Friends of St Edmund's (FOSE) Parent Teacher Association

• Chair: Mr Simon Tout and Mrs Caroline Endje-Oko (Joint Chair)
• Vice-Chair: Ms Montserrat Giles-Lima
• Secretary: School
• Treasurer: Mrs Caroline Tyrell

Welcome to Friends of St Edmund's Catholic School (FOSE)!

FOSE are a group of parents/carers, staff and School Community Captains, whose purpose is to raise funds to help provide additional resources that will benefit your children and enhance their time at St Edmund's.

Get In Touch! - friendsofstedmunds@saintedmunds.org.uk

Find us on Facebook:  Friends of St Edmunds Catholic School

Date of the next meeting: 
Monday 3rd March 2025, 6pm, in the school library
(entrance via the lower school playground).

Note from the Chair

We are incredibly grateful for your generous donations to our pre-loved school uniform initiative. Your contributions not only promote recycling and sustainability but also play a crucial role in helping the Friends of St Edmund’s (FOSE) raise funds for essential school events, equipment, and support for our children. Your ongoing dedication to this endeavour is deeply appreciated.

FOSE is excited to announce that we are exploring new ways to ensure pre-loved uniforms are always available! If there is any item you need, please do not hesitate to contact us at friendsofstedmunds@saintedmunds.org.uk.   Additionally, we are planning to promote a raffle.  We’d love your help in making our raffle a success! If you have any unwanted Christmas gifts, please consider donating).   Encourage your children to bring these items to school and leave them with reception.  Your generosity can make a big difference!

FOSE is a diverse group of parents that have a desire to enrich your child’s school experience.  We are always welcoming new members! Join us to meet and collaborate with other parents and teachers, share and develop skills, and ultimately enhance your child’s school experience.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support.

Warm regards, The FOSE Team

Objectives for the Year

• Uniform sales - continue to collect and support the redistribution of used uniform ensuring all families have access to their uniform.
• Support events within the school and run special events for students i.e. Year 7 & 8 disco. Help out with refreshments at school production, parents' evenings, Year 9 Options Evening etc.
• Recruitment and growth of the Friends - increase number of parents attending.
• Promote the spiritual and prayer within the school and families.
• Raise money for improving families in the experience of the school.

Testamonials

“Being a mum who’s son went to St Edmund’s and did so well because of the school, I feel so proud to be a part of the PTA. I have a daughter here now, and this time I am keen to be involved in helping the school. This is my chance of giving back and thanking the school for what they did and continue to do. It was amazing being a part of organising events. The team is really amazing and work well together, this makes me feel welcome and comfortable. I can’t wait to be involved in future fundraisers, so the school continues to prosper and meets each target for every project they set their mind to.”

Veronica, Parent

“The FOSE have done amazing things to improve the experience of students, which I have seen first-hand as a parent and a member of staff. The commitment of FOSE to the students is inspiring and I want to help in any way I can to achieve its future goals.”

Dipak, Teacher and Parent

“I joined FOSE as I wanted to be able to work with the school to provide experiences, activities and to raise funds for the pupils. It's great to be part of such a friendly team; we are all from different backgrounds with different skills and together we are part of the bigger St Edmund's family. Most importantly it's a lot fun and very rewarding.”

Caroline, Parent

"As a past student, I remember my St Edmund days with fondness and now, with much more appreciation. I see the value in every opportunity you have when at school, therefore I feel privileged to have an chance to support the school in this way. As a PTA committee member you do feel part of a committed team, and the St Edmund’s family. The biggest reward comes when you see how engaged and enthusiastic students are when we organise events."

Maria, Parent

"As a parent involved with the PTA, I have the opportunity of being connected with the school by enriching our children experiences. Our meetings are an open space for friendly discussions on how to improve the school initiatives such as our pre-owned uniform sale to support students and families. I love planning and organising events with
other dedicated parents such as the School Disco or supporting school productions. It satisfying seeing students enjoying these events while raising funds which add value to our children’s daily life at St. Edmund’s."

Caroline E, Parent

Preloved Uniform Sales

Friends of St Edmunds PTA, Uniform Exchange Mission

Established in September 2022, the Uniform Exchange’s mission is to provide nearly new school uniform, PE Kits and other school essentials to any St Edmund’s Student.

This project encourages students as well as families to consider the needs of others and the environment. This project highlights the social implications of disguarding good school uniforms to landfill, when others are able to make use of it.

Families are encouraged to donate any uniform to St Edmund’s Catholic School Reception, where it is organised by a dedicated team of PTA volunteers, for in school uniform sales with most items costing £1. Any surplus uniform is then redistributed to other Portsmouth based charities.

The Uniform Exchange also offers a ‘Swap Shop’ option whereby you are able to swap a like for like item for a different size.  

Follow our Facebook page: Friends of St Edmunds Catholic School 

email: friendsofstedmunds@saintedmunds.org.uk

Easyfundraising

How does it work?

How to Contact us

Please contact us with any ideas, queries or questions at: friendsofstedmunds@saintedmunds.org.uk

Together we can improve our school for our children!