The PTA works closely with the school at the start of each academic year and on a termly basis to ensure we understand the needs of the school and what could benefit all of our children. Goals generally fall into one of the categories below:
- Target Specific Projects – these are campaigns where there is a clear funding target to achieve in order to buy something specific for the school. In 2020/2021 there was a £4k target for Care For a Chair, to purchase 200 chairs and chair holders. In 2021/2022 raising funds for equipment for the school playground is the specific project.
- Yearly Goals – where we have a smaller amount to raise for nice-to-haves e.g. we aim to raise £175 per class per year to buy something for the classroom, towards a school trip or whatever the teacher, parents and children agree they need most. This is coordinated via the PTA class link.
- Ad hoc costs – for PTA events, upfront costs on planning for fundraising events and smaller contributions requested by the school or suggested by parents.
- Big ticket items – e.g. the school stage and lighting where funding might be raised via corporate sponsorship.
We are always looking for new fundraising ideas and opportunities to build a sense of community at COLPAI. If you have any ideas of what you think the school may need or you think funds could be spent on, please talk to Helen Charles in the first instance.
During the 2020/2021 academic year the parents, friends and families of COLPAI raised over £7,000 via Care For A Chair, Sponsored Sports and the Christmas Tea Towels. This money has provided the children with essential sports equipment, chairs for the assembly hall and will buy plants and gardening equipment for the new garden planters on the school roof.
The fundraising goal for the current academic year, 2021/2022, is to provide much-needed playground equipment. Events planned this year include: PTA Welcome Drinks, Festive Fair, Bake sale, Wheelathon, Summer Fete.
Thank you all so much for your contributions!