Parents and Citizens Association Report - 2009

From the P & C Association of MacGregor State High School

As the end of the 2009 school year approaches, it is important, to take some time to reflect on the past year.

On behalf of the P & C and all parents, I would like to acknowledge the many and varied achievements of all our students in every year levels.  I am sure the majority of students can think with pride of some hurdle overcome, a moment of insight or instance of personal growth made during the year, where they have worked towards being the “best they can be”.

To all of the Senior Students who graduate this year and either head onto further study or to look for opportunities in the workforce, the P & C wishes to acknowledge all of the hard work and sacrifices made so far.  We wish you every success for the future and know you will look back fondly on your time here at MacGregor.

The P & C Association’s mission every year is to work in partnership with the school to provide a platform to achieve the most we can for the school community.

During 2009, we provided assistance to the school through sponsorship of their grant applications.  A major success was in obtaining a donation from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, to purchase a portable stage for the school.  This stage will be a valuable addition to the school.

The P & C, on behalf of the Science Department, made a grant application to purchase three trolley mounted data projectors.  Unfortunately, this funding was denied for the second year running.  The P & C, through discussions with the school, came to realise the absolute need for these projectors to enhance in-class learning outcomes and the pivotal role they would play in the 2010 Honours program.  As a result, the Association agreed the funds should be found and made a donation to assist the school in the purchasing the data projectors.

On a ongoing basis, the P & C’s main funding obligation from our fundraising activities is the requirement to meet the significant loan repayments related to the funding for the extension and renovations to the Hall, completed during 2007/8.  The P & C also provides an annual donation to the school for the CARE fund, to assist the school in helping students in need.  Next year, the P & C will also provide uniforms up to a value of $170, to each of the Year 8 students offered a scholarship in 2010.  We also provided a donation in 2009 to the students Victorian bushfire appeal set up for Yea High School.

During 2009, we were the recipient of a kind and generous donation ourselves. The Lord Mayor’s Suburban Initiative fund and the MacGregor Ward office of Cr Graham Quirk donated to the P & C, funds to enable the purchase of a 3 x 6 metre shade Star Marquee, imprinted with the school’s logo.  This marquee is now available for use by the school and the community and was a timely gift a few days prior to the annual school sports day.

The P & C’s main fundraising activity relates to the operation of the canteen and uniform shop.  With respect to the Canteen, 2009 has been a busy time with changes in staff.  Paula Burke took over as the Managing Convenor and Shelley Steeples came on board permanently as co-convenor in February.  Our joint aim this year was to enhance the service provided by the canteen to the school community. 

We sought to do this through adding more casual staff to provide faster service at break times, add an additional register line during the hotter months and widen our menu selections.  We have also reinvested back into the canteen with the purchase of two additional ovens, a new drink display fridge and a new upgraded cash register. 

The Uniform Shop, managed by our convenor, Janet Gumz, had a hectic year with many new students welcomed into the school.  In March of this year, the P & C, in conjunction with the school, added an additional winter uniform option in the form of a zip up jacket.  This has proved a popular alternative to the knitted pullover jumper, particularly for our boys.  The Uniform shop will again open for the week prior to school commencing in 2010, to assist parents and guardians to purchase all of the compulsory uniform items required.  Please see the website for opening dates and hours.

This Association also employs a part-time Business Administrator who manages the day-to-day running of the P & C business, financial compliance and staff, on behalf of the Executive and P & C members.  We welcomed Suzette Moore into this role in January.  She took over this role from Joanna English, who had been with us for ten years and had seen the Association through many issues.   

As President, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the employees, past and present of the P & C, who daily, provide service and assistance to the school community.  I would also like to thank our small band of parent and student volunteers.  While not large in number, these volunteers provide vital help and assistance to our canteen operations.

I would also like to highlight the past work of some P & C members who retired in 2009.  At this year’s Annual General Meeting in March, Jeanine Millington retired as President and Claeton Johnston as Treasurer. 

Jeanine may be known to many of you through her ten years of tireless work with the P & C and in recent years, as President, even after her youngest had completed Year 12.  Claeton Johnston also continued his work on the committee, well beyond the completion of Year 12 by his daughter to ensure the P & C could continue to operate.

I would like to thank Yvette Edgar for taking over as Treasurer and joining me on the committee in 2009 and the small band of parents and staff who regularly attend the P & C meetings throughout the year.  Without them, the work of the Association could not continue.

It is essential to have a functioning P & C presence within any school, as the law governs that all fundraising activities must be through a P & C Association.  MacGregor is a large and diverse school, yet the current P & C is a small group of dedicated members who keep the Association running. 

This Association has the benefit of employing a part-time Business Administrator.  Therefore, the task of being part of the Association is less time consuming than you may have experienced during the Primary school years.  So, for a few hours once a month, the P & C meeting provides you with the opportunity to voice your views and opinions in a relaxed environment with other parents.  I urge anyone interested to consider attending one of the scheduled meetings in 2010 and become involved.

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and I look forward to welcoming some new parents to our meetings in 2010.

Bob Atherton

President