Board of Management 2022 – 2025
Membership of Board of Management
16 October 2022 – 15 October 2025
Trustee nominees
Ms. Iris Johnston (Chairperson)
Ms. Barbara Foley
Mr. Daniel Gayer
Mr. Liam Gaynor
Parent nominees
Ms. Edel Cullen
Ms. Eleanor Harpur
Teacher nominees
Ms. Laura Pheasey
Ms. Aoife Doyle
The Secretary to the Board is Mr. John McGinnity who attends meetings in a non-voting capacity.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Foley, Ms. Harpur, Mr. Gayer, Ms. Pheasey, Ms. Cullen and Ms. Doyle.
Apologies were received from Mr. Gaynor.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting (21 March 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Harpur.
Correspondence
Requests for personal leave were considered by the Board.
Health and Safety
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated those present in relation to quotes for the installation of additional CCTV. One quote was approved by the Board.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that a detailed plan of works for the summer was still awaited.
Finance Report
An Income and Expenditure Report was presented to the meeting covering the period from 1 September to date.
Mr. Mc Ginnity also presented the Board with an OLCS report.
Leadership and Management
The Board discussed matters in relation to the leadership and management structure within the school.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 21 March 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.
Initiatives in relation to anti-bullying were summarised.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
Mr. Mc Ginnity summarised the ongoing work of the School Planning Group (SPG).
He noted that work on the timetable for 2023/24 was ongoing.
A draft calendar for 2023/24 will be circulated to staff and discussed at the next staff meeting.
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that a Guidance Inspection was in progress.
Issues in relation to Special Classes and capacity issues in certain classrooms were discussed.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- Sporting success – camogie, golf, equestrian, rugby
- The completion of the TY tour and work experience
- 5th Year Retreat
- Let’s Go Summer Camp
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Thursday, 4 May 2023.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Foley, Ms. Harpur, Mr. Gayer, Mr. Gaynor, Ms. Cullen and Ms. Doyle.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the last two meetings (8 and 27 February 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Harpur.
Correspondence
The meeting was informed of the publication of a number of recent circulars and bulletins from the DES and JMB respectively.
Health and Safety
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that quotes in relation to the installation of additional CCTV cameras were still awaited.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity summarised the outcome of the recent ‘Life Cycle’ walk of the building, held with officials from the NDFA and Sensori FM.
Finance Report
An Income and Expenditure Report was presented to the meeting covering the period from 1 September to date.
Mr. Mc Ginnity also presented the Board with an OLCS report.
Leadership and Management
The Board discussed and agreed the process for the appointment of a third Deputy Principal to the school.
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board of the timeline for completion of the AP 2 interview process.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 8 February 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.
Initiatives in relation to anti-bullying were summarised.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
Mr. Mc Ginnity summarised the ongoing work of the School Planning Group (SPG) in the area of wellbeing. Responses to surveys completed by the student body were now being considered.
Work in relation to the timetable for 2023/24 was ongoing.
It was noted that a new curriculum in SPHE was at draft stage.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- Completion of mock exams
- Recent events in the school
- TY work experience
- TY School Tour
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Wednesday, 26 April 2023.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Tuesday, 28 March 2023.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Wednesday, 8 February 2023
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Foley, Ms. Harpur, Ms. Cullen and Ms. Doyle.
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 (16 January 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Harpur.
Correspondence
The meeting was informed of the publication of a number of recent circulars and bulletins from the DES and JMB respectively.
Correspondence from the Loreto Education Trust was noted.
Applications for career break and job – sharing for 2023/24 were considered.
Health and Safety
The possibility of enhancing the number of security cameras in the building was discussed. Quotes in relation to same will be sourced in the coming weeks.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the meeting on a provisional date for the ‘Life Cycle’ walk of the building with officials from the NDFA.
Finance Report
A report from the Finance Sub – Committee was presented by Mr. Mc Ginnity. As part of this, an Income and Expenditure Report was presented to the meeting covering the period from 1 September to date.
Mr. Mc Ginnity also presented the Board with an OLCS report.
Leadership and Management
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board of the timeline for completion of the AP 1 interview process.
Admissions into 1st Year, 2023/24
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Board on the implementation of the enrolment process for 1st year, September 2023.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 16 January 2023. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
The Board conducted its annual review of the Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment in accordance with the prescribed checklist.
Anti-Bullying
The Board was advised that, to the school’s knowledge, no case of bullying was currently unresolved.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
The Board was informed that much of the work in relation to subject choice for 1st, 2nd and 5th year students had now been completed.
Based on provisional expressions of interest, the Board was informed that the introduction of Leaving Certificate Applied for September 2023 looked very likely.
The School Planning Group (SPG) continue to look at draft surveys in the area of wellbeing.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- An update on recent sporting results was provided
- Ongoing mock examinations
- Junior Cycle In-service for teachers, held on 30 January
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Tuesday, 21 March 2023.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Tuesday, 14 February 2023.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Monday, 16 January 2023
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Foley, Ms. Harpur, Mr. Gayer, Ms. Cullen, Ms. Doyle and Mr Gaynor.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting (5 December 2022) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Harpur.
Correspondence
The meeting was informed of the publication of a number of recent circulars and bulletins from the DES and JMB respectively.
Correspondence from the Loreto Education Trust was noted.
Health and Safety
The Board was informed that Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) visited the school on Tuesday, 10 January. He completed his normal health and safety inspection.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the meeting on a number of points in relation to the building. He noted that the regular meetings between NDFA officials and the FM Company continued to go well.
Matters relating to the hockey pitch and intermittent leaks were discussed.
Finance Report
An Income and Expenditure Report was presented to the meeting covering the period from 1 September to date.
Mr. Mc Ginnity also presented the Board with an OLCS report.
Leadership and Management
The Board discussed matters relating to the leadership and management framework within the school.
Admissions into 1st Year, 2023/24
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Board on the implementation of the enrolment process for 1st year, September 2023.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 5 December 2022. 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
The Board was informed that planning for the 2023/24 school year was underway.
The work of the School Planning Group (SPG) was summarised. The group will now consider the area of wellbeing.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- The publication of Christmas reports for all students
- The successful completion of numerous Christmas events – e.g. Carol Service, 6th Year Show
- An update on recent sporting results was provided
- Forthcoming events, including Parent – Teacher meetings, Subject Choice Talks and the Information Evening for incoming 1st years and their parents/guardians.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Wednesday, 8 February 2023.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Wednesday, 25 January 2023.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Monday, 5 December 2022
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Foley, Ms. Harpur, Mr. Gayer, Ms. Cullen, Ms. Doyle and Mr Gaynor.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Apologies were received from Ms. Pheasey.
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting (14 November 2022) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Doyle.
Correspondence
The meeting was informed of the publication of a number of recent circulars and bulletins from the DES and JMB respectively.
Health and Safety
The Board was informed that Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) visited the school on Tuesday, 15 November. He completed his normal health and safety inspection.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the meeting on a number of points in relation to the building. He noted that the regular meetings between NDFA officials and the FM Company continued to go well.
Matters relating to the hockey pitch were discussed.
Finance Report
Mr. Gaynor, on behalf of the Finance Sub-Committee, summarised the content of their recent meeting.
An Income and Expenditure Report was presented to the meeting covering the period from 1 September to date.
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted a recent online meeting held with the Financial Support Services Unit. This is part of the support given to newly appointed principals.
Mr. Mc Ginnity also presented the Board with an OLCS report.
Board of Management Training
Mr. Mc Ginnity thanked members for attending the recent training in Kilkenny on Saturday, 26 November.
Leadership and Management
The Board reviewed and discussed the needs and priorities identified by recent staff consultation.
Admissions into 1st Year, 2023/24
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Board on the implementation of the enrolment process for 1st year, September 2023 in respect of the 303 applications received.
The Board considered reviews in respect of students whose parents/guardians had requested same.
The Board discussed proposed amendments in relation to the Admissions Policy.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 14 November 2022. 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 was informed of a recent announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills in relation to a new action plan on bullying, entitled Cineáltas. Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that much more detail in relation to the initiative at individual school level was awaited.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
The Board was informed that recent changes to the mobile phone policy were working well.
The work of the School Planning Group (SPG) was summarised. Consideration of one – hour classes will, after three weeks of discussion, move to a sub – committee of staff members. In 2023, the SPG will begin by looking at the area of wellbeing.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- Various team and individual activities, including football, hockey, camogie, swimming, show jumping, debating etc.
- The Spirit Award, awarded to Loreto, Wexford this year for their vocal support at the recent Swimming Gala.
- The successful completion of the November exams.
- Wellbeing Day for Leaving Certificate students.
- The visit of Caroline Clarke, Director of Education with the Loreto Trust.
- November Remembrance Mass celebrated by Fr. Jim Fegan.
- The commencement of an arrangement with Our Lady of Fatima school. This involves students from the school attending Loreto each Wednesday to use the Home Economics kitchen.
- Upcoming events, including the inaugural TY Trade Fair on Saturday, 10 December and the annual Carol Service on Tuesday, 20 December.
AOB
The Board thanked the teacher in charge of the schools’ social media accounts as they are very active at the moment. Mr. Mc Ginnity agreed to pass on the word of thanks, noting that Mr. Enda O’ Sullivan was the teacher involved.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Monday, 16 January 2023.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Wednesday, 7 December 2022.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Monday, 14 November 2022
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Foley, Ms. Harpur, Mr. Gayer, Ms. Cullen, Ms. Doyle, Ms. Pheasey and Mr Gaynor.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting (10 October 2022) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Doyle.
Welcome
Ms. Johnston welcomed new members to this, the first meeting of the new Board of Management.
Health and Safety
The Board was informed that Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) would visit the school on Tuesday, 15 November as part of his normal duties.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting that a number of leaks appeared to be resolved while a new one had been identified.
The BMS system is complete.
Matters relating to the hockey pitch were discussed.
Finance Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity confirmed the publication of the draft accounts for the year passed. These will be considered further by the Finance sub-committee.
A video, developed by the Financial Supports Service, was shown to all members.
Leadership and Management
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting that clarity in respect of permanent Assistant Principal posts has now been received. The process of reviewing the needs and priorities in the school is ongoing.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 10 October 2022. 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 was informed of the initiatives that took place as part of Bullying Awareness Week (7 – 11 November).
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
Updates in relation to the Mobile Phone policy and the Critical Incident Management Plan were discussed.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- Ongoing school activities – e.g. sports activities, paired reading, board games
- Recent fundraising activities for various charities
- The cardiac screening and flu vaccine service provided to staff and students
- Start of Year Mass in Clonard Church
- The work of various groups in the school – Inclusion Committee, Green School Committee, Students’ Council
- The award of our third Cycle Against Suicide award
- Arrangements for the November exams
- Assemblies planned for this week
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Monday, 5 December 2022.
John McGinnity,
Secretary to Board of Management.
Wednesday, 23 November 2022.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Monday, 10 October 2022
Attendance
Sr. Helen, Mr. Quigley, Ms. Foley, Ms. Johnston, Ms. Doyle, Ms. Pheasey and Mr. Gaynor.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Apologies were received from Mr. Gayer.
The meeting began with a presentation from two members of the Loreto Education Trust. They outlined the current situation in relation to the proposed arrangement with the Le Chéile Trust.
Following their departure, the normal Board of Management business resumed.
Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting (5 September 2022) were adopted.
Correspondence
The publication of recent circulars was noted.
Health and Safety
The Board was informed that Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) had visited the school in late September in order to oversee a fire drill.
A revised health and safety plan was approved by members present.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting that a small number of additional leaks had been identified since the last meeting. Works to resolve these issues were scheduled for next week.
Finance Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity distributed a draft budget for 2022/23 to the Board. Mr. Gaynor, as part of the Finance sub-committee, spoke about certain elements of the document. The Board approved the budget for the year ahead.
Leadership and Management
The Board was informed that Ms. Siobhan O’ Donoghue had now taken up the role of Deputy Principal.
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting that clarity in respect of vacant Assistant Principal posts was awaited from the DES. The Board also approved a full review of roles and responsibilities attached to the post structure in the school.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 5 September 2022. 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 formally reviewed the anti-bullying policy and were informed about initiatives to be taken during the school year.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
The meeting was informed that the School Planning Group (SPG) met for the first time on Thursday, 6 October. A list of priority areas will be drafted for the school year 2022/23.
The Board was also informed that formal, timetabled exams for students would take place this November as part of a revised assessment procedure. These exams will form the basis of reports to be issued to students at Christmas time.
The Board discussed elements of the Admissions Policy in advance of the process for filling first year places.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- A student enrolment of 906 on 30 September 2022.
- The publication of the annual report to families. This was approved by the Board.
- The school insurance provision for the year.
- An update on staffing within the school.
- The resumption of training, matches, debates and other activities.
Any other business
On this, the last meeting of the current Board, Sr. Helen thanked all members for their service to the school. She commended those who have committed to stay on for another term.
In turn, Mr. Mc Ginnity acknowledged the immeasurable contribution to Loreto made by Sr. Helen as she retired from the Board. He also thanked Mr. Quigley for his input over a long period of time.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Monday, 14 November 2022.
John McGinnity,
Secretary to Board of Management.
Thursday, 13 October 2022.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Monday, 5 September 2022
Attendance
Sr. Helen, Mr. Quigley, Ms. Foley, Mr. Gayer, Ms. Johnston, Ms. Doyle, Ms. Pheasey and Mr. Gaynor.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the previous two meetings (23 June and 19 August 2022) were adopted.
Correspondence
The Board considered correspondence from the Loreto Trust seeking a meeting to provide an update on the proposed arrangement with Le Chéile Trust.
The publication of recent circulars was noted.
Health and Safety
The Board was informed that Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) had visited the school in August and assessed the building prior to opening.
The meeting was informed that all Covid – 19 supports, put in place by the Department of Education and Skills, had been withdrawn for this school year.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting that fortnightly meetings with the FM Company and NDFA officials had resumed for the year.
It was reported that the BMS was now fully operational. Furthermore, a sub-contractor had now completed work on the leaks in the building.
A schedule of painting, agreed by all parties before the summer, is ongoing.
Finance Report
An Income and Expenditure Report was presented to the meeting covering the period from 1 September 2021.
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board that the annual audit will take place during the last week of October 2022.
Leadership and Management
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the meeting of the current situation in relation to Assistant Principal posts in the school.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 23 June 2022. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
The Board ratified the appointment of Mr. Mc Ginnity as Designated Liaison Person (DLP).
Anti-Bullying
The Board was advised that, to the school’s knowledge, no case of bullying was currently unresolved.
School Planning
The meeting was informed that the School Planning Group (SPG) will begin their meetings for the year from late September onwards.
A new circular on School Self Evaluation, covering the period 2022 – 2026, will be considered by the SPG when meetings resume.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- A student enrolment of 903 at the time of the meeting
- Staffing update
- The operation of the school over the initial days
- Recent Study Skills seminars
- The visit of a Japanese delegation to the school
- Forthcoming events, including a TY Information Meeting for parents and Retreats for 1st year students, beginning on 19 September.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 16.30 in the school on Monday, 10 October 2022.
John McGinnity,
Secretary to Board of Management.
Tuesday, 6 September 2022.