Meeting Report
13 December 2021
Attendance: Eleanor Harpur, Louise Evans, Liam Gaynor, Iris Johnston, Lisa McCauley, Evelyn Danaher, Nyki Carty, Aideen Buckley, John Mc Ginnity and Mary Ann O’ Rourke
Apologies were received from Lorenia Gil and Patricia Delaney
November minutes approved.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. Gaynor reported on recent expenditure in relation to the school musical.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Mr. Mc Ginnity sought feedback on the recent meetings, held online. Feedback from those present was positive and suggestions for future meetings were put forward.
Book Rental Scheme
The possibility of the school establishing book rental scheme was discussed. M.s Carty and Ms. Evans spoke about the successful operation of such schemes in neighbouring schools. The high cost of books was highlighted, particularly for those starting in first year. Mr. Mc Ginnity will investigate this scheme further.
Events for 2022
With ongoing uncertainty around Covid – 19 restrictions, it is difficult to plan anything at this time. The suggestion of a non-uniform day was put forward. The income from this would support the Council in contributing to school events.
AOB
An update of the work of the School Planning Group (SPG) was provided. A number of staff members have considered the issues around the 1st year curriculum and a proposal is now ready for staff. The next meeting of the SPG will take place on Thursday, 6 January 2022 at 15.10.
The next meeting of the Council will take place on Monday, 10 January 2022 at 18.30 in the school.
Meeting Report
1 November 2021
Attendance: Eleanor Harpur, Louise Evans, Liam Gaynor, Edel Cullen, Iris Johnston, Lisa McCauley, Evelyn Danaher and Nyki Carthy.
Apologies were received from John McGinnity and Aideen Buckley.
October minutes approved.
Correspondence
Correspondence was received from the National Parents’ Council.
Election of Secretary for 2021/22
Ms Louise Evans was elected as Secretary for the rest of the school year.
Anti-Bullying Policy – review
The meeting was informed that the BOM had carried out a review of its anti-bullying policy, in line with DES requirements.
School Planning Group – Curriculum Review
An update on the work of the School Planning Group was provided. A group of teachers will shortly commence a review of the junior cycle curriculum, looking particularly at first year. The SPG will be reconvened to consider the findings.
AOB
The 6th Year Parent – Teacher meeting will take place in the school on Wednesday, 1o November. All Covid – 19 preventative measures will be in place.
The Council was informed that the school has purchased a Studyclix subscription for all 6th year students.
Suggestions around possible fundraising activities were discussed.
A query around the location of second hand uniforms, donated at a previous second hand sale was brought forward. Mr. Mc Ginnity will consider this.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Council will take place on Monday, 13 December 2021 at 18.30 in the school.
Meeting Report
11 October 2021
Attendance: Evelyn Danaher, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur (Chairperson), John Mc Ginnity, Louise Evans, Edel Cullen, Aideen Buckley and Nyki Carty
Apologies were received from Liam Gaynor and Trish Delaney.
September minutes approved.
Correspondence
Mr. Mc Ginnity passed some correspondence from the National Parents’ Council to Ms. Evans, Secretary.
Election of Secretary for 2021/22
This item has been deferred to the next meeting.
School Planning Group – Update
Ms. Harpur, Ms. Johnston and Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the group on the recent work of the school planning group in relation to Leaving Certificate Applied. The proposal will now be brought to the Board of Management by Mr. O’ Shea.
Activities
With the ongoing uncertainty around Covid 19 restrictions, those present felt that most activities should be planned for after Christmas. The Council were also mindful of the fact that the school musical, Calamity Jane, will take place in December and that other activities connected to this event will be taking place after midterm.
Novels at Leaving Certificate level
Ms. Cullen initiated a general discussion on the content of some of the novels studied in 5th and 6th year. Mr. Mc Ginnity explained that the texts are carefully selected from the list of prescribed material, as is required by the Department of Education and Skills (DES). Although some of the texts broach difficult and challenging material, the way in which the content was approached by the individual teacher was considered to be of the utmost importance.
AOB
Ms. Johnston enquired as to the status of Parent – Teacher meetings. Mr. Mc Ginnity confirmed that the school would be holding the meetings but that the format was uncertain. It was considered preferable to have an in-person meeting, subject to public health guidelines. However, an online option was being explored. Further guidance is awaited from DES officials. Meetings originally scheduled for the week beginning Monday, 18 October have been deferred.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Council will take place on Monday, 1 November 2021 at 18.30 in the school.
A.G.M. Meeting Report
20 September 2021
The Annual General Meeting of the Loreto Parents’ Council took place in the Sports Hall on Monday, 20 September 2021.
Chairperson’s Report
Ms. Aideen Buckley welcomed those present, particularly those who had not previously been involved with the Parents’ Council. She spoke about the role of the Parents’ Council, the content of their monthly meetings and some of the activities the group would normally be involved with – e.g. school based activities, school planning and development. She thanked all established members of the Council and invited new members to join our next meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. Liam Gaynor presented a full report outlining income and expenditure for the previous academic year. With public health guidelines restricting the activities of the Council, he spoke about the importance of raising some income this year so that the Council can contribute to school activities.
Deputy Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented a brief report to those present. He mentioned how pleasant it was to have an in-person event, the first such event since before March 2020. He thanked the members of the Council for their commitment over the past year. He commented on the challenges the school faced due to Covid – 19, highlighting the resilience of the whole school community in the context of such a demanding year. In his report, he mentioned the following points:
- Curriculum developments at senior cycle – i.e. the introduction of P.E., Politics and Society, DCG and Agricultural Science as exam subjects.
- The importance of the Parents’ Council in playing an active part in the school community.
- The resumption of many extra-curricular activities, subject to public health guidance.
- The work of the School Planning Group.
He concluded by extending an invitation to all those present, particularly new faces, to the next meeting of the Council on 11 October.
Election of Officers
The following parents were elected to the Council for the school year 2021/22:
Chairperson: Ms. Eleanor Harpur
Vice-Chairperson: Ms. Nyki Carty
Treasurer: Mr. Liam Gaynor
Secretary: Role to be filled at the next meeting.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place on Monday, 11 October at 18.30.
Meeting Report
6 September 2021
Attendance: Evelyn Danaher, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Liam Gaynor, Louise Evans, Edel Cullen, Aideen Buckley (Chairperson), Lorenia Gil and Nyki Carty
This meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
May minutes approved.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor updated those present on the current financial situation. He outlined the expenditure in relation to the LC exams.
Deputy Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity delivered a brief report in relation to the return to school. He mentioned the Introduction Meetings and the Covid – 19 Response Plan. He noted that all procedures in relation to Covid – 19 were the same as when school finished in May. He anticipated a gradual easing of restrictions over the coming months, starting with a return to school based sports activities. As restrictions ease across the country, further guidance for secondary schools is expected later in the autumn.
School Planning Group (SPG)
Mr.Mc Ginnity invited those present to the weekly meeting of the School Planning Group. This year, the group will meet in the Sports Hall between 15.10 and 15.40 each Thursday. The SPG examine various aspects of school life, including policies and procedures. The input of all parties (staff, students and parents) is essential to its work. He thanked those who had attended in the past.
Board of Management (BOM) Vacancy
The Council acknowledged the contribution of Ms. Annette Cahalane to both the Parents’ Council and the BOM. Following her departure from the BOM, a vacancy for a parent nominee was created. With the agreement of those present, Ms. Iris Johnston was nominated to the position. A new BOM will be established in October 2022.
Forthcoming Events – A.G.M.
The Annual General Meeting of the Parents’ Council will take place on Monday, 20 September at 18.30. The Council expressed the hope that an in-person meeting could take place, with numbers capped to ensure social distancing. Mr. Mc Ginnity undertook to clarify the position and revert back to members. Following clarification, it was decided that the meeting could take place in the Sports Hall, with pre-registration and a maximum number of 30 permitted.
AOB
Ms. Cullen expressed concern about some of the prescribed texts on the English syllabus. A discussion on the content of a linked website followed.
Next Meeting
The A.G.M. will take place on Monday, 20 September 2021. The subsequent meeting of the Council is scheduled for Monday, 11 October at 18.30. This meeting will be held on Teams, with a view to moving back to in-person meetings from November.