Update from Community Council meeting held on 18 June 2019

The MTS Community Council (the Council) met on Tuesday 18 June 2019. Below is summary of the items discussed at the meeting. Minutes of the meeting will be available on the MTS website, following endorsement by the Council at its next meeting on 13 August 2019.

Continuation of the Catholic Schools Soccer and Netball Carnivals

Peter sought the Council’s advice regarding the continuation of the Catholic Schools Netball and Soccer Carnivals. The Carnivals were once considered a wonderful source of revenue for the hosting schools, however due to increased charges for hosting schools for oval hire, traffic control, extra toilets, etc. the cost to host the events has significantly increased. Smaller Catholic schools that are due to host are concerned that they do not have the manpower to host the events. There is also the expectation on staff to attend over the weekend, which is difficult for staff to manage due to personal and family commitments.

The Council agreed to the discontinuation of the Carnivals. Peter will provide MTS’ recommendation to ACT Catholic Principals. Boorowa will still continue. 

The Council’s Strategic Plan

The Council will develop a Strategic Plan (the Plan) over the coming months to help refine the Council’s vision and articulate its goals and priorities. The Council will make the Plan available to parents upon finalisation.  

Availability of school uniforms at Lowes Gungahlin

The Council was advised that some parents are experiencing issues purchasing summer uniforms from Lowes Gungahlin. Lowes is advising shoppers that the store will not ship summer uniforms from its warehouse during the current season. MTS will contact Lowes to try to resolve the issue.

Parking

A reminder to use car parks, car line and ‘drop and kiss’ zones as they are intended.

The Council has received concerns from parents that some families are parking in the car line/’drop and kiss’ zone to collect their children from the ELC. This is adding to traffic congestion and makes it difficult for those parents utilising the car line/’drop and kiss’ zone the way it is intended.

Please do not use allocated disabled car parks if you do not hold (and correctly display) a current Disability Parking Permit – it is illegal to do so. These car parks are designed for disabled families and children.

Committee updates

Social and Fundraising

• Pyjama day was held on 5 July 2019.
• Trivia night was a success, however the Committee expected there would be more in attendance (97 attended).
• Planning for school fair and community picnic (term 4) is underway.
• Nature play grant ($6,500) for the ELC was approved.

Building and Facilities

• The Committee held its first meeting on 21 June 2019.

Finance and Governance

• The budget is tracking well.

Netball

• Players have received their new kits and they look fantastic.
• Business as usual.

Facebook

• All year groups are tracking well and there have been no concerns.
• The number of requests for acceptance into groups has declined, however this is to be expected as we approach the middle of the year.

Principal and ELC Director’s Reports

Peter and Clare provided an overview of what’s been happening across the school and the ELC over the past few weeks. Reports from both Peter and Clare also provided updates on enrolments, sporting events, building and facilities works to be carried out, etc. Full reports will be available in the Council minutes on the MTS website, following endorsement by the Council at its next meeting on 13 August 2019.   

The Council’s next meeting

The Council will next meet on 13 August 2019 at 6:00pm. You do not need to be a member of the Council to attend. The more the merrier!