Parent Association Report

PARENT ASSOCIATION

REPORT

The start of 2022 saw the reinstatement of the Parent Association after a two-year break. It was also the year for a new Chair and Vice Chairperson to be elected. I, Mariette Barnett, took the position of Chairperson and Zaidah Regal as Vice Chairperson. Thanks must go to outgoing Chairperson, Michelle Lupke, for her years of service to the school and for reviving the Parent Association in 2017, specifically for the purpose of raising funds for the school. Michelle will be a mom of a high schooler next year and we wish the Lupke family all the best for the future.

Family Picnic

The first event organised by the PA is the Family Picnic and is held early in the first term so that Wynberg families, new and old, can meet each other in a relaxed environment. This year, it was evident that people have been craving to get together and socialise after two years of being apart as there was about 1200 people in attendance.

Movie Night

The Term 2 fundraiser was dedicated to the mothers and mother figures in our boys’ lives. This year we got together for one big movie night! The venue was the indoor sports stadium at the Wynberg Military Base and once again, the bumper attendance proved that we have all missed personal connection opportunities. The selected movie was “Playing with Fire” starring John Cena, and the idea was to have a “quiet night in” for moms and their sons. The combination of a dark venue and glow sticks were however just too exciting to sit still for a movie and so we’ve learnt that we’ll have to include some action-packed adventures for our busy boys in 2023!

Fun Day & Market

The Term 3 event would normally be a Fun Run. However, this year we were not able to secure a venue that could accommodate this. So, with time running out, the decision was made to have the Fun without the Run! There were plenty activities for all ages including Dodge Ball, Bubble Soccer and a range of Carnival Games. The highlight was most definitely the Dunk Tank where boys were given the opportunity to not only dunk their friends, but their teachers too! There was a market where people could shop for beautiful handmade

crafts or sweet treats. Overall, it was a huge success, and everyone is looking forward to having this as a permanent fixture on the WBJS calendar. A lot was learnt at the first event of this kind and so the 2023 Fun Day promises to be even bigger and better!

My VIP & Me Events

After a process of consultation and consideration, it was decided that the Term 2 and Term 4 Parent Association fundraising events will now be referred to as “My VIP & Me” events.

This move is one we are incredibly excited about, as we acknowledges and respects the multiple family constellations that form part of our larger Wynberg community. This move is also one that demonstrates solidarity with and sensitivity towards our families who have lost parents to the pandemic. We recognise that labelling events with the expectation that they be attended by a mom or a dad, can cause needless stress and distress for some of our boys and their families. And we want everyone to feel not only welcomed at these events but embraced.

With that said, the first event under its new name is the “My VIP & Me Camp Out”. At the time of writing this, the Camp Out is still in a planning phase. The date is set to fall on a Saturday when the Springboks play against England in an Autumn International rugby match and Argentina play Mexico in the FIFA World Cup. Both these games will be played on a big screen for the boys and their VIPs to enjoy. Other activities planned are 5-a-side soccer, a scavenger hunt, and mini-Olympics. We are certain this will be another hugely successful event with lots of fun to be had!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have made this year a success. If you’ve worked in the tuckshop or served at an event in any way, please know that you are appreciated and that without you we would not be able to do what we do.

Mrs M Barnett Chairperson of PA

SCAN ME

WBJS Family Fun Day