The 2024 school year is underway! We thought a quick introduction to GROW would be useful, especially for new parents.

GROW is the name of our school’s PTA. We organize fun events for tamariki and their whānau and fundraise for school resources. All parents and caregivers are automatically members of GROW and can attend meetings or help out any time. You don’t need to sign up for a role or take on more responsibility than you can manage.

We have a Facebook page to share meeting details, updates and event details: GROW West Rolleston Primary School

There are several ways to get involved:

- Attend GROW meetings, held twice a term. The first meeting for 2024 is 12 February at 7pm. It’s a great chance to meet new parents and hear what we have planned for the year.

- Volunteer to help with events or donate goods/services. From time to time we use this Facebook page to ask for things e.g. baking or volunteers to help at a bake sale.

- Attend our events. Every dollar that you spend at one of our fundraisers goes directly into school resources.

Last year we ran a raffle, disco, family quiz night, kids market and a huge LEGO brick show. We also sold croissants and Cookie Time buckets through KINDO. We used funds for custom black out blinds for the gym, planting at the pump track, sports uniforms, Jump Jam costumes, LEGO and library books.

Our big goal for 2024 is to start fundraising for a COLA, a permanent shade structure to allow for all weather play and learning. We’re always keen to hear new ideas too.

Sara Mitchell is our Chair, Kate Bowman our Secretary and Amanda Clarkson our Treasurer. We have some dedicated long time contributors and hope we can get some new helpers this year. Details about our first meeting and Term 1 events to come.