CHS Parent Council
Castlehead High School Parent Council
Minutes of AGM held 02/06/2021
Present:
Kirsteen Forrest (KF) Chairperson
Martin MacDonald (MMcD) (Headteacher)
Alison McKeary (AMCK) ( Secretary)
Julie Crawford (JC) ( Treasurer)
Graeme Lawrie (GL)
Elaine Wong (EW)
Yvonne Parker (YP)
Sonja Stokoe (SS)
Apologies:
Claire Bellingham
Margaret Bryceland
KF opened meeting with an overview of the parent council’s role over the past year. KF highlighted topics PC have had input and influence on. Purchase of Bike Helmets, Lockdown processes, Assessment Timetables, Parental Engagement Workshops, Year Group Assemblies to name a few. KF thanked PC members for their involvement and for attending more frequent meetings over the last year. KF also thanked Mr McDonald and his Management Team for sharing information and taking on board feedback brought from the PC.
Chair and Treasurer of PC have reached 3 year tenure. Positions opened up to the committee. In absence of any new nominations KF and JC re-elected as Chair and Treasurer, with a view to JC handing over during the course of the next year due to time remaining as a Castlehead parent.
Castlehead Parent Council – Treasurers Report April – March 2021
Balance 1st April 2020 £1310.29
Total income: £785.56
(School Lottery)
(Bank Interest)
Total Expenditure: £609.76
Connect £158.00
Decathlon £431.76
Renfrewshire Council £20.00
Balance 31st March 2021 £1486.09
Continue to promote school lottery sending out promotional materials when received as generates good income for the school – EW to forward any new materials to be added to school app/website.
Target new 1styear group ensuring parent/guardians aware of lottery and how to sign up. Promote at any new parent evenings.
MMcD to provide wish list to PC for use of funds raised for the school
Agreed same Auditor will be used as last year. JC will pull together paperwork required.
Staffing – 4 teachers retiring at end of term. 2 new appointments Depute HT – Chris Anderson and PT Support for Learning Katie Donnachie. Currently recruiting for PT Humanities and 4 key worker posts. Advertising for new English Teacher.
Awards Ceremony– Castlehead Commendation for Commitment to learning to take place for S1 – S3 in addition to usual Senior Awards – to be held in Auditorium. Also looking at prefects, Head Students before end of session.
S1 reportsbeing completed and due to be issued week of 18thJune to allow parents / carers to feedback before the summer.
P7 Transition- enhanced transition under way, visits by CHS staff to primaries, on line meetings with P7 teachers, S6 pupils taking part in Q&A with P7’s, narrated power point for parents, primaries up separately on last week for a morning each.
S1 Pupils– taken part in 2 days of show racism the red card
S3 Pupils- personal development day being organised focussed on pupils and their community.
Prom - cancelled – Renfrewshire wide position. Official leave day 18thJune. Leaving Breakfast planned in school for S6 pupils, present year book, sign shirts etc.
Duke of Edinburgh- Gold is now going ahead. Renfrewshire programme for those who started Bronze to complete during the summer holidays – details will be issued Castlehead Castlehead Creatives– pupils studying creative industries at level 6, jointly with WCS taking part in an exhibition in the Bungalow on 15thJune.
Fitness Suite- £60000 has been allocated for work.
Live n learn- booked for September and November next session to deliver ‘mindset for exams ‘and study skills for exams’ for senior pupils.
Top Up Programme- Glasgow University programme Castlehead receive for free due SIMD profile. Consists of online learning – lectures, group work, research presentation and 2,500 word essay on a chosen topic. Successful completion can lead to adjusted grades. Running next 2 years and been discussed with pupils as part of the option choice programme. It is a commitment – 7 pupils took part this year and looking to build on this.
Community Learning- working with 7 S2 pupils – 1 afternoon a week on a skills programme – will continue next session.
Pupils from the Castlehead base in partnership with youth training Scotland have spent the last 10 Wednesdays at Rouken Glen on skill development.
Appeals Process- free appeal service, pupils can register appeals from 25thJune – will be processed after 10thAugust, Priority given to those who have offers. Outcomes could be that grade goes up, stays the same or goes down.
AOCB
Questions for clarification requested from CH Parents:
What are CHS’s plans to communicate/consult with parents on the new RHSP materials?- Relationship, Sexual Health Education is a Renfrewshire programme that is used in all schools - although denominational schools would be different.
What we Will do
Ensure material available to view at parent nights
Programme/calendar of topics put on new website
Parent call with Microsoft form for completion should parents wish to review the resource
Ensure Pupil support teacher follows up with phone call/meeting
Explanation and plan requested regarding recent news that CHS fallen 93 places in Scottish League Tables
CH Results Analysis sent to those attending prior to meeting. Feedback given around how these figures are calculated with various factors influencing how the results read.
Given the new law regarding free sanitary products for all, is this being adequately promoted to pupils at CHS. Are pupil’s aware how/where to access them?
Pupils aware of how and how to access free sanitary products via pupil support Teacher, school office and DHT Ms Whitnall
Sanitary products available in toilets and tights, underwear etc distributed when needed.
SS referenced a National Wide programme which has commenced now providing high value/environmentally friendly products which are free for all. SS involved in the programme and will look into how this is being rolled out in other local authorities.
KF thanked all for joining welcoming any new parents to the PC. YP, SS confirmed would like to play active part in the PC and will be included in future communications about meetings, along will CB who has expressed an interest.
Date of next Meeting 25.08.2021
Kirsteen Forrest (KF) Chairperson
Martin MacDonald (MMcD) (Headteacher)
Alison McKeary (AMCK) ( Secretary)
Julie Crawford (JC) ( Treasurer)
Graeme Lawrie (GL)
Elaine Wong (EW)
Yvonne Parker (YP)
Sonja Stokoe (SS)
Apologies:
Claire Bellingham
Margaret Bryceland
KF opened meeting with an overview of the parent council’s role over the past year. KF highlighted topics PC have had input and influence on. Purchase of Bike Helmets, Lockdown processes, Assessment Timetables, Parental Engagement Workshops, Year Group Assemblies to name a few. KF thanked PC members for their involvement and for attending more frequent meetings over the last year. KF also thanked Mr McDonald and his Management Team for sharing information and taking on board feedback brought from the PC.
Chair and Treasurer of PC have reached 3 year tenure. Positions opened up to the committee. In absence of any new nominations KF and JC re-elected as Chair and Treasurer, with a view to JC handing over during the course of the next year due to time remaining as a Castlehead parent.
Castlehead Parent Council – Treasurers Report April – March 2021
Balance 1st April 2020 £1310.29
Total income: £785.56
(School Lottery)
(Bank Interest)
Total Expenditure: £609.76
Connect £158.00
Decathlon £431.76
Renfrewshire Council £20.00
Balance 31st March 2021 £1486.09
Continue to promote school lottery sending out promotional materials when received as generates good income for the school – EW to forward any new materials to be added to school app/website.
Target new 1styear group ensuring parent/guardians aware of lottery and how to sign up. Promote at any new parent evenings.
MMcD to provide wish list to PC for use of funds raised for the school
Agreed same Auditor will be used as last year. JC will pull together paperwork required.
Staffing – 4 teachers retiring at end of term. 2 new appointments Depute HT – Chris Anderson and PT Support for Learning Katie Donnachie. Currently recruiting for PT Humanities and 4 key worker posts. Advertising for new English Teacher.
Awards Ceremony– Castlehead Commendation for Commitment to learning to take place for S1 – S3 in addition to usual Senior Awards – to be held in Auditorium. Also looking at prefects, Head Students before end of session.
S1 reportsbeing completed and due to be issued week of 18thJune to allow parents / carers to feedback before the summer.
P7 Transition- enhanced transition under way, visits by CHS staff to primaries, on line meetings with P7 teachers, S6 pupils taking part in Q&A with P7’s, narrated power point for parents, primaries up separately on last week for a morning each.
S1 Pupils– taken part in 2 days of show racism the red card
S3 Pupils- personal development day being organised focussed on pupils and their community.
Prom - cancelled – Renfrewshire wide position. Official leave day 18thJune. Leaving Breakfast planned in school for S6 pupils, present year book, sign shirts etc.
Duke of Edinburgh- Gold is now going ahead. Renfrewshire programme for those who started Bronze to complete during the summer holidays – details will be issued Castlehead Castlehead Creatives– pupils studying creative industries at level 6, jointly with WCS taking part in an exhibition in the Bungalow on 15thJune.
Fitness Suite- £60000 has been allocated for work.
Live n learn- booked for September and November next session to deliver ‘mindset for exams ‘and study skills for exams’ for senior pupils.
Top Up Programme- Glasgow University programme Castlehead receive for free due SIMD profile. Consists of online learning – lectures, group work, research presentation and 2,500 word essay on a chosen topic. Successful completion can lead to adjusted grades. Running next 2 years and been discussed with pupils as part of the option choice programme. It is a commitment – 7 pupils took part this year and looking to build on this.
Community Learning- working with 7 S2 pupils – 1 afternoon a week on a skills programme – will continue next session.
Pupils from the Castlehead base in partnership with youth training Scotland have spent the last 10 Wednesdays at Rouken Glen on skill development.
Appeals Process- free appeal service, pupils can register appeals from 25thJune – will be processed after 10thAugust, Priority given to those who have offers. Outcomes could be that grade goes up, stays the same or goes down.
AOCB
Questions for clarification requested from CH Parents:
What are CHS’s plans to communicate/consult with parents on the new RHSP materials?- Relationship, Sexual Health Education is a Renfrewshire programme that is used in all schools - although denominational schools would be different.
What we Will do
Ensure material available to view at parent nights
Programme/calendar of topics put on new website
Parent call with Microsoft form for completion should parents wish to review the resource
Ensure Pupil support teacher follows up with phone call/meeting
Explanation and plan requested regarding recent news that CHS fallen 93 places in Scottish League Tables
CH Results Analysis sent to those attending prior to meeting. Feedback given around how these figures are calculated with various factors influencing how the results read.
Given the new law regarding free sanitary products for all, is this being adequately promoted to pupils at CHS. Are pupil’s aware how/where to access them?
Pupils aware of how and how to access free sanitary products via pupil support Teacher, school office and DHT Ms Whitnall
Sanitary products available in toilets and tights, underwear etc distributed when needed.
SS referenced a National Wide programme which has commenced now providing high value/environmentally friendly products which are free for all. SS involved in the programme and will look into how this is being rolled out in other local authorities.
KF thanked all for joining welcoming any new parents to the PC. YP, SS confirmed would like to play active part in the PC and will be included in future communications about meetings, along will CB who has expressed an interest.
Date of next Meeting 25.08.2021
Castlehead High School Parent Council
Minutes of Virtual meeting held 13/05/2021
S4/S5 Assessments are currently underway. MM out speaking with Seniors at Breaks/Lunch canvassing feelings/thoughts. Stressful time for pupils and teachers alike with marking/cross marking and feedback required.
2 Subjects have been selected for SQA Quality Assurance check.
Interviews taking place for Acting Depute Head and Principal Teacher Support for Learning posts.
A reduction in hours for Principal Teacher Humanities creating opportunity for remaining PT hours.
S2/S3 Options choices nearly finalised with majority of option choice being accommodated.
S4/5 Option Choice meetings taking place with Year Heads next week.
All subjects now have locations set up for internet access.
Teachers have laptops with PC’s being recited across the school giving additional access for departments.
Prom will hopefully be possible this year currently booked for 22nd June.
KF fed back collective thought received from parents
Some pupils still being given Homework despite revision required for all assessment
Do we know appeals process yet – confirmed still to be advised by SQA
How will pupils be told final proposed grades – TBC however discussion around receipt by letter with finer details still to be agreed
How do pupils get SQA Candidate Number– can be obtained from Teacher
Is average grade of assessments used – MM confirmed a pupil’s best work will be used
Do we know if additional opportunities for Seniors will recommence i.e. for Personal Statements– MM confirmed the school are keen to set up as soon as possibly can. In the past there have been volunteering opportunities such as helping lower school with numeracy/literacy/ helping out in PE / Buddies/ Paired Reading and will be looking to recommence. Pupils will also have a newly appointed key worker who will be there to support the pupil in achieving a positive destination.
Thoughts around Lower School
Main area is expectations around timescales for finalisation of option choices
AOCB
AGM to be arranged
Succession Plan for Parent Council required – Discuss at next meeting ways to attract new members
In the meantime school could issue communication asking those interested to email parent council address – castleheadparentforum@hotmail.co.uk
2 Subjects have been selected for SQA Quality Assurance check.
Interviews taking place for Acting Depute Head and Principal Teacher Support for Learning posts.
A reduction in hours for Principal Teacher Humanities creating opportunity for remaining PT hours.
S2/S3 Options choices nearly finalised with majority of option choice being accommodated.
S4/5 Option Choice meetings taking place with Year Heads next week.
All subjects now have locations set up for internet access.
Teachers have laptops with PC’s being recited across the school giving additional access for departments.
Prom will hopefully be possible this year currently booked for 22nd June.
KF fed back collective thought received from parents
Some pupils still being given Homework despite revision required for all assessment
Do we know appeals process yet – confirmed still to be advised by SQA
How will pupils be told final proposed grades – TBC however discussion around receipt by letter with finer details still to be agreed
How do pupils get SQA Candidate Number– can be obtained from Teacher
Is average grade of assessments used – MM confirmed a pupil’s best work will be used
Do we know if additional opportunities for Seniors will recommence i.e. for Personal Statements– MM confirmed the school are keen to set up as soon as possibly can. In the past there have been volunteering opportunities such as helping lower school with numeracy/literacy/ helping out in PE / Buddies/ Paired Reading and will be looking to recommence. Pupils will also have a newly appointed key worker who will be there to support the pupil in achieving a positive destination.
Thoughts around Lower School
Main area is expectations around timescales for finalisation of option choices
AOCB
AGM to be arranged
Succession Plan for Parent Council required – Discuss at next meeting ways to attract new members
In the meantime school could issue communication asking those interested to email parent council address – castleheadparentforum@hotmail.co.uk
Castlehead High School Parent Council
Minutes of Virtual meeting held 03/02/2021
Further guidance awaited on how a small % of Senior pupils will return on 22ndFebruary if Government gives goes ahead. Castlehead already support 5-8% pupils in the Hub, mix of key workers children and Support for Learning. MMcD attending meeting on Friday and hopes to know more detail then.
Final submission dates for proposed grades 17thJune 2021. This will allow Senior pupils every opportunity to pick up on and learning impacted whilst learning from home. Original assessment dates in March will now be pushed back so again allows for more learning once there is a return to school. No timetable change until later in year so Senior pupils will be in school as long as possible so can make back time. Only 2-4 good pieces of evidence required to support proposed grades. Grades will be cross marked with other schools across Renfrewshire to ensure consistency and confidence in the grades. Work will be sampled to ensure being marked at the correct level.
Year Group Assemblies commenced and well received - MMcD held S5/S6 assembly – attended by 120 Pupils.
S4 assembly held today 34 pupil attendance. Parent call sent out for S5/S6 but not S4 so would account for higher attendance. Further assemblies planned for S1-S3 after February break.
S2 option choices pushed back as timetable change later than normal. Option booklets currently being updated.
S4 reports have been sent out and S5 currently being signed off and should be issued next week.
Deputes been looking at levels of pupil engagement and contacting parents to offer support on how improve uptake. Pupil support will continue to monitor. Principal teachers looking at engagement for specific subjects and will take forward.
Following feedback Parental Engagement Workshops now being organised around Digital Learning (from Parent perspective) Pupil Wellbeing and Literacy Skills. Each will be run twice over a 2 week period. There will also be video’s available for Parents who may not be comfortable participating in the likes of Teams. Will be capped at 15 attendees but capacity to run more workshops if demand for it. Being offered universally but will target specifics in the background.
Stationery Packs now made up and available from the school. Can also be collected from affiliated Primary schools.
Collective Thoughts
AMCK had concern around some of Higher Maths class live lessons. MMcD confirmed now resolved. 2 Maths teachers absent but now replaced.
GL raised concerns that attendance levels for some live/ interactive lessons is very poor. Concerned re potential impact on return to school of catch up and some children having to repeat work they have already done. KF suggested these sessions were in some cases still being offered as voluntary and the emphasis needs to change. MMcD will look in to this.
MMcD advised catch ups will be necessary for some in areas and specific areas will be targeted up the return to school to ensure courses are complete.
For pupils not engaging and falling below expected levels – MMcD advised they will be looking to target these pupils and look to how they can be supported upon the return to school.
General feel from all that home learning is going well.
Present:
Kirsteen Forrest (KF) Chairperson
Martin Macdonald (MMcD) (Headteacher)
David Dunlop (DD) (Depute Head)
Margaret Bryceland (MB)
Alison McKeary (AMCK)
Julie Crawford (JC)
Elaine Wong (EW)
Graeme Lawrie (GL)
Final submission dates for proposed grades 17thJune 2021. This will allow Senior pupils every opportunity to pick up on and learning impacted whilst learning from home. Original assessment dates in March will now be pushed back so again allows for more learning once there is a return to school. No timetable change until later in year so Senior pupils will be in school as long as possible so can make back time. Only 2-4 good pieces of evidence required to support proposed grades. Grades will be cross marked with other schools across Renfrewshire to ensure consistency and confidence in the grades. Work will be sampled to ensure being marked at the correct level.
Year Group Assemblies commenced and well received - MMcD held S5/S6 assembly – attended by 120 Pupils.
S4 assembly held today 34 pupil attendance. Parent call sent out for S5/S6 but not S4 so would account for higher attendance. Further assemblies planned for S1-S3 after February break.
S2 option choices pushed back as timetable change later than normal. Option booklets currently being updated.
S4 reports have been sent out and S5 currently being signed off and should be issued next week.
Deputes been looking at levels of pupil engagement and contacting parents to offer support on how improve uptake. Pupil support will continue to monitor. Principal teachers looking at engagement for specific subjects and will take forward.
Following feedback Parental Engagement Workshops now being organised around Digital Learning (from Parent perspective) Pupil Wellbeing and Literacy Skills. Each will be run twice over a 2 week period. There will also be video’s available for Parents who may not be comfortable participating in the likes of Teams. Will be capped at 15 attendees but capacity to run more workshops if demand for it. Being offered universally but will target specifics in the background.
Stationery Packs now made up and available from the school. Can also be collected from affiliated Primary schools.
Collective Thoughts
AMCK had concern around some of Higher Maths class live lessons. MMcD confirmed now resolved. 2 Maths teachers absent but now replaced.
GL raised concerns that attendance levels for some live/ interactive lessons is very poor. Concerned re potential impact on return to school of catch up and some children having to repeat work they have already done. KF suggested these sessions were in some cases still being offered as voluntary and the emphasis needs to change. MMcD will look in to this.
MMcD advised catch ups will be necessary for some in areas and specific areas will be targeted up the return to school to ensure courses are complete.
For pupils not engaging and falling below expected levels – MMcD advised they will be looking to target these pupils and look to how they can be supported upon the return to school.
General feel from all that home learning is going well.
Present:
Kirsteen Forrest (KF) Chairperson
Martin Macdonald (MMcD) (Headteacher)
David Dunlop (DD) (Depute Head)
Margaret Bryceland (MB)
Alison McKeary (AMCK)
Julie Crawford (JC)
Elaine Wong (EW)
Graeme Lawrie (GL)
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What Are Parent Councils For?
Parent councils help parents and carers to become more actively and effectively involved in their children's learning. They were established under the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 in recognition of the important role that parents can play, both in their own children's learning, and in the life of a school. |
Parent Councils Can:
- Provide a voice for parents in schools and in their local authority on issues that are important to them and their children.
- Help the school to understand how to most effectively involve parents in their children's learning and in the life of the school.
- Support the school and headteacher in developing strong home/school partnerships.
- Support the school in its development and improvement, and in understanding and making links with the wider community.
- Capture the unique and varied skills, interests, knowledge and experience that parents can offer.
| Parental Involvement Act 2006.pdf |