Tru5tee5 Annual Report 2015-2106 In the past year the work of the PTFA continued to raise money to support both pupils and members of the local community. The ose5 of the PTFA OF Hol Cross Colle The constitution of the PTFA states that the main purpose of the PTFA is to raise funds for the benefit of the pupils and the community of Holy Cr055 College in Strabane. It also is to improve community relations and to raise the profile of the school in the community. Public Benefit. The PTFA have provided funding for a range of activities and resources that have been of benefit to the pupils and also the wider community. These have included: Because of the school's location transport costs have previously been prohibitive and so pupils have missed out on opportunities to participate in events and visits. The PTFA has funded the provision of transport for pupils in a range of subjects (Drama, Careers, Art, Geography, Enrichmentl to facilitate educational and recreational visits. Funding of Duke of Edinburgh Award in the school by providing essential equipment for expeditions (Tents, waterproofs etc;). Funding two day G.C.5.E. Geography Fieldtrip to Magilligan Field Centre to complete Controlled Assessment. This has had a very positive impact on the management and quality of the work and also on pupils, chances of success in their qualification. Weekly Art Ipaintingl classes for the community have been facilitated by PTFA funding and also by the expertise of one member of the PTFA. This creative opportunity is not available elsewhere in the local area and has been a source of inspiration and also social interaction for the participants. Gaeltacht Scholarships have been funded by the PTFA. All pupils attending summer school to promote the Irish language, and to develop their linguistic and social skills, were funded in part by this scholarship programme. This made it possible for all pupils who were interested, to afford this opportunity. Pupils who attended the summer school also benefitted by widening their experience, meeting new friends and growing in independence. Pupil Reward Scheme. In terms of Positive Behaviour Management, the Merit System in the school is a central tenant. Pupils are rewarded with Merits for etfort, improvement and good behaviour. Pupil Merits accumulate and rewards are given. The PTFA has provided funding for purchase of these rewards. The benefit of thi5 Svstem is felt by individual pupils who are encouraged and grow in both confidence and self-esteem. The school benefits as a whole with high standards of behaviour which provide a positive atmosphere in which all pupils are enabled to maximise their potential and success. PTFA also provlded funding for Prizes for the junior Prize giving event.
The PTFA hosted a Guest Tea for the local community. This event was attended by a number of people from the community who were able to enjoy the talent of pupils in the school and also from a successful local Dance school IPop-Tapl. This event was a successf ul showcase for local young people and provided an opportunity for building cross-community relationships. The PTFA hosted a Christmas Craft Fair for local 'Crafters' This again was an opportunity to work with individuals from the community and to build cro55 community relations. It also was an opportunity for work f rom pupils in the Art Department and Technology and Design Department to showcase their work and sell some of their pieces. This helped to build confidence of the pupils and also raise funds for these departments. Other departments l eg HEI also contributed and staff relations were Strengthened. How the charit has miti ated an harm flowin from it's activities Following consultation with the pupils, the PTFA introduced the sale of Sausage Rolls at breaktime. This was an issue of debate within the school with regard to health promotion and healthy eating policy. In line with promoting wellbeing, it was negotiated that sausage roll would only be sold on one day per week. Other more healthy snacks were also made available, and so pupils can now purchase cereal bars, fruit and water. To ensure that pupils benefited from PTFA funding, teachers who applied for funding were required to submit an application form which clarified the benefits and and also included how the benefits were to measured/ evaluated. The PTFA Committee disCU55ed and agreed before ALL applications are approved. Siobhan Quinn