The Parent Association is the structure through which parents/guardians in a school can work together for the best possible education for their children. Educational research on the involvement of parents in schools shows that children achieve higher levels when parents and teachers work together. The role of the parent’s association is set down in the Education Act 1998 as follows:

A parents’ association shall promote the interests of the students in a school in co-operation with the board, principal, teachers and students.

The Parent Association works with the principal, staff and the board of management to build effective partnership of home and school. The Parent Association may organise many activities such as inviting speakers to address the parents on issues which are topical or relevant.

Parent Association activities should all assist the association to achieve its two main roles within the school:

• To work in partnership with the Principal, Board of Management and the whole school community for the betterment of the children in the school
• To support and empower parents to be active in the best interests of their children’s educational lives

The Parent Association is not a forum for complaint against either an individual staff member or parent. The Complaints Procedure is the mechanism for this. The Complaints Procedure can be found here.