about the akiva pta
WHO ARE WE?
The Akiva PTA (Parent Teacher Association) comprises a group of parents and teachers who make up the PTA Committee; a Treasurer; Class Representatives; various dedicated Coordinators who have on-going responsibilities for discrete tasks and other volunteers who assist on a one-off or ad hoc basis. We are supported by the Head Teacher, Mrs Silver, the staff, parents and pupils. We are very grateful to all of the people involved.
The Akiva PTA Committee
At present, the Akiva PTA Committee has 9 members: 7 parents (who between them have children in 9 of the 14 classes) and 2 teachers. The teachers, Miss Johnston and Mrs Piha, provide a vital link between the PTA and the school. The Committee meets regularly and is responsible for organising and/or overseeing all PTA tasks and events.
Treasurer
Our Treasurer, Lizzie Segal, ensures that we keep accurate financial records of all income and expenses, that annual accounts are prepared and filed as necessary and that we comply with relevant governance requirements of a charity registered in England and Wales. He also presents financial reports at meetings, manages income deposits and expense claims and all other financial matters relating to the PTA.
Class Reps
There are Class Reps (usually 3) for each class at the school. They help to support teachers and parents and provide a vital link between the PTA and parents. A list of current Class Reps and Email address can be found here.
Much of the PTA/Class communication is through Class Whats App - Please see the Class Whats App policy here.
Co-ordinators
There are co-ordinators for staff appreciation breakfasts, second hand uniform, the parents’ Challah rota, Havdallah in PJs and Kabbalat Shabbat dinners.
WHAT DO WE DO?
The PTA has 3 principal aims:
- To help to foster a sense of community between the staff, pupils and parents,
- To organise volunteers to support the school and to raise funds for the school, and
- To help others within and outside of our community (either the three charities chosen annually by the children on School Council or other causes which we identify or emergency appeals that occur from time to time)
WHAT HAVE WE DONE RECENTLY?
We have previously organised (with the help of our various volunteers) a Quiz Night for the parents and staff; swimming gala; Sukkot breakfast; multiplex afternoon; collection of footwear for Sal’s Shoes; collection for victims of the Grenfell fire; several second hand uniform sales; staff appreciation breakfasts; an e-safety talk; published Akiva Cooks (a book of recipes from the Akiva community) and co-ordinated the annual Summer Fair.
AKIVA BIRTHDAY BOOKS SCHEME
Read more about the Akiva Birthday Book Scheme championed by the PTA
HOW HAVE PTA FUNDS HELPED?
Funds raised by the PTA have been spent on the new Multi-Use Area and resurfacing of the KS2 playground, ICT equipment, Mathletics and Espresso online education systems, uniforms for the choir and other miscellaneous items. Funds have also been set aside to purchase a new Sefer Torah.
INCLUSIVITY
We are fortunate to have a wonderfully diverse community at Akiva. It is crucial that all parents, children and staff are welcome to events and able to attend them if they wish. We ensure that our events are not tailored to any particular gender or family unit.
It is also important to us that events are accessible to all, including anyone with any particular needs. To this end, if there is anything that we can do to make any events suitable for you and your family, please contact us (in confidence) at ptaakiva@gmail.com or by phone to Rachel Peters on 07967 333 950. Thank you.
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
Please contact Rachel Peters (PTA Chair) if you would like to get involved or want to discuss anything. You can contact the PTA at ptaakiva@gmail.com