Appeal to find new parent councillors
Call for additional members to sign up to body
Parents of pupils at Blairgowrie High School are being encouraged to think about getting involved with the work of the school’s parent council group.
The parent council supports the school in a variety of ways everything from fundraising to providing voice for parents - and is keen to increase its membership.
Last year, the parent council held a number of fundraising events and raised £2000 for school equipment and activities.
The PE department received £500 for football strips, kit bags and match balls; the music department received £200 for three mini bass guitars and amplifiers for use at the lunchtime music club; and the art department received £380 to purchase dress-making mannequins for their extremely popular fashion shows.
The parent council meets around six times a year in the school in evenings.
Meetings are open to parents, teachers, friends and supporters.
Parents say that by attending the meetings they are more informed about the school, able to question what is going on, and have a chance to have their say.
One member, Judith Pearson, said: “It is important we, as parents, question what is going on at school, and have a chance to voice our opinions.”
Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers is also a member and agrees that attending meetings is a great opportunity to influence school policy.
She added that, as a councillor, she believes her role is to “respond to issues raised by parents, pupils and staff.”
Local fitness instructor Susie Black, another member of the parent council, said: “Blairgowrie High School Parent Council aims to promote partnership between the school, its pupils, and all parent and carers.
“It also develops and takes part in activities that support the education and welfare of the pupils at the school and identifies and represents the views of parents and carers on the education provided by the school and other matters affecting the education and welfare of the pupils such as school development plans.
“The parent council excels at funding, and is a very welcoming group.
“We are always looking for the broadest spectrum of members.
“As well as regular council business, meetings include presentations on subjects such as pupil attainment and developing Scotland’s young workforce.”
Head teacher Bev Leslie added: “The parent council is a vital part of school life.
“The more parents and carers we can involve in meetings, the more likely we are to get it right for everyone’s child.
“We need to hear from you! Please consider coming along to our meetings – you will be guaranteed a warm welcome, a cuppa, and a chance to have your say about the direction of our wonderful school.”
The first parent council meeting in the new school year will be held at 6.15pm on Wednesday, August 31. The AGM is at 6.15pm on Thursday, September 15.
Both meetings take place in the staff room at the high school on Beeches Road and all parents and carers are encouraged to come along.