Conference 2006

Report of PACCS 22nd Annual Conference which was held in Roscrea on 3rd and 4th March, 2006.

Theme:    ‘Struggling with the Juggling.’

Humphrey O’Riordan, President opened Conference and introduced Michael Ryan, Tipperary Institute who addressed Conference on the pressures on parents and the problems encountered in juggling with family, home and work.

Minutes of Conference 2005 were presented.  They were proposed for adoption by Margaret Donohoe and seconded by Margaret Molloy.

John Murphy, Auditor then presented the Treasurer’s report.  He outlined aspects of this after which it was proposed for adoption by Sean Staunton and seconded by Eamonn Shannon.

The Secretary’s report was then given.

Roll call was taken.  Standing Orders were proposed for adoption by Eamonn Shannon and seconded by Ann Leamy.

Tellers were appointed.  John Murphy and Kay Herlihy would act as tellers for the duration of Conference.

Constitutional motions were taken as per our time table and all were carried.

This concluded the evening session.  A buffet followed.

Pat Murphy, PACCS Vice President opened the Saturday session by welcoming everyone to Roscrea. He asked that parents would realise that the way forward is in our hands and that each one has different skills which he would urge that we put to goof use.

Conference broke into three groups for workshops:-

Health Matters for teenagers – Kate Fahey – Rapateur - Margaret Moore
Parents’ Associations  in the Future – Priscilla Fitzpatrick – Rapateur - Sean Staunton
Tipperary Drugs Initiative – Tom Needham – Rapateur - Gretta O’Connor

Reports from the workshops were given in the afternoon.

The President, Humphrey O’Riordan, then gave his keynote address.  He welcomed everyone to conference and commented on how quickly time has passed since we were in Castlebar last year.

He thanked PACCS Executive and asked that they would join him on the podium.  He introduced everyone to the Conference delegates.

He referred to the influence that parents’ have on their children’s development and learning because as every parent knows the most critical stage of a child’s development and learning process begins when a child is born, long before they enter school.

He outlined a programme which is running in some schools called ‘Living Scenes’.  The idea of this is simple, retired people come into school to learn skills alongside transition year students.  There is a special bond between older and younger people.  One offers experience and wisdom and the other enthusiasm and expectation. Both have to deal with society’s perception of them.

He went on to speak of the loss of teacher contact time, the fact that we still do not have parents on all our Comprehensive schools, Student behaviour and disruptive students.

He congratulated Jim Jackman, on his election as President of NPCpp, who he said had already stamped his unique approach on NPCpp.

He concluded by saying that it is up to us to ensure that the parent’s voice will continue to be heard.

Roll call of the delegates attending the morning session was taken and motions were taken.

Prior to lunch Pat Herlihy spoke on Health and Safety issues in Schools and Sheila Parsons, President of A.S.T.I. addressed Conference on the importance of cop-operation of parents and teachers.

Conference broke for lunch after which Sean McCann, General Secretary, ACCS delivered the keynote address.

He outlined the rights and responsibilities of parents.  He said it was not important to remember all the facts but to know where to access them when needed.  He concluded by taking questions from the floor.

Reports from the workshops were then given.

Derek Martin of Outdoor Concepts addressed conference on schoolbags and jackets which his company is presently supplying to a number of our schools.  This was followed by questions from the floor.

After Coffee break, Brian Murphy of Steer Clear spoke to the delegates and observers about the programme being offered to endeavour to make our young drivers more safety conscious on the roads.  Questions followed.

Paddy Healy, President, TUI then addressed conference on the discipline problems in our schools.

The incoming executive for 2006/2007 was ratified as follows:-

Dublin:    Jim Jackman, Coolmine
        Mary Hughes, Coolmine
        Teresa Byrne, Rosmini
        Teresa McSweeney, Rosmini
        Grace Mooney, Palmerstown
        Noreen Duggan, Tallaght

Southern:    Humphrey O’Riordan, Millstreet
        Mary Shannon, Carrigaline
        Gretta O’Connor, Beard

South East:    Margaret Molloy, Gorey
        Margaret Donohoe, Gorey

North East:    Margaret Moore, Ashbourne
        1 to be advised

West:        Margaret Waters Finnegan, Castlerea
        Breda Hanly, Castlerea

Mid West:    Tommy Walshe, Moate
        Ann Leamy, Cashel
        Catherine Sides, Gort

Donegal:    Sean Staunton, Ballyshannon
        1 to be advised

The ratification of the incoming executive was proposed by Tommy Walshe, Moate and seconded by Teresa Byrne, Rosmini.

Humphrey O’Riordan of the Southern Region was then elected President.  He was proposed by Margaret Molloy and seconded by Ann Leamy.

Roll call was taken after which the remainder of the motions were taken.  There were sixteen motions.  Thirteen were carried.  One was noted as already policy, one defeated and one fell due to non attendance of the proposer.  Thirty schools were represented.

Jim Jackman, President of NPCpp then addressed conference.  He referred to the difficulties experienced by parents gaining recognition by Government ministers.

Open Forum followed:    Among the items raised were:- Support of the Executive, Getting more involved, Parents not being consulted, Safe Pass, number of speakers at conference.

Humphrey O’Riordan closed conference by thanking delegates, observers and guests for their attendance and in doing so hoped that we would all meet again at Conference 2007.

The reception and banquet were held in the hotel, where PACCS were joined by their guests.  Presentations were made to retiring members and the evening concluded with music and dancing.