Meeting Report: 02 September 2024 

Present:  

Ms. Siobhán O’ Donoghue – Deputy Principal 

Mr. Diarmuid O’ Dowd – Deputy Principal 

Eleanor Harpur – Chair 

Sineád Boland O’ Brien – vice chairperson 

Niki Carty – Treasurer 

Claire 

Eimear Mooney 

Evelyn Danaher 

Pili 

Apologies: 

Lisa  

Anna Kelly – Secretary 

There weren’t any minutes available for this meeting so they will be ratified at the upcoming AGM 

Welcome to Mr. O’ Dowd, Deputy Principal who will now be attending the Parents’ Council meetings. Ms. O’ Donoghue was thanked for her attendance and commitment to date.

Treasurer’s Report: 

The current balance is 1, 567.06 euro. 

Graduation Pin: 

A discussion took place whether we should get a graduation pin, which was in place previously. Mr O Dowd will look into samples and costing.

Order of Malta: 

A discussion took place whether we should continue with offering a session paid by the Parents’ Council for the first years.  It was acknowledged that the students are also provided with information re first aid, CPR etc in TY.  The cost is 250 euro and the consensus seemed to be that it is a valuable session and to continue to offer it to the first years.  Since the school funds several things in 6th year, it is unlikely that the school would have the funds to fund this also. 

Careers Night: 

The last one was held in 2019 for the 6th years.  This issue was also bought up at a recent Board of Management Meeting. It is usually held in November to coincide with the relevant information talks on the CAO and College Awareness Week. Mr O Dowd will do some research and discuss the matter with the Career Guidance team and the management team.

The Fleadh 2025: 

A discussion took place re whether charging for the car park during the Fleadh next year would be an option.  There are 92 spaces in the school.  It is likely that the school is too far outside of the town to be convenient. 

Parents’ Council AGM. 

This will be held on 16/09/2024.  Previously the election of officers took place after the AGM.  However the election will take place at the AGM.  The following positions will need to be filled: Chair, Vice – Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.  The school will put out a notice re the AGM. Over the year there are 8 Parents’ Council meetings and the AGM. 

Sineád Boland O’ Brien has expressed an interest in the position of Chair. 

Eimear Mooney has expressed an interest in Vice – Chair. 

The Book Club: 

This will be discussed at the next meeting as Lisa was unable to make this meeting tonight. 

WhatsApp Group: 

A new group will be set up for the 2024/2025 school year and for those who want to opt onto it, they will be required to give their written consent. 

School Uniform: 

There are new leggings for PE (optional).  These are supplied by Bodibro and these were chosen as they are of good quality.  They are 40 euro approx.  There have been some supply issues unfortunately.  O’ Neills were late in getting back to the school and they were also more expensive.  For students doing PE for Leaving Cert, they will have to be filmed in tight fitting leggings to demonstrate the relevant movements etc. 

Next year Hore’s Stores in Wexford town will supply these.    

Vaping: 

Unfortunately this is an ongoing issue as it is in many schools.  The vape alarms are very expensive. 

Mobile Phones: 

Their use in the school requires ongoing review, including whether it will be available for evening study..  Sixth years will require it for One Note.  Generally 5th and 6th years can use their mobile phone in class if teachers request same.   

Miscellaneous: 

The school is also considering banning energy drinks in the school. 

The minutes were taken by Evelyn Danaher as Anna was absent. 

Next meeting: 2 Sept