Greek Community School of Newcastle Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Annual Report of the trustees for the year ending March 2022
The Trustees and Board of Greek Community School of Newcastle CIO) present their annual report and audited accounts for the year ended March 2022 and confirm they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the trust deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
OUR AIMS
The School operates under a Declaration of Trust dated 12 August 1909 and a scheme which was sealed by the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales on 05 March 2021 which included the regulations for appointment of trustees.
The school operates as a Children’s Saturday (only) Greek Language School, providing 3h per class (Reception to A levels) for Children 4-17 years old for 38 weeks an academic year
The
The aims of the Greek Community School of Newcastle, are:
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operating, supporting, expanding and developing a Greek school in order to
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advance the education, not only of children of Greek origin but of every child in need of a dedicated provision that facilitates their learning of the Greek language
and culture
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supporting and advancing the education of adults of non-Greek origin in the Greek language
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offering the opportunity to students of all ages to obtain official qualifications in
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modern Greek language
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undertaking other activities to enhance the educational and cultural outcomes of
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the school’s students.
OUR OBJECTIVES
The Greek Community School follows a Syllabus based on, but not limited to the official educational materials and programs and provided by the Greek and Cypriot Ministries of Education which is made available to all the Greek Schools in the UK by the Hellenic Education Office and Cypriot Educational Mission. Course books and other teaching material are distributed directly from the Greek and Cypriot Ministries of Education. This material is very rich and modern and specifically designed and produced in order to meet the needs of children of who live in the UK and would like to lean the Greek Language. The subjects that are taught are:
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Modern Greek language
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• History and Culture • Theatre/Music Sketches
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Pupil numbers and fees
Our educational activities are carried out through our rented School facilities. The number of Students were 48 children and 12 adults.
Day to day Financial School Obligations
The Greek Community School at Newcastle dependents on tuition fees and charitable donations in order to fulfill financial obligations and commitments of the School towards third parties such as facilities hire, teacher wages, training and any other costs or expenses necessary to allow the day to day running of the school.
Contributions
Parents will be expected to pay School tuition fees promptly at the beginning of each term to allow for the smooth running of the school. These fees will be agreed upon at the beginning of each academic year and parents must pay fees for each term that their child begins.
Families with 1 Child are expected to make the full Contribution per child. Families with 2 children received a 50 % reduction for the second child and families with 3 children received a 50 % reduction for the 2[nd] child and for the 3[rd] child there would be no fees. Adults had a flat fee regardless of how many they were in their party
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Families/Adults Contribution per Term in Academic Year 2021-22
Contributio Contributi Contribution
Child / n on 2nd Contribution Annually
Adults 1st Term Term 3rd Term (Total)
Families
with 1 Child £ 250.00 £250.00 £150.00 £650.00
Families
with 2
Children £350.00 £350.00 £ 250.00 £ 950.00
Families
with 3
Children £350.00 £350.00 £ 250.00 £ 250.00
Adult 1 £280.00 £280.00 £280.00 £ 840.00
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The table below shows the Contribution from Families/Adults per Term in Academic Year 2021-22
Fee adjustments
The Board maintains the right to adjust Contributions throughout the year for future terms in the event of major unforeseen circumstances. In the event that major adjustments must be made (10% or more) a Parent’s Assembly must be called where a budget review will be necessary and justification for proposed adjustments given.
Annual Review
As costs may increase from year to year, this policy will be reviewed annually. This policy will be monitored and reviewed regularly by both the Governing Board and Parent Assembly
ACCESS POLICY (Financial difficulties)
If any Parents or Adults find themselves in financial difficulty and are unable to fulfill their financial obligations must speak to the Board. As a charitable organization, the school and the Board will be obligated to assist in every way possible. Evidence however may be requested in order to assess the needs of the (e.g. redundancy letter, benefits etc).
Academic
Our GCSE Class was attended by two students both moved to their 2nd year of education
Our A-Level was attended by 1 Student who achieved grades A* in the Greek language A-level Exams
Other Activities
Parents may also be invited to make contributions for any extra activities taking place inside or outside of school hours. These activities could include but may not be limited to coffee mornings, theatrical performances, music and dance activities.
The school reserves the right to cancel activities for which insufficient funding to cover costs is received from contributions.
For Academic year 2021- 2022 Pupils took part in theater/music Sketches with Greek themed topics. More specifically Independences’ Day (25 March 1821) Celebrations, 28th of October Celebrations, Christmas Festivities and End of School celebrations.
Further expenses incurred from damage, breakages and replacement of lost items
The school will ask parents to pay some or all of the cost of avoidable damage or loss caused by a pupil.
OUR ETHOS, STRATEGY AND POLICIES Ethos of Teaching and Learning
It is the policy of the school that a positive and supportive environment should be developed in the classroom as it is the necessary first step in ensuring all pupils maximise their learning potential.
Our aim is to foster a lifelong love of learning about the Greek language and Culture, nurture the Greek identity of our pupils and help them to achieve many of the benefits of being bilingual such as improving their problemsolving, multitasking and decision-making abilities.
Effective Teachers
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Communicate high expectations for all pupils
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Demonstrate strong personal connections between pupils and teachers
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Motivate, inspire and engage pupils
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Provide a rich and diverse curriculum
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Use data effectively to plan and setting age-appropriate targets
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Provide timely and diagnostic feedback to improve learning and ensure progress
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Forge strong positive relationships with parents/carers and the wider community, actively promoting home/school relations
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Plan differentiation to ensure that learning is meaningful and inclusive with careful attention to the requirements of SEN, Pupil Premium and EAL pupils
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Evaluate the effect of their teaching on pupils’ learning and achievement
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Share clear learning objectives and the steps necessary to succeed
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Plan and incorporate ‘Assessment for Learning’ approaches
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Encourage collaborative approaches to both learning and teaching by sharing ideas, planning, teaching and resources with colleagues
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Provide opportunities for pupils to question, discuss and reflect to extend learning opportunities
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Embolden creativity and independent thinking through active learning approaches
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Ensure pupils understand the purpose and relevance of their learning
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Engage in continuing professional development opportunities, striving to build expertise to create positive effects on all pupils
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Demonstrate flexibility in approach and be prepared to deviate from the lesson where appropriate when unexpected learning opportunities arise
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Utilise information technology to motivate and deepen learning.
Effective learning
Learning is the process by which an individual makes sense of new experiences. Learning takes place when the individual constructs their own knowledge and understanding of a subject, skill or values. Everyone - regardless of ability - can learn to improve their potential by developing positive thinking and learning dispositions. Therefore, we encourage behaviors from our pupils that are age-appropriate and complement their learning capacities while forming the building blocks of important life skills:
CURRICULUM
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Enable all pupils to learn and develop their skills to the best of their ability
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Promote a positive attitude towards learning
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Build on the basic skills necessary in Greek literacy, Culture and History throughout the curriculum
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Enable pupils to be creative and to develop their own thinking
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Fulfill all the requirements of the Hellenic Education Office and the Cyprus Educational Mission (both London based representative offices of the Ministries of Education Of Greek and Cyprus respectfully)
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Help pupils understand the importance of truth and fairness, so they grow up committed to equal opportunities for all
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Enable pupils to have respect for themselves and high self-esteem, and to be able to live and work co-operatively with others
In order to achieve these aims we work hard to:
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Offer a broad and balanced curriculum based on and supported by the Hellenic Education Office and the Cypriot Educational Mission Curriculum and other Strategies
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Plan interesting and age-appropriate learning activities, which motivate and educate
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Promote the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
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Help and encourage pupils to express themselves confidently
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Value and encourage a sense of pride in personal achievement
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Recognise and value individual skills, talents and abilities in order to encourage and nurture confidence
We are supported in this aspect of our work through:
Organisation and Planning
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We plan our curriculum in three phases. We agree a long-term plan for each class. This indicates what topics are to be taught in each term and to which groups of pupils. We review our long –term plan on an annual basis.
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With our medium-term plans, we give clear guidance on the objectives and teaching strategies that we use when teaching each topic.
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Our short-term plans are those that our teachers write on a weekly or daily basis. We use these to set out the learning objectives for each session. This way we also identify what resources and activities we are going to use in the lesson; how to support individuals or groups of pupils with special needs; how extra support from additional professionals will be effectively deployed.
Children with special needs
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The curriculum in our school is designed to provide access and opportunity for all pupils who attend the school. If we think it is necessary to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of individual pupils, this is done following consultation with the pupil’s parent/carer.
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If a pupil has a special need, our school does all it can to meet these individual needs. We comply with the requirements set out in the SEN Code of Practice in providing for pupils with special needs. If necessary, pupils are assessed and in most instances are given the resources and educational opportunities which meet the pupils needs within the normal class organization.
The role of the Head Teacher
The Head Teacher is instrumental in providing a strategic lead and direction for School. The Head Teacher is given additional time so that they can carry out the necessary duties involved with their role. It is the Head Teacher’s role to keep up to date with developments in the curriculum and to review the way the subjects are taught in the school and plan for improvements which link to whole-school objectives. The Head Teacher provides support and advice to colleagues on issues related to the curriculum, monitors pupils progress and provides efficient resource management for each subject of the curriculum.
The Head Teacher reviews the curriculum subjects and ensures that there is full coverage of the Curriculum and that progression is planned into schemes of work.
Monitoring and Review
- The Head Teacher monitors the way the curriculum is delivered throughout the school through lesson observations, work inspection
and termly Teacher’s meetings. The Head Teacher examines long-term and medium-term planning and ensure that appropriate teaching strategies are used
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The Head Teacher is responsible for the day-to-day organization of the curriculum. The Head Teacher and Board monitor the lesson-plans for all teachers, ensuring that all classes are taught the full requirements of the Hellenic office of education and Cyprus educational mission Curriculum
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The Board liaise with the teachers of these areas and monitor the way the school teaches these subjects
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The board is responsible for monitoring the way the school curriculum is implemented
GOVERNING POLICY
The Greek Community School of Newcastle is governed by the Greek Community School Board members who act as Trustees of the Charity. The Greek Community School Board comprises of three- (3) members who are elected by the Parents General Assembly annually during a specially convened Parents General Assembly
The members of the School Board act in a voluntary capacity and shall not profit from their position either through monetary or through non-monetary means. Members of the Board may be reimbursed for certain expenses. Details of how members can be reimbursed can be found in the Charging Policy.
Greek Community School Board Members elect among themselves their Office bearers, during their first meeting. In a 3-Member board the office bearers will be the Chair, the Secretary and the Treasurer.
The elected Chair represents the Greek Community School Board in the General Parents Assembly and in the Greek Community Council and attends, after invitation, the meetings of the latter whenever needed. He/she also represents the Greek Community School Board in meetings with the Hellenic Education Office and the Cyprus Educational Mission. Other members of the Greek Community School Board may also attend any of the above meetings if they wish so.
The number of Members in the Greek Community School Board may be amended by the Parents General Assembly.
The Greek Community School Board is under the direction of and accountable to the Parents General Assembly. The parents of children who are enrolled in the Greek Community School of Newcastle elect their representatives in the Greek Community School Board, during a specially convened Parents General Assembly.
The Greek Community School Board is responsible for the following:
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the general progress and smooth operation of the School,
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The maintenance, communication and implementation of the School Policies (see Article 14) by Parents, Pupils and the Greek Community School Board itself.
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the arrangement of appropriate fund-raising events for maintaining the financial viability of the School,
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submitting to the Parents General Assembly, at the start of each academic year, a proposal for setting the level of compulsory donations and arranging the payment of these donations,
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hiring, appointing and dismissing Teachers as required.
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submitting to the Parents General Assembly, at the start of each academic year, a proposal for adjusting the salaries of teaching staff and arranging their prompt payment,
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appointing designated volunteers, among parents and other Greek Community members, for executing tasks and organizing events, should that be deemed necessary,
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providing the necessary support to the Head Teacher and the Teachers for the normal execution of their duties,
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agreeing at the start of each academic year, the Greek Community School Terms timetable in collaboration with the Head Teacher and the Teachers of the Greek Community School Terms timetable,
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working closely with the Teachers in organising Greek National and Religious Celebration events) and the opening and closing ceremonies,
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receiving from the Head Teacher his/her annual report on academic issues
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submitting proposals to the Parents General Assembly with regards to the number of teaching staff necessary for the operation of the Greek Community School.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
The governors of the Greek Community School of Newcastle with the Cypriot and Greek Educational Missions in the United Kingdom and EFEPE, an umbrella organization of Greek supplementary community schools in the UK, recognise their responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within the legal framework of the Children Acts 1989 and 2004.
Our School Board are responsible for setting a strategy for achieving the objectives they have set. The focus of our strategy is on the development of our pupils, their continued high levels of academic and co-curricular achievement and to further widen access to the education our School provides. In taking forward our strategy we:
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review and benchmark the School’s academic syllabus, teaching practices and examination results
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ensure the range of co-curricular activities available to our pupils is stimulating and challenging
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invest in technology and the infrastructure of our School
The role of the Head Teacher
The Head Teacher is instrumental in providing a strategic lead and direction for School. The Head Teacher is given additional time so that they can carry out the necessary duties involved with their role. It is the Head Teacher’s role to keep up to date with developments in the curriculum and to review the way the subjects are taught in the school and plan for improvements which link to whole-school objectives. The Head Teacher provides support
and advice to colleagues on issues related to the curriculum, monitors pupils progress and provides efficient resource management for each subject of the curriculum.
The Head Teacher reviews the curriculum subjects and ensures that there is full coverage of the Curriculum and that progression is planned into schemes of work.
Monitoring and Review
-
The Head Teacher monitors the way the curriculum is delivered throughout the school through lesson observations, work inspection and termly Teacher’s meetings. The Head Teacher examines long-term and medium-term planning and ensure that appropriate teaching strategies are used
-
The Head Teacher is responsible for the day-to-day organization of the curriculum. The Head Teacher and Board monitor the lesson-plans for all teachers, ensuring that all classes are taught the full requirements of the Hellenic office of education and Cyprus educational mission Curriculum
-
The Board liaise with the teachers of these areas and monitor the way the school teaches these subjects
-
The board is responsible for monitoring the way the school curriculum is implemented
Progression to the next school year
We expect that all pupils will complete 80 percent or more of the school curriculum in order to progress to the next academic year.
Greek Community School of Newcastle
N
Receipts and payments acco For the period Mar-21 To from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds to the nearest to the nearest £ to the nearest £ £
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to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A1 Receipts
Contributions March 2021 - - -
Contributions April 2021 £562.00 -
Contributions May 2021 £538.00
Contributions June 2021 £1,300.00 -
Contributions July 2021 £1,121.00 -
Contributions August 2021 £248.00 -
Contributions September 2021 £1,951.50 - -
Contributions October 2021 £5,255.50 - -
Contributions November 2021 £2,292.50 - -
Contributions December 2021 £2,495.00 - -
Contributions January 2021 £1,068.00 - -
Contributions February 2021 £4,944.70 - -
Contributions March 2021 £2,555.00 - -
24,331 - -
Sub total (Gross income for AR)
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A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
- - -
- - -
Sub total - - -
Total receipts 24,331 - -
A3 Payments
Tuition Fees 15,026 - -
Classroon rental 6,720 - -
Insurance 345 - -
Event 528 - -
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- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Sub total [ 22,618 ] - -
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see
table)
- - -
- - -
Sub total [ - ] - -
Total payments 22,618 - -
Net of receipts/(payments) 1,713 - -
A5 Transfers between funds - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end - - -
Cash funds this year end 1,713 - -
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the peri
Unrestricted Categories Details funds to nearest £ - - - Total cash funds - (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Agreement Error Unrestricted funds Details to nearest £ - - - - - - Fund to which Details asset belongs Fund to which Details asset belongs Fund to which Details liability relates Signature Print N
B1 Cash funds
B2 Other monetary assets
B3 Investment assets
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use
B5 Liabilities
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees
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No (if any)
ounts CC16a
Mar-22
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Total funds
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Total funds Last year
to the nearest £ to the nearest £
- -
562
538
1,300
1,121
248
1,952 -
5,256 -
2,293 -
2,495 -
1,068 -
4,945 -
2,555 -
24,331 -
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24,331 -
15,026 -
6,720 -
345 -
528 -
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- -
- -
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22,618 -
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-
- -
22,618 -
1,713 -
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1,713 -
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od
Restricted Endowment
funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £
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OK OK
Restricted Endowment
funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £
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- -
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Current value
Cost (optional)
(optional)
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Current value
Cost (optional)
(optional)
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Amount due When due
(optional) (optional)
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Date of
Name
approval
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