Volunteer Appreciation A parent who gets as good as she gives! P
arents are often the unsung heroes at a school, volunteering their time and talents
to make sure their children, and all students, have the very best educational experience. BHS is no different, with a wide array of parents who actively participate in making BHS better.
Katie (Cooper) Berry ’93, P’24, ’26, ’31 is one such parent. Katie ran the School’s Primary PTA for five years, organising and running activities and events that enhance the School and its community with, as she is quick to point out, a huge amount of help from other like-minded parents.
In 2018, Katie was awarded the Francis Tucker Zuill Award at the annual Alumni Association AGM, for outstanding service to the School. This honour means Katie will carry the Torch past alumni at the Torch Ceremony this year.
Clearly community-minded, Katie also works with the Bermuda National Trust on their Architectural Heritage Series, researching Bermuda’s oldest homes and is the Chair of the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation board.
And when she does find time for herself? “I love to read, learn new things, spend time with friends, go to the beach and cook.” Here, Torchbearer gets to know more about one of BHS’s many parent volunteers.
Torchbearer: When did you join the PTA and why did you want to become involved? Katie Berry: I did not set out to join the PTA as I was not sure it was something I wanted to do! I had a false sense of what it meant. I started by just saying yes to helping in different ways I could - baking, donating, driving; the little things that pop up regularly. Then, in 2009, they were looking for someone to manage the Halloween Fair and I volunteered with a team of my friends and it went from there.
TB: What are the core functions and objectives of the BHS PTA? KB: The primary function of the PTA is fundraising. Through the many events we do, the PTA provides funds for the School to purchase things which the teachers believe will make the learning experience better. We are also in the “business” of fun-raising and providing opportunities for BHS families to spend time together and for the girls to have fun events to
22 Torchbearer Spring 2018
School friends: Katie Berry ‘93, P’24, ‘26, ‘31 (left) with one of her fellow parent volunteers and “great friend”, Lisa Spencer-Arscott P’24, ‘27 (right). Katie says friendships are one of the best part of the PTA.
build memories with their friends. This all contributes to the BHS community and the girls feeling part of something special.
TB: What are some of the initiatives you have been involved with? KB: A lot of what I have tried to do with the PTA is provide a blueprint, of sorts, for each event so they function more smoothly and are easier for people to take on. With all these things, it is a work in progress and there is always room for improvement! I have also worked hard to support the school with their fundraising for the new Innovation Centre. The Gala two years ago was lots of fun to help with, and it is a fantastic way to help raise money for Financial Aid at the school.
TB: Which is your favourite PTA event or activity, and why? KB: It has to be Bingo Night. It is such a fun family event and I love watching the excitement as the girls wait to see who has won the American Girl of the Year in the mini-raffle! I adore working with Eddie Gladwin P’25 and Flora Goodall ‘96, P’27 and previously with my great friends Claire Burnard P’24, PTA Chair, and Lisa Spencer Arscott P’24, ’27.
TB: If you could give three reasons to join the PTA what would they be? KB: 1. Your girls - when you are involved your girls notice and it matters to them. They are so proud of you and know that your involvement means you care about them and their school.
2. Friends - your girls make friends through the events, hanging out before and afterwards. My involvement through the PTA has given me some of my most favourite people in my life.
3. Everyone benefits - you, your girls and the School. What more could anyone want? You’re helping to make the happy memories of your daughters’ childhoods and helping the School to thrive.
TB: Are there misconceptions about the PTA and can you dispel them? KB: I know there are misconceptions, as I had them. I think people see it as something to be avoided! They see it as old fashioned, and are afraid of getting stuck doing things they don’t want to do. My advice is to gather your friends and pick one event, or one way you can help, and just have fun doing it. There are so many different ways to get involved and make a difference.
TB: And what would you say to all the parents who are already involved? KB: Thank you! It is so easy to not get involved, but when you do, you make new friends and the girls really love seeing you around school. If you have ever volunteered for popcorn recess you will know what I mean! A huge thank you to the Class Parents who do it year after year, I am so thankful to so many of them. There are some pretty special parents out there at BHS.
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