DRAFT -
General Meeting - Minutes
Wednesday 17 September 2025
Attendance:
Mia Kumar – Principal
Katherine Lye – Deputy Principal
Doris Lee - Deputy Principal
Diane Sukkar - Careers Advisor
Kara Gabbett - P&C Vice President
Bryony Mika – P&C Vice President
Isaac Kuruvilla – P&C Treasurer
Chiara Cenati - P&C Assistant Treasurer
Marnie M Noor – P&C Secretary
Attendees per sign-on register:
Linda Omar
Van Son Pham
Mete Han Akkoyun
Jackie Speak
Poh Keng Goon
Meeting Chair: Kara Gabbett
Meeting recorded by: Marnie M Noor
Apologies: Cat Rodie - P&C President, Jae Hwang - Grants Coordinator, KT Wlodarczyk - General Member
Format: In Person
Start: 7.00pm
Welcome and Introductions – Kara Gabbett
Guest Speaker - Diane Sukkar
Career Development Program
Lots covered. Mainly:-
Outlined BGHS Career Development Program focused on employment readiness and goal setting, aligned with the Australian Blueprint for Career Development.Please see link.
Year 10 program includes 20 lessons over 12 months, integrating excursions, guest speakers, and virtual work experiences.
Less than 20% of Year 10 students have firm post-school plans; pathways refined after ATAR release.
Work experience not compulsory due to many students already employed part-time.
Please see link.
Principal’s Report - Mia Kumar
Lots happened:
AI and Academic Integrity
New school-wide policy for Years 10–12 implemented successfully, with only one minor breach since rollout.
Canteen & Student Behaviour
Prefects now assist with distributing pre-ordered lunches, improving queue management. Bollards and clearer lines installed to ease congestion.
Buses & Cleanliness
Eating banned on school-owned buses following litter issues.
Safety & Police Support
Students and staff worked closely with police to address a recent incident; safety awareness and cooperation remain strong.
Year 9 Focus Groups
Over 60 students provided valuable feedback to improve engagement and wellbeing; results show positive progress.
Respectful Relationships Education
BGHS is the only all-girls school in the national pilot; full rollout planned for 2026 to promote healthy and respectful relationships.
Training & Professional Learning
Staff completed annual CPR and anaphylaxis refresher training.
Key Events:
Field Study Day ran successfully despite poor weather.
2026 School Captains (Julia, Amanda & Claire) inducted.
Wests Scholarships awarded to 15 students; Art Faculty received $2,500 prize.
Wear It Purple, SASS Week, In Bloom Dance Showcase, RUOK Day, and Big Night Out all well attended and celebrated inclusion and community.
Murals funded by P&C to be completed by year-end.
Student Achievements
Matilda (Para Fencing World Cup – Indonesia), Linda (Youth Chess Championship – Albania), Amelia (CHS 100m).
Facilities & Projects
School plans to convert area near music room into volleyball and handball courts (~$50K project); DoE support available if needed.
Band & Music Program
Instrument purchases confirmed (saxophone, tuba, cello, oboe, etc.). Discussion on improving BEP financial transparency to ensure accountability, and event frequency.
Please see link.
Presidents Report – Kara Gabbett for and on behalf of Cat Rodie
There is no President’s Report.
Adoption of minutes from previous general meeting (20 August 2025) - see link.
1. Kara Gabbett
2. Bryony Mika
Treasurer’s Report - Issac Kuruvilla
Balance in interest-bearing savings account stands at about $95,500.00.
Current account is standing about $10,500.00.
Please see link.
General Business:
Grants update - Kara Gabbett for and on behalf of Jae Hwang
There is no update on the Grants.
Music Committee update - Bryony Mika
Big Night Out
Strong volunteer turnout for Big Night Out.
Excellent student MC and stage crew.
Suggestion to publicly thank volunteers and donors during future events.
Uniforms - Marnie M Noor
There is no update with regard to uniforms.
P&C funded parent webinars update - Kara Gabbett for and on behalf of Cat Rodie
There is no update with regard to parent webinars.
Actions arising from previous meeting
1. “Wishlist”/Monetary funding to support programs/events/student-led initiatives
Funding Support
School welcomes P&C assistance for equity and excellence initiatives; no specific requests currently.
Duke of Edinburgh Equipment
Replacement of tents and backpacks under review.
Action: P&C to consider funding once details confirmed.
Library Craft Supplies
Donations of spare wool encouraged.
Action: Bryony Mika to coordinate collection.
Music Financials
Addressed under Principal’s Report.
2. Request for Music Program Costs and Financials/Statements
Item discussed above.
AOB
School Toilets - Jennifer Moore
Proposal to explore fundraising for improvements; condition to be reviewed first.
2. 2026 Fundraising Events - Jennifer Moore
Low volunteer capacity and limited past returns noted.
No events planned yet for 2026; to be revisited by Cat Rodie and P&C.
Motions to be voted on at the next meeting
Volleyball Posts Installation - Mia Kumar
Motion : “That BGHS P&C allocate and pay $3,673.36 to BGHS towards the cost of supply and installation of 2 volleyball posts with net and flat post padding.”
Motion will be passed at the next meeting.
Lighting for Band Ensemble Program - Mia Kumar / Andy Del Riccio
Motion : “That BGHS P&C allocate and pay $1,968.00 to BGHS/BGHS BEP towards the cost of purchase of 2 “stage” lighting (Chauvet DJ 4Bar HEX ILS).”
Motion will be passed at the next meeting.
Meeting Closed: 8.45pm
Next Meeting: 19 November 2025