The NPC Innovation Award 2024 took place at the NPC AGM on Saturday the 28th September 2024.

 

The winner received:

 

• €500 in prize money
• A plaque, engraved with the name of their Parents’ Association and the year it was won.
• A year’s FREE membership of NPC.  

In addition NPC will have a larger plaque that will be presented to the winner but will be kept in the NPC office. This plaque will be engraved with the winner’s name year on year to serve as a record of all the winners of the Award.

The 2024 winner was Dunkerrin National School, with their entry “Strengthening the school community by providing social opportunities that are free to attend, enjoyable and promote family involvement.”.

Dunkerrin National School's Parents’ Association has been active and enthusiastic, but social interactions were limited during Covid. Recognizing the importance of social engagement for mental and physical health, a new committee was formed for 2023/2024. They aimed to create enjoyable, free opportunities for social connection that strengthen community partnerships, especially in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

Some of these events were a 24-hour Spin-a-thon, Halloween Disco, Art Exhibitions, and a family quiz night.

 

Those in second place will receive €250 and will be presented with a plaque and those in third place will receive €100 and will be presented with a plaque.

In 2nd place in 2024 was Tullokyne National School,  Co Galway with “A variety of initiatives by the PA to enhance the educational experience of students by fostering parental involvement”

Some examples include: •Afterschool homework club •Extra curricular clubs including Art, Drama, Yoga, and Coding •Newsletters and email lists.

 

The 3rd place winner was Adamstown Community College, Co Dublin with “A Sensory-Friendly School”

A number of fundraising events to develop a Gross-Motor and Sensory Room. This led to an increase in membership of the Parents’ Association as more people participated and got involved. This was expanded to also create sensory boxes for each classroom. Transition Years assist the PA by ensuring the boxes are checked and replenished weekly

 

All entrants, who have been judged to qualify under the criteria as set out for submitting a project, will receive a certificate of achievement.

 

Click here to find out about 2023 entries and the winner of the Award 2023. Also here you will find a link to previous years' winners.