FoSS - Friends of Skyswood School

What is FOSS?

FOSS stands for “Friends of Skyswood School” – we are the school PTA.

We have two key aims:

1. To organise events for our children to enjoy.

2. To raise funds, allowing us to purchase the ‘above and beyond’ things that help to enhance learning and playtime opportunities for all of our children.

What events does FOSS organise?

The Summer Fair is our largest, most enjoyed and most complex event. We also run termly discos, the Elves Workshop, an Easter egg hunt, the school camping night, a family pantomime outing, and lend-a-hand days to improve the school campus. We are always looking for new event suggestions (and for people to help organise the events).

What purchases has FOSS made recently?

Our recent major purchases have included funding for one of the Learning Pods in the quadrangle between the KS1 classrooms and our dining hall. FOSS also supported the book production for the school’s Kindness Costs Nothing book launch, along with numerous other smaller purchases such as goal posts for Gaelic football (which is being introduced in the summer term), Air-Fryers to support our food technology curriculum. IT equipment and art and craft equipment to support Christmas crafts within each class.

How does FOSS decide what to spend the money it’s raised on?

The majority of suggestions come from the teachers, although suggestions from parents and pupils (School Council) are always considered. Requests are discussed at the bi-termly meetings, before being decided by those present. For significant purchases requests for feedback are made to all parents via ParentMail.

What happens at a FOSS meeting?

• FOSS meetings happen every half term, usually on a Monday or Wednesday night at the Queen’s Head in Sandridge.
• They run from 8pm-10pm and we do our best to stick to this!
• We chat, get a drink, talk about forthcoming events, new event ideas, funding request from school, how money has been spent etc. Nothing heavy!

Why come to a FOSS meeting?

• Hear how the money we have raised to date is going to be spent
• Understand funding requests from school and have some input to these requests
• Input into fundraising event ideas for the year – the more ideas and new events, the better!
• Possibly put your hand up to help organise something – this is not crucial, but many hands make light work!
• Socialise with other parents who are also interested in making a difference to the extra parts of school life!

Why get involved and help organise an event?

• Every event we do makes money for FOSS, which means that all children can benefit from extra equipment
• All FOSS events are organised by a team – so you are never alone, and will always make new friends
• Honestly, it is fun. We aren’t perfect and we aren’t looking for perfection, just willing hands to help sometimes. And if you can do it once and not do it again, that’s fine, you won’t be lumbered for life!

The Friends of Skyswood School (FoSS) is a registered Charity, (No.1140514)

FoSS Reports and Newsletters

Foss newsletters and minutes available to download, ordered latest first. If you are interested in getting involved with FoSS we have roles on the committee or come along to a meeting to see how else you can contribute.

FoSS Meeting 13th January 2025 minutes.docx

FoSS Meeting 18th November 2024 minutes

FoSS-Meeting-Minutes-260224

FOSS-Meeting-Minutes-080124

FoSS-minutes-201123

FoSS Roles

If you are interested in becoming an active member of FoSS, with a view to taking on a role on the committee, you can find information on the responsibilities of the the roles in the documents below.

FoSS meetings are held once every half term. For new parents, becoming a member of FoSS is a great way of meeting other parents at the school.

If you are interested in supporting FoSS or taking an active role in the association, please contact us; we’d love to hear from you.

Current Committee Members of FoSS

The FoSS Chair, Chris Kirkup can be contacted via the school office.