Many thanks to everyone who attended our first meeting for the year.  We had a record turn out and was great to see many new faces!  There was lots of great discussion and we are pleased to announce that we endorsed our budget for 2015.  Be sure to read through the meeting update below for a list of exciting projects and resources that will make their way to classrooms at the request of our dedicated teachers.  

I also had the pleasure of attending the Inaugural FPPS Board Meeting for 2015 last Tuesday.  I have been co-opted as a member for a duration to provide a link between the P&C, School Administration and School Board.  It was a very positive and encouraging meeting setting us up for a fantastic 2015.  A Finance subcommitee was established to begin to further understand the implications of the Student Centred Funding Model and 'One line Budget' afforded to all WA schools.  The P&C Treasurer will have a seat at the table to see where we can collaborate with this imporatnt group.  The School board will be sending communication shortly so be sure to take a read and keep up to date with the ongoing implementation of our Independent Public School status.  

We had a lovely night at our 'welcome back' sundowner last night.  It was lovely to catch up with everyone and welcome many new families to Floreat. To the fabulous Lister family from Swan Event Hire and Geogina and Matt from Creative meats many thanks for your generous donations to make the night such a success!   Kidz in Sports did a great job of enetertaining the kids and had a ball hanging out with little ones they have trained over the years!  Our fabulous Canteen staff kept everyone fed and watered after the kids worked up a healthy appetite from all the sports!  Thanks Lana, Bec and Fran!  

It has been a great start to first term, thanks for taking the time to read all our P&C news.  

We are very excited to announce our P&C Budget for 2015 which was endorsed at our recent meeting. The budget was derived from the school wish list and the parent survey (conducted in term 4 2014). The main expenditure and allocation for 2015 is listed below:                                   

• $48,000.00 to complete the installation of airconditioners in our school.
• $46,000 to replace computers for student use.  (includes 1/classroom and the computer lab).
• $20,000.00 to improve the drain near the basketball courts.
• $30,000.00 for an exciting grounds revitisation project under the trees near the basketball courts.
• $5 000 for production of the Annual Banksia (Year book)
• $5,700 Learning resources for classrooms (Science, cooking, physed, literacy, numeracy)
• $2,000 for our new online unifrom shop and online canteen ordering system
• $2,400 student events (Yr 6 graduation, trophies, ribbons for sporting carnivals/events)

Thank you to parents and staff who participated in this process.  We can't wait to see these exciting projects come to fruition.

FPPS P&C set and approve the voluntary contributions in consultation with the School Board and School Administration. In 2015, the contributions are as follows:

       - Voluntary Contribution     $150 per child for full year             
      -  Infrastructure Levy           $100 per child for full year 

The contributions were set to assist the school meet the financial gap arising from funding cuts in successive government budgets and more recently with the move to a Student Centred Funding Model (where the impact is still unclear).

Whilst we are an Independent Public School and have increased flexibilities, it is still critical to ensure that the school has the funds to deliver quality programs, resources and the optimal learning environment to meet the communities’ expectations.

In 2014 over 90% of our generous school community made both the voluntary contributions.  I encourage all parents, where possible to support the school through the payment of these contributions.  They go directly to funding the budget as outlined above! 

The Early Learning Committee (ELC) works with our teachers in Kindy and Pre-Primary to raise funds to resource these classrooms.  We have  many exciting social and fundraising functions planned for 2015.

Pre-Primary and Kindy Mums Night Out:  Fashions will be shown by Et Seq Boutique. Et Seq Boutique will also be open for the evening for items to be purchased. Please come along for a fun night out. Purchase your tocket at http://www.trybooking.com/122758

Pre-Primary Playground Busy Bee is planned for early in Term 2, possibly week 2. Helpers needed for some much needed maintenance. More details to follow on a date for your diary!.

If you would like to coordinate a Kindy Maintenance Busy Bee for Term 2 please advise the ELC Committee.

Thank you to all those who have volunteered to be class reps this year.  Our ELC Committee for 2015 consists of;

• Rebecca O’Brien: Convenor
• Penelope Hickman: Secretary
• Katie Smithson: Treasurer

We are looking forward to another successful and fun year ahead.

What a great night was had by all who attended our Welcome Back Sundowner last night down at the school.  Thanks to everyone who came it was a lovely atmosphere and the perfect way to start the year!