Attendees:
Robert, Zaaz, Lina, Barbara, Gema, Tom, and Rao

Absent with regrets:
Donna, Vishal, Tina, Rashmi and Sofia

Time: 7:30 to 8:45 pm

Minutes:

1. Photographer: A member of our PA has offered professional photographic services to the school and families of parent body for reasonable prices. They would be offering individual, class room group and family pictures. Currently they are discussing with Tom on administrative aspects. We hope to see note from school with details soon. Their recent work can be viewed on their website http://www.bandaradam.com and if interested contact Lina on 085 7512312

2. Calander 2011: Rao updated the group that we sold 100 calendars which added a couple of hundred Euro to our books. Big thanks were extended to all the support we got from all parents and the school staff. Special thanks to the executive team (Rashmi, Gema, Rao, Sabah, Juna, Donna and Olag) for successfully managing the project with dedication and enthusiasm. They managed to sell at least 25% of calendars to outside the parent body.

3. Parent Volunteers: School is looking for a pool of volunteers from Parents to work from time to time for various activities. This team would work with with children in the classroom, garden work, outings, swimming sessions, etc. most during school hours. It is centered on the Educate Together school concept. If anyone is interested please let Tom or school office know. Everyone on this team will be Garda Vetted by the school since they deal closely with children.

4. Annual School books: There is a suggestion on the table that PA would buy annual books for each class for 2011-2012 year directly from the publisher and sell them to parents. The idea behind this is to buy books at discounted price from the vendors and offer them to parents at prices less than normal book shops. We need to explore this suggestion further in the coming months. If parents like this idea we can go ahead.

5. Cook Book: Another suggestion on the table is to bring out a cook book with all recipes with a hope that parents of our school would contribute to it enthusiastically. Since there are number of cultures in our school, the concept of collecting recipes from people from various countries and parts would add value for a book. We need to explore the idea further. If anyone is interested to join this effort please let me know.

6. Swimming classes: Tom indicated that there is a possibility of extending swimming classes to lower classes (1st and 2nd). If PA is interested we can request Board to allow this facility to lower classes. Action: Rao/Donna

7. Trips: Tom indicated that the school has a bus company using the facilities here and they can give us a reasonable price. The PA could utilise this opportunity to organise any family trips anywhere. If we have enough interest from the parents we can plan a trip.

8. Guest Speakers: We are interested to invite a couple of guest speakers on topics on interests to the Parent group. We need to explore further on this to see what topics or areas that parents are looking for. Please watch the space for more information. Action: Rao

Music Classes in Lucan:(general info) Lucan Comhaltas are offering music classes on Wednesday evenings from 2nd February. The Comhaltas group has good reputation in Ireland and the teachers are qualified musicians. There will be places available in Fiddle, Whistle, Flute, Bodhrán, Banjo/Mandolin and Guitar. The price of Each class is €8.50 and a term (12 classes) fee is €102. If interested contact: Dara at 0879648699 or visit http://www.lucancomhaltas.com/

Next meeting will be on 17th February - please block your calendar an hour from 7:30 pm