BUILDING FUND

Attached to this newsletter is the building fund envelope for this term. Once again, I remind you that this is a voluntary contribution, but essential if we are to keep the fabric of St Peter’s at a reasonable level. Just to give you some idea of the problems the Governors face in trying to maintain the standards of our school, there is a fund allocated to every school called Formula Capital. This is an amount each year which enables you to keep the site looking as good as possible. Last year St Peter’s received £180,000 and a significant amount of this went to improving our sixth form facility. This year, with the government cuts, we will receive only £33,000. This is a totally unacceptable level of cut, but that is the world we are living in! What makes it even more nonsensical is that brand new schools who opened in September will also receive a similar amount of money. How this can be just I simply cannot understand. It is therefore essential we endeavour to try and keep our building fund at a reasonable level. I am, however, very conscious that many of you are struggling financially and that some of you are very concerned about your future employment. I do not want you to feel pressured in any way. If you cannot contribute to the building fund we fully understand your circumstances and I would simply ask you to return the envelope so that there is no abuse to the system. Form tutors will expect all students to return an envelope whether they contain a donation or not.

If you contribute by Direct Debit or pay an annual amount simply mark that on the envelope. I remind you that the recommendation is, if you can afford it, to donate £10 per child up to a maximum of £20 per family. I repeat, this is only advice and any contribution will be gratefully received.

Can I ask for all envelopes to be returned no later than Friday 11 February?