Dear Parents, we are excited to invite you to be part of our Parent Council! To continue supporting our wonderful school and its activities, we’re looking for more parents to get involved.
Roles available…
Secretary (Job share)
The role of Secretary is to take minutes at Parent Council meetings, book space for events (eg. Summer/Winter Fair etc) and to support with the handling of any funding applications requiring PC members to vote. If anyone is interested in joining Marilena in the Secretary role, please get in touch.
Vice Chair
Join the Chair in some of the School meetings and generally support the Chair with their duties. Deputise for the Chair if necessary. Very minimal time commitment.
Communications Team Roles…
Email & Newsletter Editor
This role will involve keeping on top of the PC mailing list and sending out newsletters. Newsletters may be sent directly (via MailerLite) or via the School Office using ParentPay. Some experience of using a bulk email system would be useful but not essential.
Website Editor
This role involves updating the PC website which is a WordPress site. The website is updated if there’s an event to promote or a meeting coming up and after the annual AGM. Some experience of using WordPress would be beneficial.
Facebook Editor
This role involves looking after the PC Facebook page and the Buying and Selling page. It includes moderating posts / removing any spam and letting people join the group. The PC have their own FB profile so there is no need to use a personal profile.
Graphics Guru
No graphic design experience is required to fulfil this role, just some knowledge of either Canva or Photoshop. This role involves creating graphics for posters or for the website to promote events and other activities.
Get involved in our Working Interest Groups…
The Playground Group
Meeting every eight weeks, typically at 6 PM on Mondays, this group welcomes both skilled individuals and those with enthusiasm. It works closely with the School Improvement Plan, setting both short- and long-term goals to enhance the playground. The group is also responsible for the planters in front of the school and leads gardening efforts, involving all classes in gardening activities throughout the year.
Sustainability Group
Formed to build a community of practice around sustainability, this group is made up of passionate parents and carers. Their goal is to encourage behavior change and they actively engage children in sustainability-related activities at school events. Collaborating with teachers, they co-develop STEM and art projects to promote sustainability concepts.
Active Travel Group
This group focuses on ensuring children travel safely to and from school, advocating for safer crossing points and the return of lollipop people. They also liaise with the Merchiston Community Council and keep in touch primarily through WhatsApp.
Clubs Group
The Clubs Group runs and organises our after-school clubs programme. We’re looking for more parents to get involved to explore new club opportunities and help manage our continued club and sports programme.
Events Group
This group shares the planning of school and Parent Council events among parents. They coordinate key events throughout the academic year, including sports activities, aiming to plan with consideration for the overall schedule. Meetings are typically held in person, in the early evening.
Fundraising Group
This group explores diverse fundraising opportunities beyond traditional events. In the past, initiatives have included art fairs, charity runs, and the sale of calendars, Christmas cards, and tea towels. We’re looking for people to join this newly formed group and bring new ideas and energy to a hugely important area of our PC.
Additional Support Learning Group
Formed in response to discussions with staff and pupils, this group will serve as a resource for sharing information and providing support for children with additional learning needs.
International “Roots” Group
A newly established group, it aims to celebrate the school’s cultural diversity and create a sense of belonging for all children. The group will bring families together through events and is open to suggestions and participation from parents and teachers.
St Oswald’s Group
This group focuses on the adjacent St Oswald’s building, which was recently acquired by a charity and is undergoing restoration. The group will canvass the local community, including the school, to ensure alignment with future plans for the building.
Why Join?
- Make a positive impact on the school community.
- Get to know the school staff and other parents.
- Support enriching experiences for all students.
If you’re interested in any of the roles or would like to learn more, please contact us at [email protected]. We’re happy to chat about how you can help!
Thank you for your support – together, we can make a big difference!
