PTA
WELCOME TO THE ST PHILOMENA'S PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
As a Catholic school, we are guided by the teachings of Christ and our values of faith, excellence, respect and service to our community. Through the work of the PTA, we seek to support the mission of St Philomena’s by serving our school community, strengthening the partnership between home and school, and providing additional opportunities, resources and experiences that enhance the education and wellbeing of our children. Through the generosity, commitment and support of our families, we are able to make a positive contribution to the life of our school.
WHY DO WE HAVE A PTA?
We are very fortunate at St Philomena's to have a PTA that is an important part of our school community. The PTA raises funds which are used to provide additional resources, equipment and experiences that enhance the children's education and support the work of the school.
Our PTA is about much more than fundraising. It provides an opportunity for parents, carers, staff and friends of the school to come together, build relationships and support one another. Through our events and activities, we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where families can meet, socialise and feel part of the St Philomena's community. The PTA helps to promote a strong sense of belonging and reflects the Catholic values of service, generosity and care for others. By working together, we contribute to the common good of our whole school community and help create opportunities for every child to flourish.
With the continued support of our families, our PTA can continue to make a meaningful difference to the experiences and opportunities available to our children.
OUR PTA COMMITTEE
The PTA committee is made up of volunteers who work together throughout the school year to support the work of the PTA and the wider school community.
Our committee currently includes the following roles:
Chairperson – Kate Miller
Secretary – Rachel Williams
Treasurer – [Name]
We also have Class Representatives from each year group who play an important role in supporting communication between families and the PTA.
The committee meets regularly to plan events, discuss ideas and agree how funds raised can best support the children and the school.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place each year and provides an opportunity for parents and carers to learn more about the work of the PTA.
At the AGM, we share details of the events we have organised, the funds we have raised and how the money has been used to benefit the children. It is also an opportunity for parents and carers to ask questions, share ideas and elect committee members and Class Representatives for the coming year.
The PTA belongs to the whole school community, and we encourage all parents and carers to attend and play an active role in supporting the life of our school.
CLASS REPRESENTATIVES
Our Class Representatives play a vital role in supporting communication between families and the PTA.
They help to share information, encourage parents to get involved and support the organisation of events throughout the year. Their support is extremely valuable when arranging activities, coordinating volunteers and ensuring that each class feels connected to the PTA.
HOW WE RAISE MONEY
Like many school PTAs, the majority of our funds are raised through events and activities organised throughout the year.
Some of our events include:
- Christmas Fair
- Summer Fair
- School Disco
- Colour Run
- Raffle
- Movie Night
We are always grateful for new ideas and suggestions for future fundraising activities. It is wonderful to see children and families enjoying PTA events while knowing that the money raised will support opportunities and experiences across the school.
CHARITABLE STATUS
As a registered charity, the PTA must follow the rules and responsibilities set out by the Charity Commission.
Being a registered charity allows us to:
- Receive charitable donations
- Apply for grants from charitable organisations
- Benefit from Gift Aid
- Take part in company matched giving schemes
This status helps us maximise the support we receive and ensures that funds are managed responsibly and transparently.
HOW WE SPEND THE MONEY WE RAISE
After each fundraising event, money raised is carefully recorded and managed by the PTA committee.
Decisions about how funds are spent are discussed at PTA meetings, alongside requests from the Headteacher and teaching staff. PTA funds are used to provide additional resources, equipment and experiences that are not normally covered by the school's main budget.
This may include:
- Classroom resources
- Books and reading materials
- Technology equipment
- Educational workshops and visitors
- School trips
- Outdoor equipment
- Wellbeing resources
- Special projects across the school
We always aim to ensure that funds are used fairly and that children across the whole school benefit from PTA support.
HOW WE KEEP YOU INFORMED
PTA communications and updates are shared with families through email, the school newsletter and the school website.
These updates provide information about upcoming events, opportunities to get involved and how PTA activities continue to support our school community.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
When your child joins St Philomena’s, you become part of our wider school community and are warmly welcomed as part of our PTA family. All parents and carers are encouraged to engage with and support the PTA, whether by attending events, sharing ideas, volunteering or becoming more actively involved.
There are lots of ways you can support the PTA. You could volunteer at events, become a Class Representative, donate items, share your skills or simply attend and support our activities.
Everyone has different commitments, and even a small amount of help makes a significant difference. The PTA is built on the kindness, generosity and commitment of our families, and every contribution helps us to serve and strengthen our school community.
