Every school has its own rhythm. With warm welcomes from their teachers, the children enter their learning hubs and set off on their daily routines. What gives Alice Smith its soul and unique spirit and its sense of belonging is often derived from beyond the classroom curriculum.
It comes from our dynamic, vibrant volunteers of the Parent-Teacher Association. Besides being a fundraising body, our PTA is the chief architect for building the Alice Smith community; the curator of fun, and a vital partner in crafting an enriching environment where every child, every family and every member of staff can thrive.
In an era where schedules are fragmented and digital connections often replace personal ones, our school risks becoming an institution where students are dropped-off and picked-up day after day. To combat this, our PTA team actively creates intentional opportunities for connection.
The PTA provides an inclusive platform for welcoming new families to our school through activities such as the book club, hiking and other wellbeing exercises. Furthermore, our termly coffee mornings give new and existing parents a chance to meet and connect, and to link each other to neighbourhood group chats.
Another event that brought people together was the International Food Fest. Bringing 28 nations together, it showcased the rich cultural and culinary diversities of the nationalities that make Alice Smith special. This event was a meeting ground where parents worked together, providing food for our students and staff. The one-day feast entailed cuisines from around the world as well as culture shows, traditional games and crafts.
Events like the Christmas Bazaar and Family Fun Day were gatherings where parents met other families, where teachers were seen as people beyond their classroom roles, and where extended families could feel included. This provided critical infrastructure for a healthier and more prosperous school community.
We are also the masterminds behind the biggest school-hosted Halloween celebration in Malaysia. Our children brought their wildest imagination to the school grounds where both the Haunted House was brought to life, as well as the flashmob. They showcased their talents in not only theatrical performance, but also in both decoration and design. Working together we provided them team building opportunities, which helped build leadership skills, communication skills and entrepreneurship.
We helped parents show their appreciation to over 400 working members by organising a Staff Appreciation Day. A huge spread of food and treats were contributed, children wrote messages to their favourite teachers, and prizes were donated, rekindling Alice Smith’s generous spirit and energy. For Mother’s day, flowers were handed out as gifts of gratitude to the hardworking parents of Alice Smith.
A portion of the PTA funds is used to support charity organisations that focus on the necessities of children and their education. This year, the Mon Refugee Organisation (Mon Refugee Learning Centre), Siamsin Learning Centre, Home of Peace, as well as Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Mary have been shortlisted from the list of charities nominated by the Alice Smith community to be donated to. The PTA also helped promote the Terry Fox Charity Run within the school. The Terry Fox run is a charity run that aims to assist cancer research. This year, we were commended for having the highest number of participants who donated to the organisation.
In addition, the PTA is a crucial partner in developing an enriching environment that supplements academic learning. Funds raised through our events are directly channelled back into experiences that broaden the horizons of our children. Our funds constructed the tree house at the Primary Campus, built the Bufori electric car, and sponsored the photo booth for the Year 6 end-of-year party, graduation of Years 11 and 13, as well as part of the SEASAC Rugby trophies.
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of our work is to empower every parent to contribute. The strength of our team lies in the diversity of other volunteers as well as the spectrum of involvement. Every skillset is needed, whether it is preparing a meal, supervising game booths, helping in organisation, or event decoration. Every hour of your time donated sends a powerful message to our children - their education and their community are worth our time and effort.
We extend a sincere invitation to all parents to become active participants in the Alice Smith community. Your contribution as a volunteer at our future events is essential to our shared mission of nurturing our students' potential. We are confident that your invaluable engagement will help us build an even better learning environment for your children.
In essence, our PTA is the glue and the glitter. It’s the practical force that funds vital resources and the magical one that creates unforgettable experiences. By weaving together fun, support, and enrichment, our PTA ensures that our school is not just a place of learning, but a true community; a place that pulses with connection, joy, and shared purpose. Be a part of the excitement - your support fuels our success!