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Friends of WBGS
Welcome to the Friends, the parent association of Watford Grammar School for Boys.
We are a group of friendly parents and carers who volunteer to help develop the social aspect of our wonderful school community whilst fundraising to provide additional educational opportunities for the boys.
All parents are encouraged to join in - in fact, we need your help! We want to reach out and connect with as many parents as possible, but why?
- Socially connect - make friends, get to know other parents
- Role model - inspire your son by getting involved and giving back
- Support the school - help the school fundraise - recent donations have included £9,000 for new computers and a large contribution towards a new minibus.
Come along to a committee meeting
All parents are welcome to come along to committee meetings to find out more about how to get involved, meet fellow parents and make friends.
The next committee meeting will be advertised here soon.
Meeting access details will be sent out in advance of the meeting to parents by InTouch.
For up-to-date information on events and activities, and to get involved, to buy tickets for events and more please visit the Friends of school dedicated website:
Friends of Watford Grammar School for Boys Registered Charity No. 1073843
What's on - Friends of WBGS Events
Big Raffle
Every year we raise over £2,000 and in some years over £3,000 via our annual 'Big Raffle'.
We are always looking for prize donations so please get in touch if you, or perhaps an organisation you work for, would like to donate a prize.
Tickets for the raffle will be sold online - keep an eye on your inbox.
Could you help?
Match Funding - many organisations are able to offer their employees match funding. This means you nominate the Big Raffle and whatever monies are raised are matched as a charitable donation from your company. Please email us if you would like to nominate the Big Raffle for match funding.
Email the Friends of School Committee
Parents - how to get involved
All WBGS parents are warmly welcome to come along to any or all committee meetings to find out more about what the Friends of School are working on. Committee meetings are a great way to meet fellow parents, make friends and take an active role in school life. Keep an eye for an InTouch communication with details for the next meeting which take place either in-person in school or online.
Benefits of volunteering with the Friends of WBGS
Life is busy, we know and appreciate that between juggling jobs, caring for our children, and household responsibilities, it can feel as though there isn't enough time in the day.
We know how precious your time is and so are extremely grateful if you could consider dedicating a few hours a term to helping out and joining in.
Here's a few reasons why the committee and volunteers of the Friends of school do it:
1. Volunteering Makes a Difference in your Child’s Education
Research has shown that children of parents who are involved in school life tend to perform better at school in terms of behaviour and results. By volunteering you are being a brilliant role model for your son.
2. Volunteering Helps Create Community
Volunteering with the Friends of WBGS is a great way to connect with other parents and create a circle of adult friends. Over time, these friends grow to know you and your children and over the years the Friends of WBGS committee meetings and events have resulted in lifelong friendships being formed.
3. Volunteering Allows You to Use Your Strengths
Volunteering is a great way to showcase your strengths and learn new skills. You do not need any special skills or experience to volunteer with the Friends or even to join the committee - just a willingness to get involved. The current committee members will guide you through everything and then you are welcome to bring new ideas and suggestions.
4. Volunteering is Good for Your Health
Being part of a community group and working together to raise funds makes you feel good. In fact, it can even help with your wellbeing embracing many (if not all) of the NHS 5 steps to wellbeing:
1. Connect with other people
2. Be physically active
3. Learn new skills
4. Give to others
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
NHS 5 Steps to Wellbeing - more information
Want to join our committee?
Join the Committee
If you would like to be involved, we warmly welcome all new members. Our friendly committee organise events and keep The Friends of School running. We are a small team and so are always grateful for new Executive members.
Please get in touch via ptafriendswatfordboys@gmail.com and we can provide and more information.
Volunteer Vacancies
Committee Vacancies
We are always keen to welcome new parents from all year groups to get involved with the Friends of School Executive committee.
If you are interested in finding out more please come along to our next meeting or email us ptafriendswatfordboys@gmail.com
Second hand uniform shop
The Friends of the School operate the school second-hand uniform shop which is usually open every (by appointment only) Wednesday, approx. 3:20-4:30pm (term time only) and the first Saturday of each half-term, 10am-11am.
More details here:
The shop is located in the Cloisters, opposite the entrance to the James Theatre, and staffed by Friends of the School volunteers.
The shop is stocked with uniform and sports kit at very reasonable prices.
We accept cash and cards and all money raised goes to the school.
Donations of uniform and sportswear are always gratefully received. Please drop them into donation box by the West Gate entrance off Rickmansworth Road.
Family Draw - how to play
Family Draw
We run a Family Draw where, for just £25 per year, you could be in with a chance to win a cash prize.
25% of the income raised is given as prizes and the remaining 75% is donated to the school to benefit all the pupils at WBGS.
For more information and to enter the draw, please download the Family Draw leaflet here:
How the Friends of School is set-up and managed
The Friends of WBGS is the School's parent association. It operates independently from the School with its own executive committee.
The official name is: The Friends of Watford Boys Grammar School and it is a registered charity number: 1073843.
The Friends are supported by the School's External Relations Coordinator Miss Donna Connolly.
The Friends exist to support the social development of the School's community whilst fundraising to provide additional educational opportunities for the students of Watford Grammar School for Boys.
For more information visit the Friends of School website:
https://www.friendsofwbgs.org/aboutus
