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Greetings from the PTA at GIS

t seems like yesterday that the year began, yet here we are, already in third term. It’s been an activity filled one for us and

indeed the whole school. We hope this newsletter will update you on our activities and encourage you to join us!

I

60 Years of Nurturing Global Citizens; Understanding of Each Other.

GIS PTA Newsletter

GIS PTA Sponsored Walk - An Unbroken Tradition

This year’s PTA Sponsored Walk took place on Saturday 16th January. In recognition of the GIS 60th Anniversary

celebration, we went back to a regular route from years ago – Kitasi to Abokobi. The 15km walk was good fun, got our

hearts pumping after the festive season calorie intake, and most importantly, a chance for the GIS Community to raise

funds for a meaningful donation to psychiatric Institutions in memory of two GIS students. The walk also helps support

PTA school projects.

The immensely popular walk has been held each for the past 44 years, without a single cancellation since it began in

1971.

Despite the already scorching heat, enthusiasm was high and there were many parents and teacher walking alongside our

children. The route was mainly laterite and off the main road and so free of cars. Again, we had a few diehards who ran

the entire way! Parents and teachers generous support meant that all the rest stops were stocked with refreshments and

fruit snacks. We ended up with record numbers – over 420 walkers, and Ghs 70,000 raised.

The PTA are using funds raised to support Pantang Hospital.

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Infant School

Make no mistake, the PTA has always been engaged in so many activities with our “babies”: reading to the children, the

Walkathon, Christmas festivities and lots more.

We also meet regularly to discuss ways to support the school and forward information to the PTA for consideration. This

year for example, we’ve been tackling the challenges of walking on the Lower School walkways during the rains when it’s

slippery.

Below are selections of pictures of activities the Infant School parents have been involved in: Reading to the children, the

Walkathon - Sponsored walk, Christmas season events, UN Day

One of the projects especially dear to our hearts is financing the resurfacing of play surfaces. However, initial contacts we

have made indicate that prices are way beyond our budget. We remain committed to finding the right mix of price, quality as

well as clients that could deliver what the school needs.

Primary School Cafeteria Trays The PTA decided to purchase trays for primary school children to use in the new cafeteria. The trays were

presented to the school on Friday 17th June, and will be used by our children next academic year.

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GIS PTA Baz

PTA Bazaar

This year, the PTA Bazaar took place on Saturday 23rd April 2016. The Bazaar is one of the PTA’s biggest fundraising

events and very popular with the kids, parents, teachers and friends of the GIS Community. This year, funds from the

Bazaar went towards supporting Little Big Souls – “the voice for premature baby born in Africa”. The GIS community

wants to help them in their fight to reduce preterm babies’ death and disability. Visit www.littlebigsouls.com for more

information.

As always the bazaar had a wide variety of stalls, which had everything from footwear to organic beauty products on sale.

There was also a football competition, jams and a talent show. The infants had their own special kiddie zone – full of fun

activities. A Raffle draw took place with grand prizes like South African Airways tickets, stay at the Royal Senchi hotel and

many other exciting prizes. There was also a Blood Donation Center, where people (including 6th formers) helped saved

lives by donating blood for people in medical need.

All in all, it was a great day out, for the GIS Community. A donation of Ghs 15,000 has been set for Little Big Souls.

Thanks to all of you for making the bazaar a success.

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Junior School Playground Jungle Gym:

It’s handled! By the 49 Engineers Regiment from Burma Camp, who built the Infant School jungle gym. The

structure had been completed and tested and a couple of boards have to be replaced. The sea sand needed for the

ground cover underneath the structure has been ordered. Equipment should be ready for use, come September

2016.

Blood Donation

In partnership with the Leukaemia Project Foundation (www.lpfghana.org), the PTA organized two Blood Donation

Drives – in December 2015, and at the PTA Bazaar in April 2016. Many 6th formers, parents, staff turned up to donate. The

PTA would like to make blood donations drives regular fixtures on the calendar.

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate blood can

actually save a life. Thanks to all who donated, and we look forward to many of you participating in a GIS blood drive next

academic year.

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Who is a PTA member?

All parents with children currently enrolled at GIS, and all GIS faculty and staff, are automatically members of

the PTA which is led by an Executive Committee. In addition to the elected members, there are 25 other parents

and teachers who serve on the committee.

PTA Executive Committee for 2016-2017:

Chairman: Sean Okoe Quist

Vice Chairperson: Amba Mpoke Bigg

Vice Chairperson: Clemencia Tetteh

Treasurer: Gifty Dabrah

Vice Treasurer: Stella Frimpong

Secretary: Naa Enti

Vice Secretary: Ama Dadson

PRO: Khadija Chothia

PTA Newsletter: Ama Dadson & Amba Mpoke Bigg

LAST WORDS

Your contributions to the PTA activities, whether it is your time, knowledge, or resources always make a difference. If

you’re interested in in helping out, no matter how much you are able to give, it is all much appreciated and very welcome.

In our coming PTA Newsletter issues we will be including more glimpses of our voluntary activities and report how

our members are making a difference in our school community. Our newsletter will likely go through many changes over the

next few months. If you have any suggestions please do contact the PTA via email pta@gis.edu.gh

Wishing you all a great break with your families.

We look forward to seeing you in October at the PTA Annual General Meeting.

Thank you all for your support.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Sean Okoe Quist (PTA Chairman)