Friends of Great Chesterford Primary Academy
The Friends - is a voluntary organisation and a registered charity (1051362), run by parents and carers who work closely with the school, but is a separate legal entity.
The purpose of The Friends is to provide additional support to the school with a particular focus on community events and fundraising.
On average The Friends have raised over £10,000 each year to support the school and its students, who are the sole beneficiary of the charity.
How do we raise funds?
The committee helps to foster our school’s unique sense of community through the organisation of a range of social events for both students and parents, applying for grants and fundraising.
Social events have included; film screenings, Christmas cards, Fizz & Quiz night, Easter Bunny Hunt, school disco, cake & ice cream sales. We also supported community initiatives such as the annual Steam Up.
We have successful been awarded a number of grants including; Tesco Stronger Start, British Foreign Schools and Stansted Airport Community Grants.
Easyfundraising.com works similar to other cashback sites and is also an easy way to donate to the school as you shop, without it costing you a penny. Download the App below to support the school every time you shop at one of hundreds of online retailers. Using their Donation Reminder tool (or the browser extension) means that you can shop directly from your favourite sites without needing to go via the Easyfundraising site.
How do we support the school?
Prior to the beginning of each academic year we meet with the school to discuss their priorities for the year and discuss the level of ambition for fundraising.
Large projects that have been supported include the creation and resourcing of the nature space, nurture space, resources for the library, play equipment and resurfacing of the playgrounds.
Other smaller donations have included; funding speakers, World Book Day activities, sports day, purchasing Year 6 leaving presents and the Year 6 Leaving Party.
Money donated to the school does not cover staffing costs or utilities. A summary of income and expenditure levels of The Friends can be found on the Charities Commission website.
Connect and Join the Friends
The Friends has a Facebook page where events and updates are posted regularly and the messages are also sent through Whatsapp by the Class Reps to parents of each year group.
The Friends Committee, which is open to all parents, is a great way to support the school and meet new people. It is a valuable experience which allows you to feel an even deeper connection to the school community and share something special with your child.
If you would like to join the committee, help at an upcoming event, or suggest ways to raise funds it would be great to hear from you (gcpafriends@gmail.com).
As a charity, The Friends is required to appoint Trustees, who are members of the Committee. These are elected at the AGM which is held early in Autumn term.
Trustees
|
Co- chair |
Ally Gale |
|
Co- chair |
Alex Kent |
|
Treasurer |
Paul Teulon |
|
Secretary |
Rosie Simmonds |
|
Nominated Trustee |
Anna Young |
Committee Members
Trustees, Laura Atherton, Jade Boswell, Maria Collins, Liz Halksworth, Rachel Lister, Katharine Perry, Claire Rooney, Annabel Stringer, Mrs Sargeant and Mrs Davies
WhatsApp Group Class Representatives
|
Reception |
Jade Boswell |
|
Year 1 |
Lauren King |
|
Year 2 |
Annabel Stringer |
|
Year 3 |
Erin Sharp |
|
Year 4 |
Ruth Costen and Sarah Cross |
|
Year 5 |
Annabel Stringer |
|
Year 6 |
Melissa Rigby |
