Friends of Ashley (FOA)

The Friends of Ashley (FOA) is the Parent Teacher Association at Ashley C of E Primary School, composed of parents, teachers and staff on a voluntary basis.  The aim of the FOA is to enrich the school community through fundraising events held throughout the school year.

Every parent, teacher and staff member is automatically a Friend of Ashley purely by being part of the school and everyone is welcome to get involved as much or as little as they want.

The FOA is led by a small, annually elected team made up of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Comms.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Co-Chair: Helen Platt

Co-Secretary: Katy Furber

Co-Secretary: Louise Wilson

Co-Treasurer: Clare Birks

Co-Treasurer: Lizzie Grillo

Co-Comms Sonia Kalsi

Co-Comms: Sarah Parker

AIMS OF THE FOA

• Working with the school to establish priorities for fundraising and decide how funds will be spent, we aim to:
• Enhance the community of the school by holding fun and inclusive social events for parents and children.
• Raise funds to support the school and provide extra resources, facilities and equipment to complement and enhance the enjoyment and learning experiences of our children.
• The Friends of Ashley also sell and accept donations of preloved (second-hand) uniform. If you have any uniform items you would like to donate, please place them in the FOA bin (outside the school main reception steps) when you can.  The Preloved team empty it as often as possible, and sales are run regularly through the year.

  The FOA meet regularly at the school, with ad-hoc meetings in between to discuss the organisation of events and other aspects of school life. Meeting dates and minutes of previous meetings can be found on the school website and meetings will also be advertised in advance via the school newsletter and Facebook/Instagram (Ashley School – Parent Community/ @TheFriendsofAshley).

  It is always lovely to see new faces at the meetings and the FOA welcomes you to share your ideas for fundraising activities. The meetings are very informal, and you can attend as frequently or infrequently as you like and do as much or as little as suits you.

  If you ever want to get in touch with one of the Committee with any ideas or offers of support, please just drop us a line on thefriendsofashley@gmail.com or catch us in the playground. One of us is usually around.

  Helen

  Chair, The Friends of Ashley

MEET THE COMMITTEE

Always happy to have a chat at the school gate – please keep an eye out for us!

Chair: Helen Platt

 

Helen is the Committee Chair, bringing us all together, leading meetings with the school, local sponsors and the events teams. Helen’s children joined Ashley in 2018 and 2021.

Co-Secretary: Katy Furber

Co-Secretary: Louise Wilson

Katy and Louise are Co-Secretaries, keeping the committee in order, including managing event admin and licences and taking meeting minutes, amongst other things. Katy’s children joined Ashley in 2019 and 2023,  and Louise’s daughter joined in 2023.

Co-Treasurer: Clare Birks

Co-Treasurer: Lizzie Grillo

 

Clare and Lizzie are joint Treasurers, taking charge of the accounts, managing the school’s spend requests, and handling all the money at the live events. Clare’s children joined Ashley in 2020 and 2023, and Lizzie’s in 2020 and 2022.

 

Co-Comms Sonia Kalsi

Co-Comms: Sarah Parker

Sonia and Sarah run the comms and social media for the committee, create regular newsletters, and materials for meetings, as well as supporting the events teams with their comms. Sonia’s children joined Ashley in 2020 and 2023, and Sarah’s in 2020 and 2022.

 

FOA Meetings

Latest meeting notes - 21st February 2024

foa open house 21 feb 2024 minutes.pdf

 

 

Forthcoming Events

 May Ball – Saturday 18th May 2024

Led by Amber Hayes

 

Summer Fete – Saturday 8th June 2024

Lead TBC (volunteers welcome please!)

 

Big Picnic – Saturday 13th July 2024

Lead TBC (volunteers welcome please!)

 

Fireworks - 3rd of November 2024

Lead: Helen Platt

 

Past Events & Activities

Ashley School Fireworks – Sunday 5th November 2023

Led by Helen Platt; more information to follow soon

 

Christmas Bazaar – Saturday 2nd December 2023

Lead TBC (volunteers welcome please!)

 

Santa visit – Tuesday 19th December 2023

Led by Helen Platt; THIS IS A SURPRISE – DON’T TELL THE CHILDREN!

 

Summer Fete – 17th June 2023

Led by Janine Taylor-Larter and Lizzie Grillo

Big Picnic – 15th July 2023

Led by Kirsty Willcocks and Suzie Ashworth

Year 6 Leavers Books and Breakfast

 

Pre- Loved uniform sale dates - 

1st March 2024

19th April 2024

3rd May 2024

7th June 2024

5th July 2024