Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
May I add my welcome to that of the respective Chairpersons of Board and PTA. My job this evening is primarily to thank those responsible for the generation of the healthy bank balance you have seen on the account sheets.
During the year much of the result of the hard work of the PTA is invisible. Equipment is purchased, school events supported, trips sponsored, but it is only at this time, once a year, that we can take stock and fully appreciate the huge difference that the PTA makes to our school. The evidence is all around us, from better IT equipment to DVD players and television monitors. These items are expensive and, in the present difficult financial times, money certainly doesn’t grow on trees. PTA funds are accrued through the hard work and dedication of a relatively small group of parents and teachers, supported by a much larger group of parents and friends who are, thankfully, happy to support initiatives through their attendance and their spending.
The manner in which funds have been raised this year has changed, indeed some PTA events such as the curriculum open days, raise no money at all. I am sure that you will agree with me that this new direction, where PTA works with school to make the learning process more accessible and better understood by parents, is a welcome one. The committee has organised new events, for example the painting workshop and exhibition, alongside traditional favourites such as the fete and quiz night. The Privilege Club Card scheme continues to operate and if you are not yet a member please do sign up later to take advantage of the benefits.
The energy for all of this comes from the PTA committee and I would like to thank all members for all of their hard work during the course of the year. I am delighted that so many have elected to stand again as committee members. The association officers have been led by Mrs Berlouis, association Chair, and we owe thanks to Mrs Bloss for her work as secretary and Mr Pandya for serving as treasurer.
Remaining members, both teachers and parents, have given up a great deal of time to the planning and mounting of events and bringing ideas to fruition. Special mention should be made of Mr Gold, whose traumatic experiences at the fete barbeque may have left him emotionally scarred, but which contributed to SR1500 of revenue.
It simply remains for me to encourage any of you who are considering standing for the PTA committee to do so. It is a worthwhile and, at times highly enjoyable way of supporting the students at the school. Even when it gets a little stressful it is good to know that you can rely on fellow committee members to share the work load. The PTA converts energy and ideas into funds that are for the sole benefit of the children at the school. I urge you, regardless of whether you become a committee member or not, to continue to support the work of the association in whatever way that you can.
Thank you.
Martin Kennedy
(Head Teacher)
