meeting+notes+13.7.2011

On this page we will post the edited notes taken from a Skype chat meeting between Ant, Alyson and Val on 13.7.2011 so that everyone can see the topics discussed and the ideas shared. The original 'script' from the meeting is in the doc at the bottom of the page. The notes below are a synthesis of ideas from our discussion.

KOALA meeting 13.7.2011
Call Started 8:06 PM

1. Website – Regarding the website. We have had a generous offer of help from a past KOALA awards attendee. Maxine’s daughter, Maddison created some webpage activities for the K website several years ago and she has offered to help with revamping the K website. Even if the future of K is not clear, it is certain that the website needs revamping. We will ask Maxine to look at the website and make suggestions on how it can be improved. We need interactive content. Adding interactive software such as blogs, etc would be a bonus. However, a blog requires a manager. Val is unsure if the current headings and layout can be changed. We should also include a teachers’ page with ideas on how to embed K into the school / public library program. It could include outcomes, lessons, book rap, etc. At present Manjit & Anne are collating notes on how they are incorporating KOALA in their program; it will be the foundation of a SCAN article. Maxine said she would help update website - but KOALA committee would have to provide copy so it still needs our support.

2. Dymocks: Alyson is waiting to hear from Analiese about possible connection to Book Bank project that has Dymocks, PRC and schools in the Western suburbs working together to improve children's reading outcomes through choice. Val notes that the PRC in NSW doesn't automatically include childrens choice as is done in VIC with Yabba. Dymocks will possibly be more interested in a national childrens award so we should point the NSW issue out to Dymocks. Analiese is excited about KOALA and would like a story from us at least but we hope to build a stronger partnership than that if we can. Annalise can put us in touch with the right people.

This discussion led to a conversation about asking publishers and book sellers to put a link to our website from theirs. In our discussion with Dymocks about the Book Bank we will ask this question about their website.

Further to the website discussion we are wondering about the ideas raised early this year (or maybe late last) about the possibility of developing an interactive mode on our website. We know children like that more so we will ask Maxine to consider that as she reviews out site to prepare advice for future design. If we add interaction it needs some one to monitor and update.

3. Structure of KOALA for the future? Membership – Will we continue to charge a membership fee? Would it be better to offer free membership to KOALA but charge a cost for attending the awards? Should we consider selling tickets to the awards? Payment could be made by direct deposit into the K account. We need to decide on this, this year for 2012.

4. Powerhouse Arts Centre – Antonina will visit the venue within the next 3 weeks to assess what spaces are available for lunch, author signing. Will take photos to share with committee. Also talk to chef about a lunch menu. Val to send Ant the list of requirements for awards day eg. Projector, tables etc.

5. Awards Day – Val suggested we link each school with an author/illustrator. (A/I).This will be chosen randomly by pulling names from a ‘hat’. Schools attending will be asked to design and make a birthday hat for their author/illustrator to wear. Inform A/I they will be wearing a hat for a photo. Photos to be taken with individual schools prior to book signing. Check on suitable space for photos. Schools will ask their A/I a question. Needs to be a time limit. Suggestion: ‘In 50 words or less, tell us something significant in your life or in the world when you were 25’. Ask committee members for their suggestions/ thoughts.

6. Book Donations – Ant has received one package from Black Dog Books. May need to nudge other publishers.

7. Online Voting – update from Val there is a problem with schools access for online voting as DET can not access all survey formats. We need to find a that can be used by all schools? We will ask someone in DET or a member school to trial some. We also need to check that DET schools can access the KOALA site so we plan to send an email to DET school and ask them to do a test for us of the KOALA website access on DET computers

8.Promoting KOALA - Ant spoke to Louise Pfanner and Liselle from Gleebooks last week. Perhaps they’d like to assist somehow? We could send posters to all the bookshops that specialise in children's books - (check back page of magpies for addresses). Kay has the posters.

9. Membership – Currently we have approx 43 members. Up slightly from last year. Val has been in contact with Judy Ridge about inviting local schools to the awards. Ant will send an invitation to TLs in Catholic schools in Liverpool LGA offering them free membership and an invitation to read the shortlisted books and vote. Invitation extended to awards day as well.

10. Online Nominations - we need to acknowledge the winners from online nominations. They had to justify why they were nominating their chosen book for the shortlist. Four winners were chosen (but need to choose another 6 as newsletter said we would award 10 prizes. We will contact Kris for the list or check the Google Docs. If can’t access, Val will send as a spreadsheet ). Winners are on record and can be emailed to committee. Ten children to receive personally signed book from shortlisted authors.

11. Links to CBCA – we have not followed up on the idea from last year to make a bid to CBCA to have a formal connection. Alyson wrote the middle part of the bid. It still needs the KOALA mission and some reasons why it makes sense for CBCA to align with KOALA. Alyson will work on one page bid and then send to committee / post on wiki for comment. Val will contact the CBCA NSW president Denise Cramsie re a meeting to discuss cross promotion. When she attended the awards last year she was interested in the concept.

12. More on AWARDS DAY – Val will check for any Hall of Fame inductions as well as create a list for possible Legends. Perhaps Leigh Hobbs may attend this year?

13. Keeping committee members in the loop – Everyone is busy, making attendance to meetings difficult. We decided to set up a wiki for the committee members to stay in touch, make suggestions, volunteer to carry out jobs, etc. Alyson agreed to set it up for us. The wiki will be public so no libelous comments. Alyson created wiki during meeting and invited committee members to join.

Call ended 9.47pm



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