Dedicated youth activities directory to be launched
A comprehensive activities directory for school-going children in New Ross is being launched.
The leaflet is being collated by a committee comprising Home School Liaison Officers Pat Purcell (Catherine McAuley NS), Niamh Foskin (Bunscoil Rís), Mary Whelan (Kennedy College), Bernie Fitzgerald - a parent of a Kennedy College student, Alan Dwyer - a parent of a Bunscoil Rís pupil and, Anna Nowakowska - a parent of a Catherine McAuley pupil. An open day is planned in March with a date and time to be announced and the leaflet will be launched later in the year.
There is a home school liaison officer in each of the three Deis schools and it is part of their remit to form a local committee with local agencies depending on what topic they are working on, with inclusivity at its core. Ms Purcell said: ‘We have parents involved in the committee and they learn about how a committee runs. We have done a number of projects including a cookery leaflet and one called how sick does your child have to be.’
Mary Whelan said the directory – which will include the name of the group and a contact detail – will respond to a need parents have highlighted. ‘Many parents would ask if there anything in New Ross for our children to go to.’
Ms Foskin agreed, saying: ‘Our international parents often come to us with questions as they don’t know where to go.’
An up-to-date booklet highlighting everything from archery to Zumba, an A to Z effectively, of activities will be available to all parents.
Ms Purcell said: ‘This will get pupils and students more involved in their communities. Parents can get involved too. It’s making the most of what is on offer in our community. Outdoor activity, any activity other than screens is good for kids and if parents can find an easy way to access the list that is helpful.
Mr Dwyer said: ‘As a parent you want to get them involved in some sort of team or other sports.’
There is no cost for groups to have their business listed in the directory. Submissions are to be sent in by Friday, February 22, to mfoskin@bunscoilris.ie, (phone 086 8276511), Mary Whelan marywhelan@wwetb.ie, (phone 085 1057782), The open day is on in late March where clubs and activities co-ordinators can highlight their classes and sports.