Thumbs Up For PTA Non-Uniform Day

The non-uniform days we organise are a huge hit with the children juniors and infants alike. For a mere donation of a bottle (wine, spirits, bubble bath, etc) from each Junior school pupil and chocolates from the infants to our Christmas Fair tombola they were able to attend school without wearing their uniforms. Parents were pestered to ensure they took something so they could shed their 'dreaded' uniforms for the day! A selection of pupils from Year 2 posed for the cameras (see above) giving the 'thumbs up' in support (Well nearly all a couple got their thumbs upside down by accident, so they said).

The response was great and a big thank you goes out to all those parents who ensured their children arrived with a donation. We will now have a very well stocked chocolate and bottle tombola at the forthcoming Christmas Fair on Friday 5th December.

Design a Christmas Card project raises nearly £70

The arrival of pupil inspired Christmas Cards brought joy to children and parents alike and it a was great for them to see their designs become reality. Despite the limited amount of time (forced upon us due to the deadline set by the card manufacturers. Ed.) the Design a Christmas card fund-raiser had a very good response with about 50 children sending in designs to be produced as Christmas cards. There was a variety of designs and it shone through that a lot of effort had been put in and it was great to see their designs go from the ‘drawing board’ to the finished article. Plus those receiving them will really appreciate an ‘in-house’ family production! You can click on the picture above of an example of a Christmas Card design and it also shows that on the reverse side the card has raised funds for St. Francis PTA.

As with everything the PTA does it wouldn't have been possible but for the project being taken on by a committee member on this occasion it was Nicola Smith (Current PTA Treasurer) who happily took the job on again this year. It is voluntary and Nicola fitted in to her (limited) spare time. When we asked Nicola what she liked about it she said 'It's fun to do and i enjoy it especially seeing the different designs that came through. I'm already looking forward to next year and hopefully the popularity of the project will increase.' This is another enjoyable fund raising event as it involves the children and they have fun and the school benefits as well. Many thanks must go to all parents who supported the project and purchased Christmas Cards to help benefit the PTA funds by £70.

You Shop - The Children Benefit

Many of you out there will soon be preparing to do your Christmas shopping and if current trends are anything to go by you'll be doing your shopping from the comfort of your home. On line shopping is becoming a more convenient and in some cases a cheaper way of buying goods. Courtesy of a site called 'The Giving Machine' our funds will receive a donation every time you make a purchase with one of over 200 on line retailers which include eBay, WHSmiths, Halfords, British Airways, Currys, etc that are signed up to 'The Giving Machine'.

All you need to do is register at http://www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/ which takes seconds, only requires your name, email address and your ready to donate to the school. With one extra click whilst shopping on line our children will directly benefit. It really is easy to use (It is I've signed up. Ed) and St. Francis School is now registered so you can choose us a beneficiary and help boost our funds.

An Enjoyable Fireworks Night Raises Nearly £330

The PTA funds were given a nice boost on a cool November night and all present witnessed an excellent fireworks display made up of the fireworks donated on the night. The ever popular spud pie was again well received lovingly prepared by some of your PTA Committee members a big thank you must go to Mrs. Smalley for her help in this. When it was announced there was seconds most people didn't decline.

People tucking into the their spud pie prior to the firework display can be seen above. One little boy seen on the right particularly enjoyed his seconds! The fireworks were a variety with plenty of the ever popular rockets. Once the display was over many people warmed themselves up with Mrs. Thomas's mulled wine! Again an enjoyable night for children and parents alike and and more funds raised to help the children.

Remember, remember it's the St. Francis C. of E. PTA Fireworks Display

This coming Thursday will be the Annual St. Francis C. of E. School PTA Firework night held at the school itself. A very popular and hugely enjoyable evening in the PTA's Fund Raising calendar. A big turn out is expected and hopefully the weather will be kind to us. Last years saw a variety of fireworks and brought praise from those who attended.

The doors open @ 6pm and entrance is a donation of £2-50 and £1-50 for children and please bring along a firework or two to donate. The more fireworks that are brought the better the display will be! Please note no sparklers are allowed. There is a choice of a hot supper or hot dogs (While stocks last!) which is included in the entrance fee. We will also be serving tea, coffee and mulled wine along with soft drinks, crisps and sweets.

We sincerely hope you will join us because as well as raising funds to help the children you will enjoy a great family night out. Be assured it is a well run and safe event which we have held for many years.