The Elmwood Normal School Community Association (ENSCA) recently held its annual AGM and reflected on the community events and fundraising for 2023.

The Committee was headed by the executive committee: Tara Inch (Chairperson), Emma Robinson (Secretary), Anna Hasson (Treasurer) and Debbie Rhodes (Deputy Chair) supported by Anna An, Anna Stokell, Annika Seddon, Brooke Theyers, Cara Calvin, Caroline Cookson, Donna McBride, Elinor Dorsett, Emily Toth-Taylor, Kate Smith, Kay Zhang, Kerrina Lewis, Kristine Bettle and Rachel Hu.

In 2023, through ENSCA-led initiatives, over $76,000 has been donated to Elmwood Normal School as follows:

● $4,500 for team resources for the Senior, Middle and Junior school discovery

● $2,000 for new sports equipment

● $10,000 for swimming pool maintenance

● $20,000 for new/upgraded shared classroom devices

● $40,000 for teaching screens for the new building

● Boom whackers were donated to the junior music programme

● Rewards earned through the Scholastic Book scheme have gone towards purchasing new library books.

In addition, ENSCA would like to acknowledge the amazing efforts of Amy Bingham and the Mr. Levings Golf Tournament (MLGT) fundraising team as well as everyone that made this event such a success. The MGLT raised in excess of $36,000 that will go towards a new all-weather sporting area for the school once the rebuild plans have been finalised.

ENSCA encouraged community engagement last year through hosting evening functions for class representatives, volunteers and committee members and organising the year 6 graduation celebration. There was a Dad’s Breakfast event at the Rydges with guest speakers from Orana Park and a Mid-winter Social at Dux Central which were both well-received. Unfortunately, our larger community event the Family Fun Day was cancelled due to poor weather, however efforts are underway to explore alternatives for such events in the future.

The committee would like to extend their gratitude to exiting ENSCA members Debbie Rhodes and Brooke Theyers for their hard-work and guidance over many years. We would particularly like to thank Emma Robinson for her outstanding organisational and communication skills and dedication to the role of Secretary, and all the volunteers who contributed to the success of various initiatives.

ENSCA would also like to acknowledge the continued support of Paul Armitage (Principal), the Board of Trustees, Elmwood Staff and to our new members joining the committee for their enthusiasm and fresh ideas, paving the way for continued success in the upcoming year. ENSCA is busy planning a huge number of exciting events for 2024 and will be sending out dates in the coming weeks.

If you would like to get involved with ENSCA, we are always welcoming new committee members and volunteers. Please drop us a line if you would like more information on how you can help at enscasecretary@gmail.com.