DATE:
June 21, 2021.
VENUE:
School Library plus on Zoom
MEETING OPENED:
6.30 PM
ATTENDANCE:
As recorded in the ‘MFHS P&C Attendance List 21 June 2021- Not for circulation.
APOLOGIES:
As above.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Karyn O'Brien
Principal’s Report
- A presentation was made covering various school activities over the last month such as IDAHOBIT Day, Reconciliation through Education, Future Teacher’s Day, Year 11 Camp, Young Champions Awards, St. Andrews Network-Student Wellbeing Action Group (SWAG), Year 10-12 Parent Teacher Night, Year 10 Information Evening and Year 8 Medieval day (June news letter).
- Winter school break: Monday 28 June 21 to Friday 9 July 21.
- Upcoming events:
- Macquarie Fields High School is participating in Share our Space Program
- As discussed at the 17 May 21 P&C, Melissa Collins to provide a matrix of options for the PROJECT ROCKIT (https://www.projectrockit.com.au/) program.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM LAST MONTH’S MINUTES:
- Lowes: With regards to zip feature that was not previously incorporated in the girls’ uniform, Heather discussed the issue that the grey shorts do not have a zippered pocket with Lowes and they have advised that the zip feature will be incorporated in the upcoming batches of uniform supplies. Action (Open): Lowes/ school to advise when rectified and in stock.
- Opening the school gate on the Wattle Avenue: While this action was closed at the 17 May 21 P&C, another parent raised this topic again at this P&C. While WH&S considerations (as the walkway is uneven and impact of both primary & high school students potentially rushing) could be an issue, it was noted that pathway which is immediately outside school gate is managed by the council and still not very safe. School’s Business Manager is speaking with the council in an attempt to make it good. A parent suggested the local state member (Anoulack Chanthivong) could be invited to seek his support. Action (Open).
- Lockers: Lockers for children are not currently available. The discussion took place on availability of suitable space to hold lockers, WH&S aspects and management of the asset (e.g. loss of keys, replacement, repair). One member suggested look into option of 3rd party managed lockers and put forward the proposal at the P&C. Action(Open)
CORRESPONDENCE IN:
- Email from a P&C Member with suggestions to include items on Agenda.
CORRESPONDENCE OUT: Nil
TRESURERS REPORT:
Balance -ANZ Bank Balance $ 79,485.03 (as of June 21).
GENERAL BUSINESS:
- Year 11 Work experience: If a student can organise a work experience spot, school will be able to provide required paperwork though career advisor.
- 40 year celebrations: Planning for this activity is continuing. A mug with the school logo as a commemorative item appears to be popular in a recent survey.
- A parent expressed concern about the status of the toilets at the school. The principal advised that maintenance team will complete work during the school holidays.
- A prayer room is available at the school (Nelson Mandela room).
- A parent expressed concern about his experience with the lack of heating (broken heater) geography room (during recent parent teacher meeting). The Principal noted that air-conditioning is a top-priority and that they are conducting an audit across the school. P&C may be approached to fund this activity.
- Parent and Teacher meet for Year 7 is planned for 20 July 21.
- The school advised that they have not progressed with subscribing for a Zoom account (17 May 21 P&C action). Anna proposed that MFHS P&C should utilise the discounted Zoom account for the school along with the e-mail and Portal (cloud document storage) facilities being offered by the NSW P&C Federation. MFHS P&C authorised Anna to progress with both these items.
- Anna also suggested that MFHS P&C should avail the opportunity provided by the NSW P&C Federation who can conduct an Information Session about the role and importance of a P&C. It was agreed that Anna will liaise with the Federation to find a suitable date for a Zoom presentation to occur for the benefit of parents & citizens.
- To a query from Anna, Dan noted that MFHS P&C is not lodging tax returns.
- Anna proposed to the P&C that MFHS should consider becoming an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) member. The attendees of the meeting discussed both advantages (e.g. potential for additional grants) and disadvantages (e,g, additional resources required to manage governance requirements) of becoming a member of ACNC. Action: to ask the NSW P&C Delegate about being a registered Charity in the information session that we will schedule.
- It was agreed that the parents are to be invited to suggest items for the agenda up to a week before the P&C meeting. The agenda will then be broadcasted to parents via Sentral.
- Anna volunteered to be a P&C representative to be on the panel to fill the vacancy for Head Teacher English. No one else volunteered.
Meeting Closed:
7.40 PM
Next Meeting:
Monday July 19, 2021. 6:30PM