Meeting Report: 4 November 2024

Present: 

S Boland O’Brien, E Harpur, D O’Dowd, N Carty, A Kelly, E Mooney, E Danaher, C Callan, Yue Huang, E Cullen, D Monaghan 

Apologies: 
Apologies:
C Larkin, M O’Doherty, L McAuley, Daixum He, S Mooney, P Loring


Respect
The chair opened the meeting and spent a few minutes discussing how each meeting would be conducted. The importance of mutual respect and attendees were asked to arrive on time.

Minutes
The wording of the October draft minutes with respect to AOB were amended as requested. The minutes of the last meeting were proposed by Eleanor Harpur, and seconded by Claire Callan

Matters Arising
With respect to AOB, a parent felt that there was not enough time in the Parents Information Evening to ask questions regarding RSE. Mr O’Dowd highlighted that management took questions until the very end of the meeting. Mr O’ Dowd also pointed out that management stayed around after the meeting taking questions until all parents had left.

As part of the discussion on time on individual items at the parent council meetings, a suggestion was made that subgroups could be arranged for items that require more time than the parents council monthly meeting can allow.

Financial Report
Our current balance is €2657.06 Arrangements are being made with the bank regarding change of signatories on cheques etc to
reflect new officers and a bank statement has been requested.

Reduction of lunch queues.

Mr O Dowd highlighted that the addition of two extra microwaves, funded by the parents Council, has made a huge difference to the reduction of queues as well as a change in the card system. Mr O’Dowd indicated that the school is looking into the installation of 2 vending machines and that he will also look into the feasibility of adding sandwich toasters.

Graduation Pin
Mr O’Dowd showed a sample pin and proposed image. He will price a one euro size pin x 150

Book Club
There is some difficulty sourcing the books at present and therefore this was deferred until the next meeting.

Careers Night
Careers Night is scheduled for 18th November. It is anticipated that there will be in the order of 750 senior students attending from the Loreto and CBS. There will be a raffle for a set of driving lessons, which the parents council have agreed to sponsor.

Draft Assessment Policy
This policy refers to assessment, monitoring, reporting, homework and attendance. Mr O’Dowd gave an overview of the policy and highlighted proposed changes.

Gaining interest in Parents Council
The following suggestions were made to promote and improve an awareness of the
Parents Council;

  • Have 2 parents speak at the 1st year Parents Information evening
  • Communicate the minutes and agenda to parents
  • Message parents two weeks ahead of meetings to suggest items for the agenda
  • Coffee mornings for each 1st year class.
  • Outline purpose and remit of the Parent Council to all parents

AOB 

-The issue of road safety in the environs of the school was raised. Significant traffic on the roundabout and on the road to Min Ryan with children on their phones and not looking whilst crossing at zebra crossings was raised.

-Further discussions regarding the RSE curriculum and book were conducted. It was pointed out that such items should be added to the agenda in advance of meetings.

Next Meeting: Monday 2nd December