COMMUNITY THE PTFA SECRETARY


Polly, mum to two children, aged 6 and 8 years old. She is also starting work one day a week in an admin role at the school from September.


What did you do to get involved in your school? The school is relatively new having only opened in 2014. So there are only five year groups at the moment. We had to form a PTFA from scratch which involved a huge amount of effort for the first few years. We started with a cake sale to 15 pupils and their families, which raised £100. Since then I have participated in a sponsored half marathon, a 25 mile sponsored walk and every event we have put on – be it the Summer/Christmas Fair or our Glow Disco.


THE EVENT HELPER


Chloe lives in North Kingston and is a mum to three children – a five year old and twin one year olds. She works four days a week as a sales manager for a property developer as well as her parental responsibilities.


I am the first to volunteer for any weekend activities. I have made props for the Santa’s Grotto as well as wrapping the presents.


28 What was the role and


why did it appeal to you? As Secretary of the PTFA, I take the minutes at meetings, correspond with parents, the school and outside organisations. I also run the PTFA’s social media accounts. As one of the original families at the school, I wanted to get involved. So far we have funded a climbing frame and climbing wall, sporting equipment, gardening equipment, books for the library and other resources.


What experience or skill


did you bring to the role? I didn’t have any experience of being part of a PTFA but just wanted to help. I brought organisational skills, drive and passion for the children and their school.


How much time did it take? It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort. Being a full time mum means I do have some hours during the day.


What did you do to get


involved in your school? Changing library books or maths packs was out of the question for me, as my twin boys would have run riot! So I am the first to volunteer for any weekend activities. I have made props for the Santa’s Grotto as well as wrapping the presents. For the summer fair I made a ‘splat the rat’ game and helped with setting up and clearing up on the day.


What was the role and


why did it appeal to you? I have always wanted to be an active part of my daughter’s school life. I like the fact that our Headmaster is specific about what the money will be used for. For example, funds from our summer fair is buying new interactive screens.


There is a strong sense of community and I’m grateful to all the PTFA and volunteers who make it possible. No matter how small their part, everyone can get involved.


What did you get out of it? I’ve made some amazing friendships and taken part in sponsored events that I wouldn’t otherwise have. There is a strong sense of community and I’m grateful to all the PTFA and volunteers who make it possible. No matter how small their part, everyone can get involved.


Ultimately we have raised a good amount of money for the children. It has been great to feel that you’ve really achieved something when you see the children enjoying all the things that the PTFA has given to the school.


What experience or skill


did you bring to the role? None at all. I am quite creative, so enjoy making things. I try to make sure that anything I make is hard wearing and can be used in the future rather than a one off.


How much time did it take? A few evenings with a glass of wine and a paint brush in hand! I think some parents get put off as they think it will take too much time or they won’t do it well enough. In reality, any help is gratefully recieved.


What did you get out of it? It has been very sociable and a great way to meet other mums. I have felt part of the school, as well as the community. Most of all I have enjoyed it.


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