Meeting Report: 3 March 2025

Present:

S Boland O’Brien, E Harpur, D O’Dowd, E Danaher, A Kelly, P Loring, C Callan, M O’Doherty, E Cullen, D Monaghan

Apologies:

E Mooney, L McAuley, C Larkin, N Carty, S Mooney

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting were proposed by E Harpur and seconded by M O’Doherty

Matters Arising

In relation to the parents council constitution, a suggestion was made that subgroups could be formed to look at the objections of the council. It was also suggested that a parent could speak at the 1st year introductory meeting in Sept.

Financial Report

The issues with documentation in relation to bank accounts is nearly sorted. There are 2 recent invoices, namely €240 for driving lessons and €90 for flowers. Updated balances etc will be provided once paperwork is sorted.

Membership of NPC

This will be actioned once financial paperwork is in place so as allow cheques to be signed etc

Parents Council Constitution

Mr O’Dowd outlined that the objective of the current constitution is more from the schools perspective.. A decision was made to await NPC guidance and to leave the redrafting until September. It was noted that any changes to the constitution would need to be discussed at an EGM and any proposed change will need the agreement of 2/3rds of parents.

School Planning Group

There is a plan to potentially disband the SPG and instead form subgroups for individual planning matters. A request was made for the date on which policies are developed or reviewed to be paced on the website version.

Review of Child Safeguarding Statement

The BOM annual review of the child safeguarding statement has been undertaken at the BOM meeting in Dec 2024.

Social Media & Screen time

Social media use and screen time is a significant issue for most families. A suggestion was made that having a guest speaker with expertise on the subject at the AGM might be a worthwhile venture.

A parent felt that the issue of phones being allowed in certain class with a teachers permission should be reviewed. Mr O’Dowd will look at inviting a guest speaker to address the social media and screen time issue.

Mock Interviews

These are scheduled for 26/03/25. Adequate number of volunteers are in place to conduct the interviews. Mr O’Dowd will enquire if help is needed with tea & coffee on the night.

Sports Awards

The parents council fund an outstanding achievement award and give €200 towards this

Ideas for 6th years

4 kettles have been got for use in after study. The electrical circuits cannot support extra sandwich toasters.

Further ideas were discussed re keepsake for Leaving certs including a graduation pin. A parent suggested a coffee shop voucher or a pen. Another suggestion was a party or a breakfast morning. It was felt it would be too late to make a decision on this at the next meeting. Mr O’Dowd will ask teachers to ask the L.C. students what they would like.

AOB

  • A parent enquired if Wexford Marine Watch come into schools to talk to pupils? Mr O’Dowd will look into this as a possible idea for assembly in the future.
  • After-study attendance
  • Each term, when 10 sessions are missed, a message goes home to parents. An enquiry was made if this could be done after each missed session. Mr O’Dowd will investigate and revert.
  • The issue of encouraging lunchtime activities outside was again raised.
  • Feedback on food in the Vending machines is that the options are very popular amongst students

Next Meeting: Monday 12th May