The start of the new academic year back in September saw big changes ahead for the committee of FOJORPS with several long established key members including the Chair and Vice Chair moving on as their children progress from John of Rolleston Primary School on to their chosen Secondary schools.

The AGM was held on 7th October with existing members stepping up to the mark to fill the vacant posts and plenty of new enthusiastic blood entering on to the committee for the first time. FOJORPS now has possibly its largest committee since its inauguration back in 1992 with 23 members, this putting the schools ‘PTA’ in a strong position to continue the good fund raising activities of its retiring and departing members.

It hasn’t taken long for the new committee to get up to speed with three events already under its belt, plans well underway for the forthcoming Christmas Bazaar, and even talks about the 2010 Community Day.

With a well established events calendar already tried and tested, the new committee will concentrate on how to maximise these existing events to offer more variety and increase popularity, rather than experimenting with too many new events, and with so many new members onboard ideas are plentiful.

Our forthcoming events calendar is as listed (please note some dates are provisional at the time of print):

Christmas Bazaar – Friday 11th December (Christmas Carols, Mulled Wine, Mince Pies, Craft Stalls, and even a visit by Santa)
Bag2Scool collection – Friday 15th January (Call either Shaun (563312) or Sue (537887) to arrange a door step collection)
Beetle Drive – Saturday 23rd January (Fun event for all of the family, with a chip supper)
School Disco – 6th March
Spring Quiz Night – 12th March (10 Rounds of General Knowledge Questions – team of four, invite some friends)
Easter Eggstravaganza – 28th March (Easter Bonnets, Village Scavenger Hunt, Egg Rolling, & Easter Eggs)
Community Day – Saturday 12th June (Something for Everyone, whatever their age)

All of our events are open to everyone, you don’t have to have children in school to get involved. When you see our next event being advertised please do try to support it as we are sure you will have a great time and be left wanting to support our other events.

If you require any further information about the events calendar, or about the good work that FOJORPS undertakes on behalf of our village school please do not hesitate to contact us through the school office.

Shaun Carlton-Greaves for FOJORPS

The start of the school summer holiday marks the end of another successful year of fundraising for FOJORPS. This year we have been able to make donations of over £14,500 to the school, providing much needed additional resources that greatly enhance the learning experience for all pupils during their time at John of Rolleston.

Community Day 2009 will be remembered as the year when it rained…and rained…and rained!! Despite the appalling weather conditions there was a true feeling of community spirit, with everyone involved working hard to make the day a success. Plans for next year’s event are already under way; keep your fingers crossed for good weather on Saturday 12th June 2010!

July 2009 saw the centenary of the Sherborne (infant) site of the school. FOJORPS was delighted to be involved in the celebrations to mark this very special date in the school’s calendar. The Edwardian Fayre on Thursday 2nd July rounded off a week of special activities, and proved to be a great success. Maypole dancing, music hall songs, traditional stalls and a Guisers’ play were just a few of the attractions that were enjoyed by the numerous children, parents, grandparents and friends, many of whom were former pupils of the school.

As in previous years, FOJORPS subsidised the end of year celebrations for the Year 6 pupils as they reached the end of their time at John of Rolleston. An evening Leavers’ party and disco provided the Y6’s with an opportunity for a last get together with their friends. The traditional leavers’ treat was a visit to ‘Splash Landings’ at Alton Towers. We wish all the Year 6’s good luck as they move on to their chosen Secondary schools.

This year FOJORPS has raised additional funds using the Bag2School initiative. This scheme allows PTAs to turn unwanted clothes, bedding, shoes etc. into cash, with £400 being paid for each tonne of collected items. Two collections in January and June resulted in a total of over £1200 – not bad for a load of unwanted clothes! The next scheduled collection date is Friday 16th October; anyone wishing to donate bags of clothes can leave them at school (either site) during the week of October 16th. Collection of bags can be arranged if required; phone Sue on 537887 or Shaun on 563312.

The new academic year will see some changes to the FOJORPS Committee. Every year the committee loses members as their children move on and leave the school. This year we are losing several key members, most notably Sarah Abel who has been a member of FOJORPS for 9 years and Chair for the last 5 years. We thank Sarah for her tireless enthusiasm and commitment, and hope to see her at future events.

Dates for your diary 2009/2010
AGM – Wednesday 7th October 2009
Autumn Quiz – Saturday 10th October 2009
Christmas Bazaar – Friday 11th December 2009
Community Day – Saturday 12th June 2010

Sue McLoughlin for FOJORPS

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Last updated: 28 December 2009