Thank You for a Wonderful Year: A Message and Goodbye from the FOWS Chair

By the time you're reading this, the school summer fair has likely wrapped up, and the FOWS team and staff are kicking back with a well-earned coffee or maybe something stronger. We hope you all enjoyed the event and thank you for your incredible support. Whether you attended, donated raffle prizes, baked cakes, or contributed in any other way, you helped make our school fair a fantastic success.

As a final hurrah to the school year, FOWS is thrilled to announce a fully funded disco on the last day of term, during school hours. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the children (and maybe some teachers) to have a dance and let off some steam. It’s our way of saying thank you for a wonderful year and celebrating all the hard work and fun we've shared.

This will be my last FOWS event as Chair, as I will be stepping down from the position and the committee at the FOWS AGM at the start of the autumn term. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the team, working behind the scenes to create events that the children love including fairs, Elfridges, discos and break the rules day to name a few and raising funds for the school. While there have been some stressful moments and juggling of commitments, it has been a joy to be part of this wonderful group.

At the AGM, there will be some vacancies on the committee, including my role as Chair. Attending the AGM doesn't mean you have to put your hand up to take on responsibility. The AGM is also an opportunity for you to elect your committee, hear about our activities and funds raised, and learn about plans for the year ahead. Please consider attending if you can.

I’m confident that the parents on the FOWS committee who continue into the 24/25 school year will do an excellent job of keeping FOWS alive. However, my departure is a reminder that FOWS needs people like you to continue thriving. If you’re thinking about taking a more active role and would like to know more, here’s how you can get involved:

• Email us at FOWS@owps.org.uk
• Contact us via our Facebook page Friendsofwistowschool
• Join us for our end-of-year drinks – 7pm onwards on Wednesday, 17th July at the Windmill in Orton Waterville. Children are welcome too (mine will be in attendance as I don't have a babysitter that evening).
• Watch out for the dates to be announced for events in September/October, including our AGM.

I will be around for the next couple of weeks in my official capacity as Chair and will still be at the school gates for several years to come in my capacity as Mum, my sons are heading into Year 3 and Year 6 in September so I’m not disappearing completely . Feel free to catch me for a chat if you want to know more.

Have a great weekend!

Best regards,

Jo Watson

Chair of FOWS

Kind regards

Jo