A strong supportive Parent Council can make such a difference, not only do they provide additional resources but in fostering a real sense of community and shared investment in the children’s experiences. Their dedication is invaluable in supporting enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom.

Glass Primary Parent Council Meeting Agenda

Date: 28th January 2026

Time: 5pm

1. Welcome & Apologies

Catriona Skene (Chairperson)

Charlotte Lewtas (Secretary)

Hilary Wilkinson (Treasurer)

Trish McLellan (Head Teacher)

Zoe Siddall

Petra Pennington

Hayley Potter

Christopher Bridle (Acting head)

Cheryl Bremner

Apologies

Logan Skene

Andrew Lewtas

Mathew Potter

Jamie Wilkinson

Kathy Gordon

Barry Cranna

2. Approval of Previous Minutes

Approved by: Cheryl Bremner

Seconded by: Petra Pennington

3. Matters Arising / Updates from Previous Meeting

3.1.  School Bus Drop-Off/Collection Point – Completed

Further discussion took place regarding the possibility of creating a designated disabled parking bay and allowing the school bus to stop closer to the main entrance.

3.2.  Ramp – Ongoing

Mrs McLellan has requested the installation of a ramp at the playground entrance, along with a temporary emergency solution until the permanent ramp is in place. To complete the work properly, the inner door must be removed and replaced with a wider fire-rated door. Current budget limitations are affecting the feasibility and timing of this project.

3.3.  PVG Updates – Completed

The Parent Council is PVG’d, along with activity volunteers.  Anyone without a PVG through the PC will NOT be able to participate in activities involving children that are organised by the Parent Council or volunteer within the school.

3.4.  Accessible Picnic Benches – Ongoing

MGM Timber currently offers the best price, but they are unable to confirm that the benches meet BS EN1174 standards therefore we cannot purchase the item as it must meet this as a minimum.  Mrs McLellan has been asked to provide a procurement list to the PC to ascertain approved suppliers of inclusive picnic benches.

4. School Update / Headteacher’s Report

4.1. Staffing Updates

•   Mr Bridle has accepted the role of Acting Head Teacher for two days per week which is fixed until July 2026.

•   Miss Hay, who was on placement at the school, has now left after making a very positive contribution to all, especially with her focus on science.

4.2. Coffee and Catch-Up Update

•   During school closure days, all pupils will now be able to access iPads using the logins and passwords added to their reading diaries. Parents seeking help with apps can contact any member of Glass School staff.

•   Training for teachers and parents will be arranged on how to use Google Classroom, as SeeSaw has not been an available platform for 4 years.

•   Additional PSA support is currently unavailable. Discussions will continue around parents volunteering to assist with reading and other tasks. Mrs McLellan to create a schedule.

•   Joint school trips with Cairney will continue, with the Nordic Ski Centre confirmed for March.

•   Pupils have requested the return of campfire sessions once the weather improves. This will support outdoor learning, and the school now has waterproof dungarees available for use.

•   Plans are being explored to support children’s metaskills development by inviting parents to speak about their careers.  This will compliment the further introduction of play based skills to develop transferable life skills for pupils.

•   More outdoor clean-up days have been requested as a joint venture between the school, parents and the community.

•   Number 30 Cinema is no longer financially viable due to costs and safeguarding concerns linked to sharing the venue with other community groups. Aurora Productions may be considered instead, with PVG’d Parent Council members accompanying pupils. Petra Pennington and Hilary Wilkinson discuss with Seethru Productions in Glass about potential workshop opportunities and lead on any outcomes.

•   Other cinema options include Elgin Playhouse (more affordable with bus travel and snacks) or the small cinema in Inverurie.

4.3. Christmas Nativity Feedback

Parents and local residents continue to enjoy holding the Christmas show in Glass Church, as it allows more villagers and grandparents to attend. Funds raised through raffles and donations help support the community. Some feedback suggested, after the children’s performance, that the songs sung by the audience and songs that are familiar to the children so they can also join in.

5. Treasurer’s Report

• Interim report presented.

• Main expenditure continues to be transport costs.

• Halloween party raised £204.

• An Easter party is being considered as a future fundraising event – a member of the PC to lead on the organisation of the event is to be confirmed.

6. Key Discussion Items

6.1 Upcoming Events and Activities

•   Plan and organise an Easter party – lead to be confirmed.

•   Restart the Gardening Club in 2026, moving sessions to Fridays to increase volunteer availability. The aim is to refurbish the teepee and grow sweet peas through netting. Charlotte and Hayley to devise a schedule for PC to sign up to support.

•   Invermarkie Estate’s manager will donate a new planter for the school entrance– Mrs McLellan arranging for the pupils to make a thank you card. Pupils will design and send a thank-you card.

•   Petra Pennington will organise grass-head craft sessions – she will arrange a date with the school to come and do this.

•   Cheryl Bremner has booked a school photo shoot for 8 August 2026 – £10 booking fee plus 30% commission will be donated to the school.

7. Any Other Business (AOB)

Funding Targets and Plans

•   An application of £2,000 has been submitted to the Cairnie Glass Community Trust for the 2026–2027 period to support the cost of transport for school trips for both school and nursery. The board will meet in February to make a decision.

•   The current broken play frame will be removed by the end of April. Catriona Skene contacted four approved play equipment providers; three conducted site visits, resulting in two quotes (one over budget).

•   The proposed new play area fits within the existing footprint and includes four pieces of inclusive play equipment: a swing set, seesaw, roundabout (all with additional straps), and a trampoline.

•   The new swing would sit beside the existing one.

•   Estimated cost: approximately £18,500 plus VAT.

•   Two Funding applications have been completed by Catriona Skene which are both administered through Foundation Scotland.  Both funds are pending.  Updates will be provided when available.

•   Trish will email Ms Matthews to confirm whether Glass Nursery will remain open in order to keep the staff and parents informed.

8. Date of Next Meeting

To be held during the second week of term or arranged via a parent poll on Facebook. Charlotte Lewtas will provide a Teams or Zoom link for anyone who wishes to join the meeting remotely.