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The St. Winifred's School Association was originally formed some time in the early 1930's as the "Old Girls' Union". In the first School Magazine printed in 1932, Miss Seale, our Foundress, writes, "I am pleased to announce that an Old Girls Union has been formed and I sincerely hope that this venture will be the means of linking us all together with even stronger bonds than ever before. The re-unions are a great joy to me, and I hope that my girls will always regard their old school with affection and will do their best to maintain that spirit of good fellowship which the Staff and I have always tried to impress".
In 1936, an Old Girls' Pin went on sale which had on top of the School Crest a Dove with an Olive leaf in its beak. In 1952 the Old Girls' union was re-organized and became the St. Winifred's Old Girls Association. Again we read in the Magazine of 1952 that this Association had been formed with one idea in mind, to bring together in one body all girls who have received the benefit of an education though this School so that by their united efforts they may be the means through which funds can be raised annually for the maintenance and improvement of the School.
In 1962, February 7th, at a meeting of the Old Girls, Parents and Friends, it was decided to form a new Association comprising members of the Old Girls Association along with all Parents and well-wishers of the School who could be persuaded to join the new St. Winifred's School Association. A Board of Management was established comprising of President, Senior Vice President, Junior Vice President, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Assistant Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Assistant Treasurer - The Headmistress and the Deputy Headmistress, together with seven other members of the Association.
In the early 1990s, instead of forming a separate association, the St. Winifred’s School Association added the function of a PTA to its portfolio.
From its inception in the 1930's, the Association has been an integral part of St. Winifred's. The Committee of Management of the School has always depended on the Association and members for financial assistance when required, and has always considered recommendations made through the Association's representative on the Committee of Management.
While the Committee of Management is responsible for the administration of the affairs of the school, the primary role of the St. Winifred’s School Association continues to be fund raising. This is achieved through a number of fun activities such as hikes, fun days, flea markets and bazaars. The benefits of these events are not only financial since they create camaraderie amongst those involved and foster closer relationships between parents, teachers and children.
Objectives
- To promote and to assist the Committee of Management of St. Winifred's School in promoting the interest and welfare of the School.
- To stimulate the interest of past students parents, teachers and friends of the School, and all other persons interested in the affairs and well-being of the School.
- To provide an environment that promotes the exchange of ideas between teachers and parents and fosters informed discussion of those issues which affect the welfare of students.
- To represent the views and concerns of the parents, teachers and membership and to communicate a unified position on pertinent issues to the Committee of Management.
- To complement the educational programme and enhance the physical environment of the School by raising funds to meet additional request for expenditures which will enhance the learning and social experience of students.
- To communicate to the parents, teachers and membership the activities of the Association and an accountability of funds raised and distributed.
- To establish a harmonious school community by working cooperatively with the School Administration and Committee of Management and by taking a unified approach to realizing the vision and mission of the School.
Past students, parents, teachers and friends of the school are all welcomed as Members of the Association. All members are confirmed by the Association’s Board, entitled to attend all General Meetings of the Association, to be elected to any office and to speak and vote on any matter at any meeting.
Membership:
Past students, parents, teachers and friends of the school are all welcomed as Members of the Association. All members are confirmed by the Association’s Board, entitled to attend all General Meetings of the Association, to be elected to any office and to speak and vote an any matter at any meeting
ORDINARY MEMBERS - This membership is usually taken up by parents of the school. An Ordinary Member shall pay an annual subscription - $20.00
LIFE MEMBERS – This membership is usually taken up by students and parents who are moving on from St. Winifred’s School, but who still want to maintain a relationship with the School. A Life Member shall pay a one time subscription of $300.00.
COVENANT MEMBERS - Members also have the option of taking a Covenant of $100 per annum for three years, which is deductible from Income Tax.
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Whether parents want to become actively involved as an Officer of the Association or not, their subscriptions provide an important revenue stream for the Association. Members can feel satisfied that the funds raised are being directed to many important projects and initiatives, including enhancements to the school environment, equipment, teacher training, scholarships and the newsletter, to name a few. However the greatest satisfaction comes from getting involved in the fund raising events themselves and taking a unified approach to realizing a goal. The contribution of time is small but the rewards are great!
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