Welcome to the Online P.T.A. Newsletter - Issue No 6 - 11/10/06
Dear Parents and Teachers,
I can’t believe where the times gone and that I haven’t produced a Newsletter since just after Easter, I think a hectic final term was had by most of the committee and I have quite a bit of updating to do! I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the parents of our new reception intake and to your first Lower Park PTA news update. I try and only bore you once a term but it’s a great way of keeping everyone informed of our activities.
Recent Events:
Plant Sale
This was, yet again, a resounding success, ably organised by Suzanne Wild with the help of Philippa Atha. We took a decision to go bigger this year and increase our leaflet drop to 13,000, mostly distributed by the Poynton Post and the event raised over £1000. My thanks go to Suzanne, the committee and the various new faces who came to help with the massive job of delivering the plants on the day. It was great to have so many new faces helping out. A huge thanks, also, to Mr. Cavanagh, who helped us enormously by making a trip to the Yorkshire Post, in Barnsley, at short notice!
Nestle Box Top vouchers
We had our first Box Top collection earlier on this year and in the Summer term Mrs. Beckett ordered £40 worth of books that are now in the library. We will collect these vouchers permanently, throughout the year, so don’t forget to tear them off those cereal boxes and post them outside Mr. Coulsons office.
Summer Fair.
What a fabulous day we all had and what a truly exceptional job my vice chair, Lesley Noone, did. Everything went like clockwork and her hard work certainly paid off, I can’t thank her & her willing team enough. The day raised a huge £2400, which is remarkable considering we took the decision to have a big arena event and create more of a show atmosphere. I think this worked really well, the ducks were adorable and if anyone has ideas or contacts for an arena event for next summer, we’d love to hear it.
My thanks to my committee for all their work, before & on the day and to all of you for your generous donations. I realise that we do ask a lot running up to a big event but without your help it wouldn’t happen. My thanks, also, to all the people who helped set up, man a stall or tidy away, we couldn’t do it without your time.
Forthcoming Events:
Family Quiz 13/10/06
This is a completely new event for the PTA, we’re very used to doing the adult Pop & Trivia quiz, which is always well attended, so now the children can join in.
Tickets are still available at the office £3.50 for Adults and £1.50 for children. This includes a pizza supper and will be a great night for everyone.
Disco 10/11/06
Another date for your diaries, the usual entertainment will be provided & more information will follow after half term.
Children’s Xmas Card 2006
This years Christmas fund raiser is individual Christmas cards. Jo Houghton has, kindly, agreed to organise this, my thanks to her for taking this on. The children have worked very hard over the last couple of weeks to finish their masterpieces and they are being printed as we speak. Every child will have a copy of their own card to keep and these will be available soon to order off.
Christmas Fair 02/12/06
Please keep this date free on your calendar, it’s always a very enjoyable day for all the family. We will be sending out detailed flyers after the half term holidays and this is when, yet again, we need as much help as possible.
100 Club:
We’ve had 5 draws since the last letter and many new winners, which is always nice to see. We’re always keen to recruit new members and it’s a quick and easy way of contributing to the P.T.A. For the new parents or for those who don’t know enough about this, we ask for a monthly donation of £2, which can be collected monthly or as a yearly amount. Every month, usually at a meeting or PTA event, we have a draw and have three cash prizes, £25, £15 & £10. Lesley Noone always has a supply of forms or you could enquire about this at the office. Our next draw will take place on Friday night at the Quiz.
Distribution of Funds:
In the summer term we donated money to lots of various things, these included a drum kit, Egypt day, entry for the cheerleading competition, a dance workshop and a donation to the year 6 committee. At our first meeting of this school year we agreed to donate money for new playground equipment and make a contribution to the fencing that will soon be put up around the perimeter of the school. The SKIDS fund has also funded the provision of typing tuition for some pupils.
Finally, our committee is ever changing and we have recently seen new people take up different roles. I feel I must acknowledge one person who has recently stepped down from the role of our Treasurer, Jo Houghton. Jo has done this role for just over 2 years and the particular role of treasurer is always unsung. Jo has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and keeping a tight grip on those purse strings. I thank her for her enormous commitment and dedication to me and the PTA.
Thanks, once again, for taking time to read this and continuing to support us. We love to see new faces at our meetings, so please try and join us, I know it can be a little daunting to just wander in but we are a friendly bunch and we welcome fresh ideas, initiatives and help. Our meetings are always published in the school weekly beacon.
You can contact me about any of the above requests on 873845, via the school office or my email to katiem8y@aol.com, anytime.