Term 3, 2010
Tues 13 July 2010
to
Friday 17 September 2010
Useful Links
"Students practice democracy in action" on ABC
Come and See Morning Tea
Tour of classrooms, chat with parents and staff
Please be ready for a 10am start
Term 3, 2010 dates:
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Wed 18 August 2010
Thurs 9 September 2010
For more details and bookings please call 07 3378 5466
The Democratic core of BIS is reflected in the three types of clients served by our community, kids, parents and staff. The democratic spirit underpins all our decisions and is a goal to which we strive.
Kids and Democratic Responsibility
Our students have the democratic process taught to them in all three components of our curriculum Curriculum In-Brief as an essential part of their learning. Their knowledge is then enacted in a number of ways:
Students have multiple opportunities in the term to help decide on the direction of the themes that are being covered. Student input on the process of the thematic unit is imperative. Students know that specific topics must be covered so their choices must be informed and considered. On a daily basis morning meetings frequently involve some decision making and voting where issues to do with community, sharing, group responsibility and care for others emerge in the discussion. Topics like excursion, choice of resources, visiters, tuck shops and daily organization can be discussed and voted upon.
BIS Marks parliamentary sitting
Term 2 also provides students with some real life experience of the nature of representative democracy when we float our own currency and elect a government BISmarks -Community and Commerce . Depending on their level of understanding they may run for parliament or take on the important role of voter. Issues of accountability, transparency and responsibility arise as laws, taxes and rights are discussed.
Parents and Democratic Responsibility
BIS is a parent-managed school with a strong democratic heritage. The school was established by a group of passionate parents who wanted a say in the management of the school and is maintained along the same lines. Each successive generation of parents holds the school in trust for the next generation.
The parent body elects the executive members for a year long term as representatives of the parent body to maintain long term planning and to ensure adherence to Cyclical Accreditation Procedures. The executive, as the elected voice of the parent body, makes decisions over membership, enrolment, finances, health and safety, grounds and buildings, pastoral care and fundraising. Once this strategic direction is set the day-to-day management of the school remains the responsibility of the Principal/Staff coordinator, teachers and staff.
The Democratic Voice BIS is not a representative democracy, rather it is a participatory democracy. This means that contrary to our everyday experience, is not just about electing an individual to represent you and then trusting them to do the “job”. The elected official is merely your voice. To be part of the BIS democracy is to be part of a chorus of voices who all need to be heard. All members of the Association can attend the executive meetings, view the accounts and view the minutes. We ask that these requests go through the secretary to ensure that no violation of privacy occurs.
For your voice to be heard we have a number of avenues for your opinion and discussion:
Parents are encouraged to place articles in the newsletter that is emailed to all our members. If you have an idea, project or plan publish it and get some feedback.
This moderated list is our internal web based discussion list. As issues arise BIStalk becomes an excellent forum for members to participate either directly or just through keeping abreast of the daily digests. As well as discussion, this list hosts a calendar, event reminders and opportunities for organising activities outside of school time.
In term one we have a two day workshop weekend where we get to know new families, discuss our values, philosophy and democratic structure. This is a great place for strategic planning, data collection and feedback. Other workshops occur throughout the year as we ask for involvement in policy review and project development.
Once per Term a Whole Community Meeting (WCM) occurs, coinciding with a Working Bee. A representative from each family is also required to attend the WCM as these meetings cover all aspects of the school management and run for approximately 2 hours. We talk about any important issues that need to be discussed at his meeting; from budgets to philosophical changes and forward planning as well as general housekeeping.
Each April we have our AGM to elect new executive members, review the finances of the school and check on strategic direction. All members are asked to attend this event. It is an excellent opportunity to meet life members and develop an understanding of the school's history.
The Community Room is a site for project ideas to be posted, health and safety notices, general communications, family pigeonholes, coffee and tea and some comfortable couches. The parent library is also housed in this room to provide a database for external organisation that may provide you with support as well as a display of handouts and leaflets.
Participation
Parents are the lifeblood of the BIS community and a major part of Building a Community. Without the parents BIS would never have become the unique learning environment that it is. It is therefore imperative that all parents understand that their involvement at school is a requirement of enrolment. A healthy democracy depends on every family being represented at Whole Community Meetings or individuals taking on the challenge of sitting on the BIS executive.
- General Involvement
Parents help out in numerous roles — organising activities, reading with students, driving students to excursion venues, sharing their knowledge and professional skills, bringing in friends/colleagues with specialist knowledge, or providing extra emotional support. Each role is important and valuable.
The staff at BIS love having parents help out in the classrooms, art-room or library. Our younger students, in particular, benefit from having a parent supporting them at the school.
- Values Workshops
To help you understand the BIS values and how they are enacted at the school we have two workshop sessions each year to enable discussion and understanding. New parents are required to attend one of these workshops to help them understand the role that values play in school life.
- Working Bees
Each family is required to attend one working bee per term for a minimum of 4hours. These events have inside and outside jobs to be completed with a project focus for a couple of working bees per year.
Staff and Democratic Responsibility
BIS is a site for growth no matter whether you are a student, parent or staff member. The more involved you become the more opportunities for learning and love you will receive!