FRIENDS OF ST JOSEPH'S

Why do we have a PTA?

Friends of St. Joseph's (FOSJ) have been an integral part of the school community for many years and every penny raised is spent to enhance our children’s education experience and the school’s facilities. Our PTA however, is about much more than simply fundraising! It exists to provide closer links between home and school and is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal. It is fun too - just ask any of the Committee members or our many valued helpers. All parents and members of the school community are encouraged to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available. All families are automatically members of the PTA when their child joins our school. The PTA is extremely conscious of the welcoming and inclusive ethos of our school, and we try very hard when organising and planning events to respect this. Not all of our activities are run as fundraisers. For example, we supply all children with ice poles on Sports Day, and events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Mother's and Father's Day make no money but are hugely enjoyed by the children.

Role of the Committee

Our PTA committee consists of three Officers: Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

The Committee meet once a term, with smaller working groups meeting as necessary when we are planning larger events.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Our Annual General Meeting provides an opportunity for all parents to come along and hear in more detail about the work of the PTA, the events we have run, the funds we have raised and how the money has been spent. It is also the occasion when we elect our new committee members and class representatives.

Class Representatives

Class representatives undertake a very important role. Each class is made up of one or two representatives who provide a link between individual classes and parents and the PTA committee. The support from class representatives is vital when it comes to organising our main events from selling tickets to organising rotas of help. If you are interested in acting as a class representative, please talk to a member of the Committee.

How we raise money

Like most PTAs, the majority of our funds are raised through the events that we run. Donations from parents are extremely important. You can donate time, money, items for sale, raffle prizes and auction lots or offers of services and skills that your profession may bring incl. contacts.

How we spend the money we raise

Following a fundraising event the money is banked straight away. It is at our PTA Committee meetings, in Consultation with the school, that the decisions on how to spend the money are agreed. The PTA funds are spent on the ‘extras’ that are not provided by the school’s budget, thus making our children’s learning experiences so much more fulfilling and exciting.

How you can get involved

There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through the PTA. Offering to help before events or at other times during the year, is so valuable. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis, or even if you cannot come into the school. There are always jobs that can be done from home if you have an hour spare e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets etc. We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the ‘behind-the-scenes’ help we receive. If you would like to be more involved you can volunteer to become a Committee Member or you can simply support the AGM and give us your ideas for fundraising events. This is also the time to ask questions or voice your opinion.

Staying in touch

We also have a Friends of St. Joseph’s Facebook Group, which all members of the school community are welcome to join:

On behalf of all the pupils, we would like to thank you for your very valuable support, which enriches their learning experience and makes their time in school so enjoyable.

With warmest Regards,

Your FOSJ Committee