Parents’ Association 2020-2021

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There is a long tradition of parental involvement in St Patrick’s N.S.  A strong sense of community brings parents and teachers together to provide a fulfilling and supportive learning environment for the children.  While fundraising is an essential role of the Parents’ Association, the emphasis is always on the social aspects of the various events to encourage participation from all the families.

Supporting our School

The Parents Association are involved in many aspects of school life including;

• advising the principal and Board of Management on policy issues and incidents that may require a review of school policy, e.g. Bullying, Safety, Homework, Enrolment, Behaviour problems etc.
• suggesting and/or organising extra-curricular activities.
• supporting the Principal and staff in offering a broad and balanced education to all children
• inviting speakers to address the parents on issues which are topical or relevant. .

Together with the teachers, the parents also promote initiatives such as the Healthy Eating Policy.  We concentrate on keeping such initiatives fun for the children by holding picnics, smoothie days and international food days.

Supporting our Parents

Another important aspect of the Parents’ Association is our membership of the National Parents’ Council.  Through this, we are able to offer educational talks, such as Internet Safety Awareness.

Fundraising

Like many schools we suffer a shortfall between our Capitation grant and the running costs of the school. The Parents’ Association actively fundraises to assist with this shortfall and to provide additional resources for our pupils.

• The annual Sponsored Walk is a great family occasion which takes place early in the school year, giving everyone the opportunity to catch up after the summer or in the case of new families, the chance to get to know the teachers, other parents and children.
• The Christmas Fair takes place in early December and again, the focus is on family and community involvement.  There is always great excitement when Santa arrives to open the fair before everyone convenes in the hall to enjoy the home baking, crafts and kiddies’ corner.
• For racing enthusiasts in the community, we have held a Race Night in the past.  This year we changed direction with a highly successful Table Quiz.
• The final fundraising event of the year is the Golf Classic, in the picturesque Glencullen Golf Club.
• A number of small fundraisers including raffles, Copper Trails and cake sales take place throughout the year, raising money for both the school and external charitable organisations.

All funds raised go towards enhancing the educational experience for the children.  Thanks to the generosity of parents the school was able to buy interactive white boards for all of our classrooms over the last four years. We have also benefited from free gymnastic classes for all children. This money also facilitates us in providing free transport to school tours and events.

Complaints

The Parent Association is not a forum for complaint against either an individual teacher or parent. The Complaints Procedure is the mechanism for this. Please see the parent section of the website for an outline of this procedure.

Committee Members

The Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary and other Committee Members are elected at the A.G.M. which is held in September each year. All parents are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Chairperson:

Secretary:

Treasurer: 

PA Committee Member: 

PA Committee Member: 

PA Committee Member: 

PA Committee Member: 

PA Committee Member: 

PA Committee Member: