Just managed to make the meeting tonight - after rushing back from Caerphilly. Finance Committee today, making sure that we have enough money to provide the best we can for the children. It's a delicate balance, providing resources, suitable environments for the children and adequate staffing levels, while ensuring that the school does not go into deficit. We are very fortunate as a school not to be in deficit.
Mr Roberts provided an explaination of the budget and expenditure to date, also identifying potential areas of future spend.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
12th November - Interviews
Joined three fellow govermors who had been interviewing all morning for the Learnig Support Assistant. Unfortunately I was unabel to attend due to work commitments - but am sure they don't need me to do a great job.
Interviewed all afternoon for a teacher to cover Mr Llewellyn's secondment to Deputy Head and were success in appointing.
Interviewed all afternoon for a teacher to cover Mr Llewellyn's secondment to Deputy Head and were success in appointing.
5th November - Shortlisting
Spend another lunchtime shortlisting - this time brought my lunch with me!
Again, a number of good applicants and we were successful in shortlisting a number of next weeks interviews.
Again, a number of good applicants and we were successful in shortlisting a number of next weeks interviews.
23rd October - Interviews
Spent this morning in school interviewing for a replacement for Mrs Watkin Carter's maternity leave. Were successful at the end of the morning to appoint a replacement until Mrs W-C is back.
21st October - Shortlisting
Spent lunchtime in school today with a number of other governors, shortlisting for a learning support assistant and a teacher. Lots of good applicants, so it turned into a long lunch break! Finally agreed on the shortlist, ready for interviews.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Eco Assembly/ Fashion Show - 19th October 2009
Rushed into school quickly today over lunch to watch the Eco fashion show - and what a fabulous performance the classes I saw produced. I'm sure there are some budding Gucci or Channel designers in there (or indeed their parents!).
The star prize(s) however have to go to Mr Williams and Mr LLewellyn who were looking particualrly dashing in a pink cowboy outfit and flower costume respectively - check out the blog pictures! However, I think even the children were getting fed up of Mr Williams' slightly cheesy jokes (sorry Sir!)
The half an hour I spent in school the children were having a great time - cheering and clapping their fellow pupils and thoroughly enjoying themselves - I wish my Primary School had been like this!
Got told off for not getting dressed up in an Eco costume...well at least I've got a year to plan next years...!
The star prize(s) however have to go to Mr Williams and Mr LLewellyn who were looking particualrly dashing in a pink cowboy outfit and flower costume respectively - check out the blog pictures! However, I think even the children were getting fed up of Mr Williams' slightly cheesy jokes (sorry Sir!)
The half an hour I spent in school the children were having a great time - cheering and clapping their fellow pupils and thoroughly enjoying themselves - I wish my Primary School had been like this!
Got told off for not getting dressed up in an Eco costume...well at least I've got a year to plan next years...!
Health & Safety Meeting/ Walkaround 15th October 2009
In school 8.15am this morning as meeting Mr Roberts and Health & Safety Committee to do a walk around of the school. This provides us with an opportunity to identify any areas of concern to the Head, and also provides him with a "freash pair of eyes" to examine the school environment.
I only managed to "walk around" the infants as it took much longer than we had originally planned and I had to get to work - but my two colleagues continued with clip boards at the fore!
We discussed with Mr Roberts a number of minor queries and identified a priority list for addressing these as soon as practicably possible.
It was also lovely to see the children happily working away.
I only managed to "walk around" the infants as it took much longer than we had originally planned and I had to get to work - but my two colleagues continued with clip boards at the fore!
We discussed with Mr Roberts a number of minor queries and identified a priority list for addressing these as soon as practicably possible.
It was also lovely to see the children happily working away.
Full Governors - 7th October 2009
Well, I must be a very poor Chair as the meeting this evening managed to last until nearly 8pm! There was loads to go through, with all the governors receiveing an update off Mr Roberts on the latest Key Stage results for the Children - excellent results (well done to all the pupils, parents and teachers) but we can always do better.
With the Inspection looming ever closer we wanted to make sure that we had covered all the areas we needed to - with dates in the dairies for Health & Safety, Curriculum, Finance and full governor meetings going forward.
I was delighted to be nomintaed and accepted as Chair for the second year running - I feel it is a great privelege to serve the school as governor and I hope I can continue to contribute to the committee for many years to come (if they'll still have me!). Thank you to my fellow governors for their vote of confidence.
With the Inspection looming ever closer we wanted to make sure that we had covered all the areas we needed to - with dates in the dairies for Health & Safety, Curriculum, Finance and full governor meetings going forward.
I was delighted to be nomintaed and accepted as Chair for the second year running - I feel it is a great privelege to serve the school as governor and I hope I can continue to contribute to the committee for many years to come (if they'll still have me!). Thank you to my fellow governors for their vote of confidence.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Parent's Information Evening - 1st October 2009
In school tonight (6pm-7.30pm) for the parent's information evening that Mr Roberts had arranged to inform parents of recent developments, update them on Key Stage 1 and 2 results and also to allow individuals to ask any questions of the Head, Senior Management Team and Governors.
Mr Roberts started the evening with an update on Key Stage 1 & 2 performance, illustrating the progress the school has made over the last few years in relation to English, Maths and Science. He stressed that the school's results are very high, compared to the LEA and also our comparative group across the UK. An explaination of extracurricular activities was also provided. Mr Roberts also outlined his plans to further continue to develop the school over the coming year. Finally, the evening ended with a Question and Answer session, in which a number of parents posed questions to the Head and Senior Msanagement Team.
I think the session went very well - it allowed parents the opportunity to be updated with information about how the school has performed and also what is has planned for the coming year. Mr Roberts closed the meeting by informing parents that he plans to hold additional events in the future.
Mr Roberts started the evening with an update on Key Stage 1 & 2 performance, illustrating the progress the school has made over the last few years in relation to English, Maths and Science. He stressed that the school's results are very high, compared to the LEA and also our comparative group across the UK. An explaination of extracurricular activities was also provided. Mr Roberts also outlined his plans to further continue to develop the school over the coming year. Finally, the evening ended with a Question and Answer session, in which a number of parents posed questions to the Head and Senior Msanagement Team.
I think the session went very well - it allowed parents the opportunity to be updated with information about how the school has performed and also what is has planned for the coming year. Mr Roberts closed the meeting by informing parents that he plans to hold additional events in the future.
Monday, 28 September 2009
24th September 2009: Governor's Day
Spent a fabulous few hours in school this morning. Mr Roberts had arranged for all Governors to visit the school (if available) and spend time with pupils and staff. Most of the governors had managed to get time off work, or free up their diaries. We were given "free reign" to wander the school anad observe lessons and ask questions of the teachers and pupils.
Unfortunately I could only stay till 11am, but spent a really enjoyable 2 hours wandering around the infants. I watched a Reception Class PE lesson (Mrs Watkin Carter managed to move around with the children despite being very pregnant!), watched the children playing in nursery and sat in with Year 2 while they were practising the "Jolly Phonics". It was facinating to see how the use of the Welsh language has become integral to all lessons, with the children totally used to listening/ answering in Welsh.
All the governors I spoke to really enjoyed the opportunity to meet staff and gain more insight into how our children are taught - thank you Mr Roberts and staff for making it such an enjoyable experience!
Unfortunately I could only stay till 11am, but spent a really enjoyable 2 hours wandering around the infants. I watched a Reception Class PE lesson (Mrs Watkin Carter managed to move around with the children despite being very pregnant!), watched the children playing in nursery and sat in with Year 2 while they were practising the "Jolly Phonics". It was facinating to see how the use of the Welsh language has become integral to all lessons, with the children totally used to listening/ answering in Welsh.
All the governors I spoke to really enjoyed the opportunity to meet staff and gain more insight into how our children are taught - thank you Mr Roberts and staff for making it such an enjoyable experience!
8th September 2009
Had a quick conversation with Mr Roberts this morning just to check everything going ok - so far so good!
Full governors meeting planned for a few weeks time, so will catch up on everything properly then.
Full governors meeting planned for a few weeks time, so will catch up on everything properly then.
3rd September 2009: Back to School!
Well....here we are back after the holidays, it always amazes me how 6 weeks seem to fly!
Have decided to give Mr Roberts a few days before I phone him to see how everyones setting down. Hope all the new nursery children don't find their first day too daunting.
On a personal note, today is the first day for 11 years that I have not have a child in the Primary School - I feel lost....!...however...still have two nieces in the school and one nephew still to come - so at least another 11 years of contact...!
Have decided to give Mr Roberts a few days before I phone him to see how everyones setting down. Hope all the new nursery children don't find their first day too daunting.
On a personal note, today is the first day for 11 years that I have not have a child in the Primary School - I feel lost....!...however...still have two nieces in the school and one nephew still to come - so at least another 11 years of contact...!
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Concert - 14th July 2009
Another fabulous sucess and what an enjoyable evening. The evening started with a number of individuals from the school orchestra playing a few songs for us, which was followed up with the whole orchestra playing. We are extremally lucky to be the only primary school in RCT to have an orchestra. This was conducted by Mr Hortey who is the peripertetic music teacher for RCT, and who kindly supported the children this evening. He also managed to "persuade" Mrs Davies to accompany the orchestra on the piano although she had not previously seen the music - she did of course do an excellent job.
Following a 15 minute break where the PTA kindly provided teas (many thanks to Ceri, Ceri and Emily), we were treated to a medley of songs from famous musicals. It was a lovely mixture of songs and we have some exceptional talent...! Although I'm not sure I'll ever be able to listen to a certain song from Joseph again without thinking of Year 6 boy's interpretation!
At the end of the night I was honoured to give a vote of thanks to the children, PTA and teachers involved. Although I managed to mess it up by renaming Mrs Davies to Mrs Willimas(?!) - many apologies Mrs Davies, I'll make sure I get it right tomorrow night - promise!
Can't wait to watch it all again tomorrow night......
PS: haven't wished many congratulations to Mr Llewellyn and wife on the birth of their son Jac (there are some lovely photos on Year 5 Blog - have a look!)
Following a 15 minute break where the PTA kindly provided teas (many thanks to Ceri, Ceri and Emily), we were treated to a medley of songs from famous musicals. It was a lovely mixture of songs and we have some exceptional talent...! Although I'm not sure I'll ever be able to listen to a certain song from Joseph again without thinking of Year 6 boy's interpretation!
At the end of the night I was honoured to give a vote of thanks to the children, PTA and teachers involved. Although I managed to mess it up by renaming Mrs Davies to Mrs Willimas(?!) - many apologies Mrs Davies, I'll make sure I get it right tomorrow night - promise!
Can't wait to watch it all again tomorrow night......
PS: haven't wished many congratulations to Mr Llewellyn and wife on the birth of their son Jac (there are some lovely photos on Year 5 Blog - have a look!)
Presentation Evening for Year 6 - 13 July 2009
This is one of my favourite nights in the school calander - where Year 6 present a few musical or drama "numbers ", take part in the Leavers Poem (verses which the children have written themselves) and finally sing a famous song (with appropiate changes in the words to reflect the fact that they are leaving). As usual this Year 6 provided excellent entertainment, with many talents being showcased - many thanks to both Mr Williams & Mrs Davies.
The entertainement was then followed by the Headteacher's presentation, although Mr Williams' attempts to get in every photo continued the entertainment!
It is always a pleasure to watch the children recieve recognition for their hard work, and this year it was particularly pertinent as my youngest son is in Year 6. We are very lucky to have such talented and pleasent children in the school. I wish them every happiness as they move to Y Pant in September, and I'm sure we'll see many of them continue their sucess in their new school.
The entertainement was then followed by the Headteacher's presentation, although Mr Williams' attempts to get in every photo continued the entertainment!
It is always a pleasure to watch the children recieve recognition for their hard work, and this year it was particularly pertinent as my youngest son is in Year 6. We are very lucky to have such talented and pleasent children in the school. I wish them every happiness as they move to Y Pant in September, and I'm sure we'll see many of them continue their sucess in their new school.
Governor's Meeting - 6th July 2009
Extra meeting held today to allow the School Council to present their annual report to us. Two pupils were supposed to talk through the presentation, but in the end Andrew Karamura did the presentation on his own and did an excellent job - Thank you Andrew!
He highlighted the areas the School Council has focused on over the past year and the role they have taken in such school initiatives as reducing parking around the school. All the governors were impressed by the calm manner in which Andrew presented his talk and the answers he gave to our questions.
We then rushed into the main hall for 6pm for the Governor's Annual Report (ARP) to Parents. This meeting provides the opportunity for parents to ask questions on the Annual Report which is distributed to all pupils, a few weeks previous. We are obliged to hold an ARP meeting every two years. It is common to find that no parents have turned up - however tonight we had two parents who took the time to attend - thank you. Both raised pertinent questions which were answered by the Head. Left for home about 6.45pm.
He highlighted the areas the School Council has focused on over the past year and the role they have taken in such school initiatives as reducing parking around the school. All the governors were impressed by the calm manner in which Andrew presented his talk and the answers he gave to our questions.
We then rushed into the main hall for 6pm for the Governor's Annual Report (ARP) to Parents. This meeting provides the opportunity for parents to ask questions on the Annual Report which is distributed to all pupils, a few weeks previous. We are obliged to hold an ARP meeting every two years. It is common to find that no parents have turned up - however tonight we had two parents who took the time to attend - thank you. Both raised pertinent questions which were answered by the Head. Left for home about 6.45pm.
Interviews for Clerk and Learning Support Assistants - 3rd July 2009
Feel as though I'm living in school at the moment - all the staff are probably fed up of seeing me there! Back in school all day today for two lots of interviews - first for 2 Learning Support Assistants (LSA) and then for the new school clerk, to replace Mrs Roberts on her retirement.
We had some excellent candidates for both posts and after due consideration appointed for all 3 vacancies. All the new staff will start in September.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Roberts for all her hard work over the years and to wish her a very happy retirement - we'll miss her very effective organisation both of the school and Mr Roberts!
We had some excellent candidates for both posts and after due consideration appointed for all 3 vacancies. All the new staff will start in September.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Roberts for all her hard work over the years and to wish her a very happy retirement - we'll miss her very effective organisation both of the school and Mr Roberts!
Staff Meeting - 2 July 2009
Rushed back from North Wales (trying not to exceed speed limit!) in time to catch the last 20 minutes of a staff meeting on assessment. Sally Coates, another governor, had beaten me to the meeting. An external speaker gave examples of how to capture evidence to show children's learning progression - which was very interesting and generated lots of conversation amongst those present.
Interviews for Acting Deputy Head
In school all morning today to interview two internal candidates for the acting Deputy Head position, to be filled while Mr Roberts is on his secondment from January 2010. Mr Llewellyn was sucessful in the interview and I'm sure will make an excellent acting Deputy - his wife managed not to have the baby while he was being interviewed!
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Shortlisting (again!) - 25th June 2009
Here I am back again (!) this time for shortlisting for two support workers. Once again lots of applicants and it took us a few hours to work our way through all the apllicants. Managed to finish by 5.45pm, just in time to rush off to a PTA meeting in Y Pant!
Staff Meeting - 24th June 2009
Back to school this evening to attend a staff meeting as all the staff (teaching and support) are carrying out a self assessment ready for the inspection in December. We worked our way slowly through the various questions - which generated much discussion!
Shortlisting - 24th June 2009
Am going to live in school over the next few weeks!
All morning in school today shortlisting for the School Clerk's job as Mrs Roberts (our very valued clerk) is retiring at the end of term after many loyal years to the school. Lots of applicants!
All morning in school today shortlisting for the School Clerk's job as Mrs Roberts (our very valued clerk) is retiring at the end of term after many loyal years to the school. Lots of applicants!
New Nursery Parent's Evening - 23rd June 2009
Attended the introduction for new nursery parents this evening. Mr Roberts gave a short talk to explain the running of the school and what the new pupils can look foward to on joining the school. Each of the Key Stage 1 staff were introduced and parents were provided with a list of which class their children will attend. The "traditional" 6 week induction into nursery has also been shortened this year, on parents' request. Children will now alternate morning and afternoon over a 2 week period.
Mr Roberts also informed parents that he is to go on secondment to Estyn (starting in January 2010), providing a unique experience for his professional development. I am delighted that he has been offered this opportunity and am sure that he will come back to the school invigourated and with many new ideas. Whilst we shall miss him during his secondment he will leave the school in the very capable hands of Ms S Harwood (current Deputy Head).
The parents finished the evening off with a visit to the Key Stage 1 class rooms.
Mr Roberts also informed parents that he is to go on secondment to Estyn (starting in January 2010), providing a unique experience for his professional development. I am delighted that he has been offered this opportunity and am sure that he will come back to the school invigourated and with many new ideas. Whilst we shall miss him during his secondment he will leave the school in the very capable hands of Ms S Harwood (current Deputy Head).
The parents finished the evening off with a visit to the Key Stage 1 class rooms.
Full Governors Meeting - 9th June 2009
Another long meeting tonight - they're going to blame bad Chairing!
Discussed a variety of issues, including ratifying the Annual Report to Parents which is due to be distributed in the next week or so. Also set the dates for next years Full Governors meetings. It will be a very busy Autumn term preparing for our Estyn Inspection!
Discussed a variety of issues, including ratifying the Annual Report to Parents which is due to be distributed in the next week or so. Also set the dates for next years Full Governors meetings. It will be a very busy Autumn term preparing for our Estyn Inspection!
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Wednesday 3 June 2009 - Interviews
Busy afternoon today, interviewing for maternity cover for the infant school. After a few hours, the candidate was appointed and I did a quick dash to my next governor's meeting - this time in Y Pant!
Full governors planned for next Tuesday, so need to make sure I read all the minutes and papers before then.
Full governors planned for next Tuesday, so need to make sure I read all the minutes and papers before then.
Monday, 20 April 2009
New Term - 20th April
School back in today. Spoke to Mr Roberts to catch up on any issues. Spent some time this evening updating our Governor Action Plan which was initially discussed in January 2009. Emailed to fellow Governors for comment and for agenda at next full governing body.
Finance Committee - 27th March
Yet another finance committee this morning - 9am. Meeting lasted about an hour with various issues discussed including the budget for next year. Phew- what a start to the day!
Pontyclun's Got Talent - 17th March
Popped into school today for a flying look at "Pontyclun's got talent" and they certainly did! The acts I saw were loving every minute of performing and the rest of the school were cheering them on.
Didn't see as much of the show as I had hoped as a finance committee was also scheduled for lunchtime - but am always keen to make sure we balance the books!
Didn't see as much of the show as I had hoped as a finance committee was also scheduled for lunchtime - but am always keen to make sure we balance the books!
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Full Governors Meeting 10th March 2009
Phew....! Thought we were all going to need camp beds to stay in school tonight - the meeting lasted a record breaking 3 1/4 hours........ Nothing to do with bad chairing of course!
Lots to cover in the agenda today with a couple of sub committee reports and a detailed headteacher's report. An update on the finanical position of the school was also discussed. We are very mindful of the economic downturn and do our best to ensure that the school remains in a healthy financial position whilst the children have the best facilities we can offer.
A number of the governors had been into the school for discussions on their subject areas and all were invited to next Tuesday's "Pontyclun's Got Talant". I'm really looking forward to it and plan to call in for an hour after lunch to catch some of the acts.
Dates now set for relevant sub commitees (finance, community/ parental links and curriculum) and next full governors which will be June (seems months away but guess it will soon be here).
Better go practice my cheering for Tuesday!
Lots to cover in the agenda today with a couple of sub committee reports and a detailed headteacher's report. An update on the finanical position of the school was also discussed. We are very mindful of the economic downturn and do our best to ensure that the school remains in a healthy financial position whilst the children have the best facilities we can offer.
A number of the governors had been into the school for discussions on their subject areas and all were invited to next Tuesday's "Pontyclun's Got Talant". I'm really looking forward to it and plan to call in for an hour after lunch to catch some of the acts.
Dates now set for relevant sub commitees (finance, community/ parental links and curriculum) and next full governors which will be June (seems months away but guess it will soon be here).
Better go practice my cheering for Tuesday!
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Spent a lovely afternoon yesterday (Friday) in school at the St David's Day Concert. Unfortunately I couldn't be there in the morning, but fellow Governor Denise Ellis and invited guests (Gordon Norman - Ex Chair of Governors, Lynda Leek - Ex Teacher and Beryl Shepstone) did a sterling job of judging the entries. The competitions I did see, singing and poetry were brilliant! We have a very talented lot of pupils.
I spent the afternoon presenting the various certificates to children from aged 3 to 11 years. Well done to Mr Williams for having to keep dashing into the middle of the hall, and taking a very large number of photos of the winners for the blog - I've never had to smile so much!
Thank you to all the staff who looked lovely in their Welsh costumes and a special thanks to Mrs C Davies who organised the event for yet another year. Finally a big thank you to all the children who took part - you did brilliantly, and I'm going to make sure I can be there all day next year!
I spent the afternoon presenting the various certificates to children from aged 3 to 11 years. Well done to Mr Williams for having to keep dashing into the middle of the hall, and taking a very large number of photos of the winners for the blog - I've never had to smile so much!
Thank you to all the staff who looked lovely in their Welsh costumes and a special thanks to Mrs C Davies who organised the event for yet another year. Finally a big thank you to all the children who took part - you did brilliantly, and I'm going to make sure I can be there all day next year!
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Special Needs Meeting
Spent 2 hours this morning in school with Mrs Morris (Special Needs Co-ordinator) going through the Special Needs Policy and discussing the support that is provided throughout the school, both from external agencies and also internally. This was in my role as Link Governor for Special Needs.
The policy and the support provided is reviewed by Mrs Morris and the appropriate professionals on a termly basis.
The policy and the support provided is reviewed by Mrs Morris and the appropriate professionals on a termly basis.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Governor's Blog now up and running!
Well, thanks to Mr Llewellyn, the Governor's Blog is now up and runnning!
We hope to use the Blog to share with you school activities Governors are involved in and to inform you about Governor's roles within the life of Pontyclun Primary School.
Hope you find it interesting!
We hope to use the Blog to share with you school activities Governors are involved in and to inform you about Governor's roles within the life of Pontyclun Primary School.
Hope you find it interesting!
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