An Introduction to the PTA

Friends of Meopham Community Academy is a registered charity – number 280163.  It is the official name of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for Meopham Community Academy.  The charity is referred to by the school community simply as “the PTA”.

The aim of the charity is to enhance the education of the pupils of the school with facilities and events not normally provided by the Local Education Authority.  The PTA supports the school’s pupils and staff by:

FUNDRAISING: Filling gaps left from stretched education budgets for facilities, materials and experiences

SUPPORTING: Supporting pupils and their parents/carers in accessing school activities and all the opportunities available

CELEBRATING: Providing mementos and experiences around key points in pupils’ school career

UNITING: Drawing together the community surrounding our village school to create a thriving, supportive and welcoming network

Get Involved!

The PTA is not part of the school operation and is run by volunteer parents/carers and school staff in their own time. Any parent/carer (including grandparents etc!) or staff member associated with the school can participate as a volunteer in PTA activities. Everyone is welcome and appreciated. There is no requirement to “join” the PTA - supporters can just get involved as a one off, or whenever they have time. The PTA meets regularly, with an option for virtual attendance for those who can’t make it in person. If you would like to get involved, contact the PTA using the details below.

How you can help

• Volunteer at an event for as little as 1 hour - they happen weekdays, weekends and evenings, so something to fit all schedules
• Volunteer to support preparation for events – this can be done from your own home and in whatever hours suit you.  This includes things like wrapping prizes, painting boards and sourcing products or services online
• Provide your advice and skills to the Committee at a PTA meeting
• Donate funds, event prizes or sponsorship from your local business
• Support the administration of the PTA through your local business with a donation-in-kind of design skills, printing, transport, catering or building materials
• If your employer offers “Matched Funding” you can apply to them to match any funds from a charity event you have been involved in.  Check your company’s policy and we can help you navigate the terms and conditions
• Participate in the activities and have fun with your kids!  They love it when they see their grownups involved with the school

The type of events the PTA run are:

• May Day Fayre & Parade
• Christmas Fayre
• Family discos
• Second-hand clothing collections for recycling
• Mothers’ Day & Fathers’ Day gift shops
• Comedy nights

Inclusion of ALL pupils

Whilst the PTA’s primary objective is to fundraise, it is also to ensure pupils have access to all the opportunities school life can bring them.  For that reason, the PTA has measures in place to avoid any child being excluded from PTA activities due to financial hardship.  Support can be accessed via the child’s class teacher or the school office to avoid any identifying information being shared with PTA volunteers.  Information is also included in/around the marketing for each event.

The money that is raised is spent for the benefit of the pupils. In the past, the PTA have paid for or contributed to:

• New library equipment
• Year 6 Leavers’ Books
• Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) equipment
• And much more!

What’s happening when?

PTA activities are included in the calendar shared digitally by the school, via the PTA Facebook page, and via class WhatsApp groups. 

Stikins

As you know, all pupils’ belongings must be labeled with their name. Stikins make an easy-to-use option, and they pay a commission to the PTA when you order using the link below, and it’s no extra cost to you.

STIKINS - MEOPHAM COMMUNITY ACADEMY LINK

Contact the PTA

If you would like to contact the PTA to be involved, give feedback or for more information, you can reach out in these ways:

Email: mca-pta@golden-thread.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcapta

Contact the PTA

If you are interested in joining the PTA. team, would like further information, would like to help out at one of the events or wish to make a suggestion, please contact us by sending a message via our Facebook page facebook/mcapta or simply leave a message at the Academy office.