Friends of Rushbury School
Friends of Rushbury School
Who are we?
The Friends of Rushbury school is a registered charity, which was set up in 1986. Today, the charity is run by a group of volunteers who raise money for additional resources for our school with the purpose of enriching the children’s educational experience. Being a part of the Friends is a great way to meet other other parents and carers and play an active part in your child’s school.
What do we do?
The Friends raise money for the school through fund raising activities such as cake sales, raffles and sponsored events. We also organise and run a Xmas and Summer Fayre, where the children set up and run a stall of their own, as well as having lots of fun visiting the stalls on offer. We are always looking for new fundraising ideas and for people to get involved so please do get in touch.
Who can join?
All parents and carers of a child at school are considered to be a member of the Friends. Each year, at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in September, the Friends nominate and elect their committee. As a committee member you become a trustee of the charity and are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the charity.
How can you help?
There are many ways in which you can help, these include:
- Attending committee meetings, which take place throughout the year. This is a great forum to contribute your ideas, as it’s at our meetings that we decide upon the events and activities we will do. It also gives you a chance to have a say on the running of the charity
- Helping to plan and organise the events, and help out on the day.
- Offering a particular skill that would be of benefit, for example you may be able to design and print posters, make and donate craft items or raffle prizes, make cakes or offer a professional skill.
As the saying goes, ‘every little helps’ and collectively each contribution goes a long way to raising much needed funds as well as providing some fun experiences for our children.
How often and where do we meet?
We usually have one committee meeting each term, which enables us to decide on future events and discuss funding requests. Depending on what we’re organising, we may also have additional, more informal meetings to specifically organise planned events such as the Summer Fayre. Our AGM takes place in September every year, and is when we nominate and elect our committee.
What have Friends paid for?
We work closely with the school to decide where your hard-earned funds will be spent. We try to focus on projects that directly improve the enjoyment of school life for our children. Suggestions for spending can be made by anyone including parents/carers, school council and school staff members. Each idea is discussed with the Head and then at a Friends meeting where it will be voted on. Recent projects have included: replacement whiteboard for use in the classroom, workshops such as Sal Tongue story telling and felting by The Prolific Crafter, the Clamber Stack playground equipment, and resurfacing of the top playground. We also have on-going commitments to Year 6 leavers gifts, the purchase of books, and ice-cream to be enjoyed at the annual pantomime trip.
Current Committee
Chair: Jane Biggs
Secretary: Stef Mills
Treasurer: Charlotte Bright
Treasurer: Ruth Riley
If you would like to become a committee member, or would like to get involved at our events or have ideas to share, please get in touch with Jane Biggs at rushburyfriends@gmail.com.