The Parents, Carers and Teachers Association
(PTA)
NEW PTA
At the last meeting of the Parents, Carers and Teachers Association (PTA) on Monday, 14th May, the new constitution was voted in unanimously. A new committee was also elected (Mute Brownlee, Kailash Cooke, Jane Dewar, Michele Goldie, Deirdre Hill and Kevin White), and the office bearers are as follows: Chairperson – Mute Brownlee, Treasurer – Michele Goldie, Acting Secretary – Deirdre Hill. The next meeting will be on Monday, 2nd July 2007, at 8pm in the Eurythmy Room, all welcome! For more information and/or suggestions contact Mute Brownlee on (0131) 447 5314 or email: mute.b@blueyonder.co.ukPlease click below to download:
Among the special aspects of a Steiner school is the strong social environment that is provided by parents working together to support the educational work. The PTA represents the parent/carer body of the school and grew out of a commitment to this:
"The healthy social life is found
when in the mirror of each human soul
the whole community finds its reflection,
and when in the community the virtue
of each one is living" (Rudolf Steiner)
What is the PTA?
A forum for parents to discuss, share and learn about all aspects of the
school. The PTA is at present not an elected body but constituted of parents
who wish to contribute some time and energy to the well being of the school
in this way. As a parent or carer of a child at the school, you are warmly
invited to attend meetings and become an active member. Class convenors
need to attend meetings whenever possible, so that all classes are represented.
The PTA meets about once every month during term time.
What is the role and purpose of the PTA?
The main purpose of the PTA is to enhance a sense of community within the
school and to encourage open communication amongst and between parents teachers,
pupils and trustees, inspired by a shared understanding of the values underpinning
Steiner-Waldorf education.
What does the PTA do?
Examples of activities in which the PTA may be involved include: Sharing
ideas; Supporting new parents; Supporting new and existing staff; Organising
social and fund-raising events; Discussing and mediating issues of concern;
Acting as a channel of communication between parents and other members of
the community.
How does the PTA contribute to the school?
Through the activities outlined above, the PTA can make an active contribution
to the life and work of the school. Furthermore, the PTA can contribute
items to be included on the agenda for meetings of the Management Group
and the College of Teachers, thus making a real contribution to the future
development of the school. We're hoping to establish regular meetings with
the trustees as well.
Past achievements and contributions:
? Open surgery with the Chair of the College of Teachers
? Establishing regular parental interviews with a member from the Management
Group
? Welcoming and integrating new parents
? Organising talks on topical issue for parents
? After School Clubs and activities
? PTA Newsletter
How can you become involved?
Come to a meeting! Meetings are advertised in the weekly newsletter (Tuesday
Notice). We also intend to make this information available on the on the
school’s website at http://www.steinerweb.org.uk
Other areas and issues
As a parent or carer with one or more children at the school it is important
that you keep in touch and feel that your contributions are valued and your
concerns are heard. We encourage you to approach school staff directly where
possible, but if you feel you would rather talk to another parent first
then you can contact any of the current active members of the PTA. Below
we have listed some of the main points of contact in the school and the
areas covered:
Class Teacher/Guardian: class curriculum matters; class conduct/behaviour
Class Convenor: updated class lists; telephone tree messages; organise refreshments at parents’ evenings; support teacher when requested; discuss issues/activities with teachers; attend and contribute to PTA
College of Teachers: whole school curriculum matters; school ethos; any other whole school issues
Bursar: financial matters
The following members invite you to contact them for further information or other issues related to the school:
Terry Mullen, Ali Haden, Kailash Cooke, Iddo Oberski. Please get our phone number from the school office.
The PTA has an online discussion board, where you can find minutes of meetings, announcements and other interesting items. Please sign up at www.smartgroups.com and then email Iddo (idob@uwclub.net) for an invitation to join the PTA online forum.
Parents, Carers and Teachers Association
ERSS
60 Spylaw Road
Edinburgh EH10 5BR
Tel 0131-3373410
Fax 0131-5386066
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