19 July 2024 – Newsletter – including reminders for the end of term, goodbyes and more

A special word from FOSM

As Chair of FOSM, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended or supported our fundraising events and projects this year. With your support, we have raised over £22,000 through School Discos, the Summer Fun Day, the Christmas Fayre, the Easter Egg Hunt, Bags to School, Raffles, Non-Uniform Days, ‘Nearly New Uniform’ sales, and other essential revenue sources, including a sponsored walk by Aidan and Mike. This year, we have purchased or contributed towards laptops, microphones, the farm, musical instruments, trikes, Forest School, and much more.

FOSM consists of 10 parents and 3 staff members who volunteer their time for monthly meetings to organise and run fundraising events and projects. We couldn’t manage these events without other volunteers, so we sincerely thank those who have helped this year, especially those who volunteered at multiple events. We have occasionally been short of volunteers, so if you’d like to join our volunteer list, please email Vicky (secretary.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk). We will simply reach out before an event to see if anyone can spare 1-2 hours to help. If every parent volunteered at just one event during their child’s time at St Mark’s, we’d never be short of volunteers again. Volunteering could involve running a game at the fun day, serving drinks at a disco, or helping in any other way.

We will be hosting the AGM at school on Monday, 9th September, at 7:45 PM. This annual meeting will include brief financial reports and a quick look back at the past 12 months. Any parent is welcome to attend, and attendance doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to join the FOSM committee, but it will give you an insight into how and where the money is spent and who is on the committee. There may also be flapjacks and brownies. Unfortunately, children cannot attend the AGM.

Finally, for any children or parents who are coming to the end of their St Mark’s journey, thanks for your support and we wish you the best of luck in the future. For those returning in September, enjoy the summer!

With much love, FOSM

Dave, Philippa, Vicky, Paul, Cheryl, Claire, Sarah, Lyndsey, Nicola, Lee, Nina, Hannah & Terri