Literacy Report from Trevor McIntyre:

Lexus Assessment tool for evaluating literacy skills

The Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) are providing funding for 5 licences. This programme is an excellent tool for diagnostic testing.

Computers

The Learning Support department has a request in for 2 extra computers to make up a set of 5

Peer Reading

Y13 students 2004 will be invited to join the programme as tutors and will be trained to offer peer reading. It is expected to start with 5 seniors who will be asked to contribute 2 of their study periods to the programme. Y9 students will be selected for the programme after testing early in Term 1 2004. Y9 students will then be matched to trained Y13 students (hopefully ones that have been their peer support leaders).

Funding

At this stage there is no great requirement for funds as we have the staff and resources either in place or being provided by outside sources. There are 2 computers needed to run the Lexus programme. If you wished to support the programme in some way payment for these would be appreciated. There may be some costs incurred from the peer tutoring training but these won’t be large but they will be come more clear when the programme is planned next year.

The major plan for 2004 is the Peer reading programmes introduction. It is a labour intensive programme that needs little funding.

Your support of literacy in the school is valued and should any need for support in the near future be identified we will bring it to your attention.

A motion was carried (Ian McKenzie/Kim Dale): That the PTA thanks the Headmaster and staff for the literacy report and supports in principle purchase by the PTA of 2 computers to support the Lexus programme.

Tuck Shop Supervisor draft employment contract received from the School. Joe and Russell to assess the contract and bring a recommendation to the PTA at 3 February meeting. Copy of draft to be given to Dale for her input in January.

Headmaster (presented by Mike Lindroos)
Girls High BBQ with senior boys worked well, an opportunity to get together with some supervision which may minimise end of year problems. Will look at this again next year.
Report information is being put into the computer for Wed 10 December. Roll is looking large, 1 yr 9 class less that last year, yr 13 numbers up. No staffing problems but rooms are an issue. Building programme starts next week. Mezzanine in Caldwell block to be completed before Christmas. Some building at start of school year. May need to use gym, cricket pavilion. Monitor training at Lincoln successful again. CBHS has contracted into Celia Lashlie’s "The Good Man" project. Celia will be back in March to talk to the boys. David Howarth and Mike retiring. Gavin Byrd and Frank Drysens on 1 yr leave.

BOT
Elections will be held next year. Information on standing for the Board will be in the next newsletter.

Parent Forum
PTA brunch at "The Cabbage Tree" cancelled due to lack of numbers.

Catering
Leavers dinner helpers and preparation timing discussed and confirmed.

School website
Needs a significant upgrade if it is to be regarded as a useful source of up to date information. Current information and photographs are out of date. The PTA endorses the need for an upgrade.