Parent Association Officers for 2023/2024
Chairperson: Clare Whelan
Secretary: Jacqueline Oglesby
Treasurer: Ger McLoughlin
Please get in touch with us to find out more about the work we do and how to get involved. If you don't know us, the school Home School Community Liaison offer, Beth Cooney (hscl@cbscarlow.net) will pass on our contact details.
The Parent's Association was again involved in the running our our annual Golf Classic last year. The event took place in Carlow Golf Club on Friday 24th May 2024. It is part of a major fundraising drive for our school development fund. The funds from this event will be used directly to help with the construction costs of a much-needed AstroTurf pitch on the school campus to complement our new school build. The new building will be funded by the Department of Education but does not include provisions for a school pitch, which we must self-fund. We had some wonderful weather for last years event, see some of the highlights here. (Thanks to former student Jack Shannon-Nolan for his help with the video)
Educational research on the involvement of parents in schools shows that children achieve higher levels when parents and teachers work together.
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 main aims of the Parent Association are:
1. To promote and foster co-operation between home and school.
2. To act in an advisory and consultative capacity in relation to the school.
3. To promote the educational and welfare interests of the students.
In working with the principal, staff and the board of management, effective partnership between home and school is enhanced.The contribution of parents to St. Mary's Academy CBS is immense and we have been very fortunate that so many parents have come forward to work on behalf of the parent body to to improve the educational experience for all our students. The current chairperson is Clare Whelan and she alongside the many members of the association has continued the magnificent contributions of her predecessors.
There are so many areas for you to be involved in -
→ The Parent Association can advise the principal and Board of Management on policy issues that may require a review e.g. Bullying, Safety, Homework, Enrolment, etc
→ Can suggest and/or organise extra-curricular activities
→ Is a support for parents in the school
→ Can invite speakers to address the parents on issues which are topical or relevant
→ Assists with our annual Career's Fair
New members are always welcome, and we urge you join us in your son's educational journey.