CSPA is the national organisation of Parents Councils/Associations that have been established in Catholic Schools at second level. The Congress of Catholic Schools Parent Associations was formed in 1975 to promote the interests of parents and their children in the Catholic Voluntary Secondary School sector at local and national level. CSPA is still working on many of the same issues for all Catholic Schools at second level. It comprises of local school parents’ councils, regional councils and a national executive.
CSPA MISSION STATEMENT
To promote the continuous existence of voluntary Catholic Secondary Schools.
To promote a holistic approach to education which will develop SPIRITUAL - SOCIAL - ACADEMIC - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS with emphasis on the GROWTH OF THE INDIVIDUAL Areas in which we are endeavouring to effect change and improvements.
The involvement of Parents in education
Funding of Voluntary Secondary School
School transport
Weight of school bags
The continued presence of Voluntary Secondary schools.
The timing of Oral and Practical Examinations for both Junior and Leaving Certificate.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CSPA POLICY
1. The parents right of choice of school. This right should not be prevented by pressures of finance; i.e., by having to pay subscriptions; by curtailing subject choice through lack of provision of special rooms or equipment; or by manipulating transport rules.
2. The right of Denominational Schools to exist and receive fair treatment in a pluralist society, while retaining their independence.
3. That CSPA monitor ongoing educational changes to ensure that standards are maintained.
4. CSPA demand equitable funding for all second level schools.
5. That CSPA reserves the right to be recognised as an autonomous body to negotiate with outside bodies on matters that are relevant or exclusive to CSPA.
6. The right of parents to continuous consultation and participation in decision making processes.
7. The right of the taxpayer to information on how departmental funds are acquired and spent.
8. To encourage the Church to become involved in the religious education of our children in keeping with the expectation of parents.
9. The right of children to protection against classroom subversion of their moral or religious beliefs.
10. That CSPA promote a holistic approach to education which will develop spiritual, social, academic and physical characteristics with emphasis on the growth of the individual.
11. That CSPA promote personal and community involvement on education and in schools in their areas.
12. That there be curriculum parity in all second level schools. All subjects to be available without gender discrimination.
13. The right to private ownership of schools where a viable body of parents so desires it.
14. That resources are provided to meet the needs pr individual students.
15. CSPA actively promotes Parent Associations in schools governed by a constitution to allow them full participation under the Education Act 1998.
16. The right of Denominational Schools to provide a moral and religious education, in conformity with the sincerely held beliefs of the denominations that provide them.
17. That Roman Catholic, education and schools be accepted as full and equal members of the educational community in our pluralist society.
