PTFA

PTFA Information for Parents & Carers

Welcome To The PTFA!
On behalf of St Stephen’s Community Academy Parents Teachers Friends Association (PTFA), we’d like to warmly welcome you to our community! All parents/carers are automatically members of the PTFA when their children join our school and pre-school, so welcome, it’s lovely to have you on board. Being a member means that you are invited to our family events, welcome to help where possible, encouraged to share ideas with the committee and invited to attend any open meetings.
As well as our valued parent/carer members we need a committee, or we can’t run a PTFA. We have an elected committee and several committee members who work hard to organise the PTFA and its events.
 
What does the PTFA do?
We organise fund-raising events for the pupils and their families to enjoy, we then spend the money raised on invaluable resources and experiences that the school’s budget just can’t cover, making your child’s school days richer and more enjoyable with some great opportunities. Requests can be made by staff and pupils for specific items for individual classes or for resources that will benefit the whole school.
Our main aims are:
1. To bring together staff, parents and children providing closer links between home and school.
2. To organise fun activities and fundraising events which enable us to provide the school with new equipment and experiences that enhance the children’s education and our school’s facilities.
 
How can I help my school’s PTFA?
As part of our PTFA, you’re not obligated to attend meetings nor volunteer huge amounts of your valuable time; you can participate as much or as little as you would like to, finding a balance that is right for you while supporting your children’s learning and experiences.
There are many ways to help us and all help is gratefully received, along with any donations!
- Come to open meetings to share ideas…you may have contacts or skills we could use.
- Attend our AGM at the beginning of every school year to keep our committee going! No obligation to join or help but we need as many parents/carers there as possible to allow us to officially elect the next committee.
- Offer to help at specific events or offer behind the scenes support ahead of events e.g. making resources, shopping, distributing flyers, wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets.
- Attend the family events that are offered, making each event more successful.
- Encourage your children to come to discos and take part in themed days or sponsorship events at school.
- Enquire at your place of work if they would support our PTFA charity and its events; some offer funding or donate prizes.
 
How do I know what’s happening?
Please regularly check the website, read the school newsletters and keep an eye on our noticeboard at the entrance to the playground. Please look out for letters and forms in your child’s bag about upcoming events and check your emails for updates from us. We also send out reminders using the school’s texting system.
 
So why is it important to be involved?
The PTFA is a great way to bring together the pupils, staff and parents/carers of our great school community.
Together we can continue to raise money for important resources and activities that greatly benefit your children during their time at St Stephens Community Academy. Without support from parents/carers, the PTFA are unable to continue in this very important and much needed role.
 
Successful fundraising events we have held:
Christmas and Summer Fayres. Cake Sales. Discos. Quiz Nights. Bingo Nights. Competitions. Raffles. Recycled Uniform Sales. Sponsored Events. Non-Uniform Days. Crazy Hair Days.
 
What type of resources/activities do the PTFA fund?
Here’s just SOME of the things the PTFA has donated funds towards over recent years...
Year 6 leavers presents. Classroom equipment, furniture and toys. A donation of £100 to each class. Vouchers and gifts towards school reward schemes. Coach fares for a range of school trips and residential activities. Visits to school from Magic Martin. Educational workshops and activity days. Polytunnels. Waterproof clothing and gardening equipment for outdoor learning across the school. 'Guided Reading' materials for Key Stage 2. Read Write Inc resources for Key Stage 1. Audio system for the school hall. Ongoing subscription to Picture News. Ice Lollies for all on the last day!
 

The full list of PTFA Committee members for 2022/2023 are.

Lindsey Tape – Penny Class 3 (Co Chair)

Tamara Walker- Alice Class 3 (Co Chair)

Sam Clark – Sofia Class 3 (Secretary)

Mel Stone – Eleanor Class 3 & Amelia Class 5 (Treasurer)

Laura Parrin – Jacob Class 5

Katy Lacey – Amber Class F & Megan Class 5

Helen McGinnes – Ayla Class 6

Tamsyn Hairs – Samson Pre-school, Joseph Class 1 & Dylan Class 7

 
The committee meet regularly to plan events and activities.
We hold our open AGM at the beginning of the school year, where we discuss the year ahead and formally vote in our Committee Members.
We also hold open meetings for sharing ideas, that everyone is welcome to attend.
We also have a fundraising suggestion box in the main entrance. Please feel free to pop ideas inside.
 
Comments about your PTFA…
“The PTFA plays an invaluable part in our school life at St Stephens. It empowers our families and friends to work together to provide enjoyable fundraising activities that benefit the whole school community."
HEAD TEACHER
 
“The disco is one of my favourite things because I get to see all my friends after school!”
PUPIL
 
"My child loves attending PTFA events, I'm happy to contribute towards extras for our school while my daughter gets to mix with her friends."
PARENT
 
“It’s great to see the children and their families having a good time at the events that we help to organise, especially knowing that it will raise money for the school at the same time.”
PTFA MEMBER
 
How to contact the PTFA:
The PTFA can be contacted by leaving a message in the school office or by emailing ststephensp.t.f.a@outlook.com. By emailing us you are giving permission for us to contact you in regard to your enquiry, your email information will not be used for any other reason and will never be forwarded to anyone outside of the Committee.
 
Let us know if you’d like to help or are considering joining the PTFA Committee.
 
 
The PTFA look forward to seeing you at our events!
 
 
St Stephens Community Academy PTFA is a fully insured and registered charity
(Charity Number: 1144421)