London Nautical School

Minutes of PTA Meeting

29^th April 2010

Attendees: Lynn Batten, Sue Cronin, Tanya Derecki, Anne-Marie Dryden, Tessa Hampton, Claire Hawksley-Blake, Gail Holroyd, Ann Jackson, Mardi Jamieson, Mike Livingstone, Penny Draper Mahindra, Mary Russell, Debbie Sim

Apologies: Carol Martin, Alison Walker, Janice Hill (Kocoglu), Jane Croxford, Myra Cellmer

Mike opened the meeting and introductions were made.

Mr McGregor – School update, a copy is attached                                       

A school update was handed around with Mr McGregor emphasising some key points. 

Parent comments:

Year 8 –How will year 8 be organised for 2010/11?  He said that ‘streaming’ will continue with maybe a gifted and talented group but decision is with Mr Dastagir.

Homework for year 8 was inconsistent between set groups, felt not relevant for their age group and in some cases not much homework is being set.

Mr Dastagir to be invited to the next meeting.                   Action            Ann

Behaviour – Parents of year 7 and 8 boys still felt that behaviour was an issue in the school and asked whether the standard of discipline had dropped within the school?

Mr McGregor responded that the recent Ofsted report was accurate and reflective of the school.  If teachers have any problems there is a rapid response team in place to deal with issues.

A parent suggested a martial arts class as this would teach the boys respect and discipline.  Mr McGregor confirmed that there is a Ju-Jitsu class on Tues at 1700.

Mike went through minutes of last meeting

Action points to be carried forward

• Sue to sort payment for mugs out with Lynn
• Sue has bank statements but need to organise Internet access

Ms Hampton – Head of Sixth Form

First priority was to change the feel of the common rooms so that students would have somewhere to relax and use as a learning area.  The room now has a microwave, toaster and TV, and the doors are able to open onto an outside space.  Students are appreciative and the room is being used well with the computers being used for work.  There are a total of 110 students of which 7 are girls.  This is up on previous years and more have applied to join in 2010/11. There are plans to go to local schools to recruit more students.

36 out of 45 students applied for University place.  Students are applying for a range of universities dependant on the subjects they want to study.

It is good that the students move into 6^th form at LNS if LNS offer the appropriate course.

The careers guidance is improving within the school.

Aspire is an organisation that works with children from Inner City Areas with good football talents possibly 15 of their students will join to the LNS 6^th Form.

Ms Hampton asked for help with revamping the 6^th booklet. Sue to set up a small working group as she has experience of her son moving into 6^th form.

            Action – Interested parents to contact Sue Cronin or Ms Hampton

Has anyone any ideas for a Team Building Event for the 6^th Form?  Approx 110 students.

Debbie Sim would ask her contact at a Market research company if they would be interested

Mardi Jamieson would ask her husband as he is a drama teacher

Ann Jackson to contact Shadwell Basin, who offers outdoor activities for the local community.

Action – Debbie Sim, Mardi Jamieson, Ann Jackson

Sue advised that there is £6k in the bank.  Mr Ozkaya has put in a bid form for £3K to purchase cameras for a lunch time photography club. To be discussed at next meeting.

Upcoming Events

5^th July – Induction Evening for incoming Year 7’s

The school will now be the official source for the following uniform items:

Lower School – Jumper, Berets, Flashes, PE Kit, Swimming jammers

Upper School – Blazer

Actions – Sue Cronin to organise a working party to discuss the management of this

                  Invite Bursar to next meeting – Ann

 Invite Mr Ainsworth re swimming jammers – Ann

Tues 13^th July – Sports Day Tooting Bec 0930 – 1500

PTA run a Tuck shop

Fri 16 July – LNS Regatta Royal Victoria Docks 1700

PTA run a tuck shop and a Raffle, any other ideas?   In previous years the PTA have been selling tickets that include a BBQ but this is dependent on weather. We are no longer able to sell alcohol.

Sainsbury’s donate water, Sue and Lynn look out for cheap offers for other soft drinks

Action – Ann to ask her friend, who is a chef, whether he would be willing to help with this event.

If any parents can help with any of these events please email on lnspta@nautical.lambeth.sch.uk advising us when you are available.

CRB forms – All active PTA members need to be CRB checked as we enter the school without supervision and also attend various events where there are children present. The main purpose is to protect children and vulnerable adults. The LNS will pay for all CRB checks for PTA members.

You will need to complete a CRB form and show 3 forms of identity. 1 from group 1 and 2 from group 2.

(Group 1) A passport, UK Driving Licence or Birth Certificate

And

(Group 2) Credit card statement, proof of current address, mortgage statement, payslip, TV Licence, P45/P60, vehicle registration document.

Current PTA members that are CRB checked are:

Sue Cronin, Jane Croxford, Mary Russell

Please bring your documents to the next meeting and they will be checked by the school bursar. CRB forms will be available at the meeting. Please advise the PTA once you are CRB checked.

Next meeting: Thursday 10^th June 1700

The minutes will be emailed out to attendees of the meeting but in future will be available on the school website in the PTA area.