PTA

Welcome to Bootham Junior School PTA

Why do we have a PTA?

The PTA exists to offer social activities and support to families, providing opportunities for the school community to get together, build friendships and most importantly, have fun. Any funds raised from our activities or initiatives go back into supporting the school. They benefit all children by providing valuable additional resources and facilities which enhance the school environment and curriculum.

Who are the PTA?

All parents and guardians are invited to participate in the PTA and many teachers and staff also choose to be involved.  We have an informal committee who take responsibility for the routine functions needed to operate the PTA and to organise events but we also rely on many other parents to volunteer their time and effort to support the school through the activities of the PTA.  Parental involvement is crucial to the success of the PTA so every contribution, large or small, is always gratefully appreciated.

What are PTA funds spent on?

We aim to use our funds to support occasional major projects as well as more regular smaller- scale initiatives.

Our larger donations have helped towards the refurbishment of the multi-surface sports area and the creation of the outdoor Quiet Area and the adventure playgrounds. In the 2011/12 year, we will be extending the trim trail equipment by adding some more challenging sections particularly suited to the older children.

In 2010/11, we funded a range of educational workshop days, helped to establish the woodland classroom through the purchase of tepees and scarecrow frames and enhanced the new library with the addition of the caterpillar corner seating area.  

What sort of events does the PTA run?

We hold a variety of fun, family-friendly events throughout the year, ranging from children’s discos, quiz nights and the regular Bake Sales to larger events such as the Christmas Fair and Spring Barbecue. The PTA supports a number of additional fund-raising initiatives such as Christmas Pudding and gift wrap sales and operates a second-hand uniform shop.

There are some differences in the way that our PTA operates compared to other PTAs and fund-raising organisations. As we respect the Quaker values of the school we avoid gambling-based activities or those where there is an element of chance involved (e.g. casino nights, tombolas, raffles, etc.). We also do not have alcohol at any events on school premises. 

Junior School parents also benefit from membership of the Bootham School Assocation (BSA) which allows them to participate in a number of free sports sessions offered at the Senior School, including swimming, badminton and tennis, and to attend social events organised by the BSA (which usually take place on the Senior School Campus). 

The BSA also operate a discount scheme which offers reductions on goods and services provided by a range of local businesses on production of a BSA membership card.  To see a current list of participating stores and businesses in York please click here. Please remember to carry your card with you and to use it as often as possible with the supporting businesses. 

How can you contact the PTA or find out what’s going on?

PTA meetings

Meetings are held on weekday evenings in the school hall from 7.30 to 9pm, usually twice per term. The dates are advertised well in advance in our newsletters and on notices around school. They are open to everyone and new ideas and help are always very welcome.

Your class representative

Each class has a parent representative who acts as an additional point of contact between parents and the PTA. They also help parents keep in contact with each other and organise social events at a class level.

Our coordinators

You are welcome to speak to our coordinators at any time and they will do their best to help you with any questions you may have. Their names can be found on our notice board or ask at the school office.

Paper communications

The PTA post box can be found at the desk outside the school office and is checked daily.

Newsletters

You will be kept up to date with PTA news and information through our regular newsletters and event flyers which are sent home in your children’s book bags.  Click here to view the latest newsletter

By email

If you would like to receive PTA newsletters and other information by email (including meeting agendas and minutes) we ask that you provide your email address directly to us as we have no access to school contact information. All details provided are treated in the strictest confidence and your email address is never displayed to other recipients. 

To add your name to our list or if you have any other questions, simply drop us a line at bjspta@boothamschool.com.