At John McGlashan College, education extends well beyond the classroom. One of the strongest contributors to the life of the College is the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) - a group of parents who work together to support the school, the staff, and most importantly, our boys.
As Chair of the PFA, I often describe us simply as a group of parents who help through fundraising and community building. In reality, we are also event planners, raffle organisers, furniture movers, sausage-sizzlers, spreadsheet enthusiasts - and occasionally gentle reminders when volunteers are needed!
What Does the PFA Do?
The PFA exists to strengthen connection within the College community while raising funds that directly enhance student experiences. We meet once a month (usually the second Monday from February to November), and our meetings are friendly, relaxed, and efficient. They are a great way to meet other parents, learn more about the College, and contribute in a meaningful way - without a huge time commitment.
Our Fundraising Events
Each year, the PFA runs three major fundraising initiatives:
The John McGlashan College Fete – a much-loved highlight of the school calendar and a fantastic day for the whole community
The Annual Raffle – which has an impressive habit of appearing in kitchens, cars, and school bags across Dunedin!
The Southern Arthouse Tour – now in its third year, showcasing beautiful homes and artwork from around our region and quickly becoming a favourite local event
Where the Funds Go
The impact of these efforts is very real. Every year, the PFA holds four funding rounds where teachers, coaches, and staff can apply for support for initiatives outside core school funding. These have included:
Competition and activity trips
Sports uniforms and equipment
Books and learning resources
IT equipment
Learning-space furnishings
Cultural items such as piu piu for the Kapa Haka group
Each round distributes between $10,000 and $15,000, directly benefiting students and enriching their school experience.
In addition, the PFA commits to one major project annually. Past contributions include:
$150,000 over three years to support equipment for Te Anau Downs
$100,000 towards the new Year 7 playground, supporting active play, confidence, and connection — all essential parts of growing and learning
Why Parent Involvement Matters
None of this happens without parents. There are many ways to be involved, and every contribution counts. You might choose to:
Attend PFA meetings
Help organise events
Volunteer at a stall or fundraiser
Sell raffle tickets
Simply lend a hand on the day (coffee in hand is perfectly acceptable!)
Being part of the PFA is not only rewarding — it’s also a wonderful way to meet other parents, feel connected to the College, and know you are making a direct difference for the boys. Schools thrive because of communities, and parents are a vital part of that success.
Come Along and See What We’re About
We warmly invite all parents to join us at our next meeting:
Monday 9 March, 7.00pm, ELC, John McGlashan College
There is no pressure or obligation - just come along, meet the team, and get a feel for what we do. If you enjoy it, we would love to welcome you. And at the very least, you’ll meet other parents who are also occasionally puzzled by how a son can lose three uniform items in a single week!
We look forward to seeing some new faces soon and continuing to build the strong, supportive community that makes John McGlashan College such a special place.
Christine Nock
Chair, Parents & Friends Association
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