Welcome to St Mary’s Derby Parent Teacher & Friends Association
What is a PTFA?
Most schools have a Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA), which is an organisation of parents and staff.
Its role is to encourage closer links between home and school. PTFAs are best known for their fundraising work, but they have a useful social function too.
Fundraising events provide an opportunity for parents, staff and pupils to get together.
How can I be involved?
There are many different ways you can help with the PTFA, whether you have lots of time to offer or not.
Some of the roles are a little time-consuming, although also rewarding. If you can’t commit to a big job, look out for things you can do less frequently (eg running a stall at the summer fair, baking for a cake sale). You can always support PTFA events by simply turning up.
As parents, you are AUTOMATICALLY members of the PTFA… your voice counts. Below are 10 reasons you might consider joining our PTFA.
You are vital to the success of fundraising at our school. Schools are becoming more dependent on their PTFAs for fundraising.
It’s TOTALLY flexible! There are a variety of small ways you can help and be involved – from designing a poster, photocopying and distributing letters in the school, cleaning up after an event, helping out on a stall…so many ways. Giving up just 30 minutes of your time to help the PTFA is invaluable. If everyone could spare 30 minutes a term to help, just think what we could achieve! You don’t have to attend PTFA meetings – you can use our contact details to send in ideas for discussion.
You’ll feel more connected. There’s no better way to know what events are being planned, have your say or make new fundraising suggestions, than by offering your help and support. You’ll get to know teachers and support staff on a more familiar basis.
You’ll be part of a great network. Every PTFA event is an opportunity to meet other parents in the same situation as you. You will be part of a like-minded network of people who all share a common goal of improving the school for all our children.
Make a difference. By volunteering to help the PTFA, you’ll be able to use whatever skills you have for a noble cause. Our PTFA strives to establish a supportive and encouraging community for the entire school.
We’re not just for mums! It’s important to our PTFA, our school and our students to have dads represented on our committee and to help reach out to other dads. Are you a dad with a skill that would come in useful?
Be a role model. By getting involved with our PTFA, you’ll show your children that not only are they important to you, but their education is as well. Your children will see you playing an active part in making their education more varied. Getting involved illustrates good teamwork and community spirit.
What the PTFA does affects every parent (and student) Your voice matters – the PTFA is made up of people elected to represent you, so help us to do this effectively. Your ideas and involvement can help improve the quality of education for all the children at our school. See the smiles on their faces and know that you have played a part in making school a little more comfortable and fun!
It’s fun! Help plan fun events, socials and get-togethers. Suggest NEW fun ways to raise funds. Get your whole family involved!
Finally…
Our children are only at school for a relatively short time. PTFA events will be remembered fondly by our children for a lifetime. The equipment and resources the PTFA helps fund, makes learning even more engaging, enhances the children’s wellbeing and encourages a bigger sense of community. Help us continue to create lasting memories for our children.
