Parents’ Association

At Catholic University School (CUS), we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the parents and guardians of our students. As a Marist private boys’ school in the heart of Dublin City, we deeply value the strong partnerships we build with families. Together, we strive to foster a supportive community that enriches the lives of our students and contributes to their happiness and success. 

We encourage parents and guardians across all year groups to actively engage with the CUS Parents’ Association. Whether through volunteering, attending social and sporting events, or sharing your ideas, your involvement plays a vital role in strengthening our school community and enhancing the educational experience for all. 

We look forward to welcoming you as part of the CUS family and are here to support you every step of the way. 

The Role of the Parents’ Association 

All parents and guardians with students enrolled in CUS are automatically members of the Parents’ Association. This collective membership creates a platform for communication between the school and its families, ensuring that every student’s educational experience is enriched. 

A portion of the school fees is allocated annually to the Parents’ Association. These funds enable the association to host events, support projects, and contribute to initiatives that benefit students, parents, and staff alike. 

Objectives of the Parents’ Association: 

• Inspiring parents and guardians to take an active interest in school life. 

• Building a supportive network among parents and guardians and fostering mutual support as our sons progress through their education at CUS 

• Ensuring parents and guardians are informed about school events and developments through regular updates. 

• Collaborating with school staff and students on initiatives that promote growth and enrich the school community. 

• Organising events and activities that reflect the values and ethos of CUS. 

Our Structure and Meetings 

The Parents’ Association operates with a focus on clear communication and collaboration. Key structural details are: 

• Annual General Meeting (AGM): Held at the beginning of each academic year (typically September), the AGM provides a platform to review achievements, present accounts, set goals for the upcoming year, and fill committee vacancies. All parents and guardians are invited and encouraged to attend. 

• Committee: The committee consists of 24 members, with four representatives from each year.  When vacancies arise, interested parents or guardians can volunteer at the AGM to join the committee and represent their year. 

• Representatives: Four parents/guardians from each year serve on the committee for a term of up to two years. 

• Monthly Meetings: The committee meets on the first Tuesday evening of each month in CUS to discuss updates and plan activities. The Headmaster is also in attendance. 

• Monthly News Bulletin: A summary of each committee meeting, along with other relevant updates, is shared with parents and guardians once a month through the School App. 

For further information: 

• Contact the Parents’ Association: chair@cuspa.ie

• To add an item to the monthly agenda: secretary@cuspa.ie 

Joining the committee is not the only way to get involved in the Parents’ Association.  We would encourage you to participate in any way you can.  See the current list of volunteering opportunities with details of the time commitment involved.  Volunteering to help out at an event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the school’s inner workings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the dedication and effort that supports our students.   

Examples of Projects and Initiatives 

The Parents’ Association is proud to support various initiatives that enhance school life and contribute to the school’s holistic educational mission. Here are some examples of initiatives and projects organised in recent years: 

• Uniform Recycling Shop: Supports the School’s Green Flag 

• Teacher Appreciation gestures: Reflects the school’s dedication to fostering a culture of respect, gratitude, and community 

• Parent talks: Supports the role of our parents and guardians 

• Coding and Art Competitions: Contributes to the recognition of student talents 

• Sponsoring Camino t-shirts: Promotes team and community spirit 

• Annual Debs Ball: Provides parents and students with a memorable and enjoyable evening, celebrating this special milestone together 

• Ice-cream van: Promotes community spirit among students and all CUS staff 

Useful Information for Parents 

• Canteen: Our canteen is operated by TFW Food Services based in Co. Louth.   It is open for breakfast from 8.00am and it is also open at 1^st break from 10.50 to 11.10.  Then again for lunch from 1.10 to 1.40.  The menu is posted on the School App.   

• Lost & found – contact the School Office (01-775 6800 or email office@cus.ie) 

• If you need to contact your Year Head or learn how to submit an Absent or Late Note on the School App or Website, please go to: School Info Menu → Parents → Communications.

• Parent teacher meetings: They typically take place 1-2 times per year from 4pm depending on your year group.  Only on street parking is available. Prefects will be on duty to direct you towards your sons’ teachers. You can find the names of your sons’ teachers on Tyro homepage by clicking on your son’s name under ‘Your Student’ then click ‘Timetable’

• Information Evenings: Information Evenings for the parents of 1^st, 3^rd, 6^th and TY students take place in the first week of September every year and it is beneficial for all parents/guardians to attend. 

Guest Speakers and Social Events 

The Parents’ Association organises guest speaker events and social gatherings to foster community engagement.  

Guest speakers are invited to address topics relevant to the students.  Past events include talks on mental health, career guidance, and personal development.   

• John Harnett – Teenagers and their Mental Health  

• Kingsley Aikins – The benefits of Networking 

• Joanna Fortune – Raising Teenagers 

• Wayne Denner – Digital Safety 

• John Lonergan – Teenagers and Family Life 

• Catherine O’Connor – Cracking the College Code 

Social events are also organised and include: 

• Coffee morning for 1^st year parents and guardians in May (prior to joining CUS) 

• Welcome morning in August in the Conrad on the first day of school  

• Year Group Parent Social Evenings 

• Annual Parents’ Lunch   

• Gala Evening in Croke Park for all CUS families and friends

• Annual Debs Ball and Parents’ Reception 

• End of Rugby Season celebration  

These events provide opportunities to connect with other families within the CUS community.