Monday, 10 February 2025
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting:
Attendance:
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Doyle, Ms. Pheasey, Ms. Cullen, Mr. Gaynor, Ms. Foley, Mr. Gayer and Ms. Harpur.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Presentation from Ember Team:
Prior to the normal business of the meeting commencing, students from the Ember Team presented on their work in the school. Board members thanked the students and acknowledged the work the group do in the school.
Minutes:
The minutes of the last meeting (9 December 2024) were approved following the proposal of Ms. Harpur, seconded by Ms. Doyle.
The minutes of two special meetings held online were also approved.
Correspondence:
The publication of recent Circulars and JMB Bulletins was noted by Mr. Mc Ginnity. A summary of items relevant to the post-primary sector was provided to those present.
Requests for leave were considered.
Correspondence in relation to the planning to foreign trips was considered by the Board.
Health and Safety:
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that Mr. Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) had recently visited the school. It was noted that training in using the fire evacuation chairs had been provided to some staff members.
Building Updates:
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that the ovens in the Home Economics kitchens had been upgraded.
A schedule of work for the summer months would be discussed shortly.
Annual Report 2023/24:
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an overview of the operation of the school during the previous academic year.
Finance Report:
An Income and Expenditure report, covering the period from 1 September 2024, was presented to members.
Feedback from the Finance sub-committee was considered.
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an OLCS report.
Child Protection:
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 9 December 2024. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
The annual review of the Child Protection procedures was carried out in line with the published checklist.
Anti-Bullying:
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the anti-bullying report.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning:
Mr. Mc Ginnity spoke about School Self-Evaluation, noting that the focus is on the use of the student journal.
In addition, a summary of recent surveys on the possibility of introducing devices to senior -cycle students were shared with those present. This matter will be further considered by the I.T. committee.
The Attendance Strategy was ratified.
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that oral feedback in relation to the recent Mathematics inspection was very positive but that a draft report was still awaited.
Applications for career break and job-sharing arrangements from staff for the 2025/26 school year were considered.
In relation to planning for the 2025/26 school year, Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that work in relation to subject choice was in progress.
Leadership and Management:
The roles and responsibilities connected to Assistant Principal posts were approved.
Principal’s Report:
Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:
- The completion of all Christmas events
- A range of updates in relation to extra/co-curricular activities were presented
- Recognition for a number of past pupils at Entrance Award Ceremonies in various third-level institutions.
- A summary of recent TY events was provided.
- Mary Ward Week
- Meitheal Awards, held on 22 January in Riverside Park Hotel
- Visit of Kate Ni Bhroin (music conductor) to the school
- Saint Brigid’s Day activities
- Events – Information Talk for 3rd Year students about TY/5th Year; Subject Choice Talks for 1st and 4th Year Parents; Parent – Teacher meetings for 5th and 1st year students; Information Meeting for new 1st Years, German Exchange (ongoing), Mock Exams (ongoing)
- Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned upcoming events, beginning with the visit of Mr. Peter Mac Namara (CEO of Loreto Education Trust) on Wednesday, 12 February.
Next Meeting:
The date of the next meeting is Monday, 31 March 2025.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Tuesday, 18 February 2025.