Orchard Parents' Association (OPA)
Hello. We'd like to introduce you to the Orchard Parents Association (OPA) and share a bit about us and what we do.
The OPA is a registered charity (number 1072685) run by parent volunteers. Our charity status means that we not only run the OPA to professional standards but can also apply for grants from charitable trusts and matched funding schemes and accept donations through Payroll Giving.
All our committee members are listed on the school's website, where you can also learn more about us.
What does the OPA charity do for the school?
In addition to providing fun activities for the children, the OPA Charity supports the school by helping to fill the gaps in LEA funding.
We have paid for various things, such as the makeover of the Year 1 and 2 playgrounds completed in 2023, providing new sports equipment for the Years 3 to 6 playground, contributing to the purchase of new ICT suite equipment and iPads for the school in 2024, and purchasing school book bags for all new starters.
We organise events for the children and their families throughout the year; some favourites have been:
- Christmas and Easter events with some extra special visitors.
- Termly discos.
- Mothers and Father's Day pop-up shops.
- Coffee mornings and afternoons for parents to enjoy a hot drink, fresh fruit pot, breakfast yoghurt and granola pot, doughnut, or cake with their children in school.
We'll update you on events and fundraising efforts via ParentMail and the school notice boards outside various classrooms.
Save money on school uniforms
You'll see our school uniform pop-up shop at various school events. We have lots of preloved uniforms available. Every item is in excellent condition and washed before it's sold, everything is 50p and we have skirts, trousers, dresses and school badged jumpers.
We're committed to helping parents save money and keep clothing out of landfills, so please consider buying a preloved school uniform for your child.
You can find us on Facebook
We have a Facebook page where you can find out the latest events and fundraising efforts and see photos.
There is also a private Facebook group for parents to share information, ask questions or seek recommendations for things like wrap around care.
- OPA page - Orchard Primary School Parents' Association
- Private parents group - Orchard C of E Primary Families group
Getting involved with the OPA
We're always thrilled when we get new members, but whatever time you have to help support and be involved is hugely appreciated. We have different levels of ways parents can get involved:
Level 1 - Passive donations
Easyfundraising - is similar to other cashback websites. When you shop online through easyfundraising.org.uk or its app, the OPA charity will receive a donation without costing you any more money.
Did you also know we take part in a school lottery? By joining and paying £1 per week, you could be in with a chance of winning £25,000. yourschoollottery.co.uk
It couldn't be simpler. You don't have to do anything more than you usually would, but the OPA charity benefits. What's not to love?
Level 2 - Friend of the OPA
By volunteering as a Friend of the OPA, you would offer your time to help at events like the school discos. Without parent and guardian volunteers, we would struggle to run these events, which are usually the things the children look forward to most.
Don't worry; being a Friend of the OPA doesn't mean you have to organise the event or start attending meetings. You can volunteer a few hours at the event, and we'll do the rest.
The best bit! Not only will you see your child having fun with their friends at the events. However, by being a vital part of the fundraising activities, you could also apply to your employer for matched funding, which would again mean the OPA charity benefits. Many companies offer up to £500 matched funding, which would be a massive contribution to the OPA charity for a couple of hours of your time watching your child have fun.
Level 3 - Committee member
If you would like to become an active committee member of the OPA Charity, please contact us to learn more about the process.
The OPA charity ensures our school lives up to its 'Small School with a Big Heart' ethos. We hope you can be a part of it too. Get in touch by emailing us at opa@orchardcofe.leics.sch.uk
Meet the Orchard Parents Association Committee
Dan Meachen
Chair
I am a proud father to two girls who attend Orchard. I also work full time as a Commercial Manager for an Energy Supplier. After becoming involved in the OPA last year as a volunteer, I saw first-hand how much the school benefits from having a strong Parent Association. I have coordinated a number of charity activities through my work and wanted to volunteer my experience and time to OPA and was happy to accept the role of Chair for this academic year.
Keri Watkins Frearson
Treasurer
I'm a mum of a 6 and 3-year-old, plus I work full time in marketing for a bank. I wanted to join the OPA after seeing how much my daughter loved all the events and activities the OPA was responsible for. The school would lose a huge asset if there wasn't an OPA charity, so I wanted to volunteer my time and continue supporting the school.
Suzanne Lenton-Hildreth
Vice Chair
This is my second year as vice chair of the OPA. I have one son who is currently in Year 2 at Orchard. Since he started in Twiglets, I’ve taken a keen and active interest in supporting the school through the OPA and it’s many fundraising events. I work in a safeguarding role which keeps me very busy, but I love taking time out to plan and get creative for upcoming events. It’s hard work but very rewarding when you see how the children and school benefit from the monies raised. We have a great committee and team work is definitely key in being able to put on all these events. Any help, no matter how big or small, is always welcomed and very much appreciated.
Charlotte Walters
Secretary
Having gone to Orchard Primary school myself many moons ago and now having my son there it's great to have the opportunity to give back to the school and help the children that are there now by being a part of the OPA! I work in ecommerce and digital and have a project management background and I’m used to organising/planning and running meetings so becoming secretary is a good fit! I love all sport and currently coach and manage my sons football team which is quite time consuming but great fun! I’m a what you see is what you get kind of person and always take people at face value!
Tracy Henderson
Committee Member
I have 3 children that attend Orchard and I have previously been involved as a volunteer for the OPA at a number of events. This year I have become a committee member, you will most likely see me selling and promoting the pre-loved uniform.
Laura Meachen
Committee Member
Hello I’m Laura, I have two girls at the school and have been involved in the OPA for the past 2 years. I first got involved in the committee when I was diagnosed with breast cancer as a way of keeping myself busy throughout treatment. I have a background in Fashion Design. I have made some lovely friends and love seeing my creative ideas come to life through the events we run. I also love getting the opportunity to meet and talk with all of your wonderful children during the events.
OPA FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Fundraising Links
School Lottery
The OPA are registered with the following fundraising sites:
Stikins
Stikins is a label company that provide a multi-use label ideal for labelling clothes, bags and lunchboxes but also has many other uses too. They also offer labels that would be useful to use in school. The offer 15% commission on all labels purchased providing the unique school reference 14942 is used and then this can be increased to 30% commission by using the link below:
Available to everyone. Many parents label the children’s clothing and items to prevent them being lost. Labels can be purchased in various multiples and are delivered predominately next day and postage is included in the shown price. Stikins can be ordered by post or online, payable by cheque, debit or PayPal. Items are delivered direct to purchaser’s home address.
Make sure you click the link on our website to ensure we receive 30% commission.
Easyfundraising
Easyfundraising is a platform to shop and book. From retailers to insurance to holidays. The companies then offer varying percentages based on the purchases made that go directly to the OPA. Within 14-90 days of purchases. As long as the shoppers use the easyfundraising app or online platform to then complete the purchase donations will be made to the cause. Orchard Primary school is registered as a cause and parents, family and friends can make purchases which in turn lead to donations.
Parents, family and friends can all register and then shop or book holidays through the app or online site.The more people that know about it the more donations we will receive. Retailers such and Next, John Lewis and M&S, insurance companies and Holiday providers. Sky TV, BT phone line and mobile phone contracts too. These all donate a percentage on any purchases. (see individual terms and conditions) .
Follow the link below to register