Friends of Grayrigg School

Friends of Grayrigg School (FOGS) really are that - Friends! They involve themselves in many different ways. Organising fundraising, social events and getting involved using their own personal skills are just some of the ways in which FOGS support our school.

2018 is a big year for Grayrigg C of E School. It marks 200 years of being located at the heart of the close-knit community of Grayrigg and surrounding parishes.

As well as the opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about Grayrigg, the milestone 200th year coincides with an urgent need to plan its physical expansion. The school has increased in pupil numbers over recent years and now has 46 children attending, with a large proportion (65%) of these being in Nursery, Reception and Infants. As these children progress through school, they will outgrow the current building. An additional classroom would cater for them and future years of pupils.

The school has applied for a grant from the Department of Education via Carlisle Diocese which, if successful when announced in April, will fund 90% of the total cost. The remaining school-funded element of £30,000 is a large amount for a school with fewer than 40 families. FOGS has risen to the challenge through the launch of the ‘Grayrigg 200 for 200’, with the aim of arranging 200 fundraising events and activities throughout 2018 to celebrate the anniversary and raise the necessary funds to future-proof the school.

Headteacher Kirsty Cooper commented “I never fail to be amazed by the way the children at Grayrigg celebrate and care for each other, they are the best human beings I have ever met - but I am blown away and humbled by the parental and community support for our school. We’ve been here for 200 years but I have a feeling 2018 may be the best year yet!”

There is no right or wrong way to get involved - all support is appreciated and FOGS are always open to new ideas. If you can’t attend the meetings that’s fine. Let one of the team know if there is an event you would like to help with or an idea you have. They don’t always have to be about fundraising - FOGS are always looking for ways to get parents together and for new experiences they can provide for the children.

A word from the Chair of FOGS: Sarah Wilson

I am a newly appointed member of the FOGS team and am very excited about helping Grayrigg School raise much needed funds for a new classroom, as well as having lots of fun along the way! This is a very big year indeed, and I am honoured to drive the campaign forwards with such an amazing team of people. Many thanks to Rachel Dodgson and the previous committee for handing over such a fantastic project.

2018 is going to be a fun year for all the Friends of Grayrigg School and I hope that you’ll be able to join in with many of the celebrations and fun events along the way. We’re only a small school, but we have huge support out there and can achieve amazing things for our children and community. You will often hear the motto “Team work, makes the dream work” and it is so very true – when we work together there is nothing that can’t be achieved!

We really do have some very special mums, dads, past parents and the village community who all believe in making our school succeed and thrive. Thank you all so very much.

For information on any of the events, to volunteer or to make a donation of clothing/linen, contact fogs@grayrigg.cumbria.sch.uk or via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOGS200/

To make a donation to the appeal, please visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/friendsofgrayriggschool