Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Ballinasloe.

The parents association in any school is the structure where the parents can work together for the best possible education for their children. The parents association works with the principal, staff and the board of management to build effective partnership between the home and the school. This is a very important relationship because with positive and active partnership the child gets the best that primary education can offer. Educational research on the involvement of parents in schools shows that children can achieve higher levels when parents and teachers work together.

The Parents Association can advise the principal and Board of Management on policy issues and incidents that may require a review of school policy e.g. Behaviour Problems.

Parents Associations can also suggest and/or organise extra curricular activities.The Parent Association is also a support for parents in the school.

The Parents Association in Scoil an Chroí Naofa meet once a month to discuss issues that arise, to get feedback on topics previously discussed and to discuss fundraising ideas for the school. They also wish to ensure that their children are in a safe and happy environment. They are here to help out in any way they can, for example, they provide refreshments for parents and children on the night of the 6^th class graduation, they collect at the door on the night of school plays and are responsible for organising spot prizes on these nights.

In the past the Parents Association was responsible for the pedestrian crossing between the two schools and is presently working on making it even safer. They have been in contact with the Council in Ballinasloe regarding parental concerns about the new parking bay and have been informed that a reasonable and pragmatic approach will be adopted in the morning and again at collection time in the afternoon.

If any parent has any queries or concerns they would like highlighted they can approach any member of the committee. Any input on fundraising ideas is always greatly appreciated and can be done by contacting one of the Parents Association members.

The following people are the present members of the committee: Denis Larkin(Chairperson), Anne Deely( Secretary), Michelle Kelly, Martina Dolan, Noel Clinton, Nora Dowd and Ellen Guinan.