St James the Great R.C (V.A) Primary & Nursery School

AGM 2000

INTRODUCTION BY THE CHAIRMAN OF GOVERNORS

My introduction this year comes at the end of our first year having returned to the Aided schools sector. The main impact on the school was as anticipated in the area of finance. The Governors have been well supported by their Finance Staffing and Salaries Committee in managing this. They have done an excellent job, as verified by the schools auditors, in securing ongoing developments at the school within a constrained budget.

As Governors we have a much wider remit than just financial matters. This is rightly so, as clearly curriculum issues have the greatest impact on the children. It has been pleasing to see the consolidation of the Literacy Hour within day to day teaching and likewise, with a year's implementation of the Numeracy strategy completed, the staff are to be commended for the positive approach they have taken to both of these Government initiatives. The Governors are again well supported by their Curriculum Committee in monitoring these issues. I am aware that the school is committed to putting on a curriculum evening for parents and Governors dealing with the teaching of Numeracy, Literacy and PSHE. This is scheduled to take place in the Autumn Term 2000.

I noted last year the impending extension of the schools ICT suite. This proved to be as successful as we hoped it would be. This development was noted in both the local and Diocesan press and the Governors remain committed to maintaining this core curriculum area as a priority. The Governors would wish to record their congratulations to the teaching staff who successfully undertook and completed the Government sponsored ICT curriculum training in the first year of this three year programme for all teachers. A further development saw all year six pupils gaining ICT skills certification through the ICAA and endorsed by Southampton University. The next stage in this development will see the introduction of certification at the end of both Key Stages.

The Governors appreciate the importance of the core curriculum subjects: Religious Education Mathematics, Language, Science and ICT. However we remain committed to ensuring that our pupils receive a truly broad and balanced curriculum. The maintenance and monitoring of the equally strong representation of the Foundation subjects is necessary to enable the children to have a range of experiences. The Governors are highly appreciative of the input of staff into before and after school activities and we will continue to support the school in developing these wherever possible.

On the premises side the main development over the year saw a flat to pitch roof conversion to the older part of our building. We were fortunate to receive financial support for this project from the DfEE as one of the final funding grants awarded to us under the Grant Maintained Seed Challenge Scheme. The Governors Premises, Health and Safety Committee worked hard to bring this project to fruition within the funding levels allowed. It is their intention over the next year to secure some internal and external decoration works including the renewal of carpet areas in order to maintain the best possible working environment for both pupils and staff.

The Governors are focused on securing the implementation of the school's Ofsted and Section 23 Inspection Action Plans. This will be continued alongside new responsibilities placed on the Governors by Central Government in the area of Performance Management. Governors will prepare for this through attendance at training sessions in the Autumn Term.

The school has already addressed the inspection action point suggesting the school looks at communication with parents in regard to curriculum matters. This has seen the issuing of Home-School-Child Agreements and a Homework Policy, both of which involved consultation with parents. The issue of communication with parents across the board will be kept under review.

As we know little remains static and the school has been affected by changes both at staff and at Governor level. Staff changes are not unexpected but the decision by Margaret McSorley to leave after nineteen years service at the school saw the departure of one of the school's longer serving members of staff who, in her capacity as Assistant Head, has provided the school with a strong element of continuity. Governors, staff and parents who extended good wishes to both staff members for the future gave fitting tributes and farewells to both Margaret and Ann Opoku. At the same time thanks were offered to Neil Ferrigan who, with his legal background and keen sense of humour along with his drive for Governor training, has been a great asset to the Governing body. His departure following a home move has left a gap which will be difficult to fill. As an LEA appointed Governor we are awaiting advice from the local authority in regard to his replacement.

As Chairman I would record my own appreciation and that of the Governors for the work of the whole staff team at St James the Great. I would also acknowledge the support I have received from the Governing Body as a whole over the year. The workload for Governors, all of whom are volunteers, has been as great as ever and I continue to be impressed by the level of commitment, support and cheerful spirit with which the Governors carry out their duties. I am also aware that parents undertake a wide range of voluntary support within the school, which is likewise much appreciated. It greatly benefits the overall school ethos and is further enhanced by the valuable input to school life given by the very active Friends Association. The Head teacher includes in his termly report details of Friends Association activities and the Governors would wish to formally record their support and appreciation for all the work they undertake.

 

 

Rev Father M Jones

Chairman of Governors