Thursday, 23 November 2023

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 (9 October 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Pheasey.

Correspondence:

Requests for leave were considered by the Board.

Correspondence in relation to the SPHE curriculum was discussed. 

A letter from the Loreto Education Trust was noted.

Health and Safety:

Mr. Mc Ginnity informed those present that a fire drill will take place soon.

Building Updates:

A request to lease the Sports Hall was discussed.

Finance Report:

Mr. Gaynor summarised the recent meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee.

Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an OLCS report.

Leadership and Management:

The appointment of teaching staff to Assistant Principal II vacancies was ratified, subject to the completion of the appeals process.

Child Protection:

Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 9 October. 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.

The Board were informed of recent activities carried out as part of Anti-Bullying Week.

Annual Report:

A report on the operation of the school for the 2022/23 school year was presented to Board members.

School Planning/Teaching and Learning:

Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that there had been no further correspondence from the DES in relation to the request for additional accommodation.

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

It was noted that the School Planning Group was currently reviewing the Code of Behaviour.

A discussion on a change to policy in relation to the compulsory TY was held.

Admissions, 2024/25:

Mr. Mc Ginnity provided an update in relation to the admissions process. He noted that there had been 328 applications for the 180 places available.

The Board considered reviews in respect of students whose parents/guardians has requested same.

Principal’s Report:

Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:

  • An update on the progress of all school teams was provided
  • A very successful equestrian event, hosted by Loreto, Wexford
  • Success at the Loreto Swimming Gala
  • Ongoing TY activities
  • Recent fundraising initiatives – e.g., Sleepout for Focus Ireland, Trick or Treat for sick children
  • 6th Year Irish trip to see An Triall in Carlow
  • The successful return of all students and staff from Barcelona
  • 1st Year Meitheal disco
  • Various themed events – e.g., Stand – Up week, Anti-Bullying Week
  • John Paul II Awards
  • Various parent/teacher meetings and Information Meetings
  • The retirements of Ms. Betty Byrne and Ms. Majella Wilson
  • The completion of November exams
  • Upcoming events – e.g., 5th Year Parent – Teacher meeting, LCA lunch for parents/guardians, The Music Man musical, Christmas Fair, Christmas Concert and the Christmas Carol Service.

Next Meeting:

The date of the next meeting is Thursday, 18 January 2024.

John Mc Ginnity,

Secretary to the Board of Management,

Monday, 4 December 2023.