Monday, 9 December 2024

Attendance:

Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Doyle, Ms. Cullen, Mr. Gaynor, Ms. Foley, Mr. Gayer, and Ms. Harpur.

Apologies were received from Ms. Pheasey.

As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.

Minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting (21 October 2024) were approved following the proposal of Ms. Harpur, seconded by Ms. Doyle.

Correspondence:

Requests for leave were considered.

Correspondence from the ASTI and Loreto Education Trust was read to those present.

Correspondence in relation to the SPHE curriculum was considered by the Board.

Health and Safety:

Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that a planned audit by the NDFA had been postponed until 2025.

Building Updates:

Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an update in relation to the request for additional accommodation and matters related to the hockey pitch.

Loreto Charter:

Board members considered a first draft of a proposed Loreto Charter. Feedback would be sent to the CEO of the Trust.

Finance Report:

An Income and Expenditure report, covering the period from 1 September 2024, was presented to members.

Accounts for the 2023/24 school year were approved.

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 21 October 2024. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.

Anti-Bullying:

The Board was briefed on the work of the SST in relation to a suspected case of bullying.  

Admissions, 2025/26:

Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Board of matters in relation to entry into 1st Year for September 2025.

Requests for review were considered by those present.

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.

The Data Protection policy was ratified.

The work of a group of teachers looking at the possibility of introducing digital devices for senior cycle students was mentioned to the Board.

Leadership and Management:

Matters in relation to Assistant Principal II vacancies were discussed.

Principal’s Report:

Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:

  • LCA activities – Barista Coffee Training, Hair and Beauty manicure lesson and completion of Hotel, Catering and Tourism task
  • 6th Year Geography Field Trips
  • Equestrian – Loreto Interschools League hosted by Loreto, Wexford in Wexford Equestrian and held 10 November 2024.
  • A range of supporting results/successes was shared with those present
  • Thematic Weeks/Events – Study Technique Week; Stand Up Week; John Paul II Awards and Ember Team training in Parable Gardens
  • The successful holding of a Careers Fair on 18 November
  • The completion of recent events including the Wexford Schools’ Christmas Market; 6th Year Wellbeing Day, 6th Year Study Skills Seminars, Shoebox Appeal, November Exams and 3rd and 4th Year Parent – Teacher meetings
  • 1st Year events were mentioned including a football Blitz, camoige blitz, Science trip to Explorium and a rewards trip to Leisure Max.
  • TY activities – Volunteering Week, Overnight trip to Glendalough, MFL Film in Dundrum with ice-skating, Just One Life, Christmas Market all scheduled as upcoming events
  • The use of the school as the Count Centre for the general election
  • Scholarship success – Rachel Goff and Orla Banville (UCC); Abigail Buckley (DCU)
  • Technology success – Bronagh Boggan, Hannah M Kehoe, Ailbhe Cullinane, Niamh Bates recognised for their outstanding practical work at an awards ceremony in Sligo
  • Upcoming Christmas events were mentioned including the 6th Year Show in aid of Saint Vincent De Paul and the Carol Service.

Next Meeting:

The date of the next meeting is Monday, 10 February 2025.

John Mc Ginnity,

Secretary to the Board of Management,

Tuesday, 17 December 2024.