What a whirlwind of an academic year that was! It felt like making up for lost pandemic time, and then some.
Over the course of this year the PTA coordinated:
Two bake sales, including an Easter Bake Off!
Two movie nights
A kid's walkathon
Uniform sales
The sales of Christmas trees, Christmas cards and Christmas Plays
A brilliant summer bop including the best raffle ever!
So many families and teachers contributed in so many different ways, combining hard work, creativity and (sometimes much needed) humor. You have helped to raise much needed funds, yes, but more importantly to bring the whole school community together. The team of volunteer chefs BBQing their socks off through torrential rain last week set a new bar for dedication to the cause!
Another highlight of this academic year has been the start of the school Instagram account. If you aren't already with the program, head over to www.instagram.com/hampdengurneyce to join the fun.
On a more sombre note, while we have raised a significant amount of money, unfortunately it does not cover the PTA's funding commitments to the school. Setting up regular giving is the single most impactful thing families can do to support the PTA as it provides a more predictable income stream, meaning other fundraising activities can be more targeted.
However, its not all doom and gloom - September is just around the corner and heralds the start of an Auction year! Yes, Hampden Gurney's legendary Roof Top auction will be back in Summer 2024, so please look out for opportunities to get involved. You'll laugh (definitely), you'll cry (probably) and you'll learn exactly how many steps there are from the basement to the roof, possibly while carrying a very heavy table, box of wine or TV after the lift has decided to take a holiday at the pivotal moment. See you there!
Finally a HUGE thank you to all the businesses that support us and help to multiply our fundraising efforts by donating. or heavily discounting, goods and services. This year they include (in no particular order):
Maroush Restaurant
Chiltern Firehouse
Charlie's Restaurant at Brown's Hotel
Partridges London
La Brasseria Milanese, Marylebone
Queens London Ice Skating
Noor Supermarket
Daisy Green
Gail's Bakery, Victoria
Gail's Bakery, St John's Wood
Gail's Bakery, Edgware Road
Hummingbird Bakery, Victoria
Hummingbird Bakery, St John's Wood
Lola's Cupcakes
Sainsbury's Edgware Road
Jude's Ice Cream
Heros and Heretics Whisky
Le Pain Quotidien
You are the absolute best!