London Nautical School
Minutes of PTA Meeting – 01 July 2010
Attendees: Lynn Batten, Sue Cronin, Jane Croxford, Maggie Delaney, Angela Harris, Janice Hill (Kocoglu), Gail Oldroyd, Ann Jackson, Carol Martin, Mary Russell, Debbie Sim
LNS – Mr Dastagir, Headmaster LNS, Mr McGregor, Deputy Headmaster LNS
Apologies: Tanya Derecki, Mike Livingstone
Carole welcomed everyone to the meeting and reconfirmed the role of the PTA. The attendees went through minutes of the meeting which were agreed as a true reflection of the last meeting.
Mr Dastagir, Headmaster of LNS, addressed the meeting. A copy of his report is attached to these minutes. He advised the needs of the exams had changed and that the school needed to be creative in addressing these needs. The year groups will now be put into five set groups instead of four. The timetable would also now include periods of Extended Study, allowing the boys to work on transferable skills. They will use a system called ‘Learning to Learn ‘.
The Campaign defines ‘learning to learn’ as a process of discovery about learning. It involves a set of principles and skills which, if understood and used, help learners learn more effectively and so become learners for life. At its heart is the belief that learning is learnable.
Mr Dastagir then went on to address the questions sent in by parents.
Please advise us about the new ideas you have for the set groups in Year 8. When will we be informed about which sets our sons be in? Can this be done prior to breaking up for summer in case parents have any questions about the set their son has been put in?
Mr Dastagir replied that he will try to make sure that parents will receive information about set groups at least a week prior to the school closing for the summer break allowing parents the opportunity to contact teachers if necessary, especially for parents of Year 7 boys moving into Year 8.
Parents’ evening for year 7 boys has been scheduled for Wednesday 30th June between 4pm and 7pm. A sheet was posted to our home for my son to arrange appointments for me with his form tutor and his class tutors. The sheet has space for 18 appointments. He has only managed to get 5 appointments for me as all the teachers he has approached are booked up. I feel this is a shambolic way to arrange a parent’s evening. I want to see all of my son’s tutors; I want to know how he is progressing in year 7. Why can’t this very important event be scheduled over two days and the boys divided into two smaller groups?
Mr Dastagir said that he had received positive comments from parents about the Parents’ Evening. Also several parents in the room commented that the evening was particularly well managed. Mr Dastagir said the only change that they should make is to ensure that the appointment sheet is checked by the pupil’s tutor so boys who do not actively seek appointments are encouraged to do so.
Are we having cycle racks installed at the school?
Yes cycle racks are being installed in school and will have spaces for up to 20 bikes. Boys will have to pass a cycling proficiency test, which is being arranged by the school, in order to be able to cycle to school.
For incoming year 7’s will there be some kind of forum, either before or just after October half term, when children have had a chance to settle, for parents to allay/voice their concerns.
Mr Dastagir agreed that a forum will take place for incoming Year 7 parents, so that they will be able to meet with other parents and have a chance to voice their concerns after an initial settling in period. He thanked Janice for making the suggestion of a forum to the school. He also added that the procedure for making complaints will be sent out to all parents.
There does not seem to be consistency when dealing with instances of unacceptable behaviour, it often seems the more persistent perpetrators are let off and the “softer option” the victim is punished.
Challenging behaviour is an issue in every school, irrespective of where the school is located, or if it is private or state funded. The school works hard to ensure that all boys it is allocated each year, have the same opportunities, and work hard to ensure equality. The school has a behaviour policy which is followed, and the school endeavours to treat all equally. Teacher training is constantly being updated, so they can react to any situation more proactively. The school recognises those boys who demonstrate good behaviour in various ways.
The behaviour policy will be posted on the website and in the upcoming Making Waves magazine. This will give parents a guide to the process.
If parents have concerns that their issue is not being dealt with, they are always welcome to email the head teacher Mr Dastagir.
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Carol thanked Mr Dastagir for attending the meeting. Mr Dastagir report is attached to these minutes.
The meeting moved on to upcoming events:
New Year 7 induction evening.
PTA will not be taking money for new uniforms. We will be selling second hand and helping new parents with sizes and ordering of new uniform.
Debbie Sim to give an overview of the PTA and to ask for volunteers.
Sports Day
We do have use of a kitchen. Parents need directions of how to get to the venue. Email this to volunteers for the day. Action Ann
Regatta
Roy has the BBQ.
Lynn has designed a flyer which needs to be sent out to all year groups.
We will be selling raffle tickets, expenditure will be closely monitored ensuring a profit from this years event.
Catering will be co-ordinated by Debbie Sim, who has a friend that will make burgers for the event. We are covered by the schools insurance.
Lynn to buy more bunting.
Jane to make some fairy cakes.
AOB
Maggie Delaney and Debbie Sim elected as parent governors.
Report now given to the Charity Commission. Carol thanked Janice for completing the report.
Lynn has sorted out labels for uniforms; we will have order forms available at the Year 7 Induction evening. The PTA will receive 10% commission for all orders.
Lynn had been trying to get in contact with Mr Osakaya with regard to his bid for cameras but he is not responding. She will continue to try.
Meeting closed.
Next meeting will be in September, date to be set.
