When a boy secures a place at Queen Elizabeth's, his parents automatically gain membership of ‘the Friends’ or FQE.
FQE has been in existence for many years, but in recent years it has clarified its mission. It is much more than a fundraising group. Firstly, it serves to assist new parents in ensuring their sons are happy and quickly become fully integrated members of the QE community. In addition, FQE facilitates social relationships, primarily between the boys, but families also get to meet and form friendships through FQE events. FQE also serves the needs of boys currently at QE by raising funds which support the requirements and aspirations of the School, enriching the educational experience it provides.
The Friends, through their efforts made possible the enclosure of the original (1935) swimming pool, but in more recent years they have enabled the investment of substantial funds into the development of a new Music block, computer facilities, a building to house the Sixth Form and improvements to the Fern building, including new Science laboratories and exhibition space for the Art department. September 2006 saw the opening of a new eight lane swimming pool and a multi-purpose hall is under construction.
Organisation of FQE
The work of FQE is coordinated by an Executive Committee, which is made up of representatives from each of the sub-committees, members of staff (including the Headmaster), the School Captain and a representative from the Old Elizabethans. This committee meets twice each term.
The Annual General Meeting takes place in November of each year and all parents are cordially invited. This is of particular interest to new parents as it provides an opportunity to see the many facilities already funded by FQE.
Opportunities to get involved
All parents are encouraged to get involved. FQE has an established system of parent representatives from each Form Class to enable comprehensive networking. Reps make contact with a small identified group of fellow parents to inform them of events and encourage their participation. In addition, FQE also needs individuals who are happy to contribute as part of a specialist team that organise events or carry out specific functions within the School.
| The Founder’s Day Fete forms part of the School’s annual Founder’s day and is the most significant event in the FQE calendar. The third Saturday in June each year sees Staplyton Field transformed into a vibrant and colourful fete ground with numerous stalls. This event requires considerable organisation and a sub-committee meets throughout the year to ensure that the day goes smoothly. |
| The Ball and Spring Social Event each have a sub-committee to ensure smooth organisation. The Spring Event has over the last few years been organised and anchored by Year 7 parents. |
| Second Hand School Uniform is collected and sold in the School. This takes place several times each term and again at the summer fete. Volunteers are needed to organise and run this very worthwhile service. |
| Cateringis required at a number of events during the year. This can range from the provision of tea and coffee at a parents’ consultation evening to serving a buffet at a School event. A large team of people is therefore required and their work is co-ordinated by a team leader. |
| Work experience is required for boys in Years 11 and 12 who are encouraged to undertake placements in fields related to their envisaged career paths. Any parent who can facilitate a placement should contact Mrs Mason at the School. |
| The School Library benefits from a rota of parent helpers. Duties include general assistance with administration and some supervision of boys during library opening times. Other duties include checking books in and out and maintaining borrowing records. A team of 12 operates over the week with a rota arranged to suit the individuals involved. |
For further information about FQE, please contact Diane Mason at the School on 020 8441 4646 or dmason@qebarnet.co.uk
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