The Friends of the School are a fundraising group that exists to benefit the children through additional curriculum items which cannot be met from the school budget.
There is also the social side for the adults. It aims to raise funds and assist the staff and children in activities.
Any parent, grandparent, guardian or friend of the children can join the Friends of the School.
Who we are
- Chair – Eleanor Wilkes
- Secretary -Alison Barker
- Treasurer – Gemma Potter
Fundraising Ventures
Thank you so much for the support you have shown to the school over the past year. It has been a difficult one, with Covid putting a halt to the usual fun events we would normally be able to hold. This has made fundraising a difficult task. With school finances being stretched to the limit due to ever changing covid situations and having the added challenges of maintaining such an old building, these additional funds have been very much needed.
Although holding virtual events has been a big change, we have all risen to the challenge and managed to collectively raise almost £10,000. We have also been lucky enough to receive grant and business donations totaling over £5,000. Taking the total raised this year to £15,000! Please see attached sheet for a breakdown of all fundraising activities.
Our main objective this year was to purchase some desperately needed IT equipment for the children. We are pleased to say we managed to achieve this and wanted to give a rundown of all the things we have been able to fund this year thanks to you:
· 30 x Chromebooks (Laptops)
· Charging trolley for the Chromebooks
· Easter chocolate treat for all the children
· School Funday – including large inflatable / bouncy castle, fun science session etc.
· Falconry / bird of prey display and sessions
· Year 6 leaver hoodies
· Year 6 leavers meal
Here is a breakdown of how we have used the funds raised this year to benefit our children and school 2021 Friends Spending Summary
Our Future Fundraising Plans
Being lucky enough to receive grant funding, we are now in the fortunate position of having some money remaining to move on to the next lot of priorities.
To complete the aim of providing new IT equipment we are now looking to purchase 30 iPads with a charge trolley. We are awaiting one final grant decision before purchasing these. Should the grant be successful we may then have enough spare to start purchasing essential new reading books. We are also hoping to carryout future fundraising activities to start purchasing some new classroom furniture and carpeting as this is in desperate need of replacement.
Help Needed
We are looking for parents/family member who works for a company that could do ‘match funding’, such as Barclays, Lloyds and Marks and Spencer. Please speak to Mrs Bruton or Mrs Brown about this.
All of this wouldn’t be possible without your help. We already have an amazing school, but coupled with our families pulling together this ensures the children get the best equipment and opportunities that we can give them.
If you would like to find out more information about the Friends of the School and support the fundraising and fun events we are planning please join our Facebook group Friends of St Michael’s RC Esh Village or contact the school for further information.
