BLACKROCK COLLEGE PARENTS ASSOCIATION (2009/2010)


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Dear Parents,

Why is the Parents Association important?

The problems we face in today’s society can seem daunting- increase in the availability of drugs, higher consumption of alcohol, increasing materialism and
increase in violence on our streets, an obsession with celebrity culture and the pressures some parents are under doesn’t help: financial worries, longer working hours and long commuting times, stress in relationships, competition and uncertainty about the future.
Even when we are working hard at the job of parenting it can sometimes be difficult to find the right balance.
Too much attention can smother a child’s development and prevent him from establishing an independent identity.

Too little and he will be insecure

Parents cannot raise children in isolation and no school should be asked nor should it take on the role of life formation on its own. It is a complex role involving personality, attitudes, ability, luck, parents, families, neighbours, teachers, peers and community.

This is why we need and look for the association of other parents. It can provide a wonderful support system to help us all navigate the challenges of our sons’ passage through adolescence.
In these days of online friendships and virtual reality it is all the more reason to build a strong partnership between school and home.

I believe that parents need to be secure that we still have a very powerful influence over our children’s lives. Even in these days when there are so many other forces competing with us for their attention. Parents need to be aware of their children’s growth and development and give them a strong sense of security in this time of great social change. Parents need to be able to champion their children…. They need to be assured that they have our love and support no matter what--- through whatever difficulties or trouble they encounter or stresses they may face.


This does not mean that we condone misbehaviour, breaking rules or low standards----But it does mean that we stand by them as they face the consequences of their actions, help them find a way through challenges, make amends and learn from their mistakes.


I have no doubt that we are all trying to be better parents, we hope to learn, to contribute to be reassured that whatever the challenges we face they are
not in surmountable… we are not alone in this task.


So how do we give tangible support to these ideals and implement our values and aims in our daily lives and in planning for our work as a Parents’ Association.

The Parents’ Association provides opportunities for parents to meet and discuss their concerns. Monthly lunches, annual year dinners, Family Masses, talks….. all afford parents occasions to meet the parents of their sons’ friends.
We produce a Newletter at Christmas and end of summer term to keep parents informed of our activities and air opinion on different subjects. We would very much like to hear your view and how we can keep these Newsletters relevant.
Maybe you would like to submit a short article on a subject, about which you feel strongly?

Some of the other initiatives, which we have begun:

1. Established a Parents section in the library: books on child development, parenting, education, drugs, and nutrition available free to borrow.

2. Examining career opportunities in Science, Technology and IT. We have two reports, which will be of interest to parents and pupils.
(1) What do UCD Science Graduates do and
(2) What Do UCD Engineering Graduates Do?
Both of these are available in the Parents’ Section in the
College Library.

3. A group of parents are working with school management on an IT advisory committee to help guide the College on maximising the great new facilities and allowing our children to use the best available tools in furthering their education.

4. We have established a sub-committee on under-age Drinking and Alcohol Abuse.


5. Grinds: are they worth it? an ESRI report, available in Parents’ Section in College Library.
6. Preparations for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the College. The Community and College are planning a series of celebrations and we will keep you informed as plans are finalised.

7. Parents input into the School Development Plan


8. Parenting Course: see separate section



In conclusion I would like to warmly thank Mr. Alan MacGinty for his continuing support, interest and energy. I would like to thank all of the Deans and teaching staff as well as the administrative, catering and security staff who accommodate our many requests with good humour and efficiency.

Thank you to all parents who serve on committees, organise events, participate
in fundraising and generally support the work of the Parents’ Association throughout the year.

The Parents’ Association belongs to all of us….



Parents’Association.
Blackrock College.