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Leading the way in Education since 1870
Parent Link
Parent Link is our school Parents’ Association. We have two meetings each term and organise a number of fundraisers, workshops and social events. Parents also have an opportunity to contribute to school planning and policy through Parent Voice.
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A school community…
St Dominic’s is very much a school community, and parents are viewed as a key part of that community. The school created Parent Link to so we can:
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get involved in the life of the school and support school events;
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help support our daughters by raising funds for various enrichment initiatives;
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help with raising funds for charitable groups supporting the local community;
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input into policies and decisions that affect our daughters; and
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help improve communication between parents and staff.
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If you’ve had any experience of PTAs, fear not….Parent Link is not a parents’ association and is unique in its informal nature, warm and welcoming environment and the extent to which parents are invited to input into school life. When my eldest daughter joined in Year 8, she knew didn’t know anyone, and neither did we. I joined Parent Link that autumn and found it a fantastic way to get to know more about school life and to meet other parents, very quickly feeling part of the St Dominic’s family.
Fundraising, fun for the girls & feeding into school life…
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We meet approximately every 8 weeks on average on a Monday evening where Mr Scott ably represents the staff from the school. Over the last year just some of our successful events included themed movie nights and discos for our Year 8 – Year 10 pupils, organising Christmas prizes and raffles using donations from local businesses, a pub quiz for parents and a Christmas Wreath making evening with wine and cheese. But it’s not just about socialising, through these events, we’re able to make a real difference.
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We help provide free breakfast each morning, support the school's hardship fund, buy new sports kits, and fund trips. We fund events to help our daughters’ mental health during exams, so they are supported when things are stressful. We also support important causes like local food banks, homeless charities and, this year, the impactful 1PillWillKill campaign. We’ve also been asked to review and input into school policies such as the anti-bullying policy and the RSE policy.
Meeting other parents…
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Central to the ethos of Parent Link is the idea of creating a parent community – one or two times a year we get together for a morning or a day out and a bite to eat. In recent times this has included a tour of Belfast’s fabulous Street Art by parent and one of the artists, Tim McCarthy. We’ve also had a historic tour around the Belfast City Cemetery and last year at Crumlin Road Gaol. These are always very enjoyable and a great way of meeting other parents.
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Being part of Parent Link has made our family's experience at St. Dominic's so much richer. The opportunities the girls have had are amazing from the incredible music department, the drama and eco clubs, the science competitions, the leadership and personal growth opportunities and the sport, the list is endless! The pastoral care here is truly exceptional.
What our daughters say…
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“I really enjoyed the Halloween dress up and movie night. It was really good fun and I loved seeing everyone in their costumes” Year 8 pupil
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“My fondest memories are of the movie nights the Parent Link run” Year 11 pupil
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“Parent Link supported the purchase of our hoodies for our London trip, which we all thought was a lovely touch” Year 13 pupil
What our parents say…
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“It was our first experience of post primary school and getting involved in Parent Link has been a great way of getting more involved with the school community by trying to help make a difference to the pupils. It’s been lovely to meet other parents and hear about their many experiences and ideas”. Year 8 parent
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“I really enjoy being a member of St Dominic’s Parent Link. It has given me the change to meet other parents from all year groups. I have really enjoyed the social aspect of pub quizzes, street art, wreath making and tours. There are all great opportunities to fundraise and give back to the school community” Year 12 parent
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“Being in Parent Link gives me a strong connection with the school and allows us, as a group, to advocate on behalf of our daughters”. Year 13 parent
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“From a past pupil’s perspective it’s fantastic to see these events organised for the girls” Year 8 parent
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“I cannot thank the committee members enough for their enthusiasm and hard work they put into the group each and every year. Special thanks to Mr Scott who is invaluable in helping us find where our funds are so needed in the school community. I am extremely proud of how we come together as a team to fundraise and share our ideas.” Christine Kempston, Chairperson
What our teachers say…
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“Parent Link gets involved fully in the life of the school. Through meetings, events, trips and advisory groups it has fostered excellent relationships between students, parent and staff. That triangular relationship is central to all that is good at St Dominic’s.”​​
Get involved…
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We have big plans for what we can achieve for our school over the next number of years, with the guidance of the Mrs O’Neill and the Senior Leadership Team and working with our new school Finance Manager. We would love to welcome new members from all years to join us. If you’re interested in finding out more please contact Christine on ckempston297@stdominics.belfast.ni.sch.uk​​
