The full minutes are circulated via the school portal to all parents and carers, including a full list of attendees and actions. If you would like to attend future Parent Council meetings or contact the Merrylee Parent Council, please do so using the contact form on this webpage.
Welcome, introductions and apologies
Minutes from 1st October Parent Council meeting were approved by Elena and seconded by Yla.
Actions from 18th November 2024 Parent Council meeting
Timelapse of outdoor classroom being tidied and mended will be shared within school community.
Contact to be made with Newlands Tennis Club regarding pedestrian access across the car park.
PC to attend future pupil voice meeting.
Headteacher’s Update
Focus on Reading
Support for reading workshops planned.
More comms will be shared to raise awareness.
Several activities planned around World Book Day. There will be a ‘Dress as a Word’ day to mark World Book Day.
Expressive Arts
All teachers attended Charanga training led by RSNO enabling them to better utilise music across curriculum, for example using music for ‘brain breaks’ in class. Feedback on training was very positive from teachers.
The Expressive Arts committee are running a Valentine’s competition using shape and line.
There will be a Wicked Come and Sing session led by Merrylee Music. This is a free event with catering and is open to all to enjoy.
School standards
Catriona noted some issues with children not looking after school property and highlighted recent incidences of vandalism to the school toilets. School leadership team are addressing this at assembly and encouraging children to report issues.
PC asks parent/carer community to talk about this with children at home and encourage them to speak specifically to those in the yellow jackets on the pitch (where they would normally report any concerns during breaks).
Pupil Voice are running a poster competition with slogans they have made up to communicate the need for kindness and care of school property.
School Budget
Budgets are being prepared for academic year 2025-26. Catriona will liaise with PC regarding priorities for the year.
Cost of school trips
The cost of school trips was discussed. Costs for buses remain incredibly high. PC to approach coach companies for in-kind support / discounts.
Meeting discussed the parent/ carer community being made aware of the costs of trips as they arise, as they may have fundraising ideas.
PA fundraising in the last year funded activities including Wee Write, Dynamic Earth, Panto visits, Beat Buddies and more.
School Comms
PC working group formed to support school in their aim to improve communication with the parent/carer community.
Parent/ Carer Community Consultations:
PC will undertake school community consultation on:
- Priorities for spending PA fundraising
- School priorities, including communication and home learning.
Road Saftey
PC office bearers had recently met to discuss the issue of road safety and the increase in vehicles around the school within the car free drop off and pick up zones.
The meeting discussed ways which may help enforce the car free zone.
PC will send letters to the school, OLA, Limetree Nursery and local councillors to highlight the issue and request a set of actions to address this continuous issue.
Parent Council Sub-group update:
Volunteer Call Outs:
Call out for volunteers will now be posted on Parent Pay as well as on class groups and school newsletters. Please keep an eye for any dates that the PC/PA need volunteers.
Pitch Replacement
Resurfacing quotes from GCC are being chased and work to secure funding continues.
Merrylee Music
MM, PC, Catriona and Alana (Expressive Arts) to meet to discuss future music projects. Voice Project continuing until the Spring holidays
Merrylee Green Fingers
MGF discussed the garden plan w/ Mrs Allinson and engaging more with planting within the curriculum.
MGF will aim to have seedling kits ready to coincide w/ parents evenings.
MGF and the school need parents to support with planting in classes. School to call out for helpers when required.
Mrs Sluman secured a grant for more planters.
Turf laying to involve 8-10 able bodied volunteers to help lay the new turf area by the side of the trim trail.
PA update
Winter Fair and sales of Seasonal products were successful. Family night on hold due to other conflicting events.
School Photos dates confirmed and Peter kindly volunteered to take over the informal class photos.
PA have arranged a fun sponsored assault course.
Spring Disco date confirmed with Rainbow hamper donations / wear something colourful day.
PA to arrange a whole school fun event.
PA are considering producing Merrylee merchandise to sell to raise additional
funds.
PA is looking for a treasurer as Laura is due to step down.
Catriona mentioned the school collating a database of parents’ jobs / skills that may be useful to call upon for enhancing learning opportunities.
PC Treasury Report
Graham reported on the PC finances
AOB
Ellie and Clara are working on a Wheels in Motion funding application to enable a series of activities to encourage more children and families to access wheeled urban sports.
Peter communicated that a group of parents are keen to explore the possibility of building a wildlife pond at Merrylee. Agreed this could be looked at as the next big garden project, pick up in Term 4 or Term 1 of next academic year to scope more fully.
Parent query on reading and whether children are being given reading books in class. Catriona confirmed that there are reading schemes in classes P 1-5, which are separate from reading for enjoyment.
Catriona flagged that not all children are wearing uniform. The school intend to send a message around the end of Spring term about what is expected for the term coming so that parents/ carers can be prepared.