Moray Parent Partnership

Moray Parent Partnership (MPP) Annual Report 20010/2011

Welcome On 2nd September 2010 at the MPP AGM Lynn Paterson resigned her post as chairperson. We would like to thank Lynn Paterson for her work as chairperson over the previous two years and we are glad she has stayed on to support the work of the MPP. Martin Craigen was appointed as Chairperson with Ian McGregor retaining position of Vice Chairperson and Nicola Butler continuing in her position as Treasurer. We were joined by four new members, Debbie Nicolson and Lynn Campbell at the beginning of the year, with Ray Young and DHT Ms Bancroft joining in June 2011. To incorporate changes the MPP members voted to change the constitution to 15 members.

A Year of Change The year 2010/2011 was to be a year of change with Mrs Wright announcing her retirement to the MPP. She agreed with Sealock House to stay in post until a new Headteacher was appointed. Miss Reid secured a permanent post at St Margarets Primary as DHT and in the interim, Mrs Stewart was appointed as acting depute head teacher. The MPP had a voice in the interview process for both positions and were delighted to welcome Mrs Tait as Head Teacher from th rd Monday 7 February and Ms Bancroft as Depute Head Teacher from Monday 23 May.

MPP achievements 2010/2011

Road Safety Our theme of road safety continued throughout 2010/2011 with the completion of road markings in Moray Place by February 2011.The childrens signs on the front of the school railings were vandalised and were replaced with exact copies of the originals.

Newsletter Our joint Newsletter with the PTA, which was designed and produced by Lorna Tilley and included drawings from pupils, was well received, and we will produce another for the coming year.

Head Teacher Interviews The MPP had an important role in the selection of the new head teacher, a task which was taken seriously by all members. Guidance was provided by Nigel Fletcher from Sealock House. The Chair of the MPP was involved in the leeting process and four members were chosen to be involved at the interview stage. We were pleased to agree on the appointment of our current head teacher, Mrs Tait.

Depute Head teacher Interviews

The depute head teachers appointment was delayed by the education authority to allow the new head teacher to be involved in the selection and interview process for this position. Once again the MPP members were involved in the leeting and interview process and Ms Bancroft was successful in securing this position

Parents Evening The MPP were happy to convey parental views to Mrs Tait. One issue which has been continually raised in the past is parental contact time. This has been recognised by Mrs Tait and there will now be at least two parents meetings in the session.

School Uniform After consultation with staff and the MPP, changes to the school uniform were agreed. Differing opinions were voiced throughout this process and there was a large response from parents. It was agreed that the current school colours (red and navy) would be gradually phased out and replaced with navy only.

Playground Supervision The issue of playground supervision was raised at an MPP meeting in May. Parents were concerned children were in the playground without adequate adult supervision. Mrs Tait investigated this matter and put in place a staff rota to increase the number of staff on playground duty during lunchtime.

Other Business.

Awards Ceremony Parents and Chairs of both PTA and MPP were invited to attend the Primary 7 Awards Ceremony which took place on 22nd June. This was a positive and uplifting experience and involved all children in the school. All Primary 7 children were recognised for achievements throughout their years at Moray Primary School.

Staffing Mrs Tait confirmed that there will be 14 classes in the coming school year 2011/2012. Miss Brodie and Mrs Finlay were appointed as acting Principal Teachers. We would also like to wish a happy retirement to Mrs A Duggie and Mrs L Wrigglesworth.

AIMS for 2011/2012 Internet Safety The MPP aims to highlight to parents the importance of Internet Safety for their children. Throughout the coming year they will support and work with staff to increase awareness of the dangers of social media. GLOW The school year, 2010/2011, was a year of disruption to education in regards to the severe weather conditions experienced throughout the country. This gave an opportunity for the MPP to learn and encourage the use of Glow (an online school resource used for learning) between school and home. This resource can also be used as a communication tool between parent and teacher. Finance Report In August 2010 we started off with an opening balance of 211. In addition to this, we received our Parent Council funding from Falkirk Council of 500, taking our funds for the school year to 711. The expenditure for the year consisted of 2 areas:- Payment to Clerk 320 and Misc Exps 83.50 - flowers to Lynn Paterson and a leaving gift for Mrs Wright. We also gave the school a donation of 150. This left us with a closing balance at the end of the term in 2011 of 157.50 However, we received a 2 charge from the Clydesdale bank which is currently under dispute, therefore, at this time our closing balance is 155.50 The accounts will submitted to the council once we receive the final bank statement for the closing period Nicola Butler MPP Treasurer 2010/2011

With Thanks We would like to thank both Elisabeth McLay for her role in acting as a link between PTA and MPP and Lorraine Clark who was the first treasurer of the MPP, for their contribution to the MPP. Both have now resigned their positions due to their children moving on to other schools. Thanks also go to Norma Moffat, our clerk for providing the agendas and minutes throughout the year. As a Parent Council and on behalf of all the children who have attended Moray Primary School we would like to thank Mrs Wright for her stewardship and years of dedication and service to Moray Primary School. The MPP would also like to thank Local Councillors Mr R Spears, Mrs A Black and Mr A McDonald, who have all taken an active role in supporting the MPP over the last year. We hope to count on their continued support in the future. Martin Craigen MPP Chair 2010/2011