Chairperson's report for 2021/22
Welcome
Vision and Mission
Who we are
The Parents Group exists for the sole purpose of enhancing the educational experience for all children in the school.
The Gap in what finances schools have, and what they need continues to grow, and the dedication and efforts of groups such as this as so important.
Achievements and Challenges
We started last year Emerging from lockdown, not sure if we would have enough parents to host an AGM, never mind form a committee. However, we were encouraged that we gained a number of new members who were enthusiastic to get involved. This translated into some new ideas on the types of activities we carried out over the year. With some level of restrictions still in place, planning to run events was not possible until the start of 2022.
The Parents group were able to continue activities and raised a significant amount of money,
Through or WIN Christmas Raffle, Christmas card design and print, Smarties tube appeal, Halloween Fancy dress, we raised over £4000 profit.
Then in April, we were able to host our 1[st] event in over 2 years! The school was transformed into a Wonderland. This was a huge effort from the parents group, and we were grateful for the support of the teaching staff, many volunteers who helped make some of the Alice props, and who helped out on the day. The feedback from this event was very encouraging, and both Mrs Devlin and many parents commented on how nice it was to be able to be back within the school grounds. Baring in mind many parents in the younger end of the school would not have had this opportunity before. So we were happy as a group at the sense of community, and the chance to welcome families to the event.
Towards the end of the year, the parents group were able to provide a tea and coffee stand at the annual sports day after a period of absence, as well as contribute towards the costs, and provide help to run a successful P7 Leavers day.
So it was a busy year, not without its challenges and I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way.
The year ahead
There are a number of events in the planning, and the Halloween disco is to make a welcome return, so I can be sure it will be another busy year ahead.
I took up the Office of Chair Person last year, with the understanding that it would only be for 1 year. As a group it was decided that there was a need to (In line with Charity Commission Guidelines); review our Constitution (Or Governing Document) and key policies, including the Finance Policy. This process requires a commitment by all of the committee, and it would be my recommendation to the incoming committee to make that commitment in earnest to undertake this review in the incoming year.
We can all appreciate that groups such as this exist only due to the dedication of volunteers, and although it would not be expected to be managed as a business, it should be emphasized that there is a requirement to follow the CCNI Code of Good Governance.
Thanks
It remains for me to say some words of thanks.
We would like to thank all those businesses in Banbridge, and also those from within the School Community, who gave so very generously by donations for raffle prizes. The group were genuinely blown away by the level of support we received.
Thank you to the outgoing committee, all of our volunteers, the staff of Bridge and all the pupils who have supported us over the last year, and I wish continued success to the new incoming committee.