PTA makes important contribution

PTA

makes important contribution

PTA President, Stephen Higgs, says it takes a community to raise a child, which is a key reason he decided to join the PTA around seven years ago. “I think most of the parents on the PTA would agree – that we want to give back to the College, as it is such a big part of the community that helps to raise our children.”

Since it was first established in 1933, the St Andrew’s College Parent Teacher Association has promoted and nurtured friendships within the school community, provided parents with a forum for discussion, and an avenue for participation in College activities. “We try to organise a big fundraiser at least every couple of years, with our last one being the Curtain Raiser event for the new Ben Gough Family Theatre. Our other events include Wine and Cheese Evenings for new Preparatory School parents, and we have a team of willing volunteers who help out at lots of different College-run events,” says Stephen. The PTA’s major source of fundraising is the Second-hand Uniform Shop, which is run by its own group of volunteers. Its Christmas cake fundraiser also brings in welcome funds. Each year, the PTA provides financial support in areas of the College which may not normally be included in its operational budget, says Stephen. “Last year, we gifted $36,000 for side walls of the new Shade Systems Canopy for the hard courts behind the Preparatory School, donated new equipment to the StACFit Fitness Centre, gave money to the Music Department for a new electric guitar, plus electric and acoustic amps, and have continued to donate money towards lunchtime activities for the students, including giant games and sports gear for the Preparatory and Secondary Schools, and toys and sandpit equipment for the Junior Department.”

Stephen says the PTA is an important liaison between parents and College management. “Our meetings are a good place for general discussions, with any questions from parents able to be fed back to management. Rector, Christine Leighton, Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, and Principal of Preparatory School, Jonathan Bierwirth, attend every meeting and give us a report, and every second month we try to have another speaker from a different area of the College. These informative reports give us a great insight into what is happening around the College, and how we can contribute.”

A group of up to 25 enthusiastic parents are regularly involved in the PTA’s monthly meetings, which have been held online so far this year due to the Omicron outbreak. Many more parents assist the PTA as volunteers in the Second-hand Uniform Shop and by supporting events. “New people are always welcome to join, and we have a really good gender balance. When I started, I was the only male but there are several fathers on the committee now.”

Stephen’s two sons, Connor Higgs (Year 12) and Ethan Higgs (Year 10), have attended St Andrew’s since Pre-school. He says joining the PTA was a natural progression from his early involvement as a parent coach of rugby and cricket in the Preparatory School. “Parents usually become less involved in their children’s worlds once they start in the Secondary School, and getting involved in the PTA is a great way to stay connected and make a difference to the St Andrew’s community.”

PTA President, Stephen Higgs, with parent volunteer, Lisa Young, in the Second-hand Uniform Shop.