Fundraising Strategies School Council Training Day 2013 Guido Ronci, OCT – Principal, Pleasant Park Public School Andrea Thomson – Chair, Pleasant Park Parent Council

S chool I mprovement P lan for S tudent A chievement AcademicW.E.L.L. Well-being | Engagement | Leadership | Learning Family Community School School Councils

Fundraising Strategies 1.What are we fundraising for? 2.Fundraising Strategies / Lessons Learned 3.Communicating with parents, students and community 4.Questions

What are we fundraising for? Your school’s Mission Statement SIPSA – your own school’s plan Student Council requests Teacher requests Parent Surveys

Surveys offer Parents the opportunity to: share thoughts and ideas, especially if not able to attend Parent Council meetings provide feedback on current services, fundraisers and events offer opinion on possible future services, fundraisers, and events inform which modes of communication work best for them put name forward to join Parent Council or volunteer provide input on use of funds

Parent Surveys What Parent Council Learned* learned what parents value / what is important to them parents appreciated the food services provided - lunches parents wanted more food service options; emphasis on healthy choices, allergy-aware and cost parents and students enjoyed ‘fun-raising’ activities many would consider making a single donation rather than having more individual fundraisers * based on results of Parent Survey by Pleasant Park Public School

Parent Surveys What Parent Council Learned con’t...* Top priorities : 1.educational enhancements 2.recreation / physical activity 3.Arts and music 4.Technology Secondary priorities : 1.requests from the classroom 2.extra-curricular and team sports 3.field trips 4.outdoor improvements Lowest priorities : 1.special topics 2.physical conditions of school * based on results of Parent Survey by Pleasant Park Public School

Fundraising Strategies & Lessons Learned Food Services – pizza, milk, Lunch Lady Book Sale, magazine sales Movie nights PRO Grant Partnering with restaurants, stores, services Need less labour intensive strategies; fewer volunteers / volunteer hours Events – excellent community builders, but ROI can be low, labour intensive

Communication Strategies In all communications to parents regarding fundraising, be sure to: start with Parent Council’s commitment – our children explain what Parent Council is fundraising for explain why it is important; fulfills mandate, SIPSA, etc... describe the plan; keep it simple provide link to more information; website always offer option for feedback; of Council Chair, confidential drop-box, etc... Always thank the parents for their support

Communication Strategies Results from the Parent Survey* from Principal Voic from Principal Flyers sent home Stickers in student agendas School website Parent Council newsletter Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, blog) * based on results of Parent Survey by Pleasant Park Public School

Questions

Thank you! School Council Training Day 2013 Guido Ronci, OCT – Principal, Pleasant Park Public School Andrea Thomson – Chair, Pleasant Park Parent Council