Welcome to our new parents at the PFA New Parents Party

What better way to start a new school and new school year than to meet those that are starting the journey with you. We welcomed to RGS our new parents with our annual PFA New Parents Party which took place in the architectural showcase that is the Harrison centre, fondly known as the Sixth Form Centre. The journey at RGS may begin with the first nervous day a student stands at the doors ready to cross the threshold but it can last a lifetime. We want it to last a lifetime. 

From meeting new friends, to making life-long connections, RGS is more than just a school. It promotes an ethos that has stood for 350 years, beginning in 1675 and continuing into it's 350th year. The connections made could be local or global, they could be a classmate or a mentor, they could place you in a role or offer some much needed career expertise, they may welcome you in a foreign land or support with a local cause. Every year the PFA, who work endlessly to ensure the school environment is one of fun and valued added extras, host this new parents event to welcome our new parents into the RGS family. Supported by the RGS Foundation, this party is a casual social with drinks and nibbles to offer a relaxing opportunity to meet others from your year group. 

Shaun Fenton welcomed the new cohort and was joined by PFA Co-Chair, Anne Luce, who spoke of the projects that have been funded by the PFA. Examples included the ping pong tables, leavers prom or drones that have allowed a new extra curricular club to commence. With the community support for nearly-new sales, Christmas trees, quiz nights and ceilidh to name a few, the PFA are able to fund these amazing extras. A huge thanks goes out to the volunteers that step up to man the stalls, decorate, chaperone, arrange and host. 

Continuing the theme of philanthropy, Tracey Thornton, RGS Foundation Executive and RGS parent, spoke of the work that the RGS Foundation does to enable the journey for students to continue beyond their years at RGS. With your support, projects such as the new sports hall have been made possible which then offers students the facilities to go above and beyond in their chosen educational field. The Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign that launched in 2023 has seen more students offered a bursary and chance to an education that may not have been possible. The first step in support can be as simple as joining the Reigatian Hub, the network that connects our community globally and provides a plethora of opportunities from mentoring, to work placements, advice and expertise to a friendly face overseas. Alternatively, we have our IMAGINE prize draw, a quarterly draw with some amazing prizes including theatre and sporting tickets, restaurant vouchers, artwork and much more. 

Thank you to those that attended this wonderful event - we spoke to many of you that praised the idea of bringing together the new group, together on this journey for the next 7 years.