The Parents’ Association of St Columb’s College / Friends of St. Columb’s primarily exists as a means of communication between parents, children and the school.  It also provides a useful forum where issues of concern to teenagers and parents can be addressed including an opportunity for input into some of our school’s policies (for example the updating of our Positive Behaviour Management Policy) and surveys.  The Parents’ Association also organises social occasions for pupils and parents.  These include quizzes, information evenings and fund raising events. 

The committee met monthly (and sometimes more often) to deal with a variety of issues as they arose and planned for activities to raise funds and increase the profile of the Association. Among a range of highly successful events that took place over the last year was the Christmas Fayre, and being involved in the school’s Day of Sport - adding an element of fun to the day. This year the Association helped organised a 5km run in memory of Caolán McCrossan who died of cancer aged just 13, to raise money for CLIC Sargent - the charity that supported him and his family during his treatment. In November the Association organised an Information Evening for parents of all pupils on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This included presentations from the PSNI and DIVERT followed by a Question and Answer session. The Association also helped to organised and / or facilitate candles for the Valedictory Mass and a Grandparents’ Day, as well as, helping to fund over 20 pupils from St. Columb’s going on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes as helpers.

In their continued efforts to increase membership the Association held recruitment drives at the Year 8 Parents’ Evening, Year 8 Grandparents’ Day and Year 8 Service of Commitment. These activities resulted in a slight increase in the attendance at meetings, and a number of additional parents indicated that they would like to be kept informed about the Association’s activities and would like to get involved.

Funds raised have gone towards individual pupils, and in some instances, groups of pupils who attended events where they represented the school. Examples include STEM club, educational visits and running a debating competition. Pupils must be engaged in a school related activity to be eligible for consideration for funding.

The Association takes this opportunity to welcome our new Year 8 parents and again thank those who contributed to our Association in any way in the past.  If you would like to become involved in the Association, please contact the school by email, phone or letter.

The Association and the Principal would also like to thank all those parents and pupils who contributed in any way in the past year to make the Parents’ Association a success.