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:
Thursday, 22 February 2024
Attendance:
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Doyle, Ms. Cullen, Ms. Pheasey, Ms. Harpur and Ms. Foley.
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 (18 January 2024) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Harpur, seconded by Ms. Cullen.
Correspondence:
Requests for leave, including job-share and career break applications, were considered by the Board.
The publication of recent JMB Bulletins and DES Circulars, relevant to the voluntary secondary sector, was noted by those present.
Correspondence received in relation to the SPHE curriculum was discussed.
Health and Safety:
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted the recent visit of Mr. Derek Madden (Health and safety Manager). An unannounced fire drill is required in the final term.
Building Updates:
A Zoom meeting with the NDFA in relation to leaks was summarised by Mr. Mc Ginnity. A contractor has been identified to carry out the required work and a draft timeline was outlined.
Finance Report:
An Income and Expenditure report was provided to those present.
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an OLCS report.
Child Protection:
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 18 January 2024. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
The Board carried out its annual child protection review in accordance with the checklist. The updated documents will be placed online and in the reception area.
Anti-Bullying:
The Board was advised that, to the school’s knowledge, no case of bullying was currently unresolved.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning:
In relation to the request for additional accommodation, it was noted that the feasibility study was still awaited.
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed the Board that a revised Code of Behaviour was now with the staff for their consideration. He noted that the School Planning Group were now looking at the topic of student leadership.
Detailed planning in relation to the new academic year was discussed.
Admissions, 2024/25:
Mr. Mc Ginnity provided an update in relation to admissions into 1st year for September 2024.
Principal’s Report:
Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:
- Cross Country success
- Activities to celebrate the birthday of Mary Ward
- Recent equestrian activities
- The premiere of the film ‘Envy’, filmed in Loreto and starring some TY students.
- The recent visit of the Japanese Ambassador to the school
- Recent sports fixtures and results in football, camogie, soccer and rubgy
- A recent trip to The Parable Gardens for the Justice and Peace Group
- The presentation of Meitheal certificates to all leaders in the Riverside Hotel.
- Success for Aoife Walsh and Maria Coone in Junk Kouture by making it to the regional finals to be held in The Helix on Monday, 4 March
- The successful completion of the German exchange and the Home Economics trip to Italy
- The completion of Subject Choice Talks and Parent – Teacher meetings for 1st and 4th year parents/guardians
- The completion of the Mock examinations
- The plan for a special mass in Rowe Street Church to mark the departure of the Loreto Order from Wexford.
Next Meeting:
The date of the next meeting is Tuesday, 16 April 2024.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Friday, 1 March 2024.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting:
Thursday, 18 January 2024
Attendance:
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Doyle, Ms. Cullen, Mr. Gaynor, Mr. Gayer, Ms. Pheasey, Ms. Harpur and Ms. Foley.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes:
The minutes of the last meeting (23 November 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Pheasey.
Correspondence:
Requests for leave were considered by the Board.
The publication of recent JMB Bulletins and DES Circulars was noted by those present.
Correspondence in relation to printing services supplied to the school was discussed.
Health and Safety:
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed those present that a recent fire drill had went well. A visit from Mr Derek Madden (Health and safety Manager) was also summarised.
Building Updates:
Requests to use school facilities were considered by the Board.
Ongoing issues in relation to leaks were summarised by Mr. Mc Ginnity. Rectification works were due to take place shortly.
A recent Zoom meeting between NDFA officials and Mr. Mc Ginnity was discussed.
Finance Report:
An Income and Expenditure report was provided to those present.
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an OLCS report.
Child Protection:
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 23 November 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.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning:
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that a feasibility study in relation to the application for additional teaching space had been sanctioned by the NDFA.
The work of the School-Self Evaluation (SSE) committee was summarised.
It was noted that the School Planning Group had concluded its work on the Code of Behaviour and that a draft policy will now be created.
The Board decided to allow, on a trial basis, the provision of an optional TY programme for the 2024/25 year.
In relation to the school timetable, the Board agreed to keep the current structure of 40-minute lessons.
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that initial planning in respect of the 2024/25 school year had started. Submissions from staff in relation to job-sharing, or availing of a career break next year, must be received by 1 February 2024.
Admissions, 2024/25:
Mr. Mc Ginnity provided an update in relation to admissions into 1st year for September 2024. He noted that the Information Evening for incoming first years and their parents/guardians would take place on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
Principal’s Report:
Mr. Mc Ginnity mentioned the following in his report:
- Wellbeing Day – 6th Years
- LCA Parents’ Morning
- Rotary Interact Club – Southeast Radio slot
- Recent results for the various teams in the school
- Think Languages Day – 30 November 2023
- College Awareness Week
- Southeast Child Health Conference where Ms. Flynn, Mr. Gunning and students spoke about wellbeing
- The successful completion of ‘The Music Man’ in the National Opera House
- The completion of various Christmas events – Christmas Market, Christmas Concert (organised by the PPU) and the Christmas Carol Service
- School of Sanctuary Awards in the National Opera House
- Numerous TY events completed since the last meeting
- 1st Year First Aid facilitated by The Order of Malta and sponsored by the Parents’ Council
- Cycle Against Suicide events
- Saint Vincent De Paul food appeal organised by the LCVP class
- 6th Year Christmas Show in aid of Saint Vincent De Paul
- Kazhuiro, our Japanese Language Assistant, placing second in a national FLA competition
- The completion of the 5th Year Parent – Teacher meeting in mid-December
- A power outage on Tuesday, 16 January 2024 which led to the suspension of all classes and students been sent home for health and safety reasons. Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that the outage ended up lasting almost six hours.
The following upcoming events were also highlighted:
- Friday, 19 January: LCA Practical Task
- Monday, 22January: 3rd Year Information Talk
- Tuesday, 23 January: Oide Day for staff
- Wednesday, 24 January: Information Meeting for new 1st years and their parents/guardians
- Thursday, 25 January: 1st Year Parent – Teacher meeting
- Friday, 26 January: LC Mock exams begin
- Monday, 29 January: Subject Choice Talks for 1st and 4th year parents
- Wed, 31 January: Transition Year Parent – Teacher meeting and the start of JC Mocks
Next Meeting:
The date of the next meeting is Thursday, 22 February 2024.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Tuesday, 23 January 2024.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting:
Thursday, 23 November 2023
Attendance:
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Doyle, Ms. Cullen, Mr. Gaynor, Mr. Gayer, Ms. Pheasey, Ms. Harpur and Ms. Foley.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes:
The minutes of the last meeting (9 October 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Pheasey.
Correspondence:
Requests for leave were considered by the Board.
Correspondence in relation to the SPHE curriculum was discussed.
A letter from the Loreto Education Trust was noted.
Health and Safety:
Mr. Mc Ginnity informed those present that a fire drill will take place soon.
Building Updates:
A request to lease the Sports Hall was discussed.
Finance Report:
Mr. Gaynor summarised the recent meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee.
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an OLCS report.
Leadership and Management:
The appointment of teaching staff to Assistant Principal II vacancies was ratified, subject to the completion of the appeals process.
Child Protection:
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 9 October. 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 were informed of recent activities carried out as part of Anti-Bullying Week.
Annual Report:
A report on the operation of the school for the 2022/23 school year was presented to Board members.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning:
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that there had been no further correspondence from the DES in relation to the request for additional accommodation.
The initial work of the School-self Evaluation (SSE) committee was summarised.
It was noted that the School Planning Group was currently reviewing the Code of Behaviour.
A discussion on a change to policy in relation to the compulsory TY was held.
Admissions, 2024/25:
Mr. Mc Ginnity provided an update in relation to the admissions process. He noted that there had been 328 applications for the 180 places available.
The Board considered reviews in respect of students whose parents/guardians has requested same.
Principal’s Report:
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- An update on the progress of all school teams was provided
- A very successful equestrian event, hosted by Loreto, Wexford
- Success at the Loreto Swimming Gala
- Ongoing TY activities
- Recent fundraising initiatives – e.g., Sleepout for Focus Ireland, Trick or Treat for sick children
- 6th Year Irish trip to see An Triall in Carlow
- The successful return of all students and staff from Barcelona
- 1st Year Meitheal disco
- Various themed events – e.g., Stand – Up week, Anti-Bullying Week
- John Paul II Awards
- Various parent/teacher meetings and Information Meetings
- The retirements of Ms. Betty Byrne and Ms. Majella Wilson
- The completion of November exams
- Upcoming events – e.g., 5th Year Parent – Teacher meeting, LCA lunch for parents/guardians, The Music Man musical, Christmas Fair, Christmas Concert and the Christmas Carol Service.
Next Meeting:
The date of the next meeting is Thursday, 18 January 2024.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Monday, 4 December 2023.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting
Monday, 9 October 2023
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Doyle, Ms. Cullen, Ms. Pheasey, Ms. Harpur and Ms. Foley.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the last two meetings (30 August and 14 September 2023) were adopted following the proposal of Ms. Foley, seconded by Ms. Harpur.
Correspondence
Requests for leave were considered by the Board.
Correspondence in relation to the SPHE curriculum was noted.
Documentation from the Loreto Education Trust was also shared with the Board.
Health and Safety
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated those present on matters in relation to health and safety.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that an audit of works carried out over the summer is scheduled for Friday, 27 October.
Finance Report
The Board formally approved the budget for 2023/24.
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented an OLCS report.
Leadership and Management
The appointment of teaching staff to Assistant Principal vacancies was ratified, subject to the completion of the appeals process.
Additional vacancies were discussed and a timeline for filling these positions was agreed. The procedures in relation to the recruitment process was also finalised.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 30 August. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
Following the introduction of revised Child Protection procedures, the Board carried out a fresh review of the Child Safeguarding Statement using the new templates.
Anti-Bullying
The Board was advised that, to the school’s knowledge, no case of bullying was currently unresolved.
The Board carried out the annual review of the anti-bullying policy in accordance with the relevant checklist.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that all teaching vacancies had been filled.
The Board was informed that the Guidance Inspection had been published on the gov.ie website.
Mr. Mc Ginnity summarised the overall enrolment figures in the school.
It was noted that the School Planning Group was up and running for the year.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- The start of the school year with Introduction Meetings for all students
- The commencement of sporting competitions
- A successful Open Night and Opening Mass
- TY Information Evening
- Study Skills talks for 2nd and 5th year students
Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting is Thursday, 23 November 2023.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Wednesday, 18 October 2023.
Agreed Report of Board of Management Meeting:
Wednesday, 31 August 2023
Attendance
Ms. Johnston (Chairperson), Ms. Doyle, Ms. Cullen, Ms. Pheasey, Ms. Harpur, Mr. Gaynor, Mr. Gayer and Ms. Foley.
As Secretary to the Board, Mr. Mc Ginnity also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the last three meetings (31 May, 14 June and 16 August 2023) were adopted.
Correspondence
Requests for leave were considered by the Board.
Health and Safety
Mr. Mc Ginnity updated those present on the installation of extra CCTV and the purchase of carpet tiles to protect the Sports Hall flooring.
The annual review of the Health and Safety statement with Derek Madden (Health and Safety Manager) was noted.
Building Updates
Mr. Mc Ginnity summarised the work completed over the summer. This included the full painting of all external walls, some internal painting, upgrades to the BMS system, the replacement of some floor coverings and the rectification of some outstanding leaks.
Finance Report
The Board was informed that the annual budget would be drafted shortly.
Leadership and Management
The Board was provided with an update in relation to Assistant Principal vacancies.
Child Protection
Mr. Mc Ginnity presented the Board with a Child Protection Oversight Report covering the period since the last meeting on 31 May. A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
The Board ratified the appointment of Ms. Siobhan O’ Donoghue as Deputy Designated Liaison Person following the retirement of Ms. O’ Reilly.
Revised Child Protection procedures were formally adopted. Circular 0036/2023 was discussed and Mr. Mc Ginnity provided a summary of the main changes.
Anti-Bullying
The Board was advised that, to the school’s knowledge, no case of bullying was currently unresolved.
School Planning/Teaching and Learning
Mr. Mc Ginnity noted that almost all teaching vacancies had been filled.
The Board was informed that there had been no further contact from the Buildings Unit in relation to the application for an extension.
The current enrolment figures in each year group were summarised.
The Board approved a plan to offer 180 places to 1st Year students for 2024/25. This is subject to patron approval.
A draft response to the Guidance inspection (held in April 2023) was circulated and agreed.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Mc Ginnity made mention of the following:
- The Summer Camp for new 1st year students
- The start of the school year
- The upcoming Open Night, scheduled for 28 September
Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting is Monday, 9 October 2023.
John Mc Ginnity,
Secretary to the Board of Management,
Tuesday, 12 September 2023.