2019 Minutes
Minutes from Parent's Association meeting on Tuesday 5th November 2019
5 members of the Parent’s Association executive met with Mr.Corley prior to the meeting for consultation on the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Policy. Following a recent Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection copies of the Child Safeguarding Statement 2019-2020 (including risk assessment) were received and acknowledged by all present.
1. Attendance and apologies
There were 13 (and Mr. Corley) in attendance, with 6 apologies as listed on the record sheet circulated.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
The Chairperson summarised the minutes from the previous meeting on Tuesday 24th September. There were no amendments. They were proposed by Nicola Mee and seconded by Richard Hudson.
Action: It was agreed draft minutes would be placed on the website. As they include Mr.Corley’s address detailing all activities in the school, a separate Newsletter is not required. Plans also include displaying the Student Council’s Minutes on the website.
3. Matters Arising
·Traffic Management at gate: Safety concerns remain an issue. Action: a suggestion to contact the traffic safety section in An Garda Siochana will be followed up by Mr.Corley.
· Development Plan: A review reflecting parent, staff and student feedback was completed by the Board of Management (BOM), resulting in items being moved to different timeframes.
Long to short term: Improving footpath up the hill and lighting on the avenue.
Medium to short term: Tarmac surface at the hockey pitch.
Long to medium term: Sports Hall, Parking (especially for staff), 2nd Science lab, Larger technology room (as identified in a H&S audit).
Action: The Development Plan will be included on the website.
4. Mr. Corley’s Address to the Parents Association (PA) AGM
(i) School Development Planning
· Meetings: BOM on Thursday 3rd Oct. Agreed minutes on website. Next meeting is Thursday 21st Nov.
Student Council on Thursday 24th October.
Staff Meeting on Tuesday 15th October.
· CPSI Initial inspection Thurs 17th & Fri 18th Oct. The final inspection will take place within the next 5-6 weeks.
Feedback from Parental Questionnaires
Statement
Strongly Agree/Agree
I feel welcome in the school
100%
My child is safe and well looked after in the school
98.9%
My child is treated with respect by teachers
97.8%
My child is treated with respect by other school personnel
100%
'I am confident that if I have a child protection concern, the school will act promptly and effectively'
94.5%
'I am confident that if I have a bullying concern, the school will act promptly and effectively'
92.3%
The school helps my child develop social and personal skills
96.7%
(ii) Pastoral Care
· RSE policy reviewed by the Parents' Association Officers and teachers. Is due to go before the Student Council in the next two weeks.
· Homework & Study policy review team currently working on this policy review
· All Form 1 and Form 2 students have had individual meetings with their tutor and a member from the SCST.
· All Form 2 students are taking part in the FUSE programme and have completed their initial questionnaire on online and offline bullying behaviour.
· A fire drill took place on Monday 4th November.
· RSC has registered for the national ‘Every School Day Counts’ Attendance Campaign. This is organised by Tusla-EWS and will run for the month of November.
(iii) Update on School Events
· Week of Languages and Culture took place during the first week of October
· Positive Mental Health Promotion took place during the week of 7th - 11th October.
· TY Form 5 & 6 Career Art Expo took place in the schoolroom on Wednesday 9th October.
· Maths week took place from Monday 14th to Friday 18th October.
· Royal School Cavan received a silver award, one of only 18 giving out nationally at the TESA summit, organised by Junior Achievement Ireland to recognise the school's commitment to Enterprise Education.
· Both the Form 1 Boys & Girls Futsal teams will represent Co. Cavan in the Ulster Finals in Letterkenny.
· Form 2 & Form 1 students went on a History Trip to Ballyjamesduff Museum.
· TY Defibrillator course, facilitated by Mr. Butt and his team of volunteers, took place on Friday 18th October in the school room.
· 7 students attended the Comhairle Na Nog AGM on Tuesday 22nd October.
· 14 students took part in an Irish Quiz, called Feachtas on Tuesday 22nd October. One team came 3rd.
· Childline breakfast fundraiser took place on Tuesday 22nd October.
· TY Drive for Life programme was delivered to TY students on Wednesday 23rd October.
· Form 6 HL English classes travelled to view Hamlet
· TY students are currently in Killary Adventure Centre until Friday. They begin their first week of work experience from Monday 11th to Friday 15th November.
(iv) Staff Matters
· Ms. Emer McElwaine was appointed as the new Acting Programmes Coordinator
(v) Student Matters
· JC results were issued on 4th October; the majority of students were delighted with their achievements.
· All Form 1 students received their first preference for choice subjects in both optional subject bands.
· 10-week assessment examinations are currently taking place.
(vi) Parent Communication
· Student academic reports should be available on VSware during the week of Monday 25th November.
· Form 3 & 6 Parent-Pupil-Teacher Meeting will take place on Wed 27th November from 4:15pm-6:45pm.
· No school for students on Monday 18th November and 2nd December to allow for Junior Cycle training.
· Carols by Candlelight Service is due to take place on Wednesday 18th December at 7pm in Cavan Parish Church. Service to be recorded by Northern Sound.
· For up-to-date student achievements, follow RSC on Twitter, Facebook or log onto our website for regular updates.
(vii) Buildings & Maintenance
· Still waiting on new deeds to progress Leader application for lighting on the avenue.
Parent’s feedback, queries & discussion
· Subject choices: Queries regarding the lack of choice of foreign language was raised. Currently only French is on the school timetable, with Spanish being a desired alternative. A trend with the reduction from 8 to 7 leaving cert subjects of students taking a foreign subject at ordinary level outside school has been noticed. In addition only one leaving certificate business subject is currently offered (Accountancy) with a second option desirable.
5. Annual Christmas Raffle
Suggestions received were dugouts and repairing lighting of all weather pitch. All agreed fund raising sheet should state “Upgrading all weather pitch facilities” and vouchers best for prizes. Mr.Corley to discuss approaching suppliers with PJ in the kitchen. Chairperson to email parents to source vouchers. Help will be required to collect sheets etc. and on the night.
6. Correspondence
None
7. Treasurer's Report
· Balance €710.13
8. A.O.B.
None
10. Date of next Meeting
Tuesday 14th January at 8pm, all parents are invited.
Minutes from Parent's Association AGM on Tuesday 24th September 2019
The AGM was preceded by a Parents Seminar on Study Skills by SuperGeneration organised as part of the Student Skills Programme which was part funded by the Royal School Parents Association (PA). Refreshments were served between the talk and the AGM.
1. Attendance and apologies
There were 23 (and Mr. Corley) in attendance, with 6 apologies as listed on the record sheet circulated.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
There were no amendments to the minutes from the meeting on Tuesday 14th May. They were proposed by Yvonne Stratford and seconded by Ethel Smith.
3. Matters Arising
None
4. Chairperson’s Report
Heather Alexander summarised the activities carried out by the Parent’s Association during the previous school year (Drafting Constitution, activities, meetings and fund raising). Tara Cunningham agreed to replace Margaret McKeon Boyle updating Facebook. Details about School activities and students achievements welcomed.
5. Mr. Corley’s Address to the Parents Association (PA) AGM
(i) School Development Planning
SIP 2019-2020
1. Effective Feedback … Form 1, 2& 3
2. Higher Order Thinking …. Form 2& 3
3. Digital Strategy: Ipads introduced for teaching, learning & assessment in the classroom.
4. Literacy Review team 2019/20 are currently reviewing whole school literacy strategies
Teacher Professional Learning - Dr Mark Fennell
1. Collaboration with teachers in Loreto College Cavan. Peace IV CASE funded.
2. Exploring Student Accountable Talk
Peace IV CASE Project funding for TY Students
Grease 26th September, Zeminar 8th October, TY Minority Sports Day at Clones Peace Link 7th October, Combilift visit, Young Americans (Performance Art) 30th January – 1st February 2020.
(ii) Pastoral Care
Restorative Practice used for Form 1
RSE policy review due, 2 parent representatives required
Homework & Study policy review commenced
Student Care & Support Team of 7 teachers formed: 2 Year Heads, 1 SET teacher, 1 Student Wellbeing coordinator, 1 restorative practitioner, 2 Senior Management.
PASS (Pupils attitude to School and Self) allows school to identify, measure and address hidden barriers to learning improving the wellbeing of students
Fuse Training in DCU: 2 teachers attended a course to become school champions to peer train other teachers and parents in how best to tackle a range of online and offline bullying issues. The programme, supported by Facebook, is aimed at second year junior cycle students. It consists of six modules, including bullying, cyber bullying and online safety. It is a scenarios type programme and gives students the opportunity to explore how they might deal with bullying issues that may occur within the classroom, the school and online. The main aim of the programme is to increase reporting and reduce levels of bullying in schools.
Child Protection Designated Liason Person(DLP) is Padraic Corley & Aisling Grey the Deputy DLP
(iii) Update on School Events
Extra-Curricular Activities timetable available on website
39 students travelled to the National Ploughing Championships
Form 6 travelled to the Higher Options on Thursday 19th September.
Cavan Parish Harvest Thanksgiving: Wednesday 25th September, supper in school afterwards.
No School Friday 27th September as Staff Development Day
Board of Management (BOM) Meeting Thursday 3rd October
Open Day & Open Night - 30th September
Board of Governors (BOG) Art/Photography Competition to celebrate school 200th anniversary
Provisional Date for JC Results, Friday 4th October
Mr Butt and his team will deliver a TY defibrillator course on Friday 18th October.
Two Junior Cycle Training days; Monday 18th November & Monday 2nd December.
(iv) Staff Matters
John Galligan taken up Deputy Principalship at Wilson's Hospital. Aisling Gray is the Acting Deputy Principal for 2019/20.
New staff: Jerome Kilbride, Lynne Kelly, Sarah Bates, Deborah Allen & Joshua Pringle.
(v) Student Matters
45 new students into Form 1 (Currently 232 students in school, of which 50 are boarders) Form 6 LC Results 2019: Out of 40 students, 45% secured 400 points or more, 15% obtained 530 points or more and one student achieved an outstanding 625 points.
Form 6 (34 students) & Form 3 (45 students) have taken part in Study skills workshops delivered by the Supergeneration.
Hot lunches commenced 16th September
Form 1 vaccinations took place on Monday 16th September (Tdap, Men A, HPV)
There are currently 12 students taking the Afterschool Study facility.
Form 5 & 6 Prefect System (23 students) in operation.
Student Council elections took place, SC brunch held Wednesday 18th September.
Form 5 Prefects are involved in the Form 1 mentoring programme.
Student Leadership workshop 24th September.
Areas to be improved: Labelling of property & wearing of uniform to and from school.
(vi) Parent Communication
Form 1 Parents Information session held on Friday 6th September at 12:15pm.
Up to date email and mobile numbers required for communication
Use of mobile phones during school day not allowed (8.40am-3.45pm)
Parent-Pupil-Teacher Meetings to continue as beneficial
VSWare allows access to Child’s timetable and Term Reports.
(vii) Buildings & Maintenance
Corridors painted. 32 new Digital CCTV cameras and a new student water drinker installed
Still waiting on new deeds to progress Leader application for lighting on the avenue.
Parent’s feedback, queries & discussion
Sports Hall still on agenda, included in school long term development plan.
School Parking for pupils not currently available due to capacity. Additional parking capacity included in the school long term development plan.
Traffic at gate remains a hazard, but Cavan County Council's assessment suggest no change.
School Attendance last year was 90% which is higher than the national average. Leaving certificate (after May) and Transition Year targeted last year with positive results. Actions to further improve continue.
6. Election of Officers
Parent Proposed Seconded
Heather McCullagh (Chairperson) Jenny Dunne Elaine Ritchie
Audrey McDowell (Secretary) Richard Hudson Ian Elliot
Nicola Mee (Treasurer) Sandra Reilly Verena Shekleton
Richard Hudson Ian Elliot Trevor Cassidy
Trevor Cassidy Richard Hudson Sandra Reilly
Jenny Lynch Yvonne Stratford Heather McCullagh
7. Correspondence
Details received from Compass following an EGM on 25/05/19 in Portlaoise. Key objectives achieved were outlining the NPCpp (National Parent's Council post primary) and COMPASS (Cooperation of Minority Religions and Protestant Parent's Association) roles. NPCpp provides information and support for parents, training and support for PA’s, lobbying, research, policies and spokesperson on issues etc. It comprises of 3 directors from each COMPASS(minority schools), PACCS(community and comprehensive school), ETB’s (ETB schools) and CSSPA (Catholic Secondary Schools). COMPASS acts to represent parents and PA’s through the NPCpp at National level and in any organisation concerned with Education. Cost of membership is €1 per pupil.
8. Treasurer's Report
Opening Balance: €3287.13
€2012 Library refurbishment
€340 Form 6 “Make it Happen” Day (34 students x €10)
€225 Form 3 “Study Skills Workshop” (45 students x €5)
Closing Balance €710.13
9. A.O.B.
Parents present asked to think about ideas for PA for coming year
Suggestion received regarding highlighting what the Royal Schools present needs are to see if we can address them. Action: School Development Plan to be included on the next agenda.
School website: Privacy sign obscuring choices when accessed on smart phone. Action: School
PA Minutes: To be included on the website once agreed. Action: Heather Alexander
10. Date of next Meeting
Tuesday 5th November at 8pm, all parents are invited.
Parents Association Meeting Draft Agenda Tuesday 5th November 2019
1. Apologies
2. Minutes 24th September 2019
3. Matters Arising from previous minutes
4. Mr. Corley’s Address
5. Plans for annual Christmas Raffle
6. Correspondence
7. Treasurers Report
8. A.O.B.
9. Next meeting
Minutes from Parent's Association meeting on Tuesday 14th May 2019
1. Attendance and apologies
There were 14 (and Mr. Corley) in attendance, with 4 apologies as listed on the record sheet circulated.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
The minutes from the meeting on Tuesday 12th March, were proposed by Jenny Dunn and seconded by Elaine McClean. There were no amendments.
3. Matters Arising
None
4. Mr. Corley’s Address to the Parents Association (PA) Meeting
(i) School Development Planning
· Teaching & Learning
1. FLA application to be considered for a French Language Assistant for 2019-2020 was unsuccessful.
2. Staff CPD: 2 days training on Restorative Practice held on for staff.
3. Student Assessments will take place from 29th to 31st May.
4. TY Subject Choices for Form 5 completed.
5. SSE Evaluation: All teachers and Form 1 & 2 students completing questionnaires on the impact of our two strands of SSE for 2018-2019 (Strand 1; Success criteria and effective feedback & Strand 2; Higher Order Questioning).
(ii) School Projects, Competitions & Sports
1. Niamh Smith TD will unveil the Creative Engagement outdoor-indoor Mural 'In Our Place of Learning', Wellbeing outdoor space, raise the Amber flag, and officially open the renovated library on Monday 27th May at 2:30pm. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
2. School achieved 3rd place in National Competition 'Mission Possible' €300 for school, wellbeing space.
3. The Yearbook, 'Royal Times' will be available from Thursday 23rd May, for €10.
4. Ulster District Athletics: Mr.Vahey accompanied 25 students who won 2 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals.Royal School Cavan took 3rd place in the Cavan Track & Field in the Peace Link Clones
(iii) Update on School Events
1. BOM meeting on Thursday 4th April, 2019, minutes uploaded to website
2. The Music Department will host a 'Festival in the Field' concert on Wednesday 22nd May.
3. European Trip: 25 students and three teachers travelled to Barcelona form 10th-13th April.
4. LC Graduation Service: takes place in the school room on Thursday 23rd May at 7pm.
5. Annual Fun night for 4th and 5th class primary students on Friday 24th May.
6. TY Awards Night takes place on Tuesday 28th May in the school room at 7pm.
7. Summer holidays commence on 30th May for Form 1 & 2 students and Friday 31st May for Form 5 students.
8. Student Awards will take place during the last week of term.
9. Form 3 Awards ceremony and prayer service will take place on 28th May at 2:30pm. Form 3 parents are welcome to attend. Students will be free to go home for independent study before exams begin on 3rd June.
10. Student Council organised a very successful 5km Fun Run (as part of Active Schools week & Healthy Eating week) to raise money to develop the outdoor Wellbeing space.
11. TY London trip from 9th May to Friday 11th May 2019.
(iii) School Trips & Visiting Speakers
· Form 2 students will travel to the Marble Arch Caves on Thursday.
(iv) Buildings & Maintenance
· Structures at Risk funding: Work to address water ingress at front of building is completed.
· Leader Application: New deeds have been applied for.
(v) Policy Development & Review
· Students and teachers have taken part in the review of the Code of Behaviour (for discussion at meeting).
· Anti-bullying policy: engaged with Liam Challenor who works for the National Anti-Bullying Research & Resource Centre DCU, reviewed our procedures & programmes in place.
· RSE Policy Review: Due to take place with Caroline Harrison on Thursday 16th May.
· Homework Policy review has been moved to the next academic year, due to time constraints.
(vi) Communication
· Parents encouraged to log into school website to access school news in real time or follow on twitter.
· Currently using 'Hootsuite' to link twitter and facebook.
· Calendar for Academic Year 2019-2020 will be published on website this week.
· Booklists will also be published on website this week.
(vii) Staff Matters
· Elaine Fannin has joined our staff as our new accounts secretary/School Bursar
Parents feedback, queries & discussion
· Pupil attendance at Parent Teacher meetings: All agreed it was beneficial.
· Code of Behaviour: Long form on website, shortened form (4 pages) for student and staff.
· Role clarification for school year 2019-2020: Mr.Corley will remain as Acting Principal & Mr.Galligan as Acting Assistant Principal.
· WSE process completed fully.
· Senior Cycle review underway.
· History as core JC subject under debate.
· Sports Hall still on agenda.
5. Correspondence
· Notification received from Compass for an EGM on 25/05/19 in Portlaoise, to discuss changes, implications and opportunities. Action: Heather forwarded to all.
· Workshop on Internet Safety and Cyber Bullying by Paula O’Connor. No action at present.
6. Treasurer's Report
· There is currently €3287.13 in the Account (€2012 allocated to library fund).
7. A.O.B.
· Discussion regarding ideas and PA funding of talks. Mr.Corley spoke about “Supergeneration” delivered by Feidhlim O'Seasnain around study skills and learning to learn. Students (LC & JC)will attend a 5 hour workshop “Make it happen” which will include sections on how to study, setting targets, what to do if targets not achieved etc. The same speaker will attend the AGM. All agreed €615 approx. of PA funds to go towards cost of above.
· 1st years have a new class timetabled “Learning to Learn”, 2nd years will complete 6 classes on the topic and 5th year will cover the topic in well-being.
· Next year “PASS” Test to address areas of student social skills needing support planned.
· Annual end of year book and uniform sale: Thursday 20th June at 7pm in the schoolroom.
· Letter to 1st year parents to include permission to share email addresses with PA. Action: Mr.Corley as appropriate.
· Uniform standard queried. Noted.
· Online access for homework queried. Homework Policy review will address.
8. Date of next Meeting (AGM)
Tuesday 24th September at 7pm, all parents are invited. This will include a talk by Feidhlim O'Seasnain introducing parents to the study skills techniques which will be taught as part of the Student Study Skills Programme.
Parents Association Meeting Draft Agenda (AGM) Tuesday 24th September 2019
1. Apologies
2. Minutes 14th May 2019
3. Matters Arising from previous minutes
4. Chairperson's Report
5. Mr. Corley’s Address
6. Election of Officers
7. Correspondence
8. Treasurers Report
9. A.O.B.
10. Date for next meeting
Minutes from Parent's Association Meeting on Tuesday 12th March 2019
1. Attendance and apologies
There were 11 (and Mr. Corley) in attendance, with 4 apologies as listed on the record sheet circulated.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
The minutes from the meeting on Tuesday 15th March, were proposed by Yvonne Stratford and seconded by Richard Hudson. There were no amendments.
3. Matters Arising
None.
4. Mr. Corley’s Address to the Parents Association (PA) Meeting
(i) School Development Planning
· Teaching & Learning
1. TL21 2018-2019: 2 meetings took place covering the topics “Critical Thinking in the classroom” and “Retrieval Practice”.
2. FLA Application for a French Language Assistant for 2019-2020 was submitted to the DES.
3. Staff CPD: Teachers received in-house CPD in Co-teaching (A. Gray & J. Murphy) and Restorative Practice (L. McQuaid).
4. Follow-Through Inspection following the WSE-MLL in Nov 2017 took place on Friday 15th February; progress was classified as very good for all five recommendations.
5. Student Assessments: Results Pre-Examinations and 20-week assessments are available on VSWare.
6. Junior Cycle Orals: Irish and French oral examinations have been completed.
7. Relationships & Sexuality Education (RSE) Modules are currently been delivered to all classes one class each week for six weeks.
8. TY Subject Choices for Form 5: CATIV assessments and presentations on subjects will take place over the next two weeks; following this VSWare will open for TY students to select their LC subjects.
(ii) School Projects, Competitions & Sports
1. Creative Engagement Project: Heather Brett is working with TY students to develop an outdoor-indoor mural at the main student entrance themed, “In our Place of Learning”.
2. Certified Irish Angus Competition: Five Form 5 students travelled to the Netherlands as part of their Competition in February. To raise money and promote Angus beef they will be holding a cooking demonstration by Chef Brian McDermott. Four TY students are through to the second round and will travel to Croke Park on 14th March to be interviewed on their theme “Farm Safety”.
3. TY School Bank – Connect 6 travel to Dublin to compete with 148 other schools on 13th March. Their theme is ‘Backing our School’ and they have various wellbeing projects around the school.
4. Junk Kouture: 2 students from TY and Form 2’s entry was “Bovine Queen”. They travelled to Dublin on Friday 1st March to compete in the regional finals.
5. Seachtain Na Gaelige: The Irish department have organised a number of events this week, Pop-up Gaeltacht, Sean-Nos dancing workshops, Tráthnaceist and Ceoilchorim.
6. Co. Cavan Enterprise Competition: Two Form 1 Mini-companies scooped 1st (Bear Creations) and 2nd place (Handy Holder) and will represent Cavan in the National Enterprise Competition in May. Phonics with Phoebe, a TY mini-company took third place in their category.
7. Ulster School’s Badminton Champions: Four Senior boys won the Ulster Schools Cup on Friday, 8th March. This is the first time the school has won this competition.
8. Junior Girls Tag Rugby: The squad won the regional tag rugby blitz at the Peace Link, Clones on Thursday 7th March.
(iii) Update on School Events
· BOM meeting took place on Thursday 7th February 2019, minutes uploaded to website
· BOG meeting took place on Monday 25thFebruary 2019.
· The TY Wellbeing Committee have organised a 'Walk in my Shoes' day on Friday 8th February to raise money for Pieta House.
· 12 Students travelled with Ms. Poyntz & Ms. Argue to the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan for the Christian Union Dance.
· The Music Department are preparing to host a Spring Time Concert in the school room on Tuesday 19th March at 7pm.
· Two Form 3 students took part in the Cavan Institute Music Recording Programme. The CD, containing their piece will be launched in the Ramor Theatre on 28th March 2018 at 1pm.
· Form 1&TY Parent-Pupil-Teacher meeting takes place on Wednesday 13thMarch 2019.
· Jersey Day is planned for Friday 15th to raise additional funds for the Creative Engagement Project.
· RSC Music students will perform at a fundraising concert “Songs of Hope”, organised by the PA in Cavan No.1 N.S. in Cavan Parish Church on Friday 29th March 2019 at 7pm.
· European Trip – 26 students and three teachers will travel to Barcelona departing on Wednesday 10th April and returning on Saturday 13th April.
· St Patrick’s College Musical, ‘Back to the 80s’ will be staged during the period leading up to the Easter holidays. Four of our female TY students are part of the cast.
· LC French oral examinations, LC Irish oral examinations JC & LC Music practicals and HE practical’s will be Monday 25th March – Friday 5th April.
· Easter holidays commence on Friday 12th April. School will reopen on Monday 29th April.
(iv) School Trips & Visiting Speakers
· 27th January 2019 – Form 3 travelled to Dundrum Theatre to view Romeo & Juliet.
· 31st January 2019 – SOSAD
· 1st March 2019, Form 2 CSPE students organised for Niamh Smyth, TD to come and speak with them about her work.
· 5th March 2019 Alex Filmer, past pupil, spoke to Form 6, 5 and 3 students about his transition from Royal School Cavan to the British Army. His talk was primarily focused on students taking responsibility for their lives and been accountable for the decisions they make or the ones that they don’t make. He was received very positively by the students.
· TY Activities: Driving lessons, First Aid, trip to Newgrange, Hospital visit, travel to ‘Future Sparks’ in RDS on Thursday 14th March, TY Mock Interviews take place on Tuesday 26th March.
(v) Staff Matters
· Dearbhla McGovern 3rd Year PME Student UL of HE & Irish has commenced her 4-week block teaching practice on Monday 22nd February.
· Claire Turner, a past pupil completed a two-week work placement in the Art Department from Cavan Institute from Monday 4th February to Friday 15th February 2019.
(vi) Buildings & Maintenance
· Money received for Structures at Risk is being used to address water ingress at front of building.
· Enda Murphy, Road Safety & Design Officer was contacted with parents suggestions made at the last meeting (which were discounted). He would consider the traffic issues and get back the school.
· Leader application submitted on Tuesday 18th December. Elaine Halpin has looked over this application and correspondence received, by email, on 29th January 2019 requires 13 more items to be addressed and submitted.
· Work on trees was carried out over the mid-term break by Cavan Tree Services.
· A Historic Structures Fund application was submitted to Cavan County Council seeking funding to replace the windows in the front of the 1819 building.
· Work is continuing on the outdoor wellbeing space and library. Call put out for Wing back chairs X2 Dining room chairs X4 ( regal style), Large bookcases, Large mirrors, Writing bureau, Tall lamp and Display cabinet.
(vii) Policy Development & Review
· Whole School Inclusion (ALN) Policy and Foreign Tours Policy were ratified by the BOM.
· The Board ratified the School Development Plan.
· Students have taken part in the review of the Code of Behaviour.
· Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections (CSPI) commenced on 1st February 2019.
(viii) Communication
· Parents encouraged to log into RSC website to access school news in real time or follow on twitter.
· Due to GDPR rules between twitter and facebook, twitter feeds cannot be automatically uploaded to our facebook. A group of staff exploring what we need to do in order to have this facility.
Parent’s discussion
· Queries regarding Leader Application answered.
· Enrolments for September 2019: Currently 48 + 2 on waiting list, this will be validated to ensure the maximum number of students. The boarding house can accommodate 51 students, 7 spaces are available for September.
5. Correspondence
Emails received and circulated to parents:
· Compass seeking parents opinions for the Department of Education on removing the churches influence from education.
· National Parents Council regarding sexual education.
6. Treasurer's Report
· There is currently €3287.13 in the Account (€2012 allocated to library fund), leaving a balance of €1275.13.
7. A.O.B.
· Parking: Query raised regarding parking on Hockey pitch for Parent Teacher meetings, this is to be available in future.
· Parent Teacher Meeting confidentiality: suggestions made regarding layout of tables, number of teachers in a room, position of seating while waiting etc.
· Parking for students: Mr. Corley clarified there is no parking at the school for students because of a lack of space.
Action: Mr. Corley to address the above as appropriate.
8. Date of next Meeting
· Tuesday 14th May at 8pm, all parents are invited.
Parents Association Meeting Draft Agenda Tuesday 14th May 2019
1. Apologies
2. Minutes 12th March 2019
3. Matters arising from previous minutes
4. Mr. Corley’s Address and School Code of Conduct
5. Correspondence
6. Treasurers Report
7. A.O.B.
8. Next meeting
Minutes from Parent's Association Meeting on Tuesday 15th January 2019
1. Apologies
There were 6 apologies.
There were 12 (and Mr. Corley) in attendance.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
The minutes from the meeting on Tuesday 13th November, were proposed by Ethel Smith and seconded by Elaine McClean. There were no amendments.
3. Matters Arising
Compass now merged with the National Parents Council. Board of Management (BOM) payed fee of €218.
4. Mr. Corley’s Address to the Parents Association (PA) Meeting
(i) School Development Planning
· Student Assessments: Pre-Examinations begin Friday 25th January and end Tuesday 5th February. Week 20 assessments occur during the week 11th –15th February.
· Student Council: Two meetings held in November and December. Lunch Menu reviewed resulting in a two week rolling menu with the top 8 preferences. Fundraiser ‘Christmas Bingo’ raised money for the outdoor wellbeing space while highlighting the importance of Road Safety.
· Creative Engagement Project: Commences Friday 18th January with the artist Heather Brett.
· Cavan Art’s Lab Project: Music installation named ‘Rotating Peace’ was unveiled on Tuesday 18th December 2018.
· TY School Bank: “Connect 6” are holding a Clothes Appeal for Sleep-out Cavan. These will be collected on Friday morning 18th January 2019.
(ii) Update on School Events
· BOM meeting on Thursday 29th November 2018, minutes uploaded to website
· Board of Governors (BOG) meeting Monday 10th December 2018.
· Farm Safety Talk for all students in Form 1 – TY, was organised by the TY students who are
entering the Schools Certified Angus Competition.
· TY Trip to BT Young Scientist last Thursday.
· Form 2 & 5 Parent-Pupil-Teacher meeting takes place on Monday 25th February 2019.
(iii) Staff Matters
· Ms. Ruth O’Dowd joined the staff to take some one-to-one Learning Support classes.
· Keely Doonan 3rd year PME Student of English & Religion is currently on a 4-week teaching practice.
· Dearbhla McGovern 3rd Year PME Student UL of HE & Irish will commence her 4-week block teaching practice on Monday 22nd February.
(iv) Buildings & Maintenance
· Structures at Risk funding: Being used to address water ingress at front of building.
· School Entrance: Met with Enda Murphy, Road Safety & Design Officer who agreed traffic chaotic in the evening but there is no place for signage that would not conflict with those already present. Currently awaiting email confirmation of discussions before proceeding.
· Lighting on avenue: Leader application submitted to Breffni Integrated for consideration.
· Tree Survey was carried out on the school grounds for H & S reasons. Awaiting quotation for work.
(v) Policy Development & Review
· Currently two committees of teachers are reviewing our Code of Behaviour and Foreign Tours Policy.
· BOM requested a School Development Plan is drawn up. A draft with proposed priorities divided into short (2 yrs), medium (2-5 yrs) and long term (5yrs +) was circulated for comment.
(vi) Parents discussion
· Suggestions received regarding traffic at gate: Slow school sign on road, ramps, zebra crossing and school coats to include better placed reflectors.
· School Development Plan: Suggestions to extend car park with access and exit roads around basketball court and only buses going up in front of school. Discussion around the current perceived need for grinds by students in all schools, which is generated by the current points system. Queries addressed regarding abbreviations and enrolment number of 288 pupils.
5. Christmas Raffle
Thank you to all who helped raise €2012 towards upgrading the school library into a learning hub by the end of the school year.
6. Correspondence
Late notification received from Compass seeking parents opinions (by 14th January) on the current system of exemption from Irish, along with a short survey to be completed. Action: Heather to forward to all.
8. Treasurer's Report
There is currently €3287.13 in the Account (€2012 allocated to library fund).
9. A.O.B.
Discussions ensued regarding damp areas from leaking gutters and locker size.
There have been 3 cases of Mumps in the school (1 case since return to school in January).
10. Date of next Meeting
Tuesday 12th March at 8pm, all parents are invited.
Parents Association Meeting Draft Agenda Tuesday 12th March 2019
1. Apologies
2. Minutes 5th January 2019
3. Matters Arising from previous minutes
4. Mr. Corley’s Address
5. Correspondence
6. Treasurers Report
7. A.O.B.
8. Next meeting