Mission Statement
The purpose of the parents’ association shall be to provide a structure through which the parents / guardians of children attending St Patrick’s National School, Ballinamuck can work together for the best possible education for their children. The Parents’ Association Committee shall work with the students, principal, teachers, and board of management to build an effective partnership between home and school.
Our Parents Association
Our latest AGM was held on the 22nd of October 2024 and the following committee was formed.
Chairperson – Aisling Mc Loughlin
Secretary – Aisling Donnelly
Treasurer – Teresa Mc Nally
Class Reps:
Junior infants & Senior infants – Yvonne Donaghy
First and Second class – Orla O’ Hara
Third and Fourth class – Aisling McLoughlin
Fifth and Sixth class -Olive Donnelly
What is a Parents Association?
- The parents’ association is the structure through which the parents/guardians in a school can work together for the best possible education for their children.
- All parents/guardians of children in the school are members of the association with a number of parents being elected to a committee.
- The parent association works with the principal, staff and the board of management to build effective partnership between home and school.
- Educational research on the involvement of parents in schools shows that children achieve better outcomes when parents and teachers work together.
What does a Parents Association do?
- As per the Education Act 1998 “A parents’ association shall promote the interests of the students in a school in co-operation with the board, Principal, teachers and students of a school and for that purpose may advise the Principal or the board on any matter relating to the school and the Principal or board, as the case may be, shall have regard to any such advice”.
- The parent association should work in partnership with the Principal and teachers in the development and review of school policies such as the anti-bullying policy, code of behaviour etc.
- Parent associations can suggest and/or organise extra-curricular activities with the agreement of the Board of Management, such as dancing classes, sports activities, social events etc.
Some activities that our Parents’ Association are involved in:
- Easter egg hunt for Junior and Senior Infants
- An Easter egg for every student in the school
- Fundraising for activities in the school.
- Christmas card project
- First Holy Communion cake.
- Graduation cake for 6th class
- The parent association is a support for parents in the school.
- The parent association can invite speakers to address the parents on issues, which are topical or relevant.