New Cumnock Primary School Parent Council

What is the Parent Council?

The Parent Council is a group of parents who meet in the school at least once a term in the evenings. The group is made up of parents, but school staff and other invited guests can also attend. The Parent Council allows parents to have an input in school decision-making, and also enables school staff to keep parents informed about the life of the school. We discuss any items that affect the School.

What is the purpose of the Parent Council?

To work in partnership with school staff to create a welcoming school which is inclusive for all parents.
To promote partnership between the school, its pupils and all its parents, and to enhance relationships.
To develop and engage in activities which support the education and welfare of the pupils.
To promote community involvement between the school, its pupils, its parents and the wider community of New Cumnock through events, fundraising etc.
To identify and represent the views of parents on the education provided by the school and other matters affecting the education and welfare of the pupils.
To ensure confidentiality is respected in relation to the individual pupil, staff and parent.

Planned Meeting Dates 2022/2023

Thursday 22nd September 2022 – 6pm

Thursday 3rd November 2022 – 6pm

Thursday 12th January 2023 – 6pm

Thursday 23rd March 2023 – 6pm

Thursday 18th May 2023 – 6pm

Feedback/Contact Us

Your feedback is important to us, let us know what you think of the Parent Council and Fundraising Groups.

Maybe you are not able to make the meetings, don’t worry, contact us by email and let us know your thoughts and ideas. Any suggestions, ideas, comments or views are gratefully received.

Chairperson: Ms Kerry Hallums
Email: kjcooper1809@gmail.com

The Parent Council is a group of parents who meet in the school regularly, to support the ongoing work of the school. The group is made up of parents, but school staff and local Councillors can also attend the meetings. The Parent Council allows parents to have an input in school decision making, and also enables school staff to keep parents informed about the life of the school.

The Parent Council is a forum for all parents and we are always keen to welcome new faces at our meetings. You can do as little or as much as you like, but joining the Parent Council is a great way to find out about things that are happening in the school. If you would like to find out more then come along to our next meeting.

Office Bearers & Members

Chair – Kerry Hallums

Secretary – TBC

Treasurer – Lisa Scott

Member – Emma Guild

Member – Heather Johnson

Member – Louise Dunn

Member – Lynn McTurk

Member – Ian McMeekin

Member – Elaine Young

Mrs. McNulty (Principal Teacher)

Mrs. McMurdo (Headteacher)

Office Bearer Roles

The Chair – The chair is always a member of the Parent Forum. They make sure things get done, not the person who does everything.
The Secretary – Plays an important role in supporting communication between Parent Council members themselves and between the Parent Forum and the Parent Council.
The Treasurer – Is responsible for the proper handling of the finances of the Parent Council, but not the actual raising of money. The Treasurer will ensure an accurate record of income and expenditure is kept.

How can you get involved?

We would like to encourage some new faces and the time and effort you give is much appreciated and will make a difference to your School and the education that it provides for all its pupils. We would like to have at least two parents/carers from each class so that each class is represented and it also means you have company if you have another parent/carer from your child’s class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Parent Council do?

Basically, we discuss any items that affect the School. Examples of discussions could be: School Shows, Fundraising Ideas, Parking, Homework, P1 Bags, School Trips, Text Alerts, Behaviour etc

Is it a formal meeting?

No, it’s an informal gathering of Parents, Carers, Teachers, other invited guests and the Head Teacher.

Why do you have an agenda and minutes?
Although it’s informal, we have to have an agenda so that we don’t forget about all the items we need to talk about. Minutes are taken so that we can circulate them to anyone who is interested or was unable to make the meeting.

Would I have to take minutes?

No, the Secretary takes the minutes at these meetings.

Do I have to go to every meeting?

No. We would love you to come to every meeting however we understand that families have commitments.

How often do you meet?

Normally every once a term and dates are made in advance.

I’m really interested in the Parent Council but don’t have time to attend the meetings, is there another way of being involved?

No problem, give the Secretary your email address and you will join the mailing list, which includes the circulation of minutes etc. You are then able to email anything you would like added to the agenda to be discussed.

I hate walking into a room full of people I don’t know, is it awkward?

The chances are that you will know some of the people attending, as we are all parents/carers, like yourself, who hover around the school playground waiting on the school bell! The Secretary is also happy to meet any new parents/carers at the School Reception and accompany them to the Staff Room.

Do I have to talk in front of everyone?

The answer is no. There is no requirement for anyone to talk if they don’t wish to. You can observe or contribute. The choice is yours!

Is it not daunting attending a meeting with the Head Teacher and Principal Teacher?

Absolutely not, Mrs McMurdo and Mrs McNulty are really nice and approachable and want to encourage parental involvement within the School. Although they attend the meetings, it is run by the parents/carers.

Why the Staff Room?

It’s convenient and has nice comfy chairs and also a kettle!

Do I get a coffee and a biscuit?

Absolutely!