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St Mary’s Catholic

High School

Autumn Fair

 

 On Saturday 26^th September the St Mary’s Autumn Fair was opened by Brendan Ingel, former professional boxer, boxing manager and trainer.   Brendan is pictured here (far right) with Mr McClafferty, HeadTeacher, and Suzanne Smith, Chair of the Parents’ Association.

Brendan is well known for his professional achievements, but at the opening he spoke with passion about the work he carries out at his gym, the St Thomas Boys and Girls Club, to support local youngsters.  He commented on the lovely environment that the children have to come to school in and wished everyone a successful afternoon.

Encouraged by the lovely weather, visitors to the school were able to enjoy a range of activities organised by the Parents’ Association.  These included

-          stalls and games in the precinct.  The biggest attraction was “the stocks”,

        especially when presented with the opportunity to throw soaking wet

        sponges at Mr McClafferty!

-          the chance to meet with members of Chesterfield Fire Service and

        explore the fire engine

-          the opportunity to take advantage of the car wash service or to try your

        hand at crockery smashing.  Both events were organised by 6^th Form

        Enterprise Teams

-          beautifully prepared food and drinks in the Dining Room,

-          the Autumn Fair Raffle, with it’s wonderful prizes.

By the end of the day, the Autumn Fair had raised £4,072 towards Parents’ Association funds.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped out, and to all those who attended on the day

The money raised by the Autumn Fair will be used to meet annual commitments funded by the Parents’ Association;  the maintenance and upkeep costs of the Astroturf pitches (£3,000) and the purchase of materials for the Y9 Excursion in 2010 (£500)

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The Parents Association

Our Parents’ Association was founded in 1969 to promote the active co-operation of parents in fostering the welfare of the school.

The Annual General Meeting is held in September/October of each year in the School Drama Hall, when the posts of Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer are elected.

The Association meets twice each term during the school year to discuss and plan future fund raising events.  Parents of all pupils are encouraged to give the Association their support.

We have, through various fund-raising events, been able to raise several thousands of pounds each year to provide both essentials and extras for every department in the school.
The Association also helps at Parents’ Evenings and concerts by providing refreshments.

As the school develops and expands, the Association’s work is very much appreciated and we always warmly welcome new parents and new ideas.

Meeting dates for 2009-2010

Parents Association Meetings:

Autumn Term
Thursday 19 November 2009

Spring Term
Thursday 14 January 2010
Thursday 4 March 2010

Summer Term
Thursday 6 May 2010
Thursday 8 July2010

Meetings are held in the Ryan Block (R1), at side of reception. Start time of 7.00 pm, finishing time approx 8.30pm.

We warmly welcome all parents and would be delighted to see you at any of the above meetings – so come along and get involved.

Funding Provision

All of the money raised by the Parents’ Association is used to provide equipment and resources within the School.  

Since January 2007, the following funding has been provided:

£300 - Special Needs Department - educational games to support Key Stage 3
£500 - Year 9 Excursion - annual payment towards the costs of art and crafts equipment
£204 - English Department - text books
£1000 - PE Department - towards the cost of a new treadmill
£1000 - Psychology Department - text and reference books for new A Level course
£2700 - 6th Form - ICT and display facilities in two areas
£670 - History Department - 90 Year 7 textbooks
£477 - Biology Department - a pulse monitor, skeleton and blood pressure monitor
£1900 - Technology Department - interactive whiteboard and LCD projector
£1900 - PE Department - laptop and interactive whiteboard
£922 - English Department - tape recorders and 3 sets of Key Stage 3 textbooks
£70 - Modern Languages Department - a scanner/printer
£3000 - PE Department - annual payment towards the upkeep of the all weather pitch (paid 2007 & 2008)


Parents' Association contact details 
Contact names:
Chair - Suzanne Smith
Secretary - Sharon O'Connell; Deputy: Paula Simons 
Treasurer - Onno D Roojj; Deputy: Mandy Westby