Friends of Littlegarth School
Friends of Littlegarth School (“FLS”) is a parent body dedicated to fundraising for the School and organising fun events for pupils, parents and families.
Every family and member of staff at Littlegarth School is automatically part of the FLS and everyone is very welcome to get involved with the work we do.
What We Do
The FLS team plans and runs annual family fundraising events including Fireworks Night, the Christmas Bazaar and the Summer Fete, as well as ad hoc fundraising evenings for parents such as quiz nights, curry nights and in 2015 a black tie gala event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the School opening.
We help to organise and run events for the pupils as well, including the annual Easter Egg Hunts and Christmas Parties. We have also held enjoyable social events for parents without any fundraising element.
In addition, we run a second hand uniform shop, located within the School Uniform Shop. We have a hard-working team of volunteers who collect, sort and price second hand uniform donations and then sell the uniform at the School Uniform Shop and at various events throughout the year. For details of the terms of donation and a list of available second-hand stock please see the Second Hand Uniform page.
Funds Raised
Funds raised by the FLS are reinvested in School and used to purchase equipment or fund projects for the benefit of the pupils. In addition, some monies are donated to either local charities or charities and causes that have impacted on the lives of Littlegarth School pupils and their families.
In the past, funds have been used to purchase interactive whiteboards for classrooms, cricket nets for the sports field and equipment and furniture for the new classroom building.
The FLS has recently handed over £10,000 to the School for current projects from funds raised in the academic year 2017/18. We have also recently donated £210.00 to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Who We Are
The FLS is run by a committee headed up by the FLS Chair. Details of the current committee members are set out below: –
FLS Chair – Emma Boorman
FLS Pre-Prep Deputy – Sarah Hester
FLS Prep Deputy – Hannah Fatt
FLS Treasurer – Katherine Humphreys
FLS Secretary – Carly Kinch
We also have 2 staff representatives who attend FLS meetings and help co-ordinate FLS events and they currently are Mrs Loizides and Mrs Atherton.
The committee is supported by class representatives from each class within the School and Nursery who help to keep parents informed about FLS events and organise helpers for events. If you would like contact details for your class representative please email the FLS Chair at the address set out below.
In addition to the committee and class representatives we have a fantastic team of parent volunteers who attend FLS meetings, bringing new ideas and support. These parents take care of specific elements of events such as: recruiting external stalls for the bazaar and fete; advertising events and ticket printing; providing refreshments for parents and visiting teams at School sports events; decorating the hall for social events; running the semi-annual raffles and giving their time and energy to set up; run stalls and tidy up after our larger events. The FLS could not run without these committed, energetic individuals and we are extremely grateful for all their support and enthusiasm.
We are always keen to welcome new volunteers, contributions and ideas so if you would like to become involved with FLS, please come to a meeting (these are held at school and dates will be circulated in advance via parent mail) or email the FLS Chair at FLSChair@littlegarth.essesx.sch.uk
Many thanks
FLS team
Dates for the Diary
Spring Term
FLS Meetings
Friday 18th January 8:50a.m. Dining Room
Friday 1st March 8:50a.m. Dining Room
Friday 15th March 8:50a.m. Dining Room
FLS Events
Quiz Night – Friday 1st March 8pm Sports Hall
Easter Egg Hunt – Thursday 28th March
Summer Term
FLS Meetings
Friday 3rd May 8:50a.m. Dining Room
Friday 17th May 8:50a.m. Dining Room
Friday 7th June 8:50a.m. Dining Room
FLS Events
Fun Run – Saturday 27th April
Summer Fete – Friday 24th May
Recent News & Events
Wrath of Gods and Crame’s tunes delight at the 2018 Littlegarth Fireworks
Familiar faces in the car park, emblazoned with high-vis jackets directed the 750 strong Littlegarth supporters into make shift parking spaces, with the help of some carefully positioned football cones that took on another role as Mr Fidler began to test our driving skills. Children seated in the backs of parents’ cars began to grow excited – it was dark, it was school – this could only mean one thing …. Fireworks night.
They were not to be disappointed either – squishies, hot dogs, rainbow wands and bubble rings were early wins for the under 11s, who armed with duvet coats, detachable bobbly hats and the ability to net bobbing apples whilst waving glow sticks in the direction of their parents’ faces, were clearly excited that it was school, but no rules applied.
Temporary catering booths were awash with chicken nuggets, sausages in a bun, veggie dogs and for the sweeter palate (so that was all the children) popcorn, lollies, homemade tray bakes, Haribo, pick n’ mix sweets and crisps. Armies of volunteer parents manned the stalls with a smile and plenty of change.
Woofer horns and 90s tunes both made a big come back this year too. We can safely say that Mr Crame had not looked so happy since he had been charged with the Harry Potter sorting hat at the Hogarth day. Year five commented that he was never as joyful when explaining the steps involved in adding mixed fractions! As the decks were being spun, the vin chaud consumed and the sausages devoured – the children took to the field. The rugby pitches aglow with foam flashing sticks as the children delighted in the freedom to imagine themselves as Star Wars warriors or festival revellers.
There was no need to shiver, however, as the ten-foot-high bonfire began to roar. The crowd parted from Hoop a Pumpkin and the treasure chest game to draw closer to watch the fire leap higher and the grey smoke billow into the air. The yellow and orange flames burning bright, licking the sky as it swept by.
As Crame’s tunes began to fall silent, it could only mean one thing – it was time for the major attraction to begin – the fireworks. Falcon Frenzy, Royal Palms, Wrath of Gods, Blinking Gauntlet, Monsoon Blast, Wave Willow and Wild Wolves were amongst 34 sets of breathtaking fireworks. The crowd gasped as patterns of stars and colours were sprayed and scattered across the sky as if the children had flicked a paint brush or tipped a pot of stars over their friends. Spiralling, whirling and shooting patterns converged together to dance across the sky. Oohing and ahhing accompanied the display from children and parents alike – huddled into groups, unaware that the night was getting colder. It was a veritable feast for the eyes and ears – the best ever, many said. With a final bang, zoom and burst, the last firework was released and enjoyed and, for another year it had drawn to a close. Final guests departed by 9pm, the rain had held off and the FLS and importantly the school had remained intact … until next year, folks, when we do it all again. Thanks for coming!
