the school between 4pm and 8pm! All parents / carers Fundraising Boden Evening taken from raffle and refreshment sales. We are still waiting for Boden to confirm the commission for us for sales taken (update since the meeting, we have raised commission from Boden) Fundraising team Update next meeting Friday 21 st October Race Night Ticket sales going well and all races have been sponsored. Tickets can be bought in the playground or by contacting ayrgrammarparentcouncil@yahoo.co.uk. 5 per ticket Friday 28 th October Halloween Parties orange flyers in schoolbags. Parent helpers are in place. Special thank you to Gail and the 6 teachers who are giving up their Friday night to help out too! Monday 31 st October deadline date for calendar /organizer orders. Leaflets going in bags after October holidays (samples on display at both parents nights). We are hoping that the uptake on orders will be high as we receive 40% of all sales. Wednesday 16 th & Thursday 17 th November Photographic Night. Leaflets will go into school bags after the October holidays. Saturday 3rd December Xmas Fair 10am Leaflets will be in school bags early November. Thursday 22 nd December bag packing slot at Iceland in Maybole Road, Ayr. Further information to follow re volunteers. Two pupils from the school have ran their very own little fundraising events at home. A very special thanks to the pupils and their

4 parents for their support. Fearn s Pop up shop raised 110 and the amount is TBA for the other pupil. A JustGiving page is still to be looked into as a possibility Any suggestions for any fundraising events are very welcome, please ayrgrammarparentcouncil@yahoo.co.uk To follow all the latest fundraising news, please go to facebook and search for Ayr Grammar Fundraising closed group page to then request to be added. Playground Mrs Gilbert advised that pupils will be assisting younger children in the playground. Mrs Gilbert AOB Bicycle Wendy Mitchell (parent and also works for Ayrshire Roads Alliance) advised that she is going to contact Fiona Reid to look into the possibility of younger age groups in the school accessing cycle training at an earlier age. Wendy also advised that work is underway with the travel hub. Wendy Mitchell After school football A parent asked for clarification re the active schools football session after school and if they have to do this block to be in the school football team or if it is separate. Gail Gilbert WOW scheme (Walk Once a Week) Wendy Mitchell (parent and Ayrshire Roads Alliance) advised that she is speaking to Chris Thomson / JRSO re this initiative. Wendy advised that there is a currently the facility on the South Ayrshire website to put in your postcode and the schools postcode to show the best route to take to school (shows school crossing patrollers etc) Wendy Mitchell Constitution Evey Henderson (parent) wants to review the current constitution to suggest any appropriate changes. This will be discussed at the next parent council meeting on 1 st November. Evey Henderson Date of next meeting The next meeting will be Tuesday 1 st November 2016 from 7pm til 9pm. All parents / carers welcome

5 Financial overview Please see the start of the minutes for Neil s financial overview and the accounts below for further information. Recent income includes 410 from Boden Evening and 110 from Fearn s Pop up Shop. The current bank balance is 1300, and we have commitments of 1200 til Xmas, therefore it is crucial that the upcoming fundraising events raise a lot of money to fund the commitments and also pay for a new shed. Ayr Grammar PTA Income & Expenditure Account For the Year Ended 31st July 2016 Income 2015/ / / / /12 Photo Nights Autumn Fayre , Christmas Fayre 2, , , , , Christmas Cards 1, , , , Fashion Show Jumble Sales Sports Day / hampers Race Night 1, , , Summer Fayre , , , Commission Tuck shops Bank interest SAC - 50% Educating City Licence Crazy Hair Day Corum donation Secretary fee NATS grant , , , , , Expenditure Photo Nights Autumn Fayre Christmas Fayre Christmas Cards 1, , , , Fashion Show Jumble Sale Sports Day / hampers 8.00 Race Night Summer Fayre Teachers Gifts 1, Xmas gifts (incl Panto) 1, , , Postage/stationery/printing Educating City Licence , P7 Year books P1 Bags SPTC insurance Sports day ice cream Lottery Licence Burns Night Ayrshire Hospice Nepal Fund Canopy - - 2, School show Guitars Tables School transport costs , P7 football strips Jazz Shoes Ear Muffs Lunch club Bodyworks Suggestion Box Playground Equipment , Storage PTA meeting expenses - lets Flowers , , , , , Surplus/(Deficit) (953.23) (4,313.17) 1, , Opening balance 1, , , , , Closing balance , , , ,543.96

6 Head Teacher Report Please find attached Head Teachers Report which was read out by Gail at the meeting. Date of Next Parent Council Meeting Tuesday 1 st November. 7pm 9pm If you are unable to attend any parent council meeting but would like something raised then please send your question / suggestion to ayrgrammarparentcouncil@yahoo.co.uk or put our question in the suggestion box to the right of the school office partition window. If any parent / carer has specific issues with their child please speak firstly to the class teacher, and if it is not resolved then it would be the principal teacher, then the depute, and then the Head Teacher. All parents/guardians are encouraged to visit the school website regularly and follow the school on twitter : Twitter New Please search facebook for Ayr Grammar Fundraising If anyone has any games that would be suitable for wet play days then please hand them in to the school office. Thank you Looking for childcare throughout the year? Contact Holmston Out of Skool Club. They provide a breakfast club and afterschool childcare throughout the year. They can be contacted on or via holmstonoutofskoolclub@gmail.com. They can also be contacted via facebook

7 Parent Council HT Report Staffing Update - We are delighted to inform you that Mrs McNeill has returned to her post this week following her maternity leave. Miss Sinclair and Mrs Miller have now moved on to other posts. Miss Fraser (PE) is with us an additional day due to an increased roll at Census. Charity Work - Primary 5 pupils have just completed the first charity fundraiser for this session. They organised a super MacMillan coffee morning and raised over 900 (TBC). We would like to thank our families for supporting this event through either baking or coming along on the day. We are asking that pupils bring a food donation to the school this week we will be sending the collection to South Ayrshire Foodbank. Grammar Parliament - Primary 7 have been very busy learning all about democracy and the Scottish Parliament. They visited the Parliament recently and were lucky enough to hear the First Minister s question time. They have now created their own political parties, written their manifestos and have started on the campaign trail. The school pupils heard their campaign speeches on 3/10 and will vote for our very first parliament on Thursday 6/10. The winning party will form the Grammar Parliament for the session. School Fundraisers - The school will be holding a Bring and Buy sale on FRIDAY 11 th NOVEMBER. A good time to clear out for Christmas! Please send any items in week beginning 7 th November. All the classes will be invited along to the Bring and Buy sale your child may wish to bring a small amount of money. We will also be holding a Christmas Coffee Morning and Dress Down for Christmas on WEDNESDAY 14 th December. Children can dress in Christmas tops/jumpers etc. The children are invited to pay 2 to have a drink/snack and the Dress Down. Adult entry will also be 2 for a coffee/cake. Any donations of baking would be greatly appreciated. Please note that we may have baking for sale on the day for families to enjoy. Extra-Curricular Opportunities - It is with great thanks to Fiona Reid Active Schools, volunteers and the Ayr Grammar staff that we have a breadth of wider opportunities out with class time for our pupils. The music teacher has re-established the Ukulele club and is currently starting up choir. Last session we had: Lunch Club, Homework Club, Girl s Football, Running Club, Basketball, Gymnastics, Dance and Dodgeball. Next term we will have: Lunch Club, Homework Club, Ukulele, Choir, Table Tennis, Running Club, Football, Net Games, Mini Athletics, Dance, Active Kids, Netball and Volleyball. Next term we are trialling clubs before school to increase the breadth of opportunity. Please note that if we do need to cancel clubs on the day due to staff absence we will contact parents by text. Please be reassured that if no-one can collect their child, we will make sure they are looked after until the original club pick up time. We appreciate the support of our parents and the Parent Council at Ayr Grammar and we very much look forward to another successful year. Gail Gilbert

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