2025

A Welcome From The New Chairs

Welcome back to another year and a special welcome to all new parents whose children have just joined year R.  We are delighted to be the new co-chairs of Friends of St Mark’s (FOSM) after Dave Payne stepped away from the role after three years of hard work and dedication to FOSM.  We are sure you’d join us in thanking Dave for all he has done as Chair and will continue to do so in the future.

So you’ll be delighted to know that DJ Dave will be making a special appearance at our first disco of the year on October 17 – just one of the many events we have already added to the diary.

Whilst we have only just entered October we and the rest of the fabulous FOSM team are already deep into planning our Christmas events and more will be shared with you nearer the time.  Below are details of the immediate help you can provide us in the run up to Christmas.

• Sweet jar donations – Our sweet tombola will be returning at the Christmas Fayre this year. We are asking for donations of filled jars with wrapped sweets. Any jar of any size accepted as long as they are clear. We will also accept additional empty jars.
• Raffle prizes – Can you or your business donate a raffle prize for our Christmas Fayre? If you think you can help please get in touch (contact details above).
• Volunteering – Thank you to those that have already put themselves forward for this school year. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our volunteering form.
• Come to our events and have fun – This is equally as important as volunteering. Yes, our events are aimed at raising funds for the school, but we also want everyone to have FUN! Bring family, meet friends and enjoy yourselves.
• Spread the word – Everyone is busy and communications can often get missed. If you see posts or other communication from us please share them with other parents, either by reacting or commenting to posts, sharing posts on Facebook or WhatsApp groups, or talking to others in the playground.

In the recent Key Information sessions you will have seen the results of the fantastic work FOSM did last year. This year, with the support of the whole school community we aim to provide fun events for all families and try and raise as much money as we can to support the children’s experience at St Mark’s.

However these events cannot run without volunteers from the school community and historically we have had to make difficult decisions about dropping an event or a game due to the lack of volunteers to run them.  Many teachers and LSAs do volunteer their time to us and we are very grateful for their ongoing support.  However, we do need additional support from parents.  Therefore, should you wish to help us either by joining the FOSM team, volunteering at an event, lending us your art and craft skills to make games for our summer and Christmas events or donating a raffle prize then this would be fantastic.

Please either speak to us if you see us on the school drop off and pick up or email us on FOSM@stmarksce.org.uk or chair.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk with any help you can provide. 

Finally, if you haven’t already done so, please join the FOSM facebook page here where we will regularly update you on what we are up to and details of events. 

Thank you for your continued support!

Sarah Fisher and Lindsay Allen

Co-Chairs of FOSM