Friends of Pencombe School/PTA Meeting Minutes - Tuesday 9th September 2014
Present Pete James (Chair), Kaz Hemmings (Vice Chair), Jayne Unwin (Treasurer), Natasha Adams (Secretary), Susie Bishop, Natalie Buckle, Jackie Hope, Heather Bernard-Pullen, Helen Smith, Chris Morgan, Mimi Harban and Lou Thomas (Total: 12).
Apologies Julia Linnitt, Wendy Davies and Helen Bufton.
Matters arising from last meeting
The Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed by the Chairman.
Agenda Items
Donation Scheme: Pete James suggested scrapping this scheme for a couple of years due to the lack of interest in recent years. It was agreed that this would be fairer for everyone however it would increase the amount of fundraising that the PTA would need to do. Jayne Unwin advised that it would still be possible to claim Gift Aid on other donations.
Gritting: Jayne Unwin is keen to get the approach roads to school gritted in the bad weather. She proposed writing to MPs, the Chief Executive of the Council as well as arranging a Petition for Parents/Villagers to sign.
PTA Facebook Page: Jayne Unwin is keen to start up a Facebook page and happy to manage it. It was agreed that this would be a good idea. MrsBishop advised that she is also keen for a “private” Pencombe School Facebook page to be created. JU/SB to liaise.
Emailing List: Jayne Unwin suggested contacting parents by email and asked whether it would be possible to have a copy of the list of emails from school. It was agreed that this would be a good idea however permission should be sought from parents before school can release information.
Film Night: Natasha Adams confirmed that the village hall has been booked for Friday 17 October (3.30-6.30pm) for a Film Night. The film “Frozen” was decided upon. Natalie Buckle to order. As it is a certificate PG, parents of children under the age of 7 sign the form and therefore agree to their child watching a PG film. Hot dogs and Hallowe’en themed cakes/squash (orange and green colour) to be arranged. £5 a head.
Christmas Card Project: Natasha Adams advised that this project was happening again this year despite it not being a huge fundraiser. Jackie Hope suggested that the artwork be completed in school in the hope that more people will order Christmas Cards when they see their child’s amazing creation!! NA/SB to liaise. Deadline is Friday 3rd October. Helen Smith said that PU5s might like to take part too.
Christmas Party: Mrs Bishop advised that the Christmas Party would be held on the last day of term (18th December) in the afternoon. The village hall has been booked. PU5s have been offered use of the school library. After much discussion it was decided that there would be party food, party games, a Christmas disco and a visit from Father Christmas with presents for all the children. £10 per child (due to The Donation Scheme having been scrapped). NA to ask Dr Ilsley to be the main man again this year.
AOB
· Mrs Bishop advised the PTA that the school needs a new Reading/Guided Reading Scheme. Current books date from the 1970s!! A new scheme would be particularly helpful for KS2 boys. The cost for a complete new scheme is £6,230. A 10% discount would probably be available. PTA to revert regarding how much they would be able to contribute towards this scheme.
· Mrs Bishop also advised that ideally the school would like an additional 10 iPads for school.
Date of Next Meeting (AGM) Tuesday 18th November 2014 at 3.20pm – tbc.
9th September 2014