1. Parents’ meeting:
Thanks to those who attended Thursday’s meeting. Although there was a lot of information to consider, and it can sometimes seem to be more confusing than enlightening, the benefits of going through a ‘tendering’ process are demonstrated by the fact that the initial itinerary from Edwin Doran (presentation 3) for their Australia and Malaysia tour was priced at £3,786 and the one we considered for Australia and Singapore on Thursday was priced at £3,174. The competitive process has certainly led to a significant reduction in price.
I have contacted Ontourz (presentation 1) and asked them to send me a draft itinerary for Singapore and Australia for us to compare with the Edwin Doran one that we considered on Thursday.
We will confirm a company and itinerary and pay a deposit by the end of this month.
2. Visit of Mater Maria:
Many thanks to those who entertained students from Mater Maria. The visit appeared to go very well and the Mater Maria staff were very appreciative of your efforts.
Speaking to our students on Monday, they seemed to get a lot out of the evening as well.
My thanks to Miss Jeffreys, Mr Lewis, Mr Long and Miss Rushworth who all checked the students back into their hotel at 10.30pm.
Mater Maria have suggested that when we tour, we stay in a hotel within their catchment area for two days and they will entertain us during that time.
I have also received a request from St. Johns College in the Manly area of Sydney for us to play and entertain them at a similar time next year. They will then reciprocate in a similar way to Mater Maria when we are on tour.
I have provisionally agreed.
3. Swansea City competition:
I’ve attached a copy of the up to date league table after yesterday’s game against Newcastle.
The top 3 includes Chris James who is supporting Rhys Edwards, Gareth Howells supporting Menna Howells and Colin Jones supporting Sam Jones.
Next update after the Stoke fixture in two weeks time.
4. Sponsored walk:
The sponsored walk raised £1,528. That money has been added to individual accounts.
5. Golden Try competition:
I’ve attached an entry form for a Golden Try competition for the Wales v South Africa game on Saturday November 29th. You will receive a proportion of the profit made after the prize money (£100) has been deducted.
6. Race night:
Our first major fundraising event is the Race Night, which will be held on Saturday 25th October at the Con Club in Gowerton at 7.30pm. Tickets will be £5 each (£45 for a table for 10) which includes the cost of a meal.Tickets may be purchased from Mrs Evans in the school office at break and lunch times.
Mr Carlo Deias and Mr Daniel Jones of Gower Timber Ltd, regular supporters of previous tours, have again generously agreed to sponsor the evening.
The evening consists of 8 races which are video footage of former races. The races are selected at random on the evening. Each race has 8 horses taking part. Funds are raised in four ways:
A) Profit from ticket sales
B) Sponsorship
As well as our main sponsors (Gower Timber) races can be sponsored for £30.00 each. The first race is to be sponsored by Gower Timber and will be the ‘Gower Timber Grand National’. If you are prepared to, or if you know anyone who may be prepared to sponsor a race, please let me know.
C) Sale of horses
Anyone can be a horse owner. The cost is £7.50. The winning owner receives a prize of £30.00.
D) Betting/Tote on races on the night
Each bet is for a 50 p stake and the odds are determined by the number of people betting on each horse.
Please complete the attached reply slip, by Friday 17th October, and return to Mrs Evans in school. I will be responsible for organising the event along with Mrs Evans. I expect a reply from ALL students. Those who cannot attend should send a ‘Nil’ return please.
I will need some students to help me with some of the organisation on the night. If you can help please indicate on the reply slip.
The first 200 Club draw will take place during the evening. It is still possible to sell membership at £10 for a two year membership or £5 for a one year membership.
Entry forms can be collected from Miss Rushworth.
