The Friends Association

The Friends Association

The Friends of St John’s School Digswell is an active and committed Association run by a fantastic group of parents and teachers. Our primary aim is to raise money for things that boost our children’s learning and improve the school environment. In the past we have provided new Google Chromebooks, playground equipment, part of the ongoing library refurbishment, library books and landscaping work around the school grounds.

We have a full calendar of events running through the year: big events such as the Christmas and summer fairs and fireworks night; and smaller-scale cake sales, onesie nights for the children and socials for parents.

We rely on support from parents, guardians and families - not just attending events and making cakes, but manning stands at our fairs, pitching in with garden work, donating unwanted clothing and toys, and suggesting new ideas.

There are also loads of people working behind the scenes to organise events, find new ways of fundraising, design flyers, promote our activities, and more. Whatever your superpower, we can probably use it!

All parents and guardians of pupils at the school are members of the association, with a small number of elected officers serving as the committee.

The aims of the association as set out in our constitution are:

  1. To advance the education of the pupils of the School by providing and assisting in the provision of the facilities for education at the School.  (Over and above that normally provided by the Local Authority).
  2. Foster more extended relationships between the Staff and Parents and others associated with the School.
  3. Provide occasional social functions to promote good fellowship between members and children.
  4. Engage in activities which support the School and raise money towards the cost of education.

As well as organising fun events for children and parents, we also organise presents for the children to purchase for their parents, carers, siblings etc for Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  This teaches children how to ‘shop’ and gives the recipient a nice surprise as all presents are wrapped for the children.

Over the years the Friends Association have raised funds to provide the school with funding for:

  • Sensory Playground
  • Library 
  • iPads for the children's use
  • Science Workshops
  • School dining table

Meet the committee:

Our Committee for the 2025-2026 Academic Year are:

Committee Member Role Name
Chairperson Kelly Butler
Vice-Chairperson

Deborah Rawles-England

Judith Chamberlain
Treasurer Lisa Pettiford
Secretary Karen Byer

We are still looking for additional committee members, particularly those willing to help with the planning and running of events. If you are able to offer your time, even occasionally, we would be delighted to hear from you.


Class Reps

The role of Class Reps is to strengthen communication between the committee and parents in each year group.

The following parents have kindly agreed to take on this role:

  • Nursery: Roshni Bharij


  • Reception: Natalie Burnett and Nicola Pattison

  • Year 1: Fiona Hetherington and Sara Box-Hashem

  • Year 2: Claire Dixon and Chantelle Newman

  • Year 3: Kelly Butler and Lauren Bowman

  • Year 4: Jo Jamieson and Lisa Robson

  • Year 5: Lee Pocha and Natalie Burnett

  • Year 6: Sarah Dolton and Roshni Bharij


Fundraising and expenditure:

Event Total raised:
On-going events  
School lottery ticket sales and winnings donated to school (up to 01/09/25) TBC
Events taken place:  
Christmas Fair and Raffle £1,966.50
Disco TBC
Wonka Bars TBC
Quiz night £1300
Tesco Grant £1000
Anonymous Donations £1000
Fireworks £2200
Total raised £7,466.50

Friends Expenses and Contributions provided to the school:

Donations for 2025/2026: Amount Received
Science workshops £898.80
Dining Table £1326.38
Sensory Playground £10,000
Fridge £334.00
Total Paid £12,559.18

Make A Donation

As a registered charity, we welcome donations including cash, raffle prizes, or items for our tombolas.

Please contact us if you would like to make a donation.

Help The Committee

We are always looking for parents and carers who can offer a little of their time to help in the following ways:

  • Planning events
  • Setting up or running events
  • Providing contacts who may sponsor events or donate raffle prizes
  • Attending meetings to offer fresh ideas
  • Present wrapping
  • Many employers offer charity matching schemes – parents may wish to check with their employer to see if this is available. 

Other Ways To Support Us

  • Join our School Lottery – open to families, friends, neighbours, and colleagues.
  • Love shopping? Each time you shop via Easyfundraising , you can help raise donations for our school by selecting us as your charity.
  • Tell your family and friends too.
School Lottery
Easy Fundraising