Dear Parents,
We are looking for new volunteers to join our Parents Association for 2023. As some of our current members are stepping down after a very industrious year, we are looking to reinvigorate our PA this term for the coming academic year. I want to thank everyone on the current committee for their commitment and hard work in supporting our school to fundraise and buy much needed resources for the children as well as inputting with policy development.
If you have some free time and you would like to get involved in the parental involvement in our school to benefit your child and our school community, please come along to our AGM on the 8th June.
Please see Agenda below.
19.45- 19.50 Welcome CC & SK
19.50- 20.00 Minutes of last AGM 27th April 2022
20.00- 20.05 Chairpersons Report SK
20.05- 20.10 Financial Report NN
20.10- 20.15 Principal Address CC
20.15-20.30 Election of New Parents Association Committee
20.30-20.35 Meeting Close
A new PA Committee will be elected at the meeting, which includes:-
Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Committee Members
Please see link below outlining the roles & responsibilities of each role (pages 21 & 23-25).
https://www.npc.ie/images/uploads/downloads/WorkingEffectively.PDF
To help you make up your mind about the Parents Association and the role it has in a school, please visit https://www.npc.ie/primary/parents-associations
So why get involved? What is the Role of the Parents Association?
The Parent Association is the structure through which parents/guardians in a school can work together for the best possible education for their children. The Education Act, 1998 sets down the role of the parent association. The Parent Association works with the Principal, Staff and the Board of Management to build effective partnership of home and school. Educational research on the involvement of parents in schools shows that children achieve higher levels when parents and teachers work together. The Parent Association can advise the Principal and Board of Management on policy issues and incidents that may require a review of school policy, e.g. Anti-Bullying, Mobile Phones, Child Safeguarding, Safety, Homework, Behaviour Policy etc.
Parent Associations can suggest and/or organise extra-curricular activities. They are a support for parents in the school. They invite speakers to address the parents on issues which are topical or relevant. The PA is not a forum for complaint against either an individual teacher or parent. The Parental Complaints Procedure is the mechanism for this (available on the school website). The National Parents Council has a publication called “Working Effectively as a Parents Association” available for download at https://www.npc.ie/images/uploads/downloads/WorkingEffectively.PDF
The National Parents Council offers training for new parent associations on the role and functions of a Parent Association and if you decide to get involved with our new PA training can be arranged.
So come on board and make a difference in your child’s primary school. With your skills and help, we can make this school even better. Also it will be a great opportunity to help us help you and get to know more people.
We look forward to meeting you on the night. If everyone takes one step to help us at Scoil Bhríde, it will benefit everyone in the community and most importantly, your children.
Together Everyone Achieves More.
We look forward to welcoming you all.
Míle Buíochas,
Mrs. Colleran, Principal &
Parents Association Committee
