COMMUNITY
Friends of the Preparatory School (FOPS)
This year the FOPS Committee has
revisited its purpose and considered
its position, with the One School, One
Community strategy being adopted by the
School, and FOPS focusing on fundraising
and friend raising.
With this in mind, all FOPS fundraising
activities will have a clear purpose, which is
communicated to the School community.
FOPS is committed, under the P&F, to also
giving back to the community where possible
in its friend raising capacity. Transparency and
duplication with community consultation is
key to this strategy.
This could not have been more apparent
than at the FOPS Centenary Welcome BBQ
on February 9. Close to 400 members of
the School community came together on
Roberts Oval for a picnic style function and
enjoyed a wonderful BBQ spread, with the
added treats of slushies, popcorn, candy
floss and lollies. An amazing magic show
by Hey Presto and Sparkles entertained the
children, while the parents got to relax and
get to know each other a little better.
FOPS has supported all of the summer
sporting carnivals and has tried to provide
a healthier menu by exploring new food
options. We welcome feedback from the
community on this as we are always looking
to improve our service.
On Friday May 10 we held the annual
FOPS Mothers’ Day event. This was a
new format for the event, held on the
School campus. The event was a High
Tea event catered by the School’s own
catering team. This fantastic spread of
food would rival, or perhaps surpass, any
5-star facility in Australia. The beautiful
teas and sparkling beverages were a
wonderful accompaniment. Our guests
were entertained by the Preparatory School
choirs, who brought a tear to most mums’
eyes, and a wandering magician amazed
us with his tricks. This year a number of
stall holders provided an array of shopping
and educational experiences for the ladies.
Our day was completed by the receipt of a
lovely gift and card from our own children
for Mother’s Day. The coveted raffle and
door prizes were a resounding success,
with all money raised going towards FOPS’
sponsorship of the Author in Residence
during Book Week.
Sheri-lee Knoop Bender
FOPS President
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