Midleton College Parent Teacher Association
Annual General Meeting 27/09/2011 Chairperson’s Address
Midleton College Parent Teacher Association provides the structure through which parents/guardians and teachers of pupils attending Midleton College can work together for the best possible education for every student in the College and for the welfare of the entire school community. We do this by working in partnership to encourage and support social and other activities among members and by promoting the involvement of teachers and parents in all aspects of school life which support pupils, parents and staff. All parents/guardians and teachers are members of Midleton College PTA while they have a child at the College or are teaching at the College.
Midleton College Parent Teacher Association has recently been described by the Principal as active and dynamic. And indeed, over the past year the Association has gone from strength to strength. The range of activities and involvement in the College has expanded considerably. Last year it included:
• Scott Evans of E-Safety to speak to us about internet safety for our children.
• Book Swap Night – €350 worth of books were purchased by committee members for use by the College pupils.
• PTA hosted A COMPASS interactive meeting at the College.
• Phil O’Flynn, youth worker and Counsellor spoke to us about communicating with your teenager.
• mulled wine reception following College Carol Service.
• coffee afternoon/cake sale raised €1,000 for learning support software.
• updating PTA constitution.
• study skills seminars for parents by Student Enrichment Services.
• Meeting with Inspectorate as part of the Whole School Evaluation “Management, Leadership and Learning”. Survey of 2nd and 5th form parents revealed that just over 93% of them are aware of the work of the PTA. DES Inspector spoke of a “real sense of partnership” and that the PTA “is effective and seen to be effective”.
• 5th year careers day .
The committee meets at least once a month to organise and manage the work of the PTA, and I would like to sincerely thank Chris Baker, Bernadette Browne, Mandy Devlin, Catriona Hassey, Finbarr Lehane, June Johnston, Catriona Murphy, Carole Robinson, Andre Tibshraeney, Simon Thompson, and our very hard-working secretary Tracy Wardell, along with the many parents outside the committee for giving so generously of their time. I welcome the new committee and look forward to working through another very full calendar of events with you.
The importance of parents’ involvement in their children’s education continues to be highlighted through educational research. Children do better in school when parents are involved as education partners. They have better attendance rates and higher rates of achievement, increased motivation and better self-esteem. No pupil should leave Midleton College without knowing that parents here care, that they support the school and are willing to share in the responsibilities of educating their children. When children see their parents come to the school regularly and get involved in their children’s education, it reinforces the view in their minds that home and school are connected and that school is an integral part of the whole family’s life.
Bronwen Braun Lynch
Chairperson
Midleton College PTA 2011
Parent Teacher Association
Midleton College has a very active parent teacher association. A committee comprising eight parents, three teachers and the principal (ex-officio) is elected every October at the AGM.
This committee meets once a month throughout the academic year, to discuss what is happening in the College, areas where we can be of support, and to organize various social and educational and fundraising events. Additional meetings may be held prior to specific events. Many parents, also, although not on the committee, give of their time and expertise when needed.
Our aims are to promote the welfare of the school and its pupils, to facilitate communication and co-operation among parents and between parents, staff, Board of management and Governors. Midleton College Parent Teacher Association sees itself as having a supportive role in the school. Equally, the Parent Teacher Association is fully supported by the College. Funds are made available at the beginning of each year (a nominal amount per child from school fees).
We enjoy the co-operation and involvement of teaching as well as of housekeeping staff for various events and are assisted by College secretarial staff when necessary.
We also participate in COMPASS (Co-operation of Minority Religions & Protestant Parent Association –post primary), the body representing minority religious groups on the National Parents Council- post primary, and have a representative on the COMPASS committee.
Midleton College Parent Teacher Association Committee 2011:
Mrs. Bronwen Lynch (Chariperson), Mrs. Bernie Browne (Treasurer), Mrs. Tracey Wardle (Secretary), Mr. Finbar Lehane, Mrs. Mandy Devlin, Mrs. Norah Irwin, Mrs. Liz Deane, Mrs. Grainne Keating, Mr. Chris Baker, Ms. Mariel Twomey, Mr. Simon Thompson
Feedback from parents is always welcome. Contact numbers for committee members are available in the MCPTA Newsletter, Spring Issue, or from the College office.
Parent Members Contact List 2011 – 2012
Contact Parent Teacher Assoc
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