Allenvale School PTA exists to encourage parent involvement in the education of their children, provide social and informative activities with a specific emphasis on the needs of children with disabilities, and to raise funds to provide improved facilities and support the school to provide educational opportunities for members of the school community.
We have recently registered with the Charities Commission, a move motivated by the realisation that we could make a significant contribution to funds for the proposed sensory playground but that we needed to be more businesslike in our approach.
Our fundraising activities have included raffles, sausage sizzles, a boot sale at the Bishopdale Mall, and a gift wrapping team at Northlands Mall last Christmas. Plans are also underway to raise further funds, specifically for the playground by approaching charitable trusts and foundations.
Social activities this year have included a school BBQ tea followed by the opportunity to meet the teacher in term one, an excellent forum on sexuality and disability conducted by Claire Ryan of Claire Ryan Consultancy that was well attended and to which parents of disabled children outside of Allenvale School were also invited.
Past information evenings have covered such topics as transition from school to adult life, after school activities available here in Christchurch, and child development. We are hoping to hold an information evening on the topic of legal options in regard to guardianship as our children get older, later this year.
Our PTA welcomes the interest and input of parents and caregivers in our community, as by strengthening our ties with the school and with each other we provide strong advocacy and support for our children.