Kinlochbervie High School
Minutes of Meeting on 17th November 2003
1. Present
Fiona Belbin, Gwash Campbell, Ronnie Lansley, Marion McFadyen, Françoise Mitchell, Ian Smith
Apologies Francis Keith, Natalia Mitchell, Tricia Mowat
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
These were approved.
3. Matters Arising
a) Date of Meeting This meeting was brought forward to enable discussion of current staffing issues. The meeting planned for 9th December is cancelled.
b) New Member The new parent member, Marion McFadyen, was welcomed to the meeting.
c) School Transport Behaviour is better. However when there are no staff members present, there is sometimes difficulty in persuading younger pupils to wear seatbelts.
4. Correspondence
A booklet on Partnership Commitments is available.
5. Staffing
Ian Smith outlined the current position:
An experienced teacher of technical subjects has been appointed. Allan Cunningham will start work in the school in mid-January, if not sooner. At the moment S3-S6 classes are well catered for. S1 is more problematical.
In English, the present supply teacher has finished. Temporary part-time supply is in place at the moment, and another supply teacher is being sourced. Interviews for the permanent post have taken place, but it was not possible to appoint anyone. The job is being re-advertised and it may be possible to interview before Christmas.
it was emphasised that the lack of staff is a problem throughout Scotland and is not specific to small and remote schools. Concern was raised that pupils doing without a teacher for a month during their certificate years could have their whole lives affected, and this situation was allowed to happen again and again. It was thought unlikely that the situation could be overcome with finance. Highland Council simply does not have people available, and it is a national problem. It was suggested that a lack of suitable accommodation may be putting people off coming to the area. There is not much property on the market, but there are houses available for rent and there are building plots for sale. Applicants need to be convinced that this is not an issue.
It was decided that a letter stating the Board's concerns should be written to peter Peacock MSP, with copies to John Thurso MP, Jamie Stone MSP, Francis Keith, Bruce Robertson (Director of Education) and Hugh Fraser (Head of Resources). Fiona Belbin and Ronnie Lansley will go to the ECS Sutherland Forum on 4th December at which Bruce Robertson will be present. It was noted that the Board could request the attendance of the School Boards Officer at a future meeting. Contact may also be made with the Association of School Boards and the Farr Secondary School Board.
The Board thanked Ian Smith for the efforts he has been making to find staff.
6. Development Plan - Action Plan, and the Standard and Quality Report 2002/03
These were self-explanatory and found satisfactory.
7. Co-opted Member
A suitable person was agreed on, and Ronnie Lansley will approach this person with the Board's request.
8. AOCB
The Board was informed that the Local Learning Network Steering Group met today to develop a community learning plan. Their aim is to produce learning opportunities for all ages based on the needs in the community.
9. Date and Time of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 18th February at 4:15 pm.
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