Friends of St Oswald’s School
The Friends of St Oswald’s CE School is a registered charity (No: 1095222) made up of parents/carers who work together to raise funds and organise events that enrich the school experience for all our children.
We support the school by funding additional resources, experiences and opportunities that enhance learning, wellbeing and school life. But most importantly, we are simply a group of parents working together to support our school community.
A Fresh Approach
This year we are focusing on:
- Being open and welcoming to all parents and carers
- Creating more opportunities for children to get involved
- Strengthening our school community
- Running fun events alongside fundraising
- Supporting school priorities where we can make a real difference
We want the Friends to feel approachable and inclusive. You don’t need lots of free time or experience to get involved – even small amounts of help make a big difference.
Meet the Current Team
Gemma Lowes – Chair
Gemma has been involved with the Friends for the past two years and recently became Chair. As a parent at the school, she is passionate about bringing parents together, strengthening the school community and creating opportunities and experiences for the children.
Catrin Morgan – Treasurer
Catrin manages the charity finances and ensures all funds raised are used to benefit the children and support school activities.
Patrick Gordon – Secretary
Patrick supports the organisation, communication and administration of the Friends and helps coordinate events and activities.
Sara Browne – Trustee
Sara has a particular focus on fundraising opportunities, grant applications and community engagement, helping us build links with local organisations and identify new ways to support the school.
Our team brings experience in events, finance, administration, fundraising and community engagement, helping us continue to grow what the Friends can offer the school.
What We Achieved Last Year
Thanks to the support of our school community, the Friends were able to successfully run a number of events and raise valuable funds for the school.
This support helped contribute towards:
- IT equipment for pupils
- Library books to support reading
- Playground equipment
- Enrichment activities and school experiences
We also successfully delivered events including:
- Summer Fair
- Christmas Fair
- Treat sales and fundraising activities
None of this would have been possible without the support of parents, carers, staff and volunteers who gave their time, donated items or supported events.
What We Do
The Friends support the school through:
- Summer and Christmas Fairs
- Fundraising events
- Children’s competitions
- Treat sales and activity events
- Supporting enrichment opportunities
We also work closely with the school to understand where funds can make the biggest difference for pupils.
How You Can Get Involved
There are lots of ways to help and every bit of support matters.
You could:
- Help at an event (even just 30 minutes helps)
- Donate items for stalls or raffles
- Share ideas
- Help prepare things at home
- Support communication with other parents
- Join our volunteer group
You do not need to join the committee to help. Just being willing to support occasionally makes a huge difference.
Without volunteers, we simply cannot run the events that raise money for the children.
Easy Ways to Support
You can also support the school without giving any time by using Easyfundraising when shopping online.
Easyfundraising:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stoswaldsschdurham
It costs you nothing and retailers donate to the school when you shop through the link.
Get in Touch
We always welcome new volunteers, ideas and support from our school community.
Email: friends@stoswaldsdurham.net
You can also follow the Friends on Facebook for updates and events.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/196772117107481/
Information is also available on the Friends noticeboard at the main school entrance.
Why We Need You
The Friends exist to create opportunities, experiences and memories that make school even more special for every child.
Everything we do is only possible because of the support of parents and carers. Whether you can volunteer regularly or just help once a year, it all makes a difference.
If you would like to be involved, we would love to hear from you.
Together we can continue to build a strong, supportive school community for all our children.
Facebook Group Guidelines (click here for a link to the Facebook group)
