PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
Maungatapere School has an active PTA (Parent Teacher Association) run by enthusiastic parents who organise the social events and fundraisers that provide enriching experiences for our school and community. New members are always very welcome and it's easy to join - just come along to a meeting. They are held in the school staffroom, usually at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month, check the newsletter for the date of the next meeting.
Don't worry - coming along doesn't mean you will automatically get lumbered with a job - it's a chance to meet other parents and staff, find out what's coming up on the school agenda, share ideas and contribute in whatever way you feel comfortable with. The PTA are always open to new concepts about possible new fundraisers or fun events and our traditional fundraisers can always benefit from fresh input and re-invention. While our major fundraising events do require people to step up and take the reins, they are always backed by a team of helpers and we understand that not everyone can contribute in the same way, there are opportunities to do as much, or as little as you feel comfortable with.
Money raised by the PTA is used to purchase ‘Wish List’ items for the school. Over the years PTA-funded purchases have included kapa haka uniforms, updated IT, electronic whiteboards, playground equipment, shade sails, and jolly phonics sets. Funds also help subsidise or pay for class trips and special school events. The PTA also donates money to every classroom each term for the teacher to use on classroom resources like board games and activities, class stationery such as felt tips, gel pens, highlighters and art and craft supplies.
Becoming a PTA member has many benefits, including;
-
Showing your child you value their education
-
Providing opportunities to influence decisions that affect your child’s education
-
Building relationships with other parents and teachers
-
Being closely connected to what’s happening at school
Become a Helping Hand
If you feel like you can’t commit to becoming a PTA member or it’s going to be difficult to get to evening meetings, you can still support the PTA by adding your name to their list of helpers. It’s useful to have people to call on for an hour or two when extra hands are needed. To add your name to the ‘Helping Hands’ list put your name on the clipboard at the school office or send us an email. Joining the PTA email list or following the PTA Facebook page (Facebook.com/MaungatapereSchoolPta) are other ways to start getting involved. Go on – it feels good to help.