School Education Board
Minutes from SEB Meeting Tuesday 7th March
St Raphael’s School Education Board
Meeting Tuesday 7th March 2017
Present: Carol, Damian, Filippa, Jeremy, Andrew, Andy, Sally, Liliana
Apologies: Tracey, Father Benneth
School Report
Damian reported that the year is off to a flying start Staff are at after-school meetings 3 nights a week for professional learning, professional development, including Leading Teachers leading their Action Teams. All this is geared towards improving any of the key “spheres” within the school. Damian is very pleased with teachers’ energy, attitudes and endeavours to improving these key areas.
Teachers were invited to run the pizza stall at Friday’s Car Show twilight event. There was a wonderful turnout of teachers, all had a great time and this stall was our leading fundraiser for the night.
Out of School Hours Care (OSH)
Out of School Hours Care (OSH) Overall School is happy with new provider. We are working on organising school holiday program but this is unlikely to be finalised for Easter holidays, but should be up and running for Winter holidays. OSH building has had general cleanup, window grates removed, paint etc. This has been noticed and appreciated by parents, members of SEB.
School’s communication with parents. An improved report will be given to parents of what has been achieved so far this term and what is still to come.
Pre- and Post- test results have started to be released to parents. Need to be prefaced with what they are trying to achieve. These tests are personalised for each child, and meant to be challenging. Children not expected to get 100% right on pre-testing, so we know where they can be assisted. Can be used as basis for Parent-Teacher interviews.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Parent-Teacher Interview – a questionnaire will be distributed to parents before the P-T Interviews. These forms will concentrate on opportunities for the parent to let teacher know of any opportunities and challenges being faced by the child, and when returned to school before the P-T interview can help teacher be prepared for offering a plan for addressing these concerns for each child. There is also the opportunity for researching data on the child to support the concerns and form the basis for this plan. This is all designed to help build the parent-teacher-student partnership. School Board Members likely (to be confirmed) to roster to ask parents where they may be able to volunteer for different activities at school.
Treasurer’s Report – Sushi Day raised $386, Zooper Dooper Day raised $181 and our Car Show raised $2240.
Capital Grants – Andrew reported on Catholic Education Melbourne’s Capital Grant program, which is a great opportunity. A representative from CEM will come out to school to provide advice on building a bid that has a chance of winning. School is going to aim high, with development of Outdoor Learning Spaces and redevelopment/extension of the School Hall and the previous Out of School Hours area. Carol from Outdoor Learning Space Committee spoke about their recent experience, achievements and challenges. Andrew also spoke about upcoming grants from Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths and Telstra. Action for the school is to send out a letter to parents seeking their help if they or anyone they know work for a company who may have philanthropic arms of the business that could be persuaded to help our school. Also will remind of the School Building Fund, which gives the opportunity for Tax Deductible donations.
Fundraising and Volunteering – We want to encourage Real Estate Agents to possibly help with promotion of the School (and maybe direct sponsorship as well). Damian will organise Morning Tea or similar for all Real Estate Agents in the area to show off the school’s features and benefits.
Calendar of Events was circulated – and we have tried to limit the events to approx one per month. Sally will create a calendar of volunteer jobs required for these events (in advance).
Damian wants to get grandparents involved in the school more, wondering about cooking, gardening as a possibility?
IT Update – Andy is working on the annual iPad advice document. Also is organising a list of apps the school uses (liaise with Mick from IT). This will also promote Term 2 Cyber Safety Session – School believes this is very important. “E-Smart” or similar people from Vic Government to be involved, and Board Members believe this should be a compulsory event (at least one parent from each family). Damian also reminded us that IT costs are steadily rising (eg replacing/improving wifi arrays, replacing banks of laptops etc).
Next meeting is Tuesday 9th May 2017
As always, the School Education Board welcomes all input from parents and the school community. Please email straphsseb@gmail.com with any suggestions/feedback.