Minutes of B.O.T. Mtgs & Principal's Reports
WESTERN HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NO. 7/06
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2006
Western Heights School aims for excellence in all learning and teaching.
We foster a desire to learn within a stimulating and caring environment.
Time: 7.30
Present:
Mr Mike Saunders - Chairperson
Mr Ray Renner - Treasurer
Mr David Aitchison - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Trudi Brocas - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Jo-Ann Yukich - Staff Representative
Mrs Sandra Hewetson - Principal
Visitors:
Mrs Pat Hutton - Deputy Principal
1. Welcome and Apologies
Welcome to the B.O.T. Members and visitors.
Apologies from:
Mr Peter Bennett - Deputy Chairperson
2. Acceptance of Agenda
The agenda was accepted with removal of School Council Saunders / Brocas
All were in favour
3. Minutes of Meeting No 6 / 06
The minutes were passed. Yukich / Aitchison
All were in favour
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes
-Verbal resignation from Sef Vulu received by Sandra Hewetson
5. Inward and Outward Correspondence and Matters Arising
Inward Correspondence
No. 2: Letter from Margaret Gray to accept position of Returning Officer for 29th March 2007. Same fee as last elections. Standard 3 year election. (5 parent representatives, 1 Principal & 1 Staff Representative)
No. 6,7 & 8: Resignations from Paula Walker, Katie Sharples & Joanne Thomas accepted. Sandra Hewetson to reply.
No. 14: NZ Principals Federation Biennial Conference in Auckland 2 – 5 April 2007. The B.O.T. agreed that Sandra Hewetson & Pat Hutton can attend this.
Outward Correspondence
Move that the Inward Correspondence be accepted and the Outward Correspondence be received.
Saunders / Yukich
All agreed
6. Finance Report
The accounts were presented.
Curriculum budgets are closed. $20,000 adjusted – have a surplus now of $18,000. Budget 74% spent (which is on target)
It was moved that the monthly accounts be accepted. Renner / Brocas
All agreed
7. Policy Report
No. 24: Staff Safety
No. 70: ICT In Schools
Staff have discussed and are happy with these.
It was moved that the Board ratify the above policies. Saunders / Renner
All were in favour
8. Principal’s Report
Presented by Sandra Hewetson
-Charter discussed especially Our School’s Values – new values from the curriculum to be included. Those in italics. B.O.T. has agreed. Copy of adjusted charter to be sent for community consultation.
-Add “whanau” to “Our Special Character” section.
Report accepted. Saunders / Renner
9. General Business
Camp Report: Jo-Ann Yukich
-Stedfast park Camp (Piha) new venue this year.
-Kite Kite Falls track will be walked.
-Sand sculpting, water survival etc
-Well supported by parents and teachers
-Split class groups – half a week each.
-No swimming at actual beach.
-Parent meeting has been held.
Christmas Function (Staff Training) Wednesday, 6th December at Moka - 7 pm. Partners welcome.
10. Dates of next B.O.T. Meeting and Subcommittee Meetings
Next B.O.T. meetings - 7.30, Wednesday, 29th November 2006
- 7.00, Wednesday, 6th December - as above
The meeting closed at 8.50 pm.
Mrs Sandra Hewetson
for Secretary
Board of Trustees
SH/MJG
Minute Taker: Mrs Pat Hutton
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Western Heights Primary
Principals Report to the Board of Trustees
Date: 18 October 2006
Pupil Numbers: 601 Fee payers: 9
NAG 1: Curriculum requirements and student achievement
The staff is assessing all children in readiness for the end of year reports and gathering data for next year’s placements.
A GLOSS test is done for a numeracy assessment (Jo-Ann can discuss, as she is one of the numeracy leaders.)
NEMP: National Education Monitoring math report tells us that there has been a marked decline in recall of basic number facts and solving simple number problems NZ wide.
We will be looking at our school wide data to check against the NEMP findings.
They report that there are continuing disparities in achievement in maths for the students in low docile schools.
Both year 4 and 8 students all rated maths as one of the top three most popular subjects at school.
NAG 2: Documentation and self review
The Charter has been reviewed with staff and we need to look at the suggested changes in linking the values with the draft curriculum. (Discuss)
Three policies related to IT use at school and safety of teachers has also been reviewed by the staff for your discussion and ratification.
The senior staff had a planning and review day at the end of the term and this is always very worthwhile. Information gathered will be included in the School Improvement plan.
NAG 3: Personnel- employer responsibilities
The positions available for 2007 were appointed this week and are ready for your confirmation.
Three permanent and three LTR appointments were made.
We have received resignations from Paula Walker, Katie Sharpies and Joanne Thomas who were all on leave. Sef Vulu confirmed his resignation by telephone from the Tokalaus.
We have appointed Aaron McGreal in Sef Vulu’s position.
NAG 4: Financial and property management
We have received notification of our funding for 2007 and the adjusted funding for this year. The adjustment was for 588 children and this amount has been put on the adjusted budget for this meeting. We will now end the year in the black $18,189.
We are being funded for 588 for next year from January so the grant is now nearer the ‘actual’ roll numbers. This year we were originally funded for 525.
We will still allow for a figure of $20,000 for any adjustments in July 2007 in next years budget.
Staffing is also for 588, so we can have our senior team released for some time each week for the first term and this will be reviewed as staffing allows.
NAG 5: Health and Safety
New Fence: The fence has been completed and it looks very safe and tidy.
Steve Maharey has sent our information for all schools regarding fat free lunch menus in tuck shops and a policy to encourage healthy choice in food and drink should be in all schools.
Our health programmed has always had a focus on ‘healthy eating and we are a water only school. The parents supported that policy in the health survey done in October 2005. We cannot however be the ‘food police’.
NAG 6: Compliance/ Administration
Trustees Election 07: Margaret Gray has agreed to take on the position of returning officer as discussed at our last meeting. She has a letter in correspondence accepting the position and agreeing to take the same payment as the previous election.
We need to discuss tonight the date of the election, number of Parent Reps and a time frame.
The NZSTA has a suggested time and date.- 29 March. In previous years we have just followed their guidance.
Margaret has the handbook and notes that the procedure appears to be the same as previous elections and we have been very happy with the way she has organized them.
I have confidence that she will again be very well organized and follow the handbook well.
General
• Report from Jo-Ann Yukich re camp preparation
• Report from Pat Hutton, who has attended a Leadership Conference in Wellington last week.
The term has begun well with children and teachers well prepared for the last term of the year.
We had a staff meeting last week on our staff safety at school out of hour’s policy, as suggested by the police and it is ready for ratifying.
The general staff forum was excellent, as we could discuss strategies and procedures when at school after hours.
BOT: note the end of year celebrations and please know that you are all invited to attend the year six graduation, 19 December 12.15 and the helpers morning tea, 12 December 10.30.
Report by Sandra Hewetson
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WESTERN HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NO. 6/06
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2006
Western Heights School aims for excellence in all learning and teaching.
We foster a desire to learn within a stimulating and caring environment.
Time: 7.30
Present:
Mr Mike Saunders - Chairperson
Mr Peter Bennett - Deputy Chairperson
Mr Ray Renner - Treasurer
Mr David Aitchison - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Trudi Brocas - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Jo-Ann Yukich - Staff Representative
Mrs Sandra Hewetson - Principal
Visitors:
Mrs Pat Hutton - Deputy Principal
1. Welcome and Apologies
Welcome to the B.O.T. Members and visitors.
Apologies from:
2. Acceptance of Agenda
The agenda was accepted. –School council deleted Aitchison / Yukich
All were in favour
3. Minutes of Meeting No 5 / 06
The minutes were passed. Brocas / Saunders
All were in favour
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes
-Sample of Fraud Policy to be discussed this meeting.
-Fence by shops is being replaced.
-‘Firebugs’ have been identified and police have followed up.
-Dental clinic chain fence will need upgrading – to be included in plan.
-Wireless access has been completed.
5. Inward and Outward Correspondence and Matters Arising
Inward Correspondence
Congratulations for Jo-Ann’s paid Study Leave (16 weeks) for 2007.
Outward Correspondence
Move that the Inward Correspondence be accepted and the Outward Correspondence be received.
Bennett / Renner
All agreed
6. Finance Report
The accounts were presented.
Income is good.
Parent contribution is up on budget.
Curriculum budgets will be spent by the end of this term.
Ray Renner moves that $20,000 from clawed back amount be put into areas of the budget that need “topping up”
Seconded by Jo-Ann Yukich. All agreed.
It was moved that the monthly accounts be accepted. Renner / Brocas
All agreed
7. Principal’s Report
Presented by Sandra Hewetson
-B.O.T. has agreed to the Staff having a Teacher Only Day on the 20 October to discuss and respond to the new draft
curriculum.
-Gail Loane - Teacher Only Day Effective Literacy Practice Workshop.
-Jo-Ann Yukich moved that the Policy 33: Fraud and Theft be ratified. Mike seconded. All agreed.
-The B.O.T. has agreed to terminate Sef Vulu’s employment, due to lack of response to correspondence already sent.
-Cyber safety – printout showed of a months internet use.
-Letter being sent to parents of children who have irregular attendance.
Report accepted.
8. General Business
-Elections 2007: Margaret Gray will be offered the Returning Officer role again.
9. Dates of next B.O.T. Meeting and Subcommittee Meetings
Next B.O.T. meetings - 7.30, Wednesday, 18th October 2006
- 7.30, Wednesday, 29th November 2006
- B.O.T. Training / function - December 6th. (Partners)
The meeting closed at 9.00 pm.
Mrs Sandra Hewetson
for Secretary
Board of Trustees
SH/MJG
Minute Taker: Mrs Pat Hutton
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Western Heights Primary
Principals Report to the Board of Trustees
Date: 13 September 2006
Pupil Numbers: 592 Fee payers: 7
NAG 1: Curriculum requirements and student achievement
The staff have a teachers only day on October 20 to discuss and respond to the new draft curriculum.
Most schools in the area are having this day as a teacher only day.
Jo Ann Yukich went as BOT rep to a meeting re Extending High Standards across schools. This is contestable funding that is available to a group of schools after a very rigorous application process. We are part of a group of schools who contribute to St Dominic’s. 20 clusters will be selected over NZ and we are just at round one.
Pat Hutton and I, with the senior team will be reviewing our targets set this year in our strategic plan in readiness for 2007 plan.
The Literacy leaders have run some very informative staff meetings this term. They have arranged for a consultant to work with the staff in the summer holidays for one day. This will be a ‘call back’ teacher only day. Three teachers have attended a day workshop last week with Harry Hood. Harry is a consultant who takes writing/language sessions.
NAG 2: Documentation and self review
The Charter and strategic plan is under review.
We do have to obtain - write - have a policy as recommended by the auditors for theft and fraud. I am working on this with Kerry Dean.
Code of Practice: This document is being reviewed by a consulting group at present. I have been to two meetings regarding policy changes at the Ministry this month. They are looking at relaxing the criteria for younger fee payers.
NEMP: The latest comments have arrived from the National Monitoring Project. As usual we will use the data to support our school self review and guide with targets being set. (Share copies for discussion and explanation)
NAG 3: Personnel- employer responsibilities
It is that time of the year when the staff and their tenure contracts are reviewed.
Letters have gone out to teachers who are on leave without pay and we await some replies. An advertisement will be placed for both permanent and long term relieving positions.
Sef Vulu has been sent a letter and is yet to respond. He is due back at the end of the year, but our terms of leave required him to inform us of his intensions in August. He has had two years leave. The telephone network has been down in the Tokalaus for several months.
Bronwyn Adshead is off work for family reasons and Mina Andrews has a replacement for the next month.
The situation will be reviewed at the end of the holidays.
Katie Sharples will be resigning and plans to work part time.
NAG 4: Financial and property management
Mike Saunders and I are to attend a 5YP meeting with the Ministry of Education. We will then have to arrange with ‘Waitakere Architects to have a walk around and set some priorities. A new plan has to be submitted early next year. We do have a maintenance plan for the next 12 years.
Fires: We had two fires lit on the decks last month. The culprits were identified and Constable Stewart has served trespass orders on them.
NAG 5: Health and Safety
Mina is recalling the PD workers to carry our some work at school. They will work on the playground surface.
Fire Drill: We had a practice this week. This is so much easier when the grass field is dry.
New Fence:
A new fence will be erected on our shop boundary. This will come under vandalism, as it has been destroyed by fence jumpers. The owner of the shops will pay part of the cost, as his new path meant the fence was very low. Cost + $3,800 for a much stronger construction.
NAG 6: Compliance/ Administration
Note: Code of Practice in NAG 2
Joy and I attended a financial administration workshop with Kerry Dean in August.
The Auditors have requested that the Board formally adopts a Theft and Fraud policy.
General:
Ciba safety report
International students
Attendance
Report by Sandra Hewetson
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WESTERN HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NO. 5/06
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 26 JULY 2006
Western Heights School aims for excellence in all learning and teaching.
We foster a desire to learn within a stimulating and caring environment.
Time: 7.30
Present:
Mr Mike Saunders - Chairperson
Mr Peter Bennett - Deputy Chairperson
Mr Ray Renner - Treasurer
Mr David Aitchison - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Trudi Brocas - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Jo-Ann Yukich - Staff Representative
Mrs Pat Hutton - Acting Principal
Visitors:
Mr Andrew Noakes - Deputy Principal
School Council (Larissa, Sade, Janelle, Emma, Sophie, Ben, Grace, Thomas, & Joel)
1. Welcome and Apologies
Welcome to the B.O.T. Members and visitors.
Apologies from:
Mrs Sandra Hewetson - Secretary / Principal
2. Acceptance of Agenda
The agenda was accepted. Saunders / Aitchison
All were in favour
3. Minutes of Meeting No 4 / 06
The minutes were passed. Yukich / Bennett
All were in favour
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes
-Pan tax has been scrapped.
-Safe installed – and insurance covered
-Laptops have locks installed.
-New mail box installed
-Security lights in middle school – sensors.
-B.D.O. – looking at draft policy for fraud.
5. Inward and Outward Correspondence and Matters Arising
Inward Correspondence
No. 1: Wireless access – Joy investigated wireless connection. Quote from New Era $3971.00 – approve in principle once Sandra has seen this and another quote needed. Report back to B.O.T.
No. 4: Proposed auditors –message from Ministry that we stay with B.D.O. Spicers as our Auditors. B.O.T. discussed staying with them. Recommendations approved. Saunders / Brocas
No. 5: Recommend joining National Service EPIC Service – on line. B.O.T. approved.
Saunders / Aitchison
No. 2: CPIT – for effective governance survey for Head of B.O.T. to complete if wished. (Not actioned)
No. 13: Health and Safety Issues
– Quote for fence. Fencing 1.5m along front around sides and front boundary. Fence in 5 year plan.
– Soap on cupboards in cloakbays -Senior block and in Junior classes.
Quote to be gained & safety issues discussed.
Outward Correspondence
Move that the Inward Correspondence be accepted and the Outward Correspondence be received.
Saunders / Yukich
All agreed
6. Finance Report
The accounts were presented.
Page 2: 56% income of budget, 51% outgoing, Surplus $60,000.
International student income – over budget.
Good turn out of school fees.
Working Capital – healthy surplus
It was moved that the monthly accounts be accepted. Renner / Bennett
7. Principal’s Report
Presented by Pat Hutton
Refer to report
Report accepted. Saunders / Yukich
8. General Business
-Andrew Noakes discussed role of school council and philosophy – creating positive agendas. Young Leaders visited and role play followed up at assembly. Andrew expressed how proud he was of their maturity.
-Shade areas need looking at.
-According to Education Curricular from Ministry of Education, we now no longer need A.G.Ms – Education Amendment Act 2006. Vacancies on B.O.T. are to be filled by selection rather than appointment.
-Special thanks for fantastic job Pat has done while Sandra has been away.
9. Dates of next B.O.T. Meeting and Subcommittee Meetings
Next B.O.T. meeting - 7.30, Wednesday, 13th September 2006
Finance meeting - email
Policy meeting -
Property meeting -
The meeting closed at 9.00 pm.
Mrs Pat Hutton
for Secretary
Board of Trustees
PH/MJG
Minute Taker: Mrs Jo-Ann Yukich
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Western Heights Primary
Principal’s Report to the Board of Trustees
Date: 26 July 2006
Pupil Numbers: 571 Fee Payers: 7
NAG 1: Curriculum requirements and student achievement
The Minstrel Show proved popular with the children and staff alike – a nice way to finish a very busy term!
Teachers have completed achievement scans for July and I am in the process of gathering and analysing the data. In this way we can check that the programmes we have in place are meeting the needs of all.
Professional development through the Literacy and Numeracy team leaders is proving successful and we are now looking at sustainability and forward planning for 2007.
We offered Chinese lessons as an extra opportunity after school and 18 children from Year 1 to Year 6 have taken up this option.
NAG 2: Documentation and self review
I will report on Maori and Pacific Island achievement at the next meeting once analysis of scans is complete. It is pleasing to note that 71 % of our designated Maori and Pacific Island parents attended Parent conferences last month.
I will continue with the rest of the IEP meetings once Sandra returns.
A draft Laptop and draft Fraud policy have been written as suggested by our Auditors. It is interesting to note that the issue of fraud seemed to be the focus for many schools.
NAG 3: Personnel – employer responsibilities
Firstly I wish to thank the Staff for their support during Sandra’s absence. It has made my job easier with people stepping in to take on added responsibilities or roles as required and I feel that life has continued as all would wish.
With safety issues being paramount in the news at this time staff have been encouraged to leave before dark or to ensure that they are not alone in buildings. Doors are to be locked. The lighting issues in the middle school area have been addressed.
We are monitoring class sizes particularly in the senior and junior school. We may need to start a new Year 1 class before the end of this term but certainly will need to by Term 4.
NAG 4 : Financial and property management
Like many schools we have on-going issues with vandalism. The aluminium edging above the senior and middle school windows has been removed however Mina is on to it.
We have had a letter from a parent suggesting that the BOT consider a new fence in front of the school and have offered to help fundraise for this .(See Inwards Correspondence)
NAG 5 : Health and safety
We have had another wave of illness through the school especially in the Junior classes and teachers have continued to reinforce hygiene issues with the washing of hands etc. We are also reminding parents to keep their child home if sick as some still tend to send them to school when they are obviously unwell.
NAG 6 : Compliance/ Administration
We have had our mid-year reporting to parents through the parent conferences at the end of last term. Teachers reported on pupil achievement and it was a very positive experience for all concerned.
General:
I have enjoyed the three months that Andrew and I have had in our “acting” role and I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone. We welcome Sandra back next week and look forward to the experiences that she will have to share. I know that it will be a very busy Term 4.
Kind regards,
Pat Hutton.
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WESTERN HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NO. 4/06
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2006
Time: 7.30
Present:
Mr Mike Saunders - Chairperson
Mr Peter Bennett - Deputy Chairperson
Mr Ray Renner - Treasurer
Mrs Trudi Brocas - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Jo-Ann Yukich - Staff Representative
Visitors:
Mrs Pat Hutton - Deputy Principal
Mr Andrew Noakes - Deputy Principal
1. Welcome and Apologies
Welcome to the B.O.T. Members and visitors.
Apologies from:
Mr David Aitchison - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Sandra Hewetson - Secretary / Principal
2. Acceptance of Agenda
The agenda was accepted. Bennett / Saunders
All were in favour
3. Minutes of Meeting No 3 / 06
The minutes were passed. Saunders / Brocas
All were in favour
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes
-Payment of neighbour’s fence - completed
-ACC in regard to Sandra Hewetson’s accident in 2005 – money paid
-Laptops have arrived and are in use.
-Theft of laptop discussed.
-Security-lock gate at end of day and night.
-Pan tax notice for newsletter.
5. Inward and Outward Correspondence and Matters Arising
Inward Correspondence
-No 17: Pan tax from Waitakere City Council
-No. 3: Quotes for safe - $1696.99 plus installation – bolted down.
Would this cover requirements for insurance? All in favour.
-Thank you note from Peta Buckingham for gift.
-No 21: Council to do drainage.
-No 5: 2006 Enrolment Scheme to continue
-No 14: Survey on truancy and absences
-No 7: Mike Saunders signed for Principal’s increment
- No 19: Furniture to be deferred until Sandra comes back. B.O.T. felt should look at cost of new furniture.
-PIRLS – Report – Summary for children by Pat Hutton re scores for Yr 5 children selected for testing.
-B.D.O. Spicers – Chartered Accountants & Advisers – suggestion made that a fraud policy be written to cover requirements of our system. B.O.T. feel that we have adequate checks in place. Pat to ring Kerry from Leading Edge for an outline of policy.
Outward Correspondence
-Submission on pan tax to Council awaiting outcome.
Move that the Inward Correspondence be accepted and the Outward Correspondence be received.
Brocas / Saunders
All agreed
6. Finance Report
The accounts were presented.
Income 47% of budget.
$60,000 surplus. Healthy look.
It was moved that the monthly accounts be accepted. Bennett / Brocas
7. Principal’s Report
Presented by Pat Hutton
Refer to report
Caitlin Davidson won NZ Post prize. A portion of money to be donated towards Caitlin’s trip for Kidney Kids next year.
Mina Andrews to look at new mail box.
Report accepted. Saunders / Yukich
8. General Business
-C.W.S.A. – Andrew explained to B.O.T. groups that are operating in C.W.S.A.
-French and Maths classes running.
-Band run by Isla Noakes.
-School Council Young Leaders
-Looking to sustain current programmes
-Musical instruments tuition. – parent funded.
-Jo-Ann Yukich’s application for 6 months study leave. Signed by Mike Saunders
-Lights need to be checked on Middle School quadrangle.
9. Dates of next B.O.T. Meeting and Subcommittee Meetings
Next B.O.T. meeting - 7.30, Wednesday, 26th July 2006
Finance meeting - email
Policy meeting -
Property meeting -
The meeting closed at 9.05 pm.
Mrs Pat Hutton
for Secretary
Board of Trustees
PH/MJG
Minute Taker: Mrs Jo-Ann Yukich
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Western Heights Primary
Principals Report to the Board of Trustees
Date 14 June 2006
Pupil Numbers: 560 Fee payers: 7
NAG 1: Curriculum requirements and student achievement
The Literacy Leaders have been continuing the staff professional development by taking a series of meetings on the Writing Process to enable teachers to see the progression or development of skills from Year1 to Year 6. The emphasis on effective teacher modeling is a key to improving writing skills.
Profiles and portfolios are being completed for mid-year and parent conferences are being held next Thursday.
We are very proud of Caitlin Davidson who won the Christmas stamp competition for NZ Post and in so doing not only won prizes for herself but also $1500 for our school.
NAG 2: Documentation and self review
Under “the Laptops for Teachers Scheme’ we received 10 laptops and are in the process of writing a policy to cover the requirements and also to fit with the Agreement that teachers need to sign.
All Parents including those of Maori and Pacific Island children are being contacted to ensure that they are able to attend parent conferences or an alternative time is being arranged for IEP meetings where this is felt to be more appropriate.
NAG 3: Personnel- employer responsibilities
I wish to thank all staff at this time for their support while Sandra is away. Joy as office administrator has been especially helpful with her knowledge of the organization and systems in place. Joy and I meet weekly to discuss any issues for the following week.
NAG 4: Financial and property management
The WAPA group and I attended a meeting at the Council to present a Submission with regard to the proposed Pan Tax. While the meeting appeared to be well received we are still waiting for the outcome. If the proposal is approved the rates for us would be $6,265 for 2006/2007.(an increase of $4,186.
Vandalism has cost us a new letter box and Mina and her team are continuing to deal with graffiti and other “unmentionables’ at times. The position of the office safe is difficult for Joy and Mina is investigating the cost and security issues of another type.
NAG 5: Health and Safety
Teachers are continuing to monitor children who are coming to school with coughs and colds and are reminding about personal hygiene. All classes have tissues.
Adele Nummy is attending a two day First Aid Course.
Waitemata Health Board completed their health and safety check of Dental Clinic.
NAG 6 Compliance/ Administration
We have received a confirmation from the Ministry for our charter and a letter from BDO Spicers. The Auditors have requested that the Board “formally adopts a theft and Fraud Prevention Policy.”
General:
We have had a very interesting term so far with all pupils attending worthwhile trips as part of their topic studies. The senior classes have been to Tiri Tiri Matangi , the junior classes to the Council Recycling Plant and the middle school classes have been to the Sky Tower.
The Arts have been well catered for by performances from a Puppet Master and Kids for Drama. We had Story Tellers presenting to the senior classes and the Minstrel Show next week.
Representatives of the World Harmony Run are talking to all on Monday. It has certainly been a busy and informative term. I am proud of the teaching and learning that is taking place.
I am continuing the “Travel Update” for the children as Sandra sends postcards and keeps us informed of her experiences by email.
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WESTERN HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NO. 3/06
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2006
Time: 7.30 Action
Present:
Mr Mike Saunders - Chairperson
Mr Peter Bennett - Deputy Chairperson
Mr Ray Renner - Treasurer
Mr David Aitchison - B.O.T. Member
Trudi Brocas - B.O.T. Member
Mrs Sandra Hewetson - Secretary / Principal
Mrs Pat Hutton - Minute Taker
Jo-Ann Yukich - Staff Representative
Visitors:
Adele Nummy
Andrew Noakes
1. Welcome and Apologies
Welcome to the B.O.T. Members and visitors.
2. Acceptance of Agenda
The agenda was accepted. Yukich / Saunders
All were in favour
3. Minutes of Meeting No 2 / 06
The minutes were passed with the addition of Jo-Ann Yukich as present. Saunders / Aitchison
All were in favour
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes
Computers purchased.
Laptops still to come (supposed to be this week)
Fridge and dishwasher purchased.
5. Inward and Outward Correspondence and Matters Arising
Inward Correspondence
No. 4: $7992 for air conditioning Units. Moved that the air conditioning units as per quote for administration offices is
approved. Saunders / Bennett
All in favour
No. 6: Code of Practice signed and posted.
No. 10: Donation towards replacement costs of fence (24 Spence Rd) – asbestos. BOT has agreed to contribute the
same amount as was given to the neighbour.
Outward Correspondence
Move that the Inward Correspondence be accepted and the Outward Correspondence be received.
Bennett / Yukich
All agreed
6. Finance Report
The accounts were presented.
B.O.T. salaries in a plus position, not a minus. To do with ACC from last year.
Financial position is appropriate for this time of the year.
Pat Hutton & Joy Waddell will monitor while Sandra is away.
It was moved that the monthly accounts be accepted. Hewetson / Saunders
7. Principal’s Report
Presented by Sandra Hewetson
Fifty four letters sent out to our parents of Maori and Pacific Island children. There were no suggestions for any changes
Charter and Policy page will be rolled over.
Report accepted. Saunders / Brocas
8. General Business
Jo-Ann Yukich introduced Adele Nummy as part of the Literacy teams report to the B.O.T. (See accompanying report
written by Adele)
Thanks to Adele and Jo-Ann for their work with the staff in this area.
The B.O.T. wished Sandra a wonderful trip.
9. Dates of next B.O.T. Meeting and Subcommittee Meetings
Next B.O.T. meeting - 7.30, Wednesday, 14th June 2006
Finance meeting - email
Policy meeting -
Property meeting -
The meeting closed at 8.24 pm.
Mrs Sandra Hewetson
Secretary
Board of Trustees
SH/MJG
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Western Heights Primary
Principals Report to the Board of Trustees
Date: 3 May 2006
Pupil Numbers: 549 Fee payers: 7
NAG 1: Curriculum requirements and student achievement
CWSA: French classes began last week. 13 children are selected according to PAT listening test results and aptitude. They are all, but one, year 6 students.
We have funded Geoff Woolford for most of the year to take two groups of CWSA Maths.
Overviews have the health strand included and a teachers is coordinating this curriculum area.
NAG 2: Documentation and self review
The treaty policy has had its consultation phase and now can be accepted with no changes. All parents were given a copy and all parents of Maori children were posted a copy. The Website also had the policy posted. Everyone appears to be happy with present policy and Charter documentation.
Nearly all parents and caregivers of Maori and Pacific Island children attended the parent teacher conferences last term. Pat Hutton did a follow-up on any children that we had concerns about.
Pat will be doing the same at the end of this term.
She can also report on our Maori and Pacific Island children’s progress with the targets set in a newsletter this term.
NAG 3: Personnel - employer responsibilities
The biggest issue this term is teacher stress and monitoring it well, so that teachers and others remain healthy. We have time frames for - reporting to parents, dead lines - to help teachers plan their assessment and evaluation. The teacher release days have made this task easier as teachers are using this time well for testing and planning.
NAG 4: Financial and property management
We are purchasing additional mats for wet doorway entrances, as the floors are quite slippery at times. Mina Andrews takes the health and safety aspect of her job very seriously.
We did have some damage over the holidays and are finding Maddren’s provide us with a good maintenance service.
We have a letter from a neighbour who is replacing an aspestos fence on our school boundary. He has sent us a quote for the cost and we could send him a donation towards it. We do have funds in maintenance and it would be a good gesture. He is Principal of Helensville School, so is very realistic.
NAG 5: Health and Safety
We are addressing the issue of the pandemic by increasing our hygiene education in all classes. Some schools have huge plans, but we have not been instructed to do this and we feel that the Waitakere area Health Board will be our guide on the matter. We have purchased face masks for the sick bay and all staff use gloves at all times. Personal hygiene is the key plus good sense will prevail.
NAG 6: Compliance/ Administration
Copies of the Annual Accounts will go to the Ministry when the auditors send their letter and report. A copy of this letter needs to be included when we send the copies to the Ministry of Education. They then send a copy to our local member’s office.
General:
Changes: The newsletter will be published every two weeks on a trail this term, as it takes half a day each week to produce and on reviewing the office and its staff, a change was needed to ensure new resources were managed. We will review this again on my return.
Website: This also is at a cost of time and money so I had our web hosting company check the hits we receive. Looks worthwhile with 82 hits just this month and a total of 6,200 in total. Total number of pages viewed 72,613.
I know that the company ‘Vivid’ does hold our site as an example of a good site model.
Terry and I take off on our sabbatical this Friday and I have huge faith in the staff remaining to continue managing the school well.
Pat Hutton with the support of Andrew Noakes will be the main point of contact. Joy Waddell who is doing a fantastic job as my PA accounts and IT manager plus office manager will meet with Pat each week as we do now.
The year has begun in the most fantastic way with very few issues to deal with.
I will be checking all the school emails remotely, so will be in contact nearly every day where possible. I will be checking the monthly accounts etc and giving Joy and Pat feedback.
News will be coming through to you as well.
Thank you for giving me this once in a life time opportunity - you are fantastic employers.
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