A GROUP of enthusiastic parents and carers at Okehampton Primary School have reformed the school’s parents, teachers and friends association (PTFA) to ensure fundraising for the school continues, and are encouraging more parents and carers to get involved.

The new committee includes Chrissie Read as chair, Gaynor Davey as vice chair, Robert Hatten as treasurer, Carolyn Farramond as secretary and Sally Parkins as publicity officer. Greta Button, the school’s parent support advisor will share the publicity role and act as liaison between the PTFA and the school, as well as providing support and advice for the new committee.

There are also many parents that continue to regularly give up their time to help out.

The organisation raises money to pay for things like film shows, parties at Christmas and halloween, playground equipment, school discos and to help pay for school trips to keep the cost down for parents. It also funds a week of breakfasts during Year 6 SATs week.

Vice chair Gaynor Davey said: ‘We really want the PTFA to be open and accessible to all parents and carers. We have been given permission from headteacher Hazel Fox to open a Facebook page so that we can keep parents informed about all activities.

‘There are many ways to get in touch – our Facebook page Okehampton Primary School PTFA, through the school on 01837 52866 or come into reception or email us on [email protected]

‘We will shortly be using the school website to communicate with parents plus Greta Button, the school PSA, holds a coffee morning at the school every Friday and will be happy to answer any questions parents may have. There is also a notice board in reception.

‘We can only run the PTFA with help from parents – anything parents can do to help is greatly appreciated.

‘We hold open meetings once a month to discuss upcoming events, get ideas and opinions from others and to discuss recent past events as well as any comments that have been passed on from both parents and staff. Please feel free to come along and have your say.

‘We will advertise these dates in school and via email or text to all parents so that everyone has a chance to participate.’

Funds are raised by holding cake sales, fayres, second hand uniform and a variety of events throughout the year, including the summer fete, Christmas fayre, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day sales. The Easter fayre held recently raised a total of £785.24, a brilliant result for the newly formed committee.

Members of the newly formed PTFA at Okehampton primary?School are pictured above.

Picture by James Bird