Thursday, 22 February 2024

Attendance:

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

Apologies were received from Mr. Gayer and Mr. Gaynor.

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

Minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting (18 January 2024) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Harpur, seconded by Ms. Cullen.

Correspondence:

Requests for leave, including job-share and career break applications, 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.

Correspondence received in relation to the SPHE curriculum was discussed.

Health and Safety:

Mr. Mc Ginnity noted the recent visit of Mr. Derek Madden (Health and safety Manager). An unannounced fire drill is required in the final term. 

Building Updates:

A Zoom meeting with the NDFA in relation to leaks was summarised by Mr. Mc Ginnity. A contractor has been identified to carry out the required work and a draft timeline was outlined.

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 18 January 2024. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.

The Board carried out its annual child protection review in accordance with the checklist. The updated documents will be placed online and in the reception area.

Anti-Bullying:

The Board was advised that, to the school’s knowledge, no case of bullying was currently unresolved.

School Planning/Teaching and Learning:

In relation to the request for additional accommodation, it was noted that the feasibility study was still awaited.

Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board that a revised Code of Behaviour was now with the staff for their consideration. He noted that the School Planning Group were now looking at the topic of student leadership.

Detailed planning in relation to the new academic year was discussed.

Admissions, 2024/25:

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

Principal’s Report:

Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:

  • Cross Country success
  • Activities to celebrate the birthday of Mary Ward
  • Recent equestrian activities
  • The premiere of the film ‘Envy’, filmed in Loreto and starring some TY students.
  • The recent visit of the Japanese Ambassador to the school
  • Recent sports fixtures and results in football, camogie, soccer and rubgy
  • A recent trip to The Parable Gardens for the Justice and Peace Group
  • The presentation of Meitheal certificates to all leaders in the Riverside Hotel.
  • Success for Aoife Walsh and Maria Coone in Junk Kouture by making it to the regional finals to be held in The Helix on Monday, 4 March
  • The successful completion of the German exchange and the Home Economics trip to Italy
  • The completion of Subject Choice Talks and Parent – Teacher meetings for 1st and 4th year parents/guardians
  • The completion of the Mock examinations
  • The plan for a special mass in Rowe Street Church to mark the departure of the Loreto Order from Wexford.

Next Meeting:

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday, 16 April 2024.

John Mc Ginnity,

Secretary to the Board of Management,

Friday, 1 March 2024.