Thursday, 16 April 2024

Attendance:  

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

Apologies were received from Mr. Gayer and Ms. Foley. 

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

Minutes: 

The minutes of the last meeting (22 February 2024) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Harpur, seconded by Ms. Doyle.   

Correspondence: 

Requests for leave were considered by the Board.  

The publication of recent JMB Bulletins and DES Circulars, relevant to the voluntary secondary sector, was noted by those present.  

A discussion on the Schoolbooks Scheme at junior cycle took place. 

Health and Safety:  

There were no health and safety concerns to bring to the meeting.  

Building Updates:  

The Board was informed that a contractor to resolve the leaks had been appointed and that work would primarily take place over the summer.  

Due to the wet weather, maintenance work on the GAA pitch did not take place at Easter. This will happen as soon as possible.  

The Board were informed that the NDFA had sent an architect to the school in order to progress the feasibility study looking at additional accommodation. The architect met with Mr. Mc Ginnity (Principal), Mr. O’ Dowd, Ms. Kinsella and Ms. O’ Donoghue (Deputy Principals) on 6 April to look at the options available. The architect will present suggestions in the coming weeks.  

An overview of external groups using the school was presented to the Board.  

Finance Report:  

An Income and Expenditure report was provided to those present.  

Mr. Gaynor summarised the content of a recent Finance Sub-committee meeting, held on Thursday, 11 April.  

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 22 February 2024. 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.  

Recent work, carried out by the Student Support Team (SST), was summarised for those present.  

School Planning/Teaching and Learning:  

Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board that the School Planning Group were now looking at updating the Assessment Policy.  

Detailed planning in relation to the new academic year was discussed. Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that teaching vacancies for 2024/25 would shortly be advertised online.  

A discussion on a draft Data Protection Policy was held. Observations from Mr. Gayer, sent in advance, were shared with the Board. Mr. Mc Ginnity will go back to the Data Protection Officer with same.  

Admissions, 2024/25:  

Mr. Mc Ginnity provided an update in relation to admissions into 1st year for September 2024.  

It was noted that less than ten students had expressed an interest in skipping TY next year.  

Leadership and Management:  

Mr. Mc Ginnity informed those present that the annual review form had been sent to all Assistant Principals.  

School Self Evaluation (SSE):  

An update on work in the area of SSE was provided by Mr. Mc Ginnity.  

Principal’s Report:  

Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:  

  • Multicultural Week, which took place between 26 February and 1 March 2024 
  • Maths Quiz for 6th year students with both teams tied for second place  
  • Agricultural Science trip to Rathure farm  
  • 1st Year Footballers – defeated in Wexford final by FCJ Bunclody at Saint Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy 
  • Activities for World Book Day, held on 7 March 2024 
  • The distribution of the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) to TY students  
  • Premiere of the film ‘Envy’ in Wexford Arts Centre on 29 February 
  • 2nd Year Retreat, facilitated by Scripture Union 
  • The completion of the Academic Awards Ceremony on 29 February  
  • Junk Kouture regional final success for Maria Coone and Aoife Walsh, qualifying for All Ireland stages  
  • The success of the senior rugby team in being crowned Leinster Schools Champions, defeating Loreto, Mullingar 19 – 7 in a replayed match  
  • Student Enterprise Merit Award Ceremony with TY students picking up different awards 
  • Activities to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March  
  • The culmination of a successful Equestrian season with Loreto, Wexford winning the novice league for the third year in a row 
  • Hockey results – 1st year A team beaten by Kilkenny in the final, C team finished against Kilkenny also while the 2nd years were also defeated in the league final 
  • The attendance of some our students at the inaugural Student Leadership Forum, hosted by Presentation, Wexford on 13 March  
  • A defeat for the senior soccer team, losing 2-1 in the shield semi-final against Borris VS,  
  • However they won the Regional Final 8 – 2 against Gaelcholaiste na Mara, taking home the first soccer trophy 
  • A win for the minor soccer team, defeating Presentation, Kilkenny 3 -2 
  • Activities for Seachtain na Gaeilge  
  • Show Racism the Red Card, awareness activities held on 21 March  
  • LCA – Hair and Beauty demonstration by Eve Scallan (past pupil) 
  • 5th and 6th Year History trip to Collins’ Barracks 
  • Oral exams completed over the Easter exams 
  • The completion of all Parent – Teacher meetings  
  • Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that the deadline for numerous LC and JC projects was approaching 
  • Mr. Mc Ginnity reminded those present of the Special Mass to be held in Rowe Street Church on 26 April at 7 pm  
  • In relation to further upcoming events, Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that preparations for the Prizegiving Ceremony were underway.  

Next Meeting:  

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday, 28 May 2024.  

John Mc Ginnity,  

Secretary to the Board of Management,  

Tuesday, 23 April 2024.