Friends of Burton Bradstock School
Who are the Friends of Burton Bradstock Primary School?
We are Parents, Carers, Grandparents, friends, Staff and Friends of Burton Bradstock Primary School – in fact, Friends is made up of anyone who has an interest in making the school experience for the children fantastic! Members of Friends take an active role in making this happen by organising lots of fun, seasonal events.
Who are the friends?
Chair - Helen Fry
Vice Chair - Caroline Raybould
Secretary - Jacqui Tyne
Treasurer - Vicky Simmons
What role do the Friends play at school?
We organise lots of exciting events for the children, their families and the wider community. Such as the Christmas Fair and the most famous 'Duck Race'. We also provide refreshments at school events, run cake sales, movie nights, organise new to you uniform sales and lots of other fun ways to raise money for school.
What is the money raised for?
Our biggest project last year was to update the safety surface under the new playground equipment – a cost of over £5000 and we did it! We also raise money every year for residentials and over the last few years, the Friends have raised and saved enough to make some great improvements and additions. This year one of the things we are raising money for is to build a new outdoor classroom in the playground. So, keep watch!
In addition to the playground, we are committed to provide each class with funds to buy much needed resources, school trips and special workshops such as ‘The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares’ which was a huge hit with the children.
Why get involved?
Joining the Friends is a fantastic way to get stuck in and get to know the school inside and out. Whether it’s joining as a committee member or volunteering as and when, getting involved guarantees you will meet new parents and families from all years at school.
You’ll also get to know everyone at school. We all learn new skills each year, and it’s a great creative outlet! Being a Friend means that you get to be a fundamental part of your child’s time at Burton Bradstock Primary School. Most importantly, you get to spend time with a great group of parents and raise essential funding for the school.
Friends is vital, in order to provide our children with extracurricular activities such as a trip to the theatre, outside agencies to come into our school, residentials and to have access to up to date, new resources. As well as many more amazing opportunities. We really can’t do it without your help so why not come and see what we are all about.
How to get involved?
There are lots of events and meetings to get involved throughout the year, and it's totally flexible. We welcome any level of commitment!
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Pop in to our meetings for planning upcoming events – bring your fresh ideas
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Come to our social events
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Volunteer to help with events – (we couldn’t do it without you)
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Offer your skills or experience that will help with fundraising
Please do not underestimate how very appreciative we are of all those who support our ongoing fundraising. You contributions have not gone unnoticed however large or small. Your constant baking, manning stalls, buying tickets, making costumes, sending money, attending events etc has been fantastic and again we really couldn’t do it without you.
Where to find out more
Announcements for upcoming events will be posted in the school newsletter, here on the school website, outside on the school notice board, and on the ‘Friends of Burton Bradstock School’ Facebook page.
Up-coming events
Thursday 12th Oct – Bags to school collection (reusable clothes) - raised £145
Wednesday 18th October – book sale
Friday 20th Oct – Break the rules day
October half-term Halloween trail
Saturday 25th November Carol singing at Morrisons with raffles & tombola
Saturday 9th December – Christmas fair
TBC January film night
Saturday TBC February – Big breakfast
Saturday TBC March - Swimathon
Saturday 6th May - Duck race (bank holiday)
All these fundraisers go directly to the Friends and this is then spent in ways to benefit the children directly.
We are also registered with the following shopping affiliate schemes, so easy to sign up!
Easy Fundraising - over 5000 companies are signed up so when you shop online with them, you raise cash for our school.
This is completely free, every time you spend Burton Bradstock will receive a donation through ‘Easy Fundraising’.
The Committee Roles
Chair: Firstly, the chair is a friendly and approachable and makes everyone feel welcome. The Chair directs Friends committee meetings, making sure everyone's views are heard and that everyone is involved in the meetings. They provide leadership, have strong communication skills, sets the agendas for the meetings, manages the meeting effectively and timely. Welcomes contributions and views of all committee Friends members, ensures issues are debated properly and fairly with an agreement being reached. The Chair makes sure decisions are made clear, fit the objective and the whole Friends committee is in an agreement. The chair remains impartial, is empathetic and liaises with the head teacher on current or future ideas.
Vice-Chair: Is also friendly and approachable. The vice chair actively provides support and advice to the Chair. Provide leadership qualities, strong communication skills and confidence when deputising in the absence of the Chair both at meetings or other social/fund-raising events.
Secretary: This is a key role of the Friends. The secretary is responsible for ensuring effective communication links between Friends committee members, the head teacher, parents and governors. The secretary prepares for meetings with the Chair, takes minutes at all meetings, records attendance, action points and decisions and proposals. They distribute all approved minutes, along with a reminder of any actions agreed.
Treasurer: Ensures accurate financial records are kept, and the best practice procedures are followed for counting money, banking, and making payments. They keep the Friends committee up to date with regular reports and ensure end of year reports are completed for the Friends. The treasurer ensures all bank cards, cheque books, and paying in books are accounted for and obtained by any member leaving the Friends. The treasurer also leads the money team in making up floats and collecting money from various stalls. As well as maintaining an accurate record of income and expenditure.
Recorder AGM minutes