St Thomas of Canterbury School has a thriving and very pro-active Parent Teacher Association that is justifiably proud of its achievements, both financially and within the school community.

The PTA is made up of parents, the Headteacher and the Deputy Head. We meet once a month to plan events, discuss any current issues and to respond to requests from the school for financial or parental help.

Many of the events we organise are fund raising activities and involve both the children and their parents/carers. These events make many thousands of pounds each year for the school and have, for example, enabled the PTA to donate £25,000 towards the "make IT happen" appeal.

Regular events:

• Termly discos (one for infants, one for Juniors);
• May Fayre (our really big annual event in on the first May Bank Holiday);
• Ladies Night (each September to especially welcome new mothers to school);
• Children’s Christmas Gift Room - very popular with the children as they can buy presents for their families and have them wrapped, ready to put under the tree. A fun day that helps teach the children about the joy of giving as well as receiving.

The PTA organises many different socials and, whilst we are always keen to make money, it is of equal importance to us that we create a happy and friendly school community. We work very hard to ensure that our events are fun and good value so parents and their guests will want to come again.

Special Events previously organised:

• Quiz Night;
• Auction of Promises;
• Firework Displays (this year's was a special "Quiet" display, with the big bangs saved for the finale);
• Bingo Evening for the family - which the children enjoy hugely;
• Sponsored bike ride for the children;
• 'Pancake Parlour' on Shrove Tuesday - 1,000 pancakes were made and eaten with relish by the children!
• Easter Egg Hunt;
• "Bad Hair" Mufti Day;

- all of which were great fun and raised money for the school.

The PTA was recognised by the NCPTA for its exceptional work and was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award for its financial success and hard work. We were even asked to go to a Buckingham Palace Tea Party with the NCPTA in recognition of our success and hard worka few years ago.

The PTA also works very hard to promote the school in the community and to help the Headteacher and his staff.

"Ground Force" days - twice a year parents and children turn up and help tidy up the land around the school. The school looks really good at the end of it. Parents and children prune, cut back, sweep, weed (you name it, we do it) and there is a catering team to keep everyone stoked up!

Harvest Festival - each October, for the elderly members of the parish. Every child takes part in a musical entertainment and the PTA organise the decoration of the hall, the sherry, afternoon tea and all the clearing up. They also assist with driving parishioners to and from the school if need be.

The PTA also actively supports the schools anti bullying policy and has been pleased to fund the purchase of Mentor Badges, Playground Buddy Caps (for Year 6) and Friendship benches.

Further details regarding the PTA can be obtained from the School Office or drop a note to our Chairs – Jenny Kingston and Michelle Gallagher c/o the School Office or send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it