Home School Association - A Brief History

On the 5th February 1973 the then Principal of Manor House, Sr Margaret, invited a small group of parents to a meeting on Thursday 15th February at 8 pm in the Convent. The purpose of this meeting was to set up a steering committee to examine how best to involve parents meaningfully in the life of the school.

At this time the need for parental involvement in schools was also recognised by the Church. A meeting was held in Colaiste Mhuire on 30th April to which all schools in the Dublin Diocese were invited. 99 out of 138 schools sent representatives to this meeting. A further meeting was held in June at which representatives expressed the wish to support the schools, not only in financial matters but also in other issues. A committee was set up to give guidelines to individual schools about the setting up of such committees.

The eventual outcome of these moves for Manor House was the Home School Association. Records in the school note that the first Annual General Meeting of this Association took place on Wednesday 20th October 1976. A look at the report of the work of the Association in 1976 shows clearly the wide variety of activities taking place and the important role played by the parents.

Some examples

• Practice Interviews arranged for 6th year students.
• Two editions of a school magazine The Link were produced.
• The Social Committee started five activities, namely Badminton, Bridge, Debating, Hiking and Table Tennis.
• The Tennis Club concluded a very successful season with an American Tournament.

The Home School Association continues its valuable role today. Parents interested in becoming involved should attend the AGM of the Association which takes place in October every year.