I officially joined the Parent and  Teacher’s Association committee at my daughter’s school in November 2010 but I’d been working behind the scenes a few months before then, mostly collecting raffle prizes for fundraising.

I was really nervous about joining. Although I knew most of the Mums from the playground I’d not really spoken to them, but I was spurred on by a friend to join in on a regular basis.

Until then I didn’t fully understand how much the PTA did throughout the year. My daughter had attended a school disco during the summer term and there was a summer fair but I wasn’t aware of what else was organised. I guess I was naïve and didn’t consider how these events happened that I took it for granted.

I have now been on the committee for 15 months and I have to say that I’m amazed at how much hard work is undertaken to fundraise for the school.

Our school has had, over the last year, many events held to raise much-needed funds. There are two school discos, a quiz night, gifts on sale for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the summer fair, photo session, a live music night and much more. Each of these takes planning and staffing. There are presents to be bought and wrapped, tuck shops to be stocked, stalls and entertainment to be booked, raffle prizes to appeal for etc etc. The list goes on.

Our Chair works tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly with the assistance of her diligent committee members and parent helpers.

Despite some reservations I had before joining it is not clique-y at all; we are a friendly group yet we struggle to get extra help. We’re all there with a common aim: to fundraise for the school while the children have fun, and the parents too! We have appealed in each newsletter for helpers, even for just an hour to cover a stall at an event but rarely do we get a response.

A discussion was had at the last meeting about whether the PTA would be missed if it had to fold because of lack of members, particularly as the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are stepping down at the next AGM, mainly due to children leaving the school. I do think that the events would be missed particularly by the children. In these days of severe cuts to education budgets I believe that the PTA fundraising can be crucial for the school.

It would be such a shame if the PTA was no more. I would love to be able to stand for Chair but I just could not commit the amount of time necessary but I will continue to do what I can, when I can.

If your school’s PTA appeals for help don’t be afraid to offer an hour of your time. It all counts and is appreciated. If ten parents came to us with an hour each, that would be five stalls manned during the summer fair. In the words of a certain supermarket…every little helps.