Meeting Report
10 May 2021
Attendance: Evelyn Danaher, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Liam Gaynor, Annette Cahalane, Louise Evans, Trish Delaney, Aideen Buckley (Chairperson), Lorenia Gil and Nyki Carty
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
March minutes approved.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor presented a final report for the year to those present. Ms. Buckley referenced a request from the school to sponsor one prize at the Prizegiving Ceremony, as is the case each year. The Council were happy to support this and Mr. Gaynor will look after the payment.
Deputy Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity delivered a brief report in relation to school activities since the return of all students to in-person teaching. He referenced some of the difficulties faced by students and staff during the period of remote teaching and the ongoing Covid – 19 prevention measures in place in the school. He noted that all students will finish up on 28 May in order to facilitate work associated with the accredited grades process for Leaving Certificate students. The state exams are due to commence on Wednesday, 9 June 2021. He noted that the calendar for the 2021/22 school year will be published shortly.
Forthcoming Events
Ms. Johnston spoke about the feasibility of holding the second hand book and uniform sale. She suggested that uniforms could be donated to local charities instead.
In previous years, the Parents’ Council distributed water and flapjacks to exam students on the first day of the state exams. While parents will not be permitted to attend the school this year, it may be possible to purchase the items in advance and simply leave them available for the students. Mr. Mc Ginnity will follow up on both matters and liaise with the Council members.
AOB
Mr. Mc Ginnity took questions and feedback from the members. He answered queries around traffic flow, P.E. uniform, the impact of Covid – 19 on student progress and access to the school for incoming 1st Years.
By way of conclusion, Ms. Buckley and Mr. Mc Ginnity thanked those present for their continued support and dedication to the school over the past year.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place in September 2021.
Meeting Report
1 March 2021
Attendance: Evelyn Danaher, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Liam Gaynor, Annette Cahalane, Louise Evans, Aideen Buckley (Chairperson), Lorenia Gil and Nyki Carty
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
February minutes approved.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor presented an updated report to those present and informed members that the bank required updated paperwork in relation to the account.
Return to school
Mr. Mc Ginnity spoke about the phased return to school, starting with 6th year students. The school will follow all guidelines as laid out by the Department of Education and Skills and public health.
State Examinations
A discussion around the Leaving Certificate for 2021 ensued. Further guidance in relation to oral exams, practical work and modifications to exam papers is expected in the coming weeks. Ms. McAuley enquired as to the status of Classroom Based Assessments for 2nd year students. Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that guidance was awaited on the completion of these assessments also.
Remote Teaching and Learning (RTL)
Remote teaching and learning will continue for all other groups. The group discussed various points in relation to RTL – assessment, screen time and quantity of homework assigned.
AOB
Mr Mc Ginnity spoke about an e-mail he had received from Ms. Lorraine Kelly (Guidance Counsellor). It referred to an upcoming course for parents in the area of mental health. He would forward it to members of the Council.
Next Meeting
Monday, 10 May 2021 at 18.30.
Meeting Report
1 February 2021
Attendance: Evelyn Danaher, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Liam Gaynor, Annette Cahalane, Louise Evans, Trish Delaney, Aideen Buckley (Chairperson), Lorenia Gil and Edel Cullen.
Apologies were received from Nyki Carty.
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
January minutes approved.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor presented an updated report to those present.
Subject Choice – update
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Council that the subject choice process would take place online this year. All students have received guidance on their subject choices through input from the Guidance Counsellors and an Information Meeting for Transition Year students. The school offered 22 subjects for senior cycle, including Agricultural Science, Politics and Society and Applied Maths. This is the first year these subjects have been offered.
Remote Teaching and Learning (RTL)
Members of the Parents’ Council expressed their thanks to the teaching staff for the work they are doing in relation to remote teaching and learning. Mr. Mc Ginnity thanked members for their positive feedback. He mentioned that surveys would soon be issued to all students to gauge their views on what works best in relation to RTL. The school has loaned over thirty devices to students to facilitate RTL. Ms. Evans commented on the importance of this initiative. All students who requested a device were provided with one and more are available should the need arise.
AOB
A general discussion around the current public health situation ensued, focussing on the potential staging of the state exams and a staggered return to school for students.
Next Meeting
Monday, 1 March 2021 at 18.30.
Meeting Report
11 January 2021
Attendance: Evelyn Danaher, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Nyki Carty, Trish Delaney, Aideen Buckley (Chairperson), Lorenia Gil and Edel Cullen.
Apologies were received from Louise Evans and Liam Gaynor.
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
December minutes approved.
Financial Report
Ms. Buckley confirmed that the Council made a donation towards Christmas activities in the school. Mr. Gaynor will provide an updated report at the next meeting.
Christmas Hampers
Mr. Mc Ginnity again thanked the members of the Parents’ Council for the time and effort that went in to preparing the Christmas prizes. He listed the winners in each year group.
1st year: Bronagh Boggan
2nd year: Jolie Hamilton Nash
3rd year: Sienna Moran
4th year: Éabha Crosbie
5th year: Katie – Beth Gaynor
6th year: Philome Power
Child Protection – Student Safeguarding Statement
Mr. Mc Ginnity confirmed that the Board of Management will shortly be conducting its review of the Safeguarding Statement. He reminded members of the content of the document and outlined where it can be found. He confirmed that the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in the school is Mr. O’ Shea. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP) is Ms. O’ Reilly.
Remote Teaching and Learning
A discussion around remote teaching and learning ensued. Members present provided positive feedback in relation to the first day of online classes. There was strong support for the decision to follow the school timetable, for all subjects, as much as possible, thereby providing greater structure to the day.
Concern was expressed around the amount of homework that might be assigned, as it will also have to be done online. This could lead to even more screen time. Mr. Mc Ginnity asked members to contact him if the issue of excessive homework emerges in the coming days and weeks. Teachers have been asked to finish live classes a little early to give students a break and a chance to login to the next lesson promptly.
Ms. Gil asked about the likelihood of the mock examinations proceeding. Mr. Mc Ginnity indicated that it was too early to know for certain. The holding of these examinations will depend very much on when face-to-face teaching can resume. The school will liaise with all parties in relation to these examinations.
AOB
Mr. Mc Ginnity confirmed that all upcoming events in relation to subject choice for 2021/22 will proceed online, following the normal timeframe. He confirmed that the Information Meeting for incoming 1st year students and their parents/guardians will also take place remotely, on 26 January 2021.
Next Meeting
Monday, 1 February 2021 at 18.30.
Meeting Report
7 December 2020
Attendance: Evelyn Danaher, Louise Evans, Iris Johnston, Lisa McAuley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Nyki Carty, Liam Gaynor and Trish Delaney.
Apologies were received from Annette Cahalane, Aideen Buckley and Lorenia Gil
Ms. Iris Johnston chaired the meeting.
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
November minutes approved.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor presented an updated financial report to those present.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Christmas Events
The Parents’ Council have kindly donated six Christmas hampers, one for each year group in the school. Each student will be entered into a draw and the hamper will be distributed on Friday, 18 December. Mr. Mc Ginnity will organise the draw in the school and arrange for the hampers to be displayed in the school. The students will be asked to wear a Christmas hat on a day before the holidays.
School Planning Group
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated the Council on the work of the School Planning Group (SPG). A revised mobile phone policy is now with the Board of a Management for its consideration. The SPG will now be considering the topic of I-pads to support teaching and learning. A brief discussion on this followed. Members present expressed a preference for the current approach – i.e. a blended approach, with the use of textbooks and MS Office.
Christmas Events
The school is continuing with many of its Christmas events, adapted to take Covid -19 preventative measures into account. The Carol Service, and the 6th Year Show, in aid of Saint Vincent De Paul, will be pre-recorded. Both of these events will then be broadcast to the school community before the holidays.
AOB
Mr. Mc Ginnity answered some queries in relation to the ventilation system in the school. He thanked the members for their work and wished them a Happy Christmas.
Next Meeting
Monday, 11 January 2021 at 18.30.
Meeting Report
2 November 2020
Attendance: Aideen Buckley, Evelyn Danaher, Louise Evans, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Nyki Carty, Liam Gaynor and Lorenia Gil.
Apologies were received from Annette Cahalane.
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
October minutes approved.
Ms. Danaher was welcomed to her first meeting of the Council.
Financial Report
Mr. Gaynor presented an updated financial report to those present.
Correspondence
An e-mail from a parent, sent to the Parents’ Council account, was discussed. The correspondence related to the possibility of holding remote Parent/Teacher meetings. Mr. Mc Ginnity explained that school management has discussed the matter earlier in the year but, for reasons of privacy and security, it was not considered an appropriate means of holding such a meeting. Comprehensive school reports will be sent home and parents/guardians are invited to contact teachers should they wish to discuss anything. A letter, issued on the school website on 22 October 2020, outlines all of these points.
Election of Officers 2020/21
Following some discussion, it was decided that all existing members of the Parents’ Council would retain their roles. This motion was proposed by Ms. Johnston and seconded by Ms. Harpur.
School Business
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented a brief report on school matters since the previous meeting. He confirmed that the school was unaffected by the requirement to change hand sanitiser and wipes. He summarised the ongoing situation in relation to Covid 19 and praised the continued efforts of the whole school community in ensuring that all guidelines are being followed as best they can.
Christmas Events
Members suggested some events/initiatives that the Council could run in the lead-in to Christmas. These ideas will be advanced further before the next meeting.
Next Meeting
Monday, 7 December 2020 at 18.30.
Meeting Report
5 October 2020
Attendance: Aideen Buckley, Annette Cahalane , Patricia Delaney, Louise Evans, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity, Nyki Carty and Lorenia Gil.
Apologies were received from Liam Gaynor and Edel Cullen.
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
September minutes approved.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Covid – 19
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated those present on the first few weeks back in the school. He thanked the students for their efforts so far and referenced a number of points including social distancing, the cleaning of desks and the use of face coverings. Feedback from members of the Parents’ Council was positive. The issue of excessively hot water in the taps has been addressed and Mr. Mc Ginnity encouraged ongoing feedback from parents through him.
A.G.M
Arrangements to amalgamate the A.G.M. with the Autumn General Meeting of Parents, due to take place on Monday, 19 October via Zoom, were discussed. A slot during the presentation was suggested. Ms. Evans and Ms. Buckley undertook to submit material to Mr. Mc Ginnity in this regard. Following the meeting, Mr. Mc Ginnity contacted members of the Parents’ Council indicating that the Zoom meeting would not now go ahead. As an alternative, Mr. O’ Shea will issue a letter to families next week. This letter will include some information about the Parents’ Council and details on how to join the group.
School Business
Mr. Mc Ginnity spoke about some recent activities in the school – 1st Year Retreats for all groups and TY trips to Curracloe and Clonroche. He also confirmed the appointment of the Head Girls and all members of the Students’ and Prefects’ Councils.
The School Planning Group will reconvene, in line with HSE guidelines, after the Halloween break.
AOB
Ms. Evans spoke about the possibility of a student led Instagram account around the areas of wellbeing and nutrition – students to speak to Mr. Mc Ginnity.
Ms. Johnston suggested a virtual run as an activity, which the Council could undertake. Upon discussion, Ms. Cahalane spoke about an upcoming HSE initiative around fitness and walking. This could link in with that. It was agreed to revisit the idea further.
Next Meeting
Monday, 2 November at 18.30.
Meeting Report
7 September 2020
Attendance: Aideen Buckley, Annette Cahalane , Patricia Delaney, Louise Evans, Edel Cullen, Iris Johnston, Lisa Mc Auley, Eleanor Harpur, John Mc Ginnity and Nyki Carty.
Apologies were received from Lorenia Gil.
In line with current guidelines, this meeting took place remotely, via Microsoft Teams.
May minutes approved.
The Chairperson, Aideen Buckley, opened proceedings by welcoming everyone to the first meeting and extending sympathy to Louise Evans on the passing of her father.
Correspondence
None to discuss.
Covid -19
Mr. Mc Ginnity reported on the reopening of the building and spoke about the work done in the school over July and August. He spoke about high levels of compliance with regards to sanitising and the wearing of face coverings. He encouraged all parents to emphasise the importance of social distancing. Procedures around the use of lockers, entering and exiting the building and the staggered break times were discussed further.
Meitheal Leaders
Mr. Mc Ginnity praised the work of the Meitheal Leaders in helping to get the first years settled in.
Hockey Pitch
An update on the hockey pitch was provided. It should be complete by mid-September.
A.G.M
The decision was taken to defer the A.G.M. for the time being. The possibility of holding the meeting over Zoom was discussed.
AOB
Mr. Mc Ginnity answered questions in relation to the Covid – 19 Response plan and other school business.
Next Meeting
Monday, 5 October at 18.30.