Parents Association
Parents’ Association – Ballycar National School
Our Parents’ Association is a wonderful part of life here at Ballycar National School! Made up of enthusiastic parents and guardians, the association works tirelessly to support our school and make it an even better place for our children to learn, play, and grow.
Fun Fundraising Events
The Parents’ Association brings great fun and community spirit to everything they do. Some of their fantastic fundraising events include:
- The Annual Duck Race – a much-loved local tradition full of excitement!
- Ballycar Recipe Book – filled with favourite family recipes from our school community.
- Christmas Carol Singing – spreading festive cheer while raising funds for school projects.
- School Calendar – featuring pupils’ artwork and important school dates.
A special mention goes to the Tractor, Truck and Vintage Car Run, a wonderful community event organised for the sole benefit of Ballycar National School. This event played a huge role in helping us reach our incredible fundraising goal.
Supporting Our Astro Turf Project
Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of the Parents’ Association and the generosity of our school community, Ballycar National School has reached its target of €75,000 towards the development of our all-weather astro turf pitch! This is a huge achievement that will benefit pupils for many years to come, providing a fantastic space for sport, play, and outdoor learning – rain or shine!
How the Funds Help
In addition to the astro turf project, funds raised by the Parents’ Association have supported so many wonderful initiatives and treats for our pupils, including:
- Gymnastics, Yoga, and Zumba sessions promoting fun and fitness.
- Music Generation Programme bringing the joy of music to our classrooms.
- New enrolment sign to welcome families to our school.
- Board games and P.E. equipment for active learning and play.
- Ice cream on school tours – always a highlight of the year!
- The Christmas cinema trip.
- Easter eggs for every child at Easter time.
- Spot prizes for the Student Council Raffle, encouraging participation and school spirit.
- Goalposts to make playtime and sports even more enjoyable.
- 6th class graduation gifts.
These special extras bring so much fun and enrichment to daily school life – encouraging creativity, wellbeing, and friendship.
Workshops
Sharing talents and knowledge, our Parents’ Association also helps to make learning exciting by inviting parents to share their skills and experiences with the children. Workshops and talks over the years have included:
- Insights from a paramedic and a firefighter.
- Presentations for Engineer’s Week.
- Grief and bereavement awareness.
- First Holy Communion hymn practice.
- Musical instrument demonstrations
- Internet Safety – pupil and parent workshops.
- Heritage Ireland workshop.
- Mosaic Art workshop.
- Christmas Carol singing.
- Offered their professional services in drawing up plans for the astro turf.
- Provides baked goods for the school council bake sale.
These contributions bring learning to life and show our pupils the power of community and shared knowledge.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to our Parents’ Association for their incredible hard work, creativity, and commitment – and to all the families, friends, and community members who continue to support their efforts. Together, we’re making Ballycar National School a happier, healthier, and more exciting place for our children.
A Few Words of Thanks
“We are so grateful to our Parents’ Association and the wider Ballycar community for their dedication and generosity. Their energy and teamwork make such a difference to the life of our school. The new astro turf is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when everyone works together.”
- Mary Warren, Principal
“It’s amazing what can be achieved through teamwork, community spirit, and a shared goal. We’re so proud of the support shown by families, friends, and neighbours in helping us reach our astro turf target. Ballycar National School truly has a special community as its heart.”
- Parents’ Association Committee
Parents’ Association Committee
The Parents’ Association Committee meets regularly throughout the school year to plan events, discuss new ideas, and support school initiatives. We’re so thankful to all members – past and present – for giving their time and energy so generously.
Committee Members 2024-2025
- Chairperson: Áine Galvin
- Vice-Chairperson: Caroline Monaghan
- Secretary: Fiona Ó Brien Maxwell
- Treasurer: Claire Ryan
New members are always welcome! If you’d like to get involved or help out at an event, please contact the Parents’ Association committee members. They would love to hear from you.
