We are pleased to publish the meeting minutes from the F.O.G.S AGM held last week.

Date: January 11, 2007
Time: 8:30 am

Attendees

I. Opening Remarks

•    Archna and Cindy welcomed parents to the AGM and stated purpose of F.O.G.S and the meeting.
•    The reason for the formality of the current format of F.O.G.S is to establish proper channels of communication and discussion.
•    Thirteen parents sent in their ballot accepting the current F.O.G.S Executive Committee members. The next election will be held in January 2011.

II. Fundraising

•    Archna said that FOGS would like to identify 3 projects to focus efforts on. She asked parents to think about fundraising and event ideas for this year and next year to discuss at the next meeting.
•    Cindy talked about the bake sale in December 2009 where a total of 1930 AED was raised. The student council was very helpful in executing the successful sale.  Cindy motioned to donate 300AED to the student council to help them raise funds for school bleachers. Archna second the motion.
•    Sadhana talked about a fundraising meeting she attended last month. At the meeting, ideas for fundraising were discussed such as bake sales, a family fun day and a raffle draw. Archna suggested holding more bake sales and a flea market.
•    Archna proposed March 5 or 6 for the flea market depending on availability. Sadhana suggested holding the flea market in the hallway at The Market.
•    Christine also suggested holding the flea market in the hallway at The Market because that location gets a lot of foot traffic by those who may not necessarily come to school.
•    Cindy suggested ideas for funds raised at events such as a friendship bench for the playground, murals for the outside of the school walls, additional playground equipment and costumes for plays. Archna added other ideas such as doing a poetry slam and parents quiz night. Both members said that funds at these events should be used to enhance the school experience.
•    Alinah suggested selling chair bags and old uniforms for fundraising. She also mentioned holding a craft sale where parents can make unique crafts, rent a table and sell their goods to the school community. A member mentioned last year tables were rented at 50AED per table. A suggestion was made to increase the price per table for this year.
•    Susie suggested washing, ironing and organising used uniforms and hanging them on a rack possibly in Louise's room to sell and raise funds. This rack will be there all year round. Susie, Alinah, Klaar and Louise will organise this project.
•    A general lost and found sale was also suggested.
•    Clive mentioned that in the new building, there may be space for a dedicated F.O.G.S room.
•    A suggestion was made for a toy and book drive. Archna said that would be a good idea for the flea market.
•    Nasreen suggested holding bake sales every month with a different grade hosting the bake sale each month.
•    Archna mentioned that the fundraising committee should be in charge of bake sales.
•    The date for the next bake sale was proposed for February 11, 2010.
•    Sadhana suggested January 18, 2010 for the next fundraising committee meeting.
•    Monica asked for dates of events in order to make flyers and other communication materials for upcoming events. Cindy suggested using the F.O.G.S board as well to post information on upcoming events.
•    Archna stressed that upcoming dates and times for fundraising events must be set up well in advance. The F.O.G.S board must be updated constantly.

III. Introduction of  EC members

•    All EC members introduced themselves.
•    Leslie was unable to attend due to a prior engagement.
•    Clive asked attendees to fill out the volunteer form so a database of volunteers can be created.
•    Nasreen suggested splitting up the task of Home Room Parent Coordinator by MYP and PYP groups.
•    Christine and Elizabeth volunteered to help Roaya with being the HRPC.
•    Christine suggested that the HRPC's be responsible for informing and updating home room parents about what happens at the F.O.G.S meetings.
•    Archna discussed dates for the monthly meetings. Times and dates will be posted on the F.O.G.S board. Cindy and Archna mentioned that these meetings are open and all are invited to attend.
•    Archna said that an email address for F.O.G.S has been set up for those who would like to make suggestions for fundraising activities, ideas, etc. The address is fogs@gcschool.ae.
•    Brad mentioned that F.O.G.S meetings are not just for fundraising. F.O.G.S is here to foster communication between parents and school and to come up with ideas such as youth evenings where kids can come to enjoy music, activities, games, work experience opportunities for kids, etc. F.O.G.S is a forum to discuss all activities going on at school.
•    Brad said that agendas for upcoming meeting will be made available to parents so they can decide whether they want to attend. He mentioned that the agendas should be purposeful and meetings should adhere to a schedule.
•    Susie reinforced that parents should read the weekly updates sent every Thursday and that all information regarding school is in the update.
•    Brad said that any issue that is not F.O.G.S related should be addressed to him.

IV. International Day

•    International Day will be on March 24, 2010.
•    Naima said that communication for the event has to start well in advance.
•    Cindy asked for volunteers for the International day committee. Barbara, Mette and Naima volunteered to be on the committee.
•    Barbara talked about last year’s International day. There were booths set up for food; there was a parade and dances. Anything that represents the country should be displayed.
•    Ideas for how to get parents to sign up for countries was discussed.
•    It was mentioned that teachers should be asked to help participate and coordinate International day.
•    Archna suggested in order to escape the heat, using the classrooms as individual countries. Parents can decorate and display their countries culture inside the room.
•    The International day committee meeting will be held on January 20, 2010 at 8:30am
•    Hiba suggested holding a toy drive. She volunteered to work with Ben Van Rooyen on charity issues
•    Susie mentioned that Ben should be the liaison for all charity donations.
•    Clive mentioned that Taaleem is going through the process of finding a new head teacher for the school.
•    Mirjam suggested creating a parent group for those who have kids with special needs.
•    Hiba suggested that F.O.G.S should talk to parents from last years group to gain feedback and input on events and activities held during the year.
•    Archna asked that attendees check the minutes posted on the F.O.G.S board to make sure everyone’s contact information is correct.
•    Archna thanked everyone for attending.
•    Meeting adjourned at 9:45am

CONTACT INFORMATION