Carrignafoy Community College,COBH, Co. Cork

The Parents Association is a very active group with all the members working together for the same reasons, that is to support our school going children and school staff where possible and to help improve conditions as requested. At the start of each year targets are set based on a list of requests presented by staff. We set about achieving these targets with fundraising activities. However, being a member of the Parents Associatin is not only about fundraising. It gives one the opportunity to be in direct contact witht the staff of the school as principal, Frank Donovan and Noreen McGrath, the home-school liaison officer are usually present at our meetings. On the open night the Parents Association are represented by means of a stand and each year we promote both the association and the school by means of a hand-out which documents our role in the school as well as forthcoming events. Being a member of the Parents Association also offers an opportunity to make new friends and meet with the parents of our children's friends. Iwould encourage parents and guardians to get involved in the Parents Association as it keeps you in touch with developments and gives you a voice in the school. We meet once a month for about an hour over a cup of tea.