Hero photograph
 
Photo by SMC

PFA News

SMC —

Come and join us 12 March - AGM and March Meeting This is a great opportunity for you to come and see what we do and offer your support if you are able or just find out what we have planned for the year so you can get an insight on what we do.

We have funds to spend for the year and we are looking for parent-led suggestions of what we can contribute to the school. Our donations in the past have been varied, from iPads to water fountains, sports equipment to sewing machines. We try to cover every aspect of the curriculum.
As well as our general agenda items we will also get an update from Mike Patchett on Paterson Lodge and how he is kicking off a small working group to bring this hut back to its former glory. We have lots to talk to about, so whether you are brand new parent at St Margaret’s or have had girls her for some time, we really value your input and would love for you to join us in March. We look forward to seeing you

Paterson Lodge

Did you know St Margaret’s College owns Paterson Lodge within Arthur’s Pass National Park, on the northern second terrace of the Waimakariri and Hawdon Rivers. It is near the Hawdon Shelter and the lodge of Christchurch Boy’s High. It was opened in 1970 and has been used and enjoyed by students, staff and their families for many years. However, use of the Lodge has diminished in recent years. Paterson Lodge provides opportunities to enhance the environmental education and outdoors activity of our children and further connect the SMC community.

While the Lodge is basically sound and dry and well set to accommodate up to 17 persons, it does need repair and regeneration to make it more useful and enjoyable, e.g. solar powered lighting and refrigeration and gas hot water.

With strong support from the SMC Board and the Parents and Friends Association (PFA), the plan is to commence a twenty-month project to regenerate the Lodge and supporting facilities, culminating in a 50th-year celebration in November 2020.

The PFA invites you to join a Friends of Paterson Lodge group to make this regeneration project happen in partnership with the SMC Board and staff. We will visit the lodge soon and prioritise regeneration projects, secure materials and sponsors then organise working bees while enjoying the wonderful location, facility, and camaraderie.

Please contact Mike Patchett, our Paterson Lodge Co-ordinator, on 0277793628 or dandmpatchett@xtra.co.nz to join the group.

Notice of AGM

Tuesday 12 March 2019, 7 pm, SMC Staffroom (located behind the main reception - entrance looks onto the field at the back of school).
We welcome all to attend the Annual General Meeting.
This year, the Secretary’s position and the Vice President’s position are up for election and the President and Treasurer will be standing for re-election but we welcome any other nominations for these roles.
Please contact Jean Oliver (jean.oliver@xtra.co.nz) if you are interested in any of these positions – we will also accept nominations on the night of the AGM.
The AGM will be followed by the regular PFA General Meeting.

 If you would like to be involved with the PFA please come to our meetings (dates listed here: https://www.stmargarets.school.nz/pfa/ ) and/or volunteer for school events. All volunteering opportunities for school events will feature in the regular newsletter.