I have stated in past RAFT Annual General Meetings that, in many schools, there is no longer a PTA, or that the ones that exist are run by Heads or teachers, as parents are hard to recruit. This certainly isn’t the case at Roseberry. We are not only lucky to have a PTA, but are privileged to have the best PTA! We have had another great year and that’s because we have a PTA that consists of people who are not afraid to get stuck in, who work so very hard behind the scenes to make a difference for each and every one of our children. I tried to compose a list of everything RAFT members and volunteers do, but struggled – it’s endless. Thank you, RAFT, for a brilliant year and your unwavering support.

What I love about RAFT is that it is constantly evolving – members listen to, and act upon, one another’s ideas and play to their strengths, but are not afraid to challenge or say no to ideas that they feel won’t benefit all. In this room, we have an amazing wealth of talent, experience and expertise. RAFT consists of bright, passionate, committed and dedicated people, whose aim is to make Roseberry better than ever and the offer for our children exceptional.

You understand that, in times of austerity, funding helps immensely to provide the extras for our children and staff. However, I feel that RAFT is unique because it offers more than just funding to our school. It offers an extra tier to our school family. It brings the community together and offers additional support for me in my role. It is for this reason that I would like to offer heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your hard work throughout the year and the support you so freely give without question or reward. The improvements that you have made to our school this year, both in providing resources and enabling us to develop our enrichment curriculum, have been amazing. On behalf of the staff and children, I thank you.

I have, once again, been amazed and humbled by the attitude of RAFT’s main players, who were keen to ensure they were back out in the community, providing fun activities and fundraising opportunities for our school family after what has been a challenging and life changing time for many. They not only raised money but put Roseberry back into the heart of the community. Experiencing the Easter Treasure Hunt and seeing the RAFT stall thriving at the summer fair was a joy – it really did feel that things were starting to get back to normal after what has seemed to be a very long, dark, time of upheaval and uncertainty.

I recognise that the main areas of work with RAFT fall to a minority of parents and I would like to wholeheartedly thank those of you who have continued to strive to make Roseberry a great place for our children. I am hopeful that as the year goes on, we will be able to utilise the time and skills of many other parents. I know that they will be welcomed with open arms.

The relationship we have is second to none. You are a brilliant bunch of people with kind hearts and a great sense of humour and I thoroughly enjoy working with you.

I would like to end my report by saying huge thanks to our outgoing Chair, Ceri. Ceri has worked tirelessly and to list the things she has done for our school over the years would be an enormous task. Not only has she carried out her role as Chair and got stuck in with the running of events and initiatives, but she’s been on site during closure periods erecting goal posts and marquees, painting woodwork, cleaning mould from walls and painting them, and transforming outdoor play areas. She has had the support of RAFT members but has given so much support to our school family. I, personally, am sad to be losing such a hard working and proactive Chair but know that she will support the new Chair in their role, passing on her knowledge, skills and handy tips for the smooth running of events.

I feel so very proud of RAFT – of what you stand for, what you do, what you achieve and who you are. You’re amazing and we are so very lucky to have you. I am very much looking forward to seeing what this year will bring.