Monday, 10 October 2022
Attendance
Sr. Helen, Mr. Quigley, Ms. Foley, Ms. Johnston, Ms. Doyle, Ms. Pheasey and Mr. Gaynor. As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Apologies were received from Mr. Gayer.
The meeting began with a presentation from two members of the Loreto Education Trust. They outlined the current situation in relation to the proposed arrangement with the Le Chéile Trust.
Following their departure, the normal Board of Management business resumed.
Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting (5 September 2022) were adopted.
Correspondence
The publication of recent circulars was noted.
Health and Safety
The Board was informed that Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) had visited the school in late September in order to oversee a fire drill.
A revised health and safety plan was approved by members present.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting that a small number of additional leaks had been identified since the last meeting. Works to resolve these issues were scheduled for next week.
Finance Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity distributed a draft budget for 2022/23 to the Board. Mr. Gaynor, as part of the Finance sub-committee, spoke about certain elements of the document. The Board approved the budget for the year ahead.
Leadership and Management
The Board was informed that Ms. Siobhan O’ Donoghue had now taken up the role of Deputy Principal.
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting that clarity in respect of vacant Assistant Principal posts was awaited from the DES. The Board also approved a full review of roles and responsibilities attached to the post structure in the school.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 5 September 2022. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
Anti-Bullying
The Board was advised that, to the school’s knowledge, no case of bullying was currently unresolved.
The Board formally reviewed the anti-bullying policy and were informed about initiatives to be taken during the school year.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
The meeting was informed that the School Planning Group (SPG) met for the first time on Thursday, 6 October. A list of priority areas will be drafted for the school year 2022/23.
The Board was also informed that formal, timetabled exams for students would take place this November as part of a revised assessment procedure. These exams will form the basis of reports to be issued to students at Christmas time.
The Board discussed elements of the Admissions Policy in advance of the process for filling first year places.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- A student enrolment of 906 on 30 September 2022.
- The publication of the annual report to families. This was approved by the Board.
- The school insurance provision for the year.
- An update on staffing within the school.
- The resumption of training, matches, debates and other activities.
Any other business
On this, the last meeting of the current Board, Sr. Helen thanked all members for their service to the school. She commended those who have committed to stay on for another term.
In turn, Mr. Mc Ginnity acknowledged the immeasurable contribution to Loreto made by Sr. Helen as she retired from the Board. He also thanked Mr. Quigley for his input over a long period of time.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Monday, 14 November 2022.
John McGinnity,
Secretary to Board of Management. Thursday, 13 October 2022.