St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

School Building Fund Dear Parent/Carer, Most parents decide to send their children to a Catholic school because, they know that their child will be educated in a Catholic environment and that the school will provide an excellent education. The quality of Catholic schools has also been recognised by the Government and they have granted many of them ‘voluntary aided’ status. What this means is that, although the schools are in the state system, we can retain our traditions and organise the school on the basis of the teachings of the Church. But, in return, we are required by law to raise 10% of the cost of developing and maintaining the school building. So, as a voluntary aided school, if we need to improve the school, undertake basic repairs or add additional facilities we need to find 10% of the cost ourselves. Governors do not have a choice in this, if the money is not raised, the work cannot be undertaken. Governors therefore, have to turn to the families at the school for voluntary donations to the School Building Fund to enable us to continue to provide the best possible teaching and learning environment for all the children at St. Joseph’s. At St. Joseph’s we are blessed with the Catholic Primary school facilities that have been developed with the sacrifice, commitment and hard work of past and current families. Through the contributions of families and the generous support of parents to our school Building Fund we have together been able to provide the resources and facilities that the children now benefit from in our school today. As a Governing Board, we are committed to provide a high standard of learning environment and there is still much more that we would like to achieve, but we need to continue to finance additional projects and essential maintenance works. There is an continuing need to refurbish our existing facilities to meet the requirements of today’s education standards and improve the learning environment of the school for the benefit of all the children, staff and parents. As such we are dependent on the generous voluntary contributions and continued support from the families at St. Joseph’s and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed in the past and those who have maintained their commitment to contributing to the school Building Fund. You should be proud that you kind contributions have gone a long way to help improve the learning environment at St. Joseph’s. The Governing Board thank you for your continued support. Gift Aid The Gift Aid declaration form is attached. Further information of Gift Aid from HMRC is available from: www.gov.uk/GiftAid How to contribute: • Cheque payable to St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Building Fund) • Direct Debit – Monthly, Quarterly or Annually. • Parent Pay • Cash Many Schools ask for an amount per chlld /per family on an annual basis, but we understand that families have many commitments and would ask that you contribute as much as you can. Please note this letter and attachments can be downloaded from the website under Parents/Building Fund. On behalf of St. Joseph’s Governing Board,

Link: http://www.stjosephslichfield.org.uk/parents/letters-to-parents