Parents' Council

Welcome to Castleisland Community College’s Parents’ Council!

Whether your child has just joined Castleisland Community College, or been a student at the school for a few years, we look forward to welcoming you to our next meeting.

What is the purpose of the Parents’ Council?

The Parents’ Council (PC) in a school works with the principal, staff and board of management to build effective co-operation and partnership between home and school. The PC is an important voice for parents and guardians, enabling them to work with the school and enhance educational development and opportunities for their children. The work of the PC is based on integrity and trust between families, teachers and the school, for the benefit of everyone.

The role of the PC is set down in the Education Act 1998 as follows:

“A parents’ council shall promote the interests of the students in a school in cooperation with the board, principal, teachers and students”.

What does the Parents’ Council at Castleisland Community College do?

The Education Act also sets out two broad tasks for a Parents’ Council, which are:

• To advise the Principal or the Board on matters relating to the school, and
• To adopt a programme of activities which will promote the involvement of parents in the school’s operation, in consultation with the principal.

The Parents’ Council can:

• suggest and organise extra-curricular activities
• invite speakers to address parents/guardians on issues which are topical or relevant, such as on digital use, health or well-being
• provide support and organisational input to major school events
• play a key role in policy formation, channelling parents’ views on school policy issues to the Principal/Board
• fundraise for the development of school facilities or resources – the specific purpose of the fundraising is agreed with school management
• provide support for the teachers and school management in the running of the school
• contribute to the school newsletter

Please note that the Parents’ Council is not a forum for complaints against an individual teacher or parent. The Complaints Procedure is the mechanism for this.

The school encourages new parents/guardians of students in the school to join the PC to meet other parents, get to know the teachers and staff and be part of the school community.

How often are PC meetings held?

Meetings are held regularly throughout the school year, roughly 1-2 times a term in the evenings. The Principal invites all parents/guardians by text a couple of weeks beforehand and all parents/guardians of the school are welcome to attend any meeting.

The school Principal attends for the first half hour of every meeting to update parents on what’s been happening in the school (such as sporting achievements, competitions) and any upcoming proposals and changes, e.g. curriculum, school building, staff, etc.

Meetings are relaxed, interesting and informative, and each parent’s input is appreciated and valued. They provide a space where parents can feel comfortable and free to discuss ideas, share information, plan activities and take any decisions necessary.

Please feel free to contact any of the committee with suggestions or ideas.

Parents' Council Members 2025-2026