Parent Teacher Association

We extend a warm welcome to all of our new and existing members.

The Role of the PTA

The PTA exists to strengthen the school community. Its function is largely a social one, working in partnership with the school to organise social events, raising funds for charity and assisting teaching staff at school-run events when necessary. Through money raised, and access to expert help and volunteers, we are able to enrich the school experience for all stakeholders – students, parents and staff. We are also active in the wider community.

By actively taking part and supporting the efforts of the PTA parents can find out more about how the school works, fundraise for extra items or services to enrich their child's education and be part of a vibrant organisation dedicated to enriching, improving and developing the school experience.

Membership and Roles

Every teacher, parent or guardian of a child who attends the school is automatically a member of the PTA. Its structure currently consists of a main PTA Committee comprised of the Principal, the Senior Leadership Team, all Key Stage Coordinators and any parents who wish to take an active role in school life. All members are eligible to apply for a position on any of the Core or Standing Committees convened during the year.

Primary School Class Representatives

Each class has a parent representative (sometimes two share this role) who liaises between the class teacher and the parents. They often organise social events to enable parents to get to know each other and foster a class spirit out of the classroom. 

Secondary Year Group Representatives

A group of parents in the Secondary School have volunteered to help new parents in the Secondary School by being a point of contact specific to the year group. They organise occasional coffee mornings and evening events. Details of the Secondary Year Group Representatives are available from the school secretary.

Country Representatives

The Country Representatives form an important part of the PTA with a special role to welcome newcomers to school.  They can put you in touch with your class rep, other newcomers or just answer any of your questions about settling into school life or life in Warsaw generally, in your native language.

In addition, regular coffee mornings are held for parents new to the school to help them get to know others in the school community and to help those new to Warsaw settle into their new city. When you arrive at The British School or even before, you can phone them as a first point of contact with the PTA.  Please don't be shy - we were all new once and know how it can feel.

Calendar of Events

During the year a number of social events are planned and organised. These are designed to create a community/educational experience for parents and children, for example quiz night, film nights, carnival parties, school discos and Christmas Fairs. We raise funds for the purchase of items to enhance our children's time at school and to support extra-curricular activities like visiting musicians, prizes for the rewards programme, Christmas parties and school plays. We also assist children in charitable activities such as non-uniform days, the Christmas Giving Tree in aid of FSCR/Promiseland Foundation and Broken Ties Foundation/Fundacja Zerwane Wiezi, Fundacja Gaiuz Orphanage & Care Home, Rainbow House/Teczowy Dom Foundation; and with the IB Diploma students' community service projects.

Our Cinema Coordinator organises Cinema Events where films will be shown in English. 

School Newsletter

PTA events are always advertised in the school newsletter that is published each week on Friday by the school.  It is an essential source of information about what is going on in the school, detailing social events, projects and where funding has supported the pupils' education. A copy is emailed home every Friday during term time. A slightly abridged version is also available on the school's website. The PTA also publishes a bi-weekly noticeboard publishing messages and adverts from the school and wider community.

External Clubs

We wish to encourage links outside of school and to use the rich offer of activities in Warsaw. We are pleased to present you with a collection of Contacts for External Children's Activities. The purpose of this is to provide you with a quick reference of some of the many options available to your children for extra-curricular activities in Warsaw.

We would like to remind you that the PTA cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Also, all organisations and individuals listed are independently owned and operated. We hope you find this information useful.

Contact

In the first instance please contact us using the following email address:

PTA@thebritishschool.pl

Alternatively, please feel free to contact your class representative or any member of the PTA Committee who are always in attendance at one of our many events – we would be delighted to meet you.