PTFA

St. Therese’s Catholic Primary

Parents Teachers & Friends Association

What is a Parent Teachers Friends Association (PTFA)?
Most schools have a Parent Teacher Friends Association (PTFA), which is an organisation of parents, staff and associated people such as grandparents etc. Its role is to encourage closer links between home and school. PTFA’s are best known for their fundraising work, but they have a useful social function too. Fundraising events provide an opportunity for parents, staff and pupils to get together.

How is the PTA organised?
At most schools all parents/carers and staff are automatically members of the PTFA.
PTFA’s hold their annual general meetings during the school year. At this meeting a committee is elected to run the PTFA – usually consisting of a chair, a vice-chair, a treasurer, a secretary and ordinary committee members. These ordinary members include at least one, and often two, parents from each class as ‘class reps’. Their job is to pass on information from the PTFA to other parents in their child’s class. PTFA committees usually meet once a term and set up smaller working groups to organise individual events.

How is money raised?
Most PTFA’s raise money through events. St. Therese’s PTFA events vary but the main ones are;  the Summer & Christmas Fayres, Disco’s, quiz nights. PTFA’s are always looking for new fundraising ideas and anyone can submit them. Donations can also be made without any link to events.

How is money spent?
Funds raised by the PTA are intended to provide ‘extras’ not already provided by the school’s main income – often ‘fun things’ that make learning more interesting and exciting. The PTFA committee decide how to spend PTFA funds following requests from the school. Common items include computers, playground & school equipment, toys, books and trips subsidies.
How can I be involved in my PTA?
There are many different ways you can help with the PTA, whether you have lots of time to offer or not. Some of the roles are time-consuming, although also rewarding. If you can’t commit to a big job, look out for things you can do less frequently (e.g running a stall at the summer fair, baking for a cake sale) or donating prizes for school competitions, raffles etc).

And you can always support PTA events by simply turning up.

Many Thanks