Friends of St Mary's PTA

FOSMs became a fully fledged Parent Teacher Association back in 2001 and has raised an amazing amount of money for the benefit of our children.

We recently had a complete change around of the committee to start the new year and have some exciting plans for the coming months.

In the past few months we have organised discos, Mufti days, cake sales, competitions and the Fun Day, when we took over the entire playground with activities.

Over the past few years, an abundance of ideas for fundraising have surfaced, some remaining afloat for a while and inevitably, many sinking without trace (ie.'parent talent show'!!).

One which has flown, however, is the re-vamped disco. FOSMs boast an amazing disco system complete with an impressive collection of lights never failing to dazzle even the most dance floor savvy junior in the school. It truly goes from strength to strength although some of the infants' parents are still reluctant to join in and admit to knowing the Birdie Dance, Crazy Frog and Agadoo routines!

The Summer Fun Day and Christmas Fayre events are always a really great success and it is great to see so many pupils, friends and relations enjoying the occasions.

Old favourites also include the Cake Sales, which may pass into legend as second only to the refreshment tent at the Buccas Fair which is really saying something. Many parents and friends have pulled out all the stops when it comes to baking. The array of cakes and buns on offer is a sight for sore eyes and probably for some, the start of yet another broken diet. We can only apologise.

Still, it's all in a good cause and we have raised in excess of £1,000 this year, much of which is in the process of being spent.

Over the past few months we have bought aprons, parasols for the benches in the playground and a complete overhaul of the Secret Garden. We have also funded the Year 6 leavers' presents and have helped with a donation towards the tag rugby team visit to Twickenham.