Meeting Report: 12 May 2025

Present:

S Boland O’Brien, D O’Dowd, E Danaher, A Kelly, C Callan, E Cullen, D Monaghan, L McAuley, E Mooney

Apologies:

P Loring, C Larkin, E Harpur, S Mooney, M O’Doherty

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting were proposed by D Monaghan and seconded by C Callan

Financial Report

The financial paperwork is now in place so as allow cheques to be signed etc. Outstanding cheques included €90 to Slaney Flowers, €200 for Sports Award, €240 for Driving lessons and €600 for LC gifts.

Membership of NPC & NPC training update

National Parents’ Council Membership runs from January – December. Agreed to join in September as it is the start of a new school year. A parent questioned if it would be possible for them to come and talk re the parents council constitution.

Social Media & Screen time

It would be possible to seek advice from the NPC on this matter. Webwise also have some online information. This will be looked at again in September in conjunction with NPC and would be offered to all parents.

‘Bi Cinnealta’ anti bullying policy

The ‘Bi Cinnealta’ anti bullying policy is a government initiative to redraft the anti-bullying policy. This has been merged with the Loreto anti bullying policy. A letter to parents with a link to the draft policy will be issued tomorrow together with a survey to parents. A parent questioned the development of the governmental policy, if links to the guidelines were available.

RSE policy update

The Dept of Education are developing guidelines for schools, but these have not been received as yet.

A discussion was had regarding the policy and concerns raised by some parents regarding a perceived lack of consultation. Mr O’Dowd again reiterated the consultation process that has occurred this academic year including parent information meetings for each year group as well as letters to family outlining ‘opt-out” arrangements.

School Planning Group

The SEN policy is being reviewed and a draft will be presented to the Parents’ Council in Sept.

End of Year Celebrations for 6th years

Bracelets funded by the PC will be available next week. These will be presented in conjunction with a coffee morning and PC representatives will be invited.

It was queried whether help was required from PC members for the Sports awards. There is an open invitation for the PC to attend the awards ceremony. Mr O’Dowd will check if specific assistance is required.

School Uniform Sale for Charity

A suggestion was made regarding a school uniform sale for charity e.g. Womens refuge. Another suggestion was made regarding holding a uniform swap event. It was suggested that the week leading up to exams or the week afterwards might be most appropriate. D O’Dowd will look into this. A parent highlighted the importance of sustainability.

Parents Council Constitution

This will be looked at in September. NPC can be asked to provide guidance.

AOB

  • A query was received as to whether the PC would consider contributing towards an LCA end of year dinner, perhaps a joint contribution with PPU? It was decided that the finance statements would be evaluated once the outstanding cheques went out, before making a decision.
  • Min Ryan

Lantern are not hosting events in Min Ryan this Summer and therefore there will not be a need for PC to man car park etc

Next Meeting: Monday 1st September