About us

All parents and carers with a child attending St Mary’s are automatically members of the St Mary’s Association of Parents and Teachers (SMA for short). It’s a registered charity which exists to support the work of the school.

Getting involved with the SMA is a great way to make new friends and bring our community together.

We hold monthly meetings, usually on the first Wednesday evening or Friday morning of each month, in the school hall. By holding meetings in both the morning and evenings we try to ensure that as many parents as possible have the opportunity to attend. See the Events Diary for the date of the next meeting.

What do we do?

Fundraising is one of our main objectives and the money raised goes towards buying resources for the school that are outside the school budget. We also like to organize various social get-togethers, from family gatherings to events for the children and nights out just for parents.

Got an idea for a fun event? Let us know…

In previous years we have held auction nights, quiz nights, sporting events, Easter Egg Hunts, Cinema Nights, Christmas and summer fairs and the list goes on. And this year we're holding a Race Night and family fun day.

How can you get involved?

There’s lots of ways to get involved. First things first, we invite you to come along to the monthly meetings so you can find out more. You may like to take on a formal role such as a class representative or a specific project. You can make a difference by running a coffee morning or a stall at an event, donating old toys, or just by turning up and enjoying one of our events.

It’s up to you how you help – every bit counts and it’s great fun too!

Practical things you can do right now!

Join the 200 Club - A very easy way to help is to sign up to our 200 club, which gives you the chance to win a cash prize. If you haven’t already seen an application form then please contact the SMA Secretary for further details.

The Giving Machine - Another simple way to help that won’t cost you a penny is to sign up and shop online via The Giving Machine at your favourite shops. This will generate a free cash donation with every purchase. Please sign up at www.TheGivingMachine.co.uk and select St Mary’s.

Matched Funding - Do you work for a company that matches funds that employees have donated or raised for charity? If so, you may be able to claim money from them to match funding that we raise at one of our events. Please ask your company if they run a scheme. If you are able to help please let one of the SMA treasurers know.

Where does the money go?

The money we raise is used to fund a range of projects both big and small including in the last year; additional interactive whiteboards, playground games for each class, new library books for KS2 children, new sports equipment and wall bars for for all. After years of fundraising we have finally transformed the tired old 'garden' area into a wonderful new garden for all to enjoy.

These all important school improvements wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and commitment of all parents who get involved.