Bingo Bonanza

FOSS would like to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone involved in the Bingo Night held just before half term. 

The event was a massive success, making over £500, which will be used to support the school and advance the education of the pupils.

Special thanks to Helen Berry and Jo Holt for their amazing organisational skills. Thanks to Wayne Berry, and Greg & Roz Bull for setting up, and of course for hosting the evening so brilliantly. Thank you also to Paul Williams for his sound equipment and expertise.

Our team of raffle ticket sellers (Aimee Appleton, Eleanor McLauchlin, Evie Gilman and Tabitha Bull) were fantastic!

A big thanks also to Claudine Pearson, Jayne Lucas and everyone else behind the scenes who fed our bingo goers; and to those who helped clear up afterwards, including Jo Holt, Jo Hudson, Johanna Comer, Carol-Anne Horne, Roz Bull and Eric Appleton (who was not going to be beaten by the dishwasher!!)

The bar was brilliantly run by Isobel McLauchlin and Suzie Hughes - thank you ladies.

Finally, a huge thanks to everyone who bought tickets and came along to have some fun, donated raffle prizes, and otherwise supported this event in aid of our wonderful village school!

Flip & Dippy

Back by popular demand, these Crazy Clowns will be returning to school with a BRAND NEW SHOW called Clown World on Thursday 29th March 2018. If you missed out on a ticket last year, this is what Archie Berry (Year 4) had to say about it:

“Flip and Dippy are two clowns who do amazing tricks and stunts. I really enjoyed the show, they were hilarious. My favourite part was when my mum had to get up on stage and get tied up. I can't wait for the next show!”

Parents were worried about the event being on too late for the younger children last year, so the show will start at 6:30pm and finish at 8:15pm this time. In addition, it’s a Bank Holiday the following day, so hopefully a later bedtime for the children won’t be too much of an issue. We think it’ll be worth it.

Tickets will be priced at £4.00 with refreshments available to purchase on the night.  Reserve your tickets from 19th March onwards. Look out for letters and booking forms in book bags!!

My involvement with FOSS

Hello. My name is Suzie. My son Henry started in reception in September 2017, so this is my first experience of having a child at school and all that goes with it.

I joined FOSS as soon as Henry started school, so have been a member for around 5 months. I work full time, and need to be at home in the evenings with Henry, so I was as bit worried about joining FOSS as I didn’t think I would be able to commit much time to it. After speaking with various FOSS members I realised that being a member is flexible, and so I could help. I had assumed I would need to attend lots of meetings and dedicate a specific amount of time, but, whilst people are needed in this capacity, any amount of help is really appreciated.

So far, I have been involved in a few FOSS initiatives and events. I have helped on a stall at the Christmas Fayre; donated cakes, wine and toys for the stalls; and worked together with other members to write a parent survey about FOSS (please complete this as it’s so important!). I’m also due to help out at the Bingo Night in February.

Although I can’t attend all of the evening meetings, FOSS keep me updated with the minutes, and then I check them to see if there are any areas in which I can help. I also help out by buying a lot of my online purchases via easyfundraising; this is a simple way to raise money for school whilst doing your everyday shopping.

I have enjoyed becoming a member of FOSS. The committee, and other members are all very welcoming and you don’t feel pressured to do anything. It’s great to feel like I’m doing something to help the school, and at the same time I am helping my own son too. It’s also a nice way to get to know people at school, I already know parents of children throughout the school.

I would really encourage you to think about how you could support FOSS too. Just muck in and help where you can. We all want the best for our children, and FOSS is made up of a friendly bunch of people all working towards that same goal - with a bit of fun thrown in!

My involvement with FOSS

My name is Vicky. I am mum to Maria (Year 6), Anna (Year 2) and Rosa aged 3 years, and I have been a member of FOSS for the past 5 years. I decided to join for a number of reasons. Initially, I wanted to be sociable and get to know other parents at the school. I also came to realise that schools have a tight budget. Unfortunately, schools are not always able to provide items or events to support children's learning in different ways, and I wanted to help.

I have found it rewarding to help FOSS raise money for things like forest school, musical equipment, school trips, reading books, staging, lockers, and literacy events. These are the things that can help make learning more enjoyable. Being part of FOSS has also helped me feel like I am more involved in my own children’s education.

I have to admit that I am often unable to attend the meetings, but on the occasions when I do, it is always very relaxed and friendly. I 'dip in and out ' of helping FOSS due to other commitments, but know that when I do help at an event, the input is greatly appreciated and it's always good fun. My input has ranged from helping to sell tickets, running a stall, tidying up after an event or attending a meeting at the pub.

I know the school really does need FOSS, and without parental input FOSS could not continue.  FOSS welcome all parental input, no matter how much or how little time you can spare.