Glasswater Primary School
Parent Teacher Association
Registered Charity No: 101878
6 John Street, Crossgar, Downpatrick, BT30 9EG
Annual Chairperson’s Report
September 2024 - August 2025
Mr Milligan, Mrs Wilson, Office bearers, the committee and to everyone present here this afternoon, I offer a warm welcome to this year’s Annual General Meeting for Glasswater Primary Schools Parents Teachers Association.
This year we welcomed Mrs Wilson as our parent - teacher representative and we would like to offer a special thanks to Mrs Wilson for all of her encouragement and support throughout the school year. A special word of thanks also to all the staff at Glasswater, teaching and non teaching, for their continued support. The PTA has once again felt like part of the team in the school, and for that we would like to thank Mr Milligan for making us feel welcome, supported and valued.
In October 2024 we began to brainstorm and think about the school year ahead and the opportunities we could find to fundraise and organise treats for the children. The PTA made an effort, once again, to reach out into the community and open the school gates for events where we could. Feedback from our neighbours was very positive and those events were very clearly enjoyed by all who attended and were a huge success.
It goes without saying that none of these events would be possible if it wasn’t for the dedication of a wonderful group of parents and grandparents who have worked so hard and given up their time for the benefit of all the children in Glasswater. It is so evident that all of you have a real heart and enthusiasm for our wonderful school community. This commitment makes all the difference when it comes to the planning and putting on of events. It would also be amiss of me to not mention that our bigger events ran so smoothly because of the support and extra help from our spouses and family at home. We are so grateful for the time given by all. A huge thank you to all of you.
Term 1 - October - December 2024
OCTOBER:
- Crazy hair day/dress up - classes had the opportunity to participate in a scarecrow trail around the village and a photo booth created in the hall. A small monetary donation was taken on the morning of the crazy hair day. Each child was gifted a small packet of sweets. FUNDRAISER & TREAT
NOVEMBER:
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Static Cycle in Costcutters FUNDRAISER
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Purchase of iPads and Basketball nets TREAT
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Christmas Jumper Swap - donations of Christmas jumpers were left into school and made available for those who needed/wanted them.
DECEMBER:
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Christmas Raffle - Children donated Christmas treats, groceries and prize items. Christmas hampers were made and wonderful prizes were up for grabs FUNDRAISER
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Christmas Movie Day - Each child was provided a treat box of crisps/popcorn/ sweets and a drink TREAT
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Refreshments for children, parents and staff after the Carol Service in Lissara Presbyterian Church TREAT
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Santa’s Grotto and visit on the last day of term - each child was gifted a small present and had the opportunity to visit Santa’s grotto TREAT
Term 2 - January - April
FEBRUARY:
- Valentines Disco - A fun evening had by all. There was a small charge per child and they were each gifted a party bag at the end of the night TREAT
MARCH:
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Smartie tubes - fill the tube with 20p FUNDRAISER/TREAT
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iPads purchased for school children TREAT
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ASDA Cashpot (Ran through earlier months of school year) FUNDRAISER
APRIL:
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Easter Fun Day - each child completed a sponsored bounce on a bouncy castle and took part in various activities throughout the morning. Children were gifted a certificate and bag of haribo on completion of their bounce. FUNDRAISER / TREAT
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School Sports Kits purchased TREAT
MAY:
- Community 1K and 5K Fun Run - a great community event and fun for all the family FUNDRAISER
JUNE:
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Tractor Run - our second Tractor Run was a huge success and another great opportunity to engage with the community. FUNDRAISER
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Donation given towards outdoor play equipment TREAT
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Sports Day Snack - The PTA provided the children with a snack during Sports Day TREAT
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Leavers BBQ, ties and bouncy castle TREAT
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Spending Money - each teacher was offered a small sum of money to use at their discretion TREAT
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Picnic in the playground - on the last Friday of term, the children were treated to a picnic snack TREAT
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Library resources and furniture purchased TREAT
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Spelling books and resources purchased TREAT
Ongoing Fundraisers throughout the year
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Easy Fundraising
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Uniform Shop
What a wonderful year for the children again - plenty of treats and fun events to keep us all busy. Thank you for making my first year as Chairperson such an enjoyable and positive one.
A big thank you to last years outgoing chair, Kelly, for her handover and continued support, guidance and encouragement throughout this year.
To Sarah, our Treasurer, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication when it comes to looking after the PTA purse. We are so grateful and appreciate all of the work that you do.
To Rachel, our wonderful Secretary, a big thank you for all of your encouragement and support this year. It’s no mean feat to keep up with all of the chatter at the PTA meetings. Thank you for taking the minutes, keeping us right and so much more.
A special thank you to the wonderful Sara in the office - a true friend to the PTA. We are really grateful to Sara for all of her help and support.
Finally, to each person on our committee, our children, and our families at home - THANK YOU - without you, the fundraisers and treats simply wouldn’t happen.