School - Money for this and that

retro_bluebell

angelicmary85 wrote: »

Are you still allowed to bake things? Our local primary won't allow it due to the possible outbreak of food poisioning that may occur afterwards!

Ours will allow us to bake/ bring things in as long as we can ensure its all nut free for obvious reasons, but not easy when you dont have a child with a nut allergy and dont know where to look for nut free ingredients.

blue_monkey_2

retro_bluebell wrote: »

Ahh maybe I am maybe thats it! To be honest Id love to join the PTA but the boys school is erm, how do I put this, a bit stuck up - we live on the wrong side of town from the school so get looked down upon sometimes, so dont know if I would feel comfortable at theirs....I am planning to join the PTA as DD's school when she starts in September (different school all lovely, open an friendly- also on this sie of town lol)

I do know what you mean unfortunately - and Dave, I know what you mean too!!

I did come across one PTA that asks you to apply fo a place so if it is a 'posh' shcool this might be the case, but do not do it if you feel uncomfortable. If you want to be involved ask if they need any help running stalls or the like and go from there.

Gingham_Ribbon

blue_monkey wrote: »

This is pretty much the same as our school Rosie. Thre should be an AGM each year will will also tell you how much has been raised, what it was spent on, etc... We had just 4 people turn up at ours this year - all PTFA members. People just do not seem interested these days.

Have you tried having the AGM straight after school? You might find that there are lots more people who would turn up if they didn't need to arrange childcare to do it.

Indie_Kid

And I thought my primary / secondary school were bad enough. (left primary in 2000 and secondary in 2005)

mrcow

I'm on the PTA at our school.

We raise about £12k+ per year - all in £1/£2 donations from the events that we organise.

It may seem like a pain I guess - but every single classroom has an interactive whiteboard in it - thanks to the PTA. They are brillinat - the kids love them and the help with learning no end. We buy gym/playground equipment, have completely decked out the library and have bought more educational equipment than I can remember.

Without the PTA, the school wouldn't have this extra stuff. We are very lucky to have the support of the vast majority of parents (even though it's always the same familiar few who end up donating their time - as is the same with any fund raising).

My tip would be - get involved. Have your say. Give up some of your time - we can all spare a couple of hours per year. All the events are optional and the money is going to a good (real!) cause.

Spendless

Mine go to seperate Infant and Junior schools where one continually asks for money and the other doesn't, but do you know what it shows. The one asking for money has far better equipment etc. The only thing I will not support is sponsored events and that is because I refuse to keep asking my friends and relatives to contribute. I support the schools in everything else from buying a framed picture of my child's work, to non-uniform days to raffle tickets, concert tickets, school disco entry fees, concert tickets and programmes, school photos, every school trip and so on. I don't blame the schools surely it's the system that's at fault if schools have to fund raise to get things?

Mme.Hibou

retro_bluebell wrote: »

Ours will allow us to bake/ bring things in as long as we can ensure its all nut free for obvious reasons, but not easy when you dont have a child with a nut allergy and dont know where to look for nut free ingredients.

I have a really serious nut allergy and I'd say that if you were making any sort of sponge cakes then you should be absolutely fine, I wouldn't go searching high and low for not-contaminated-by-nuts flour, I wouldn't add anything to it/on top of it bar icing or whatever.
I've always (from being able to read) been quite sensible and have taken the odd risk now and again.
Actually it would have been more dangerous (in my young free and single days) to kiss someone in a nightclub than eating a cake made by someone who'd been careful.

ailuro2

Our school is the same, my DH and I often remark it would be easier if they just asked for a cheque for £50 at the start of every term, it would certainly save printer ink and paper.:(

Quote

You could always home school your children.

GC81

very good points and I can understand the frustration of feeling like you're constantly hounded for money, but getting involved certainly gives a different take on it all.
Joining the schools PTA (or sometimes called "friends of xxx school") is a good thing, its amazing how much the funding through all the sponsored events gets.
Mr Cow's post is spot on, its not easy to get all the fun things, I'm sure if schools took away all the features paid for through the parents/carers it'd be a pretty dull place.
Do enquire about getting involved in the schools PTA, a fresh set of eyes will be gladly received and it will hopefully make you feel better about why donations are asked.