Friends of Preston Grange
Welcome to our school!
Hello! and a very warm welcome to our school.
‘Friends of Preston Grange’ are a group of volunteer parents and carers who meet regularly to organise events and stalls within school. The money we raise goes towards buying equipment for school, whether that be donating money towards the school’s tipi, snacks for the school panto, leaving presents for year 6 children, or book bags for our new starters. All of these things help enhance our children’s learning and school environment. We aim to enhance the children’s experience at school in the hope that they leave school with lovely memories. We help to fund the annual pantomime trip, which is always eagerly anticipated.
We realise that starting a new school can be very nerve-wracking for parents and carers as well as the new children. We are a network of support and family is at the forefront of our minds. Friends of Preston Grange play an important part in school life. We have put together a little bit of information about us and how you can get involved.
Every parent, grandparent, carer and friend is a member of ‘Friends of Preston Grange’ when they join our school. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available.
How we raise money
The majority of our funds that we raise are through stalls and events that we run throughout the school year. Some of our more popular events are-
- Valentines disco
- Hallowe’en disco
- Family coffee morning
- Family Clubbercise classes
On 29th June 2019, we are holding our first Table Top Summer Fair with refreshments and children’s entertainment.
As you can see there is always something going on. We always try and respond to the children’s requests; it is great to see them having fun at the discos or using a new piece of equipment.
We raise money in other ways too. Donations from parents are extremely important. You can donate time, money, items for raffles/tombolas or by making things to sell at our stalls.
How we spend the money we raise
Following a fundraising event, the money is banked straight away. At our committee meetings, we discuss how we would like to spend the money we have raised.
Usually Mrs Taylor will have a ‘wish list’ of items that the school would like us to consider funding. Recently, the children requested an outside reading tipi.
Other times we will spend the money on resources to improve a particular area of the curriculum. The funds are spent on the ‘extras’ that are not able to be covered by the school budget, thus making our children’s learning experiences so much more fulfilling.
We always endeavour to spend our funds on ways that will benefit all our children across the whole school. The money we raise is usually spent quickly. That way, you can be sure that by supporting our school, your child/ren will feel the benefit, along with everyone else.
How can you get involved?
There are lots of ways you can help support your child through the ‘Friends of Preston Grange.’
Offering to help before, during or after an event is so valuable. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis we appreciate any time given. If you are unable to come into school we often need jobs doing that can be done at home. We really couldn’t achieve what we do if it wasn’t for all the time and effort put in behind the scenes.
If you have a lot more time to offer why not come along regularly to our meetings and become a committee member. These meetings are great for getting to know other parents whilst discussing ideas/ planning for future events.
Key people
Within our committee, we have four key people. Why not come and say hello or have a chat with us about how you can get involved.
Lisa Short- Chairwoman
Hi, I’m Lisa and I have two children. Lucie who is nine and in year 4 and Aaron who is four and will be starting Reception in September 2019. I live on Preston Grange and just love Preston Grange Primary School, the community and friends I’ve gained from it. I am very proud to have been asked to be the chair of Friends of Preston Grange and enjoy being part of all the events we arrange.
Emma Williamson- Secretary
Hi, I’m Emma and I have three children: Ashton who is in year 5, Amie who is in year 3 and Aaron who will be starting Reception in September 2019. After years of working in schools and within education, I noticed the importance of groups such as ‘Friends of Preston Grange.’ Having a bit more time on my hands, I decided to help out and I love meeting and getting to know new people.
Natalie Clark- Secretary
Hi, I’m Natalie and I have two children. I have Anna who is in year 5 and Ben who is in Reception. I have a vast amount of experience working in schools and nursery management. My children have loved school and I noticed the importance of the ‘Friends of Preston Grange’.
Gail Bell- Treasurer
Hi, I’m Gail. I have two children: James who is in year 5 and Matthew who is in year 1. I am currently studying Accountancy, so I decided it was a perfect opportunity to put myself forward as the Treasurer. It is lovely to be part of the events and stalls that Friends of Preston Grange arrange.
Why not join our group on Facebook? We regularly put updates on there, discuss ideas and ask for help for events.
Our group on Facebook is called ‘Friends of Preston Grange’
We look forward to seeing you soon
Friends of Preston Grange