In accordance with section 26 of the Education Act 1998, the parents of students of a recognised school may establish, and maintain from among their number, a parents’ association for that school and membership of that association shall be open to all parents of students of that school.

Fundraising

A parents’ association is entitled to raise funds for the administration and activities of the association. They shall consult with the board about any fund-raising for the school or school projects. The approval of the board is needed prior to these funds being raised. The expenditure of these funds is by the board of management in consultation with the parents’ association.

All monies raised or generated for an agreed project for the school should, as soon as is practicable, be lodged to the school account. Any funds raised must be used for the purpose(s) for which the money was collected. If in exceptional circumstances, it becomes unnecessary for the board to use all of the funds collected for the purpose specified, the board will communicate this to the parents’ association and where appropriate, the local community. In any event the funds must be used for the school.

The board in consultation with the parents’ association committee will decide the change of purpose for which the funds are used.

Parents' association ideas include fundraisers like bake sales, raffles, and sponsored walks, social events such as parents' nights, cultural days, and book fairs, and educational activities like guest speakers on parenting topics and school handbooks for new families. The association can also provide community support, assist with school events, and act as a link between parents and school administration on policy matters. 

While all parents of pupils of a school are members of the parents’ association, the majority do not need to be involved in the day-to-day activities of the association. Usually, the parents’ association will elect a committee who manage the responsibilities of the parent association on behalf of all the parents. The size and formation of the committee is usually determined by the size of the school and the number of activities to be undertaken.

Last year thanks to the Parents’ Association in St. Earnan’s we were able to subsidise the students’ school tour, have LEGO workshops and some treats for the students at Christmas and Easter. Meetings are typically held in the evening time in the school and all parents are welcome to attend and be on the committee if they would like. As St. Earnan’s is a small school it is very beneficial to have a Parents’ Association to raise money for extra curricular activities that benefit the students.

Our fundraising was a huge success in the 2024/2025 school term, and we hope to raise even more money this term to put towards the school. Any parents’ wishing to get involved this year are encouraged to attend the meetings which will be held, the details of which will be communicated through the school.