Another busy year! As always, we welcome your input. Contact us by email on olm-parentcouncil@hotmail.com  or speak to Anne Forsyth on 07952 251303, whether it’s a quick question/comment, an item you want discussed or feedback on an issue affecting the school.

Here’s a quick overview of what we are up to:

 Uniform  – existing policies on uniform were merged into one clear note (see the web site) and “Nearly New” uniform sales / second used blazer sales helped parents and carers.
Web site – the school web site improved hugely due partly to input from PC members. The more you use it and give your views, the better it will get.
Communication – a new school communication strategy will be launched in the new term. Prepared jointly by the school/PC, this will help you know how best to contact the school and who to speak to.
Switch to email – the school will switch formally to using email in the new term, encouraged by the PC. We are helping with school processes to ensure this works well for everyone.
New p1 parents – a “Guide to Primary 1” was produced for new parents and a parent “helpline” of PC members will be available over the summer for queries/concerns about starting school.
Litter – a litter initiative was launched with ERC to tidy up around the school and clarify responsibility for adjoining areas.
School handbook – a much improved handbook will be launched by the end of 2013, prepared by the school in consultation with the PC.
Playground – the playground parent helper scheme will be re-launched in the new session and playground markings are being re-painted over the summer by parents. We have also been encouraging more after/in school activities and asking for parent input in these.
Traffic and parking – still a challenging issue, guidance and recommendations will be refreshed in the new term.
Transition to merged campus – a recent update from ERC suggests a timeline for work on the proposed “link”: September 2013 (drawings to be agreed); December 2013 (work to commence); all with a view to the link being in place by August 2014. No work will take place in the Robslee building until the summer holidays 2014. No decisions have yet been taken within the school about the organisation / layout of the merged campus though discussions are ongoing.
These are only a few of the issues we have been dealing with for you – lots of work goes on behind the scenes.
Thanks therefore go to the members of the PC who have worked so hard this year; to the school staf for continuing to do a great job; and to the many parents / carers and other volunteers  who contribute throughout the year to making Our Lady of the Missions a happy and successful place to learn.
As always, get in touch if you have anything to say, whatever it may be, on issues affecting the school.  We are here to help and represent you. Let us know what you think!
Have a wonderful holiday and see you in August.

 Our Lady of the Missions Parent Council