MEETINGS: 3rd November - 19th December 2008
| 3rd November 2008 | Full governors Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies * To elect a Chair * To elect a Vice Chair * To consider pecuniary interests * To receive and approve minutes of previous meeting (30th June 2008) * To consider matters arising from those minutes * To consider any items of urgent business * To receive list of correspondence received * To receive and consider reports from committees : Holmes Chapel & District Community Partnership (HCDCP) (Previously our EIP), Finance, Curriculum & Staffing, Pastoral, Premises, Liaison (ex Joint Use) * To decide membership of the following committees: HCDCP, Finance, Curriculum & Staffing, Pastoral, Premises, Liaison (ex Joint Use), Student Disciplinary, Student Disciplinary (Appeals) * To agree an Admissions Policy for 2009/2010 admissions * To receive and consider the Chairman’s Report * To receive and consider the Headteacher’s Report * To receive and consider the Group Director’s Report * To consider the membership of the Governing Body * To agree the process for setting targets for 2010 * To confirm date and time of next meeting * |
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| 6th November 2008 | Chairs’ Meeting with Head |
| SUMMARY : | |
| 13th November 2008 | Year 11 Parents Evening |
| 17th November 2008 | Premises Meeting |
| AGENDA : | |
| 24th November 2008 | Finance Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : | |
| 27th November 2008 | Year 12 Parents Evening |
| 1st December 2008 | Curriculum & Staffing Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : | |
| 11th December 2008 | Year 10 Parents Evening |
| 16th December 2008 | A Level Presentation Evening |
| 22nd December 2008 | - 2nd January 2009 : CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY |
| PLEASE NOTE | Minutes of Committee Meetings are available for inspection at school. |
Filed by admin on October 28th, 2008 under Committee Meetings | Comment now »
MEETINGS: 1st September - 24th October 2008
| 2nd September 2008 | Chairs’ Meeting with Head |
| SUMMARY : * Appointments + Process for appointing Assistant Head * Results * Key Issues for the year - Secondary specialism - EIP - East Cheshire Consortium (Congleton Six) - Partnership with Edge Hill - Foundation Status * Access to Learning and School - Letter to Parents * | |
| 15th September 2008 | Premises Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies * Disclosure of Interests * Minutes of previous meeting (9th June 2008) * Matters Arising * Site Manager’s Report (Summer Work) * Premises Action Plan * Lottery Bid * Health and Safety Report - Fire Service Visit - Alarm Monitoring * Disability Equality Scheme * Display Energy Certificate * Cleaning * A.O.B. | |
| 29th September 2008 | Curriculum & Staffing Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies * Declaration of interests * Minutes of previous meeting (16th June 2008) * Matters arising * Decision on second specialism * Report on Faculty Self Review from Humanities * Visit by School Improvement Partner to Business Studies and English Faculties * Items of Urgent Business * School Roll Update (standing item) * Analysis of summer 2008 exam results * Curriculum update * | |
| 6th October 2008 | Finance Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies * Declarations of Interest * Minutes of previous meeting (12th May 2008) * Matters arising * Budget 2008-2009 * Oracle – Update * EIP – Update * Implications of Foundation Status * Finance and Future Projects * | |
| 13th October 2008 | Pastoral Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for Absence * Minutes of previous meeting (23rd June 2008) * Matters Arising * Declarations of Interest * PDC Day * School Nurse/Injections/Drop in * Pastoral Prefects * Student Voice * Safety on line * | |
| 16th October 2008 | 6th Form Open Evening |
| 23rd October 2008 | Y13 Parents Evening |
| 24th October 2008 | - 3rd November 2008 : HALF TERM |
| PLEASE NOTE | Minutes of Committee Meetings are available for inspection at school. |
Filed by admin on September 5th, 2008 under Committee Meetings | Comment now »
MEETINGS: 2nd June - 18th July 2008
| 26th May 2008 | - 23rd May 2008 : HALF TERM |
| 2nd June 2008 | Chairs Meeting with Head |
| 9th June 2008 | Premises Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies * Disclosure of Interests * Minutes of previous meeting (4th February 2008) * Joint Use Transfer of Control * Site Manager’s Report + Actions * Summary of work carried out this year * Response to request from Finance Committee * Five Year Action Plan update * Action Plan to end of Summer Vacation * Disability Access * Cleaning * | |
| 16th June 2008 | Curriculum & Staffing Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies * Declaration of interests * Minutes of previous meeting (25th February 2008) * Matters arising from the previous meeting * Items of Urgent Business * School Roll Update (standing item) * Arrangements for Faculty Self Review * Update from Faculty link Governors (standing item) * Second Specialism Update (standing item) * Foundation Status * VLE update * Curriculum update * | |
| 17th June 2008 | Y 6 Parents Welcome |
| 23rd June 2008 | Pastoral Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for Absence * Minutes of Previous meeting (10th March 2008) * Matters Arising * Declarations of Interest * Report from SENCO * Structure of Inclusion * Anti bullying * Uniform * Sixth Form Leadership Team * School Council * Enrichment Day * Feedback from Chairs * Year 6 Induction * A.O.B * | |
| 30th June 2008 | Full Governors Meeting |
| AGENDA : | |
| 3rd July 2008 | Y 5 Open Evening |
| 9th July 2008 | Rock Festival |
| 15th July 2008 | Summer Music Concert |
| 18th July 2008 | - September 2008 : SUMMER HOLIDAY |
| PLEASE NOTE | Minutes of Committee Meetings are available for inspection at school. |
Filed by admin on June 23rd, 2008 under Committee Meetings | Comment now »
MEETINGS: 7th April - 23rd May 2008
| 21st March 2008 | - 4th April 2008 : EASTER HOLIDAY |
| 10th April 2008 | Year 7 Parents Evening |
| 15th/16th April | Evening of Dance |
| 29th April 2008 | Chairs Meeting with Head |
| SUMMARY : * Director of Education’s Report - Taking the Chair Course, LGR Status (email to be circulated), Oracle database decision required, Regulations regarding SIP visits dicussed * Update on Deputy Head Interviews * Update on Foundation Status * EIP (education Improvemener Partnership) and Student Councils discussed * Uniform discussed * | |
| 12th May 2008 | Finance Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for absence * Declarations of Interest * Minutes of last meeting (3rd March 2008) * Matters arising * Budget 2007-2008 update * Budget 2008-2009 * Oracle * EIP * Single Status and Performance Progression * Finance and Future Projects * | |
| 19th May 2008 | Full Governors Meeting |
| AGENDA : * | |
| 26th May 2008 | - 1st June 2008 : HALF TERM |
| PLEASE NOTE | Minutes of Committee Meetings are available for inspection at school. |
Filed by admin on May 12th, 2008 under Committee Meetings | Comment now »
FOUNDATION STATUS - request for comment from stakeholders
The Governing Body is seriously considering whether Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School should become a foundation school and has decided to consult all stakeholders over the issue. Below is a letter, sent to parents this week, giving more information about the implications of the change and asking for stakeholders views.
The issue will be discussed at the next Full Governors Meeting on 17th March 2008. Any stakeholder wishing to comment should do so prior to this meeting. Thank you.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Dear Parents,
FOUNDATION STATUS FOR HOLMES CHAPEL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
As you know, the Government is keen to encourage more successful schools to apply for ‘Foundation Status’. Governors at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School are attracted by this prospect and seek your views about this matter.
Foundation Status gives a school increased autonomy to determine its own future and to meet the particular needs and aspirations of its students and its local community. Governors at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School agree with the Department for Children, Schools and Families that the people best-placed to decide how the school should develop and to influence its key policies are its stakeholders: parents, staff, members of the local community and the school’s partners and supporters. In Foundation Schools, Governing Bodies typically comprise more of these people and fewer political or Local Authority appointees. At Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School we are fortunate to have Local Authority representatives who are extremely committed to the School. If we become a Foundation School, some of these may remain in office as ‘Community’ governors and we would seek to elect some additonal community and parent-governors.
As a Foundation School, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School would retain the existing links with other local schools and entitlement to the same involvement in Local Authority activities and decision-making processes as at present. The Headteacher would continue to be an active member of the Local Association of Secondary Headteachers. We appreciate that the Local Authority has the interests of its students at heart. However, it has to direct its resources primarily towards schools and target-groups which rarely, if ever, include ours and that it has to adopt policies which suit the Authority as a whole. We would seek to tailor our policies to the needs and aspirations of our individual school partners and community. The Local Authority is happy to discuss with us possible transitional and business arrangements.
We have undertaken considerable research into this matter and believe that, as parents, you should have the opportunity to find out more and to have your say.
The key reasons for the Government’s policy in respect of Foundation Schools and our Governing Bodies’ interest, relate to:
| o | Maintaining stability within the school for the future in a time-of-change | |
| o | A greater sense of ownership and influence by parents, staff, governors and friends of | |
| the School | ||
| o | Increased ability to determine the future of the School, with increased responsibility | |
| and accountability for the Governing Body: | ||
| - As the staff’s employer | ||
| - As the School’s admissions authority | ||
| - As the owner of school buildings and premises – in a stronger position to ensure that | ||
| necessary maintenance and capital developments are carried out | ||
| o | The opportunity to network with other Foundation Schools throughout the country, which | |
| tend to be – like our school – popular, successful, high-achieving and committed to continuous improvement. | ||
The Chair of Governors and the headteacher, Mr Oliver will be holding an information meeting as detailed below. Parents are welcome to attend.
Wednesday 12th March 2008 at 7:30 pm in the Blue Room.
You may wish to view the web-site of the Foundation & Aided Schools’ Association
www.fasna.org.uk for further information. If you wish to use our ICT facilities to do so, please contact Roz Sunderland.
If you have any comments on this matter, please respond in writing to Roz Sunderland, clerk to the Governing Body by 12 o’clock on 17th March 2008. The Governing Body will meet on this date to consider responses and to decide about continuing the process.
Thank you in advance for your interest in this important matter.
Yours sincerely
Mr D Oliver Mrs J Beard
Headteacher Chair of Governors
Filed by admin on February 9th, 2008 under Information | Comment now »
MEETINGS: 18th February - 21st March 2008
| 11th February 2008 | - 17th February 2008 : HALF TERM HOLIDAY |
| 25th February 2008 | Curriculum & Staffing Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for Absence * Declaration of Interests * Minutes of previous meeting (03-Dec-07) * Matters arising from previous meeting * Items of Urgent Business: Study Leave * School Roll Update (standing item) * Presentations from Faculties: English, P.E.* Update from Faculty link Governors (standing item) * Second Specialism Update (standing item) * Foundation Status: process to work with County Personnel to address issues * Curriculum update | |
| 26th February 2008 | Year 8 Parents Evening |
| 3rd March 2008 | Chairs Meeting with Head |
| SUMMARY : * Personnel matters were discussed * Arrangements for recruitment and the selection process were agreed | |
| 3rd March 2008 | Finance Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for Absence * Declarations of Interests * Minutes of previous meeting (28-Jan-08) * Matters arising from previous meeting * Budget 2007-2008 * Finance and Future Projects : Telephone System, Move to Foundation Status & Conversion to Cheque Book School, Future considerations for Joint Use, To formulate a process to handle Education Improvement Partnership (EIP) Funding, Proposed hand over of Holmes Chapel Minibus, Zibonele – transfer of funds * Building Funds | |
| 10th March 2008 | Pastoral Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for Absence * Minutes of previous meeting (14-Jan-08) * Matters Arising from previous meeting * Declarations of Interests * SENCO * Enrichment Day * Inclusion Cluster Day * Uniform * Visits * Inclusion Hub | |
| 12th March 2008 | Year 8 Parents Evening |
| 17th March 2008 | Full Governors Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for Absence * To receive and approve minutes of previous meeting (05-Nov-07) * To consider matters arising from those minutes * To consider any items of urgent business * To consider Pecuniary Interests * To receive list of correspondence received by the Chairman since the last meeting * To receive and consider reports from committees: Finance, Curriculum & Staffing, Pastoral, Premises * To receive and consider the Chairman’s Report * To receive and consider the Headteacher’s Report * To receive and consider the Group Director’s Report: School Uniform, The Use of Force to Control or Restrain Pupils, Cheshire Curriculum Team, Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary Capital Programme, The New Secondary Curriculum, 14-19 Latest, The Common Assessment Framework and Contact Point, Financial Management Standards in Schools, Annual Consultation on Admission Arrangements, Transforming Learning Communities, The Education and Inspections Act 2006: Abolition of the School Organisation Committee and New Local Arrangements, Appointment of School Governor Representatives to give advice on School Reorganisation Proposals * Foundation Status * Future of Leisure Centre * Education Improvement Partnership (EIP) * Collaboration with other local secondary schools (“Congleton Six”) * A.O.B. | |
| 21st March 2008 | - 4th April 2008 : EASTER HOLIDAY |
| PLEASE NOTE | Minutes of Committee Meetings are available for inspection at school. |
Filed by admin on February 9th, 2008 under Committee Meetings | Comment now »
Catharine Dunn 1952 - 2008
On Saturday afternoon (26.1.08) Mrs Dunn, a long serving, much loved teacher at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, passed away while surrounded by members of her close family in a local hospice.
Mrs Dunn had been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, which is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease which attacks the upper and lower motor neurones, which, in non-scientific terms means that the nerves in her body weren’t working properly. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. It was her breathing that eventually let her down, which is why she died.
Mrs Dunn found that she had Motor Neurone Disease a little over a year ago and since then she has been doing everything she could to overcome the effects of the disease. She has been incredibly brave and always positive and optimistic, despite all the incredible difficulties the disease caused her. Throughout her illness her mind remained as sharp as ever.
Her husband, Andrew, has also been very dedicated and extremely brave through the long ordeal. Our thoughts are with him and the rest of the family at this tragic time.
Mrs Dunn has been a long serving and dedicated teacher at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School since September 1991 (17 years) and in numerous other schools since 1973 (35 years).
While at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School she has been:
• A teacher of RE, History, Geography and English
• Head of RE
• Head of Year.
In all these roles she was outstandingly successful and contributed to the learning of thousands of students. In the role of Head of Year she was at her most effective. She had a superb mix of firmness and fairness, tirelessly dedicating her time to care for the students in her year. She has been described by colleagues as the most caring person they have known.
We mourn her loss and send our condolences to her family, but also celebrate what she brought to our school community and all who were touched by her selflessness, dedication and care.
We do not as yet know what the arrangements for the funeral and tributes will be, but, since many of her colleagues would like to pay their last respects, it is highly likely that we will have to make special arrangements on that day, including amalgamation of classes and setting work in the absence of teachers. We will of course keep you informed when we know more.
Filed by admin on January 28th, 2008 under Information | Comment now »
MEETINGS: 7th January - 8th February 2008
| 24th December 2007 | - 4th January 2008 : CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY |
| 10th January 2008 | Year 9 Parents Evening |
| 14th January 2008 | Pastoral Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for absence * Minutes of previous meeting (29th October 2007) * Matters Arising * Declarations of Interest * Enrichment Day 14th December 2007 * Menai Residential * A.O.B | |
| 22nd January 2008> | Chairs Meeting with Head |
| SUMMARY : * Issues arising from long term absence of staff member * Discussion on Director of Education’s Report * Changes to Committee agendas * Current status of Joint Use * Impact of Unitary Cheshires and TLC * Information on collaboration agreements with other East Cheshire schools * Progress on Foundation Status * Appointment of Head of Arts * Decision on Second Specialism | |
| 22nd January 2008 | Year 10 Parents Evening |
| 28th January 2008 | Finance Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for absence * Declarations of Interest * Minutes of last meeting (26th November 2007) * Matters arising * Finance and Future Projects - Telephone System * Items of Other Business – Zibonele, transfer of funds – Clawback - Funding Issues concerning long term staff absence * Budget 2007-2008 * Single Status * Building Funds | |
| 29th January 2008 | Foundation Status Meeting |
| Richard Barnard from the Foundation & Aided Schools National Association (FASNA) is coming in to talk to the group of Governors who have been looking into the possibility of HCCS becoming a trust school. He is coming in on Tuesday 29th January at 4.30 p.m. and if anyone is interested in coming to the meeting, please let Roz know. Depending on numbers, the meeting will be held in the Community Learning Room. | |
| 4th February 2008 | Premises Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : * Apologies for absence* Disclosure of Interests * Minutes of previous meeting (19th November 2007) * Site Manager’s Report * Joint use/Transfer of Control (discussion item) * Action Plan update * Health and Safety Report * Local elections * Cleaning * A.O.B. | |
| 7th February 2008 | Year 13 Parents Evening |
| 11th February 2008 | - 17th February 2008 : HALF TERM HOLIDAY |
| PLEASE NOTE | Minutes of Committee Meetings are available for inspection at school. |
Filed by admin on January 8th, 2008 under Committee Meetings | Comment now »
NAME CHANGE: Premises Committee
After a lengthy debate, it was agreed at the recent meeting of that Committee, that the Committee formerly known as the Buildings & Accomodation Committee will in future be known as the Premises Committee.
Apologies for the wordy nature of the above sentence, but it is a little difficult to convey the information in any other manner. This is, of course, ironic considering that the purpose of the name change was to simplify the name of the committee. Enough said!
Rod Cameron
Blog Editor
Filed by admin on November 27th, 2007 under Information | Comment now »
MEETINGS: 29th October - 21st December 2007
| 22nd October 2007 | - 26th October 2007 : HALF TERM |
| 29th October 2007 | Pastoral Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : Apologies for Absence * Minutes of previous meeting (25th June 2007) * Matters Arising * Declarations of Interest * Inclusion Hub * OFSTED * Holiday Discount * Learning Support staff update * Governors need CAF * CP Lead * Uniform (Coats) * Enrichment Day/Citizenship * Director’s Report Update | |
| 1st November 2007 | Year 13 Parents Evening |
| 5th November 2007 | Full Governors Meeting |
| AGENDA : Apologies * To elect a Chair * To elect a Vice Chair * To consider pecuniary interests * To receive and approve minutes of previous meeting (9th July 2007) * To consider matters arising from those minutes * To consider any items of urgent business * To receive list of correspondence received by the Chairman since the last meeting * To receive and consider reports from committees: Finance, Curriculum & Staffing, Pastoral, Premises, Liaison (ex Joint Use) * To decide membership of the following committees: Finance, Curriculum & Staffing, Pastoral, Premises, Liaison (ex Joint Use), Student Disciplinary, Student Disciplinary (Appeals) * To receive and consider the Chairman’s Report * To receive and consider the Headteacher’s Report * To receive and consider the Group Director’s Report * To consider the election of a Community Governor * To agree the process for setting targets for 2008 | |
| 19th November 2007 | Premises Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : Apologies * Disclosure of Interests * Election of Chair * Minutes of previous meeting (Monday 17th September 2007) * To determine the future name of the committee * Site Manager’s Report * Cleaning * 5 Year Plan * A.O.B. | |
| 22nd November 2007 | Year 11 Parents Evening |
| 26th November 2007 | Finance Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : Apologies for absence * To elect a chair * Declarations of Interest * Minutes of last meeting (1st October 2007) * Matters arising * Finance & Future Projects - Telephone System * Items of Urgent Business: Resignation of a member of staff, Zibonele * Budget 2007-2008 * To determine the most effective way to avoid clawback * Single Status and Performance Progression * Building Funds * Proposed additional meeting of Finance Committee (28th January 2008) | |
| 29th November 2007 | GCSE Presentations Evening |
| 3rd December 2007 | Curriculum & Staffing Committee Meeting |
| AGENDA : Apologies * To elect a Chair * Declaration of interests * Minutes of previous meeting (24th September 2007) * Matters arising from the previous meeting * School Roll Update (standing item) * Presentations from Faculties: Science, Social Science * Update from Faculty link Governors * Performance Management Implementation * Curriculum update | |
| 4th December 2007 | Year 12 Parents Evening |
| 13th December 2007 | Year 9 Options Evening |
| 17th December 2007 | A Level Presentations Evening |
| 17th December 2007 | - 19th December 2007 : Production |
| 24th December 2007 | - 4th January 2008 : CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY |
| PLEASE NOTE | Minutes of Committee Meetings are available for inspection at school. |