Friends of Carniny Primary School
Minutes of the First AGM Tuesday 21[st] September 2021
The first AGM of the Friends of Carniny Primary School committee was held on Tuesday 21[st] Sept 2021. Due to Covid19 restrictions the meeting was convened via Zoom at 7.00p.m.
Present: Mr Fisher Mr McCullough Judi Shields Ruth Kitson Janette O’Boyle Erin McBride Danielle Mullan Alison Graham Kerry Dennehy Stephen Andrews Sabrena Keenan Chloe Arthur Paula Speers Paula Marshall
1. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Nick Cumming, Melanie Kernohan & Joanne McNeill.
2. THANKS
Judi Shields opened the first meeting of this school year by thanking the FOCPS members and the teaching staff for all of their hard work and fund raising efforts over the past year after another difficult year with covid restrictions limiting the events we could hold. Judi welcomed the new members and hoped that although Zoom meetings will have to continue for now that we would all get to meet face to face in the not too distant future!
Mr Fisher also thanked the FOCPS for the fundraising efforts and support this past year and noted that in particular the Ipads purchased
from FOCPS funds had been well received and were being put to good use.
Mr McCullough was in attendance on behalf of the teaching staff, we thank him for his support.
3. FINANCIAL
Janette reviewed the finances with us, a copy is attached. Our financial report for the year is done and reconciled.
We had an opening balance of £7694.62 and a closing balance of £2522.78.
Key purchases were the 12 Ipads plus accessories, support to the school running costs (photocopying) and the covid barriers for the playground.
Current bank balance is £1562.66 after the purchase of Mathletics for the current school year. The lowest balance in years, hoping lots of fundraising this year will bring account back up to a healthy level but also a good sign that a lot has been spent and the school well supported this year.
It has been agreed this year that photocopying will be made in one payment instead of receiving several invoices and several cheques being written. Not enough funds currently to pay this year, this will be reviewed and paid at a later date (Photocopying averages around £2,000 per year).
4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Judi chaired the election of officers for this year:
Chair – Judi Shields, nominated by Ruth Kitson, seconded by Janette O’Boyle.
Secretary – Kerry Dennehy nominated by Judi Shields, seconded by Janette O’Boyle.
Treasurer – Janette O’Boyle nominated by Judi Shields, seconded by Kerry Dennehy.
All positions were accepted by nominees and agreed with the rest of the committee present.
5. FUNDRAISING OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES
Top to Tip – Entire school to walk the equivalent of Malin Head to Mizen Head (291 miles) Each child to walk 1 mile - Sponsor forms to be returned by Monday 4[th] October. Moneys raised to go towards photocopying fees and to replenish some of the small world toys in the KS1 classes that are past their best.
Harvest/Autumn Fireside Quiz – Always a popular activity and if agreeable William will produce another fun quiz for us. Quiz to be distributed to families Monday 8[th] October with a return date of 22[nd] October. They need to have them back in before the Autumn break as they tend to get lost and less funds made. Cash prizes TBC (last years was 1[st, ] 2[nd] & 3[rd] of £20, £15 and £10)
William Graham/Stephen Andrews
Stephen Andrews suggested making the quiz available online to reach a wider audience to increase possible income. Stephen to do some research into the possibility of this for the quiz and future activities.
Christmas Cards – Unable to do Christmas cards last year due to covid restrictions, Mr Fisher thinks this should be ok to go ahead with this year but will get confirmation from Mrs Wylie.
Jo McNeill/ Mr Fisher
If going ahead a new company will need to be sourced as the previous company were difficult to work with and there were issues with them supplying the final product.
Preparations for this would need to go ahead asap as children’s drawings need to be received September/October time for orders to be processed and the volume of admin involved. To speak to Jo McNeill/Judy King as they had spreadsheets from the last year and more details on how the process works.
Christmas Extravaganza – Friday 10[th] December - Will most likely follow similar structure as last years due to covid regulations, so unfortunately no FOCPS attended grotto. Santa will visit each classroom and chocolates/sweets provided. Paula Marshall may have a supplier for the chocolates/sweets, she will check and let us know. Christmas jumpers and Christmas dinner held on same day. Cost of ticket and further details TBC.
Paula Marshall
Fundraising scratch cards (can be purchased from amazon) for example guess the name to win a large teddy may be included as an activity alongside the Christmas Extravaganza.
6. AOB
Other suggestions for possible activities in the new year and to be discussed further included:
All
Penny Wars – an easy fundraiser and brings in a lot of funds.
Treasure Hunt – a family orientated activity to take place in the better months, after Winter with lighter evenings and hopefully better weather. Sabrena had mentioned would be a good one to do to bring some community spirit and get the whole family involved.
Big Prize Raffle – Raffle with a good prize for example overnight in a hotel such as The Rabbit or Galgorm Resort or an electronic device e.g a Playstation 5.
Non-Uniform/break the rules/crazy hair day – always popular with the children.
Car Wash was suggested but may have insurance/safeguarding issues.
Paula Marshall suggested selling cookies/cupcakes or something similar.
Erin McBride suggested the teachers take part in a Masked Singer style fundraiser with the children voting for teachers.
Mr Fisher suggested a fundraiser involving catering a dinner/charity ball, something similar had been done before with outside caterers then making a mark up on tickets to raise funds.
Paula Marshall had noted that the World Cup 2022 may provide some good fundraising activities and to keep it in mind for next year.
7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The date for the next meeting is Tuesday 16[th] November at 7:00pm again via Zoom.
Kerry Dennehy Secretary
Judi Shields Chairperson