PA vice-president's message General Assembly 6 November 2008

6 November 2008

The Parents’ Association would like to thank all those who attended our General Assembly on Thursday, 6 November 2008. For those of you who were unable to make it, here is what happened. Also, check out our website. http://www.eskar.org/en/people/parents/panews.html.

The meeting started with those who were on the Board last year introducing themselves. Markus Gammelin gave a power point presentation of our activities last year with Sabine Chenu for after school activities, Merrild Flemming for the Transport Committee and Ramil Nasyrow for the Canteen Committee. Kevin Barber then presented the Financial report. Please click here for presentation (German) and Annual Report (English). Reports from the Transport and Canteen Committee should be available soon. In addition, Gunnar ? reported on the Momi and Nachhlife (English) which although is not part of the Parents’ Association is of great interest to parents.

Following all the statuary reporting, elections were held for the open seats on the Parents’ Association Board. Each member represents a language section in either the primary or secondary school. Click here to find out who your representative is.

Main highlight of the evening was a lively discussion about the Canteen. Parents were excited about the new building which would open later this month and were clearly hoping to see a better, more efficient service. i.e. better food, more choice, more flexibility and less queuing-time. Parents wanted more information, and in writing, on how the Canteen Committee functions and is financed. A working group has been set up to look into new ideas. Parents were warned that the earliest any changes could be made would be in January 2009. So there is a lot of work ahead.

We also heard at the General Assembly concerns about replacement teachers, languages, “permances” and problems facing new families.

So what is coming up this year?.

The main goal of the Parents’ Association this year starts with you. Better communication with parents and Class Reps. What are you concerned about? Check out our website, contact your Class Rep and contact us. We are looking forward to working with you to build a better school community.

Cindy van Velzen
Vice-President
ESK PA