Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2015

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SUPPORTING OUR GIRLS

Our primary role is to oversee the operations of the P&F Shop, a small, yet busy enterprise run according to appropriate business practices and subject to the normal standards of governance. Staffed by a professional, dedicated team who are supported by tireless volunteers, the shop has long been one of the important hubs of the school community. Anyone who has ventured in to organise uniforms, pick up some Girls Grammar supporter merchandise or replace yet another hat, house badge or pair of stockings will have been struck by the buzzing hive of activity and most certainly been impressed by the level of service. We are also responsible for the management of the canteen at our fabulous Fig Tree Pocket sports fields, Rangakarra. This provides opportunities for our parent body to engage through volunteer duties as well as ensuring that our girls and visiting schools are well fed at the various sporting and other events. All profits from the shop and Rangakarra are donated back to the School and are used to directly benefit our girls. To date, the P&F has been proud to donate funds that have assisted the school with major projects such as the Creative Learning Centre and the purchase of Rangakarra. Our most recent donation will assist with the revamp of the Year 12 students’ space providing our student leaders with a more appealing area of their own. So for those of you who wonder what the P&F does and what on earth would possess ridiculously busy people to join, my answer is simple: belonging to the P&F provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the beating heart of the School to help ensure the environment that nurtures our girls is the very best it can be.

AUTHOR Dr Fiona Harden President, P& F Assocation

WHEN ASKED TO WRITE A PIECE FOR THE GAZETTE ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE GIRLS GRAMMAR PARENTS & FRIENDS (P&F) ASSOCIATION, IT PROMPTED ME TO STOP AND THINK — ‘WHO ARE THE P&F AND WHAT DO WE ACTUALLY DO?’.

The P&F is comprised of an enthusiastic, dedicated and extraordinarily hardworking group of parents and friends who are representative of every parent and friend of the School. Far more than just an interested group of fundraisers, we strive to promote parental involvement and community engagement — the essence of any great school. We are passionate in our support of Girls Grammar and committed in our drive to make a substantial contribution to the growth of the school community. We meet monthly to oversee and support the activities of the Mothers and Fathers Groups and assist the Old Girls in their various collegiate endeavours. As such, you will find our members at most school events in many and varied roles. We are equally adept at helping with a uniform fitting, organising a social event, making speeches at assembly or manning sausage sizzles.

The P&F manages the canteen at Rangakarra with the help of the Mothers and Fathers Groups.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE