u o y k n a Th
Korowa Parents’ Association By Sharyn Hanly Director of Community Engagement
Throughout its history, Korowa has embraced the wider community and welcomed the involvement of parents, Korovians and others in its activities. One of the earliest recorded Korowa Parents’ Association (KPA) fundraising activities was The Village Fair, first staged in the early 1920s. The entire School community combined to make the day not only a financial success, but also an entertaining one. Stalls, Maypole Dancing and an Exercise and Deportment Drill exhibition were just a few activities on the day! The enthusiasm and tenacity of the School community has been a consistent thread in Korowa’s history. Despite the stock market crash of 1929, more than £226 was raised to support the construction of the School oval (completed in 1931). This remarkable achievement strengthened support for the School in difficult times and contributed to the School community culture. Over the years, the Parents’ Association has financed equipment and infrastructure for virtually all aspects of the Korowa curriculum. This tradition continues today. Historically, the five-year fundraising campaign conducted in the 1960s was an impeccably organised and successful program. The ambitious Building Fund Appeal had a target of £75,000. Complemented by a £100,000 bank loan and using existing School resources, the aim was to finance the building of the Junior School, the Assembly Hall, Science laboratories, Geography and Art and Craft rooms, as well as general teaching spaces and a tuck shop at a total cost of more than £500,000. Today, the KPA continues to provide the School with financial support along with an overarching coordination point for the various ‘Friends’ groups. The KPA has traditionally organised one major fundraising activity each year. These have included the biannual Korowa Fair and K-Ball. Unfortunately, the K-Ball was postponed in 2020 and again in July 2021 due to the COVID-19 restrictions and will now be held on Saturday 6 November.
On 26 May 2021, the Korowa Parents’ Association Committee resolved to voluntarily wind up the KPA, due to the ever-increasing obligations imposed by insurance, Working with Children Checks and other legislative requirements, making it difficult for the KPA to operate under its current legal structure. As a result, the Friends groups that currently exist and operate under it will be disbanded and reconvene under Korowa. The School is appreciative of the support it has received over the years from the KPA. In the last 10 years alone, it has raised $446,000 through various fundraising initiatives. Purchases have included two school buses, play equipment for the Junior School, rowing boats and oars, funding for the establishment of a Media Studio and installation of protective blinds along the East and West Wing corridors. The Class Reps, Friends of Rowing, Friends of Snowsports, Friends of the Arts, Friends of Netball, Friends of Junior School, Korowa Dads’ Group and the Korowa Friendship Group will continue with support from the Principal and the Community Engagement team. The Principal and School Council, in partnership with the above groups, will take responsibility for the activities previously undertaken by the KPA and determine how existing funds currently totalling around $100,000 will be distributed. The KPA would like to acknowledge and thank the many parents who have volunteered their time so generously in support of the School since the KPA was formed in 1925. They have left a lasting legacy for the whole community.
The role of the KPA has continued to evolve, with less emphasis on fundraising and a greater focus on ‘friendraising’, recognising the importance of community connections throughout the School.
16
Jazz Night supported by Friends of the Arts President, Jacqui Dowd.
