Our Parent Staff Association (PSA)
The Ogbourne Parent School Association consists of parents, teachers and members of the community. Our aim is to raise money and organise social events involving pupils, parents and staff. We organise many fun events for both children and adults. In 2018-19 we held a vast array of events: a Race night, a film night, a visit from Father Christmas, both a Spring and an Autumn Jumble Sale, a trip to Bowood, an Easter Egg Hunt, a Science Day, and a Summer Fair - to name but a few. For 2019-20 we have already held a Family Barn Dance, a Jumble Sale, a Christmas Fair.
Our meetings are held once a month and all PSA Committee members will receive an agenda detailing what events we will be planning in that meeting before the meeting.
All decisions will be made within the meetings so if you have an idea then please come along we always want to hear new ideas. If you can’t make a meeting, please send your contribution to the chair who will include it in the next meeting.
We welcome parents who are new to the school. If you have a couple of hours free a month and want to help us provide enrichment experiences for your child and also raise money for the school, then please come along to our meetings.
All PSA meetings and events are shown on our school calendar in purple: school calendar
Welcome from Chair of PSA
What is the PSA?
Like many schools, Ogbourne Primary has a PSA which stands for Parent Staff Association, it is a group of individuals who work together for the benefit of their school. As a parent or carer at Ogbourne Primary you are welcome to join the PSA committee or volunteer your time at our various events
How is the PSA Organised?
Ogbourne Primary PSA is a registered charity, governed by a written constitution. This constitution lays out the PSA’s objectives and how it is run. The day to day running of the PSA is the responsibility of a committee which is made up of both parent and staff volunteers.
There are a number of official positions on the committee which are needed to fulfil the PSA’s obligations as a registered charity and these include a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. This all sounds very formal but in fact most roles on the PSA committee are informal and involve running events and other fundraising activities.
What does the PSA do?
The PSA’s objectives are two-fold; to raise money to improve the educational opportunities available to the children at Ogbourne Primary and to help foster a strong sense of community among the children, parents and staff. Ultimately everything the PSA does is for the benefit of the children. Together with the parents, carers and children who support the fundraising activities, every year the PSA raises a lot of money and makes a very positive contribution to the school.
How does the PSA raise money?
Mostly through events. Some events are just for the children, some for the grown-ups and others for the whole family. The calendar of events is planned at the start of the school year and published on the school website. The PSA runs second hand uniform sales and events that benefit other charities too.
What does the PSA do with the money raised?
Look around the school and you’ll see where the money goes. Wall murals, improvement to the library and cloakroom areas, the canopy for the reception classroom allowing outdoor play as well as playground seating, are just a few things funded by the PSA. PSA funds have also provided new laptops for the children to use and the PSA has has funded various school trips and enrichment days. Finally this term the PSA will provide the funding to install a defibrillator at the school which will also be available for any of the village residents should it be required. These are all resources that our school would not be able to purchase without PSA funding.
Why should I get involved?
Being part of the PSA, in any capacity, is a great way to stay connected to your child’s school life and it sends a very positive message to your child about how much you value their education and the environment they are educated in. It’s also a lot of fun! If you are a parent who is new to the school, being involved in the PSA is a fast track way of getting to know the school, staff and other parents from across all year groups.
You don’t need to make a big commitment to be a part of the PSA and there are lots of different ways to get involved, even if you only have a little time to spare. Many mums and dads on the PSA committee work full or part time; some get involved throughout the year, others just for a single event. You don’t need any specific skills and it’s a great opportunity to learn new ones. If the PSA isn’t for you right now, you can still make a much-valued contribution by coming along to the events and supporting the fundraising.
How can I find out more?
Everyone is welcome at the Committee meetings whether actively involved in the PSA or not. You can also talk to any of our committee or the school office who will keep you up to date on PSA events and activities throughout the year. Look out for Mrs Crump's newsletters and the Ogbourne PSA Facebook page for the latest information.
How can I get in touch with the PSA?
You can contact us through our Facebook page or leave a message for us with the school office.
Best Wishes,
Kate
An Introduction to our Current Core Committee Members:
- Mrs Anna Burch
- Mrs Chris Fuller
- Mrs Kate Lowe (Chair of PSA)
- Mrs Nina Sharland
- Mrs Lucy Crump (Head of School)
Just some of the items and events kindly funded by the PSA: