Just as many students and staff are suffering from a variety of spring illnesses right now, so is our Parent Association. We had a smaller than usual turnout to our meeting this week, but many valuable discussions and debates nonetheless.
To start off, we had some wonderful news for those Gr 8 and 9 students planning to head East on the Cultural Trip in mid-April. The trip has been approved by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, so we can now allocate the fundraising dollars earned by all those parents who participated in the 3 Cultural Trip Bingos. Check your email over the next few days to find out more about the discounts. Many thanks to our volunteers!
Our spending is on track with the budget for this year as we wind things up over the next couple months. There has been lots of activity as the school completes their wish-list of items needed throughout the school. Some of the latest purchases sponsored by the PA include Soccer Uniforms, Microphones for Drama, Digital Cameras, Woodworking Tools, Artist in Residence for Dance, Robotics Kits, Library Books, and a new Sound System in the gym. Fantastic!
Our next Bingo is in support of the Band Program and is scheduled for April 22. Thank you to all the volunteers who have already stepped up to make this event a success. The Band has a large budget in order to pay for professional clinicians, instrument purchases and repair, sheet music, and to subsidize the cost of sending each student to Band Camp. The PA is proud to support this wonderful program.
We are in the process of organizing for our Casino coming up next year. Keep checking the Blog for more information on when, where and how you can take part.
Did you know that volunteering for Bingo and Casino events earns you a voucher for 30 to 50 points that can be used instead of cash and applied directly to fees and other program/extra-curricular costs throughout the year? Some examples are; field trip entrance and bussing fees, band fees and band camp, and Out-of-Province travel such as the Cultural Trip and SALTS sailing trips. Vouchers are issued to each volunteer and are valid for one year from the date of issue, so keep them in safe place and don’t forget to use them!
Please note: AGLC regulations prevent us from redeeming expired vouchers and they may not be redeemed for goods (such as gym strips or school hoodies) or food (such as offered by "Hawks and Stocks" or team pizza parties) - thank you.
The PA is planning on running another spring fundraiser and we are still looking for creative and original ideas. Please watch for more information to come out in a month or so.
Do you feel a little out of the loop with what is happening in our school and community? There is, no doubt, a decrease in the amount of time that parents are needed for volunteering within the Junior High setting compared to your experiences with Elementary School. The Council/PA is one way that you can contribute for the benefit of your Junior High student. Several of our Parent Association executive and dedicated volunteers are heading into their last year at Wilma Hansen for 2012/2013. If you would like to be in touch with information and opportunities at Wilma, then get in touch with us! Look for regular postings on the PA and School Blogs and please, come and join us at a Council/PA meeting! We generally meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month and you are always welcome.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 7pm in the school library. Hope to see you there!
Have a restful, safe and healthy Spring Break!
Best Regards,
Lynn Jewitt, chair
