Parent & Friends Association (PFA)

The PFA committee comprises a small, but dedicated group of enthusiastic parents together with a representative of the College teaching staff. The committee's primary objective is to provide financial support in the form of fundraising, as well as social opportunities to the College community. As representatives of College parents, the committee appreciates any support from other parents and is grateful for assistance and attendance at fundraising events and social gatherings throughout the year.

Parents and Friends Association 2011 REPORT

The PFA is one of the oldest organisations in the College. The team is dedicated to fundraising for the College with a particular focus on purchasing equipment that will be used by most of the school community. This year a dedicated group raised over $10,000 through three main areas:

Sales of school related memorabilia: such as badges, umbrellas and drink bottles. We also worked on sales of the 'Entertainment Books'.

PFA Art Auction

The Saint Thomas Parents and Friends' Association (PFA) held their Art Auction on Friday September 16^th. Over 30 artworks were auctioned by Owen Patterson (Ray White Auctioneer of the year 2011). Owen's professionalism and sense of humour made the evening a great night out. We raised $7000. The money raised is for the College to buy more technical and scientific equipment.

Special thanks to

• - All the artists who created each piece
• - Everyone who came along, especially the generous bidders
• - The students who helped set up the hall and worked on the night
• - Stephen Hardman of the Twisted Hop
• - Tony Lemmens, Sockburn Joinery Limited
• - STCC PFA members 2010-2011
• - Hancocks wine suppliers
• - Owen Patterson, Ray White auctioneer

PFA Big Quiz Night

The Parents and Friends' Association held the annual Family Quiz Night with over 200 people in 33 teams battling through the questions. We received a lot of positive feedback about the night and we are thrilled that so many College staff, students, families and community members supported our fundraiser. The PFA raised over $2800 at the Quiz Night.

This money will be used to enhance the technological capabilities of the new classroom block next year. All Saint Thomas students will reap the benefits of this technology.

The PFA would like to thank...

• - the College staff for their practical and generous support in setting up the Quiz Night, especially Mr. Eamon Reyn
• - all the local businesses who generously donated prizes for the winning teams and for the 27 raffles
• - the members of the 33 teams for their patronage
• - the College's 'Gimme 5' donators who helped with the delicious supper items

Bookings for next year's Quiz Night are now being taken!

The PFA are always interested in hearing from new members with new ideas. Thanks to all the members who have worked tirelessly in light of the earthquake delays and increased workload.

Jo Gibbs (PFA President) on behalf of the 2011 STCC PFA.

Committee 2011

Chairperson: Jo Gibbs

Vice Chairperson: Joanne Earle
Treasurer: Diane McDonald
Secretary: Marie Gaudin

Staff Representative: Steve Kennedy

Second hand Uniforms: Jo Gibbs & Trudy Murdoch

Give Me Five: Jackie McCarthy

Catherine Hay

Clare Hardman

Pamela Rogatski

The Committee meets on the third Monday of the month in the School Library @ 7.30pm. New members are always welcome to attend or offer their support. For more information please contact our Chairperson, Jo Gibbs at school 03 3487010

If you are unable to attend meetings, there are other opportunities to help. The College is developing the 'Give Me Five' programme. For more information on the many ways to assist through this programme, please contact Jackie McCarthy at f.jmccarthy@clear.net.nz

The Board of Trustees is currently immersed in planning the College's building programme. The project includes a new 10 classroom block designed for the future with flexible open spaces and state of the art technology, as well as a new science laboratory, new toilet facilities and developing covered walkways and landscaping around the quads and buildings.

All proceeds from PFA fundraising in the immediate future is going towards completing the provision of PowerPoint projectors in current classrooms and equipping our new buildings with the most up to date furniture and technology items. These things are of direct benefit to our sons learning and assist us in making St Thomas' a college of the future and a great place for students, staff and families to be.

Fundraising 2010

We have already held two successful fundraisers this year. The Entertainment Books raised over $1,700 and the ever popular annual Quiz Night another $2100. Thank you for your continued support.

Our next big fundraising event is the Art Auction on March 3rd 2011. Artists, celebrities and valued members of the community are being asked to paint and decorate a MDF of the map of New Zealand. They, along with other donated items of art will be auctioned at a special event to be held at our College on Thursday 14^th October 2010. Please see the College newsletter for further details and ticket sales.

Second hand Uniforms - PFA volunteers run the College second hand uniform store. For details of opening times please see the College Newsletter. Good quality items of clothing for sale can be left at the College Reception. For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Jo on 342 3634 or Trudy on 322 8178