Monday, 20 September 2021

Attendance

Mr. Gaynor, Mr. Quigley, Sr. Helen, Ms. O’ Donoghue, Ms. Foley, Mr. Gayer and Ms. Johnston.

Apologies were received from Ms. Doyle.

As Secretary to the Board, Mr. O’ Shea also attended.

Sr. Helen formally welcomed Ms. Iris Johnston to the Board as the new parent nominee.

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting (24 August 2021) were adopted following the proposal of Mr. Quigley, seconded by Ms. Foley.

Correspondence

Mr. O’ Shea drew the attention of the meeting to the new style DES website and to the list of circular letters contained therein. He mentioned circular 0047/2021 relating to new arrangements for a reduced school day in respect of some students.

Covid-19 Response Plan / Health and Safety

The meeting was advised that school life was progressing smoothly and in compliance with the Covid-19 Response Plan. Permission had been given for matches to re-commence in accordance with protocols for each sport. It was reported that a voluntary and anonymous

survey of the student body in the school had revealed very high levels of vaccine uptake ranging from 77% to 96%.

A further easing of restrictions is expected in October.

Building Report

Mr. O’ Shea informed members that the fortnightly meetings with the FM Company and NDFA officials were going very well and that many issues were being dealt with efficiently.

It was reported, however, that matters relating to the BMS and leaks remained unresolved and that these would continue to be addressed at future meetings.

Report from Finance Sub-Committee

Mr. Gaynor and Mr. O’ Shea presented the meeting with a full Income and Expenditure Report in respect of the 2020/2021 financial year. A budget for 2021/2022 was formally approved upon the proposal of Mr. Gaynor, seconded by Mr. Gayer.

It was stated that the audit would be conducted in the week beginning 11 October 2021.

Leadership and Management

The meeting formally approved a revised set of roles and responsibilities for Assistant Principals following the completion of a mini review with staff.

It was agreed to proceed immediately with a competition to fill current vacancies.

Child Protection Procedures and Oversight Report

Mr. O’ Shea presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 24 August 2021. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.

School Planning / Teaching and Learning

Mr. O’ Shea reported that the School Planning Group had compiled the following areas for development in 2021/2022:

Target 1To review the school’s compliance with the requirements of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (2013)
  Target 2To review the school’s Wellbeing practices, in particular for students with very high levels of need, with reference to the Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice 2018-2025
Target 3To develop and implement a whole-school approach to teaching study skills
Target 4To review the school curriculum at both junior and senior cycles and to make provision for any additional programme deemed necessary e.g. Leaving Certificate Applied
  Target 5To review the structure of each school day with regard to the duration of classes (40 minutes or 60 minutes), length of lunch break, provision for extra-curricular activities and any associated matters of concern e.g traffic management at the end of the day
Target 6To consider what positive learnings should be applied to school practices as a consequence of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic
Target 7To review the process by which Head Girls are appointed

Principal’s Report

Mr. O’ Shea made mention of the following in his report to the meeting:

  • A student enrolment of 873 as of the date of the meeting
  • The Parents’ Association AGM being held on 20 September
  • The Autumn General Meeting of Parents to be held on a date to be confirmed in October
  • Outline proposals for school tours to Spain and Paris at Easter 2022, subject to full compliance with all Covid-19 protocols – approved by the meeting
  • Arrangements for the Start of Year Masses on 28/29/30 September
  • Retreats for 1st year students in October
  • The staging of the musical Calamity Jane in the National Opera House on 7/8/9 December, again subject to all Covid-19 measures – approved by the meeting

Any other business

The meeting was updated on the arrival of additional CO2 monitors.

The Board discussed the contents of its Agreed Report to be placed on the school website by Mr. O’ Shea.

The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, 18 October 2021 at 16.30 in the school.

Billy O’ Shea,

Secretary to Board of Management. Tuesday, 21 September 2021.