Minutes Report: 3 November 2025
Present:
S Boland O’Brien, P Kinsella, E Danaher, A Kelly, C Callan, E Cullen, D Monaghan, C L Topircean, N Ajavonov
Apologies:
None Received
Minutes of last Meeting:
The Minutes of the last Meeting were discussed but there was no consensus to sign them off.
Matters Arising:
BOM Election Process
The process of submission and counting of votes for election to the Board of Management (BOM) was discussed. The question of the number of votes per household or family was discussed. It was advised that there needs to be more clarity, transparency and consistency about same.
It was noted that the election process has changed to adhere more closely to the BOM guidance/governance document.
It was noted that the timeframe for the election process was quite short and that the election process should be communicated to everyone at the same time.
Mobile Phone Use during School Hours
The issue of access was raised.
It was noted that school rules apply during study time.
Communications Home
It was noted that communications regarding Drop Off or Pick Up outside normal school hours, Payments, Day Trips and/or Overnight Trips require the informed provision of consent/permission from parent/guardian should be communicated directly to parents/guardians and not through the students. This is particularly applicable to Transition Years and to Sporting Events.
Minutes of Meetings
It was noted that these serve as a summary of matters discussed and should be written as such.
‘My Wellbeing Journey’ book
Concerns were raised that this is not in keeping with the ethos of the school.
It was advised that in adherence with Child Protection Guidelines the topics in the ‘My Wellbeing Journey’ book have to be addressed.
It was also advised that there is an opt out option and that any parent with concerns could make an appointment to discuss same with Mr. McGinnity
The Constitution of the Parents’ Council
It was noted that this should be addressed and that members of the Parent’s Council are happy to help with same.
Financial Report
There was no change in the Finance Report from the last meeting when the balance was €1.433.96.
Fundraising/Expenditure
It was felt that the suggestion from the October meeting of a €2 contribution per household was a good one.
It was considered that the Tesco blue token community fund collection for 3 nominated charities may not be suitable for Parents’ Council fundraising.
While it had been previously suggested that the Parent’s Council could fundraise at the Christmas Carol Service this is no longer possible as the PPU run the Xmas carol service.
It was suggested to have a coin jar at reception to collect money for the Parents’ Council but there were concerns about this.
Another suggestion was to collect cans and recycle them to collect money. It was pointed out that the Students Council are already collecting cans for the school.
It was advised that a non-uniform day could potentially be run to raise funds for the Parent’s Council this year. This would also require some students to volunteer to assist. No definite date decided as yet.
A company has been contacted regarding the possibility of getting a bin for can collections. It was agreed that it would be checked by the Parents’ Council as to whether it is possible to get a permit to collect cans at Wexford Park.
Other suggestions included cookies for sale on sports days, colour runs on a Saturday, vehicle (e.g. tractor) runs, etc.
Career Fair 2025
This year, the Career Fair will take place in the CBS on Thursday 20th November from 6.30-8.30pm. Parents’ Council members were asked to spread the word to try to recruit volunteers who would speak about their careers.
The CBS are contributing €240 and the Parent’s Council was asked to contribute an equal amount.
Any Other Business
It was noted that Garda Ann Quirke would give a talk to parents on internet safety on 13th November in the school.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for December 1st.