FPS Newsletter

School Council Report

At the last meeting of school council on 21 June, we discussed the upcoming Artist in Residence program, led by Corrin McManara, and also our focus on the work of artist Sidney Nolan. Already we can see evidence of the children’s art around the school with wonderful pictures of Ned Kelly. 

 

Uniform

Paul updated council on our new unform provider, A Plus Schoolwear. The Selection of A Plus is evidence of the Sustainability Committee in action whereby the group provided a comprehensive list of sustainability indicators used to guide selection. Parents are able to purchase uniforms either online or by visiting the A Plus store in Heidelberg.

 

Naming of the Fig Tree area—Fig Tree Courtyard

School Council discussed the naming of the new Fig Tree area. There was a keenness amongst council members to give the area an indigenous name, however, concern was raised that given we had not consulted with local indigenous communities during the design of the Fig Tree garden, it was not appropriate to be assigning indigenous names now that it was completed.  After more discussion, it was decided that the newest space in our school be named ‘Fig Tree Courtyard’. 

 

Lockdown Effects on FPS

At the time of writing, we are now in our 5th lockdown in Victoria. Paul updated School Council on the status of incursions and excursions before the school holidays. Thankfully towards the end of term three, children were able to enjoy some incursions – although excursions were limited. 

 

Parents on the council shared their recent experience of lockdown (in June). Appreciation was given to FPS teachers for their efforts to bring children together in twice daily for catch ups.  

 

Committees

Community Committee

  • Council discussed that because the Community Committee has historically been focused on providing supporting to major community events, it lacked a regular focus outside of these events.
  • Council recommended to use the August Council meeting to workshop some ideas on how to revitalise this committee and include a broader focus.
  • Initial ideas discussed include having a delegated School Council member whose role it is to liaise and support event organisers, putting in place consistent process for the handover of event coordination, and preparing a manual on supporting community activities.

 

Buildings & Grounds

  • Council recognised that there has again been vandalism on school grounds for the second time this year. The lights in the shelter shed will remain off after hours for the time being.
  • Solar panel installation was dicussed. See the the Principal Report for more information. 
  • Consideration to be given to mesh being installed on the gates near the Fig Tree Courtyard to prevent children from climbing through.

 

Finance

  • Council formally approved the FPS budget for 2021.
  • Expenditure in both May and June is and will continue to be impacted by the cancellation of some key school events due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns. Nevertheless, receipt of essential fee collection is on track and FPS thanks parents who have been able to provide these payments to date.
  • Key fundraising events since April has included the Mother’s Day Breakfast BBQ and also Trivia Night. There was discussion about how profits made by the Mother’s Day event in particular can be used to benefit the school.
  • It was also recommended by School Council that the Finance Committee would review major event proposals going forward.

 

Policy

  • There were no policy updates this time.

 

~ Louise Currie, FPS School Council Representative