2023-11-30-annual-report

FRIENDS OF ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY, EDERNEY PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

Registered Charity Number	107845
Address	C/O St Joseph’s Ederney Primary School 12 Ardvarney Road Ederney County Fermanagh BT930HA
Trustees	Mrs Lorraine McGrath Mrs Edel Aiken Mrs Orla McManus Mrs Sinead Gormley Ms Dearbhaile McHugh
Financial Year	1 December 2022 - 30 November 2023

About Our Charity

St. Joseph’s P.S., situated in the village of Ederney, Co. Fermanagh, is a vibrant, active and inclusive learning community, firmly rooted in the Catholic ethos. The school encourage all pupils to be the best they can be and supports them in achieving their potential, through high standards of learning and teaching. The school has achieved Eco-Schools status and caring for the environment is central to everything they do. St. Joseph’s enjoys a strong connection with our local community and parish and cherish links with neighbouring schools, through Shared Education.

Ederney Community Nursery is a cross-community Nursery Unit, serving principally the areas of Ederney, Kesh and Lack. Ederney Community Nursery believe in the critical importance of a child’s Early Years in school, where positive at udes and dispositions for learning, are nurtured and developed. They are committed to providing a happy, secure and stimulating environment, which supports and challenges our children, in their exploration of the world around them.

Friends of Ederney St Josephs was set up to help raise much needed funds to support ongoing educational needs for children.

The Charity’s Purpose – Advancing Educaton

The direct benefit which flows from this purpose is education of the pre-school and primary school children i.e. to develop a range of life skills, self-improvement e.g. self-esteem/self-confidence, independent skills and pastoral care of the children serving principally the areas of Ederney, Kesh and Lack.

There is no harm flowing from this purpose.

Our benefciaries:

The intended beneficiaries of our charity continue to be children between 0-13 years who attend Ederney St Josephs Primary School or Nursery school.

Actvites

The information below sets out the activities we have carried out to further our purposes and fulfil each of the public benefit elements during the last 12 months.

Fundraising initiatives included:

• School 50[th] Anniversary JustGiving Donations

• The Halifax Foundation Grant for computer equipment

• Bonus Ball Fundraiser

• Winter Warmer Fundraiser JustGiving Donations

The fund raised were used to provide:

• 10 PCs and 4 Laptops

• Contribution towards School Trips

• Visit from an Author

• Contribution towards School Raffle and Easter Celebrations

• P7 Leaver Hoodies and Celebrations

• Outdoor Mud Kitchen

Providing the following resources yielded numerous benefits for students, teachers, and the school community:

10 PCs and 4 Laptops

• Enhanced Learning: These devices provide access to educational software, research tools, and online resources, enriching the learning experience.

• Equity and Accessibility: Ensures all students/stakeholders, including those who may not have access to technology at home, can benefit from digital learning tools.

• Skill Development: Helps students/stakeholders develop important computer skills and digital literacy, essential for future academic and career success.

• Support for Teachers: Enables teachers to integrate technology into their lessons, making teaching more dynamic and interactive.

Contribution towards School Trips

• Experiential Learning: School trips provide hands-on learning experiences that can enhance understanding of subjects through real-world contexts.

• Social and Emotional Growth: Trips offer opportunities for students to build social skills, independence, and confidence outside the classroom environment.

• Cultural Exposure: Visiting different places exposes students to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives, broadening their worldview.

Visit from an Author

• Inspiration and Engagement: Meeting an author can inspire students to read more and perhaps pursue their own writing, fostering a love for literature.

• Creative Development: Students gain insights into the writing process, encouraging creativity and improving their own writing skills.

• Real-World Connections: Provides a tangible connection between the curriculum and realworld professionals, making learning more relevant and exciting.

Contribution towards School Raffle and Easter Celebrations

• Community Building: Events like raffles and celebrations foster a sense of community and school spirit among students, parents, and staff.

P7 Leaver Hoodies and Celebrations

• Recognition and Motivation: Leaver hoodies and celebrations recognize students' achievements and milestones, boosting morale and motivation.

• Memories and Connections: These activities create lasting memories and a sense of belonging.

• Transition Support: Celebrations can ease the transition to the next stage of education by providing closure and a positive send-off.

Outdoor Mud Kitchen

• Hands-On Learning: An outdoor mud kitchen encourages exploration and imaginative play, promoting cognitive and social development.

• Connection with Nature: Provides students with a valuable opportunity to interact with the natural environment, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation.

• Physical Activity: Encourages physical play, which is crucial for young children’s health and development.

• Sensory Development: Activities in the mud kitchen engage multiple senses, aiding in sensory development and fine motor skills.

The funds raised had a positive impact for all children in the school community.