Our new Op Shop
Exciting News
The Loch Primary School is to open an Opportunity Shop in the former ‘Quilters Barn’ outbuilding in Bigelow Lane this coming spring.
The Op Shop will be fondly named after local identity Mrs. Roma Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins formally ran a Community Op Shop in the adjoining property until she was over 80 years old. During her lifetime Mrs. Jenkins worked and contributed enormously to the Loch community. Through the Op Shop she raised substantial amounts of money which she donated, often anonymously, to many local community groups including Loch Primary. Her death in 2017 was felt by the entire community.
The Loch Primary School ‘Roma’s Op Shop’, has been conceived to raise additional funds for Loch Primary School in response to the growing enrolments experienced during the past few years. Monies raised by the Op Shop will go towards larger projects to support the infrastructure, resources and wellbeing of our students.” confirmed Ms. King “We are incredibly proud to be carrying on Roma’s amazing work.”
Since joining the school four years ago Principal Tracey King, has fostered substantial growth taking enrolments from approximately 76 to 120 students. Due to this increase in numbers the school will benefit from the funds raised to undertake several improvements including upgrades to the existing playground, and gymnasium shed and building of covered walkways.
With Roma in mind, the Loch Primary School Op Shop will donate a percentage of the net proceeds back to other local community groups. Local groups will be invited to put forward their funding requirements annually for review and approval by the School Council and the Student Representative Council.
“This process will encourage students to think of our local community in a new way. They will be involved in making decisions beyond their own personal needs for a greater cause and will actively contribute to the lives of people in our community,” stated Ms King.
Facilitator of the project and local merchant Shareena Boyd spoke with much enthusiasm “We are very excited to be working with Loch Primary School. Op Shops’ are a great resource for small communities. They offer more than goods for sale and revenue - they offer hospitality, build community and practice social inclusion.”
With the location for the new Op-Shop having been finalised, the Primary School said it will now need the support of the community through donations of funds and equipment to help get the shop up and running.
‘Roma’s Op-Shop’ will mostly sell clothing, personal items, bric-a-brac, household goods (not electrical) and small furniture. Larger furniture items will unfortunately not be accepted due to size and handling constraints.
The school is asking for donations of quality second-hand goods including clothing, toys, books, bric-a-brac, linen, small furniture and homewares. Cash donations or sponsorships from local businesses to help with the set-up of the shop will also be greatly appreciated.
The Primary School is also seeking individuals willing to volunteer their time to assist with the day-to-day operations of ‘Roma’s Op-Shop’. The three hour shifts will be undertaken in groups of two so why not buddy up with a friend and help the shop to provide a safe, welcoming location for locals and visitors alike.
If you are able to help in any way please do not hesitate to contact the school office on 56594254.
Loch Primary School asks the Loch community to get behind this venture and support the opening of Roma’s Op Shop.