COMMUNITY – our PA definition:
The sense of belonging that comes from doing school life together with people who share a similar journey to ours and who understand. The reassuring feeling of “we’re in this together”, and the knowledge that despite our many differences and unique challenges, we all have the same hope: happy children who are seen and accepted for who they are, and who are on their way to a brighter future.
About the Parents Association
Bellavista School has an active Parents Association (PA) with the aim of promoting close cooperation between parents and the school and among each other. The PA is made up of both parent volunteers and members of the teaching and administrative staff. Our current committee is:
POSITION | NAME |
| PA Chairlady | Zanele Sithole |
| Deputy Chairlady and Secretary | Sandy Ransom |
| Finance Control: BASH and MyDifference | Busisiwe Mbuyisa- Vilakazi |
| Library | Dani Merkel |
Committee Portfolios
POSITION | NAME |
| New Parents and Power of One | Mariana Papadopoulos |
| Outreach | Zureida Bhamjee |
| Steward Coordinator | Louise Driver |
| Events incl. Legacy liaison | Tammy Brower |
| Bellavista Roses | |
| Staff Representatives | Linda Wetterhahn; Gretchen Durham; Cindy Ebersey |
Events
First term
- Grade Socials
- Neon Dash or other whole school event
Second Term
- Bellavista AGM
Third Term
- Teacher Appreciation Day
- Bellavista Bash
- Year End PA Meeting & Cocktail Party
Purpose of the PA
The primary purpose of the PA is to build social cohesion and a community spirit in the school parent body, connecting parents, staff and the children and building a sense of belonging in the Bellavista Community. Class Stewards are the mainstay behind this aspect.
On a secondary level, the PA raises funds for the school in three ways:
- Passive income, e.g. Dischem and MyDifference loyalty cards
- Fundraising events, e.g. Neon Dash
- Sale of the Legacy of Bellavista rose
The money raised by the PA is used towards enhancing the entire school for the benefit of the parents, children and staff. PA funds are always re-invested into the school. The PA assists with value-adding projects, infrastructure and wish list items that are not budgeted for by the school. As a result, these projects vary from year to year.
Passive Income
Income raised passively contributes largely to the PA’s annual income; for example, MyDifference and Dischem loyalty cards.
Power of One Campaign
The Power of One collaborative campaign was launched in 2015. It aims to stimulate active participation from all parents to make a difference by offering their time, talents, ideas contacts, expertise or donations to name but a few. The campaign challenges all parents to commit to do ONE thing a year for the school.