FRIENDS OF SHERFIELD- AGM Report 2008-09
2008-9 has been an exciting year for FOS. The team set out with the aim of creating enjoyable and memorable events which would include all members of the school and also to provide support to charity and school enrichment and equipment programmes. In a year dominated by negative financial headlines the support shown by parents, staff and pupils has been exceptional and enabled us to exceed our forecasts for this year.
Special Thanks
Before presenting a review of the year I would like to thank all current Committee members as well as those who have supported FOS over the years. Many thanks to Carol Bayliss, Tracey Penny, Helen Gray, Jeremy Stewart, Janet Murray, Wendy Cotterill and Sandy Tootill. Special thanks to Berni Roberts who’s support and leadership from day one has laid the foundations for FOS for many years to come. I would also like to thank the Class Liaison team for their support in communicating FOS events and especially Vicky Glanville and Dawn Williamson for their tireless efforts and support.
Events
The year began with the Family Fun Day and ended with the Summer Ball. The Christmas Fayre was supported by record numbers of FOS members and is now an integral part of the FOS, school and local calendar. As we entered the New Year, the Quiz Night was a fine evening bringing out the competitive streaks in everyone and was capped by the fearful sight of Professor Preedy steering us through “The Weakest Link”. In the Summer Term, supported by some glorious weather, we held the inaugural Sherfield Charity Cricket Match against Stratfield Turgis CC which brought together a great team made up of pupils, staff and parents. The year ended with the Summer Ball, an event that brought the perfect end to a highly enjoyable and successful year and provides great motivation to an even more exciting year in 2009-2010.
School Support
A key priority for FOS is to provide funds to support enrichment and equipment requirements for all areas of the school. From organising the Easter Bunny Hunt to supporting the Senior School Disco; providing financial support for the Victorian Day, an Incubator, ACE awards, the “Reptile Man”, Leavers Gifts on top of more school benches, the trees in baby gems and disco lights. Members of the FOS Committee also attended and presented at new parent open mornings, organised the Second Hand Uniform Sales and managed a Valentines Day lunchtime sale for the pupils. In the summer term, the tennis club was a welcome workout for many. The total funding towards the school during 2009 was over £2,300.
Charity Support
Another key priority has been to provide support to relevant and local charities but also to forge strong links with these charities that would result in benefits for the pupils and the school. FOS enabled our four nominated charities- NSPCC Childline, CLIC Sargent, Daisy’s Dream and Naomi House to be linked to our school houses. The charities have not only made presentations in school assemblies but have also supported our events with raffle prize donations as well as attending key events in person as with the Summer Ball. FOS has made direct donations of £2,000 shared between the charities. In addition over £600 has been raised by pupils for NSPCC Childline as a result of their visit to the school with sponsored activities and a team of parents raised £3,000 between them from a Charity Sky Dive. As well as the nominated charities, we are always looking to support special causes of our members and have provided £300 to Rich Robson to support the HCPT charity organisation. Direct funding for charities was therefore £2,300 and, with additional parental support, we have donated in excess of £6,000.
FOS Equipment
FOS has also taken a long term view regarding assets and equipment and has purchased a marquee and commercial BBQ to be used at various events during the year. In 2010 equipment will be made available for hire to FOS members.
Fundraising
As a result of membership donations, event proceeds and generous donations from parents we have been able to provide the support to the school and charity organisations as stated above. Parents have made donations as a result of coffee mornings, sponsored runs and also skydiving. Many thanks from the team for the support of Parents, Pupils and Staff in supporting these efforts.
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TARGET £2,000
ACTUAL £2,227 |
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TARGET £2,000
ACTUAL £2,300 | |
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| ACTUAL £3,835 | |
Financial
This year has seen records achieved in all key financial areas. Our overall income was £19.5K with expenditure at £12.4K. Direct donations to the school and charities were £4.5K. This has enabled us to increase our end of year account balance to £4.6K from £2K at the end of last year. FOS now also holds inventory assets with a value of over £1.5K. All details of end of year accounts can be found on our website.
Communication and Membership Feedback
FOS has improved our communication to members by updating our website on a weekly basis as well as meeting informally every Friday in the Parents Café to review event status and meet parents. To continue to improve and run events that will be well supported we need membership feedback, ideas and suggestions. Please use the email address
fos@sherfieldschool.co.uk to provide that feedback.
Aims for next year
The FOS team will be building on the successes of 2008-2009 to provide enjoyable events for members, and continuing to strengthen links both with our nominated charities and those between parents, pupils and staff.
A big thank you to all FOS Committee members, the Class Liaison team and the many helpers. Their exceptional efforts and support during the year has been instrumental in enabling this year to be such a positive one. We are always looking for volunteer helpers so if you would like to join the FOS team please contact us on the email below.
Finally, many thanks to Pat Preedy, Ian Griffiths and Rich Robson and members of staff for their continued support at all of our events and in making all of the school facilities available for our events.
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