Dear Parents

We would like to offer a warm welcome to you all from the Maynard Parents’ Association Committee and a big thank you for the contributions so many parents have made this year already.

The MPA is the Parents’ Association for the Maynard School and was awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission in 2006.

The MPA aims to:

• Support the school and enhance the education of students by engaging in events and activities that help to provide facilities or equipment.
• Forge links between school and home and provide opportunities for parental involvement in school activities.
• Provide opportunities for parents, teachers and friends to meet socially.
• Provide opportunities for parents and carers to offer ideas and suggestions concerning the future development of the school.

All parents are invited to attend MPA meetings which are held at least once a term. They are friendly, informal and offer an opportunity to participate in decisions that will effect the development of the school. We discuss events, activities and fundraising ideas, finances, items we are targeting funds towards and parents’ suggestions and feedback. The Headmistress, Head of Junior School and a Parent Governor are normally present.

Thank you for supporting the MPA. Your help is very important and appreciated. If you would like more information about the MPA, or if you have any ideas or suggestions please do contact us via School Reception or via e-mail – our e-mail contact details are displayed on the MPA noticeboards.

Who Are We?

All Parents, Guardians and Carers of students attending the Maynard can be members of the MPA.

A £5 membership fee per family is paid to MPA funds in the Autumn term. A further voluntary donation of £5 per term is made by many families for the Spring and Summer terms. The voluntary donation can be credited with Gift Aid which further increases its value to the fund.

Each year at the Annual General Meeting a Committee comprising of Officers and Trustees are elected alongside nominated Year Reps. The role of the Year Reps is to liaise with parents about ideas and suggestions about fund raising and issues relating to improving facilities at the school as well as organising social events.

The current Committee:

Officers

Chair - Lyn Luxton
Vice Chair - Megan Byles
Secretary - Karen Middleton
Treasurer - Jackie Hartnack 
Vice Treasurer - Alison Baguley
Parent Governor - Cathy Gray

Trustees

Charlotte Foster
Christine Channing
Caroline Rutter
Julie Ruddick
Sara Bor
Fiona Kumar

Current Year Reps

Lower 1 Rebecca Wharton
Upper 1 Carolyn Naylor, Jackie Hartnack
Form 2 Marie Thomas, Abby Barker
Lower 3 Jayne King, Caroline Lamb
Upper 3 Harriet Langworthy
Lower 4 Naomi Coventry, Carlie Karakusevic
Upper 4 Caroline Rutter
Lower 5 Christine Channing
Upper 5 Yvonne Mould
6th Form Alison Pearce, Caroline Mattos, Charlotte Foster

New parents are most welcome to put themselves forward for committee or year rep positions at the AGM held in September. Please get in touch with us if you would like more details.

What Do We Do?

Some of the events the MPA organized in 2008/09
Farewell Party and Parents Leaving Collection for Dr West
Christmas Craft Fayre
Easter Egg Hunt
Quiz Night
Mothers Day Cake Stall

In 2008/2009 the MPA raised substantial funds (almost £9,000) for the benefit of the school. Items we have provided this year include:

Contribution to Library furniture
Refurbishment of Reception area
Contribution to Hall refurbishment including projection facilities
Crockery for the Dining Centre
Contribution to stage lights for Drama Dept.
Contribution to play equipment
Contribution to the Headmistress’ Discretionary fund (to enable girls, in cases of financial hardship, to take part in trips and visits)

Following the success of the 350th Anniversary Art Exhibition in April 2008 which raised substantial funds for the 350th Anniversary Appeal Fund, a further Art Exhibition is planned for 2010.

Without your support none of this would have been possible.

The MPA and You

This is your Parents’ Association and we welcome your involvement. Whatever skills and interests you have, however diverse, e.g. administration and organisational skills, "backroom activities", designing and making ability etc. your help will be appreciated.

Please get in contact if you have an idea for an event you wish to organise or would like to help out with some of the suggested events.

Dates to remember 2010

Next MPA meeting Wednesday 20 January 7.30 pm
Wine Tasting Friday 12 March
Mothers Day Cake Stall Friday 12 March
Art Exhibition 30 April – 2 May