The Education Act 1998 established the legal framework for schools to conduct the business of managing the school in a spirit of partnership. This is outlined as a partnership between school, patrons, students, parent, teachers and other school staff, the community served by the school and stare.
Newtown Association provides an effective parental representative organisation working to support the school and to provide parents with an open channel of communication between parents and school management.
The objectives of Newtown Association are:
- To provide opportunities for Members to meet socially and to exchange views
- To provide occasions where Members may hear talks and discuss the development and educational programme of Newtown School, and keep abreast of wider educational matters
- To support and assist the management of the school in developing its facilities and activities
- To provide parental support by fulfilling the functions of a Parents association
The Committee
The Committee of Newtown Association consists of up to 15 members elected by the Annual General Meeting and the Principal (ex officio). Of these, at least 4 members shall be involved in the day to day running of the schools and at least 8 shall be parents of present students at Newtown School. Members may serve for up to 3 years and shall not be eligible for re-election for a period of one year from the date of retirement.
The Newtown Association organises the process for the nomination of 2 Parents to the Board of Management.
Current Members of the Newtown Association Committee are:
- Chairperson James Eogan
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Mark Keller
- Nuala Lennon
- Susan Mulligan
- Dearbhaill Ivin
- Georgie Kenisel
- Annie Madden
Newtown Association work voluntarily to help current students to take part in numerous activities, trips and other student related events, within and outside of the school. It also aims to provide alternative projects that will benefit the students such as the purchase of a polytunnel and an honesty library, to name just two.
Newtown Association also organises talks for parents and guardians about twice a year. These talks allow parent and guardians to meet and hear speakers discuss issues and topics that are relevant and current to them and their student children.
Any suggestions for talks, ideas to improve the enjoyment of students at the school and offers of help to make their educational and extra-curricular activities to be a positive experience are warmly welcomed.
Newtown Association organise a Country Market each year to coincide with Sports Day. This is largely funded by much appreciated donations to various stalls including cakes, plants, home produce, books and white elephant. All funds raised are used to support current students at the school.
Get in touch to get involved.