Parents Association
The Down High Association is a group of parents and teachers who meet regularly to raise additional money for the school. This fundraising is essential in facilitating the purchase of many of the ‘little extras’ that your children benefit from throughout their time at Down High.
The activities of the Down High Association encompass both the Preparatory Department and the Senior School.
Some examples of our fundraising:
- Down High running vests for the cross country teams
- Funding for a visiting drama group
- The purchasing of specialist quick-fit Chemistry kits
- CD ROMs for Biology
- Keyboards for the Music Department
The Preparatory Department also benefit, with allocated funds helping it to purchase DVD players, reading books and sports equipment.
The Down High Association committee has grown over the past few years and meets (on average) once a term. Meetings are very informal and provide great opportunities to establish contact with other parents and staff members.
The key events that are promoted every year are:
The Family Christmas Quiz
The latest was held at Ballynahinch Rugby Club in December 2008 and was very well attended – an evening of successful fundraising and great craic.
The Castle Ward ‘Festival in the Park’ 
This family orientated event was initiated two years ago and takes place in May. A huge range of activities are available, from the traditional fete attractions to treasure hunts and climbing walls. Music also plays a big part, with the Preparatory choir singing a medley of Joseph tracks, a traditional music group and the Castle Ward Opera in the background!
The atmosphere is very relaxed and to date all comments have been most positive.
The Committee supply Teas/coffees /bacon butties on Saturday mornings
Hot drinks and ‘tuck’ are supplied on Saturday mornings at the playing fields for those who gather to support our school teams. The refreshments are organised by the Association on a rota basis and the weekly turnout is both a great social occasion and an opportunity to support the players. We even provide ‘bacon butties’ during cup matches and mornings when several teams are playing at home. These always go down well!
Any parent interested in getting involved in the Down High Association or offering their expertise for any of the events is invited to give their details and telephone number/e-mail address to the school office. You DO NOT have to be on the committee to get involved and we are always looking for new members and supporters.
The date of the Down High Association's Annual General Meeting has been set for Tuesday 5 October 2010 at 7.30pm. The event will be held in the school's Margaret Curry Library and all parents are invited to attend.
