Parents' group meeting

Minutes from the most recent parents' group meeting

Minutes of Parents' Group Meeting - 8 May 2008 at Witiko

Present

Yvonne, Dawn, Annie, Karen J, Heather, Laurence and Bernhard

Apologies

Karen Stewart, Audrey McLean and Gail McKeitch

Bernhard Menzinger, Education Co-ordinator, CRSS was invited along to respond to the meeting we held with him last year, regarding issues around Class Curriculum Information Meetings and the Provision of Parents' Evenings.

  • Laurence opened with the request for the Parents' Group to approve the first instalment of sweaters, Tshirts, etc., to be ordered for the pupils to purchase if they wish. Feedback was given re the possibility of a zip sweater/fleece option also. Funding as requested was again verified.

  • Turtle Drum and Sandpit playground projects were approved and Cecile will organise the order of products.

  • Bernhard discussed his surprise to hear that the opportunity for parents and curriculum evenings and improved teacher/parent communications (in classes where this was not already in place), had not been commenced. He had addressed this with teachers on both estates last year and had assumed they had been implemented. He has readdressed this on Murtle Estate at a meeting last week and will highlight this at Camphill Estate at the next weekly meeting. He reassured us that he was hearing our concerns and would ensure there was a more consistent standard across all classrooms.

  • Some concerns were also raised re the resources and availability of teaching in Camphill, to address concerns in the social/ emotional/ relationship arenas. Bernhard has reassured us that some resources are available and he will ensure these are made available where necessary. Camphill advertises its excellence in supporting children with autism. Communication and confidence in this specific area is therefore vital for all concerned.

  • Bernhard is the point of contact if parents have any education concerns. He can be contacted at Central Office and he will return our call that day.

  • Bernhard stated that the teachers are receptive to our points but feels change is slow, due to 'Tradition'.

  • It was highlighted that Cecile's class was a great example where communication and parental involvement was successful. The following links are all, or partly established, and create the harmony reported by this class's parents today. Bernhard agreed that the disparity between classes is an area that has to be taken seriously.

    • Regular info re class activities
    • Curriculum Evenings twice a year
    • Yearly class programmes
    • Termly progress of events
    • email contacts between parents and teachers

  • The following points were all quickly discussed at the end of the meeting:

    • School/Parents' Board interaction
    • Awareness of CRSS' problems (repair list, budgeting, etc.)
    • Parents'/School Liaison Group
    • Access to Horse Riding, Basket Swings and Swimming for all children regardless of physical ability
    • Manual Handling issues, etc.
    • The need to separate out business and social parents' group meetings
    • Returning to Fridays as the set meeting date was suggested due to numbers who are available on this day

It must be noted that the Camphill parents are delighted with most aspects of Camphill’s care. Its excellent expertise in caring for our children is without question. The points raised at the meetings both last year and today were raised knowing that the teachers do their very best with the time and resources they have to date. The areas where some changes are requested should only enhance Camphill’s already excellent reputation.

Next meeting to be held at Camphill Bungalow, 1000hrs, Friday 20 June 2008

Meeting closed at 1220hrs.

Minutes written by Heather Joyce