Supporter Group Thanks
The end of the year is upon us. Last week another exceptional group of Year 12 students graduated from St Paul’s School. They will no doubt be celebrating the end of their schooling days, and then will be eagerly awaiting the release of their results.
Between 80 and 90% of students at St Paul’s School follow an academic pathway to university and, unlike a number of other schools, we believe in allowing any student who wishes to sit for an OP to do so. It is then wonderful to hear that each year some 88% of students receive either their first or second choice of course to study at university. We wish our new alumni every success.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the parents involved with the St Paul’s School Supporters’ Association (SPSSA) and the various Supporter Groups under that parent body. The work of the Association is many and varied. These parents willingly give up their time to help make the St Paul’s community a better one. I am very thankful for all they do.
It should also be noted that, in addition to the other generous support provided during the year, in 2018 the SPSSA also assisted with Year 12 Leadership development, Year 11 Safe Driving, Junior School Guest Speaker, Celebration of Achievement Awards and an End of Year Function for Volunteers.
You may have recently completed a survey canvasing your views for a levy to support the continued work of the SPSSA. The results of that survey were mixed and are currently being considered by the SPSSA. However, there were a number of questions asked about the SPSSA and its previous management of the School’s retail outlets.
For those who were not aware, the SPSSA used to manage the School’s Tuckshop, Retail Shop and Coffee Shop. In addition to donations back to the School, the profit from those three outlets was used as “seed” money to kick start the annual activities and events each Supporter Group holds. Four years ago, the School took over the operation of the three outlets: the legislative requirements and time commitment to manage them was becoming far too onerous for a shrinking number of volunteers. Profits go back into the School to fund myriad benefits for the students.
The Association has been looking for other ways of raising money to enable each of the Supporter Groups to get their year’s activities underway. A levy was one idea that they have been considering. The SPSSA plan to close the loop regarding the possible levy before the end of this year.
Many of the extra-curricular activities only run due to the generous support of a band of parent and staff volunteers. Their contribution helps enhance our community. In most instances, they make possible the additional opportunities we offer to the students.
Thank you to all those parents and staff who give so much to make St Paul’s School a wonderful community.
Dr Paul Browning
Headmaster
