How do I get involved in my child's school?
International research has shown that when parents are involved in their child's educational life, their children achieve better outcomes through their school years.
Most schools have a parents association (PA) which is the formal way parents can get involved in their child's school. The parents association may organise social activities for parents and children and these can be an excellent way to get to know other parents and find out more about the school. The PA may also organise extra curricular activities such as drama or music lessons after school for the children. Some PA s will organise book rental schemes, or second hand book schemes which are of benefit to all parents. They often host celebration parties for the first communion or confirmation. The Parent Association is the group who will be consulted with regard to the development and review of school polices such as anti bullying policy, code of behaviour etc. They may also organise activities to raise funds for the school.
The N.P.C. helps parents and organised groups of parents which are called parents associations have a voice in schools about things that matter to them and their children.
"When parents, children and schools work together, children get the best from their time in school. "
The Parent Association is not a forum for complaint against either an individual teacher or parent.
The Complaints Procedure is the mechanism for this - see the N.P.C (National Parents Council) website for detail on the complaints procedure. (www.npc.ie)