Hey everyone, So, tonight is the Friends of XP Trust’s fundraiser “Fashion Show!”
I figured my Friday evening would be better spent helping raise cash for our kids than munching chocs & binging Netflix or Prime (for a change), so I’ve volunteered to help the guys at FXP and do you know what? I’m so glad I did. In the run up to the event they’ve worked so hard to try and draw folk in & it’s not easy, let me tell you! They’re honestly lovely people, obviously all with their own personal commitments like work/kids/health/ general family stuff like us all, but they put in constant effort to try and meet their crews pledges for our pupils.
Did you know each child at XP & XP East has the opportunity to fulfil their D of E for example? For Freeeeee!!! What an amazing experience for all our kids! Made better by the fact that as parents/carers we don’t have to worry about the cost. FXP actually pay for every child’s E-book which is something necessary for them to have in order to undertake & fulfil their expedition, which is approx £2000 a year alone! That’s a lot of tea and donuts!! Thanks FXP! 
The school provides music opportunities for our kids too, not just during lesson time. When XP first opened a few years ago there were the basic instruments etc, but as the cohort has grown, obviously the need for equipment has too and just last year, FXP provided two full practice drum kits & amps for our kids to learn and let off creative steam with – awesome! I couldn’t reel it all off but I know they’ve ran regular book drives to help fill the school libraries, provided tablets, boosted equipment when needed, topped up trip fees when unexpected shortfalls occur and in general just try to help where they can. Above all, they do their very best to support every single students Pol/Col/parent event each term, often with extremely short notice & sadly, very few volunteers.
Now, back to tonight. FXP need us. Any profit raised this evening will make a substantial difference to the crews coffers and their ability to support even more pupils this year. Ladies, girls, whether you’re mum, Nan, sister, Aunt, bff, neighbour, colleague or even staff…I know there are loads of factors that could prevent you from taking part, childcare, work, previous commitments, halfway to payday, that serious tempting final episode of your fave series (Highlander 
) etc etc, honestly, we get it, no one expects for you to be there, but if you do have the funds and time available, PLEASE consider getting together & coming along for a couple of hours for a giggle and a catchup! There’s absolutely no need to purchase anything once there if you don’t want to, just showing your support by buying a ticket (£5) & turning up will be ridiculously appreciated, however there will be drinks, snacks, raffle & of course the clothing itself on offer. I’ve been told it’s a fun night for those that go… I’m looking forward to my first one & happy to be able to say I’ve helped raise the funds which will support my daughter & her peers in their learning expeditions. Even if you can’t make it tonight, remember that’s ok, but please don’t forget that all family/friends of our pupils are automatically part of the FXP crew & as such, you are always welcome to go along to the meetings, or make contact to discuss upcoming events. It’s genuinely such a small group that are regularly working their socks off for the many & it’s not always about putting your hand in your pocket (although every 50p cookie genuinely helps!). Just turning up counts. They’d absolutely love to hear any ideas you have and could always do with help setting up/putting away etc. (Home bakes and donated cakes are apparently particularly well received 
). Unfortunately, not every senior school has a ‘PTA ‘or a ‘Friends of’ to rally round when needs must… but then again, not every senior school is an XP Trust environment & boy, are we the lucky ones!
If you made it to the end of this mammoth post, well done haha, thank you for reading my shoutout this sunshiny morning! Enjoy your weekends, take care and hopefully we’ll see you soon!
And to all of our parents/carers/staff regularly giving up their free time, energy, skills, etc to continue supporting our wonderful learners, alongside their educational pursuits… you’re honestly fab. Just saying.
Sincerest Thank yous xx