Friends of Newlands Spring Primary School (FONS)
NEWS: FONS Newsletters
Who are FONS?
FONS was formed over 30 years ago as a registered charity (Charity Number: 284873). It is run by a lively and enthusiastic team of parents who are committed to enhancing the experience of all children at our school. Any parent with a child at the school is a friend however the Friends committee is run by parents who are willing to give some of their own time to organise the fund raising activities throughout the year. Some parents stay on the committee for many years whilst others just help out for a year.
Meet your FONS Committee for the Academic year 2019/2020
Chairperson: Helen Huntley:
Vice Chairperson: Sarah Joyce
Treasurer: Rachel Butterworth
Secretary: Laura Lane
Vice Secretary: Nickyt Eburne:
Social Media: Sophie Newton-Kingston
Committee Members: Becky Dawson, Hayley Millar, Jo Chapman, Kerry Ambrose, Lauren Gatrell-Lucas, Jo Pawaley, Jo Noble, Jessica Dervin, Julie Steadman, Michelle Teasell
School Representatives are Mrs Hawkes (Honorary President) and Mrs Clifton (Teacher Representative)
What do FONS do?
The Friends Committee organises various events and activities to raise funds for the school. These funds are used to improve both the learning and recreational environment of the school, as well as fund occasional activities for the children such as leavers discos and souvenirs. The majority of events are organised with the children in mind although we have the odd event for adults only.
Events for 2019/2020 include:
Date | Event | Times |
Thursday 17th October 2019 | Halloween Disco (All Years) | 4 - 5pm; 5.30 - 6.45pm; 7-8.30pm |
Tuesday 5 - Friday 8th November 2019 | Christmas Artwork Viewings | TBC |
Friday 8th November 2019 | Non-Uniform Day | All Day |
Thursday 28th November 2019 | Bag2School | Bag drop before 8.45am |
Friday 6th December 2019 | Christmas Bazaar | 6-8pm |
Thursday 19th December 2019 | Christmas Disco | 4 - 5pm; 5.30 - 6.45pm; 7-8.30pm |
Friday 31st January 2020 | Skittleman | 3.30 - 5pm |
Friday 28th February 2020 | Adult Bingo | TBC |
Friday 20th March 2020 | Junior Bingo | 3.30 - 5pm |
Friday 27th April | Bag2School | Bag drop before 8.45am |
Thursday 21st May 2020 | Non Uniform Day | All Day |
Saturday 4th July 2020 | Summer Fayre | TBC |
Thursday 16th July 2020 | Year 6 Leavers BBQ & Summer Disco | TBC |
Committee Meetings
Meetings are held approximately once a month and are open to any parent, with a child at the school, who would like to attend. We are always pleased to welcome new faces at our meetings so don't be shy, come along and join the fun. New faces bring new ideas which are vital in ensuring our continued success. Meetings are published in advanced.
The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 23rd October 7.30pm at the school.
'Lets Work Together'
Mulitple heads are certainly better than a few, all the FONS committee have work and busy lives which is why we need support and ideas from all of you too. If you would like to join our brilliant team and get involved in some fun and exciting fundraising planning for our children then please do get in touch.
Although FONS is always looking for additional members you do not need to be a Committee member to contribute. There are other ways you can help. These include:
- Volunteering: We will never ask for more time than you can give, the odd hour here and there when preparing the big events for our childen will make a huge difference to us. Without the help of parents many of our events could not be possible. Every little bit helps and at the end of the day it is the children who benefit.
- Doantion: Sending in donations to support the FONS raffles and Non uniform days for example
- Passing on useful contacts: For example, do you work for or know a company that may be able to assist us? We have to buy various things for our events such as drinks, teas/coffee, lucky dip presents, wine and prizes - would your company be willing to sponsor us to help with these purchases? Does your company do £ for £ fund raising? Does it offer grants to charities for which we could apply?
How have FONS spent the money raised?
We raised an incredible £14,719.67 in the school year 2018/2019
This amazing amount of money has enabled FONS to purchase the following for the school this year
- Christmas Panto performance for all children
- £1500 for English/Maths equipment
- Set of 32 headphones
- Lunchtime club play equipment
- Laptops
- Tablets for foundation stage
- Toys and resources for Year 1 and Year 2
- Digital cameras for the Suite
- Art drying rack for Year 4
- Resources for Year 6 play
- Violins
- Wet play resources for Year 5
- Playground markings
- Science week workshop
- Cookery equipment
FONS have additionally committed to spend £11,948.95 this academic year, this will include (amongst other things) the purchase of:
- Interactive water stream within the Foundation Stage area
- Benches for Year 6 outdoor space
- Water cooler in Year 6 building
- New artwork for the small hall
- RE workshops
- Data loggers
- Football goals
- Coombers music systems
- Reading spine
- Production backdrop canvas
Contacting FONS
We are all approachable whether its in the playground, on the FONS Facebook page or by email on fons@newlandsspring.essex.sch.uk. Messages may also be left at the office to be forwarded to the FONS team..
Any support you can give us will be extremely appreciated.
Thank You
Helen Huntley (Chairperson)