This academic year has been both busy and productive for the PTA as we continue to pride ourselves on being a small but active committee. Our sole purpose being raising funds for treats and enrichment for all children at St Peters.

Firstly, I wanted to speak about what we’ve been up to behind the scenes. This year after the disruption of the Covid pandemic we formed a new and full committee. Which gave us the opportunity to write role descriptions, re visit our constitution and elect the newly appointed Class Year Reps and we reintroduced teacher reps. These are a valuable group who help keep everybody fully informed of all things PTA. We have our own space on the school website which we keep up to date with our events both old and new. We have developed a Nearly New Uniform Shop, giving everyone the opportunity for a good clear out. We have been kindly given an indoor storage area, despite our efforts with re felting the shed roof, the weather has beaten us. We added a donation button onto the school shop which has proved popular and a valuable source of donations which parents have found helpful.

The year started with the long-standing tradition, which is The Harvest Supper, although it has evolved over the years. This allows us the valuable opportunity to welcome new parents to the school community. We all enjoyed the fabulous feast cooked for us by our kitchen team whilst we listened to seasonal entertainment from the children. I would like to extent my thanks and appreciation to all staff members involved, helping us to make this event so successful.

Michaelmas term is also jammed packed with lots of new and traditional events. In the last few years, we have introduced a Halloween disco and a quiz night. So much effort is made at all these events whether is imaginative costumes, well-rehearsed dance moves or creative quiz team names. We value every family that takes part in these events, for the support they provide us, the fun they are contributing to and the community they are helping strengthen. We also produced a leaflet pack for advertising our school families’ businesses and we started planning for our Forest School.

Christmas time always creates a buzz around school. We recently introduced a Christmas wrapping event, to help will preparation for Santas visit yet disguised as a pizza party. This year’s Christmas fayre came back bigger and better. This year’s stalls were occupied by some independent local companies, allowing the school to engage with and support our local community. Plus, there was lots to do such as games, arts and crafts, face paints, Alpacas and plenty of festive food and drink. Towards the end of term, the children had the opportunity to listen to a story from Father Christmas and receive a gift all whilst getting in the Christmas spirit wearing their Christmas jumpers. We even managed to squeeze in making Christmas cards.

The new year brought with it some new events. We had a Bake-Off Cake Sale and a book sale for WBD, we were overwhelmed by the generosity and effort the families made at these events. We also had bingo, the Easter bunny drive, raffles, and a Mother’s Day scavenger hunt. All events were warmly appreciated by both pupils and parents. An unexpected event that also took place was The Coronation Celebration, which was a joint effort with our school staff, it was a memorable afternoon that even the rain couldn’t spoil.

As we progressed into Trinity term we did not slow down. We held an EGM to elect a new committee as we sadly say goodbye this year to two of our longstanding members. We broke ground on our Forest School project with our big clear up and I’m pleased to report that already this is a newly loved area of the school grounds and is being well used. Our pop-up shops have proved popular this year with a sellout sweet shop. This term we held our annual rounders day ‘parent’s vs children’ game in honour of Father’s Day. Then we also managed to squeeze in a parent only curry night which was held at local restaurant The Raj, another great profit-making success, and an enjoyable night for all. All year groups were offered the opportunity to work with us and raise money for their class, year 3 stepped up and organised a swap the rules day which was enjoyed by the whole school.

The school year ended with the Founders Day Garden party. Which was an afternoon filled with refreshments, a raffle, bubbles, face painting, glitter tattoos, princesses, and a disco.

I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank all the past and present parents, staff and friends of St Ps who roll up their sleeves and support whatever is needed to make all our great events possible. It must be remembered that if these events are to be continued then your ongoing support and help is greatly needed.

All these activities have allowed us to contribute to the school, the education and environment of the children during their precious time at St Peters. This year we have contributed significantly. We have purchased Hi viz vests, a science day, a travelling theatre production, house sports flags coronation badges for all staff and children, the literature festival, year 6 day out, a microscope and a willow weaving lesson.

I would like to take this opportunity to make a special note of thanks to the committee, whose help and support is greatly appreciated.

Finally, I offer a warm welcome to our new parents and encourage them to get involved with our very active PTA. It’s a great way to make new friends and gives so many opportunities to get involved as a family with all that St Ps has to offer, whilst having fun and raising funds allowing us to give the children fantastic experiences and contribute to the enhancement of school life.