The meeting begins by taking note of those present and apologies received for not attending.
Apologies have been received from Mauricio, Xavier, Tiffany, Tima and Tammy.
Attending are:
Uli Chambers
Karen Anderson
Roby Sheikhi
Maria Cinta
Guadalupe
Fermín
Cristina
Patricia
Pilar
Rosa
Cathlijne
Francesc
Aina
Mr White begins by mentioning that the next musical to be prepared by the school is “The Sound of Music”. Miss Plummer who is organizing says that help with costumes and props is welcomed (please ask volunteers to contact her directly).
Mr White asks if we have any comments to make on his responses to concerns and ideas we put forward at our meeting in December. He hands out a document prepared by him on the role and structure of the Parents’ Forum and reads through the points. He mentions that when he was initially approached by the parents’ group the idea of the forum was to improve communication between parents and the school and to channel the concerns of our classes. Therefore he does not see the nee for our committees which it seems has caused concern amongst the teaching staff. (I am attaching the document for those who were absent). We agree with Mr White to have a week to go back to him with any feedback on this document.
Fermin and Ulrike and Francesc explain that these committees are simply a means for better organisation within the Forum, where topics are discussed and resolved and then reported back in the formal Forum meetings.
Mr White thinks that concerns can be resolved and decisions made in the smaller group meetings without committees and is concerned about the negative impression it creates. We propose to give a presentation to the teaching staff to introduce ourselves and our role within the school community.
Fermin says that the Forum is a learning process for us parents. We need to learn to communicate with parents. We are not here to tell anyone what to do or how to do it. Mistakes will be made but we want to help and contribute. And though initially it may seem that there is more negativity there is actually a lot of positivity.
As per the agenda, each group discusses progress made in its area.
Parents For Fun
The sponsored walk is talked about and Mr White says that this year he would like to expand on the idea and make it a more fun event.
Cristina reports on her meeting with Mrs Serra regarding the sponsored walk which this year will raise money for Haiti.
Other ideas are proposed such as celebrating carnival with a float and Guy Fawkes (for those of you not familiar with this tradition, it goes back to the early 1600 when a group of men (Guy Fawkes was one of them) who were unhappy with the persecution of English Catholics during the reign of James 1, decided to blow up the Parliament. The plot failed and bonfires were lit to celebrate that the king was not hurt. Since then, the 5th of November is known as bonfire night and is celebrated each year with fireworks and bonfires).
We request the use of the school premises on occasional weekends to organise events and Mr White sees no reason why this can not be done. He is very happy and open to our contribution in organising and helping with fun events. Cristina proposes to give a written list of events to Mr White.
Karen asks what is the best way to give news to parents. Mr White thinks it is best to initially channel it through the school. He will make an announcement in the school’s name which should make those parents more reluctant towards a Parents’ Forum more open to suggestions. In his announcement he will name contact persons. He will initially lead the way for us.
Fundraising
Karen explains that a statement should be made explaining why in a private school we still need to fundraise and why it is necessary.
It has to be made clear that the school is not making savings or replacing/allocating expenditure. The money raised would be in addition to that.
The first event proposed by this group is a summer fair. It is thought best to keep it separate from International Day.
Karen brings up questions such as how to account for funds, the best way to go about it for tax purposes. Mr White thinks it is better to do it through school and will discuss with Luis Farrès.
Other questions such as whether additional insurance and alcohol license will be necessary at these events.
Education
As time is running out, it is agreed that the Education group will meet in a smaller meeting with Mr White.
Communication
Status of school website:
The information management system has been working for a month though at the moment it is only the framework. All information (pupils name, contact detail, personal information relating to each pupil) has to be introduced. As the systems is English, there have been problems with the number of Spanish surnames and the software engineers have had to adjust the programme to allow for this.
There will be within the school website, a parents portal. We will have a password and initially we will be asked to make sure the information available on our child is correct. Eventually we will be able to access report cards and compare with previous years. We will be able to access their class timetable.
It is likely to be ready to go live after Easter. The problem is the language. Headings and texts require translation.
Rosa speaks of the different options available to the parents forum and the parents in general. There is a forum for internal communication between members of the Parents’ Forum, a blog which is open to everyone and we propose a newsletter to communicate the same content to all the classes. Mr White’s concern is that he will not have editorial power over it and Cathalijne makes clear that the Newsletter will not be distributed until we have Mr White’s approval.
A smaller group meeting with Mr White is proposed in order to discuss the Newsletter further.
The idea is to create a sense of community not them and us.
School Services
Three proposals were made:
- Have a meal with Mr.White in the school lunchroom to assess the situation and be able to inform the other representatives. Mr. White did not rule out the idea, adding that he was awaiting the outcome of school dinners he had had with other parents.
- Assess the alternatives to the supplier of uniforms, to which Mr. White was receptive
- The third proposal was to open a philosophical debate about that School Services should not be perceived as a source of income for school, but as a service to a community. Mr White identified with the proposal, adding that in this respect he has to follow the guidelines set by Cognita.
The meeting ends and the next meeting is set for 19th April at 3 p.m.
