Minster C of E Primary School

We are very fortunate at our school to have a Parents' Association that is and has been such an integral part of the school community for a number of years. In its time the Parents' Association  has raised many thousands of pounds, which have been spent on improving equipment and resources to enhance our children’s education and the facilities in school in general.

But it is much, much more than just fundraising. The Parents' Association  exists to provide closer links between home and school, and it is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal. And it’s fun! Just ask any of the  helpers.

Obviously as in any organisation, there are times when it is more ‘challenging’, but with the continued support of parents and staff, the Parents' Association  has always succeeded in its efforts.

All parents and members of the school community can get involved if they want to, even if they only have a small amount of time available.

The Parents' Association  is extremely conscious of the ethos and morals of our school, and we try very hard when organising and planning events to respect this. Not all of our events are run as fundraisers; children’s discos are for fun!!

As in most schools, the majority of our funds are raised through the events that we run. Some of our most popular events are the Christmas and May Fairs, Quiz Nights, Race nights, cake days, 2p trail and Children’s Discos. We also look forward to the annual Dads Camping weekend with relish. Long may this event continue!

So you can see there is always something going on! We always try and respond to the children’s requests for events and it is truly the icing on the cake to see them having fun at the events or enjoying using a piece of new equipment that the Parents' Association has donated.

We are fortunate however to have other opportunities open to us to raise money. Donations are extremely important. These can be time, money, items for sale, donations for raffles or offers of services and skills etc.

Money Spent over last few years

• Timber Trail £8500
• Sandpit for play area £490
• Travelling Pantomime £450
• Playground equipment £101
• Classroom resources £800
• Story tellers outdoor area £3000
• Activities for Olympic Week £500
• Zoolab  £500
• Pantomime £500

And a host of other items including new notice boards and eco taps, and contributing towards the New School Hall.

There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through the Parents' Association. Offering to help before events or at other times during the year is so valuable – it really is a case of ‘many hands make light work’. It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis, or even if you can’t come into school. There are always little jobs that can be done from home if you have half an hour to spare e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets etc. We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the unseen ‘army of help’ that exists in school.

You can of course, if you feel able, come along to any meeting we are always looking for fresh faces and new ideas!  Dates of meeting are advertised in the school's weekly newsletters.