PTA Meeting Minutes

8th October 2020 (Via Microsoft Teams)

Present

Lisa Robshaw (Chair), Anne Marie Boyd (Vice Chair), Liz Laing (Treasurer), Jillian Langton (Secretary), Louise Wilson, Elinor Dobie, Karen Ulliott, Apostolos Savaas, Soula Argyropoulou, Linda Paxton, Chris Strother, Alison McLean (Deputy Head)

Apologies

Karen MacGregor (Head Teacher), Katrina Closier, Ewan Fairweather, Libby Doga

Chair’s Welcome Action

Lisa welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Louise for all her previous efforts in chairing PTA.

Apologies

As noted above.

Review of outstanding actions

Only item highlighted as outstanding was Mrs Campbell’s retirement gift. Agreed that a gift card and flowers would be appropriate. Options suggested – One for All Card, Amazon or Scott’s. Suggested that best to get advice from Mrs Gallagher as to what would be most appreciated.

Flowers also to be ordered for Friday 16th October.

Treasurer’s Report

As first meeting after AGM, Treasurer’s Report not applicable.

School Requirements of PTA

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QUEENSFERRY PRIMARY SCHOOL PTAQueensferry Primary

SchoolBurgess Road

South QueensferryEH30 9NX

Alison confirmed that teachers would welcome annual cash payment whether this was at individual class level or per year group. Wider discussion around whether it might be appropriate to build on outdoor education and learning, particularly this year and fund something like a den building kit for each stage. Alison will check most appropriate approach for this year.

Noted that PTA normally make a financial donation to the Opportunities Fund each year and we will need to decide what to do this year.

This led onto a suggestion and full discussion around having a Winter Clothes Appeal looking for donations for individual items of winter clothing that could be used by children who require this to enable them to participate fully in Outdoor PE or Outdoor Learning, or even when they get wet and need dry clothes. Agreed that we would take this on and ask for donations of good condition winter items (including hats, scarves, gloves and socks) with collection days to be Friday 16th and Friday 30th October. Communication to be drafted.

Alison said school should be able to provide boxes for donations at the front door on these days.

Discussion around class Christmas parties, as PTA usually provide juice and crisps. Alison confirmed there had not yet been any decision on this and if they do go ahead, likely to be at class level, rather than across year groups. Hopefully by next meeting an update will be available.

Ideas for Fundraising

Noted that although we are keen to embark on some degree of fundraising this year, we need to recognize that for some this has been a period of significant hardship and be conscious of not asking people to be spending money too frequently.

First discussion was around Christmas Fair as this is usually a good event for our fundraising. Discussed having raffle as normal, as we do have our raffle license in place. Agreed if this were possible, we would ask parents (and their connections) for prizes, rather than local businesses as many of these have suffered lengthy periods of closure or restricted trade this year. Alison will check the position regarding raffle tickets going home / cash coming to school. Electronic payment suggested as a potential alternative.

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QUEENSFERRY PRIMARY SCHOOL PTAQueensferry Primary

SchoolBurgess Road

South QueensferryEH30 9NX

Suggestion was made for blind raffle with mystery prize.

Louise advised that PTA (PL) Insurance has not yet been renewed this year, not sure about impact as we are not holding any events. Lisa will look into this.

Discussion around “virtual” bottle stall, combined with lucky square where people pay for a number off a lucky square and win a bottle if it matches to a “win” square.

Money Square suggested where half money goes towards fundraising and half allocated as prize.

Usual Guess the age of the (giant) toy suggested and Alison to check if this will be permitted.

Discussed external stallholders at some sort of virtual Christmas Fair, with each stall providing a donation in return for us publicizing / advertising.

Online Quiz Night or Bingo Night suggested for adults and / or kids, with a parent organizing and “admission” charged, consider even Christmas themed depending on when this might take place.

Suggested Halloween gift for all children. A class lollipop pumpkin for each class was agreed. Lisa and Liz will organize.

Alison will provide details of allergies per class, so alternatives can be purchased.

Dress Down / Break The Rules (specified rules only!) Day was suggested, but probably not feasible until after October, maybe even into new year.

Agreed that all fundraising ideas (both raised tonight and noted previously in PTA chat) should be captured in Fundraising List, so these can be reviewed at each meeting to help decide what to progress and when.

Any Other Business

Discussed whether we should be thinking about the usual gifts for P1 – P3 this Christmas and whether this would be allowed. Also

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QUEENSFERRY PRIMARY SCHOOL PTAQueensferry Primary

SchoolBurgess Road

South QueensferryEH30 9NX

touched on whether it should be books for all or just books for P1 with a chocolate Santa lolly for P2 / P3. Alison agreed it would be great to have these gifts, but will check what is allowed.

Suggestion made about Santa on Zoom, pre-filmed to be shown in classrooms as gifts distributed. Alternative suggestion about Santa running past classes too.

Agreed PTA page on school website could do with being updated.

Agreed production of a flyer to be circulated around all parents highlighting what both the Parent Council and PTA do would be a good idea, as many parents not clear. Agreed to do this in conjunction with Parent Council.

Mentioned 50th Anniversary of opening of (current) Queensferry Primary School next year (2021) and that PTA happy to assist in any celebrations planned and could perhaps think about May Spring Fair as an event to mark the occasion. As a first step, Alison said she would check that it is indeed 50th Anniversary.

Alison thanked all on the PTA for their commitment to “getting things going” again in such a difficult year and continuing to offer support to the school.

Agreed that a further meeting required quite soon, so that we can establish what will be allowed around Christmas, both for fundraising, but also for what can be provided for the children.

Next Meeting

Wednesday 11th November 2020 (Via Microsoft Team).

Meeting Closed.

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QUEENSFERRY PRIMARY SCHOOL PTAQueensferry Primary

SchoolBurgess Road

South QueensferryEH30 9NX