SMLS » SMLS Parent Association » What We Do
What We Do
We are fortunate at SMLS to have a significant number of parent volunteers who make the Parent Association so successful. The PA coordinates volunteers for in-class activities as well as PA functions, always ensuring that police check are current. Our communications network throughout the School starts with Class Moms in the Junior School and Grade Parents in the Senior School.
During the 2010-2011 school year, the PA raised $363,264.92. These funds are used for a variety of purposes; last year we helped support a number of different groups within the School, such as security and DJ for school dances; the grad dinner; travel expenses for the Senior School soccer team and Robotics team; sponsorship for Robotics and FIRST Lego League; Black History Month; Special Olympics; Kerr Street Ministries; Bereaved Families of Ontario; new microphone system that will benefit both the Junior and Senior Schools; and the Student Showcase and Display Committee as they prepare to display throughout the School all aspects of art work prepared by students. The PA has donated in the range of $550,000 to the Capitol Campaign from funds raised at our last two gala events. Of course this would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the families who donated and purchased the auction items.
In order to raise the money to support these School initiatives, the PA sells gift wrap, magazine subscriptions, items of clothing bearing the SMLS crest and more. We also hold events such as our Traditions of Christmas Craft Fair, as well as a Chapters Book Fair, Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Father - Daughter Bingo, Ladies' Golf Day and the Used Uniform Sale. This year, we will be hosting "An Evening at Edgemere".
The PA runs the 'Made for Millies Store'. It is a vibrant part of the School, selling gym uniforms as well as other items of clothing and SMLS crested gifts. The store is open during the week from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Our signature event every other year is a gala dinner dance. In 2011 the 'Watch Us Bloom' Gala was held on May 6, 2011 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto. It was an amazing success, raising over $326,000. All the funds from the Gala were directed to the School's Capital Campaign. Our next gala will be in 2013.
Our connection with other Interguild School Parent Associations and Guilds means that we are able to keep abreast of issues and trends arising in independent schools. This enables us to stay relevant and take advantage of the networking opportunities provided by Interguild.
Our email address at pa@smls.on.ca is available for your comments and non-urgent PA-related matters.