Meeting Report
8 January 2024
Present:
S O’Donoghue, E Harpur, L McAuley, P Murphy, E Danaher, A Kelly, E Mooney, C Callan, N Carty
Apologies:
S Boland O Brien
The minutes of the last meeting were proposed and seconded.
Finances:
Ms Carty, Treasurer advised that the current balance was 2049.98
School Planning Group Update:
The Uniform/Dress code policy is being reviewed at present.
Hour Classes
Ms O’Donoghue gave a presentation on the proposed change from 40 minutes to hour long classes and the implications of this for timetabling, subject choice etc. Feedback has been received from other schools who have implemented this change, consultations have been had with teachers and students. The views of the Parents council were sought. The BOM will meet on the 18/01/24 to make a decision on the matter.
Facilities
A rollaway trolley is being purchased for the purpose of storing two extra microwaves for use at lunchtime to reduce queues. Two new microwaves will be purchased by the Parents’ Council.
The issue of a potential trip hazard coming from the car park onto the kerb at the path at the school was raised and potential ways to highlight this discussed. Mr Murphy is to evaluate same.
Library Donation
A donation of books to the value of €100 will be made to the library by the Parents’ Council. A presentation of same will be arranged.
Book Club
Foster by Claire Keegan was reviewed. The group consensus was that the book is a recommended read.
Next Meeting Tuesday 6th February
Meeting Report
4 December 2023
Attendance: John McGinnity, Anna Kelly, Sinead Boland O Brien, Claire Callan, Peter Murphy, Lisa McAuley, Eleanor Harpur, Nikki Carthy, Evelyn Danaher and Eimear Mooney.
Apologies: Siobhan O Donoghue
Students’ Council
Mr McGinnity is meeting with the Student Council regarding the queues for lunchtimes.
Possibility of the Parents’ Council meeting with the Students’ Council was discussed.
The idea of a rollaway trolley to keep two additional microwaves is being looked at. The possibility of a vending machine or facility to pre order is being considered.
Finances
Nikki Carty, Treasurer, gave an update on current finances.
School Planning Group
Code of Behaviour updated/tweaked. Uniform/dress code to be addressed next.
Upcoming events
Christmas fair on Saturday 9 December from 11am – 2pm. The school musical will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week.
PPU have their carol service on the 19 December.
Order of Malta was organised again for the 1st years.
Fundraising
The possibility of a car wash fundraiser is being look at.
It was decided to postpone the donation to the library for the moment as the Parents’ Council had sponsored prizes for the raffle. (4 tickets to the musical) .
Book Club
Linking in with the Well-Read initiative was discussed.
Date for next meeting: Monday 8 January
Meeting Report
6 November 2023
Present: Siobhan O’Donoghue, Lisa McAuley, Eleanor Harpur, Peter Murphy, Edel Cullen, Evelyn Danaher, Anna Kelly, Eimear Mooney, Christina Doyle, Claire Callan
Apologies: Sinead O’Brien Boland, Nyki Carty
The minutes of the last meeting were proposed and seconded.
A copy of the child safeguarding statement and Anti bullying policy and procedures were provided. The Board of Management have conducted an annual review of these.
School Planning Group Update
The code of Behaviour policy is being reviewed at present. A lengthy discussion was had re transition year.
Planning Events
Discussions were had re support of the following:
-Order of Malta first aid training for 1st years
-Contribution to the library, supporting literacy
-Sponsorship of 4 tickets for the musical (to be raffled)
-Provision of 2 extra microwaves (potential location of these to be evaluated further)
Book Club
The Parents’ Council will participate in a book club after the monthly meeting to support the ‘Well Read’ Initiative
PPU Collaboration
Potential ideas for collaborations were discussed. It was felt that the previously discussed fashion show would not be feasible. The potential for a car wash fundraiser over a weekend was discussed and its feasibility will be evaluated further.
There will be an indoor Christmas market in the school in December.
Any Other Business
A discussion was had regarding the avenues available to parents to access information regarding school policy and curriculum. These include the school planning group, twice yearly parent meetings and school policies are also available online.
Date for next Meeting: Monday 4 December
Meeting Report
2 October 2023
Present: Siobhan O’ Donoghue, Lisa McAuley, Eimear Mooney, Sinead Boland O’Brien, Evelyn Danaher, Nyki Carty, Eleanor Harpur, Anna Kelly and Edel Cullen
Apologies: N/A
Minutes of last meeting proposed and seconded.
A warm welcome to our new members Anna Kelly and Eimear Mooney.
September meeting 2023 did not take place as there were inadequate numbers.
Discussions re The Book Club will be carried forward to the next meeting.
School Inspection
The Department of Education completed an inspection of the Loreto Guidance Department, and their comments were very favourable. The details re the inspection may be viewed on www.gov.ie.
Open Night
The Loreto Open Night held last week and was very well attended. The school received very positive feedback.
This year there will be 180 incoming first years, an increase of 30 places.
WhatsApp Group
A new WhatsApp group will be set up for 2023/2024 following consent from members individually.
Child Protection
Regarding Child Protection, new guidelines were published in 09 2023. Circular 36/2023 outlines the new changes and responsibilities for schools.
Second Hand Books and Uniforms
A discussion took place re second hand books and uniforms.
SPHE Curriculum for LC1/LC2
The new SPHE Curriculum was discussed, specifically for Senior Cycle. This is available on www.gov.ie to view and the deadline for submissions for parental feedback is 17 10 2023. The school will send a link to parents to remind and to access.
The School Planning Meeting is a forum for parents to consult the school re the curriculum and other relevant school issues.
Twice a year parents are invited into the school and are updated on developments and relevant issues.
The school policies are also available to view online.
Election of Officers
Nyki Carty – Treasurer
Eleanor Harpur – Chairperson
Sineád Boland O Brien – Vice Chairperson
Lisa McAuley– Joint Secretary
Anna Kelly – Joint Secretary
Zara Byrne outlined by email in August that she was stepping down as Secretary of the Parents’ Council. A sincere thanks to Zara for her commitment to date.
Date of next meeting 6 November at 6:30pm