Castleknock Community College Parents’ Association  is exactly that:  the association of parents and guardians of  students of Castleknock Community College.

The Parents Association has, since its inception in 1995, worked closely with the college management as a vital link between the college and the parents* of students.

It is open to all parents and guardians – so that means you!

The main aims of the Parents’ Association are:

• to represent the views of parents*
• to inform parents of developments in the school and in the wider area of education
• to foster co-operation between parents, teachers and school management.
• to arrange talks of interest for parents throughout the academic year
• to raise funds for the benefit of the school

*denotes parents/guardians.

In other words we are a link between the management of the school and parents.  Following this year’s AGM, our committee was elected as follows:

Carol Pitcher – Chairperson

Eithne McNeela – Secretary

Gerardine Collins – Treasurer

Our Association is friendly, informal, and productive.  We hold monthly meetings in the school which are open to all parents. These meetings usually take place at 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month of the School Year. Becoming involved in the Parents Association is an excellent way for you to play an active role in your child’s education and personal growth at CCC.

Each month parents come along to generate discussion, bring up ideas, and/or address matters relating to the school. Issues such as books and uniforms are raised on a regular basis, and new topics are brought up as the school year evolves. The fact that the principal or one of his colleagues is at the meeting often means that queries are answered instantly, which allows us to act upon ideas promptly.

You are probably aware of the fantastic work of the Plant Sale committee, and their annual event which raises thousands of Euros for the school.  Among the areas to benefit have been the Computer Room, CCTV Security System, Learning Support Department and the Prefect and Mentoring Programmes. We have also been fundamental in financing the maintenance and upgrading of the School Bus. Other projects are instigated by the PA, such as talks by experts regarding teenagers, parenting courses, study techniques etc.  Another worthwhile and rewarding service that the parents give to the school entails working with the Learning Support Department at exam time and offering the expertise of our parents to students in senior cycle by assisting the Guidance Department with Mock Interviews. Both these projects are invaluable to the students

Other ideas planned for the near future include small social get-togethers to enable parents to meet other parents in their sons/daughters year group.  We also aim to encourage greater involvement of parents in extra curricular activities.

Over the years, kind parents have helped out with various activities in a number of ways including assisting in supervising students at a sporting or leisure event, providing transport, coaching a team, and so on – a big thank you to all of them.  This help is invaluable to the school, but there is room for more!  You don’t need to have any sporting ability to become involved, a willingness to help is all that is required.  So don’t leave it to someone else to sign up  If you can help out, complete the contact slip or email us with your contact details and availability as soon as possible – pa@castleknockcc.ie . One hour of your time may be all that’s needed.

The PA is compiling an updated parent contact list which enables efficient text/email communication with all parents.

 If you have not registered to date, please complete the form and return it via our “Suggestion Box” in the foyer of the main school entrance. We will also use your email address to send you our Newsletters which will keep you informed of the PA’s activities.  Email is a superb means of communication and is less costly than posting Newsletters.  Perhaps you would like to use your own sons/daughters dedicated CCC email address if you do not have one of your own.

The importance of school to the education of our children is immense and parental/guardian involvement should not stop at the school gate. Remember this is YOUR Parents’ Association.  We look forward to meeting you at our next meeting.

Carol Pitcher

Chairperson

We invite you to join in the Parents’ Associations endeavours to make our children’s experience at CCC as enriching and rewarding as possible.  Please  return your contact details via email -  pa@castleknockcc.ie  and let us know how you would like to help 

Contact Details Form

CCC Parents Association Christmas 2011 Newsletter

We also acknowledge and thank the following (2011) sponsors whose contributions were much appreciated: