PTA Annual Report 2024-25
2024-25 was another successful year for PTA which began with our AGM on 20[th] September. At this meeting, the following oBice bearers were elected:
Chairperson: Louise Mitchell
Vice-Chairperson: Sarah Dobson
Secretary: Claire McAteer
Vice-Secretary: Lynne Hughes
Treasurer: Julie Canning Patterson
Vice-Treasurer: Amy Holmes
Communications OBicer: Claire Campbell
Vice-Communications OBicer: Richard Ewart
During this academic year, we undertook a number of fundraising initiatives which included PTA events, grant applications and support from businesses. We also submitted our annual report to the Charity Commission NI, including independently examined accounts.
Throughout the year, we ran events that not only raised vital funds for school, but also brought children, parents and carers, and school staB together, helping to create a strong sense of community across the Strandtown family. Some highlights were our adults’ speed quiz at Belmont Bowling Club, family cinema nights, the very popular Christmas hampers, a new digital scavenger hunt around Ballyhackamore, our sponsored active days and the highlight of the year, our annual BBQ and InflataPark.
Our grants and business subgroups amalgamated and continued to explore opportunities from alternative funding sources. Given the continued competitive nature of the grant seeking environment, we were much more selective in terms of opportunities pursued. Applications were submitted to Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund and Power NI’s Brighter Communities Fund. We attended a celebration event at Belfast City Hall for the council’s “Move More Eat Well” grant and received the final instalment of funding. We also registered for the Benefact Trust’s Movement for Good Awards and met with a local MLA’s bid writer about further possibilities.
We received a positive response from local businesses in various areas. Firstly, we launched an online Christmas Stationery Stocking gift list to allow the purchase of stationery items for school. Secondly, we had fantastic support from Ballyhackamore businesses who displayed posters for our Spring Scavenger Hunt and provided prizes for the children. Particular thanks to Hunter Paper Co., Orlee Kitchens, McElroys and Mauds. Thirdly, we are very grateful to four local companies who contributed to match funding our BBQ, namely Hagan Homes, UPS, Templeton Robinson and Simon Brien. Finally, our thanks must go to numerous local businesses who oBered support through
donating raBle prizes for both our speed quiz and BBQ, and to The Chandelier Guys for lending their van for our Cash for Clobber collection.
Additional fundraising initiatives included registering with the Charities Trust to enable payroll giving. As a result, we received a very generous parent donation. We also reregistered with HMRC to enable us to claim Gift Aid on donations, predominantly those from sponsored events. This was also facilitated by utilising Superkind as a platform for online sponsorship. This generated an extra 25% on eligible donations. We received further income from Asda’s Cashpot for Schools, Easy Fundraising and Cash for Clobber, and were delighted to receive over £200 from a very successful Bake Sale organised by three P7s.
Our fundraising eBorts for 2024-25 are summarised as follows:
| Term 1 | |
|---|---|
| Asda Cashpot | 256.00 |
| BCC Grant(fnalpayment) | 500.00 |
| WackyHair Day | 657.00 |
| SpeedQuiz | 1,332.00 |
| Strandtown Bears | 798.00 |
| FamilyCinema Nights | 646.00 |
| Class Fundraising (Christmas cards etc.) | 1,339.00 |
| Christmas Hampers | 3,984.00 |
| P4 Christmas concert refreshments | 278.00 |
| Carols on the Steps | 181.00 |
| Term 2 | |
| Cash for Clobber | 196.00 |
| SpringScavenger Hunt | 915.00 |
| Easter Eggs | 1,197.00 |
| Term 3 | |
| Sponsored Active Days | 8,990.00 |
| P7 Bake Sale | 200.00 |
| BBQand InfataPark | 7,574.00 |
| BBQMatch Fundingandparent donation | 2,450.00 |
| EasyFundraising | 412.00 |
| Total | 31,905.00 |
Our Stationery Stocking attained six supporters with orders amounting to £390.87.
In 2024-25, school received funds from PTA as follows:
| In 2024-25, school received funds from PTA as follows: | |
|---|---|
| Belfast CityCouncil Grant | 2,500.00 |
| iPads | 3,700.00 |
| Classroom resources(£300per class) | 10,800.00 |
| Contribution to new trim trail | 5,000.00 |
| Music and TV licences | 209.00 |
| Roots of Empathy | 2,000.00 |
| Extra-curricular activities | 2,000.00 |
| P7 Leavers | 1,511.00 |
| P7 Photos | 630.00 |
| Year Head stationeryrequisitions | 4,000.00 |
| SEN resources | 600.00 |
| Whiteboards | 4,000.00 |
| Total | 36,950.00 |
We are very thankful for the support received from the entire school community, from generous financial donations to the much appreciated contribution of volunteer time. A special mention should be given to those PTA members who are moving on from Strandtown, for their dedication, energy and enthusiasm, as well as to the partnership with Strandtown staB whose support is invaluable and without whom this year’s successes would not have been possible. We look forward to continuing to support the school throughout the next academic year.