Minutes of Meeting

Date of Meeting: Monday 06^th November 2000, Period 3

1.      Members of the Student Council

The number of members attending this meeting was of a more appropriate number with all divisions being represented by at least one member.  It was however pointed out that some divisions are still not holding division meetings.

2.      School Uniform

Since this topic has been discussed at many meetings it was decided that some action was to be taken.  Hugo Williams has distributed a copy of a questionnaire to all year 10 and 11 divisions asking them to go back to their relevant division council and tutor groups in order to gain some views on the uniform and any proposals.

Mr. Henstock was present at the meeting and once again pointed out that the school uniform is not determined by himself but by the schools governing body as a whole.  Mr. Henstock also put forward the suggestion that a polo shirt could be worn along with a sweatshirt as part of school uniform.  A decision would have to be made regarding the logo on the polo shirt but it was suggested that the sweatshirt could contain a symbol ‘LGS’ monogram on instead of the traditional logo.  The colour of the sweatshirt would also need to be looked into but one possibility is the colour black.  Mr. Henstock also pointed out that it very unlikely that there would be no uniform at all.  The sixth form dress code is also being discussed at the Sixth Form Committee meetings.

Action: All members to take the questionnaire back to their respective division councils and return to Hugo Williams (13VW) once completed.

 3.      Catering

3.1  School Catering & Dining Area

The recently formed Catering Sub-Committee has met with the catering team and reported back at this meeting.  The following points were raised and discussed:

1.       Healthy options are becoming more available and there has been a significant increase in the amount of vegetarian options available.  This was welcomed by all members.

2.        It was pointed out that there is a pre-order system operating where students can complete a form giving details of what is required and return it to the ‘Vivas Bar’.  This can then be collected during the day.  It was said that there are many pre-order options available and that it is a convenient and fast way of collecting lunch.

3.        The subject of the cashless catering system was discussed again and it was pointed out that many people would like receipts when purchasing food and to be told how much is left on the card after each transaction.  It was then pointed out that the current computer terminals do not offer these facilities and so it may be hard to introduce.

4.        Members of the sixth form also asked if a television could be provided in the dining area for use during private study times.

5.        It is also planned that ‘£1 meals’ will be introduced where a meal can be purchased for £1.

It was also stated that overall there has been a significant improvement in the catering provided on site and that the new facilities have been of much benefit to the school.  It was recognised that there will always be ‘teething’ problems but improvements are being made.  Any complaints regarding the school catering can be reported to Debbie Hulls (Catering Manger).

Action: The Catering Sub-Committee is to continue to meet with the catering team putting across any views.

4.      Computers in Library

It was reported that the library has been donated five new computers for use during private study time for sixth formers.  However, there is a cost of around £300 needed per computer so that they can be set-up and connected to the network.  The library has enough money to set-up and network one of the computers but needs to raise the money for the other computers.  They are therefore setting up their own fundraising campaign and have asked for students to help with the fundraising.  The council agreed that the introduction of computers in the library would be of much benefit to sixth formers for private study use, however, they would need to be ‘supervised’ so that they are not be ‘misused’.  The council decided that they would fully support any action taken by the library staff and would like to get more involved.

Action: Jonathan Bugg (Secretary) to get in touch with Library Staff to find out any ideas/possible ways forward.

5.  Red Nose Day 2001

Red Nose Day will be taking place in March 2001 and Jonathan Bugg briefly introduced the fundraising event to the council.  The council agreed that it is an event which the school should support.  Ideas were suggested as to how the school could fundraise.  Ideas ranged from Karaoke, hiring of the inflatables again, non-school uniform day and to the selling of Red Noses.  It was decided that a separate committee should be introduced which could help organise and coordinate fundraising events.  This committee could then look at different ways of raising money and decide with members of staff on courses of action.  It was also decided that the fundraising efforts should be split equally between Comic Relief and CRP (Centre Rehabilitation for the Paralysed) which the school currently fundraises for.

Action: Hugo Williams and Jonathan Bugg to discuss issue with Mr. Henstock and report back at the next meeting.

6.  Year 10 Business

The year 10 representatives raised further concerns regarding school transport.  As this issue has been raised and discussed at the previous meeting it was stated that any complaints about the LS buses should be directed towards Mr. Beaumont (Bursar) while complaints about the S buses should be directed towards County Hall.  Only once these complaints have been made can any action be taken.  A suggestion was also made about the departure time of the late buses.  Some students feel that this could be put back half and hour (i.e. from 5.00pm to 5.30pm) so that students don’t miss the buses and also to give more time to students participating in sports and arts.

Action: Hugo Williams and Jonathan Bugg to look into issues regarding certain mentioned buses.

7.  Year 11 Business

Concerns were raised by year 11 students regarding the lack of information given to them about there up and coming mock exams.  It was however pointed out that a mock exam timetable was being produced and so should place students more in the picture, even though this timetable does not go into much detail.  The lack of revision classes was also raised as many of them are being held on the same evenings and so some ‘clashes’ do occur.  It was then pointed out that staff do hold these voluntarily and so some clashes may occur.

8.  Sixth Form Business

The subject of bags in Safeway was raised again but it was decided to keep this issue for the Sixth Form Committee as it mainly concerns sixth form students.  The issue of printer credits was also raised with the general feeling that the limits are set too low, especially for those studying IT and Computing courses where in some cases, especially for A-level courses, the amount of credits does not cover the quantity of coursework required.  Although the main idea of printer credits is to cut down on the misuse of the printers, it was felt that the quantity of printer credits given to students and the amount taken off for different kinds of printouts needs to be reviewed.

Action: Jonathan Bugg to talk to ICT Department.

9.  Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the student council will be held on Monday 4^th December, period 4 in the Adult Community Lounge (above reception).

Minutes by:

Jonathan Bugg (13SD)

Secretary

E-mail: studentcouncil@lineone.net - Comments, queries and questions most welcome and encouraged.

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Webmaster: Jonathan Bugg
Last Modified: 30 April 2001
LGS Student Council 2000/2001