MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARENT COUNCIL OF LASSWADE HIGH SCHOOL CENTRE HELD AT LASSWADE HIGH SCHOOL CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY, 5 MARCH 2008

Present:       Keith Chapman,       Neil Chisholm,      Sheena Dryden,                             

                     Sheila Symon,           Elaine Robson,    Grant Robson,

                     AlbertJaster,        Susan McLaughlin, John Fewster,                                          

                    Linda Duncan,           Graeme Hutton,    Christine Grahame.

1.             Apologies: Helen Lyall, Elizabeth Thomson, Harry Cochrane & Richard Talbot.

2.             Approval of Minutes: Minutes of meeting held 16 January were approved.

3.         Matters Arising:  Keith Chapman suggested members confirm by e-mail they are able to attend the next meeting.

Bank Account:  Graeme Hutton met with a representative of the Royal Bank of Scotland, central offices, regarding opening a Treasurers Account.  He also advised that an alternative would be to become a Sub group of the existing LHSC Bank account.  Advantages of this would be the funds would be held with the school, administered using their standard procedures, and could easily be transferred from the funds account to the school account for purchases. It was noted that direct purchases by the Parent Council would not attract recovery of VAT but this may be possible if the funds were transferred or donated to the school and purchases made by the School.

He raised the concern that the wording of the constitution states that the Parent Council must open a bank account. Albert Jaster will confirm with Kevin McGuire whether becoming a sub group of existing account meets with the requirements. 

If acceptable, Graeme will draft a letter of proposal to the school.

It was agreed that 4 signatories on cheques would be appropriate. The possibility of Charitable Status was discussed, but due to the amount of work involved in setting it up, and its ongoing administration it was felt at this stage not to action until the possible benefits outweighed this.

Graeme also referred to details from the Scottish Parent Teachers Council (SPTC) website re: the regulations governing the sale of raffle tickets sold over an extended period and outwith the event, and then a licence must be applied for from the local authority.

Disclosure:  Albert Jaster to advise what the requirements are for members attending events involving the school children.

Constitution:  The requirement to hold a meeting in June and November, inviting the Parent Forum to attend.

Keith Chapman to check on the official copy of the constitution and circulate this to members.

John Fewster has been looking into inviting new intake parents from feeder schools.  This could be done as part of Introduction to High School meeting.

Albert Jaster has approached feeder school for list of contacts and suggested we host a meeting with chair's of the various Parents Council's.

Albert Jaster to check that Parent Council covered by Public Liability Insurance supplied by Midlothian Council.

4.                  Lasswade High School Issues:  Albert Jaster passed on the apologies of Derek Milligan.  Derek had been invited along to discuss the ways to support education in light of the 1% cut due to Council Tax freeze.

Derek is also keen to increase the IT budget, discuss the state of the school, bid for cash to be allocated and the new school build.

Derek and other local councillors to be invited to next meeting.

5.         Feedback from Student Council :  Unfortunately, Elizabeth Thomson was unable to attend tonight's meeting.  She will provide feedback at next meeting.

6.         Reports from Groups:  

a.   Eco  -  Sheila Symon attended the recent Eco Group meeting.  She found this a very valuable experience.  She advised that the school had recently been awarded a Silver Award for Eco Schools and now working toward Gold.  A major issue will be the litter issue around school.

b.  Health  -  This is still a work in progress.  Sheena Dryden, Linda Duncan and Albert Jaster to meet with Health Group and update at next meeting.

c.  Routes to School  -  No update.

d.  Curriculum Feedback  -  Harry Cochrane, Susan McLaughlin & Elizabeth Thomson met with Miss Ward to discuss the Reporting System ensuring information gets out to parents.  This was a positive start to discussions.

e.  Fund Raising  -  Susan McLaughlin reported back on her findings on running a Christmas Fair.  The various options are:

-  10 single tables would fit in Rotunda.  Would require large number of volunteers to man stalls and substantial amount of work prior to event.

-  Rent stalls to local businesses, charging either a flat fee or % of profits.

- Rent stalls to local charities charging approx. £25 per stall.  Susan will contact Midlothian Volunteers for a list of charities and gauge their interest in taking part in such an event.  Dependent on interest charity and business stalls could be interspersed.

John Fewster asked whether sub groups, such as the Football team, Geography club, Arts club would be interested in running stalls and tables could be sold to each group and any funds raised by them would go towards their funds.  Feeder Schools could also get involved. 

Susan highlighted the problem of holding the Fair during a large event, such as the Christmas Cracker, is that the same parents who support these events also end up supporting the fair.

The Big Green Festival, held during the last 3 days before the summer break was suggested as a suitable event to hold a Fair.

f. Dodgeball  - Graeme Hutton apologised that he had not been able to speak with Paul De Souza yet.  He will endeavour to do this prior to next meeting.  Albert Jester has spoken with Sport Centre and Pupil Council who were keen on this type of event.  The cost of the hall would be £30.  It was agreed, that although not a big fundraiser, this would be a good way to publicise the Parent Council.

g. Sponsorship - Inviting sponsorship from local businesses was discussed.  Ethic of certain Companies would need to be considered.  Suitable companies suggested would be: Bus Co's, Driving Instructors, Sports Co's, Ikea.  Anyone with contacts or other suggestions would be considered.

It was suggested that a "Friends of Lasswade High School" banner could be produced advertising their support

h. Car Boot Sale - If organising a sale, to check with Sports Centre of any events on same day to take advantage of the potential customers.

f. Communication  -  Harry has actioned the e-mail contact list.  Minutes now on website.  Notice board in rotunda with Parent Council details.  Paragraph to be included in next Newsletter informing on Parent Council Issues.

7.      Head Teachers Report:  

Pals.  The school have spent a lot of money bringing in a Director.  They are keen to organise a long-term structure to widen areas of interest to include costume design, make-up artists to encourage more young people to become involved.  Annette Lang has put together report for funding.

Jet Project - A Joint Education Training Project.  This is a joint Edinburgh/Midlothian partnership for S4 pupils to attain an SVQ whilst working with a company.  Pupils would reduce from 8 to 5 standard grades and carry out vocational training in jobs such as catering, joinery, etc.  There is funding of £10k with LHSC being the only Midlothian School involved.

Restorative Practice – Staff are to be trained in restorative practices. This technique will then be used by staff to reduce conflict situations.

8.         A.O.B.:   Graeme Hutton raised a concern over the availability of appointments at S2 Parents Night where there had been limited places for parents to meet with teachers for some key subjects. He considered access to teachers, particularly for core subjects, very important.  This view was shared by other Council members.

Albert Jaster explained that the working time agreement set by the McCrone Report mean there is limited time, but that he would look into this concern and report back at next meeting.

NEXT MEETING:  Wednesday 23 April at 7.30pm.