Meeting Report
11 May 2020
Attendance
Louise Evans, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, Annette Cahalane, Lorenia Gil, Liam Gaynor, John McGinnity, Edel Cullen, Aideen Buckley and Iris Johnston.
Apologies were received from Mai Fanning and Nyki Carty.
As the school building is closed, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
In light of the Covid-19 situation, the meeting had an open agenda in order to address any concerns or issues that parents wished to discuss with Mr. Mc Ginnity.
Covid – 19
The following items in relation to the coronavirus pandemic were discussed:
- The planned return to school in September 2020: Mr. Mc Ginnity said that the school would follow all guidance issued from the relevant authorities in advance of the reopening. In the meantime, the school is planning for the new school year in the normal way.
- Internet access: The issue of connectivity was discussed. The school will look to support those students with a particular difficulty in this area, but the issue of poor coverage/broadband is hampering some students and teachers in their work.
- Leaving Certificate 2020: The announcement in relation to calculated grades was discussed.
- Incoming 1st years: The Council expressed their concern for the 150 students who will start in Loreto, Wexford next September. Mr. Mc Ginnity said that every effort would be made to make sure their transition to the school would be as smooth as possible, given the current situation. The suggestion was made that, perhaps, the school could look to appoint extra Meitheal leaders to support the students more.
- The second-hand book sale, normally held in June, will have to be cancelled this year.
Remote teaching and learning
A number of parents praised the efforts of teachers in engaging with the students during the current school closure. They complimented the staff on their ongoing work to support teaching and learning over this difficult time.
School Planning Group
Mr. Mc Ginnity confirmed that the group meetings have recommenced on Microsoft Teams. He invited parents to join again for the remaining meetings and he will arrange for them to be added to the group.
Summer Reports
Mr. Mc Ginnity sought feedback in relation to the proposed format for student reports, details of which have been outlined by Mr. O’ Shea in a recent letter to families. Parents indicated that they were happy with the proposals.
Hockey Pitch
The Council expressed delight at the news that the hockey pitch rectification work would take place over the summer, leaving the pitch ready for September.
As this was the final meeting of the year, Mr. Mc Ginnity thanked the Council for their support of the school throughout the year.
Meeting Report
2 March 2020
Attendance
Louise Evans, Nyki Carty, Eleanor Harpur, Lorenia Gil, Liam Gaynor, John McGinnity, Edel Cullen, Aideen Buckley and Iris Johnston
February minutes approved.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor presented a financial report to those present.
Mock Interviews
Arrangements for the TY mock interviews were agreed.
School Planning Group (SPG)
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Council on the ongoing work of the SPG. He referenced draft policies on Suicide Prevention and Substance Misuse. He spoke about the revised arrangements for recording student attendance and absences, which will take effect from Monday, 9 March 2020. He confirmed that the Board of Management had completed its annual review of the Child Safeguarding Statement. Finally, he referenced the upcoming work on the group, namely the development of a School Plan to cover the next three/four years.
AOB
The group discussed the emerging issue of Coronavirus. Mr. Mc Ginnity outlined that all information is included on our website and that the school would act based on the medical advice given by the relevant experts. The school will remain in contact with parents via the website and text message.
Those present discussed the possibility of hosting a disco in October. This will be considered further at a later stage.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parents’ Council will take place on Monday, 11 May at 18.30.
Meeting Report
4 February 2020
Attendance
Louise Evans, Nyki Carty, Eleanor Harpur, Lorenia Gil, Liam Gaynor, John McGinnity, Edel Cullen, Aideen Buckley and Iris Johnston
Apologies
Mai Fanning, Annette Cahalane and Patricia Delaney
January minutes approved.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor presented a financial report to those present. Monies received from the Christmas fundraiser will be lodged into the account.
Correspondence
None received.
School Planning Group
Mr. Mc Ginnity and Ms. Buckley outlined the current work of the School Planning Group. The group is currently looking at a draft Substance Use policy. The next meeting will take place on Friday, 28 February at 13.30.
Christmas Quiz/Fundraiser
The Council expressed disappointment at the response to the armchair quiz. Ms. Johnsoton suggested that the Students’ Council could be contacted in order to ascertain what activities they would like to see done by the Parents’ Council. Mr. Mc Ginnity agreed to speak to Mr. Broderick (Students’ Council Co-ordinator) in relation to this.
Mock Interviews
TY students will attend mock interviews on Monday, 9 March 2020. Ms. Barbara Foley (member of the Board of Management) will help to coordinate this event. Ms. Buckley will link in with her in relation to the practical arrangements and assistance from the Parents’ Council.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parents’ Council will take place on Monday, 2 March at 18.30.
Meeting Report
6 January 2020
Attendance
Louise Evans, Nyki Carty, Annette Cahalane, Eleanor Harpur, John McGinnity, Lisa McCauley, Aideen Buckley and Iris Johnston
Apologies
Mai Fanning and Liam Gaynor
December minutes approved.
Matters Arising
Members of the Council spoke about the recent school musical, noting that it was a superb production. Feedback in relation to the Carol Service, which was held in the school due to the inclement weather on the day, was discussed.
Financial Report
Apologies were received from Mr. Gaynor (Treasurer).
Correspondence
None to discuss.
School Planning Group (SPG)
Mr. McGinnity updated the Council on the recent work of the School Planning Group. He mentioned a review of the Uniform policy and the role of the Class Teacher and Year Head. Finally, he distributed a draft document in relation to Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) and Whole-School Assessment. This document had emerged following many weeks of discussion by the SPG. The Council discussed the contents and approved it. It will now go to the Board of Management for further discussion.
Christmas Quiz
The Council agreed to extend the time for entries to the quiz. The draw will be made next week.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parents’ Council will take place on Monday, 3 February at 18.30.
Meeting Report
2 December 2019
Attendance
Louise Evans, Nyki Carty, Eleanor Harpur, John McGinnity, Lisa McCauley, Lorenia Gill, Liam Gaynor, Aideen Moroney, Iris Johnston and Mai Fanning
Apologies
Annette Cahalane
November minutes approved.
Matters Arising
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Council on the current situation regarding the two pitches. The GAA pitch will soon be available for use.
Treasurers’ Report
Liam Gaynor presented a financial update to those present. He presented Mr. Mc Ginnity with a cheque for €652.00. This money was raised at the Table Quiz in April and will be spent on resources for the School Library.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
School Musical
Mr. Mc Ginnity invited the Parents’ Council to the musical. He asked for assistance in relation to the raffle and distributed headed letters requesting the donation of spot prizes.
Wellbeing Programme
Mr. Mc Ginnity spoke about the requirement to have 400 hours of Wellbeing related learning at junior cycle. He outlined our current provision and invited members to reflect on what they might deem important in any future programme. He said that a wider consultation with parents would take place in 2020.
Christmas Quiz/Fundraiser
Iris Johnston distributed a sample of the Armchair Quiz, which will be distributed to families shortly. The Council also discussed the importance of having representatives from the Parents’ Council present in the school around Christmas, perhaps to distribute treats to the students in the General Purpose Area.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parents’ Council will take place on Monday, 6 January at 18.30.
Meeting Report
4 November 2019
Attendance
Louise Evans, Nyki Carty, Eleanor Harpur, John McGinnity, Lisa McCauley, Lorenia Gill, Liam Gaynor, Aideen Moroney, Iris Johnston and Edel Cullen.
Apologies
Annette Cahalane
October minutes approved.
Matters Arising
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Council on the current situation regarding the GAA pitch. Works to complete the project have now started. An update on the hockey pitch will be provided as soon as possible.
Treasurers’ Report
Liam Gaynor presented a financial update to those present.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Review of events
The Council discussed the various events that they are involved with throughout the year. It was agreed to look at new ideas and change some of the events that the Council are involved with. With this in mind, Iris Johnston proposed the idea of an ‘arm chair quiz’. This will be considered more thoroughly at the next meeting.
AOB
Feedback from the recent TY Road Safety event was discussed with Mr. Mc Ginnity.
Next Meeting
The next Parents’ Council meeting will take place on Monday, 2 December at 18.30.
Meeting Report
7 October 2019
Attendance
Louise Evans, Nyki Carty, Eleanor Harpur, John McGinnity, Lisa McCauley, Lorenia Gill, Liam Gaynor, Aideen Moroney, Iris Johnston, Annette Cahalane and Edel Cullen.
Apologies
Mai Fanning.
September minutes approved.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Treasurers’ Report
Liam Gaynor presented a financial update to those present.
Election of new committee members
The following parents were elected;
- Chairperson – Aideen Moroney, proposed by Liam Gaynor, seconded by Nyki Carty
- Vice Chairperson – Eleanor Harpur, proposed by Nyki Carty, seconded by Annette Cahalane
- Secretary – Louise Evans, proposed by Iris Johnston, seconded by Liam Gaynor
- Treasurer – Liam Gaynor, proposed by Iris Johnston, seconded by Louise Evans.
Deputy Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following points in his report:
- Works completed over the summer
- Ongoing discussion with the relevant bodies regarding the G.A.A. pitch and the hockey pitch
- Feedback from a recent fire drill
- School events, including the upcoming General Meeting of parents
- Preparations for the school musical, South Pacific
- Traffic management and feedback from a recent meeting with Wexford County Council and An Garda Síochána.
AOB
A brief discussion around fundraising ideas for the year ahead was held. There were a number of great ideas shared, which will be discussed further at the next meeting.
Next Meeting
The next Parents’ Council meeting will take place on Monday, 4 November at 18.30.
Meeting Report
2 September 2019
Present
Liam Gaynor, Aideen Moroney, Annette Cahalane , Lorenia Gill, Patricia Delaney, Louise Evans and Edel Cullen.
Apologies
Mai Fanning, Iris Johston and John McGinnity.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Treasurers’ Report
Liam Gaynor presented a financial update to those present.
Parents’ Council Annual General Meeting
Arrangements in relation to the A.G.M. were discussed and agreed upon. A handout outlining the role of the Parents’ Council will be prepared and the names of people interested in joining the Council will be noted. The A.G.M. will take place on Monday, 23 September at 19.00.
AOB
Nominations for the Parent Representatives on the Board of Management need to be returned to Mr. O’ Shea by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, 11 September 2019.
Next Meeting
The A.G.M. will take place on Monday, 23 September at 19.00. The subsequent Parents’ Council meeting will take place on Monday, 7 October at 18.30.