The meeting was chaired by Patricia Haviland and Reiko Kitano, Middle School Chairs.
1. Guest Speaker: John McCandless
John has two roles - the High School IB Co-ordinator and the Community Services Co-ordinator.
He gave a presentation to the meeting detailing the High School involvement with Community Service (CS) Projects.
The main objective of CS in AES is to help students to grow emotionally and socially as they contribute to the welfare of others.
Important aims are that the benefits are of worth to the recipients, that the students play an active rather than a passive role, that in so doing they become part of the community, that students develop caring and socially responsible attitudes and that they develop a lifetime of commitment along with a thoughtfully proactive stance towards overcoming the problems in society.
In a recent survey, over 80% HS students think CS important, with only about 60% satisfied with their current level of involvement. However, less than 40% think that CS work should be a school requirement.
Participation in CS work steadily rises throughout the HS, with highest involvement in 11/12th grade. 90% of 11th Grade had done some CS work within the last month. The main reasons cited for involvement were mainly altruistic- to improve people’s lives and to help the community. Main reason given for not participating was lack of time.
There is a range of more than ten on-going activities, ranging from the Reach Out programme to recycling club. A number of new initiatives are also underway including work with Ankur Public Charitable Trust school, Project Hope (orphanage work), the Blind Relief Organisation and Mobile Creches.
HS parents requested that parents receive more information about the CS options open to their child. John working on school web information but will also issue hard copies detailing this.
Michael Foxall outlined, by Grade, what Elementary school are doing to promote CS awareness amongst students. (Parents interested but who could not attend the meeting can obtain a hard copy from Michael).
2. Letter from the Board & Medical Guidelines
Bob Hetzel explained the Boardletter from Barbara Spaid that parents received as part of the last AES newletter. Boardmembers will be present to hear the views of parents at the next PSA meeting in February.
Bob also explained that the school will be issuing guidelines to parents on what to do in case of a medical emergency. Several parents expressed views on this, so Bob will first present a draft copy to the meeting before issuing agreed final version.
3. Next year's PSA Committee
Secretary Caroline McKay explained the role of the PSA Committee and that those who wish to be on the Committee next year can volunteer at or before the April meeting.
4. Lunch Survey
The results of the PSA lunch time survey were presented. Bob Hetzel is going to present the findings to Mr Alluwahlia and steps will be taken to implement. However, this is an on-going improvement process, so if you or your child has comments-positive or negative- on this, please e-mail AES@aes.ac.in.
5. Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Rajni Sud reported that the current balance was Rs 220,000. Rs 25,000 has been donated to each school and the aim is to keep Rs150-100,000 to pass on in reserves for next year. A Budget Meeting is to be held at 2pm February 10th to discuss allocation of funds. If anyone has suggestions they would like to be considered, please forward to Rajni, or present in person at the meeting.
6. School Reports
Elementary school:
- Gerry Sharp has requested that anyone still with knitted caps for the poor, please submit them by next Saturday.
Middle School:
- Next coffee 9am - 27th January in Hall of Peace. Topic is language in music our children listen to.
- Cocoa and caroling went well, but extra music books will need printing for next year as some disappeared.
- Teacher Appreciation lunch in April- parents requested to donate food (esp. Main courses) or failing that, money for food.
High School:
- Next coffee 5.30pm 27th January. Topic is Summer study programmes for access to elite universities.
- A survey recently went to all HS parents re: thoughts on current ex-curricula activities. Very low response rate- so if you haven’t responded please do so now!
7. Events
Sharon Lowen concert sold 130 tickets- hoping to sell more on the night.
8. Website
Website now has last year’s minutes for those who requested access.
9. Next meeting 5.30pm on February 19th. All parents/staff welcome!
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