Dear Dorchester Families

Next Tuesday, 8th October, the Friends of Dorchester School (FODS) are holding their Annual General Meeting.  At the meeting, our FODS Chair will give a report on the past year and our Treasurer will report on funds raised and spending.  Committee members will be formally elected at the meeting, and we are very fortunate in that we have people willing to stand for all of our committee roles.  We will also share our existing plans for the upcoming year, and would love to hear your ideas and views - both on fundraising ideas and spending ideas - to make sure we are spending the money we raise in the way that has the best impact on the children at Dorchester Primary School.   All parents and carers are members of FODS, so please do come along to the meeting to share your thoughts and ideas, or even just to listen.  You will be very welcome, whether you are a regular attendee or a new face.  I've heard there will be wine and nibbles too - a further incentive to come along!  I hope to see you there.

As I am sure you are aware, budgets in schools are becoming increasingly stretched and schools are having to find a way to cut back on expenditure.  At Dorchester we are fortunate to be able to offer lots of extras that enhance our curriculum, such as Buzz Club, small maths group teaching in the Upper Years, specialist language and music teaching, visitors to the school to bring learning to life, as well as lots of fantastic resources, including IT resources - things that make a Dorchester education extra special.  So that we can continue to offer these into the future, we are launching the Dorchester Primary School Fund, a voluntary fund for which we are asking for donations from parents of £20 per child per term.  The great thing about raising funds in this way is that, in many cases, we will be able to claim Gift Aid on the donations, meaning that your donations go further.  There is more information about the fund and how to make your donation at https://www.dorchesterprimary.com/attachments/download.asp?file=1064&type=pdf

Thank you for all you continue to do to support our school.

Have a lovely weekend.

Cathy Bell
Headteacher