FPS Newsletter

School Council Report

The School Council met on 13th September 2021.

 

New Members

School Council was thrilled to welcome three new parent representatives – Nicola Dovey, Mark Sandiford and Ian ten Seldam, who each bring valuable skills and energy to the Council and their nominated sub-committees: Nicola to the Buildings and Grounds; and Mark and Ian to the Community Committee. Thanks ‘newbies’!

 

All parents are encouraged to join any of the four sub-committees to share experience and input, at any time of the school year. It’s a great way to get to know other parents at the school as well as contribute to your school community, even during lockdown.

 

Key points of matters discussed at this meeting include:

 

Buildings and Grounds

  • Upgrades to the Fairfield Road fence and Langridge Street front gate.
  • Completion of works on the solar array.
  • Sanding and sealing of the picnic table beside the double-storey portable and the bench seating adjacent to the netball court.
  • Relocation of the mosaics.
  • Installation of new drinking fountain for the oval – in response to the Student Voice team request. This drinking fountain is made from a recycled plastic bollard – in line with the school sustainability goals.
  • Installation of shade sails to protect the fig tree courtyard during the summer months.
  • Plans for a water tank installation and two-step fencing upgrade will utilise almost all the current monies in this year’s Building Fund.

 

Finances

  • Fees for next year will remain in line with the 2020/2021 year. The Department of Education and Training has introduced a new school fees policy, taking effect in 2022. This changes the way in which contributions are categorised:
    • Curriculum Contributions set at $310 per student.
    • Other Contributions (voluntary) comprised of:
      • School nurse contribution $50/student
      • Librarian contribution $50/student
      • Building Fund (tax deductable) $200/family
      • Library Fund (tax deductable) $200/family
      • Compass communication tool $20/student (new addition)
  • FPS has collected 78% of expected fees, which is higher than 2020 but lower than 2019, and has spent approximately 58% of its annual budget, which is lower than usual for this time of year. Unspent funds will be carried forward to 2022.
  • New school readers will be purchased from monies raised from the Library Fund. These books will be managed through the library and available for use in the classrooms.
  • Lockdown has reduced fundraising opportunities (e.g. scaled-down Art4All)  and charges for school grounds hire have been written-off for terms two and three.
  • The small group of students attending school for classes are being supported by relief teachers rather than FPS teachers, enabling class teachers to conduct class meetings and continue teaching throughout lockdown.

 

~ Allison O’Connell, FPS School Council President