Appleton C of E Primary School

Yet again this has been a busy year with an array of fundraising events ranging from the old favourites: Fete, Craft fair, Sports night, to the (in some cases) more daring: adult’s disco, fashion show, Burns night, camping plus many others. The proceeds from all these events have benefitted children across the year groups.
 
A special thank you is also given to this year’s fete committee chaired by Elaine McKno. The fete has always been the jewel in our crown and it was fantastic to hear of our record profit of £2850. An incredible amount of work is put into the organising of this event and without the commitment of the organisers and support from all attending the fete we wouldn’t be in a position to offer as much to the children.

Our expenditure this year has not been as exciting as last but nevertheless children across the school have all had the opportunity to experience and or participate from the donations given by this year’s committee, e.g. The Explorer Dome, transport to the yr5/6 residential trip, a new sandpit cover for Foundation, art workshop plus many others.

The Friends would also like to formally thank Claire and Stephen Barratt for their generous donation of £500 following their spectacular Opera in the Garden music evening.
Without the support of the school community, the Friends face an uphill struggle! Please come along, and bring a friend or two, to some meetings and events; we really welcome new ideas and faces.

3. Treasurer’s Report

Kristy circulated the figures for income and expenditure, and they are attached herewith. You will see that the current balance is showing as £22K however, this includes the £10K of reserves for the school which were spent on laptops. It also includes £1800 for the handbells which has not yet been paid out. It was noted that we raised around £200 from Easy Fundraising. We also raised £860 from the school calendar which Erla has always organised in the past. Kristy will contact Erla to ask if she is prepared to continue with this even though Olivia has now left the school.

The school uniform made a small profit, and thanks were given to Niki for doing this in the past. School uniform has now been outsourced to Simple Schoolwear.

4. Head Teacher’s Report

Mary spoke about the recent government cutbacks, which for our school amount to around £300 less per child, and how this makes the contributions from the Friends even more important now.
She also spoke about the possible extension for a new classroom and library and we should hear from the Diocese whether we have the funding for this, by the end of the year.
 
Mary’s full report is attached herewith.

5. Election of Officers

Jo, Jess, Claire, Kristy and Felicity had all said they were standing down this year so a full new committee was required. Maria also wished to hand over the bar stock role and Elaine to stand down as the summer fete coordinator.

At the meeting the following people were elected as officers of the Friends Committee for the forthcoming year.

Chairperson - Carl McKno - proposed by Nicola seconded by Kristy
Treasurer - Laura Waller - proposed by Jo seconded by Lindsey
Secretary - Susie Richards - proposed by Claire seconded by Rebecca
Bar Stock - Jo Loots

Summer Fete Co-ordinator

This post was not filled on the night, but Carl understood that James Mansfield may be interested so he will ask him. Elaine and Kristy happy to attend first meeting. Jo, Claire and Laura also happy to be on fete committee.

It was also agreed that we will advertise the requirement for people to stand on Summer fete committee on the next School newsletter.

Class reps were agreed as follows and are according to Year rather than Class:

Foundation  Francine Rodrigues and Sophie Willis
Year 1 Jo Loots
Year 2 Stevie Biltcliffe
Year 3 Niki Wardell-Yerburgh
Year 4 Kristy Bailey
Year 5 Caroline Lovibond
Year 6 Maria Cruttenden

Carl asked Class reps to ask ALL parents for their current E-Mail address as he has recently had some messages bounce back where addresses may have been changed.

Class reps should try to make Friends meeting wherever possible and are encouraged to club together to organise some small events (e.g. cake sale/ice cream sale) during the year.

6. Any other business

Rebecca passed on the message from Milly that the Friends Shopping Event will take place on Sat 3rd December 2.30-4.30pm

It was also noted that Stevie has agreed to take over the organisation of the Christmas Craft Fayre and this will take place on Sat 10th December 2-4.30pm

Lindsey asked for a volunteer to help her clear out the Cupboard in the kitchen which could then make room for the bar stock. Jess offered to help.

Nicola offered to run a book swap event again, on the same basis as last years, but this would be done in the Spring, and the proceeds and any books left over could go towards the new library. She requested more helpers however, for tidying up on the day.

Next Friends Meeting – this is to be held on Tuesday 4th October in the Plough at 8.15pm. As always ALL parents are welcome. Events for the rest of this academic year will be discussed at this meeting.