Collingwood School

All Parents are automatically members of the Collingwood School Association. Each Year, each class is asked to nominate one representative to serve on the committee of the Association. The part the Association plays Apart from holding events which enable parents to socialise with each other, the Association, through its fund-raising activities, generates an income of around £3000 a year, all of which is available for for providing extra equipment or activities for the pupils, over and above that which the school would be expected to provide from fees. In short, it can enhance your child's education while helping to avoid unnecessary increases in fees.

 

The staff and Headmaster are in a position to suggest what is needed, but YOU, the parents, should decide (through your class representative) how the money is best spent. That money can vastly improve the facilities your child has access to. In the last few years the Association has paid for many items requested by parents and staff.

 

Firstly, be nominated! If you want to be involved, ask someone (your spouse or partner will do) to put your name forward at the AGM. The main function of a Class Rep is to liaise between the Association and class, to carry information both ways and to help ensure that our events are well attended and that helpers are found to spread the workload. If you go out to work, and are not always able to 'network' at the school gate don't worry - it is still possible to be a Class Rep or other officer, however you may have to communicate with your class via a 'helper'. The 'helper' is a non-elected class-representative, non-voting at committee meetings, who may change regularly, or not, and who may attend committee meetings if they wish.

 

There are four officers of the Association: The Chair and Vice-Chair are elected Class Representatives, and are appointed by the new committee from among the class representatives at their first meeting. The Secretary is responsible for taking the minutes of meetings, and writing them up for the committee records. He/She is also responsible for more formal communications to the school and for the production of regular newsletters from the Association, informing the school of the progress of various events. The Treasurer manages the budget and funds for the Association, so some familiarity with accountancy is advisable.

 

Of course. The Junior Department and Senior Department each have a teacher representative, and the Headmaster is also on the Committee.

 

No - around one a month, and a few nearer the events. It is important, however, to attend as many meetings as possible, so if your circumstances are such that evening meetings are not possible, please think carefully before volunteering. However, it is possible for two people to 'team up' as Rep and Helper so that one can attend meetings, while the other is available at the school gate to pass on and receive information.

 

But Is it fun ?

Folks on the Committee usually stay for a few years - some for more than six, so we must be doing something right! The pleasure to be gained from planning and executing the events, from watching the children using something YOU helped to purchase, and from getting a real handle on how the school operates, is immeasurable.

 

The Association has a part to play for everyone. You can do anything from organising an event, through baking or buying cakes for the Summer Fete, to selling raffle tickets at the Music Quiz. By donating just an hour of your time to helping on a stall or game at the Christmas Bazaar, you can make a big difference to the whole event - and if you can't do anything else, just come along on the day, spend your money and support your school.