Friday 12th March 2010 From 8.40am-10am

Time is flying in 2010 and it would be great to catch up with parents and carers to exchange news and ideas for events and activities including this year’s Summer Music Festival - all welcome!

Drop the children off in the playground and pop in!

All Refreshments at the meeting are complimentary. Younger children & siblings are also welcome!

CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) have recently released some fantastic resources for parents and carer's. The resources "Thinkuknow" is aimed at 5-7 year olds, 8-10 year olds and 11-16 year olds.

Changing the way children behave online is the key to keeping themselves safe from abuse, said Jim Gamble today, head of the CEOP Centre - the UK's national centre for protecting children.
It is the theme that dominates CEOP's role in spearheading the UK's response to European Safer Internet Day 2010 and is central to a number of initiatives being launched by the organisation today (9th February).

39,000 volunteers spread across the UK have all been trained to help deliver CEOP's advice-giving programme and will play their part in reaching children and parents in schools, workshops and clubs.

With 1 in 5 parents of 5-7 year olds highlighting concern about who their child (or children) is in contact with online (10% very concerned, 8% fairly concerned), CEOP has developed a new animated film, ‘Lee and Kim’s Adventures’, designed to introduce very young children to the concepts of personal information and trust. This resource is being delivered to schoolchildren across the UK.

David Coleman, clinical psychologist, broadcaster and author, was given early access to the new CEOP resources while it was being developed:

The 'Lee and Kim’ film introduces young children to a number of important concepts which will enable them to explore online environments safely. Understanding what constitutes 'private' information - and recognising that people can pretend to be different online - is critical to developing safe behaviour online, which greatly reduces their vulnerability to abuse. I am certain that children will identify with the Lee and Kim characters as they and their superhero tackle these issues in an engaging and age-appropriate way."

The new, customised ‘Click CEOP’ browser developed by Microsoft on Internet Explorer 8, provides users with the opportunity to customise their browser so that they can get direct access to CEOP's advice pages.  There they will see all issues covered from cyberbullying and viruses through to sexual abuse and inappropriate content - advice that is kept contemporary by signposting to and input from organisations such as Childline, the Internet Watch Foundation, Get Safe Online and Beatbullying as well as being updated by the trends, themes and patterns that CEOP's own teams see every day through the thousands of reports it receives.

The portal - www.clickceop.net - is also where users will land if they follow the advice of a DCSF campaign being launched today that encourages internet users to ‘click clever, click safe’.  CEOP is a member of the UK's Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) who are supporting the campaign.

Jim Gamble, Chief Executive of the CEOP Centre and lead for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on protecting children on the internet, said:

Each month we see an average of 500 reports into CEOP, of which – on average - four a day indicate that a child may be at immediate risk.  That is the harsh reality of child protection.  But so often we leave our young people vulnerable because we fear the technology.  That is like saying we can’t teach children how to be safe when crossing the road because we don’t understand how a car engine works or the risk if that car is driven in a dangerous way.

“This is about behaviour, not technology.  But it is also about delivering contemporary, dynamic advice that is sympathetic to the needs of the children and young people we reach and helps the parent or carer to play their role in a way that is positive, supportive and understanding. CEOP’s materials do that.  We have updated them to cover new issues such as ‘sexting’ and new forms of bullying and we have listened to teachers to deliver new cartoons for very young children.

" We welcome the approach from Microsoft who are giving parents and children the opportunity to customise their browser to access safety advice in a quick simple way. We applaud Microsoft, O2 and Visa Europe for their critical contribution of online safety training in schools under the Protect programme.”

Are you a switched on Mum or Dad? - Take the Quiz!

Present: Katherine, Emma, Karol, Debbie Harmes, Els, Andrew Hargreaves & Linda Golightly

Welcome, Apologies and Thanks

General Comment    Karol Pawsey, welcomed, gave apologies and thanks

Very disappointing turn out – had hoped to have a meaningful meeting with Mrs Cremin ( apologies received) so that we have the school’s feedback and commitment.  PTFA feeling lack of support from the school generally.    
Approval of Minutes from last PTFA meeting

Treasurer’s Report

Previous AGM and PTFA meeting minutes were approved.
Emma Barrett gave general and Christmas fair report.  Total profit made at Fair was £905 Total funds at present £4,950
The projected income for the year covers the expenditure (uniform, water, leavers, tennis etc)

Matters Arising

1. Russell not able to attend but has provided info on sign up

Only about 30 at present. It was agreed that class reps should be signed up for each class ( Katherine and Karol to enlist those vacant) and asked to work their way around parents in each class on a one to one basis asking them to sign up or fill in a slip for us to do for them! See AGM minutes for list of class reps

2.    Christmas Fair

General discussion of financial results and which stalls were successful or not.  When planning next year need to trouble shoot the following:

• Rolla coin – loses money!
• Santa’s gifts – Debbie commented that her child’s gift was not age appropriate – generally agreed that this would be looked at more carefully when ordering next year
• Reindeer food – Katherine suggests santa gives this out
• Hookabox – only had about 80 boxes, did well but ran out – try to get more made up in advance next year
• Cakes & Sweets – cakes were sold too cheaply and sweets too! Need to ensure that where prices are indicated these are kept to (parent who provided liquer chocolates disappointed to see that they were split into mixed bag and sold off cheaply) will tag it for 2010 fair planning meetings.
• Lollies – too many stalls relying on lollies!

3.    Social & Fundraising events and ideas:

• Andrew Hargreaves’ offer of a ‘chefs cook in’ evening he has arranged to use Walmer Science College’s food tech facilities which offer more space.  He will suggest a date for an adult evening when he will do a cooking demo based on using cheaper ingredients for approx 25 people on a ticket basis – idea would be to charge approx £5 for evening inc glass of wine and the dinner he has cooked! All tbc but great idea with lots of support.  Also discussion about doing a family oriented version, ie biscuits or cakes so kids can join in.
• Will ask Russell if he has had any further ideas re family social evening/event?
• Film Club – need to progress this idea Els said she will speak to people who run film club at Hornbeam she knows and we need to speak to reception parent Marie re Whitfields model – would like to progress this idea now.  Hot dogs/popcorn & performing licence?
• Els would like to inquire with the parent community about existing needs re clubs, activities, workshops or courses either in a family learning set up or ‘for adults only’. She will put together a short questionnaire containing both suggestions and space for ‘any other ideas’, which will be put onto the PTFA website.
• Els mentioned that if the PTFA can find fund raising activities that are ‘extended services’- related, for example, a family learning workshop, then she could possibly find funding for the organisational/ logistic/ material side of it so that any revenue coming in would be entirely go to the PTFA fund (as costs have been covered). The only condition would be though that the revenue would have to be ‘ear marked’ as ‘extended services’ revenue and would have to be invested back into that area. For instance to pay for instruments or ‘extended services’ activity fees, for parents who can’t afford their child(ren) to join these activities.
• Karol mentioned the much loved sweet stall and asked for any healthy ideas? Emma mentioned collectibles again but Karol concerned at high unit cost. Solleys ice cream stall?
• Mrs Cremin’s contact re fundraising school art exhibition – unable to discuss as Mrs Cremin was not able to attend.
• Kp to set next Baby Thru Y6 Sale around mid March – and may reformulate signing up process in case of oversubscription. Also, Katherine to speak to Jon re getting advertising banner made up for approx £50
• Easter Egg Hunt was mentioned – last year ptfa provided eggs for every child at cost of £90 approx total – but school did not properly organise event.  Will ask Mrs Cremin if she wants to do one this year, it needs to be done properly or not at all.
• Katherine suggested ‘wine and wisdom’ quiz nite which was popular idea – need someone to set date and go ahead.

4.    Requests for PTFA Support:

• Karol put forward Joy Spencer’s request for music recording equipment approx £500 which was unanimously approved.  Russell’s services to be offered in terms of advice on spec, price and pa.
• Karol to put forward proposal from Nick Harrington for electronic drum equipment for lessons £225 which was also agreed.  Karol felt these 2 gifts were important in acknowledging the great work of the music dept and also are 2 clearly visible pieces of extra, valuable equipment we can show we have provided
• Water –General discussion was that ptfa should no longer fund children’s hydration, and that this is a matter for the school .  Karol will let Mrs Cremin know that our funding will be phased out by the end of this year and try hard to encourage the school to continue providing water cooler/s. In meantime, emma to switch to plumbed in water cooler company as considerably cheaper than bottled supplier.
• Katherine had a sample of inexpensive clear water drinking bottles that can be printed with the school logo and sold thru the uniform shop. Katherine to get quote for bulk order and identify unit cost as they could be added to the shop range. Suggestion that ptfa buy every child in the school a bottle to be carried forward to future meeting.
• Mrs cremin to supply a wish list from the school – has mentioned flag but priority is for things that directly benefit or compliment the children and their learning experiences.  The ptfa would like her to approach the school council for their suggestions.

Any Other Business

• School ‘Be A Friend CD’ any thing we can help to do to sell the remainder?
• School uniform – it has been agreed that fleece jackets are added to range, Sarah obtained a quote of £11 – school has approved.  Sarah to go ahead and make first small order across the sizes. What about shorts?

Next PTFA meeting Date

TBC

Christmas Fair

What a fantastic time was had by all at the Christmas Fair on Friday!  It was great to see so many parents, carers, children and teachers all having fun together on the stalls and enjoying the festive activities.  I hear Father Christmas was particularly impressed with the behaviour of all of the children who visited him in his magical grotto – and he has already promised to come back again next year!

A huge ‘Thank You’ goes out to all who contributed to the Fair in terms of donating prizes, cakes & sweets etc and also to all of those who helped with preparations and on the day itself.  There are too many to name in person, but you all know who you are!  I would also like to say how much everyone enjoyed the performances from the recorder group, choir and the dance group, these created a truly festive atmosphere and attracted the attention of a lot of visitors.  I am delighted to tell you that the total profit raised by the Fair and the Grand Draw is in excess of £900 which is a phenomenal achievement.  Personally, even greater reward for me was seeing so many from the school and parent community working together to create a truly unique event – it has certainly made my Christmas!

Next PTFA Meeting

The next meeting of the PTFA takes place on Wednesday January 13^th at 7.30pm at Katherine Porteous’s house at 27 Claremont Road and all are welcome.  At this meeting some time will be set aside to review the Christmas Fair and to look at ways of improving and developing plans for next year. Also, a full financial report and breakdown of the Fair’s profits and expenditure will be available. Your comments and suggestions are very important to the committee and so if you are not able to come along, please do sign up via our new website www.dealparochial-ptfa.co.uk and share your thoughts.

PTFA New Year’s Resolutions

Looking forward, our biggest challenge is to encourage more in the parent/carer community to support and contribute to the PTFA’s activities. Our New Year’s resolution is therefore to go completely over to email which is faster, more convenient and certainly more environmentally friendly.   For those who are not online, we will post notices in and around the school but our main forum – other than meetings – will be via email.  So if you are reading this, and have not already done so, please visit the website and sign up now, it takes just a few seconds!   Your ideas for future fund raising and social activities are very much welcome, as are any ideas regarding equipment, projects or events we could fund for the school – we have asked Mrs Cremin to confer with the school staff, teachers and children for a wish list of things they would like the PTFA to support as the funds we have raised through events in 2009 can now be spent

The children have had such a great last week of term with their class parties, Christmas Lunch, the Carol Service and the visit to Castle Community School’s pantomime – let’s hope its worn them out a bit and that we can all get at least SOME rest over Christmas!

Katherine, Emma and Russell join me in wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Karol Pawsey.

Dear Parents & Carers,

Voting on the new 2009/2010 committee went ahead at the recent PTFA Annual General Meeting and I am pleased to tell you that after a re-shuffle, the new committee is as follows.  Jon has stepped down as Chairperson as the Gunne family has a busy 12 months ahead -   Many thanks to Jon for doing such a great job over the last year!

Chairperson – Karol Pawsey        Treasurer – Emma Barrett
Vice-Chairperson – Russell English    Secretary – Katherine Porteous

There was a very disappointing attendance at the AGM and in the case that anyone wishes to object to these appointments please do so in writing via the school within 7 days of this notice.  Other matters including the appointment of class representatives, the 12 month financial report, previous AGM minutes, were all discussed and approved – copies of the minutes from the meeting are available to any one who is interested on request.  A normal PTFA meeting was also held immediately after the AGM which focused mainly on plans and arrangements for the Christmas Fair coming up on December 11th and other future plans. Copies of the minutes from this meeting are also available on request.  The next PTFA meeting will be the week commencing January 11th 2010.

Christmas Fair – Friday 11th December 3.15-5.30pm
Plans are well under way for a really super event again this year – Father Christmas already has it marked in his diary!  Thank you to the many parents and carers who have returned their slips volunteering help and donations – keep them coming, the more the merrier!  Please do also remember than in exchange for donating a prize for the tombola stall, the day of the fair has been declared a ‘festive fancy dress’ day by the school! There are prizes for the two best outfits! Also, the children will shortly be bringing home a poster advertising the fair which we would love them to colour in for you to display in your car or house window!

Christmas Grand Draw
Raffle tickets for the annual Christmas Draw will be sent out via the children this week, the idea is for each family to receive one set of booklets which they sell to their family, friends and neighbours and then return the ticket stubs along with the money to the school office as soon as possible.  The top cash prize is £100 so good luck – remember you have to be in it to win it!!!  The draw will be made towards the end of the fair, all proceeds from the Draw and the Fair go to PTFA funded projects for the school.  

2010 – Future Plans
We have lots of ideas for events and activities next year that are both fun and fund raising.  However, as a PTFA we face a real challenge in terms of encouraging more people in the school’s parent/carer community to offer their time, energy and support.  Communication is a big issue, it seems that in many cases our notices do not reach home on time or at all.  To address this we have set up a fantastic PTFA designated website which offers a great online forum for contributing ideas and suggestions - we would urge all those online to visit www.dealparochial-ptfa.co.uk and sign up for the newsletter.  This means that in the future you will automatically receive notices by email and have access to information at your own convenience.  If it is difficult for you to come to PTFA meetings, you can still contribute via the website.  Paper notices will still be sent to parents who prefer it & posters displayed around the school but email is more efficient and certainly more environmentally friendly!

The PTFA and committee hope you have a really great time at the Christmas Fair and join me is wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Healthy and Happy New Year!

Karol Pawsey, Chairperson PTFA

Dear Fellow Members of the PTFA

Yes that’s right; if you have a child at the Parochial you are automatically a fellow member of the PTFA!  (Parent Teachers Friends Association)

On behalf of the existing members I’d like to welcome you to our new web site, we hope to make this central part of our effort to keep everyone involved.

As a PTFA we have two main objectives:

1) To raise money for those ‘extra’ things that add to our children’s experience of school.
We achieve this by holding events such as the summer and Christmas fairs but also events throughout the year.  Some examples of items we’ve already funded are:

• New Goal posts for the football club
• New markings for the playground
• Water coolers
• Subsidised Tennis tutors
• Bibles and autograph books for Year 6 children
• Extra equipment for clubs.

2) To build a sense of extended community around the school.
Sometimes standing at the gate dropping off or collecting children can be a lonely place; everyone else seems to know each other.  As a PTFA we want to make sure everyone is included and made to feel part of the extended school community.   We aim to do this by holding some more social events throughout the year.  Why not come along, and learn people’s names not just whose parent they are?  The idea is we have fun together and if we manage to raise some money at the same time then even better.

Take a look and take part
Please take some time to explore the content here, sign up for updates and let us know your views.

Helping to organise and run evens can be a really good way of making new friends and we’d encourage all of you to consider volunteering.   The more people who get involved the easier job it is for everyone.  If you’ve never participated before why not make this new school year the first time you do, you never know you may even enjoy yourself?

Thanks

Jon Gunne
On behalf of your PTFA.

You can contact Jon here