HELPFUL HINTS Welcome new families
In your first PTA or school newsletter of the year, share practical tips and insights from parents who have been there before. Focus on key aspects of school life, such as communicating with teachers and understanding school routines. Keep your advice friendly and supportive. Here are some of our favourites:
Show me you’re on the PTA
This multipack of sardines was our most unusual PTFA rainbow raffle donation. But should it go in the green or red hamper? In the end we split it 50/50. Cleopatra Panayi, chair, Holy Trinity C of E Primary School PTFA
More top raffle donations! l Half-used toiletries l Moudly jam l Half a bottle of wine l Two bruised bananas l Two green pickles l A shower attachment l Snapped glowsticks l Out-of-date ketchup l Six boxes of Oxo cubes l An empty bottle of shower gel
l An old Sainsbury’s carrier bag (for an orange hamper)
l A used razor l Half a pack of Cup a Soup
l A carrot l Used pencils l An 11-year-old bottle of Limoncello
l A 14-year-old bottle of Baileys
‘Tell your child about your own school days: who was your teacher and what did you do at playtime?’
‘Label everything the children take to school, including clothing and water bottles. Use the PTA code when ordering name labels – the commission goes into PTA funds.’
‘Make sure your child can hang up their coat, go to the toilet, recognise their name, hold a pencil and dress themselves (except for SEN pupils).’
‘Stay positive, keep goodbyes brief and be prepared for your child to be tired for a few weeks.’
‘The class WhatsApp group isn’t just another distraction, it’s a place to seek help and reassurance.’
‘If you discover you didn’t buy enough uniform, ask the PTA about pre-loved items.’
‘Write key dates in your calendar so you remember the non-uniform days, forest school days and when to pack their PE kit.’
‘Don’t bombard your child with questions after school.’ ‘If your child is upset at drop-off, trust the staff.’
‘Try to make the morning as relaxed as possible by leaving plenty of time. Be on time for pick-up.’
‘Join the volunteers’ chat for the PTA and follow the socials. You can start with small tasks and it’s a great way to expand your social circle outside the class.’
‘Enjoy school life and embrace it!’
BITE-SIZED INSIGHTS IN SEPTEMBER 61% IN OCTOBER 17% 17% IN THE SUMMER TERM 5% 8 AUTUMN 2025 School Fundraising
WE PLAN IT ALL YEAR
TURN TO PAGE 27
to find quick
wins for your PTA this Christmas
We asked When do you
start planning your Christmas fair?
WISE WORDS
‘We don’t stop playing
because we grow old…
We grow old because we
stop playing.’
George Bernard Shaw
PIE IMAGE: :TATIANA PANKOVA/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
