In September 2021, the parents and staff at All Saints C of E Primary School in Highcliffe, Winchester relaunched the Parent and Teacher Association (PTA).

The aim was to raise £5,000, so they could purchase new learning and play equipment to make lessons and playtime more interactive and exciting for every child, whilst also bringing the school community back together again following the pandemic. 

Parents, teachers and staff came forward to offer their time, energy and skills. Events so far have included a Christmas Fayre and trail giving every child the chance to meet Father Christmas, an Easter Extravaganza with a chocolate egg hunt and craft activities, Mother's and Father's day shops so children could buy and wrap gifts for loved ones and a Quiz and Curry Night bringing together parents and the local community for an evening of fun and delicious food.

Many of the school children also took part in the New Year Challenge with the aim of raising £20.22 each. The children ran bake sales, completed local litter picks, took part in sponsored cycles and swims, and helped parents and neighbours in their local community by cleaning cars and even tidying their bedrooms. This fundraiser raised £1,600. 

Poppy, aged 7, said: “Me and my brother Toby picked up four big bags of litter and ran a bake sale with our friends Iris, Arlo and Seby. All of our neighbours bought loads of cakes and we raised £275 in one day.”

The money raised so far has purchased £1,300 worth of new books for the school library, new science equipment, sports and playground equipment and £600 worth of percussion instruments for the music department.

Chairman of the PTA, Helen Fisher said “We have already exceeded our £5,000 target for this year and have more events to come. This year was about re-establishing much loved events, trying out new activities, but most importantly reconnecting the school community after such a long time apart. The fact that we’ve been able to do this and raise money in the process is amazing. We’re so proud of our school community.” 

Headteacher Jane Hall said “As the new headteacher of All Saints, I am so grateful for how the PTA has supported the school's vision this year to give every child the best opportunities possible. The community has really got behind the PTA to make it such a successful year. Their work has enabled us to enhance and enrich our children's experiences and curriculum in school. Whilst the fundraising has been wonderful, the PTA and school's work to have community at the heart of what we do has been a joy to see, reflected in events such as the Quiz and Curry Night and Christmas and Easter events. It is such an exciting time for the school - the strong relationship between the school and PTA means super opportunities for our whole school community. We can't thank the PTA, and all those who have supported them in their work, enough for this year.”

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