2024 – The year Fielding hit the big 7-0!
 

It’s quite hard to believe that Fielding has reached this significant anniversary, but there has been a school at this location since 1954. This is an important milestone which the PTFA was delighted to celebrate on the occasion of the school summer fair. Given the lacklustre British summer we’ve all been experiencing, we were blessed with blue skies and sunshine on the big day. The fair was a big success, with the return to the field, and more than 30 stalls, old and new. 

A huge shoutout to the parents’ band who entertained us on the day with a string of 50s hits. I’m sure we’re all hoping that this won’t be a one-off, as they really added to the fun and frivolity on the day. They were ably supported by Mr McEvoy, and the school choir who ensured that the event was soundtracked throughout. We were also delighted to welcome former pupils on the day, including a lady who was part of that initial intake in 1954. A big thank you to Nolan for doing the background work in pulling that together. A huge thank you to all the parents, staff, and of course our generous sponsors who helped ensure the day was such a tremendous success.
 

Looking back at the year as a whole, we had fewer events than previous years, but the Christmas fair, the Halloween and Easter trails, and of course the ever-popular parents’ table quiz all helped to keep things ticking over from a fundraising and community perspective. As a group, we raised over £40,000 again this year, and contributed over £ 70,000 to school projects, including the upgrade of the KS1 library. The PTFA is able to do this, thanks to stellar contributions from previous years, but we will need to continue that good work next year, and consider how we can come together more often.
 

As in previous years, we do need additional volunteers. The school has a large parent population, which unfortunately is not always reflected in the numbers that step forward. Not everyone can commit a lot of time, but the more people that contribute, the less effort is required from the cohort of volunteers that regularly commit. There are numerous ways to support the PTFA’s activities, whether that be designing posters, applying for licences, answering emails, to help organising events. There really is something for everyone, and everyone currently involved is more than happy to show people what’s required.

The PTFA is not about 1 or 2 people – it’s about every parent in the school helping to contribute, and providing support to the teachers and their support staff. Without the PTFA, the school would no doubt continue to be excellent, but it may not be able to offer such extras as the kitchen garden, or the wonderful libraries.
 

Please email fieldingPTFA@gmail.com if you would like to get involved or would like to offer thoughts and ideas on how we can make our PTFA even better.
 

Lastly, a huge thanks to one of our outgoing co-chairs Jen Timoshanko, as she and her family move away. Thanks so much for all your help over the last 2 years. A fond farewell also to all those Y6 parents, who are leaving us, and indeed any parents whose children are leaving the school for pastures new, your contributions and support will be missed, and we wish the children all the very best as they move to new schools.
 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope you all have a lovely summer, see you all in September!
 

Conor Lyne – Chair PTFA, Fielding Primary School