What is the PTA?
Trafalgar Schools’ PTA is a charitable organisation and is dependent solely on volunteers from the school community. The PTA made up of a committee of 10 parent volunteers, the Headteacher, and the Deputy Headteacher of each school.
The main function of our PTA is to support the two schools by raising as much money as we can to enhance, enrich and improve learning experiences for the children. We also exist to bring the communities of school and home closer together and enable parents to be involved in supporting and improving the schools.
With the increasing squeeze on school budgets, our fundraising is more important than ever. Each year we aim to raise £18,000 to spend on resources that enhance the experience for our children.
Our role as a link between the school and parents is supported by a group of class representatives (2 per class), who represent the views of all parents. Class reps meet with the Deputy Headteachers and PTA Chair each half term to discuss fundraising ideas and cover any issues affecting the schools as a whole.
We organise social and fun events for both parents and children which are not only about raising funds, but also about enjoying ourselves. Events are aimed at bringing the school community together and we try to cater for all the family: magic shows for the children; quiz and curry nights for adults; a firework display for all. Our major fund-raising activities have traditionally been our Xmas and Summer Fairs which in recent years have raised over £12,000.
Where does the money go?
In 2019/20 we raised an amazing £23,000! This provided children with new maths games, new books for the library and the home reading scheme, and subscriptions for vital online learning platforms: Spelling Shed, Mathletics, Bug Club and Abacus.
Every year we maintain the beautiful aquarium in the Infant school reception area, fund visits from theatre companies and authors. We pay for the small but important things like school prefect badges, merit tea parties, a water bottle for every Reception child when they join and a leaver book for every member of Year 6 as they say goodbye to Trafalgar.
Last year, we were also able to help fund new projects to improve the schools including the Meadway kitchen garden project, library refurbishment and improvement to the pond area in Juniors.
Easy ways to raise money for our school
Shop at www.smileamazon.co.uk – the same products, prices and shopping features as Amazon.co.uk, but Amazon will donate 0.5% to your chosen charity. Select Trafalgar Schools Parent Teacher Association.
Easy Fundraising – for all other online shopping, make sure you shop through www.easyfundraising.org.uk and help raise free donations for Trafalgar Schools PTA every time you shop.
You can help the school with the items it needs most at www.trafalgar.ourschoolwishlist.co.uk or if you prefer, you can set up a regular payment at www.trafalgarpta.org.uk.
How can you stay updated and get involved?
Follow us on social media:
Twitter @PTATrafalgar
Facebook @Trafalgar Schools PTA
Instagram @TrafalgarPTA
We have PTA meetings once every half term – these are your chance to help decide where our funds are directed and to gain an extra insight into the Schools’ future plans. We are always looking for volunteers with fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to keep our great work going. If you feel you can offer some help, no matter how little, come along to our next meeting or contact the us at PTATrafalgar@gmail.com.