Better Late..

Finally proofed the PTA wall and pocket calendars. Very late this year! I’m sure we’ll be getting loads of complaints! Well, better late then never, and I can only manage so much!

“Enjoying” Retirement

So – I did say I’ve retired as PTA President right? I may have lost that title, but my other title as “PTA Serf” still firmly applies. I’m in the thick of getting the PTA on track for the start of the new school year. Putting the school calendar together and updating the PTA brochure have been all I’ve been doing all day/night. I’m still not done! I’ve got to figure a way out of this. I truly commiserate with Sisyphus!

Awards

I was again overwhelmed at the annual Academic Awards Night at the High School. It was astounding just listening to all the accolades and accomplishments earned by so many talented kids. One of the top graduates is a captain of three varsity sports, participates in debate and oratory competitions, has a 4.2 GPA and is going to Princeton! I presented 6 senior scholarships on behalf of PTA – my last time doing so! Sarah was quite clearly scoping out the awards to see which ones she could vie for. I took her to her first awards ceremony 4 years ago. It’s amazing to think she’ll might have the chance to be an award winner in the next few years.

The Last One

Yesterday was an SAS/PTA day that started at 9 and ended 12 hours later. I was a little emotional at my last PTA’s board meeting as President. I return to the board next year but in a much reduced capacity and will cut myself much more slack. It’s been 33 board meetings, 3 general meetings and 3 AGMs, and that’s just in the lat 3 years. I’m more than a little relieved. I’ve thoroughly appreciated my experience, but am also very ready to step back. I am very grateful for the wonderful sentiments that have been expressed by many on my “retirement”. My executive committee surprised me with a lovely lunch at the Fullerton Bay Hotel after the board meeting. I’m still receiving cards, notes and emails. I am very lucky to have had so many friends make my experience so positive.

The Journey’s End

I’ve been cracking my head trying to come up with a little gift for each person on PTA’s board. It’s tradition for the President to present a small token of appreciation to each board member at the end of the year.
I like tying the gift in to an appropriate sentiment.. But I was for a long while at a complete lost for this year’s gift.
I finally found what I think is an appropriate souvenir today. I’m writing each board member a note, and in it I’ll write about my journey as a volunteer, and how my PTA friends have been integral to my positive experience. I’ll also wish them many happy journeys ahead, and tie it all \ together with the latest issue of National Georgraphic Traveler. It has a feature on “50 Tours of a Lifetime”, and is (I hope) a good magazine to start the summer holiday with.
I love buying gifts – but the annual PTA board gifts are always a challenge. I’m so pleased with this year’s effort.
Now to get all 30 notes written (I’ve only done 5). A handwritten note is so much nicer, but I’m guessing 30 will take a toll! Well – this is the last time, and I’m feeling super mushy.

Susan’s Retirement

A few friends and I put together a “retirement party” for Susan, who served as PTA President for 3 years before me, and then as Booster President for the last three years. Her youngest child is graduating this year. Susan has been a stalwart PTA volunteer and a wonderful source of support for me. I’ll miss her.

Undone

Yesterday was the first time I “wobbled” while giving a speech. It was my last AGM as PTA President, and I was more than a little overwhelmed by the little presentation that our Superintendent made by way of a thank you to me for being PTA’s bossiest Mom for the last 3 years. I was quite undone by the time he got through his very kind speech. My friends were amused that they heard a quiver in my voice and witnessed a couple of tears. I guess I don’t normally present well as warm and human? It must be this Tiger Mom / Desperate Housewife thing I have going! Guess it’s a good thing that I demonstrated that I was capable of feelings? It was a lovely morning and I am very glad to have volunteered for the last few years. I’ve gotten more out of it than I expected.

PTA Staff Appreciation Day 2011

Yesterday took a lot out of me, but I enjoyed the spectacle and festivities of PTA’s annual Staff Appreciation Day. We fed about 800 people, and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the tremendous array of food… there were of course a few “catfights” among the volunteers to referee… it is after all the PTA!

Shared DNA

Tomorrow is Staff Appreciation Day at the Singapore American School. The PTA will turn out in full force to provide breakfast, lunch and tea for all administrators, faculty and staff at the school – a total of 800 people! The day starts at 6.30am and ends at 4pm. I’m more than a little relieved that this will be my last year as part of the organizing team. The kids get in on the action too. This year, all the kids in Sophie’s class have decorated apple cut outs for their teachers. Joe and I were marveling at the nice work effort Sophie put in on Mr Kimzey’s apple. She drew all the kids in her class including her teacher and his teaching aide. When I complimented her on how perfectly spaced each figure was, she said: “Well I have your DNA, right?” Incorrigible (but very cutely so!).

Final Approach

We’ve found a new PTA President! It took a while, but our current VP finally said yes. I’m glad. We start planning for the next year while I try my best to make the transition as smooth as possible. Phew – I was getting quite nervous. I’ll try to enjoy the remaining month and a half….and it looks like it won’t be a clean break anyway. I’ll probably stay on the board as Parliamentarian – yes, I’m still clutching on to “power” ; )