Here are some of the ways we have worked to make Pipalyatjara School a good place for children to learn. . .
Planning for 1998
The AEWs and teachers met one Wednesday afternoon to talk about the way we should go next year. The meeting listed some of the good things that have happened in the School this year and last.Then the meeting listed some of the things that we would like to see next year and in the future.
Mr Russell and the teachers will take these ideas and put as many as possible in the budget for next year. When this plan is finished it will be discussed by the School Council. If they agree then it will be passed as our Budget for 1998.
New Trees
Mark Burden our grounds- person has been working very hard, planting many new trees and laying dripper lines to water them. The children have been adopting a tree to look after. The children have made name tags for their tree. They have had their photos taken with their tree. Next year we will take some more photos to see how much the trees and the children have grown.Community Meeting about Attendance
Kids are not coming to school. So on Wednesday, October 22nd, Alec Minutjukur, from the Education Council, visited Pipalyatjara to talk to the community, AEWs, teachers and children about the importance of coming to school. Teachers showed the community some anonymous work examples of good attenders and bad attenders so they could see the difference that coming to school makes. Kunmanara Watson also spoke in Pitjantjatjara so everyone could understand what people were saying. Parents and community members were asked to answer two questions.How can the community help? How can the school help?
Vanessa, the school secretary recorded the minutes in English. She did a very good job of translating what people were saying into English writing.
Some of the ideas that were suggested:
AEWs should come to school every day to help the teachers.
Children stay home if they are teased. If AEWs were at school every day then they could help stop any teasing.
Some children are coming home and saying the teacher sent them home. They might not be telling the truth. Parents should bring them back to school.
Co-ordinating Principal visits
This term the Acting Co-ordinating Principal, George Hewitson, visited Pipalyatjara School. He was pleased to see everyone who was at school working very hard. He said the children who were at school were learning well. This was good to hear that we are doing our jobs properly.Final Assembly and Concert
On the last day of school we will be having a special assembly and concert. Awards will be given out and all the classes will present an item. All community members will be welcome. Look for the notices in the community.Budget Decisions
At a final meeting of Staff and AEWs the following items were among those that we have decided to spend money on next year.More trees and Grounds work
Outdoor seats and shade
Musical instruments
More Computers
Camping equipment
More Videos and books for the Library
School Uniforms