The Fred O'Connell NPC Innovation Award 2021 took place at the NPC AGM on Saturday the 25th of September 2021.
The Winner
The Parents' Association of Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan with their project 'Implementing a program of activities to support the whole school community'.
- The Parents' Association moved their meetings online and used this to communicate with the Principal on school policies and activities.
- They utilised new ways of working to help deliver activities to students.
- The events were devised by the collaboration of many parents with input by the Principal. These were designed and implemented in an environment that was new to all.
Activities for Children
- New fundraising methods ensured the 6th class got their school leaver hoodies as in previous years.
- Small gifts for communion and confirmation classes were given instead of a reception in the school hall like previous years.
- Virtual quizzes for the children were held which allowed them to see and interact with their friends.
Activities for Parents
- Seesaw training, one parent from each class received training to assist others in the online platform.
- The Parents' Association organised a Uniform Exchange at the end of the school year. This allowed parents to donate or avail of unwanted second hand uniforms. Given the challenging economic times it was very popular and will be held again next year.
- The Parents' Association sourced a donation of second hand laptops from a local multinational. These were lent out to families where access to devices was an issue. These laptops will be used in the school’s IT Lab in the future.
- Hansfield Educate Together National School, Dublin 15
- Kilbehenny National School, Mitchelstown
- Loreto Primary School & St. Mary’s Boys National School, Rathfarnham
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Hansfield Educate Together National School Parents' Association's project 'Around the World in 80,000 Kilometres' was a fun, educational, health-benefiting event.
2000 members of the school community walked the equivalent around the world in 30 days.
Maps were made showing the route and progress so far.
A database was created allowing everyone to log the distance they walked.
Rewards such as homework passes and extra PE were given out to keep students motivated.
Local businesses sponsored prizes for parents and staff.
The project was educational as teachers taught the children about each country as they passed through.
The class in each year group got to keep the trophy in their class for a week promoting healthy competition.
The whole school community achieved the target of walking 80,000 kilometres in 26 days.
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Kilbehenny National School Parents' Association's project 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle'
The Parents' Association completed an innovative action plan to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic bottle tops.
A wild flower meadow mural was made with the bottle tops.
A whole community effort was required. Local groups and newspapers were contacted.
Teachers taught students about issues like sustainability, waste management, bio-diversity and climate change.
The mural is hanging in the school hall for all to see.
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Loreto Primary and St. Mary's Boys National Schools' project was entitled 'Internet and Smart Device Guidelines for Parents And Students'.
The aim of the project was to provide a guide for students and parents on how to help foster a sense of responsibility and self-discipline when using the Internet.
A number of parents from the schools worked together bringing professional knowledge to maximise benefit.
The guidelines were launched on Internet Safety Day with each class in both schools getting a presentation.
Students and Parents both agreed to sign a Family Friendly Internet Safety contract for each family.
The Parents' Association of Scoil Naomh ERC, Glenderry, Co. Kerry with their project 'A Virtual 5k Family Walk/Run'
In an effort to bring the whole school community together, the Parents' Association decided to hold a virtual 5k run/walk during Active Schools Week.
Funds raised to go towards Basketball equipment for the schoolyard
Spot prizes were donated by a parent who owns a local business, and all entrants received a Certificate of Achievement.
Children were encouraged to run, walk, or cycle with their families and to send a photograph to the school.
There was a 90% participation rate.
Click here to find out about the Award winners in 2019
