Tuesday, 24 September 2024

Attendance:  

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

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

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

Minutes: 

The minutes of the last meeting (28 August 2024) were approved following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Harpur.  

Correspondence: 

Requests for leave were considered by the Board.  

A message from the Loreto Education Trust about an upcoming meeting in Dublin was shared with those present.  

Health and Safety:  

A second draft of the ‘Accident and Injury’ policy was discussed further and approved by the Board.  

Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that Derek Madden had visited the school before the start of term and that all documentation had now been received.  

Building Updates:  

A summary of an online meeting in relation to the hockey pitch, held with officials from the NDFA, DES and Mr. Mc Ginnity, was shared with those present.  

In relation to the application for additional space, Mr. Mc Ginnity provided an update.  

Finance Report:  

An Income and Expenditure report was provided to those present.  

The budget for 2024/25 was approved by the Board.  

Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an OLCS report.  

A discussion on the cost of buses was held. Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that the cost of bus hire had increased substantially in recent years. It was agreed to keep the student contribution of €5 towards the bus fee if travelling within Co. Wexford. Outside of this, a contribution of €10 would be sought in relation to travel outside of the county.  

Child Protection:  

Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 28 August 2024. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.  

Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board that he had attended further training on ‘Child Protection Inspections’ on Zoom on Wednesday, 18 September.  

Anti-Bullying:  

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

Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board that new procedures around bullying had been published. The procedures, called Bí Cineálta, will take effect from the beginning of the 2025/26 school year. He noted that training for senior management teams was scheduled for the coming weeks.  

School Planning/Teaching and Learning:  

Mr. Mc Ginnity gave an in-depth analysis of the Leaving Certificate results for 2024. The Board welcomed the results and thanked the staff for their contribution. 

A re-drafted Assessment Policy was approved by those present.  

Policies in relation to staff (Anti-Bullying/Harassment) were approved.  

Leadership and Management:  

The Board ratified the appointment of Ms. Ruth Kennedy as Programme Co-ordinator.  

Matters in relation to a vacancy at Assistant Principal I level were discussed.  

Principal’s Report:  

Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:  

  • Return to school of all students  
  • Staff in-service in the area of wellbeing, delivered on Tuesday, 27 August  
  • Walking Wednesdays initiative, led by Ms. Browne  
  • Distribution of badges to Head Girls, Ruby Kavanagh and Ciara Enright  
  • Election of Students’ Council members, led by Mr. Mullen 
  • TY Trips to Tramore (surfing) and a Retreat Day on Our Lady’s Island 
  • Commencement of sports matches and training for various teams/groups  
  • In the Music department, the commencement of activities such as the 1st year Ukulele Club, School Choir rehearsals and the Orchestra.  
  • Article in ‘The Wexford People’ paper about the Leaving Certificate results  
  • The successful completion of the German Exchange following a full week of activities here in Wexford 
  • The holding of the Parents’ Council AGM on Monday, 16 September 2024 
  • Visits to the main feeder primary schools by Ms. Kinsella, Mr. O’ Dowd, Mr. Mc Ginnity and Ms. O’Donoghue.  
  • Upcoming events were mentioned: Higher Options trip for 6th years on Wednesday, 25 September; the visit of Sr. Orla Treacy on Thursday, 26 September; Open Night to be held on Thursday, 26 September, the Walk for Rumbek event on Friday, 27 September 2024; Information Meetings for 1st; 3rd and 6th Year parents/guardians on Thursday, 3 October beginning at 18.00 and 19.30 respectively.  

Next Meeting:  

The date of the next meeting is Monday, 21 October 2024. 

John Mc Ginnity,  

Secretary to the Board of Management,  

Thursday, 3 October 2024