Thursday, 18 January 2024

Attendance:

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

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

Minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting (23 November 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Pheasey.

Correspondence:

Requests for leave were considered by the Board.

The publication of recent JMB Bulletins and DES Circulars was noted by those present.

Correspondence in relation to printing services supplied to the school was discussed.

Health and Safety:

Mr. Mc Ginnity informed those present that a recent fire drill had went well. A visit from Mr Derek Madden (Health and safety Manager) was also summarised. 

Building Updates:

Requests to use school facilities were considered by the Board.

Ongoing issues in relation to leaks were summarised by Mr. Mc Ginnity. Rectification works were due to take place shortly.

A recent Zoom meeting between NDFA officials and Mr. Mc Ginnity was discussed.

Finance Report:

An Income and Expenditure report was provided to those present.

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 23 November 2023. 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.

School Planning/Teaching and Learning:

Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that a feasibility study in relation to the application for additional teaching space had been sanctioned by the NDFA. 

The work of the School-Self Evaluation (SSE) committee was summarised.

It was noted that the School Planning Group had concluded its work on the Code of Behaviour and that a draft policy will now be created.

The Board decided to allow, on a trial basis, the provision of an optional TY programme for the 2024/25 year.

In relation to the school timetable, the Board agreed to keep the current structure of 40-minute lessons.

Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that initial planning in respect of the 2024/25 school year had started. Submissions from staff in relation to job-sharing, or availing of a career break next year, must be received by 1 February 2024.

Admissions, 2024/25:

Mr. Mc Ginnity provided an update in relation to admissions into 1st year for September 2024. He noted that the Information Evening for incoming first years and their parents/guardians would take place on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.

Principal’s Report:

Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:

  • Wellbeing Day – 6th Years
  • LCA Parents’ Morning
  • Rotary Interact Club – Southeast Radio slot
  • Recent results for the various teams in the school
  • Think Languages Day – 30 November 2023
  • College Awareness Week
  • Southeast Child Health Conference where Ms. Flynn, Mr. Gunning and students spoke about wellbeing
  • The successful completion of ‘The Music Man’ in the National Opera House
  • The completion of various Christmas events – Christmas Market, Christmas Concert (organised by the PPU) and the Christmas Carol Service
  • School of Sanctuary Awards in the National Opera House
  • Numerous TY events completed since the last meeting
  • 1st Year First Aid facilitated by The Order of Malta and sponsored by the Parents’ Council
  • Cycle Against Suicide events
  • Saint Vincent De Paul food appeal organised by the LCVP class
  • 6th Year Christmas Show in aid of Saint Vincent De Paul
  • Kazhuiro, our Japanese Language Assistant, placing second in a national FLA competition
  • The completion of the 5th Year Parent – Teacher meeting in mid-December
  • A power outage on Tuesday, 16 January 2024 which led to the suspension of all classes and students been sent home for health and safety reasons. Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that the outage ended up lasting almost six hours.

The following upcoming events were also highlighted:

  • Friday, 19 January: LCA Practical Task
  • Monday, 22January: 3rd Year Information Talk
  • Tuesday, 23 January: Oide Day for staff
  • Wednesday, 24 January: Information Meeting for new 1st years and their parents/guardians
  • Thursday, 25 January: 1st Year Parent – Teacher meeting
  • Friday, 26 January: LC Mock exams begin
  • Monday, 29 January: Subject Choice Talks for 1st and 4th year parents
  • Wed, 31 January: Transition Year Parent – Teacher meeting and the start of JC Mocks

Next Meeting:

The date of the next meeting is Thursday, 22 February 2024.

John Mc Ginnity,

Secretary to the Board of Management,

Tuesday, 23 January 2024.