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School Board

CONSTITUTION

 

 

1.                  Name

 

The name of the association will be the Eastwood High School Parent Council, hereinafter called the Parent Council.

 

 

2.                  Functions

 

The Council is established in accordance with the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act, hereinafter called the Act.  Its functions are as described in the Act and are, in brief, to:-

a.      support school management to improve the quality of education

which the school provides, and develop to their fullest potential the personality, talents and mental and physical abilities of the pupils attending the school.

b.      develop and engage in activities which support the education

and welfare of pupils.

c.      promote contact between the school, the Parent Forum,

prospective parents and the community.

d.      report on the Council activities to the Parent Forum at least annually,

e.      identify and represent the views of the Parent Forum

f.        comply with any reasonable request made to it by the head teacher of the school or by the education authority for information relating to its exercise of those functions.

 

3.                  Membership

 

Full membership of the Council will be open to:-

 

(a)                elected members of the parent forum

(b)               members co-opted by the current members of the council, one of whom must be a denominational nominee in the case of denominational school

(c)                Pending further information from the local Authority, it may be a requirement for all members to be disclosure checked.

(d)               If a Parent Council member has habitual non attendance at council meetings then the member will be asked to step down.  If a member acts in a way that is considered by other members to undermine the objectives of the Parent Council, their membership of the Parent Council shall be terminated if two thirds of the whole membership of the Parent Council agree.  Termination of membership would be confirmed in writing to the member.

 

In non-denominational schools, co-opted members may represent denominational groups, however, the Council will have due regard to the cultural and religious diversity of the school population in co-opting such members.

 

Membership will terminate four years from appointment, or when a parent’s youngest child leaves the school, or when a member gives notice of resigning position.

 

Membership of Parental Council should be no less than 20 and maximum of 25.

 

4.                  Officers

 

a)      Only a person who is a member of the school’s Parent Forum may chair the Parental Council.

b)      The Chair, Vice Chair, and any other honorary officers will be elected at the inaugural General Meeting and when elected should hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.

5.                  Committees

 

The Council may appoint such special or standing committees as it deems necessary and will determine their terms of reference, powers, duration and composition.  All proceedings of such special committees will be reported to the Council.

 

6.                  Meetings of the Council

 

a)      All meetings of the Council are open to all members of the parent forum and to the public, however, the Council (including the Head Teacher), has the right to meet in private during discussion of any matter which the Council considers should be dealt with on a confidential basis.

b)      Individual cases relating to pupils, teachers or parents at the school are not matters for direct Parent Council involvement.

c)      The Head Teacher has both a right and a duty to attend Council meetings or to be represented at a Council meeting.

d)      There will be an annual general meeting of the Council.

e)      Notice of all meetings must be made at least two weeks in advance of the meeting to all members and to the Parent Forum.

f)        The quorum will be one quarter of the membership, providing that the number of co-opted members in the quorum does not exceed the number of members of the parent forum.

g)      All issues arising at any meeting will be decided by a simple majority of those present who are entitled to vote.  Proxy votes will be accepted.

h)      The full Parent Council will meet at least once in every school term.

 

7.                  Finance

 

a)      The Council may raise funds by any legal means, other than borrowing, and may expend these sums to carry out its functions at its discretion and in line with appropriate legislation.

b)      The Council may receive donations (all donations must be noted).

c)      The treasurer will ensure that proper accounts are kept and followed.

d)      An audited annual statement of accounts shall be presented to the Annual General Meeting and circulated to the Parents Forum.

 

8.                  Review Constitution

 

The Council may review and amend its constitution, but only with the consent of two thirds of the full Parent Council.

 

9.                  Dissolution of the Council

 

Should the Parent Council cease to exist, any funds received from the Education Authority will be passed to the Education Authority to be used for the benefit of the school.  Any funds raised by the Council will be passed directly to the school.

 

 

MINUTES OF THE  MEETING OF EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL HELD ON 21st October  2009 AT 8pm IN EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

 

PRESENT: PARENTS – Jim Kerrigan (Chair), Vivienne Christison, Yvonne Chalmers, Diane Dakers, Graham Smith, Mark Taylor, Carol McNee, Margo McGibbon, Kalsoom Mohammed,

Hazel Wroughton, Connie Hume, Evelyn Hinson, Morag Roy, Mehmood Mir, Ian Silvers, Avril Shepherd

 

IN ATTENDANCE: Stuart Maxwell (Head Teacher), Cllr Charlie Gilbert, Shona McWilliam (Clerk)

 

APOLOGIES: Gavin Kinnell, John McIntosh, Kashif Ali

 

 

1.         INTRODUCTION

 

Jim Kerrigan thanked everyone for attending and welcomed them to the meeting. Jim introduced himself to the council and asked if everyone round the table could do the same.

 

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 9th September 2009

 

The minutes of the above meeting were unanimously approved by the meeting.

 

 

3.         MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES – 9th September 2009

 

            Nil

 

4.         CORRESPONDENCE

 

            a)         Backchat newsletter from the Scottish Parent Teacher Council.  Information

                        included update on new licensing law.

b)         Email sent to J Kerrigan re conference on 7th November for Curriculum of Excellence.

c)         Recruitment & Selection Training to be held at St Lukes on 27th October 2009.

            At the moment only 3 members have been on this course and it would be good if some of the new members (especially from the lower school) would attend, if not at this training maybe perhaps early next year.

d)         National Parent Forum on 21st November at the Radisson Hotel, Glasgow

e)         Road Closure – Greenlaw Rd. Traffic to be monitored and if a problem arises with congestion S Maxwell to speak to campus Police Officer.

f)          Strathclyde Police letter re presentation on Road Safety for S6 pupils.  J Kerrigan will contact them to discuss what dates they have available.  V Christison asked if it would be a good idea to tag the presentation onto the end of a parents evening but S Maxwell mentioned that it would make the evening too long for parents.

g)         RSNO letter offering Under 16s free to RSNO concerts with a paying adult.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.         INFORMATION ITEMS

 

a)                  Staffing Update

Nothing to report           

             

 

b)                   Building Update 

                        To be discussed at Item 6 (a)

 

c)          Pupil Update

                        S Maxwell wanted to inform the council that 5 of Eastwood’s senior pupils are

                                    going to Malawi at the end of June 2010, they are Laura McGibbon, Caroline

                        Peberdy, Christopher Spicer, Hollie Whyte and Anupria Kaur.  The pupils will

                        have to raise approx £1400 through fund raising etc.

 

S Bruce (PE Teacher) is travelling to La Manga, Spain on the 26th October with S3 – S6 girls for netball tournaments.

                         

                 

 

6.                   DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

a)      New School announcement

We are all delighted that an announcement has been made, East Renfrewshire has secured funding to build a new school.  S Maxwell expects target date for entry to be August 2013.  School believed will be built on the red ash pitch and new pitches will be built on the old school site. We are at an advantage to start with, as the area is designated for education use in terms of Planning.  The school has plenty of ground surrounding it and the majority of it is flat. There should therefore be few construction issues.

A liaison group will be created with Charlie Gilbert which will include members of the parent council and pupils.  They will also be looking for feedback for the Janitors.   D Dakers asked could a parent not on the council be invited onto the forum for the liaison group. S Maxwell mentioned that it would take approx 18/24 months to erect a new build with planning and costing preceding the building phase.

The funding received is only for a new Eastwood High School at present.

Fiona Morison, Grant Robertson, Stuart Maxwell & Charlie Gilbert will be involved in a consultation group.  Grant Robertson (who played a big part in the build of Williamwood) has now moved to the Scottish Future Trust and the good news is that he will be involved with Eastwood’s  new build.

The sports complex is to remain intact.  C Gilbert mentioned that it would be great if the new school became part of the community.

C Gilbert mentioned that Capelrig House could possibly become an Art centre.

C Gilbert has spoken to many people and all are looking forward to the new venture.

 

S Maxwell said he would like to thank everyone involved, elected politicians, council officers, and past and present Chairs of parent council etc for their continued support.

 

V Christison appreciated C Gilbert’s involvement over the years, always keeping us informed and never giving up.

 

D Dakers asked if G Gardner could keep everyone updated on the web.  S Maxwell said it is early days but could certainly happen in the future once the building work starts.

 

            b)         School Leaver destination results

                        53%      Higher Education

                        30%      Further Education

                         3%      Training

                        10%      Employment

                         4.29%  Unemployed

S Maxwell pleased with this year’s results.  There has been a lot of hard work by Sandy Jamieson DHT and Sandra Bewick (Careers officer) to make sure that nearly every pupil has a positive destination organised before leaving

School.  C Gilbert says its called tracking and the council wants every child who leaves school to be in a positive destination.

 

b)      4th Year Assembly

S Maxwell spoke to 4th years this week at assembly.  Prelims in 25 days time.  CDs with Intermediate 1 & Intermediate 2 past papers with marking scheme were handed out to pupils.  SQA past papers online 2007-2009 with marking schemes.

 

On Friday 23rd S Maxwell will hand out CDs to 5th years with Intermediate 2 & Higher past papers.

 

Supported Study hours have been increased.  To be confirmed very shortly.

V Christison asked if supported study info could go on web.  Once confirmed yes it will go on web.  S Maxwell to speak to Barbara Golombok  (Supported study organiser) and when organised parents will be texted.

 

V Christison asked if newsletter could go on website.  S Maxwell said it maybe too big due to integral photographs but maybe possible.

 

 

 

7.                   AOB

Nil

 

           

 

 

Date of next meeting – Wednesday 2nd December 2009 at 8pm

(preceded by PTA at 7pm)

 

 

SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES 0141-577-2200

 

 

 

 

MINUTES OF THE  MEETING OF EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL HELD ON 9th September  2009 AT 7.30PM IN EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

 

PRESENT: PARENTS – Jim Kerrigan (Chair), Vivienne Christison, Yvonne Chalmers, Graham Smith, Mark Taylor, Carol McNee, Judith Johnstone, Jacqueline Keenan, Maralyne McGinty,  Gavin Kinnell, Christine Peberdy, Linda Sichi, Kashif Ali

 

 

IN ATTENDANCE: Stuart Maxwell (Head Teacher), Shona McWilliam

 

APOLOGIES:, Clr Charlie Gilbert, Diane Dakers, Margo McGibbon, Kalsoom Mohammed

 

 

1.         INTRODUCTION

 

Jim Kerrigan thanked everyone for attending and welcomed them to the meeting. Jim introduced himself to the council and asked if everyone round the table could do the same.

 

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 3rd June 2009

 

The minutes of the above meeting were unanimously approved by the meeting.

 

 

3.         MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES – 3rd June 2009

 

            Nil

 

4.         CORRESPONDENCE

 

a)                   Letter re Parent Consultation Group, dates from Sept 2009 to May 2010 at various venues.  Two members of parent council to attend to represent all parents within the school.

b)                   Parent Council Newsletters – Conference Report

c)                   Parental  Involvement strategy review to Head Teacher, questionnaire to be completed.

 

 

5.         INFORMATION ITEMS

 

a)                  Staffing Update

 

            East Renfrewshire schools have been granted an Acting Deputy Head post for 23 months to manage vocational education within the school.  Sandy Jamieson who was head of Behaviour Support now takes on this role and Derek Griffin becomes Acting head of Behaviour.

            Our Principal teacher of Technical, Andy Whiteley has been very seriously ill, had a major operation last week and will be off for a long time. Paul Gillies is Acting until Andy returns.

            Isabel McNish who was this years NQT in Modern Languages resigned this week.  We will be looking to employ new teacher as soon as.

 

b)                   Building Update  (Summer work)

 

                        Head Teacher wished to thank Councillor Gilbert & Jim Kerrigan for pushing to

                        get all the work completed before school resumed in August.  Reflective film on

                        windows, new black out blinds, new lighting, ceiling and walls painted, has made

                        a significant difference, school looking good.

 

                        No flooding at front gate even though we have had plenty of rain.  (It was agreed

                        to inform Pat Kedslie, as she had worked hard to rectify this situation).

 

Pedestrian crossing – G Kinnell mentioned that it looks like one of the signs is facing the wrong way.  Jim to write to C Gilbert.

 

                              Councillor Gilbert is hoping for an announcement on 23rd September re new

                              build.

 

6.                   DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

a)      Procedures for the filling of Parent Council Vacancies

 

At present we have 16 current members and 1 co-op.  Re constitution that will allow us to have minimum of 3 vacancies or maximum of 8 new members.  If more parents apply than required we would have to go to an election.  S Maxwell asked if a letter could go out to all parents, by post.  Letter to give information to parents on the council, with maybe a tear off slip at bottom requesting that it had to be handed back into the school office.  It would be good to highlight that we are keen to add some new S1 parents to the council.  It would be good to have some S2 parents as well as the majority of the parents on the council have children in the upper years of the school.  L Sichi volunteered to draft a letter up.  L Sichi suggested it would be good it PTA was mentioned in same letter.

           

b)      Presentation on SQA exam results 2009

 

S Maxwell give council presentation of this years results.  V Christison mentioned that she had been informed that one particular class in Maths had extremely bad results this year and wondered if S Maxwell could clarify this.  He said he was not aware of anything but did state that this years Higher paper was very hard and the last two questions were felt to be particularly challenging.  J Kerrigan asked if all classes had fully completed level C, N MacGlashan explained that Level C has to be completed before the pupil can sit their nabs.  Level 1 & 2 are to be completed by January and Level 3 which is very difficult to be completed after prelims in February.

S Maxwell mentioned that he and his teachers were delighted with this years results.  L Sichi asked if our results could be published as other schools seem to get recognition for improving results.

 

            Y Chalmers mentioned that the SQA website had lots of useful information and

            was well worth browsing.

 

            V Christison asked if Easter School was common practice among East Ren

            Schools.  S Maxwell said that most schools do but Eastwood seem to cover a

            wider range of subjects.  Biology don’t do Easter school but offer supported study

            to pupils and Home Economics don’t do either.

 

M Taylor asked S Maxwell how does the school  cope with the different levels of attainment when in teaching boys and girls.  They are always trying to come up the new ideas and over the next fortnight he will be meeting with the subject PTs to discuss how to help boys more in class.  G Kinnell mentioned that in other schools pupils help each other in group form.  S Maxwell said that every year just before the prelims he gives the same talk asking them to help each others and the majority of the time girls are more likely to that up that suggestion.

K Ali asked as the S4 results were good will the school be using the same format for next year.

 

            Leckie & Leckie have lost the contract for past papers.  SQA have last 3 years of

            Past papers and solutions available on line.  EHS are in the process of producing

            CDs with past papers on them and will be available at the end of Sept at a price

            of £1.  C Peberdy recommended that Hodder & Hodder ‘How to Pass’ are

            excellent books to purchase.

 

 

7.         AOB

           

Y Chalmers asked if the 6th years have a common room.  Stuart said unfortunately no and if he could supply them with a room he would.

 

J Kerrigan asked if there was anyway a exam paper could be rechecked without any appeal. S Maxwell said that it was not common practice and yes if could be done at a cost, you would ask for the paper to be remarked.   S Maxwell said that if you have any concerns it would be best to speak to M McCartney (Head S5/6) first of all.

 

Careers Event has been booked for 11th January 2010.  V Christison will look out spreadsheet from last time of list of careers and if anyone would like to add to the list she will be delighted.

 

V Christison asked should Parent Council and PTA  have jointed meetings in future.  J Kerrigan said that maybe they could have PTA from 7 – 8pm and P Council meeting from 8 – 9pm.

 

Study skills seminar to be held on Wednesday 16th September 7 – 8pm.

 

G Smith asked if the school web site could be updated.  G Gardner is in the process of doing that at the moment.

 

 

 

 

Date of next meeting – Wednesday 2nd December 2009 at 8pm

(preceded by PTA at 7pm)

 

 

SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES 0141-577-2200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINUTES OF THE AGM OF EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL HELD ON 3rd June 2009 AT 7.30PM IN EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

 

PRESENT: PARENTS – Pat Kedslie (Chair), Vivienne Christison (V Chair), Graham Smith, Mark Taylor, Carol McNee, Margo McGibbon, Jacqueline Keenan, Billy Lithgow, Maralyne McGinty, Isobel Lithgow, Diane Dakers, Christine Peberdy, Linda Sichi

 

IN ATTENDANCE: Stuart Maxwell (Head Teacher), Shona McWilliam, Cllr Charlie Gilbert

 

APOLOGIES: Yvonne Chalmers, Gavin Kinnell, Judith Johnstone, Kalsoom Mohammed

 

 

1.         INTRODUCTION

 

Pat Kedslie thanked everyone for attending and welcomed them to the Annual General Meeting.

 

 

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 18th March 2009

 

The minutes of the above meeting were unanimously approved by the meeting.

 

 

3.         MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES – 18th March 2009

 

a)         Flooding at Front Gate.

 

            Recently there have been instances of heavy rainfall causing flooding across the school’s main entrance. S Maxwell reported the issue to Roads Dept and Cleansing.  Mud slides down the hill from the building sites at the top of Capelrig Road and blocks the drains.  Cleansing Dept has been out to clear the drains and so far everything has been fine.  The situation will be monitored.

 

b)         Feedback on Parents Evening

 

            S Maxwell reported that attendance was slightly up from last year.  64% this year compared to 63% last year.  Questionnaires were handed out to parents on the evening for feedback.  On the whole, most parents agreed that the new time (4.30-6.30pm) was fine.  S Maxwell hoped that next year S1/S3/S5/6 would have the early start of 4.30pm and S2/S4 would still be 6pm-9pm, as those two years including an Option/Open Evenings.

            V Christison mentioned that a few parents felt that the S3 parents’ evening was held too late in the academic year. If pupils had issues with subjects it would be too late to rectify them.  S Maxwell stated that an interim report is sent to all S3 parents in the November which should highlight any cause for concern.

            L Sichi asked if 64% was a reasonable turnout at an S3 parents night. S Maxwell stated that it was and quoted percentage turnout for each year.

S1 – 75%, S2 – 80%, S3/S4 – 60/65%, S5 – was always high and S6 was always very low.  Option Evenings were always much better attended.

S Maxwell will take a look at the school diary for next year to see if S3 parents evening could be brought forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.         CORRESPONDENCE

 

a)                   Letter re pedestrian crossing.

b)                   Leaflets on Parent Council Meeting 13.6.09 at Hampden Stadium, to discuss Curriculum for Excellence.

c)                   Standard & Quality Report 2008

d)                   Chair Meeting correspondence (Pat referred to her email circulated to members after the meeting).  Mr Daffurn (ex Mearns Castle Deputy Head) is now working for the Education Dept and will be liaising with parent councils in the future and will be involved in the dept’s Parental Involvement strategy going forward.

 

 

5.         INFORMATION ITEMS

 

a)         Staffing Update

 

            A Laird (PT) computing retired.

            A Thompson, Physics and Helen Peters, Art both will be retiring at the end of June.  Mr Thompson’s post to be filled with an NQT (.5)

            There is to be a 23 month Acting Deputy Head Teacher post (internal) advertised which is to be funded from Curriculum for Excellence.  S Maxwell invited a member of the parent council to be on the interview panel.  Interviews are due to take place in the last week of term, possibly Thursday 25th (am).  V Christison and J Kerrigan have offered their services.  S Maxwell has requested that one of them contact him prior to interview date.

            Biology post was filled by this year’s NQT, Dr Yvonne Lowe, an excellent asset to the Biology Dept.

            The English post was filled by Mrs Sylvia McLaughlin from Edinburgh.

 

            School roll for August 2009 will be slightly down on last year, due to low intake (only 36 pupils) from Neilston Primary. Eastwood’s usual intake from Neilston is c. 60.  It will return to that the following year.

 

b)         Building Update  

 

                        S Maxwell complained to J Wilson last week re the wording of Eastwood Today’s

                        article on a ‘dilapidated’ Eastwood High.  C Gilbert read out his letter which he

                        sent to John Swinney this week, requesting an announcement re the

                        EHS new build.  There should be an announcement June/July by the Scottish

                        Futures Trust regarding funding.

D Dakers wondered if a parents’ petition would help.  S Maxwell advised waiting until after June to see if an announcement will be made.

J Kerrigan asked if some relatively minor investment could be made by East Ren in the short-term on such necessities that would improve the pupils’ quality of life: such as sun-block blinds for the upstairs classrooms at the front of the building, and toilet improvements.  S Maxwell mentioned that it had been thought about as we recently had to move pupils who were sitting their History exam this week due to the heat in the classrooms.

D Dakers asked if money could be spent on the toilets and the staffroom kitchen.

                        S Maxwell mentioned that money will be spent on taking the linings off the

Assembly Hall curtains at approx £1300 (front outside the building they look awful).  Clr Gilbert offered to pass on these requests and suggestions to the Council.

V Christison asked if it was worthwhile asking other councils who are waiting for new schools to petition together.  S Maxwell would prefer if we waited, hoping that there will be an announcing shortly re funding.

 

 

Pedestrian Crossing Update

c)                    

The road at the rear exit will be resurfaced with anti skid surface material during late July.  Capelrig Rd will be closed 3-7 Aug for the installation of the lights.

 

 

d)                   33 Period Week Update

 

The adoption of the new timetable was reviewed by the education dept recently, and it was found to be working well.  They consider it to be the best option for Curriculum for Excellence.

 

e)         Electronic Attendance Update

 

The move away from Registration in the morning to this new system has been reasonably successful, with only a few hitches.  M Taylor queried if there had been a lot of problems with the phone system.

                        S Maxwell stated that there had been a couple of faults but nothing too serious.     

                        S McWilliam mentioned that if there ever were problems contacting any of the

            East Ren schools, then parents should call their Head Office on 0141 577 3000 and they will pass on a message to the appropriate school.

 

 

6.         DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

a)                  PTA summary

 

This time last year the PTA donated a drum kit to the music department and bought books for the school.  This year the S4/6 disco went very well and money was donated to the school, but unfortunately the S1/2 disco was cancelled.

The Car Boot Sale was also cancelled and the Christmas raffle was put on hold, due to new regulations. The PTA is struggling with lack of parental support.   The Asda bag pack will take place next week.

In addition to organised events the PTA always attends parents’ evenings/Christmas concerts, serving teas & coffee etc.  V Christison proposed a new format for the PTA meetings.  Meetings could be held jointly with Parent council meeting. This will be discussed and decided next year.

           

b)                  Budget 09/10

 

S Maxwell handed out to members the breakdown of the EHS allocation for session 2009/10.  The budget is slightly down on last year due to the decreasing roll.

 

            c)         Parent Council resignations/vacancies and election of new office bearers

                       

S Maxwell thanked Pat for her strong support and her calm approach in handling everything as Chair over the last 6 years. She has done a terrific job.   S Maxwell presented Pat with flowers.

Pat thanked Stuart, and Viv Christison for being her vice chair and being invaluable to her over the years, and also to Shona, the minute clerk.  Pat wished the Parent Council all the best.  C Gilbert also wished Pat well.

V Christison proposed Jim Kerrigan for Chair, seconded by W Lithgow. 

D Dakers to remain Treasurer, L Sichi to remain as Secretary and the council would still like S McWilliam to be clerk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.         AOB

           

Parking by Crookfur Primary school parents.

 

Parking in the main car park, especially at the roundabout, has caused severe congestion and blocked access for the school buses. S Maxwell has spoken to PC Colin Laidlaw (campus Police officer) and he will be patrolling the front area of the school from next week.  F Loudon (HT, Crookfur) will issue letters to Crookfur parents.

 

 

 

SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES 0141-577-2200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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