Thank you to everyone that has supported the PTFA events and general fundraising initiatives during the 2017/18 school year, together we have raised £9,250! This is an incredible achievement and is a giant step towards completing the ‘major projects’ goals, as well as paying for a few smaller things along the way.

Gardening Club

The Gardening Club has been a great success and our green-fingered children have had great fun transforming the grounds at both sites, as well as growing most of the plants and vegetables that have been on sale since the Summer Fayre. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm continue throughout the term. We are putting-together a ‘watering rota’ to ensure the children’s hard work is maintained during the holidays.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Suzanne Orlando for her phenomenal commitment to the Gardening Club, without her, this initiative would not have happened. Suzanne has worked tirelessly to plan the sessions every Monday and Thursday since Easter. I would also like to thank Mrs McKenzie, who has helped us on a Monday, along with Emma, Fran and Jane who helped on a Thursday.

We will run the Gardening Club from September until October half-term and then again from the Spring. Further details will be available when we return for the new school year.

Clothing Recycling Banks coming soon!

We are on the waiting list for a Clothing Recycling Bank at both sites, which will hopefully be delivered during September/October. The Recycling Banks will be permanently in place, replacing the Bags2School collections. If you are having a clear out of clothes, shoes and bed linen over the Summer holidays, it would be great if you could keep store them until the Recycling Banks are in place. Clothes must be of wearable quality and clean, shoes in pairs and clean usable bed linen.

There’s always work to be done…

During the holidays I will be planning the Christmas Market, researching large play equipment for Akeley, applying for grants and pushing forward with the playground extension at Chackmore. If anyone would like to help out, please let me know at stjamesstjohn.ptfa@gmail.com.

On a personal note, I would like to thank all of the fantastic children and parents that have a real passion and enthusiasm for our school. You have made my first year as PTFA Chairperson all the more worthwhile.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Summer.