The Wallace High School PTA is a group of committed parents and teachers who have the school’s but mostly the pupil’s best interests at its very core.
We are fortunate at our school to have a PTA that is and has been an integral part of the school community for 40 years. In it’s time the PTA has raised thousands of pounds, which have been spent on equipment and resources to enhance our children’s education experience and the school’s facilities.
But our PTA is about much more than simply fundraising. The PTA exists to provide closer links between home and school and it is an excellent way to bring staff, parents and friends together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal.
All parents and members of the school community are encouraged to get involved, even if they only have a small amount of time available.
The PTA is very conscious of the ethos and diversity of our school, and we try very hard when organising and planning events to respect this.
Jade Mullin has taken on the role of chairperson, with Elaine Lamont as secretary and Helen Matthews as treasurer. Deborah O’Hare is our president and there are a number of other members.
How we spend the money we raise
Following a fundraising event the money is banked straight away. It is at our PTA Committee meetings, that the decisions on how to spend the money are agreed.
Usually, teachers or pupils will fill in a funding form, which is available on the intranet of the school. This form is sent to the PTA who will consider the request in light of the constitution.
At other times it will be for resources to improve a particular area of the curriculum or school environment. The PTA funds are spent on the ‘extras’ that are not provided by the school’s budget, thus making our children’s learning experiences so much more fulfilling and exciting. A good example of this is the ‘Beyond the Classroom’ program, which is run at the end of the summer term. A wide ranging program of activities is organised for pupils in year 8 to 11 including a Shakespeare day, a visit to Tayto castle, an art gallery, or Dundrum Castle.
PTA funds are not generally spent on improving the fabric of the school building as this is the responsibility of the school Governing Body. Our Constitution commits the PTA to spending money on things that will benefit the children directly.
How you can get involved
There are lots of ways you can help and support your child through the PTA.
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. We really couldn’t achieve what we do without the behind the scenes help that we receive.
Contact us with a message on our own Facebook page or e-mail directly to PTA@Wallacehigh.net.
If you would like to receive regular updates about our fundraising and social events, please ‘like’ the Wallace High School Facebook page and connect with WHS on Twitter.
