PA Committee meeting report 17.03.10

Cindy van Velzen welcomed everyone and passed on the apologies on behalf of those who could not attend.

Security
Parents are confused with the rules and regulations set down for the security at the school gate. At times it seems extraordinarily strict and at other times almost non-existent. Sometimes, ID not only has to be shown but is then withheld by security to be collected again when they leave. Parents totally support the need for security at the school gate, but request that the procedures are clearly outlined and communicated in writing to everyone, so that admittance in to the school can be done efficiently.

Transport and Canteen
These topics were very briefly discussed, but it was proposed that as the issues were too complex to address satisfactorily at this meeting, a dedicated meeting be arranged at a later date, when all the relevant background information has been distributed to the committee members.

The Transport Committee still needed one more parent representative from the PA committee to join and Michel Messmer was nominated, seconded and voted to be the representative.

Educational Council Meetings.
The Section Reps were reminded that they are invited to attend the educational council meetings. The next meetings are on 29th April (OS) and 18th May (GS) at 15.45.

Sport
It was reported that some parents do not feel that there is enough extra-curricular sport for students in classes 1 – 4 OS. Basketball was offered for class 5 GS but all the sports halls were already booked and so the course did not take place. Suggestions for increasing sport for these classes included Field Hockey – the Hockey Association in KA offer courses that are run in schools and workshops for activities such as in-line skating etc. Anja will consider all suggestions for next year’s After-School Activities programme.

Holidays
Summer holidays are very long and parents would like to have information about child-care and summer camps, especially in the first couple of weeks of the summer. The PA has a page on their website for information on independent clubs and activity groups which can be developed to include new recommendations from parents. A working group will be set up to coordinate ideas.

Supervision (Aufsicht) for GS on Wednesday afternoons
Some parents have noticed that there are an increasing number of unsupervised pupils from the Grundschule running around the grounds of the school after lunch on Wednesdays. As all Grundschule pupils should have specific places to go to (Nachhilfe, AA programme, MOMI etc) the school is requested that the regulations are more strictly enforced.

Roles of the Student Class reps.
It was requested that more help and guidance be given to the student class reps about their role and responsibilities. It was acknowledged that some pupils can do this instinctively but some need more support. It was felt that the student class reps in the Grundschule were well supported, but as the class dynamics change in the Oberschule, the issues can become more demanding.

Student school newspaper
2 students in the Oberschule plan to publish a school newspaper. They have already done a lot of work on it.The PA completely support this initiative and would also urge the school to offer support especially in the production processes. Parents will also be asked if anyone is willing to advise and support the students, either in the layout or printing processes.

Concern was expressed that as Frau Ravidat was leaving at the end of this school year, there is no one in place to take over the EuroJunior (Grundschule newspaper). Frau Pavlicikova will be urged to make sure that this European Hours project can continue next year.

PA finance report sheets
A newly structured finance spreadsheet has been developed to facilitate the control of income and expenditure of the various funds for which the PA are responsible. As soon as the final stage is completed and the actual monetary amounts have been put in, it should be easier for committee members to decide on the numerous funding support requests that are received.

Open Day
The PA will be fully supporting Open Day with various actions such as offering refreshments, information stand and EuroBoutique. The following people have kindly volunteered to be the coordinators for each station. Parents will be asked to volunteer to help and they can submit their name and email via the PA website so that various tasks can be allocated according to wishes.

Coffee corners – only coffee, tea, water on offer – 8.05 to 10.00

• Bay A - by Frau Marmillot’s office - (Christiane Sardain)
• Bau B – by the GS library - (Nathalie Barth)

Also: PA information leaflets, membership forms, Open Day programme leaflets

PA Information Booth - in Mensa entrance - (Anne Sierig)

PA information leaflets, BeFriends and membership forms, Open Day programme leaflets

EuroBoutique - in Mensa Entrance - (Letizia Dalle Donne)

Presentation of t-shirts, sweat shirts, sport bags and caps with school logo designs etc

International Café – in Mensa - (Anja Bühner, Barbara Weiner)
Open only from 10.00 to 15.00 (corporate Breakfast meeting 8.00-10.00)

Hot meals available from Scolarest from 12.00

Coffee, tea, water, schorle and cakes

In is proposed that “bons” be sold prior to getting the refreshments and hot meals, so that parents can be served more quickly.

Project Day funding
There has been a great response from the teachers for organising projects for the project week. There were 15 requests for funding from the the PA. It was decided that the money raised from the cake and coffee sale last year be divided equally between all the requests. It is hoped that parents are again generous with cake donations on Open Day, so that projects can be supported next year.

BeFriends campaign
The PA BeFriends campaign and logo symbolise the importance of PA membership within the school. Only a small proportion of all ESK families are currently members, and it is the aim of the PA to increase the number of members, and to raise awareness of the importance of parental support.

Social Fund
The Social funding requests were discussed. The were all approved based on the recommendation of Social Fund advisory group. It was decided that the limit of 50% funding should be calculated from the basic cost of a school trip and be rounded up to the next 10. This would ensure fairness in all requests.

MEC (Model European Council) and Kangaroo Maths tournament.
In the past the PA have always supported these projects. It was agreed that these two events should be supported by the PA again this year. The MEC will receive 250 Euros and Kangaroo Maths will receive 352.45 Euros.

Cindy thanked everyone for attending.

Present: Cindy van Velzen, Barbara Weiner, Christiane Sardain, Nathalie Barth, Anja Bühner, Michel Messmer, Anne Sierig, Letizia Dalle Donne, Sarah Winthrop