Minutes from Previous Meetings

In attendance: Julie Livingstone, Claire Waite, Gillian Rattray, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Hamish Bell, Paula Morrison, Suzanne Westwood, John Flood, David Findlay, Pauline Smith, Dugald Campbell, Carol Rose, David Shackles, Moyra Murray, Kevin Hodgson, Mary Dodds

Apologies: Rosie Vallance, Avril Turner, Gill Amatt, Jacky Moss, Kate Ramsay, Lynsey Blackburn.

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed everyone.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed the group that the current balance of accounts is £609.87 There has been very little financial movement this month. The P7 dictionaries were paid for and there is one cheque for £80 for the balance of the Casino Night outstanding.

FUNDRAISING
Suzanne Westwood informed the group that while a great night was had by all who attended, due to poor ticket sales, the Casino night only made £8. SW thanked everyone who had either given to the raffle or attended the event. It was felt by the group, that all the extra holidays and Inservice day during the month had contributed to the poor attendance as people had less money to spend and were unable to get babysitters for the event. It was also agreed that it would have been a good idea to ask for ticket commitments on the slip that went out in school bags at the end of March. Julie Livingstone thanked Suzanne for all her hard work organising the event. In light of this, the committee discussed whether or not to go ahead with the proposed family barbeque on June 11th. It was decided to focus on events for next session instead especially as the Humpty Dumpty playgroup had decided to hold the annual duck race the week before.

The group debated holding an event in February 2012, possibly a Valentines disco for pupils or a beetle drive/bingo tea for parents and children. It was decided to pencil in Friday 10th of February for further discussion at the next meeting. The October Fancy Dress Disco will go ahead on Friday 28th of October. P1-3 at 6pm-7pm,P4-7 at 7.30pm-9pm.

PARENT FORUM
Julie Livingstone suggested that we need to look at improving ways of communicating to the parent forum and encouraging involvement in meetings and events. She would like to establish a consistent approach and look at what we could do better.

The group discussed;

• having a regular information section in the school newsletter
• putting up notices re meetings on the outdoor noticeboards
• rotating or changing the night of the Parent Council meetings.
• asking parents to give email addresses to create a forum for the new nursery and P1 pupils parents so they can be regularly kept up to date with meetings and events.
• slips with tear off sections could be left on seats at the P1 and Nursery information evenings and at open days for the parents of P2-P7 pupils
• Setting up a facebook page
• A parent council annual round up newsletter at the end/or beginning of each year
• Advertising in Destiny magazine
• Utilising the website

It was decided to follow up this thread of discussion at the next meeting. John is to present to the parents at the nursery evening on Wednesday the 1st of June at 6pm and the Primary 1 evening on Monday 6th of June at 6pm and Gillian and Julie will also be in attendance to support.

Julie appealed for helpers to give out ice lollies at the sports days, P1-3 Sports Day Wednesday 8th June (9th June reserve for bad weather) Nursery Sports Day Friday 10th June AM and PM P4-7 Sports Day Tuesday 14th June (15th June reserve for bad weather)

OFFICE BEARERS
JL informed the group that Gillian Rattray (Treasurer) and Suzanne Westwood (Fundraising) are happy to continue with their committee roles in 2011/2012. Claire Waite would be stepping down from the Secretary position, Julie is happy to step aside if there is a willing volunteer to take on the Chairperson's role. John Flood (Vice-Chair) and Jacky Moss (Communications) are still to indicate their intentions for the next Academic Session.

Dugald Campbell suggested that the group should advertise positions available and encourage willing volunteers to attend the AGM in June. JL to draft letter to be sent home in school bags.

AOB
Dugald Campbell advised that there was no update on the staffing position for next year. He is hoping to have an idea of his staffing compliment by the end of May but it could be as late as mid June. So far 57 pupils have enrolled into P1. There will be 125 pupils in total in P1 and P2 next academic year.

Councillor Lewis Simpson encouraged the group to advertise that the new crossing on Angus Road is now up and running and is available to be used by all age groups, including secondary pupils.

He would also like to advertise the Scone Village Association AGM on Tuesday 31st of May at 7pm for 7.30pm in the Institute. The speaker will be Brian Clelland from Orchard 800. Office Bearer roles are vacant. Councillor Simpson asked Dugald Campbell of any progress being made on the 'Safe Routes to School'. DFC indicated that Mrs Whittet, Mr Foley and two pupils had submitted a travel plan to the council and the school was working towards a three week focus surrounding 'Walk to School Week'.

DFC said that parents were still using the old gate and they were in discussion about whether or not to close the gate permanently to encourage parents to use the gates on Stormont Road and not crowd around the doors the children are exiting the school from. The new gate is being used, but often it is very congested as parents do not spread out along the bottom path.

Hamish Bell asked about the planned maintenance work on the surface of the playground. DFC replied that he has someone coming out this Thursday to discuss the work.

MEETING CLOSED 7.30pm

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary) Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson).

NEXT MEETING 13th June - AGM

In attendance:, Julie Livingstone, Claire Waite, Gillian Rattray, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Hamish Bell, Lee Cunningham, Pauline Smith, Dugald Campbell, Alan Gardner, Cheryl Turner

Apologies: John Flood , Rosie Vallance, Moyra Murray, Suzanne Westwood, Jacky Moss, Laura Millers, Mary Dodds, Kevin Hodgson

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed everyone and in particular Dugald Campbell back to the school after his period of secondment.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
Pauline Smith pointed out an amendment to last meeting's minutes which should have read 3 x standing water/sand trays, 6 x world globes and 6 x large world maps had been purchased. Minutes amended accordingly.

TREASURERS REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed the group that the current balance of accounts is £230.00. Recent payments have included the deposit for the Casino Night, payment for school dictionaries and the 'Wedge' for physical education.

STAFFING
Dugald Campbell updated the committee with regard to the School budget and staffing situation. The forthcoming three year cuts in budget will put pressure on the council to trim back services that will impact upon schools. There are various proposals being discussed and we are still awaiting an official outcome. It is likely that both management time and support staff will be affected. Perth & Kinross Council has tried to minimise the impact. There is likely to be no feedback until after the elections in May both at local authority and government levels.

Dugald Campbell is back in post as Headteacher two days a week, following Fiona Whittet's maternity leave commencing, with Laura Millers deputising for the other three days. Pauline Smith is also providing support in her role as Acting DHT. Mr Campbell will return full time after the summer break.

Mrs McDonald DHT will be retiring at the end of the summer term.

Staffing for the next academic year is unknown at this point. At this juncture it looks as though there are sixty three primary sevens leaving and fifty two primary ones coming in, creating a drop in one full time post. The full staffing ratios will not be available until the end of May, beginning of June.

FUNDRAISING
Julie Livingstone informed the group of the upcoming fundraising events in Suzanne Westwood's absence. A Casino night is planned for Friday the 6th of May at the Wheel Inn. The pub has offered to provide a buffet at cost. The company that runs the evening charge £500. We are hoping to get between 150-200 tickets sold at £10 each. Suzanne would appreciate any help organising the event and raffle. Anyone who can help organise the raffle or who has raffle prizes please get in touch with SW.

A family treasure hunt and barbeque is being organised for Saturday the 11th of June – providing it does not clash with the Playgroup Duck Race. Further information will be available in due course.

Claire Waite to complete the Let Application for use of the school grounds and toilets on 11/6 when that date is formalised. DFC asked for a paragraph on both to go into the school newsletter.

KIDS CLUBS Concern was expressed by GR, Alan Gardner and Cheryl Turner who had attended the recent meeting held by the council, at plans to terminate the school summer holiday club at RDMS.

The council had a break down of running and staffing costs of the club and felt that subsidising the often poorly attended club was unsustainable. Many children would register to use the club in the holidays but then go on to cancel and payment would be lost.

The council is willing to offer free facilities and Let of Premises/equipment if members of the community wished to keep the holiday club running as a private enterprise. Cllr Lewis Simpson suggested that interested parties approach Susan Johnstone at PKC who would be able to give support and advice to take this forward. A commercial concern would not be able to gain Free Let and equipment. AG and CT felt strongly that the cancellation of the holiday club would cause lots of problems for parents with no other alternatives in place and also be very difficult for the children themselves having to attend holiday clubs in the other primary schools where clubs are still being run.

DFC offered to get a note out to parents if one is drafted by interested parents, asking what the commitment is to attending the holiday club this year and giving the opportunity for parents to give email addresses to join a forum to reinstate the holiday club. Alan Gardner agreed to be the point of contact to take the issue forward. It was felt by the group that this would have to be taken forward quickly before parents have made alternative arrangements.

PARENTAL REPORT
DFC gave the committee a copy of the template for reporting to parents being piloted this year. Staff are getting to grips with reporting according to the Curriculum for Excellence and no longer using the 5-14 levels. There is a change in the way absence is reported, with the full detail of absence being available through the office and only the totals given on the report. The summative comment that used to be at the end of the report is now at the beginning and includes aspects across the wider curriculum.

AOB
LS said that the erection of the Angus Road crossing had commenced and should be completed soon. He mentioned a possible delay with the installation of the traffic lights. The bus stop has been moved and white lines painted.

JL asked if there was a timescale in place for the zigzags and barrier being put in place at the new gate. Not as yet. GR commented that the traffic 30mph sign on Angus Rd at the bottom of Highfield Road is not working. LS to address that in the morning.

LC asked if there was a more prominent position for the ECO flag and if the school would receive a second flag this year. DFC said they would look in to getting another flag pole at the other side of the school if a second flag awarded is an actual flag and not only an award.

GR told the group about the Scottish and Southern Energy staff initiative to work on projects in the community and suggested the school made a bid. Laura Millers will be taking this forward.

MEETING CLOSED 8.15pm

NEXT MEETING
Monday 9th May 7pm Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary) Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance:, Julie Livingstone, John Flood, Paula Morrison, Gillian Rattray, Suzanne Westwood, Carol Rose, Fiona Whittet, Laura Millers, Councillor Lewis Simpson, David Shackles, Mary Dodds, Doreen McKay, Kevin Hodgson.

Apologies: Claire Waite, Rosie Vallance, Moyra Murray, Hamish Bell, Lynsey Blackburn, Paul Fraser, David Findlay.

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed members.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING -
JL Update on Jock's retirement present - a watch and an engraved quaich (a special kind of shallow two-handled drinking cup or bowl).

TREASURERS REPORT - GR
GR summarised an updated audit of the Parent Council's financial status. Money had been given to the school for a new T.V. (£500) Jock's retirement gifts cost (£161.50) Invoice for footballs for school team/s (£91) to be paid. Items from the recent school wish list still to pay for (see next agenda point) The current balance of accounts is £3,644.23.

UPDATE ON SPENDING OF FUNDS - FW
FW informed the group of how the Parent Council funds are currently being spent on 'extras' from the school wish list. These were items that were deemed to be luxuries in the current climate and would not have been considered as necessities from any money within RDMS PKC budget.

The items are as follows:

• 3 x Standing Water Trays
• 3 x Coombers (Educational Audio Device or listening centre)
• 6 x World Globes
• 6 x Large World Maps (Updated)
• Set of torches for science experiments
• Jolly Phonics site license in all classes allowing children to
  access and enjoy on every school computer.

These items were ordered from PKOS, and will all arrive with invoices. The funds will then be made available to the school from the PC.

FW enquired if the Parent Council were still willing to pay for half the cost of the new school notice board. JL said that this was dependant on the amount already spent from the Parent Council, however if there was sufficient funds then they would be made available. Total cost of notice board is £300 (£150 hopefully from Parent Council funds).

FW enquired about Parent Council support with financing the bus for the P7 Glenshee trip. £500 towards annual school transport costs had already been made available to RDMS in November 2010. £500 has again been assured by PC for transport in November 2011. GR enquired about the previous request made for a gym wedge. FW confirmed that this was being sourced by Mrs McKenzie but was not finalised.

FUTURE PC EVENTS - JL/SW
JL opened a debate to determine what Parent Council events could be held in 2011 and asked the group for suggestions. JL suggested that a Casino Night at the Wheel Inn for adults only could be an option as the usual organisers (Humpty Dumpty Playgroup) were not hosting one this year. The group thought this to be a good idea as the event itself would not take a great deal of organising as it would run by an external company. PM suggested that we should move fast with this proposal as other organisations may "get in first". SW also suggested the possibility of a Village Treasure Hunt which would be more kid-friendly which we could hold in the summer. GR intimated that this should not be viewed as a "money-making exercise", but more of a community event. SW to organise an informal meeting for anyone interested in helping.

FUTURE MONIES RAISED BY PC / SCHOOL - FW
FW proposed to the group a change to previous charity fund raising collections within the school. The proposal was that instead of donating money to a charity of the children's choice, this year any monies raised at school events (e.g. door collection at school concerts) would go to buying new music stands for the school. The plan is NOT to stop collecting for registered charities (e.g. Red Nose Day will still be supported to name one) but at some events the money raised will go directly to RDM for these purchases as a benefit to all pupils. This was agreed by the group.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN EVENT OF SCHOOL CLOSURE - FW
FW informed the group of procedures that were now in place following the recent bad weather. In the event of the weather affecting staff and teachers in getting to their own school or a school closure, a spreadsheet has been developed by Perth & Kinross Council detailing members of staff and their NEAREST school. Approximately 60 staff live in the vicinity of RDM enabling the school to always remained staffed. KH asked if any other schools would be closed. FW replied that any teacher would be able to teach at RDM and reiterated that staff and teachers should try to attend their own school first, then the nearest school thereafter. The teachers and staff would ask the school if their presence was required and if not required they should work from home. FW went on to say that schools could be closed to children but teachers should try to attend a school to supervise any children who may have headed to school unaware of the closure.

On a separate point FW raised her concerns about the ability to clear the RDM playground in adverse weather conditions (e.g. snow and ice). FW contacted the council to request the playground be cleared due to health and safety concerns, however this was deemed not a priority for the council. FW went on to say that keeping children inside school as a result of the safety concerns of the playground was itself a concern and required a risk assessment. FW had also asked the council for grit but the request was declined.

KH raised a concern about the bus service between the school and Stormontfield. The service had been affected by the bad weather and KH had raised this issue with the council as it is a school route and the buses could not get through. KH urged that this issue required attention and suggested 4 wheel drive vehicles cover the route in times of adverse weather. FW agreed the bus companies need to be better prepared in severe weather. The question of "what to do?" was posed to Councillor Simpson.

Councillor Simpson agreed to raise the question on behalf of the Parent Council, but intimated that the difficulty may be in getting private bus firms to agree to travel to outlying areas in severe weather. Councillor Simpson suggested that as long as the bus companies meet a "certain criteria" then the council would continue to use their service. DS suggested that there may not be money available to fund contract for new vehicles. Councillor Simpson suggested that contracts often go to the cheapest option as long as they meet a certain criteria (e.g. Risk assessment etc).

KH asked what contingency plans exist in the case of severe weather affecting school travel. Councillor Simpson suggested that there is often a hope of the snow going away but agreed that something needs to be written into the contract.

AOB - JL
JL enquired to the school as to what gift the P7 pupils would be getting this year as a French dictionary or an English dictionary had been suggested. The group debated the language of the dictionary and it was decided that an English dictionary was the preferred choice. The cost of last year's dictionaries was £220 and the school confirmed it would look into getting a similar deal this year to be paid for by the PC. JL informed the group of a public consultation by the Scottish Executive on the future publication of the School Handbook and what parent's want to be included. JL handed out information to anyone who would like to attend (or nearest is Dundee) or get involved and will email the rest of the group with the same details.

Councillor Simpson informed the group that work would be starting soon on the Angus Road crossing although the start date may be held up due to some objections from local residents. Councillor Simpson informed the group that the "Connect2" bridge would now more than likely not be happening, and that funding would now not be available for related projects (e.g. Paths, cycle routes etc). Sustrans funding would likely go to a project in Portsmouth. Councillor Simpson singled out Fred the lollipop man for ensuring the safety of all at the school crossing during the bad weather calling him a "hero".

KH asked about the progress of erecting a barrier at the new gate on the pavement. Councillor Simpson confirmed that this was in the pipeline and would happen in better weather along with revised road markings.

FW informed the group of plans to issue the annual parental questionnaire to 20% of parents with one of the questions relating to the new path and gate and whether or not it is working.

FW said that depending on feedback a second questionnaire would be issued to all parents.

JL suggested the need for more No Dogs signs in the school grounds as there have been instances of dogs within the school grounds. FW confirmed that this would be addressed.

Councillor Simpson raised concerns over inconsiderate parking around the school and suggested that parking at the Wheel Inn should be the preferred option. FW confirmed that this issue would again be raised in the next school newsletter.

MEETING CLOSED 8.00pm

NEXT MEETING 14/3/11 Minutes taken by John Flood (Vice Chairperson) Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Julie Livingstone, Claire Waite, Paula Morrison, Gillian Rattray, Moyra Murray, Suzanne Westwood, Carol Rose, Fiona Whittet, Laura Millers, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Hamish Bell, Jacky Moss, Kate Ramsay, David Shackles, Lynsey Blackburn, Doreen McKay, Mary Dodds

Apologies: John Flood, Rosie Vallance, Avril Turner, Gill Amatt, Lee Cunningham.

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed members.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising.

TREASURER’S REPORT
GR distributed an updated audit of the Parent Council’s financial status. Money had been given to the school for the P7 Dictionaries and for kitchen items and soft furnishings for the ‘Learning for Life’ skills based classroom. The fancy dress disco made a profit of approx £827.00. This has to be finalised.

The current balance of accounts is £5065.39

STAFFING
FW informed the group that following his secondment to Kinross primary school, Dugald Campbell has successfully made application to another secondment role within the development team at Perth and Kinross Council, dealing with a wide remit supporting the Service Managers. He is currently contracted until June 2011. FW is currently undertaking the Acting position in the short term. The long term position is being advertised to internal applicants only on the ‘My Job Scotland’ portal, the closing date is the 24th of November. Two representatives of RDMPC are requested to take part in the interview. JL expressed her wish to take part as Chair of the Parent Council. Hamish Bell has offered to be a stand by and as it was felt by the group that it would be beneficial for the other person to have some educational background both Paula Morrison and Claire Waite offered. It was decided that Claire Waite and Julie Livingstone would go forward with Hamish Bell as standby.

• Mr McGee (P2/2) left at the end of the October holidays and was replaced by Mrs Barbara Finney
  on a supply basis until today when Mrs Maureen Cook took up the role full time.
• Mrs Smith continues in her role as Acting Deputy Head.
• Mrs Woods is taking up post in the Autistic base 2 days a week.
• Mrs Finney took over P3/2 today. Mrs Pat Murray retired after 10 years service.
• Grace Aitchison will replace Mrs Murray.

2 members of the Autistic base staff continue to be absent due to long term health issues. Several proposed changes to the staffing structure are being discussed currently in line with the Council’s action plan to deal with the 38 million pounds of savings to be made over the next four years. It has been proposed that Nursery Teachers are redeployed in Primary stages and the nursery will be run by Early Childhood Practitioners, Specialists such as Art, Music, PE and Drama will also be effected as will staff with temporary contracts. More specific details will become apparent in the coming months. These changes are to be implemented from August 2011 onwards if they are passed by PKC.

FUNDRAISING
JL thanked Gill Rattary and Suzanne Westwood for all their hard work organising the Fancy Dress Disco and to all the parents who helped on the evening. It was felt the evening was a huge success. The Friday night was a more popular evening than Saturday night had been in the past. FW expressed the need for a member of staff to be in attendance for the P1-P3 event and a microphone for the entertainer- as it was very noisy. JL expressed a desire to allocate RDMPC funds ASAP. GL gave FW a cheque for £500 towards school trip bus costs and a flat screen television for the GP room costing £500 has also been purchased. Suggestions were made for additional items such as Sets of decent quality P4-P7 dictionaries Smart board software for Jolly Phonics (£40 per disc x5) Mrs McKenzie requested wedges for the gym to help kids with rolling approx £300 each. It was decided that the school would put forward a wish list as soon as possible. Purchases will be discussed by members, via email, and made before the next meeting.

ROAD SAFETY/GATES
FW stated that only two parental complaints had been made since the ‘New’ gate has opened. The management team have been evaluating the function of the gates and feel that it is a success. Both Fred the Lollipop man and Stagecoach are happy with the change. Mr Foley and the pupils are in the process of updating the travel plan, after which representatives of PKC roads department will come and look at adding zig-zags and a barrier to the area directly behind the gate on Stormont Road. It was felt by the group that parents should be quietly discouraged from using the big gate but it should not be closed all together. HB brought up the lack of lighting at the side of the Wheel Inn and KR also commented on cars racing up to the recycling bins. Councillor Simpson agreed to approach the manager of the Wheel Inn

PlAYGROUND REPAIRS
Hamish Bell has been in communication with the council to get the P3/P4 and P5 playground resurfaced. The council have communicated that 25k has been set aside for resurfacing next year with temporary repairs taking place immediately.

AOB
Jocks Retiral – 29th November 2010 – a present is to be purchased on behalf of the RDMPC. JL will get ideas from Jock’s wife and daughter. Mugs – 75th Anniversary mugs to be sold at a discounted rate of £1.50 a mug. Notes to go into school bags.

MEETING CLOSED 8.15pm

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary) Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson).

In attendance: Julie Livingstone, Gillian Rattray, Mary Dodds, Miss Carol Rose, Mrs Pauline Smith, Mrs Fiona Whittet & Cllr Lewis Simpson

Apologies: Moyra Murray, Jacky Moss, John Flood, Rosie Vallance, Lee Cunningham, Suzanne Westwood, David Findlay, Tracy Scott, Avril Turner & Paul Fraser.

WELCOME
Julie thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT
GR Reported a bank balance as at 9th August of £4,824.02 inclusive of the 10/11 PKC Grant of £734 paid on 9th July. GR also distributed the Summer Fair Reconciliation showing an overall profit of £2,632.24 including the sales of mugs & tea towels.

Parent Council Funds
There followed a discussion as to items the school would like to purchase.

Mrs Whittet will forward a ‘wish list’ to the PC but items included:-

• Large wall mounted television which the school may be able to get fitted at cost.
• Kitchen items for a ‘skills based’ learning room i.e. microwave, kettle, toaster and tabletop fridge
• Soft furnishings for above room i.e. bean bags and comfy cushions
• Playground markings were discussed but it was felt that the playground needs to be re-surfaced before £2k or £3k was spent.

Lewis Simpson intimated that there may be kitchen items available to the school from the Glebe School which is now closed. Mrs Whittet took the action to find out about that.

NOVEMBER BOOK FAIR
Mrs Smith said that a scholastic book fair would be held at the school for a week from 11/11/10 exact dates tbc. It was planned that the book fair would also be opened for the two Parents nights that week however an additional inservice day has been announced for Wed 17th November so the Parents nights may have to be changed. If the fair is opened for Parents nights the school would be looking for Parent helpers. The fair may also be opened after school for Parents to browse and help would also be required for this– tbc. The school receives 60% of profits – in book form.

EVENTS 2010/11

FANCY DRESS DISCO
The fancy dress disco will be on Friday 29th Oct. P1-3 from 6pm until 7pm and P4-7 from 7.30 until 9pm

• P1-3 will have a magician/entertainer with limited dancing.
• P4-7 will be entertained by John Flood on the disco.
• Claire Waite to complete a hall let for the dining room.
• Letters regarding tickets etc. to go in the bags before the October break.

Suzanne Westwood to arrange sub meeting asap.

POSSIBLE FUTURE EVENTS ...

FAMILY CEILIIDH
It was discussed that we may have another ceilidh at the end of January ’11 in Queens Rd Hall.

RACE NIGHT / CASINO NIGHT
Possibility of one or other of above to be held away from school buildings

FAMILY TREASURE HUNT
It was discussed that we may have a treasure hunt in the spring open to family teams

SCHOOL GATES
It was felt that the new gate area has become very busy and the parents are not spread over the two front gates as hoped. There was also discussion re traffic and the issue of Fred having to police 3 busy junctions. Is the solution to re-open the ‘big’ gate and how long do we trial the two gate only policy before we make that decision? Any feedback should be passed to the School. It was noted that there had been positive feedback from the residents of Spoutwells Rd who intimated that the road was now much clearer. The situation will be monitored.

Mrs Whittet said that a new bin will have to be bought for the new gate and either move or buy a new notice board too.

It has been noticed by the School that Parents are not waiting in the holding areas to collect children and there are a lot of Parents in areas where they shouldn’t be. It will be re-iterated in the next newsletter that only P1 parents are allowed past the holding areas (until the end of the 1st term) and Parents should NOT be gathering all the way up the paths

It was also pointed out that the staff car park should not be used to drop-off or collect pupils unless they are attending breakfast club or after-school facilities in the dining hall.

AOB
LS said that at a meeting of the Joint Board he attended it was noted that it will be 11 years before 09/10 spending levels will be attained. LS said the crossing at Angus Road will go ahead with £37,500 being allocated for a Puffin Crossing. (Puffin crossings differ from Pelican crossings as the red & green figures are above the control box on your side of the road and there is no flashing green figure phase. Press the button and wait for the green figure to show.) Mrs Whittet has asked for volunteers to help with the building of the eco committee’s raised beds on Saturday 11th September. SSE’s Community at Heart project have been approached and GR to chase up Mary Powell of SSE to find out status of request. A&J Stephens are supplying the top soil saving the School approx £500 and P2 Parent Stuart Thomson is donating staff and tools/machinery for the day. School Birthday Friday 27th August will be attended by Mr Campbell (returning for the morning) and Ian Douglas (relation of School Benefactor Robert Douglas). Weather permitting a walk around the School & park is planned with cake & juice too.

The meeting was brought to a close at 8.15pm

Minutes written by Gillian Rattray 24th August 2010 amended by Julie Livingstone.

In attendance: Hamish Bell, Dugald Campbell, Fiona Whittet, Mary Dodds, John Flood, Paul Fraser, Julie Livingstone, Paula Morrison, Gillian Rattray, Sandy Scrimgeour (Perth Academy Parent Council), Councillor Lewis Simpson, Mr Andy Smith (Perth Academy Rector), Suzanne Westwood and Morven Withers

Apologies: Linzi Low, Dave Pritchard, Gill Amatt, Jacky Moss, Moyra Murray and Claire Waite

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed everyone to the meeting and extended a warm welcome to our guests from Perth Academy, Mr Smith (Rector) and Mr Scrimgeour (Perth Academy Parent Council). Mr Smith said he was keen to promote potential involvement from RDM to ensure a strong Parent Council at Perth Academy and that it was great to see such healthy numbers at the meeting. Mr Scrimgeour picked up on the good environmental practise of the "reduced sized" agenda sheets and was also keen for "RDM" parents to be involved in Perth Academy's Parent Council once children move up. Mr Scrimgeour highlighted the need for parents to be trained in the placement appeals process for PKC. Anyone wishing any further details could contact Mr Scrimgeour via Perth Academy.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed the Parent Council that as of 17/05/10 there is a balance of £1396. This has not changed, but we are starting to get money in for the Summer Fair.

OPEN DAY
JL asked for volunteers from the "wider school" for the upcoming open day on Wednesday 26th May to serve teas and coffees. Dugald Campbell then went to discuss some of the content of what was happening on the day - A number of photographs have been obtained for the open day and DC was looking for volunteers to help display them onto blue boards in a creative and artistic way on Monday 24th May & Tues 25th May. The display will be in the school gym and there will also be commemorative 75th anniversary mugs & tea towels for sale. Original RDM school log/admission books will also be on display, but there will be "controlled access" via staff with regards some of the older, more fragile books. DC said that publicity was going well for the open day with posters up and an article in The Courier. DC has also tracked down John Campbell who was the first Dux of the new school and he will be coming along to the open day.

DC has also spoken to Ian Douglas, grand nephew of Robert Douglas, who will come to the school on 27th August. DC said that classes in RDM have been working on a different topics covering the last 75 years like transport, famous Scots etc. DC said that there will A5 "memory sheets" available at the open day to collect people’s memories of RDM and that a leaflet has been produced to be handed out on the open day.

DC said that there was to be no guided tours by individual pupils and that the children would be staying in their classrooms on the day due to safety reasons and all exit doors would be staffed. People would sign in to the school but due to logistics they would not sign out. DC said that Mr Burns (teacher) would be teaching a class in a "1935" style to show what times were like then. JL asked would mugs & mementos be ready in time for open day. DC said yes, 504 mugs would be available. JL suggested that she thought tea towels would have been sold by now. DC was still thinking of the logistics of sending them to homes. DC clarified costs of tea towels & mugs as being £3.50 each or 2 for £6. JL asked who would collect the money for mementos. DC suggested a member of the Parent Council would pick up monies daily similar to how the disco money is handled. JL insisted that any order form has to be accurately completed to track the sales of mementos so that there was no "over the counter" sales. DC said he would discuss with staff re: money handling.

STAFFING & CLASSES
DC said that the school was in the process of organising class sizes for the new term, there is to be a total 64 primary one pupils over 3 classes. DC confirmed that Mrs Ponder is retiring. DC announced that there are 3 vacancies that need to be filled and is looking at a ratio of 2 permanent / 1 probationer. DC announced that school staffing for the forthcoming year would be the same as this year. DC was "making good progress" with staffing and would let the Parent Council know as soon as possible of any developments.

SCHOOL GATE & GROUNDS
DC confirmed that the work on the new entrance and paths has been completed and wished to acknowledge the efforts of Hamish Bell, who has been encouraging the progress. Cllr Simpson announced that there was to be a meeting on Friday 21st to discuss the late delivery of this project and HB would try to attend on behalf of the PC. JL enquired about the bare strip of grass that is cordoned off at the front of the school as there are space requirements for the Summer Fair. DC answered that the bare patch has been seeded with grass seed and it would require to be left alone to grow. JL enquired about the effect this would have on the area required for sports day. DC said that the running track would be reduced in size to accommodate. DC went on to say that the ultimate plan is for the "big gate" to cease to be used as a parental pick up and there would be information on that in a forthcoming newsletter. Suzanne Westwood suggested that there was a safety concern over the new exits on Stormont road as there was no barrier and that kids exited straight onto parked cars and also showed concern for the lollipop man who has to manage the crossing. DC said planners would be contacted regards new lines, barriers etc.

HB asked about the Eco Groups plans to create "raised (plant) beds" within the grounds and who would maintain them over the summer holidays and over the winter holidays. Fiona Whittet advised that the raised beds would be sited beside each of the paths and that each "little garden" would be an individual class’ responsibility for the whole year, however admitted that Summer Holidays could potentially be a problem. FW also said the school would need to inform the council regarding the raised beds with regards the grass cutting.

FAIR
JL announced and presented a draft of a souvenir programme created by Jacky Moss for the Summer Fair, which is to be given away free and used as a timetable of events for the day. 1000 copies are to be produced with the aim of bag stuffing 500 pre-fair and issuing 500 on the day. SW said that money from stallholders had started to come in and that there was to be 19 "business" stalls and 16 "committee" run stalls as well as two bouncy castles, face painting & hair braiding, British military fitness assault course from 2pm until 3pm and a BBQ organised by The Maltings . Morven Withers confirmed that there was to be a vintage bus (courtesy of Stagecoach) which would offer free rides (with buckets for donations) around Scone for the duration of the event (1pm – 4.45pm) when it would return to Mill Street, Perth. MW also confirmed the presence of a fire engine and hopefully a police van on the day. FW asked what was happening with teas & coffees for the fair. JL said that the intention was to use the dining room. (Separate Summer Fair meeting held after Parent Council meeting)

AOB
John Flood wanted to discuss safety concerns of other parents regarding the Skate ramp in the park and the suggestion of the removal of the structure due to safety fears (LS not present at this time). Parent Council agreed that it would like to see a "larger strategy" for the park with better equipment like the park at Coupar Angus. However PC also felt any decision should take account of the feelings of those who had fundraised for the structure in the first place. MW announced the opportunity of an Aviva promotion to win £10000 for the school or a sports personality to coach for the day. MW will send FW details. JL said that the netball coaches had asked the Parent Council for a donation (£100 approx) to go towards new equipment, bibs, balls etc. FW said that the Tesco tokens may be an option with regard the netball equipment and would look into it. Meeting Closed at 8.15pm Next Meeting: AGM Monday 21st June at 7pm in RDMS Informal School Fair Meeting to be held: Minute written by John Flood amended by Julie Livingstone.

MEETING CLOSED 8.15pm

Minutes taken by John Flood
Amended by Julie Livingstone

In attendance: Dugald Campbell, Mary Dodds, Julie Livingstone, Laura Millers, Gillian Rattray, Carol Rose, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Claire Waite, Suzanne Westwood, Morven Withers

Apologies: Paula Morrison, Linzi Low, Dave Pritchard, Gill Amatt, Jim Gemmell, Hamish Bell, John Flood, Jacky Moss and Moyra Murray

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed everyone to the meeting.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed the Parent Council that as of 31/02/10 there is a balance of £1396.

SCHOOL GROUNDS
DC updated the group with regard to the work on new entrance to the school. Work has recommenced, and DC wished to acknowledge the efforts of Hamish Bell, who has been encouraging the progress. The boarding that was being used has now been removed as the grass was becoming spoilt. The new entrance gate has been formed and the tarring process is scheduled for the 29th of March to be completed by the end of the Easter break, weather permitting. There will be no extra cost to the council because of the delays. After completion, parents and pupils will be no longer able to use the ‘big’ gate and will enter and exit from Stormont Road. DC will liaise with PKC Roads Dept as to reconfiguring the markings and adding a barrier at the edge of the pavement.

TRANSPORT COSTS
JL informed the group that the school had requested £170 towards the P7 school trip to Glenshee. It was suggested that an annual donation of £500 towards school trips should be gifted to the School from the Parent Council at the beginning of November each year. Everyone felt this was a good idea. DC asked members if they felt they were paying too much for trips in general. All members felt parents were happy to contribute in order for their children to gain experiences they might not necessarily get.

CHAIR’S MEETING
JL attended the chair’s meeting which addressed budget cuts over the next four years. The council are striving to do their best to protect health and education. Ideally they are working towards introducing smaller class sizes, increasing nursery times and creating free breakfast/brunch clubs for P1-P3. The council may have to make at least 35 million pounds of savings over the next 4 years, which is likely to be felt from 2012 onwards. Due to this the most achievable aspiration which the council are working towards is to reduce class sizes to 18 in P1-P3. Any strong feelings about this can be passed on to JL which will then be voiced via the National Parent Forum. DC pointed out that the delay to ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ mentioned in the press is likely to refer to the presentation of the new exam system for S4-S6.

SCHOOL FAIR
Morven Withers updated on her correspondence for the school fair. The Fire Service has confirmed that they will be able to attend. The Territorial Army are proving difficult to get any firm commitment from. Stagecoach would be happy to replace the usual no 7 service with the Vintage bus.

Claire Waite updated the group on the celebration Tea Towels. Laura Millers had successfully gathered all the drawings from each pupil in the school. CW is now laying out both the Junior and Senior tea towel designs and altering the school logo to fit. The designs will be submitted at the end of the week and all being well the final tea towels will be with us at the beginning of May. 500 have been ordered. They will be sold at £3 each or £5 for 2.

Gym bags will be ordered with the school badge and including a space for names and class. Colours are still to be confirmed. Pupils could choose or we could assign certain colours to certain year groups. Let form is nearly complete and will be submitted to the council after confirming times and facilities with JL.

Dugald Campbell presented the group with some design options for the celebration mugs. The group made a selection and DC will order 500 mugs to be sold at £3.50 each or 2 for £6.

Suzanne Westwood gave an overview of the variety of stalls and activities scheduled for the event. She has held a meeting with the all the school run stallholders and everything is progressing well. Further parent volunteers would be welcomed.

AOB
Councillor Simpson disclosed that there is potential change to the no7 Bus route. Stagecoach is due to have a major review in the near future.

Permission has been granted for the building of flats behind Kinnears pub, which will prompt the opening of the crossing opposite the New Scone Church.

A crossing patrol person is likely to be installed in Angus Road (top end) in the first instance. Mapping of pupil residences on that side of the village is under way to strengthen the argument for a more permanent crossing.

MEETING CLOSED 8.20pm

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary)
Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Hamish Bell, Dugald Campbell, Louise Cunningham, Mary Dodds, John Flood, Paul Fraser, Julie Livingstone, Laura Millers, Jacky Moss, Moyra Murray, Kate Ramsay, Gillian Rattray, Carol Rose, Dave Shackles, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Claire Waite and Suzanne Westwood.

Apologies: Linzi Low, Dave Pritchard, Gill Amatt, Avril Turner, Morven Withers, Rosie Vallance and Jim Gemmell.

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed everyone to the meeting.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed the Parent Council that as of 31/01/10 there is a balance of just under £1400.00. A donation of £100 was given to the Boys Brigade in December, on behalf of the Parent Council, in memory of the Owen Family.

RDM 75 MEMENTOES /TEATOWELS
Claire Waite handed out information on the options for producing a school tea towel to celebrate the school’s 75th Anniversary this May. The tea towels would be sold to parents through the school, in order to raise funds and commemorate the occasion. Pupils would all do a small portrait that would appear on a tea towel. Dugald Campbell suggested that two tea towel designs were produced; one featuring the drawings of Nursery through to P3, and P4-P7 (approx 250 pupils per towel). Towels are approx £1.50 to buy and could be sold at £2.50. 500 would be ordered. The committee looked at a sample from the company and two from previous years.

Claire Waite passed over the paperwork to the school and will liaise with them before the end of February to obtain final decisions re: colour, design etc.

It was decided that further mementoes such as mugs, pencils and possibly other items would be decided upon and purchased by the Parent Council to sell at the School Open Day and Summer Fair. The committee and fundraising group will meet in the near future to finalise ideas and do costing. It was suggested that a photo mug with the school picture and some text would be a more contemporary design for the mug. CW agreed to look in to unit costs for production. Jacky Moss suggested that we use her business account for purchasing as she gets a discount with the company involved.

75th ANNIVERSARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY
Dugald Campbell shared information regarding the proposed Open Day on the 26th of May 2010. The school is to be opened to the public from 9.30am-12am and 2pm-3pm. Times will be confirmed nearer the event. The school will have a variety of displays and attractions to engage the public. The Parent Council will be represented to sell mementoes and programmes for the School Fair, and to serve tea and coffee. Information about the event can be found on the school website and will be communicated to parents and the wider public in the week’s prior to the day. Other things the school have organised to celebrate the 75th birthday include a P4-P7 concert, Whole School Photo (28th May kids/Staff), a meal for staff past and present with a ceilidh too.

SCHOOL FAIR
CW handed out a list of roles and responsibilities that had been allocated to various individuals at the last informal committee meeting for named individuals to check that they were happy with. There are still tasks that need to be adopted by helpers. John Flood enquired about school groups such as ‘Brass/String’ taking up a slot of time on one of the stages at the Open Day. DC agreed to pass on the invitation. DC will check insurance status for the event. JL and CW will liaise with the Health and Safety department of the council to update the generic risk assessments we have received and support us with any further risks to be assessed.

Suzanne Westwood informed the group that we have had 20 people volunteering to run school stalls and 13 small businesses looking for stalls with still more take up expected. Businesses have been asked to provide their own floats and wet weather precautions. 25 big tables are available from the school for stalls. Leaflets are to be distributed to private nurseries and the playgroup advertising the day. Carol Rose agreed to manage the Book stall with her P7 class.

The Committee and any others are welcome to attend the next School Fair Meeting at the beginning of March (date still TBC).

BUDGET CUTS - EIS MARCH
Carol Rose invited the committee and wider parent body to attend the Educational Institute of Scotland March against budget cuts in schools, on Saturday 6th of March, in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow. Transport will be laid on from Scone. The authority faces massive cuts in the next 4 years that will impact upon our children’s education. 18million pounds over the next four years cut from budgets will see a potential reduction in specialist and support staff. CR encouraged the group to encourage as many people to march as possible, with their children. Leaflets and Posters will go around the school in the next couple of weeks. If you require any further information please contact crose@robertdouglas.pkc.sch.uk

AOB

The Eco Committee’s ‘Book Swap’ was a huge success with 1400 books donated and funds raised for Haiti.

P6/7 Parents met with the Rector of the Academy, Andy Smith, to receive a presentation on the Curriculum for Excellence and the changing exam system. Parents of the same year groups have been invited on the 1st of March to Perth Academy to hear Sheena Devlin (Primary and Nursery Service Manager) and Lorraine Sanda ( National Parental Involvement Coordinator) talk about The Curriculum for Excellence.

Councillor Lewis Simpson updated the group on the Angus Road Crossing; it seems that the plans being passed to construct flats behind ‘Kinnears’ would necessitate the activation of the second crossing on the Angus Road.

Traffic/Pedestrian counts are ongoing. Several counts are taken to allow for bad weather.

John Flood asked about the progress being made constructing the new path on school grounds. DC had spoken with the authority; however no deadline or working schedule is currently available.

MEETING CLOSED 8.05pm

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary)
Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Paula Morrison, Claire Waite, John Flood, Julie Livingstone, Dugald Campbell, Hamish Bell, Dave Shackles, Fiona Whittet, Moira Lumby, Morven Withers, Gillian Rattray, Mary Dodds, Councillor Lewis Simpson and Moyra Murray.

Apologies: Jim Gemmell, Rosie Vallance, Gill Amatt and Jacky Moss.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising – Note that 50 parents attended the Health Evening. Thanks were given to all those who had made the evening possible.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed council that there is a balance of approximately £3000.00, including a £500 ‘Into Action’ grant for 09/10 from Scottish and Southern Energy.

EDUCATION AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Julie Livingstone informed the group that she has a copy of the Education and Children’s Services Quality and Standards Report 2007/08 from the Council should anyone wish to read it but it is also available online at www.pkc.gov.uk

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
Following quotes from three companies, members of staff, the Parent Council and a representative from Perth and Kinross Council, who is responsible for school grounds, selected the firm (ESP) to take forward the Trim Trail developments. Dugald Campbell presented the plans, including site maps and apparatus drawings to the group. Projected costs for the completion of the project are £21,000; this includes a 15% discount that was negotiated in order for the firm to promote their reputation in Scotland. The firm guarantees the maintenance of the equipment for a year, the wood used is guaranteed for 25 years. DC received positive references from other groups that had employed the company.

The school are holding a sponsored fun run for pupils, from Nursery to P7, on Friday 5th of June, in order to raise funds to contribute to the cost of the venture. DC urged the Parent Council to raise awareness and enthusiasm for the event. This is the first sponsored event that the school has held in the last 7 years. Parents will be invited to come and cheer on the young people and will be made aware of the event by Groupcall. It is hoped that the equipment could be installed as early as first term of the next academic session. Letters have been sent to a variety of sources including individuals, trusts, businesses and charities in order to raise funds for the playground.
Council Members suggested setting up a ‘Just Giving’ account so people could donate over the internet, advertising in the Perthshire Advertiser, approaching the Earl of Mansfield/racecourse and Stagecoach for donations.

FUNDRAISING PROPOSAL
Julie Livingstone announced that Jacky Moss and John Flood are proposing to take over the chair of the Fundraising subgroup.

WEBSITE
There was a discussion about the function of the website and communicating via website. A Discussion Board was suggested but DC pointed out the dangers of this and that a monitor would have to check this regularly. It was noted that although the meetings and minutes were updated regularly on the site not much had changed since inception. It was also agreed this was down to both a lack of communication between subgroups and also not much happening to report especially on fundraising front.

JL advised that we had paid £60 to maintain the site for another year. It was agreed that it was difficult to take further at this meeting as no one was present to represent the communications subgroup and they have the specialised knowledge of the website and what can and can’t be done. Dugald Campbell welcomed any feedback on the RDM website.

BALL COURT
Councillor Lewis Simpson told the members that the open evening for the Ball Court was well attended and received. The last bits of funding are being put in place and planning permission is to be applied for. They are still working towards the end of 2009 for completion of the project.

AOB
Scone Village Association Newspaper – Jacky Moss has agreed to become involved on behalf of PC with the production of the newspaper. The first two editions will be free to PH2 postcodes and will be available there after at a nominal price. A grant of £7500 has been secured from the Big Lottery fund towards making this happen.

Julie has ‘Making Partnership Work’ documentation available to council members and there will be a seminar in Hampden Stadium, Glasgow on Saturday June 13th 2009. Julie appealed for at least one member representing RDMSPC to attend. The Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop is the keynote speaker. There will also be a series of workshops regarding ‘Curriculum for Excellence’. A crèche will be available.

Dugald Campbell advised that as the next meeting is the AGM that this would be a good opportunity to evaluate the structure and performance of the Parent Council.

MEETING CLOSED 8.05

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary)
Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Julie Livingstone, Claire Waite, John Flood, Dugald Campbell, Morven Withers, Suzanne Westwood, Carol Rose, Laura Millers, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Mary Dodds and David Findlay.

Apologies: Gillian Rattray, Moyra Murray, Rosie Vallance, Dave Pritchard, Avril Turner, Gill Ammatt, Tracy Scott, Jacky Moss and Jim Gemmell.

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed members.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising.

TREASURERS REPORT
In Gillian’s absence, Julie reported a balance of £842.54

STAFFING
DC reported that sadly the school are losing; Louise Thomson currently in Nursery has accepted a post at Kinross Primary School Pauline Smith currently teaching P4 has been seconded to Kinross Primary to take on the role of Deputy Head teacher. Aynsley Devlin continues with her secondment at Glendelvin Primary School Sean Curran will be leaving the Autistic Base.

Interviews for posts will be advertised shortly and will be covered by supply teachers in the short term.

SCHOOL GROUNDS
DC informed the group that excavations of the grounds to host the new entrance to the school are well underway. The job should take approximately 3 weeks and will provide the school with a second entrance off Stormont Road. The existing Nursery path and the new entrance will be furnished with a waiting area, for parents picking up their children, inside the school grounds. P1 & 2 will also be able to play in these areas at break/lunchtime. The topsoil that has been removed will be used in other parts of the grounds to create areas of interest. When the path has been constructed the Big Gate on Spoutswell Road will no longer be available to parents for dropping off and picking up children. All work is being funded by the authority.

ANGUS ROAD CROSSING
Councillor Simpson updated the group on progress re the new crossing. The council are planning to carry out further counts and are proposing to put in a school crossing patrol person further up the Angus Road nearer Highfield Road.

SCHOOL FAIR
JL proposed the date of 5th June 2010 for the Summer Fair. She had met with Margaret and Jim Nicol, who coordinate the Fair at Scone Old Church. They were able to give her lots of useful ideas and advice on running the Fair which she shared with the group.

They were also able to give the name of contacts as well as lending Bunting and staging. JL asked DC to what degree he anticipated the School Fair being run in partnership with school staff. DC said he and the staff would support the Fair however it should be largely led by the Parent Council.

DC has gained the support of the owners of ‘The Maltings’ in Perth who can provide Burger stalls for the day and raffle prizes for school events.

There was some discussion whether to charge an entrance fee for the event or a small amount for the programme. It was decided just to charge for the programme. The group brainstormed ideas for stalls and organisations might contribute to the fair. Ideas included Margaret Stewart Dancers, Fair City Singers, Boys Brigade, Majorettes, Samba Drumming, Pipe Bands, Police Dog Teams, Fire Service, Territorial Army, Beat the Goalie, Coconut Shy, Bash the Spud, Lucky Dip, Books, Cake and Candy, Toys, Gardening Stall, Inflatables and Ice Cream.

CW suggested producing tea towels, bags for life, mugs etc for sale to celebrate the school’s birthday. We looked at examples from previous years incorporating the portraits of the pupils. CW agreed to look into pricing and options for the next meeting. It was suggested that the timescale for the fair should be 1pm-4pm in order to provide plenty time to set up. The floats for stalls would be kept in the school safe. It was agreed that a list of proposed stalls would be put out to parents to opt into and make suggestions. They would then organise their own teams.

AOB
DC invited members of the group to attend a Parent Council get together at Viewlands primary school on Wednesday 28th at 7.30pm. Next meeting will include a small cooperative learning group activity!

MEETING CLOSED 8.15

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary)
Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Paula Morrison, Claire Waite, John Flood, Julie Livingstone, Dugald Campbell, Jim Gemmell, Morven Withers, Gillian Rattray, Suzanne Westwood, Moyra Murray, Laura Millers, Mark and Tracy Scott

Apologies: Rosie Vallance, Avril Turner, Gill Amatt, Hamish Bell, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Jacky Moss, Paul Fraser, Kate Ramsay and Dave Pritchard

WELCOME
Julie Livingstone welcomed members.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising. TREASURER’S REPORT Gillian Rattray informed council that there is a balance of approximately £1,080 including a grant of £734.00 from Perth and Kinross Council to cover the running and administration costs of the Parent Council.

SCHOOL REPORT 2008/9
Dugald Campbell gave members a draft copy of the School’s Report for the last academic session and outlined the main elements within it. The Report highlights the successes of the school year and gives details of attainment and achievements, including successfully gaining the Eco School’s Green Flag and Health Promoting School status. It gives parents information on the implementation and future planning for the Curriculum for Excellence and statistics relating to 5-14 levels based on Primaries 3, 4, 6 and 7.

The outstanding sum of £11.249 was raised by pupil sponsorship in support of the Trim Trail Fun Run. 20% of Parents completed an audit on various aspects of school life of which 96.3% showed appreciation of all aspects covered, 99.3% in the school Nursery.

DC asked members to read and offer feedback on the draft by the end of the week for submission to the authority. The final draft will be received by parents at the end of September. Priorities outlined at the end of the Report for the next academic session are expanded upon in the school’s Quality Improvement Plan.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2009/10
DC gave the Parent Council ten copies of the Improvement Plan for consultation and briefly talked the group through the content. The document is made up of three main areas: Achievement, Leadership and Learning.

STAFFING
The school welcomes two new members of Staff this year, Miss Pettigrew and Miss McLean. Mrs Jolly has retired. Mrs Shanks has been granted a two year leave of absence and her post will be advertised in due course, in the interim Mrs Allan is in on supply. Mrs Thomson has moved from P1 to the Nursery and Mrs Ponder from Nursery to P1.

Early Childhood Practitioner time has been cut from 6.5 to 5 members of staff. The impact is being felt across the school with a third cut in both the autistic base and the mainstream school. The Nursery has to maintain its ECP levels in order to meet with pupil/teacher ratios.

DC is currently in communication with the authority in response to this.

FUNDRAISING
Julie Livingstone instigated a discussion about this year’s fundraising events suggesting the continuation of the Fancy Dress Disco in October, a beetle drive or bingo tea in February and a Summer Fayre in early June. It was suggested that there be a move to a more ‘party style’ event for the P1-3 disco as it was felt that the noise levels were a bit overwhelming for some children. John Flood offered to DJ at the events and was looking for equipment to borrow. Tracy and Mark Scott offered equipment. Julie and John agreed to organise the event and will hold a planning meeting in the next few weeks with all those who would like to be involved. The hall holds 150 pupils for this kind of event so more parent commitment would be required to lead the games. The P4-7 event would follow the usual format. The annual Fancy Dress Disco has been pencilled in for Saturday the 31st of October. CW to complete Let form and speak with Jock.

Julie expressed a desire to work in partnership with the school to organise and run the Summer Fayre in celebration of the school’s 75th birthday. It was agreed that the next Parent Council Meeting (26th Oct) would be used brainstorm ideas for the event and clarifying person/persons who will be coordinating /leading the various areas within the event. The meeting on the 7th Dec used for firming up ideas and commitments.

JL presented Jacky Moss’ idea to take forward the Spree books on behalf of the Parent Council as the school were not doing it this coming year. Jacky was unable to attend the meeting, it was agreed she could take this forward following discussion with the school re administration.

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
DC announced that the Trim Trail is now paid for in full thanks to the pupil fun run sponsorship money and grants from 12 external sources including £6,000 from the Gannochy Trust. Full details of all who contributed can be gained from the school. Any further monies raised will be used to enhance other areas of the playground.

It looks as though the local council will give the go ahead for another entrance to be created onto Stormont Road, parallel to the small nursery gate. It will include a gathering area for parents within school grounds. The current nursery path will also be altered to include a gathering place. Following its construction the current main gate will no longer be used by parents and pupils during the school day.

AOB In the absence of Councillor Simpson JL informed the group that the Angus Road Crossing traffic count would take place in the next 3-4 weeks and that the Ball Court application was likely to be approved in the next couple of weeks. The Scone Village Association is offering taster sessions for adults on Thursday 24th September in the school to promote classes including Spanish, Bicycle Maintenance and Salsa Dancing to name a few. The first edition of the Scone Village Association newsletter will be made available to everyone in PH2 postcode and will be available for sale thereafter.

MEETING CLOSED 8.15

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary)
Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Paula Morrison, Pauline Smith, Claire Waite, John Flood, Julie Livingstone, Dugald Campbell, Emma Hay, Hamish Bell, Craig Ramsay, Gillian Rattray, Mary Dodds and Morven Withers.

Apologies: Laura Millers, Linzi Low, Dave Pritchard, Gill Amatt, Jacky Moss, Moyra Murray, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Avril Turner, Dave Shackles, Paul Fraser, Carol Rose and Jim Gemmell

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed council that as of 31/01/09 there is a balance of £2544.51.

MESSAGING PILOT
The School are taking part in a pilot for an administration system that allows the school to contact groups of parents via text message. There are six schools in the pilot, three will pilot the ‘Groupcall’ system as used at Perth Academy and three will trial ‘Seemis’. Texting will be used in the main to contact parents in the case of unexplained absence of their child/ren but may also be used to give information regarding school trips, events or to advise insufficient dinner money funds. Dugald Campbell asked the Parent Councils opinion about them contacting the police in the situation where a child is absent from school and the school has been unable to contact both parents and emergency contacts. The majority felt that this would be a necessary precaution in the case of a missing child.

NATIONAL CURRICULAR UPDATE
Dugald Campbell gave a presentation on the rationale and priorities focused on in the move forward with ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’. The Curriculum is aimed at developing courses that are designed for 3-18 year olds. Perth and Kinross Council’s progress so far is recognised and well regarded nationally. Final Outcomes are due to be published in May/June. The school have embraced many initiatives including good practice visits for staff and the evolution of the planning format to expand upon the ‘Four Capacities’ and ‘Assessment is for Learning’ techniques.

HEALTH WEEK
Members of the Curriculum Subgroup met to discuss the programme of events for ‘Health Week’ for the pupils and the ‘Health and Wellbeing Evening’ for parents. Pauline Smith outlined the wide range of contributors offering stalls or workshops and the exhibitions that will be put on in individual classrooms for the evening event. A programme for the this will be distributed to parents nearer the time. The Parent Council agreed to offer refreshments on the evening. Parental involvement would also be appreciated for the Friday afternoon (3/4/09) when pupils will be parading around Scone Park as a build up to celebrating the raising of the Eco Flag on the school grounds. A note will be issued to parents nearer the time to invite them along.

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
Caledonia Play has sent in proposals and quotes for the work in the playground. PKC are in the process of assessing the suitability of the ground and looking into the finer details of health, safety and maintenance of equipment. Other possible sources of funding the equipment are also being investigated. All going well, the work will go out to tender later this term.

No.7 BUS
Julie Livingstone and Dugald Campbell met with Bill O’Driscoll (PKC Transport), a representative of PKC Road Safety unit, two representatives of Stagecoach and Cllr Lewis Simpson to address concerns about the safety of our children, as the buses travel both ways along Spoutswell Drive after 9am. They are investigating various options and will meet again in March. Also being looked into is the possibility of creating a separate exit out of the school onto Stormont Road and not use the main gate as an exit/entrance for pupils. It was noted that the double yellow lines have been renewed at the junction of Spoutswell Dr and Stormont Rd and have also been added at the corner further along Spoutswell Dr near Spoutswell Rd. Parents had stopped parking on the corner but it has been observed there are more now parking in front of the school, across drives/garages nearly nose to tail, particularly at home time. It was felt that it was time to promote parking at ‘The Wheel Inn’ again but advising that care is required when crossing the car park which is getting busier as more people are using both the recycling facilities and ‘The Wheel Inn’ itself.

AOB
Options were discussed for encouraging a person or group to take over the role of Fundraising chair.

MEETING CLOSED 8.10

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary)
Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Rosie Vallance, Claire Waite, John Flood, Julie Livingstone, Dugald Campbell, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Hamish Bell, Jacky Moss, Paul Fraser, Carol Rose, Gillian Rattray, Moira Lumby, Craig Ramsay, Pauline Smith, Mary Dodds.

Apologies: Paula Morrison, Laura Millers, Linzi Low, Dave Pritchard, Gill Amatt, Moyra Murray, Jim Gemmell, Avril Turner and Morven Withers.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray informed council that as of 30/10/08 there is a balance of £2541.43 which includes the profit from the Fancy Dress Disco held at the end of October and the ‘Into Action’ grant from Scottish and Southern Energy for £500.

SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
Dugald Campbell, Julie Livingstone, Laura Millers and Rosie Vallance met with a representative of Caledonia Play, on the 25th of November, in order to discuss possibilities for the ‘trim trail’ play equipment that the Parent Council and school are fundraising for. There were some good ideas suggested and a detailed plan/proposal/quote will be put together for us to work towards. There will be a variety of activities suiting all levels which will be phased in over the course of three years or earlier depending on finance. The key element will be budget, a minimum of £8,000 is proposed, £5,000 from school funds and an estimated £3,000 from fundraising by the Parent Council. Dugald Campbell wrote to the Gannochy Trust asking for a £20,000 grant towards the development of the playground. They have deferred making a decision until they know what the council’s view of the plans are and if they have any available monies to contribute, they would like to see detailed plans and competitive quotes for the work. Hamish Bell advised asking the Gannochy Trust for as much money as required for the whole development as we were likely to only have one chance of receiving a grant.

PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Feedback from the Health and Wellbeing audit which were given to a cross section of parents was extremely positive overall. The staff are engaged in analysing the responses and compiling a questionnaire to go out to a percentage of the student body in order to further identify any issues and put together action points to take forward. This is a rolling programme over four years where another cross section of the school population will be targeted next year to garner their responses to the same questions.

PROPOSED BALL PARK
Councillor Lewis Simpson informed us that the community had indicated their preferred position of the Ball Park within the Scone Park, which is next to the Skateboard ramp and Children’s Play Park.

ANGUS ROAD CROSSING
Councillor Lewis Simpson told members that no real progress has been made since the last RDMPC meeting in October. A transport count has been carried out but pedestrian count is yet to be completed.

NO.7 BUS
Following two serious incidents involving dangerous driving by the No7 Bus drivers, Julie Livingstone emailed Bill O’Driscoll (PKC Transport) to pass on concerns about the safety of our children, as the buses travel up and down Spoutswell Road during busy times at the school. It was proposed that we try to obtain as much evidence as possible, using mobile phones to photograph any incidents of concern, as well as lobbying Stagecoach to have a change of the bus route in order to avoid the ‘large gate’ all together. Another alternative may be to create a separate exit out of the school onto Stormont /Road and not use the Large gate as an exit/entrance for pupils.

RDM DEVELOPMENT WORK
Dugald Campbell introduced a power point presentation highlighting the wide variety of initiatives going on at the school over the past term. Pauline Smith gave members a brief update of curricular initiatives the school was undertaking. These include:
Cooperative Learning Academy
Motivated School
Health Promoting Schools
P7 Residential Trip
P7 Wiki Space and Keeping Myself Safe
Perth Academy Cluster Interschool Good Practice visits and stages work
Quality Improvement Planning
Planning for ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’

AOB
Pauline Smith indicated that the Curriculum Sub Group would be involved in the planning of the Health Evening and would meet mid-January.
Hamish Bell asked about the response to the ‘In the Know’ booklet developed for the P6/P7 last year. Pauline Smith said that all pupils had taken a booklet and they would be using it again this year.

MEETING CLOSED 8.10

Minutes taken by Claire Waite (Secretary)
Amended by Julie Livingstone (Chairperson)

In attendance: Gillian Rattray, Rosie Vallance, Paula Morrison, Claire Waite, John Flood, Dave Shackles, Mary Dodds, Julie Livingstone, Carol Rose, Dugald Campbell, Councillor Lewis Simpson, Kaehoa Cunningham, Lee Cunningham, Moira Lumby, Moyra Murray, Jim Gemmell and Pauline Smith

Apologies: Jacky Moss, Paul Fraser, Linzi Low, Avril Turner and Dave Pritchard

WELCOME
Chairperson Julie Livingstone welcomed everyone to the first Parent Council Meeting of this academic year.

REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
No matters arising

TREASURER’S REPORT
Gillian Rattray (Treasurer) informed council that as of 13/08/08 the Budget for 08/09 had been received of £734, £500 towards the administration of the Parent Council and £234 towards a clerk’s fee, giving a total balance of £1463.18 in the bank account at the beginning of this session.

STRIKE ACTION
Dugald Campbell explained that the authority must be given seven days notice of any impending industrial action. The Council is looking at the impact of last week’s Unison members strike on the service.

SEEMIS
Dugald Campbell mentioned that the school is implementing a new management information system called ‘SEEMIS’. This system is used by most authorities in Scotland. Staff use this electronic system to take registration, record pupil levels, track absence etc….It is useful for transferring pupil information and curriculum data between schools. The school is presently uploading backdated tracking. All schools are working towards reporting to parents using this system. RDM has not been asked to pilot this scheme yet. SEEMIS allows the school to contact parents via email or text re a group-call system.

WORKS UPDATE
Dugald Campbell informed the group that a variety of maintenance work was carried out over the summer break including the replacement of the kitchen floor. Scaffolding is currently erected in the front of the building to allow workmen to fix the leaky roof. This should be completed within the next fortnight. Classrooms damaged by water leakage are to be decorated in the October holidays. He is continuing to campaign to get other maintenance issues seen to. Julie Livingstone suggested that perhaps the Parent Council could support this request by writing to the Education Department however Dugald Campbell welcomed this but thought we should wait for a council response on requests already made by the school.

STANDARDS AND QUALITY REPORT 07/08
Dugald Campbell would like feedback by Friday 29/08/08 on the Standards and Quality report handout for parents, which explains the progress made on last year’s Improvement Plan targets. Julie Livingstone suggested that where possible plain English should be used to make easier reading for parents. Dugald Campbell mentioned that statistics included in the booklet only include the mainstream school and not the autistic base. Published figures from the authority include the global school.

IMPROVEMENT PLAN 08/09
Dugald Campbell explained the purpose of the School’s Improvement Plan and discussed in detail parts relating to the Parent Council. Priorities such as Health and Wellbeing, Learning and Teaching and A Curriculum for Excellence all involve input from the Parent Council. Health Evening has been scheduled for the 1st of April and is to be arranged in conjunction with a Parent Council sub group. The ‘How Can I Help My Child in School’ handout for parents is to be revised. In light of Curriculum for Excellence development the school has decided to reduce class topic numbers from 6 to 4 in an aim to cover topics in more depth. The school has several whole school topics including ‘Journeys’. The ‘Health Week’ is scheduled for the 30th of March. Pupils will be involved in the planning. Parental audits relevant to the school’s improvement plan and school life in general will be carried out throughout the year.

FUNDRAISING
Julie Livingstone suggested that the Parent Council would like to identify early on exactly what we are fundraising for this session. Dugald Campbell indicated that staff favour low level play items for the playground. He would anticipate the cost to be several thousand pounds. It was agreed that a steering group would be put together including parents and teachers to identify exact costs and preferred items.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Dugald Campbell would like any dates for the diary to be passed on ASAP i.e. sub group meeting, as there is an implication for school lets. There are janitorial constraints this year with the school being open only on a Monday and Wednesday evenings for meetings and clubs.

PROPOSED BALL COURT
Councillor Lewis Simpson explained the history of the Balgarvie Ball Court debate. He proposes Scone Park as a location for the Ball Court and brought along plans for the Council to look over proposing three different locations within the park. He welcomed suggestions of an alternative location for the Ball Court reminding the group that school ground was not suitable due to funding issues.

ANGUS ROAD CROSSING
Councillor Lewis Simpson thanked the group for the emails he had received supporting an electronic crossing on Angus Road. Road Officers are to audit the traffic on the road and a reply is expected regarding the crossing within the next eight weeks. Police will also be present on Highfield Road monitoring traffic. The Angus Road crossing is in addition to the crossing to be situated in front of the New Scone Church when that section of the Balgarvie development is finished.

The group discussed other possible traffic calming measures for the area surrounding the school. Refuse collectors have been asked to avoid the school area during peak times. LS suggested that ‘Travel Planning’ funding may be available to the school.

AOB
Ceilidh planning underway.
School Spring Fair proposed

MEETING CLOSED 8.25

Introductions
Mr Campbell introduced the 2 staff members present – Mrs Whittet, Depute & Miss Rose, P5 and also welcomed Lewis Simpson,1 of 4 local councillors within the area. Mr Campbell further explained his capacity as Education Advisor and acted as Chair for this meeting only. Mrs Lumby agreed to take the minutes of this meeting.

Purposes of Parent Council
Mr Campbell summarised this as follows

• to support school in it’s work with pupils
• representative view of ALL parents – this could be a challenge for the council
• encourage links between school, pre-school, autistic base and wider community
• report back to the Parent Forum
• NOT to replace either the School Board or the PTA, this is a new body with elements of both.
  Comments were asked for, but none given

Appointment of Office Bearers
It had been decided in the initial set up meetings that there were to be no elections, but a commitment must be shown by those within the membership to the Parent Council and the Parent Forum.
It was assumed that those present at the first meeting wished to be on the Parent Council, but this did not exclude those unable to attend.

The group split into smaller groups to consider how to appoint office bearers, bearing in mind that both the Chair and Vice chair must be parents. The role of the Secretary would include putting together an agenda with the office bearers and Mr Campbell. The Treasurer would hold the cash box (from school board) and open a bank account for the Parent Council with 2 out of 4 signatures required for cheques, the signatories being any of the 4 office bearers.

The group looked for relevant experience within it, considered if any absentees might want a role and it was advised that a lap top could be made available for minute taking.

Mr Simpson commented at this point that it was important to stress that the Parent Council were looking for a couple of years commitment – not a “life sentence”. He also asked if there was a clerk required and if there was central funding available.

The result was that Mrs Moss and Mr Fraser would share Chair / Vice Chair; Mrs Livingston would use her banking experience to act as Treasurer and Mrs Turner would be happy to help with the secretarial duties with the assistance of a clerk for formal minutes and administrative support. Mrs Moss emphasized that this team of 4 were a part of the larger team comprising the Parent Council which in turn were a part of the Parent Forum, and the objective at all times was open, visible and accessible co-working both together and with the School.

Ways of Working
The role of the teaching staff is to act in an advisory capacity for legislation, educational matters and to comment on the practicality of actually doing things whilst considering the staff and schools capability. They were also to bring questions to the Parents Council for their thoughts and feedback. As a councillor Mr Simpson will be an authority for community based ideas.

The group then split again to discuss how Sub Groups would work, how to gather and distribute information to the entire parent forum; how it would prioritise and respond to documents from PKC and the Scottish Executive, how to deal with parents approaching council members directly and how to encourage more “value added” parental involvement within RDM.

The following subgroups were suggested;

• Fund Raising and events – with focus on fundraising with a purpose and to then spend monies raised quickly, so that parents involved immediately saw the benefits.
  
• Curricular (eg Health and Well Being, in line with School Plan)
  
• Communications
  
• Environmental/ Eco
  
• Sporting and other special interest groups

It was suggested that sub groups may be in existance for a limited time as it was felt counter-productive to have too many; and that it may well be possible for an exisiting group to deal with matters arising that were similar to their purpose without setting up another.

Mr Campbell informed the meeting that there is an amount of money donated to the school from the PTA, some of which had been used to cover costs of the invites to this meeting and this can be used to help get the Council started before generating its own funds. He also stated that PKC must provide a clerk with remuneration if required by the Parent Council and they will also provide expenses for training and costs of carrying out it’s functions.

The sub groups would meet outwith the main group and it would be the Chair and Vice Chair’s job to pull the several groups together.

It was decided to look at immediate requirements and find volunteers for particular tasks. It was suggested a survey be sent out to parents asking for interests and willingness to help, considering both their time and individual expertise available eg first aiders, football coach.

Concern was mooted that the size of the Parent Council might hamper the decision making process and therefore the role of the sub groups spokesperson who then reported back to the main group was vital, as they would make representation on behalf of the group, to the Parent Council.

Communications
Parents may raise issues at any time for discussion by the Parent Council, who would then look for recurrent themes via either the website or traditional mail to raise at meeting. A sub group may be required to sort and respond to such notices.

The school newsletter will now contain a section for the Parent Council with dates of meetings and a regular call for matters for agenda and points of view.

Parent Council members who are approached directly by other parents should refer to these methods of communication in the first instance – it was generally felt that verbal communication was not the best way of sharing information and there is already an Open Door policy throughout RDM for specific child-related issues.

Should a Council member be approached it was felt essential to remind parents that specific concerns should be addressed directly with the school but that the Parent Council is an Open Forum and that parents are most welcome to attend meetings to express their concerns and opinions.

It was also suggested that the Parent Council could nominate members who could be approached, but this was felt to be too restrictive.

The Pupil Council should be included in a 2 way reporting system, with perhaps nominated parents attending the occasional meeting; and views from the Pupil Council brought to the Parent Council via paper or teacher representative, to avoid the possibility of intimidating the children!

Value added parental and community involvement is an essential aim – the Parent Council will actively seek to keep the community involved within the school, drawing on their expertise and willingness to be involved – and to investigate how the pupils can benefit from the community and the community can benefit from the school.

In Conclusion
Mr Campbell thanked Mr and Mrs Moss for their work regarding the graphics and website, and for all those who were involved in the initial discussions prior to setting up the Parent Council. He gave examples of things discussed at Previous School Board meetings as items that the new Parent Council might be involved with:-

• Staff and Management issues – eg appointment of Head and DHT
  
• Expressive Arts and PE, Speech Therapy, Budgets
  
• Classroom organisation at start of new sessions

The Constitution of the Parent Council is for reference. The Local Authority’s comment on our draft was that we should state procedures of how to terminate a member who undermines the rest of the group - Mr Campbell suggested that this is added in when we review the constitution in a years time.

The Parent Council should become a member of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council before we have our first event as they provide us with insurance.

Dates of future meetings are as agenda, Minutes to be agreed, then a draft posted on website before approval at next meeting.

It was proposed to publicise names of those present as members of Parent Council on next newsletter and 3 sheets were distributed for volunteers for Fundraising, Curriculum and Communications to take us up to the Christmas break.