Parents’ Association

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

On Tuesday 22nd November at 7.30 p.m., Brian Wall spoke about how parents can work with teenagers around the topic of substance use and misuse.  The main focus was on setting clear ground rules and on good adult-teenager communication. The workshop was very well atttended by parents of 1st and 2nd year pupils.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

The School now has two uniform suppliers.  Mister Price (formerly Tommy’s Happy Events) in the town centre continues to stock Hartstown uniforms. A second supplier is Kaideen and Co. Ltd.
They also sell online.  Parents can access the online shop at the following link schooluniformsdirect. The jumpers from both suppliers are made in Ireland.

THE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION

We have an active Parents’ Association, which meets about six times a year.  All parents and guardians are members of the association.Through the association, parents have a voice on the school Board of Management, have a say in the formation of school policies, raise issues of concern and support the school in many practical ways.  The association has liased with the uniform supplier to improve the quality of the uniform, has helped with the school musicals and sports days, introduced a weatherproof school jacket and worked with the staff to reactivate the Open Day. 
Members of the PA meet once a year with representatives from the Student Council.  Parents played an active role in our recent Whole School Evaluation.
One area of policy which has recently been reviewed relates to homework. The Parents’ Association has worked with the staff to develop a parent-friendly, clear homework policy that allows parents to monitor their children’s work.  It is current policy that teachers allow time in every class for students to note their homework in the journal. Parents for their part, have contracted to sign the journals at least once a week (at Senior Cycle too). It is the best way to monitor your child’s progress.
An issue of concern which we are currently investigating is the weight of schoolbags. 

HOW TO CONTACT US

The exact date and time of the next meeting will be posted on the web site. If you are intersted in taking part, in helping or supporting the association in any way please come along to the meeting or contact Mr.Bean at the school.  The association is affiliated to the recognised body PACCS.For more information on PACCS you might like to visit their website at http://www.paccs.ie.