Whitgift School Parents' Association - Archive
As the Whitgift Staff Handbook states, 'good relations with parents happily exist at Whitgift'. The School is proud of the positive rapport it fosters amongst parents and staff. It welcomes parental support and involvement in its busy Calendar and in the daily life of the School itself.
It is not long before many new parents realise that it is not only their boys who have joined Whitgift. Parents too are an important part of the Whitgift School community and whatever time they have available to contribute to School life is welcome. In its turn, the School provides dedicated resources and activities for parents to enjoy. Some of these are described below to give an indication of what is available.
Whitgift School Parents Association (WSPA)
The School's formal relationship with staff and parents is through the WSPA. As a registered charity, the WSPA undertakes activities which contribute to the School. All current staff and parents are automatically members and there is no membership fee.
WSPA newsletters and announcements are sent by the School with its half term and end of term mailings.
Social Events
WSPA organises a number of social events each year designed to encourage parents to meet and enjoy one another's company whilst also raising funds for the School. Regular events include a Burns Supper and Ceilidh, a new Parents' Reception and Quiz Evening and a Summer Ball. In addition, the WSPA supports the School by assisting at Open Morning and Open Evening, organising Second Hand Uniform Sales, providing hospitality to candidates and parents attending Entrance Interviews and at Arts events and helping in the Careers Department.
Working Group Committee
The WSPA has a Working Group Committee which meets regularly to organise events. If you are a Whitgift parent and would like to be involved with the WSPA then please contact: wspa@whitgift.co.uk.
Whitgift-Minster Choral Society
The Whitgift-Minster Choral Society is a massed choir made up of parents, staff, and singers from Whitgift School, as well as the Croydon Minster community, who work towards high-quality performances of large choral works, with orchestra, on a project basis. It is great fun, and we always welcome new members. No audition is necessary, although some choral experience is desirable.
The choir is directed by Dr Ronny Krippner (Organist & Director of Choral Music) and, when embarking on a special concert projects, rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings between 7.00 and 8.30pm, in the Concert Hall.
For further information regarding the Choral Society, please contact the Music Administrator on 020 8688 9222.
Sports for Parents at Whitgift
Parents are also very welcome to attend key sports fixtures outside their son's year group such as the NatWest Rugby fixtures which draw large crowds.
Whitgift Careers Department
Whitgift parents and Old Whitgiftians assist the Careers Department in a number of ways including help with practice interviews for Sixth Formers in preparation for university applications and employment, and running lunch time and after school careers presentations. They also provide work experience placements, offer advice at the annual Careers Convention, or facilitate group visits to broaden awareness of career opportunities. If you can help in any capacity please contact the Careers Team, at careers@whitgift.co.uk or by telephone on the Careers Department on 020 8633 9914.
Secondhand Uniform - Michaelmas Term sale cancelled.
Sales are held once per term. Only good quality and current items of uniform, sports kit and CCF boots are accepted. The WSPA are happy to receive donations but are no longer able to sell on behalf of parents. The dates are published in the School Calendar and further details can be obtained by contacting Mr John Sullivan by email at wspa@whitgift.co.uk.
Consultation about Whitgift School Developments
The School consults parents before completing its Development Plan for each five year period. Current plans are contained within the Vision 2025 Document.
Raeburn Library Parent Volunteers
Do you have some time to spare? Every Wednesday from 2.15 to 3.45pm a group of parents volunteer in the Raeburn Library, putting books back, organising shelves etc. It is a great way of being involved with the School and seeing the boys going about their daily activites. All we ask is that you you commit to one afternoon a term (or more if you would like to). If you are interested, please contact Susan Shindler by emailing wspa@whitgift.co.uk.