President’s report to
the General Meeting –
I would like to thank those who helped and supported the Trivia Night on April 2nd. It was a great night that raised some good laughs as well as $3,000. I would like to thank Narelle Ockenden and her team who essentially arranged the whole evening.
The event was well patronised by the school community (including year 12 boys). It was also great to see local business again support us in the donation of many prizes. We recognise and appreciate the tangible support.
It was encouraging to hear the positive response for support in this year’s Art and Craft Exhibition. The planning meetings of the Committee appear to have embraced the need for revitalisation and I am sure that the enthusiasm will be well rewarded. Don’t forget to mark the weekend in the calendar!
The P&F Executive has draft documentation available for review. It is intended that the documentation will be placed on the College website in the next few weeks. This entails information about the Parents and Friends Association. It is envisaged that this will help clarify, unify and promote the Association and its ideals.
There is only two weeks before the Dinner Dance - ‘Christmas in June’. This is one of the few opportunities for us to socialise as a school community. I encourage us all to get tables organised and enjoy good food and great company. As a special treat the ERC Jazz Band will be performing live for the first hour after which there will be the opportunity to choose music from the juke box. I look forward to seeing you there.
Paul Buchhorn
CURRENT AND PAST MEETING MINUTES
Annual General Meeting
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
MEETING AND
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
College Hall
Meeting commenced:
Chairperson: Paul Buchhorn
Attendance: p. Buchhorn, P. Lidden, M. Biggs, K. Bird, L. Bellach, M. Claridge, J. Meakin, M. Mowbray, R. McCann, B. Caruana, B. Fitzsimmons, P. Barker, D. Lear, Br. Peel, L. Lopez, J. McGovern, R. Placek, M. Kingston Ray, R. Fantasia, T. Fantasia, J. Galos, S. Tresidder, C. Ivanovski
Apologies: L. Caldwell, J. Toussis, L. KeenanTyler
Minutes of previous AGM 2004: read and accepted (Moved: M. Claridge, Seconded:
L. Lopez)
Minutes of previous General Meeting
Matters Arising: nil
Correspondence In: Fundraising Brochures
Correspondence Out: nil
President’s Report: [see attached P & F Annual Report 2005]
Ø
Paul Buchhorn
commented on his disappointment in attendance at meetings and the challenge of
getting parents to attend. It was sad
that one event was cancelled last year.
Treasurer’s Report: [see attached P & F Annual Report 2005]
Funds raised: FASHION PARADE $4,507.25
TRIVIA NIGHT $4,929.00
ARTS & CRAFTS (Raffle/Door) $12,015.00
(Opening Night) $495.00
(Exhibition) $7,497.75
TOTAL FOR YEAR $30,139.70
(Including bank balance)
Principal’s Report:
Ø David Lear spoke about where the P & F sits in today’s school environment. Fundraising has become less strategic in the school budget and now it is important to keep people linked to the school via events. St Mary’s also had to cancel their International Night last year.
Ø The College Board has a role in the school now, more than previously.
Ø 2004 was a successful year in achievement in education and sport – and in arts, with the IPAC performance. The HSC class did extremely well. David welcomed our college captain Raffael Fantasia to the P & F.
Ø 2005 means 800 boys & 90 Staff, all have settled in well in the new school year.
Ø There are 7 new staff members this year, mew blood is much welcomed for their energy and enthusiasm..
Ø 2006 is the 80th anniversary of the ERC and will see the building of the sports hall – plans are now being drawn up for hopeful completion by end 2006.
Ø This has been planned since 1985, so a long time on the College agenda.
Ø 17th March is the College Open Day and the IPAC Performance will be in August.
Ø The Senior cricket team is doing well in the State competition.
Ø The Government requires an Annual Report on 2004 which is due to be published in second term.
Ø Br. Curtin is on leave this year but has done a lot of work on the magazine/report.
Ø David spoke about the success of the boys’ debating team and how the ERC model brings boys greater opportunity to express themselves.
Election of Office –bearers 2005:
Paul Buchhorn vacated the chair and declared all positions vacant.
David Lear assumed position of Returning Officer.
2005 Positions
elected as follows:
President ...........................Paul Buchhorn ( P. Lidden. M. Biggs)
Vice-Presidents.................Janette Meakin (P. Buchhorn, M. Biggs)
Marcus Claridge (P. Buchhorn, P. Lidden)
Secretary............................Janet Galos (M. Biggs, P. Lidden)
Treasurer...........................Phil Lidden (P. Buchhorn, L. Lopez)
Committee Member..........Luis
Lopez (P. Lidden, M. Biggs)
General Business:
Ø
“Honesty Matters” (Jesuit Lenten seminars 2005)
presents Geraldine Doogue in the College Hall on
Thursday 10th March at
Ø
Possibility of a “Hobby Fair” later in the year
in the school grounds.
Ø Annual Art & Craft Exhibition – Discussion of planning for this year and the need for volunteers, esp. a co-ordinator if the function is to be successful.
Meeting Closed:
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
MEETING
College Hall
Meeting commenced:
Attendance: as per attached: W. Barlow, L. Bellach, M. Biggs, M. Boncompagni,
P. Buchhorn, D. Chapman, J. Galos, E. Keenan, D. Lear, P. Lidden, C. McClure,
M. Ray, C. Reid.
Apologies: R. Reid, J.&E. Toussis, D.& L. Lopez, R.& G. O’Dea, L. Caldwell
Minutes: Previous meeting 18 August 04 . Read and accepted. (L.Bellach, P.Lidden)
Minutes of last Executive Meeting
(P. Buchhorn, M. Biggs).
Minutes of last Executive
Meeting
(W. Barlow, P. Buchhorn).
Matters Arising: See Business on Notice/General Business
Correspondence In/ Out: Nil
President’s Report:
Ø As attached
Ø Of particular note – thank you to Arts & Crafts Committee
Ø Season’s greetings and thanks to those families leaving the ERC community this year
Ø Report moved and accepted (P. Lidden, M. Biggs)
Treasurer’s Report:
Ø Balance: approx. $27,000
Ø $#,000 paid towards Graduation dinner
Ø Some cheques still outstanding from Arts & Crafts
Ø
Reconciliation by
Ø Auditor – John Apolloni & Partners to be approached
Ø Read and accepted (M. Biggs, W. Barlow)
Headmaster’s Report:
Ø Re sample from Backpack company, courtesy of Narelle. Vote of thanks to Narelle for organising this
Ø Theoretically a sound idea. Practicalities may be different with boys.
Ø Consensus is that the bag is an appropriate one to be sold through the school for those parents who wish to purchase one but it is entirely optional.
Ø Phone call received from Ian Shepherd on behalf of the Rail Transport museum re a proposed annual event in the form of a weekend expo. Community groups such
Ø as social and hobby clubs to have display stalls. ERC school facilities seen as ideal venue. 1st or 2nd weekend of school hols. Donation to enter. Consideration of Yr 11 involvement as a community service activity.
Ø Invitation to P&F for involvement e.g. coffee/information stall
Ø Matter to be referred to P&F for further consideration
Ø David to let Ian know there is some interest
Report accepted (P. Buchhorn, C. Reid)
Business on Notice/General Business:
1.
Date for AGM. After some discussion, the
following motion was put: “That the
first meeting in 2005 be a General Meeting combined with a short AGM at the conclusion of the General
Meeting. This sis to be held on
2.
Suggested guest speakers for subsequent
meetings: Faye Jackson, Michael Rowles.
3.
David to co-ordinate dates of activities with
St Mary’s to avoid clashes and capitalise on mutually beneficial marketing
strategies.
4.
Fundraising/social calendar for 2005:Margaret
led the following discussion:
FUNDRAISING
(consider emphasis on FUN)
Acknowledgement of past successes: Arts & Crafts, Fashion Parades, Trivia Night, Dinner Dances, Review Nights, Fetes, Fun Runs, Xmas in July, Melbourne Cup Lunches, Raffles.
Considerations for future functions:
Ø The function of the P&F’s activities – emphasis should be on the social rather than the fundraising; modest profits from these functions would be a welcome, though not essential, bonus
Ø School not reliant on P&F funding ($20,000 p.a. is a welcome gift; school incomings approx $6million from fees and govt grants)
Ø Input vs profit not always synonymous
Ø A few do a lot; be aware of work load (e.g. small number of committed parents, workload of Narelle and Kylie
Ø Be aware that high costs of raffle tickets may mean less sales
Ø Catholic ethos vs concept of Xmas in July may offend
Ø Levy (a la St Mary’s P&F) not generally supported
Ø Consider more knowledge-based functions e.g. St Vinnies fashion parade – variation on theme to keep interest up; consider resting some functions from year to year.
Ø Keep costs of Dinners down and limit numbers to Trivia Night
Determinations:
Term
I : Trivia Night (limit 250)
Term
II : Dinner
Dance ($20-25 per head)
TermIII: Arts & Crafts (19-21
August 2005)
Term
IV:
Ø Phil Lidden to let Narelle know the above determinations
Ø Dates to be advertised in the School Calendar
Ø Expressions of interest in from the parent body in
assisting with these functions to be canvassed as soon as practicable
Ø Call for parents to be on organising committees to
assist Narelle (probably need to be available during
daytime)
Meeting closed:
Minutes recorded and
written by:
E. KeenanTyler (Secretary)
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
MEETING
College Hall
Meeting commenced:
Attendance: as per attached. 10 people in total
Apologies: Paul Bucchorn, Helen Formosa, Janet Galos, Peter Williamson
Minutes: Previous meeting 5 May 04. Read and accepted. (M.Biggs, P.Lidden).
Minutes of last Executive Meeting. Read and accepted (M.Biggs, P.Lidden).
Matters Arising: P.Lidden re Statement 411. See Treasurer’s Report. Mrs Tate’s refund done.
Correspondence In:
Ø New measures re charities and ATO. Refer to next Executive
Meeting
(
Ø
Council of
Ø
Families Matter – refer to next Executive Meeting (
Ø Backpack info. 98% Yr 7 access. Check out Chiropaks. See Narelle re getting a sample.
Ø APC invoice. Treasurer to pay.
Ø Music Teacher
Ø Spectronics
Matters arising from Correspondence: as above
Correspondence Out:
Ø Letter to Pastor Michael Rowles thanking him for speaking at the last meeting
Ø Letter to lord Mayor re Arts & Crafts opening
President’s Report:
Ø See attached
Ø Interest in corporate governance; looking for volunteers to assist. Interest from Marg, Tony
Treasurer’s Report:
Ø Balance: $20,811.85 See attached. Read and accepted (L.Bellach, L.Caldwell)
Matters Arising: Do we have access to a colour photocopier? Answer: no.
Secretary’s Report: nil
Function Co-ordinators’ Reports:
Fashion Parade Co-Ordinator Helen Formosa reported at the last Exec meeting that there were takings of $4500 approx. Every year she tries to vary the fashions. She acknowledged the assistance of Yr 11 ERC boys and St Mary’s girls. Any feedback would be welcome
Principal’s Report (David Lear):
Ø Support for the Creative Arts Dept and the IPAC night. Matinee seats all taken by 4 primary schools; professional setting for the participants; may cost the school more than the takings but considered worth it to improve standard of performance
Ø
Publicity re CBC leaving
Ø Therefore looking at ways to preserve ethos/Order. Charter idea; things that have to be present in an ERC (or CBC) to remain under that nomenclature.
Ø
38 congregational schools across
Ø Workshops to follow for staff. Then an audit process to see if the school is meeting the 11 principles
Ø
D.Lear to a conference
in
Ø Distribution allowed after ceremonial handing over.
Ø Each school to develop a Board for the governance of the school. The Charter is part of this (hence its significance)
Business on notice:
Ø As per correspondence from P.Bucchorn
Ø Potential new functions ideas to Exec meeting for consideration
General business:
Re Trivia Night-
Ø Acknowledgement of its success – excellent for community building
Ø Formal invitation to Narelle to next Executive meeting
Ø Letters of thanks to go to Narelle, Bernadette Baker (Ken Bryant) at St John Vianneys for computer presentation, as well as Kylieanne Cody
Ø Suggestion of a limit of 300 people next time (noise) and less raffle prizes (59 took too long)
Re Arts & Crafts (by Margaret Biggs)-
Ø Acknowledgement of assistance of Lesley Bellach and Lyndall Caldwell
Ø Raffle 1st prize- $600 travel voucher from Harvey world Travel; 2nd prize- weekend escape in Sydney; 3rd- office equipment
Ø Raffle returns are slow; do incentive drives to get them in
Ø May try Westfield Figtree, and Corrimal
Ø Call for help re sign placement. Margaret has asked Trish to ask Jim to organize some of this
Ø Meeting next week Wed 25 Aug for roster organization and finalisations
Other-
Ø School to buy new football jerseys as they are needed
Meeting closed: 9pm with a prayer
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
MEETING
College Hall
Meeting commenced:
Attendance: as per attached
Apologies: Gary O’Dea, Luis Lopez, June Toussis, Peter Williamson [E.Keenan will be arriving late]
Minutes: Previous meeting 23 October 2003. Read and accepted. (D.Lear, H.Formosa)
Matters Arising: nil
Correspondence In: APC Review X two issues, NSW PC, Open Alms re donations
Correspondence Out: Letter to Pastor Michael Rowles inviting him to speak this evening; letter to dairy Farmers re donation for Fashion Pde refreshments
President’s Report: See attached
Treasurer’s Report:
Ø Balance
$14,047.08. See attached
Secretary’s Report: nil
Function Co-ordinators’ Reports:
Ø Fashion Parade Co-Ordinator Helen Formosa reported takings of $4500 approx. Every year she tries to vary the faschions. She acknowledged the assistance of Yr 11 ERC boys and St Marys girls. Any feedback would be welcome
Principal’s Report (David Lear):
Ø Education - will publish details in Newsletter
Ø Plans going ahead for the construction of the gym/hall
Ø Christian service program being introduced – Yrs 7 & 8 via family and friends; Yrs 9 & 10 via appeals in Vinnies or Salvos
Ø Yr 11 – establishing contact with those less well off in the community – Personal Interest Project in the studies of Religion curriculum culminating in awards
Ø More activity in the world of social justice. Need to be pro-active in rela service to others. Investing time and effort into this.
Ø Judith Hurley will drive this initiative; will be a structured program and will be a requirement
Ø Compulsory elements involved
Ø Challenges of volunteering involving the requirements of , public liability, privacy, confidentiality
Ø Judith investigating community opportunities suitable for 17/18 yr olds
Ø Will take time to establish and be embedded into the school
Ø Set up the program
Business on notice:
Ø Operating Manual Plan
Ø See flow chart attached
Ø Will be discussed at Executive Meeting on Mon 17 May 04
General business:
Ø Dinner Dance.
Janet Galos would like parents to organise tables.
Help available. Hot meal alternate, drop music
Ø Art & Craft – Margaret
Biggs. Kicking off at end of May. Seeking a guest speaker. St Joseph’s doing
their A&C 2 weeks before
Guest Speaker:
Guest Speaker: Michael Rowles
on the topic of Youth development, well-being and depression.
Michael (41) is a youth counsellor with a Degree in Ministry and a nursing background. He currently has a position with the Community & Mental Health at Campbelltown
Michael began by saying that it is predicted that depression will be the most common major illness by 2010
Michael led us through the three main
developmental stages of normal adolescent behaviour:
· Early Adolescence: 12-14 years old
· Middle Adolescence: 14-16 years old
· Late Adolescence: 17-19 years old (although this last stage may extend to 25y.o. these days because of financial dependence)
Adolescents experience extremes of emotion; developmental changes are variable and ongoing.
Goals of adolescents include:
· an identity of their own
· independence – socially, emotionally, physically, financially
· an ability to form and end relationships appropriately
Sometimes problems arise because peers perceive someone is outside ‘the norm’.
In order to better recognize when things aren’t okay, it helps to be familiar with what can be expected as part of the growing up process. Below are some changes that can be expected.
EARLY ADOLESCENCE
Areas of development include:
· physical/biological (puberty)
· cognitive/intellectual (going from thinking in concrete terms to abstract)
· psychological (Who am I? How do I feel about me/you? etc)
· social
Developing independence may include:
· searching for a sense of identity
· moodiness
· improving ways of self-expression
· feelings being acted out rather than articulated
· close friendships becoming increasingly important
· a decrease in closeness to parents
· cognitive complexity
Physical changes may include:
· shyness, modesty, blushing
· interest in the opposite sex
· more concern about physical attractiveness
· concern about normality
· experimentation with masturbation
· increase in showing off
[Girls tend to develop sooner than boys]
Psychological changes may include:
· the testing of limits/ challenging boundaries
· development of ideals, selection of role models
· more consistent evidence of a conscience
· occasional experimentation with sex, drugs
[Statistically, earlier developers tend to have more problems]
MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE
This may include:
· developing independence
· self-focused swings between unrealistically high expectations and low self-esteem
· complaints about parents inhibiting their independence
· high level of interest in appearance
· less close to parents
· attempts to widen their circle of friends
· high emphasis on peer group (and mixed sex groups)
· cognitive/intellectual interests gain in importance
· greater capacity for goal-setting
[Hint: parents may need to increase negotiating with their teenager]
LATE ADOLESCENCE
This may include:
· firmer self-identity
· more stable interests
· independent decision-making
· pride in self
· self-reliance
· increase in concern for others
· peer relationships remain important
· decrease in conflicts with parents
· increased level of concern about the future
· consideration given to their role in life
· increased ability to articulate, compromise, delay gratification
· a more developed sense of humour
· increased emotional stability
· understanding of social norms (though these can be more difficult with particular groups e.g. ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome)
[Hint: let them ‘fall over’ occasionally in order to learn, but also teach them how to stand when tough times come]
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
It is worth noting the following:
· Mums are more more likely to be on the receiving end of negative behaviours. This is probably because they are more likely to be the ones giving the instructions but also more likely to absorb it/respond to it
· In contemporary society there may not be enough of an obvious balance between rights and responsibilities for the adolescent; this is confusing and can lead to negative behaviours such as spontaneous aggression
· The increasing pervasiveness in society of fatherlessness (either the father is missing altogether or is ‘missing in action’) means not enough positive role-modelling. Daughters look to fathers to see what men are all about through how they treat their mother; boys look to fathers to know how to act as a man
SIGNS THAT ALL IS NOT WELL
Anything that stops a kid from coping with the normal changes can indicate problems and herald the possibility of depression.
Some things are more evident than others e.g. bullying and alienation can lead to major adverse effects.
Pervasive unhappiness may be characterised by any of the following:
· Disturbed sleep patterns
· More unhappy than happy
· Reluctance to connect with mates
· Lack of concentration
·
Changes in appetite
·
Self-harm (in place of problem solving)
·
Threats of self-harm, suicide
Seek professional assistance (family
doctor, school and community counsellors) if there is
any doubt about a teenager’s well-being.
ATTACHMENTS, ROLE MODELLING AND REFLECTIVE THINKING ARE IMPORTANT IN ASSISTING THE ADOLESCENT THROUGH WHAT IS AN EXCITING BUT TURBULENT STAGE OF LIFE.
[Michael’s presentation acknowledged the material of the American School Counsellors Association and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry]
Vote of thanks: A vote of thanks was made to Michael for his presentation. Acknowledgement of organisation by Maryann Head.
Meeting closed: 9.30pm with a prayer
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Meeting commenced: 7.40pm with Gary Hamilton in the Chair
Attendance: as per attached sheet
Apologies: nil
Minutes of previous AGM 2003: read and accepted (Moved: P. Lidden Seconded: P. Bartlett)
Matters Arising: nil
Correspondence Out/In: nil
President’s Report:
v Sincere thanks to all out-going committee members; also to the College community
v Launching of Religious Education Curriculum day excellent
v Encouragement of participation in College community
Treasurer’s Report: Cash Book Balance $35410.70
Add
Deposit 1448.28
36858.98
Less Cheques 30418.15
6440.83
Less 0/S
Deposit 46.00
As per
Bank Balance 31/12/02 6394.83 [See attached]
v Approximately $75,000 outgoings throughout the year
Secretary’s Report: [See
attached]
Principal’s Report (David Lear):
Ø Thanks to the outgoing committee – rewarding but thankless at times
Ø Acknowledgement of the importance of the P&F Assoc in fundraising and promoting a sense of community discourse
Ø Fundraising secondary to the social functions of the P&F in a College like this
Ø Key areas of development have included basketball area, restoration of grounds, installation of computers, commercial kitchen facilities (now running 2 X Yr 11 classes, 1 X Yr 12 and 1 X Yr 9) very successful
Ø A “quiet start” to the year on the whole although Yr 9 “increased hormonal capacity” is demanding Br Peel’s time!
Ø Yr 7 settling in well (on camp)
Ø Two major public events coming up:
(a) Open Day on 17 March. There’ll be publicity and newspaper supplements – an advertising opportunity perhaps for others too (the era of marketing that we are in).A good move according to Brian Weir (School Capt 1966). The College Board is looking seriously at the concept of marketing
(b) Gala/Spectacular of the Arts and Drama, incorporating support of Collegians, to take place at IPAC on 31 August. Idea is to profile the college externally and to give students the opportunity to present their talents on a more professional level.
Ø Funding debate. AEU point of view currently receiving airplay. Current debate using simplistic arguments that aren’t necessarily accurate and can be misleading
Ø New Catholic high school at Oak flats – proposed Yr 7 intake in 2006. Not sure of the likely impact on ERC. Proximity to home a factor as well as availability of transport. “Public transport access is getting more ordinary by the week”. A need to look at servicing from the southern suburbs (but a chicken-and-egg argument with the bus companies). New school will be near a railway line and bus interchange. Hope to work co-operatively with CEO over next few years
Ø ERC and SMC still the only single sex options in the region
Ø New Anglican College at Dunmore – impact on TIGS??
Ø All the above are factors to be considered in any long term planning. Remember reliance on “word-of-mouth of satisfied customers”
Ø Reminder about commitment of P&F to financial assistance for kitchen facilities
Ø Close to approval from the Province for a gymnasium/all purpose hall on eastern end of campus (which is sorely needed “to bring the whole school together under the one roof”, so will probably be calling on P&F for a financial helping hand for this
Ø The College is close to paying off a major block of loans from the 1980-90s ‘building boom”
Election of 0ffice-bearers for 2004:
Gary Hamilton vacated the chair and declared all positions vacant.
David Lear assumed position of Returning Officer.
2004 Positions
elected as follows:
President:………………..
Vice-Presidents:………… Margaret Biggs
Maryann Head
Secretary:………………. Elizabeth Keenan (Tyler)
Assistant Secretary: vacant
Treasurer:………………...Phil
Lidden
Function Co-Ordinator:…Peter Bartlett
Other positions, such as the Co-Ordinators of the various fundraising functions, to be confirmed at a later date.
Some discussion then followed re the role of Vice Presidents. Janet Galos spoke to the idea of allocated duties. David Lear suggested that the new Executive could define roles as per needs and take on board Janet’s comments.
Function Co-ordinator’s Report:
v Peter Bartlett reported that returns from the parent survey for functions 2004 were well in hand.
v Has already collected $700 in donations from
people who have declined other assistance at proposed functions.
v Brother
Peel explained the deadlines he would be monitoring for P&F forms and the
Raffle. He was aiming for more accurate record keeping (and indicated that 2003
had been the best year thus far on this score)
v Amendment
to fund-raising calendar. The proposed Melbourne Cup luncheon will no longer
take place. Instead there will be a Trivia Night held on 31st July.
The new President, Paul Bucchorn then assumed the Chair and briefly addressed the
meeting.
General business: nil
Meeting closed with a
prayer:
Minutes recorded and written by
Elizabeth Keenan (Secretary 2004)