Parent’s 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 Parents Association is committed to facilitating communication among parents, the school, the Board of Management, and the broader community, to enhance the school experience for the students, teachers and families, and to further the mission and goals of St. Bernadette’s Senior Primary School.

Our Parents Association is the structure through which parents can work with our school for the best possible education and school environment for our children. It is proven that partnership between the home and school is important, to ensure your child gets the best their education can provide.

The goals of your Parents Association are:

To further the objectives of the school, through the active involvement of parents
To provide a forum to inform and consult parents regarding school policy, plans and activities, and to communicate parents’ views on issues
To foster good relationships with parents, the Principal and teachers, and the Board of Management
To help with the provision of equipment and teaching aids through fund raising

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. Bullying, Safety, Homework, Enrolment, Behaviour problems etc.
Inputting parent views as part of the school’s policy forming process.
Parent Associations can suggest and/or organise extra-curricular activities.
Organising fundraising events to raise money for improved facilities and equipment for the school.
Purchasing new equipment for the school.
The Parent Association is a support for parents in the school.a
Sharing skills that parents have (e.g. giving talks and demonstrations about their professions, skills or talents, sharing musical or sporting talent etc)
The Parent Association can invite speakers to address the parents on issues which are topical or relevant.

Playing a part in some way – no matter how small – is such a help and can be very rewarding for parents. It is a nice way to meet other parents, find out about what is going on in the school, input your views and suggestions and have an active role in the school community.