Crossmichael Parent Council Meeting

Monday 29^th June 2020 7pm via Zoom

 

1. Apologies – Ben Wild, Louise Cumbley, Marcella Eakin-Watt,

 

2. Attendees

Mary Lidstone-Scott (Head Teacher), Gilli Hodson (Chair), Shani McMiken (Treasurer), Debs Nelson (Secretary), Susan Hall, Jackie (and Derek) Kernahan, Heidi Gunther, Hannah Green, Sarah Cooper, Zara Gell, Katy Collins, Rachel Mair, Jen Wilson

 

3. Previous Minutes – From 8^th June Agreed as correct. Proposed – Shani McMiken, Seconded – Susan Hall.

 

 

4. Matters Arising

 

P7 Leaving – Parts of a letter from a concerned parent was shared with the Parent Council and this was discussed. Mrs Scott re-iterated the disappointment for everyone, staff included, as to how the P7s have had to finish their primary journey. They hope to have a get together as soon as safely possible. Others re-iterated the disappointment felt for the children and their wishes to be together with their peer group from their primary school for a real farewell.  Everyone appreciates how hard it has been for everyone.  Some parents felt that cross/mis-communication may have been a contributing factor but Mrs Scott was unable to respond fully as she was not aware of the issues prior to the meeting and did not know about the letter.  In future, she suggested that parents contact her immediately with concerns so that solutions can be found quickly. Mrs Scott explained how disappointed she was with the content and delivery of the letter at a time where everyone has been working extremely hard.  Mrs Scott suggested that the parent who wrote the letter should contact her directly.

 

So, what can we do as a parent council was asked?  Gilli and Susan to liaise regarding arrangements. Jackie thanked Susan for her efforts in organising the gifts and to the PC for paying for the photos, frames and ties.  Mrs Scott thanked the school staff for buying, wrapping and delivering presents to P7s at home, for preparing a pre-recorded assembly and all the other arrangements that have taken place behind the scenes.

 

 

5. Leaving gifts for Jess and Mel

Jess collection has raised – £85, Hoodie was £18, Photo and Frame included in previous PC funding of photos – so remainder can be a gift sent directly to Jess for Amazon voucher, Card and Flowers.

Mel collection raised – £220 – Hoodie has already been presented (£18), Flowers to be delivered and Cycling Voucher – Shani to organise this.

 

 

6. Outdoor Learning Facility update

£10,000 funding has been awarded from the Blackcraig fund. Working group meeting on Monday 6^th to finalise decisions re quotes. Larran Foss (sp?) has been contacted regarding permission to place in school grounds.

 

 

7. Update on Portacabin

Multiple emails sent to John Thin, latest reply stated that the Portacabin isn’t going to be in position in time for the start of term. Interviewing today for P1/2 teacher went well and Mrs Scott has appointed Mrs Ayesha Marscheider. Existing infant classroom will be for P1/2, P2/3 Portacabin as largest class, P4/5 in classroom nearest front entrance and P6/7 in room alongside the Library. Discussion followed about how unacceptable the lack of adequate space would be for children and adults and even though the dining hall would be of an adequate size to accommodate a class, it is not an acceptable solution.

 

Mrs Scott highlighted that we are still uncertain as to which scenario we will return to school under and the local authority cannot confirm plans until there is national clarity on 31^st July. Contingency would be two days a week in school, Mon & Tues, or Weds/Thurs, with home learning on a Friday. Progress against the virus will dictate which plan we need to follow.

 

All agreed that full-time or part-time attendance aside, we need space that is adequate and suitable for the number of children that we have in school. Next steps for Parent Council –  contact Finlay Carson, David James, Ian Howie, Jeff Lever, Newspaper,

 

Shani, Lucy, Zara, Gilli, Jen, Katy – small working group to take this forward immediately – Katy to draft first letter for MSPs, send to working group ASAP. Sarah to provide contacts to Zara with for Galloway news ?Stuart Gillespie. Photo may follow – Zara will contact us via PC email if attendance for a photo is required.

 

 

8. Update on Return to School

Director of Education is to send letter out tomorrow and at 2pm there is a Headteacher update but national advice will be not be provided until 31^st July. Two plans at the moment, 2days school/3 at home or full-time; considerations for enhanced cleaning etc Lots of unknowns remain. School will send out reports to all parents/carers on Weds and a letter about the contingency plans regarding your preferred days from survey, should this be necessary when we get to August.

 

 

9. End of Term BBQ

This was a nice idea to have small numbers to meet up outside at their own homes/another household (as far as rules allow) to mark the end of term, however given how tired everyone feels and the recent turn in the weather it was agreed that waiting until we can celebrate the outdoor learning facility opening might be better for all, so to have some thoughts about what we can do to meet up in the future.

 

 

10. AOB

Mel Martin’s contract has been filled on a temporary basis with Mrs Jennings working Mon-Wed and Mrs Cowan working Thurs & Fri. The post will be advertised as permanent in the future but there was not time to go through the recruitment process before the summer holidays. Mrs Clifton has had her contract extended as the PEF learning assistant.  We will have an Additional Support for Learning Teacher in post from August (Mrs Howat) but she will be working remotely until Term 2.

Vicky’s Office Admin Maternity Leave cover (16.5hrs) to be advertised.  Georgina Benson (Clerical at Gelston Primary) will pick up 7 hours from Mel Martin’s contract and any additional hours belonging to Mel will be advertised along with Vicky’s.  Clerical hours – Vicky working from home until mid-Sept.

 

 

11. Date of Next Meeting

On Zoom again for the next meeting, 24^th August, 7pm.

 

Gilli thanked everyone for their attendance and support of the Parent Council. Thanks to Mary for attending this update meeting at such a busy and pressured time.