Joining or volunteering with the PTFA

Is the Friends of Nightingale PTFA something you would be interested in knowing more about but you have been put off by some of the myths that fly around regarding PTFAs? We are here to bust some of those myths!

We are a welcoming, friendly, fun group of people who just want to see our children provided for above and beyond the limitations of the school budget.

Did you know that PTFA stands for Parents, Teachers and Friends Association? A strong, vibrant PTFA needs the support of mums, dads, stepparents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, guardians, carers, teachers, TAs and other school staff, community members and business leaders – anyone who cares about children belongs in a PTFA. It is important that we all have a voice in the decision making process.

You can be part of the PTFA and not hold a committee position. Anyone who offers even 30 minutes help at an event, offers an idea, attends a meeting, supports a fundraiser, is considered to be a part of our PTFA.

You are completely safe to attend a meeting and walk away with your diary intact! By coming along, you are not signed up for life! If you are interest in coming along to see what its all about but can only give a small amount of time, or can’t attend events but can support in another way, or maybe only be involved in one event per year, then this is all appreciated. We are not about guilting people into what they are unable to offer – anything that you can give is welcome!

This is probably the biggest myth of all! We want and need your help, support and participation, however big or small. You decide your time commitment. New faces and new ideas are always welcome – it’s an important way to keep our PTFA fresh and exciting for all. All levels of participation are welcome and needed.

As mentioned before new faces and new ideas keep our offer fresh, engaging and exciting for all involved! We are constantly trying to come up with new ideas and different type of events to appeal to more people, not only within the school community but the wider community too. Bring those ideas along to us please!

Not only does joining a team build friendships and put you in direct communication with other parents, staff and members of our community that you live it, it models to your child that not only are you interest and invested in their educational experience but that being part of something bigger than yourselves can be fun, extend friendship circles and be a positive and rewarding opportunity. Did you know that many events during the year are run by the PTFA and would not happen otherwise, such as discos, year 6 leavers party and hoodies, and other special events? Did you know that the PTFA will donate money to the school so that they can buy more library books, outside play equipment and more?