Friends of St John's School Chairmans Report

AGM September 2006

September 2005-September 2006 has proved to be yet another busy year for the ‘Friends’. It is only with the support and commitment of those few that we have been able to achieve so much. Special thanks go to Ruth Cooke (vice-chair), Catherine Perkins (treasurer) and Sue Brown (minute secretary) for all your time and efforts that have benefited the pupils and the life of the school.

At the start of the new academic year, a coffee morning for parents was held in the dining room. This proved very popular this year being a simple but valuable event in supporting new and old parents.

It was felt that we should hold another Quiz Night. Thanks to Dr Jones who agreed to be the Quiz Master and his able assistant who kept the score – many thanks to them. We raised £225.

The Children’s Fancy Dress Disco on 14th Oct. proved to be a great success and Thanks to Ruth Cooke for co-ordinating this event and ensuring there was so much food available! It raised a profit of £73.

The pre-prep nativity raffle raised £205, which was given to the school for the children’s Christmas parties.

The Christmas Ball at the Hi-Tide was again successful socially and financially. The atmosphere was particularly good and we raised a profit of £1,772 for the school thanks to all those who contributed and/or attended.

The Christmas Bazaar continues to be very successful for the pupils. Many thanks to all those who donated quality items for us to sale. Thanks to all those involved in this event and especially ‘Father Christmas’ who gave of his time at this very busy time of the year. Well done everyone! We made a profit of £962.

The Clothes Show raffle raised £136 that was given to the school for the hire of the lighting for this event.

In February it was of course the Valentines Day Disco. This was held on 10th Feb the last Friday of term thanks to all involved the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The pre-prep Easter Egg Hunt was another “fun” event for the pupil’s in March, this was financed by the Friends. I understand the children were so excited with their Easter bonnets and baskets.

In April, Sue Brown held a ‘Total Image Evening’ it was well attended and a good night was had by all! A profit of £109 was made.

St. John’s School Golf Day was held on 19th May at the ‘Grove’ golf club. Many thanks to Mrs M Rogers and Mrs Price for co-ordinating this event. A good day was had by all and very few noticed the weather! A profit of £699 was made.

The Family Barn Dance/Duck Race was held for its second year – co-ordinated by Catherine Perkins and held on 20th May. This was a great family occasion with lots of fun, food and dancing. Catherine again worked extremely hard. Many thanks. A profit of £906 was made.

On the 26th May the Friends held their second ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Thanks go to all those parents who contributed by donating the large variety of food. I understand all the teddies had a great afternoon. With a profit of £139.

A special thanks again goes to the ‘Video Club’ team Patricia Rock, Christine Thorne and Catherine Perkins, who continue week after week providing a valuable service to the pre-prep department on a Friday afternoon. Helpers are required to provide this valuable service so if you can help or wish to be considered as part of a rota please speak to Patricia or Catherine - you will be most welcome! Last year a profit of £627 was made.

Again the Friends were formally invited to the School Open Evening. This gave some of us the opportunity to support the teaching staff and circulate/talk to existing and prospective parents and visitors.

Many thanks to Catherine Perkins who organised the Sports Day raffle a profit of £205 was made. >The Summer B.B.Q. was soon upon us, again a successful event not only because of the sum of money raised (£2,212) but also the pleasant weather and friendly atmosphere. Thanks to all who donated items and gave of their time. We certainly appreciated the ‘Pop Up’ gazebos.

This last year has flown by and it has been good to have the support and encouragement of Mrs Carol Clint our new headmistress and we look forward to working closely with her and the staff in all we do for the school.

Again I would encourage as many parents, grandparents and other family members to be involved in the work of the ‘Friends’ however great or small. It is a very practical way of supporting the life of the school. Our efforts really do benefit your child/ren and ALL profits go back into the school. So come and join in the fun! Without you there would be no ‘Friends’ so Thank You!