What is FOBS? 

• The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for Blackawton Primary School.

• It has two primary functions of raising money for the school and creating a forum to participate in the education and well-being of the children of Blackawton Primary School.

• Being involved in FOBS is a great way to get to know other parents, along with the school and its staff.

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Why is FOBS important?

Andrew de Cruz, Blackawton Parent Link Governor, says:

“FOBS is part of the nuts and bolts of our school community. Getting involved creates an opportunity to meet other parents and staff and so grow a stronger more supportive community and educational environment for our children. 

Any further support with the business and events of FOBs not only creates those social opportunities but role models neighbourly collaboration to all our children and, crucially, provides an essential financial lifeline. The fundraising helps enable our school to be successful despite the harsh financial environment confronting all state schools, in which small rural schools like ours are generally the worse hit in terms of funding per pupil. I would thus encourage all parents to be involved in some way - regardless of the level of involvement or help you can manage. Thank you.”

 

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What has FOBS achieved?

FOBS has raised much needed additional funds for the school over the years. Most recently these funds have helped to pay for:

• A new roof for the Forest School shelter;

• A new minibus;

• Outdoor gardens, polytunnel, shed and contemplation tents;

• New iPads for the accelerated reader programme;

• Classroom materials;

• Forest School materials;

• Playground refurbishment and the bin store;

• Food life programme; and

• Leavers hoodies.

 

FOBS has made an invaluable contribution to the school budget over the years, but there is always more to do, and we need your help.

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How can you help? 

Every single parent of a child (from Nursery to Year 6) at Blackawton Primary School is automatically a member of FOBS. You are very welcome in whatever capacity you can help. However small or large, your help would be very much appreciated. You could:

• Attend FOBS meetings and the AGM;

• Volunteer to help with FOBS organisation;

• Support and attend the fundraising events that FOBS runs;

• Use Easyfundraising for your online shopping - Click here for the Blackawton Primary School easyfundraising link - and raise funds for your school at the same time; or

• Provide a donation. 

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How does FOBS work? 

• Current FOBS committee roles held as at September 2019: Liz Riley (Chairperson), Raymond Seager (Treasurer), Emma Parr Ferris (Secretary).

• Meetings are approximately once a month on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening typically, very informal and usually in the pub.

• AGM at the start of each new school year.

• A number of big events during the year (including a fun run, winter festival, curry and quiz night, and summer prom), supplemented by smaller fundraising events - new ideas are always very welcome. 

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​How we get information to you?

​All our FOBS updates are included in the Weekly School Newsletter. The letters include information on forthcoming events and dates plus requests for assistance, when we are planning large events.   Following a FOBS event, we always let you know how much was raised, and if we can, we tell you what the money will be spent on.​

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Other ways to get involved

There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through FOBS.  Offering to help before events or at other times during the year is so valuable.  It doesn’t matter if you can’t help on a regular basis, or even if you cannot come into school.  There are always jobs that can be done from home if you have half an hour to spare e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing raffle tickets etc.  We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the behind the scenes help that we receive. So please if you can help, do please get in touch.

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Click here to access the FOB Facebook page

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