As you are no doubt aware, school budgets have been tight for many years now and we have been fortunate to be supported by several charitable organisations who give generously to the school.
This includes the continuous work of the ‘Friends of Thomas Mills’ which is hugely appreciated. Through the Friends, parents have been, and continue to be, very generous and for this we are grateful. Whether it is selling raffle tickets, contributing prizes, organising and attending events. Examples of how money has been spent include outside benches, a school minibus and lighting for the Drama Department.
If you would be interested in volunteering with the Friends please contact us via inmail@thomasmills.suffolk.sch.uk
However, we realise that there are parents who find it difficult to support Friends’ events, perhaps through the pressure of work or family commitments, but who might like to contribute in some other way. We, therefore, operate a ‘Voluntary School Fund’.
This is in addition to, and separate from, the Friends and we must emphasise that it is entirely voluntary. It is a way in which you (or your family or relatives) can donate to the school through a monthly contribution. The fund is being used to provide our children with items that cannot be financed through educational budgets or our more specific fundraising projects.
How can you help? If supporters were able to give on a regular basis and claim Gift Aid, funds will accumulate quickly. As an example: if 500 people contributed £3 per month this would raise £18,000 per annum (an extra £4,500 if Gift Aid was applied). A total of £22,500 per year.
The Voluntary School Fund is used to enhance the educational opportunities of our children. It might finance new laptops/computers, books, and sports equipment, or be used to contribute to small refurbishment projects, such as new shelving in the library. It will be used wherever the need is greatest. If you would like to make a regular contribution to the ‘Voluntary School Fund’, please find attached a Donation Form and Gift Aid form.
Updates will be given through letters about how the funds are being used. We thank you in advance for your help with this important activity.
