ABOUT KINMA

THE KINMA COMMUNITY

Organisation at Kinma

Parents provide administrative assistance with day-to-day activities, provision of equipment, fundraising and such things as repairs and maintenance. Thus it is expected that in one way or another, parents will be involved in these activities at some stage.

The School Council

The School Council administers the school and comprises up to eight parents from the parent body, the Coordinator and two community representatives (outsiders who are interested in education/administration). Council members are happy to discuss any questions you have regarding administration, any complaints or suggestions.

The elections are held in March each year and all parents are eligible to nominate and vote. Because the Council administers all aspects of the school, parents are encouraged to get to know how Council works and when election time comes around, to place an informed vote.

School Council meetings are open to parents to attend.

Teachers at Kinma

Although the school depends on parents, teachers are our most important asset. Teachers at Kinma are carefully selected. We are fortunate to have a team of well-qualified, talented and energetic teachers who are dedicated to their profession and enjoy working with children.

School Administrator

The Administrator is appointed by the School Council to deal with the administration of the school; to oversee staff; to coordinate in-service training and to work on all matters pertaining to the smooth running of the school.

Parents at Kinma

It is basic to Kinma's philosophy and day-to-day operation that home and school environment are compatible and that parents are aware of and involved in their child's education. Parents vary in the amount of knowledge they possess concerning Kinma, but all parents require some orientation in this unique programme and a continuing contact to maintain awareness, because Kinma is an evolving environment.

There are several Committees made up of parents at the school, to ensure its smooth running. These are:

  • Education Committee
  • Environment & Maintenance Committee
  • Fundraising Committee
  • Publicity & Promotions Committee

Others are formed from time-to-time as the need arises. All parents are invited to join or assist these Committees. Please give your support to the Committees in which you are interested. (Just phone the appropriate Council or Committee member for details.)

Education Committee

The Education Committee is the only Committee of Council which appears in the Articles of Association and comprises the Coordinator (who is the Chair), two teacher representatives (one from the preschool and one from the infants/primary) and two parents (elected from and by the parent representatives of Council).

The Education Committee is responsible for assisting the Coordinator and teaching staff to plan curriculum; record and evaluate procedures; discussing ideas put forward to it from teachers, advisers and parents; reviewing applications for enrolment. This Committee also assists the Coordinator and teaching staff to translate the Aims and Objectives of the school into sound educational practice.

Parents are able to attend Education Committee meetings except when discussion of a confidential nature regarding staff or children is to take place.

Environment & Maintenance Committee

We try to keep fees as low as possible and naturally the more maintenance and improvement work done by parents the better. To keep the school an attractive and safe place, it is vital for parents to give a small amount of their time for this work. E&M work includes work done on the school grounds, outside equipment, the shell of the buildings, and some types of classroom assistance. In addition each term there is a rostered commitment to help prepare your child's classroom for the following term.

Fundraising

This committee initiates and coordinates events at the school. We try not to raise too much money via the parents, but a Kinma function is always fun and good value as an outing for the family.

This committee is also responsible for other means of raising funds such as raffles.

Publicity & Promotions

Publicity & Promotions committee organises newspaper advertising and editorials. It takes responsibility for producing all publicity leaflets and display boards and maintaining the Kinma website. This committee also works closely with the Fundraising committee to promote Kinma events.

Concerns

It is the responsibility of all members of Kinma to communicate educational concerns by the following procedures: first contact is to be with the teacher involved; should there still be concern, the Coordinator is to be consulted; the matter may be taken further through Education Committee to Council.

Parent Education Nights

These are held each term and take the form of discussion nights or talks on a variety of topics of interest to parents and the community; some educational, some general. These nights offer parents, staff and other interested people, an opportunity for learning and discussing issues in an informal social setting.