Griffith Barracks Multi-Denominational Parents Association
Griffith Barracks MDS has a dynamic school community and an active Parents Association (PA), where parents and staff representatives collaborate and work together which can offer a more enriched educational experience for the children in the school.
The PA fosters a strong sense of community among parents and students by organising school events and gatherings, which can help families connect and build relationships.
The Parent Association at GBMDS works with the principal, Eddie Fox, teachers, staff and the board of management to build effective partnership between home and school. The PA is a great way to get involved in the school and to enhance our children's broader education.
The Role of the Parents Association
The common functions and role of a Parents Association within the school are:
- To work in partnership with the Principal, Board of Management and the whole school community for the betterment of the children in the school.
- To help facilitate communication and engagement between parents, teachers and school staff.
- The PA serves as a platform for parents to share information and resources related to education and extracurricular activities.
- To support and empower parents to be active in the best interests of their children’s educational lives.
- To advise the Principal and Board of Management on educational resources and review school policy changes e.g. Safety, Homework and Enrolment etc.
- Planning for the future and developing a vision for the Parent Association
- To establish clear long term goals and objectives and how the annual program aligns with the PA’s mission, vision and values.
Committee Members
The committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting,along with other volunteer executives to which all parents/guardians of children in the school are invited. The roles consist of the following:
- Chair and co-chair, (Dual role)
- Secretary and co-Secretary, (Dual role)
- Treasurer
Parent Association Meetings
Parents Association Meetings are held once a month to suggest and/or organise extra-curricular activities, upcoming events and fairs within the school. Meeting dates and zoom details are published via the School Newsletter. All parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings. If you wish to request a copy of the previous meetings. Please contact the PA directly at pa@griffithbarracks.ie
Class Representative System
Each class has two class representatives – these are parents of two of the children in each class. Typically, they act as a contact point for the class teacher, the school and the PA to the wider group of class parents to let them know of class / school activities and news. To find out who your child’s class rep is, please contact the office. For guidelines on the use of the class WhatApp groups click here
Parents Association Volunteer Form
We know from educational research that: Children do better, behave better and are happier at school when parents and teachers work closely together and when parents are able to give their children support at home Teachers can do a better job when they are supported by and work closely with parents. The relationship between home and school is important because with positive and active partnership the child gets the best that primary education can offer.
All parents and guardians are automatically members of the PA and are encouraged to get involved. If you’re keen on taking on a position within the Parents Association or if you are willing to contribute your time to help with any of the upcoming events, please let us know by filling in the PA Volunteer Form accessible through the provided link. Parents Association Volunteering Form
Parents Association Fundraising Form
During the course of the year, the Parents Association helps organise events to raise money for the school. Funds can be used to support various school programs, purchase educational materials, equipment, or fund special projects that benefit the children. The nature and planned use of the funds raised is specified in advance of and during each event.If you have any creative fundraising suggestions that you’d like to contribute to the Parents Association, we eagerly welcome your input. Please spare a few moments to share your ideas by assessing the Fundraising Form through the provided link. Parents Association Fundraising Forms
Contact Details
Parents Association pa@griffithbarracks.ie
After School Committee gbmdsaftershool@gmail.com
School Office office@griffithbarracks.ie