What is the Parents Association?

The Scoil Maelruain Junior Parents’ Association is made up of all parents/guardians in the school and works to improve every child’s learning experience in our school. The association is a wonderful way for parents/guardians to get involved in school life. Scoil Maelruain is proud to have an active Parents’ Association Committee of elected parents/guardians which meets regularly.

Our mission is to work with all parents/guardians towards the best possible education for our children. With the help of volunteers, the association

– supports the school through fundraising

– promotes active parental involvement in the children’s education.

“Educational research on the involvement of parents in schools shows that children achieve better outcomes when parents and teachers work together.” (National Parents Council)

Our activities include:

• Organising fundraising efforts such as Bake Sales, Christmas cards, Bingo/Quiz Nights and Readathons
• School library 
• Helping to host the annual Communion Reception
• Organising expert speakers to give talk to parents on various subjects
• Support to Parents such a Coffee Mornings, SEN Support Group and a Book Club
• The association is also involved in the review of school policies.

Members of the committee make themselves available to parents/guardians at school coffee mornings to answer queries and gather feedback.

How do I get involved?

The PA are always looking for volunteers and parents/guardians can help in a number of ways such as; 

Volunteers

The Parents Association cannot run without the fantastic parents/guardians who volunteer their time to support the various PA activities that take place throughout the year. Some of the activities that we have had volunteers supporting with:

• Christmas card design
• School library 
• Teddy bear Picnic 
• Santa Visit 
• Bingo/Quiz Nights
• Bake Sales
• Communion Reception 

We know everyone is busy with work, after school activities and life in general so any time that parents/guardians can give is fantastic and highly appreciated. Some activities, not all (e.g., School Library) will need volunteers to be Garda Vetted. This is a simple and straightforward process, and forms can be collected from Valerie in the school. 

Class Representatives

The Class Representative is primarily a communication link between parents/guardians and the PA Committee. The Class Representative will communicate information from the PA Committee and should ensure that suggestions, ideas, issues, and concerns received from parents/guardians are relayed to the PA Committee. We use class WhatsApp groups to communicate information, and we ask all parents to refer to the PA WhatsApp Guidelines V1 September 2024 when using class WhatsApp groups. 

How to contact us?

Would you like to help as a volunteer? Do you have a great idea? Are you a subject matter expert who could give a talk to parents? Please email us at scoilmaelruainjnrpa@gmail.com 

We look forward to your contribution and to welcoming you to any of our activities. Join us to make Scoil Maelruain the best it can be for our children!

Additional Information & Support

The National Parents Council (NPC) is an excellent resource to you as a parent. The NPC website contains a wealth of information and free online training courses and can be found at www.npc.ie They also provide a helpline which is a confidential service for parents. The Helpline officers listen and give information and support to parents to help them make the best possible decisions for and with their children. The Helpline can be contacted from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday by phone 01 8874477 or email helpline@npc.ie 

For more information about the role of the Parents’ Association, go to www.npc.ie and check out the information leaflet “What is a Parent Association?”