Term 3, 2019

On Monday, 19 August we held our term 3 board meeting. The key agenda items discussed were:

1. An update and review on 4 new policies we will be introducing into the school, namely our Occupational Health & Safety policy, Food Sharing policy, Excursion / Incursion policy and our Acceptable ICT User Agreement. Our school works tirelessly to ensure that we have the appropriate policies in place to maximise our children’s education and all elements that go towards ensuring this happens as effectively as possible. Copies of our policies can be found on the school website and I would encourage all families to become familiar with these.
2. Child Safety Survey – This has now been completed by our year 5/6 students. St Catherine’s returned a result of 1.5 out of 2 which is a very pleasing result. School leadership will be undertaking a review in coming weeks to define further the results of the survey to learn where any possible gaps may exist so that we can look to bridge or close those gaps moving forward.
3. School Masterplan – Further to my previous report regarding the School Masterplan, we have decided to hold back any submission from our school for the government grant to facilitate these scope of works. The criteria for these government grants are very specific and to ensure the greatest chance of success we need to ensure we have put our very best foot forward. Further work is being done on any potential submission we may make for future submission rounds.
4. Christmas Market – Time is fast approaching where we as a school community will be coming together yet again to celebrate the festive season in the form of our school Christmas market. Julie Griffin and a number of key parents have come together and are doing some fantastic work preparing for this major event in our schools’ calendar. Point to note that this year the P&F are solely running, organising and executing the Christmas market and therefore any additional assistance that can be provided would be greatly appreciated by Julie and the team. No matter how big or small a role you can play, I know the team would be most happy to have your input and assistance. This is being highlighted in the newsletters at the moment as it is a timely topic so please read these and feel free to respond to the P&F team as you can.
5. Grandparen'ts Day – A lot of positive feedback has been received by the school in regards to the running and execution of this years Grandparents day event. It appears as though it really resonated with the attendees and a lot was taken away from it. On behalf of the school I would like to thank all those parents who have passed on this feedback, it is critical in ensuring that future events are just as successful.
6. Year 5/6 Camp – In the same positive messaging, the year 5/6 camp this year was also a great success. The staff have expressed very positive feedback about the behaviour and conduct of the students who attended and have also commented that the venue was particularly suited to our needs.

Lastly, and again, please do not hesitate to touch base with one of our school board members if you would like to discuss anything or make anything known. It is our responsibility to represent the parent body within the St Catherine’s school and we are only too happy to do so.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this board report and I look forward to speaking with you around the school grounds.

Darren Forner

Chair – St Catherine’s School Board