CHAIRPERSON’S STATEMENT 2007

Our School continues to benefit from the commitment, determination and hard work of the very few people making up the current PTFA. I would like to thank them for their efforts and acknowledge that without exception that they are all working parents/members who donate their valuable time to ensure our children have a more rewarding and enjoyable experience, which can only be commended.

As a parent with a daughter in year 3 and a son who will commence reception in September, I hoped to make their school experience one that they would look back in years to come with fond memories. I remember receiving a letter inviting new PTFA members over which I pondered for several weeks until I plucked up the courage to attend my first meeting knowing no one and having no previous connection with the school.

Three years on and with a new circle of friends I continue to enjoy not only the social aspect but also the challenge of being involved with the next project and hope to do so for the foreseeable future.

During the past year our fund raising events have enabled us to provide contributions to such events as Xmas parties, school trips, to maintain the school minibus and purchase the much used playground equipment. While I apologise for the additional washing, as my mother would say ‘a dirty child is a happy child’.  However, it is evidence of the enjoyment the children are currently getting from its use - see this summary of the last year’s accounts for more information about how money has been spent.

Further benefits from the fundraising is the professional quality of the Xmas production DVDs due to the purchase of the audio and visual equipment from the previous year for which I would like to thank Christian Davies, whom I wish to add is still a committed PTFA member despite the fact that his children have long since left the school.

Although the committee has welcomed a couple of new members whose contribution has been invaluable, despite the numbers of children at the school, we still remain a very small minority group with very few parents outside the PTFA supporting meetings and events. The lack of support has lead to a reduction in fundraising idea and inevitably a reduction in the number of events held and without fresh ideas and more support unfortunately it will continue in that direction.

As a working mum I understand and sympathise with the demands currently made of parents, however, I hour a month equivalent to the omnibus of Eastenders, is all it takes to make a vast difference to our child’s experience at school. If you do not relish the idea of popping along to one of our meetings alone then jus bring a friend, not forgetting PTFA stands for. If you are unable to attend but would like to help at our fund raising event or submit ideas for future events then please let us know as any suggestions are welcome. See the list of our autumn term events overleaf.

Once again, I personally wish to thank each and every member of the committee for their support and invaluable contribution and hope along with new members that they will continue to raise not only funds but also the profile of what I believe to be a very good school in which our children can flourish.

Linda Kerr-Jones

8TH JUNE 2007

Cheslyn Hay Primary School PTFA,
Saredon Road, Cheslyn Hay, WS6 7JQ
www.cheslynhay.org.uk
Tel 01922 857080 Fax. 01922 857085
Registered Charity No. 1044518