FORFAR ACADEMY PARENT COUNCIL
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
M I N U T E
Held on Wednesday 4 September 2013 at 7.00 pm
in the Library
Present : Melvin Lynch ,Head Teacher
Jane Esson, Depute Head Teacher
Lesley Cromar, Chairperson
Robert Scott , Treasurer
Gloria Garland, Vice Chairperson
Bob Baldie
Annette Baty
Debbie Dallas
Edith Hampton
Anna Cheyne
David Shepherd
Karen Smith
Mel Richards
Julie Brown
Alison Kydd
Susan Russell
Angie Barr, Secretary
Apologies Jane Maguire
Welcome and Apologies
Lesley welcomed everyone to the AGM and apologies were noted as above.
Approval of Last Minute
Minutes approved by Mel and seconded by Jane.
Matters Arising
New School
Mr Vannet gave an update at last meeting. Information on this is available in the school library as well as on the Angus Council Website.
Excellence Awards
S3 didn’t get the pens for the excellence awards, they got key rings instead. Lesley advised for the benefit of the new PC members that the S3’s had received the pens in S1.
PC Budget 2013/2014
Agreed to discuss this at the next PC meeting.
Ebern Ceilidgh
Mel advised that this was a success and praise given for the whole exchange.
Election of office bearers
Chair Person – Lesley agreed to stay on for one more year.
David enquired about the time limit in the constitution. Lesley stated that this had been read over last year and there is no time limit.
Seconded by Annette and David
Vice Chair Person – Gloria nominated
Seconded by Annette and Lesley
Treasurer – Robert nominated
Seconded by Gloria and Annette
Lesley advised the new members that they are welcome to attend future PC meetings and all members will have the opportunity to vote on PC matters. Lesley also reported that the secretary is impartial and doesn’t vote on PC matters.
New PC members
Karen – Debbie proposed and seconded by Edith
Melanie – Lesley proposed and seconded by Anna
Julie – Gloria proposed and seconded by Annette
Alison – Lesley proposed and seconded by Gloria
Susan – Lesley proposed and seconded by Gloria
Mel gave the PC an update of the new school term.
The new S1 intake has been a success, smooth transition during the 3 transition days.
Jane stated the new uniform is a big improvement.
Staffing changes – Mel
Ali Miller – Art Teacher is taking early retirement.
Ken Ray is interviewing for similar post at Montrose Academy and leaves at end of term.
Alison Fraser is off on maternity leave.
Scott Bennett is taking paternity leave
Mel advised the PC that the N4 and N5 courses have started. Teachers are still coming to terms with this as this is a significant change from SG as most courses demand more internal assessment.
Mel reported to the PC that the school photos went very well and will be available for parents to buy. The school photo was taken on Monday and it is aimed to do this every 6 years, however due to the new school opening in 2016 this may be done earlier.
Mel stated he is happy to answer any questions in relation to the new build. A parents evening to give feedback on the plans will be held before the October break. The plans are available in the school library and feedback can be given on the Angus Council website.
Jane informed the PC about groups in the school aimed at assisting pupils –
Smart start group – Aimed at pupils with social and emotional needs and who may find the transition from primary to secondary difficult. Forfar Academy is the only secondary in Angus that offers a group of this kind. Consultations are held with primary teachers to discuss needs of the pupils and recommendations from the primary teachers are taken into account.
The group is held Monday to Thursday during first period.
The intensive literacy group – Aimed at assisting pupils who may be prevented from learning because of poor literacy and numeracy.
Some pupils come to secondary without basic learning so the group is aimed at going back to basics. These are small groups which were piloted last year. This has been going very well and improvements have been noted in the pupils who have been attending.
Learn2Learn- Last year was the first year of tutor time. This is aimed at finding a way to support pupils and enhance learning. Every Monday the pupils are encouraged to reflect on how they are progressing in their subjects and decide what they need to work on during tutor time. The focus is on helping pupils study and to give them support.
Anna raised concerns that the seniors may think this is a waste of time.
Some concerns were raised that some pupils get to do what they want in form time.
Annette enquired whether some seniors be utilized in form classes. Jane confirmed that seniors could be useful in assisting other pupils.
Mel advised the PC that the new director for Education in Angus Council is Margo Williamson and Neil Logue has retired.
A leaflet was circulated about internet safety. This is massive issue in schools with the ready access pupils have to technology and websites that are concerning. The leaflet is to be addressed during form time and a parents evening is to be held to discuss these issues.
Bob advised the PC about new wifi in the school and looking to use new technology to the schools advantage to assist pupils learning.
Mel reported that the school will be looking to promote Gaelic and Celtic/Scottish studies throughout the year as the school now has two Gaelic teachers.
Items for discussion
1. School Ties
Lesley reported that ties weren’t available up until last week of holidays. Jane reported that the ties are cheaper from the school and Mel stated that the delivery date was late. Mel would like to revisit the uniform in advance of the new school.
Gloria queried about the sports kit and was advised that this was cheaper buying directly from the school.
Lesley wondered if they could have been on sale at parents evening. It was confirmed that they were.
- 2. Confirmation of dates of forthcoming meetings
13 November at 7pm in the training suite
5 February at 7pm in the training suite
19 March at 7pm in the training suite
11 June at 7pm in the training suite
AOCB
Lesley – In November looking for helpers to help on the bar for the belly dancing group hosted by Nora Chalmers (support services). This is a women only evening. To be held on Friday November 8th. Lesley to organize bar license and Angie to email out to PC group neared the time to ask for volunteers.
David – Enquired about the design of new school and if this could be influenced. Feedback can be givenia Angus Council website.
Planning for a school of 1250 capacity, concerns raised regarding space available. The PC were advised that the council has projected rolls up to 2020 and new house builds are taken into account.
Lesley asked if there is room to expand if necessary. Mel confirmed this could be a possibility.
Anna raised concerns regarding work placements. The S4s have been told that because of the N5s they have to arrange their own for weekends and evenings.
Jane reported there has been a change with the work placements. Rather than putting all S4s out, there will be a more targeted provision. The school will assist pupils who are looking to enter a specific profession. The school will help to organize it and encourage pupils take more responsibility.
Jane reported on the national course. She has been speaking to a member of staff about this who advised that pupils are receiving better results. Still early days but looking positive.
Survey completed during meeting as a collective. Lesley sent this off.
Date of next meeting
Wednesday November 13 at 7pm in the training suite.
Closure
The meeting closed at 8:55pm.
