Parents Association (PA)

The Parents Association is made up from Parents of children attending the school.

The Education Act, 1998 sets down the role of the parents 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. Bullying, Safety, Homework, Enrolment, Behaviour problems etc.

Parents Associations can suggest and/or organise extra-curricular activities.

The Parents Association is a support for parents in the school.

The Parents Association can invite speakers to address the parents on issues which are topical or relevant.

The Parents Association is not a forum for complaint against either an individual teacher or parent. The Complaints Procedure is the mechanism for this.

Overall participation in the PA is less of an “Association” and more of a cordial “Parent group” where a range of matters can be discussed in a positive and relaxed environment. Participation in the PA is valuable, inclusive and rewarding with one Goal always- to make sure those days spent in St Mary’s Special School can be remembered by our children as the “some of the happiest days of our lives”!