We are now the very proud occupants of a brand new School building.  I'm pretty sure that most parents are extremely proud and happy that the long awaited building is now up and fully functional.  We owe a considerable debt of appreciation to all those parents who campaigned tirelessly over the years to make this happen.   A very close look aat the plans for the building will show that the actual structure conforms to the architects drawings and so we got the school we wanted!!

It is very important for us to distinguish between a School and a School Building in the same way that we differentiate between a "house" and a "home".  A school is the collective efforts of the Principal, Teachers, Board of Management, Parents and Pupils.  We are fortunate that in St Cronan's the parents are actively encouraged to become involved in the academic and social aspects of their son's education.   As parents, we have to choose whether we are going to be Consumers of the educational system, or   Contributors.   The teachers can provide all of the necessary information needed by the pupils, but the difference really is in how we provide the opportunities for our children to practice these skills and test these theories.
This is where the PARENTS ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE comes in--we endeavour to create opportunities for the  students in the realm of art, music, science, language, sport and games. The  exposure to the many aspects of creativity will help them develop some of their latent abilities and awaken within them their spirit of discovery.

How do we provide these opportunities for the boys? Well, it is in a number of ways--sometimes it  is purely financial to cover the cost of providing expertise (see article later in this issue re. The current fundraising for Football Coaching), other times we donate our own expertise (the Schools Website, for example, was created and managed by Mr John Chambers, a parent), and sometimes we use our influence to involve other people we know (the Corporate Golf Classic, for example, which will be featured next month).  The aim of the school is to instil in each and every boy that he is  an individual , with his own particular set of skills and abilities and that he is as much entitled to success as anyone else. Well, the same is true of parents, each one of us has something to give-- no matter how insignificant we feel that that contribution might be. 
We ask ALL parents to take the opportunity to help the School to grow--whether this is by supporting the fund-raising events or by offering your time to the School--it is all gratefully received.  Overleaf  is the structure of the Parents Activity Committee, and attached is an information sheet to help us to help you, the parents  by organising  Information Evenings on the various topics listed.  Please spare a couple of minutes to fill in and return  -  even if you are not interested!!!