Parents Association
In order for any school to function effectively for the benefit of its students it needs to work in partnership with parents. Research has shown that if students are to achieve their potential in school there needs to be a team-based approach towards their education. Thus it is important that schools recognise the important input that parents can make.
The role of our Parents' Council is to:
- Provide support to the Principal and teachers
- Act as a contact point between parents and school
- Help with fundraising activities
The Parents' Council meets once a month with two staff members and the Principal to discuss school related issues and to organise events. The Council's Constitution is available here.
The meeting dates for the 2024-2025 school year are:
- Wednesday 25th September 2024
- Wednesday 23rd October 2024 (AGM)
- Wednesday 27th November 2024
- Wednesday 8th January 2025
- Wednesday 26th February 2025
- Wednesday 26th March 2025
- Wednesday 30th April 2025
The meetings begin at 8pm and are a blend of face-to-face and online meetings.
The Committee
The Parents' Council consists of a Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary who are elected at the AGM in October. In addition, there are members who attend the meetings and help with ongoing projects. We would be delighted to hear your suggestions for fundraising or to welcome you as a committee member. If you wish to make contact with the parents' council, please email parentsassociation@taylorshill.ie.
The Dominican College Parents' Council is a very active body that provides a high level of support to the school. Some of the activities carried out by the Parents' Council include:
- Student Personal Insurance - this is organised each year by the Parents' Council.
- Organising the Annual Debs Ball - the parents organise and run the Debs Ball thus taking a lot of stress off the shoulders of 6th Year students while they are preparing for their exams, but also ensuring that the event runs smoothly and is well monitored.
- School Policies - school policies specify how the school will operate in a variety of areas. Currently, a number of school policies are under review. The Parents' Council has an input into these policies and thus how the school will operate for the benefit of their children.
- Monthly Meetings - during which parental issues or concerns can be discussed with the school management and at which the Principal will give the parents a report on the running of the school.
- Supporting Activities - the members of the council provide valuable back-up for the school during the year.
Parental involvement in the school benefits students, parents, and the school itself:
- Pupils achieve more when their parents are involved in their education. Their concerns can be resolved more quickly when their parents have a positive relationship with the school.
- Parents benefit from being able to express their views and knowing that they are able to make a difference. They also benefit from meeting and working with others in a setting in which they feel comfortable and from the advice and guidance the school and other parents are able to give them in supporting their children with their learning.
- Schools gain a better understanding of the views and needs of parents and how they might be able to address them. They are better able to take advantage of the time, ideas, and skills that parents have to offer.
We would encourage as many parents to become involved in the Parents' Council as possible - it is for the benefit of your children and it sends a signal to them that their education is important to you. Please contact the school for more information.
Below are some useful links where you can get information about topics relevant to you and your daughter e.g. exams, parenting issues, career guidance, and CAO.
- www.education.ie
- www.cao.ie
- www.skool.ie Advice on school life, subjects, study skills etc.
- www.examinations.ie An official website that contains the curriculum, past papers, and exam marking schemes
- www.qualifax.ie A website for college courses in Ireland and elsewhere
- www.bbc.co.uk/parenting
- www.spunout.ie Website for teens