Tá Cumann na dTuismitheoirí, Cairde, mar bhall do Chumann na dTuismitheoirí Náisiúnta Éirinn. Roghnaíodh baill nua don Chumann i nDeireadh Fómhair 2022. Seo a leanas na baill.   

Cairde - Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann is a member of the National Parents Council of Ireland. The current Committee were elected in October 2022. 

Cathaoirleach / Chairperson: Jen McPherson                    Leas Chathaoirligh / Vice Chairperson: Arlene Cahill

Rúnaí / Secretary: Caitriona Cody                                    Leas Rúnaí / Vice Secretary: Rachel Crowley Duane 

Cisteoir/ Treasurer: Aisling Kangataran                            Leas Chisteoir / Vice Treasurer: Laura O'Donovan    

 

                                                                  Litir ó Chairde / A letter from Cairde

Dear Parents/ Guardians

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce “Cairde”, particularly to the parents that are new to Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann. “Cairde” directly translates as “friends” and indeed this is the core of what we as a group are to the school. We are the parents association and our ambition and purpose are to support the school community; the teachers, staff, parents and of course the children. Cairde is a group of parents/guardians who volunteer their time to benefit the school community. 

Cairde is governed by The National Parents Council of which we are members. For more information see the National Parents Council website which is a fantastic resource with tips and webinars on an extensive array of topics on supporting children through their primary education years. 

The Parent Association (Cairde) is the structure through which parents/guardians in a school can work together for the best possible education for their children.

 The Education Act, of 1998 sets down the role of the parent association.

• The Parent Association works with the principal, staff and the board of management to build effective partnerships between 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.
• Parent Associations can suggest and/or organise extra-curricular activities.
• The Parent Association is a support for parents in the school.
• The Parent Association can invite speakers to address the parents on topical or relevant issues.

On a local level, the structure is very simple. Each class has a class rep elected by the class; as such, this person is the liaison between the parents and Cairde. This person manages the class Whatsapp group and cascades information to that group on topics associated with Cairde e.g. Cairde fundraising events, class-related topics etc. This is a wonderful forum for information. It is managed with strict guidelines from the NPC to benefit all involved. Inclusion in the class Whatsapp group is entirely voluntary. 

Cairde meets in the halla, on a monthly basis, usually on the second Monday of each month. All are welcome and encouraged to attend to stay informed about initiatives and to contribute ideas. A member of the school In-school Leadership Team is usually in attendance and gives a comprehensive update on topics such as school activities, improvements and requests for help from Cairde either in the form of funding or volunteers to help run events. It is a friendly, easy-going meeting and is a lovely forum to get to meet and know other parents enhancing a sense of community spirit. 

Cairde regularly fundraises throughout the year to benefit our school and enrich our students' experiences. It is important to note that our school does not ask for voluntary contributions. Instead, Cairde's efforts play a crucial role in supporting various school events and projects. 

Cairde's recent contributions have made a substantial impact on our school community, including:      

• Funding exciting events like "The Big Dig", where every student engaged in archaeological exploration and teamwork.
• Funding buses for swimming lessons for students in Rang 3-6, ensuring their participating in this important life skill.
• Organising and funding memorable parties and events celebrating milestones such as Communion, Confirmation, Graduations, Grandparents day etc.
• Funding a bus for the 6th class school tour, enabling our Rang 6 students to explore new places and expand their knowledge outside the classroom.
• Promoting healthy eating habits by hosting two Fruit Days
• Contributing €3,000 towards the new sensory garden space for all. 

All the monies were raised through fundraising events managed by Cairde with the help and support of the entire parent body.

We would like to invite you to embrace the concept of Cairde. We will attend the information evening at the beginning of September to provide teas, coffee and a welcoming chat. This will be followed immediately by the Cairde meeting which you are more than welcome to attend. 

Together we can achieve greatness. 

Go raibh maith agaibh