National Parents Association To Hold Annual Conference In Roscrea   You are in · RoscreaOnline · Community · Features

A major National Conference organised by the Parents Association for Vocational Schools and Community Colleges will take place in Racket Hall Hotel on the weekend of 11th, 12th and 13th March.

This is the first time that this National Conference has been hosted in North Tipperary and motions before the Conference include transport, The National Psychological Services, Home School Liaison, Oral Examinations and Suspension within the Educational System. There will also be keynote addresses on the important subjects of suicide as an issue for parents and discipline in schools. This is the 20th Annual Conference and parents from the 26 counties are expected to attend. The theme of the conference is Major Issues and Concerns for Parents and local parents are asked to make a very special effort to attend, as are teachers or anyone interested in education and helping young people.

Front Row L/R: Rose Tully (Development Officer National Parents Association), Anne Fahy (Vec Representative & Colaiste Phobal Ros Cr) Breda Carroll (Secreatary Colaiste Phobal Rosc Cr Parents Association), Eddie Colfer (President Of The natioan parents Association), Jim Feely (Chairman Of Colaiste Phobal Parents Association & Ass Secretary Of The Natioanl Parents Association), & Kevin Ryan (Chairman Of North Tipperary Community Scheme). Back Row: Mary Maloney (St Josephs College, Newport), Angela Hickey (St Josephs College Newport), Mary O'Malley (St Josephs College Newport), Joe Kennedy (Treasurer Of The National Parents Association), Kathleen Flanagan ( Colaiste Phobal Ros Cr), Kathleen Fitzgerald (National Parents Association) & Evelyn Wall (Colaiste Phobal Ros Cr)

The Conference will get underway on Friday evening with an opening address by Mr. Jim Feeley, Chairman of the local organising committee and, at 9p.m. there will be an address by Ms. Olwyn Enright, T.D. On Saturday there will be an address by Mr. Michael Moriarty, General Secretary of the IVEA, followed by an address by President, Mr. Eddie Colfer. The afternoon session on Saturday features workshops on Suicide and Discipline in Schools followed by an Open Forum, which will allow general participation and exchange of views. On Saturday night there will be the Conference Banquet, with tickets (30) available at the door and music provided by Carmel Minogue. Speaking at a Press Briefing on Sunday evening last, Mr. Eddie Colfer, President of the N.P.A.V.S.C.C., emphasised that parents should take the opportunity to attend this Conference to learn first hand what the up to date situation is regarding all aspects of the education of their children. He said that many of the issues that need to be tackled for the benefit of pupils require people power to move them along to successful conclusions. He also gave details of two schemes that have been adopted in Wexford for the benefit of students and suggested that similar schemes would be successful across the country. One is the Senior Cycle Apprenticeship Support Programme, which encourages students who may wish to leave school prior to their Leaving Certificate to stay in the system and complete their Senior Cycle while, at the same time commence a well-structured, well-supported and guided pre-apprenticeship in their chosen trade or craft. The other is the Meithel Programme to combat bullying and provide a support system for young students or those experiencing problems from within the student body.

These and other such schemes from around the country will be discussed at the Conference and, at 30 to register for the Friday and Saturday sessions, the diversity of subjects to be covered and the opportunity for parents to put their views forward will be well worth the cost. The congress fee includes lunch, tea/coffee as well as access to all sessions of congress on the 12th of March. This fee also includes all congress material. Further information is available by contacting Rose Tully Development Officer on 086 2608073 or for accommodation booking please contact Belinda McSpadden on (0505)21748.