Minutes from Parent’s Association Tuesday 9th Nov 2021
Attendance and apologies
There were 26 in attendance and 5 apologies.
Minutes from the previous meeting
The minutes from the previous meeting in May of this year were agreed and proposed by Nicola Mee and seconded by Vida McCauley.
Treasurer’s Report
There is €2670 in the Parent’s Association Account
Mr Corley’s Address
(i) School Development Planning
First meeting of the new BOM took place on Thursday 4th November. Agreed report is published on our website. Some items to note from the agreed report include:
The Board ratified the following policies: (i) Health and Safety Control of Covid-19 Policy for Students (ii) Health & Safety Statement and Policy (iii) The Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment.
The Board appointed Padraic Corley as DLP and Aisling Gray as DDLP for 2021-2022.
The Board carried out the Annual Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement & Risk Assessment.
The Board completed an audit of the current policies and identified that the School Guidance Plan should be reviewed.
The Board agreed to publish the Self-Evaluation Report and Improvement Plan 2021-2022 on our website.
The Board reviewed the current School Development Plan (SDP) 2018-2021 and will develop a new SDP for 2022-2025 in consultation with all stakeholders.
SIP on website along with our Community SSE
(ii) Pastoral Care
Planet Youth Survey took place on 11th October
38 TY students were invited to take part in the Planet Youth survey.
The purpose of this study is to identify the strengths and difficulties of young people and young
people’s communities in the Cavan and Monaghan area. The survey asked questions about their lives in relation to a number of different topics. These included:
School experiences, Leisure time, Friendships, Sexual behaviour, Neighbourhood, Family life, Stressful life events, Substance use (Alcohol, smoking, cannabis and other), Mental health and Physical health.
Peace IV CASE Project for Students
Year 5: Both schools will wait to see the results from the Planet Youth Survey before deciding on a project for this school year.
Form 2 Fuse Programme
The programme, supported by Facebook, 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.
Architects in Schools 2021- 22 Programme
Cillian Briody, Architect, has been assigned to the school to work with students over a number of weeks on this project that is funded by Irish Architecture Foundation.
Creative Schools 2020-2022
A student working group is now in place and held their first meeting on the 18th of October with Mary Farrelly, our Creative Associate, and the school's coordinators. Feedback from all the students were discussed and an outline plan of activities was created. The winning Creative Schools badge designed by Lucy Kennedy will be worn by the student working group.
All Form 1 students and the working group will attend a play on Wednesday 10th November at Cavan Townhall. The Creative School working group will hold their second meeting in the Townhall after the play.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
A Global Schools Student Committee is in place.
Our theme this year is diversity and inclusion, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal #10 Reducing Inequalities. Students have completed a survey to obtain the prior level of awareness students have before proceeding with the committee’s plans.
(iii) Update on School Events
· Hoping to begin Extra-Curricular Activities & Hot Food facility from next Monday 15th November, subject to numbers and current Covid-19 regulations.
· Afterschool Study to begin the week of 15th November, subject to numbers using this service.
· Current Science Week is taking place, College Awareness week will take place from 22nd – 26th November.
· Students in Form 1, 2, 3 & 6 have completed their 10-week Assessments. Reports will issue to parents in the next 2-3 weeks.
· Two Parent-Teacher meetings, by phone calls, are scheduled to take place during November, Form 6 - 18th Nov and Form 3 - 24th Nov.
(iv) Staff Matters
· Mrs. Lorraine Cartwright and Mrs Karen Stronge join our staff this week to teach Irish and Religion and Literacy respectively.
· Ms. Emer Crowe teaches Art & Learning Support
(v) Student Matters
· Student Council elections took place.
· Some very good mini companies, and I would ask parents to support these companies. As was the case last year, an e-catalogue will be distributed to all parents.
· RSC Christmas Cards will be available in early December for purchasing.
(vi) Parent Communication
· Please ring the school phone 0494361605 if you require to speak with you son/daughter or you would like a message forwarded to them during the school day, 08:40 – 15:45.
· Appointments only to school.
· Please make sure to download the New School iClass App to your mobile phone
· Our Autumn Newsletter can be found on the iClass App.
(vii) Buildings & Maintenance
Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
Nothing further to report from the Design Team for our Sports Hall
An Additional Accommodation Application to convert the boarding kitchen into a classroom was submitted to the Department of Education – nothing further to report here.
A.O.B.
Discussed fund raising and it’s continued difficulties during COVID restrictions.
It was decided not to fund raise for now.
After school Study, due to COVID restrictions will only be offered to 6th years and 3rd years, no definite plan as yet for number of days. It will most likely run from 4pm to 6.30 with a 15 minute break included.
A reminder to check the Royal School Cavan website, the Board of Management section has previous minutes on it, as does the Parents Association section. Please use the school website to keep yourself updated.
Date of next Meeting
Tuesday 18th January at 8pm
Minutes from Parent’s Association AGM Tuesday 21st September 2021
The meeting was preceded by a talk by Margaret Sweeney from Drinkaware.
Attendance and apologies
There were 30 in attendance and 4 apologies.
Minutes from the previous meeting
The minutes from the previous meeting in May of this year were agreed and proposed by Vida McCauley, and seconded by Ethel Smith.
Chairperson’s Report
The Parent’s Association met on 5 occasions in the last school year. Each of the meetings were via Zoom due to COVID. Each meeting was attended by approximately 30 parents. The attendance rates proved to be higher at virtual meetings than in school meetings. Perhaps going forward there is place for a mixture of in person and virtual meetings.
Each meeting was attended by Mr Corley. At each meeting he gave detailed reports of what was going on in the school. He continues to be very open to being asked questions at these meetings. This means the meetings have been a great platform for parents to find out what is going on in their child’s school, and to ask questions and to put forward any suggestions they might have.
Last year’s AGM included a very interesting seminar on cyber bullying and internet safety.
The 2020/2021 school year was one that teachers, students and parents had the opportunity to put virtual learning and google classrooms to the test. Mr Kavanagh joined the parents Association meeting in January to explain how google classroom was being used.
The last school year unfortunately was not one for parent’s association social or fund raising events, hopefully this year will be a little different.
The Parent’s Association has a presence on the Royal School Website, to access it, click on about us, and then you’ll see Parent’s Association. Previous minutes are available on it, as are Mr Corley’s reports.
I would be grateful if any new parents to the school could send their email address to the Parents Association email- parentsassociation@royalschoolcavan.ie, so that they can be included in any correspondence.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Parent’s Association Secretary, Alison McDermott, our Treasurer Nicola Mee, and the rest of the committee members-
Trevor Cassidy, Richard Hudson, Jenny Lynch and Rachel Cabani.
Also thank you to Sarah Jane Perry for taking on the role of the Parent’s Association facebook page administrator, and for Rosarii Mannion for setting up the parent’s association twitter account @parentroyal.
Treasurer’s Report
There is €2670 in the Parent’s Association Account
Mr Corley’s Address
Election of Committee and Officers.
The Committee and Officers were reelected to their positions and are as follows.
Parent Proposer Seconder
Heather Alexander (Chairperson) Peter McCracken Ethel Smith
Alison McDermott (Secretary) Peter McCracken Vida McCauley
Nicola Mee (Treasurer) Peter McCracken Naomi Mitten
Trevor Cassidy Adrian Jackson Naomi Mitten
Richard Hudson Cleona Hartley Patirica Butt
Jenny Lynch Ethel Smith Patirica Butt
Rachel Cabani Lorraine Brady Naomi Butt
A.O.B.
Mr Corley was asked if hot food would be available this year. This could happen if the Department of Education allows mixing of years, this is currently not permitted.
Similarly, After School Study and extracurricular sporting activities cannot occur due to lack of numbers until school years are permitted to mix.
It was also asked why masks are necessary while playing soccer at lunch time, this is because without masks on, the children would be considered close contacts. Different COVID rules exist for schools when compared with clubs.
A question was asked, regarding when PE could be a leaving certificate subject in the school. There is the potential for this to happen when the sports hall is built, this will be in approximately 3 years.
Date of next Meeting
Tuesday 9th November at 8pm
MINUTES OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION
MEETING, THE ROYAL SCHOOL SCHOOL CAVAN
11.05.2021 AT 8.00 P.M. VIA ZOOM
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The Chairperson and Mr Corley opened the meeting at 8.00 p.m..
30 attendees, no apologies received.
1. Apologies
None received
2. Minutes of previous meeting (previously attached to meeting invitation)
Proposed by : Ian Elliot
Seonded by: Vida McCauley
3. Matters arising
None
4. Mr Corley’s Address :
Student Summer Assessments
Form 1, Form 2, TY – Class tests
Form 3 & 5 Timetabled exams
These reports will be available from VSware from mid-June.
School Calendar
Please note the following:
Form 6 Graduation Friday 21st May during school time, closed environment, event to be streamed to Form 6 Parents.
TY Awards Tuesday 25th May during school time.
Form 3 - Summer holidays Wednesday 26th May
Form 5 – Summer holidays Thursday 27th May
Form 1 & 2 Summer holidays Friday 28th May
State Examinations for Leaving Certificate Students
Accredited Grade Process
Collection of data and evidence to conclude on 14th May 2021.
Junior Cycle Arrangements
Ms. Gray & Mr Kavanagh coordinating the weigh to be attached to both continuous assessment and Summer exam for each subject. Summer exams run from Friday 21st May to Wednesday 26th May.
Transition Year
TY Case Project with Loreto College: Theme - 'Our Transition Year living with Covid’.
Students from both schools are working virtually to explore and present on this theme. They will work together and complete the project on Monday 17th and Wednesday 19th.
They will present their projects using a range of media storytelling, Poetry, Song/rap PowerPoint, Painting, Podcast etc…
Ms. McElwaine and I plan to host a Form 3 Parent information meeting about TY 2021/2022 next week, possibly on Tuesday 18th at 7:30pm.
Subject Options for Form 5 2021-2022
Completed
School Year 2021-2022
It is hoped that the School Calendar, Booklists and Uniform list will be circulated to all parents by mid-May.
PE Uniform: New for the next school year. T-shirt and ¼ Zip-top will cost €50. This fee has been uploaded to Easy Payments Plus along with the Size Guide. Parents are asked to select and pay for this on or before Friday 21st May.
School Development Planning
PE Hall Development: Tender process closed. Cavan Monahan ETB are reviewing the submissions.
Pastoral Care
Prefect System Interview to be held for any TY students or current Form 5 students who have applied to become a Prefect for 2021/2022
RSE programme continues to be delivered during this term.
Update on School Events
BOM Meeting took place on Thursday 22nd April 2021. Minutes from this previous are available on the website.
Formula One in Schools Four Form 5 students have entered this competition with guidance from Mr. Darren Vahey. The challenge was for students to design and build a miniature formula one car. The competition will take place on 22nd May. The fastest car wins the competition and represents Ireland at Singapore.
Creative Schools Week: taking place from Monday 10th May to Friday 14th May. Lots of activities are taking place, which include:
Form 1 students are creating a new Mural for the Courtyard called ‘People & Diversity’.
Art Exhibition in Johnston Central Library is running throughout this week called ‘Art in Lockdown’.
Fancy Dress Competition takes place on Friday 14th May.
More information about our Creative Schools Week will be published in the Anglo Celt on Wednesday 12th May. Pl
in the
Staff Matters
We say goodbye to Camille Mazzonni, our FLA on Friday 21st May.
We also wish Mr. Noctor best wishes as he retires at the end of this academic year.
Buildings & Maintenance
Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
Covid-19 Response Plan
Reducing the Spread of Covid-19
I remind parents of the need to reduce your child’s contacts with other students outside the school setting, in line with the current health advice.
Signs & Symptoms of Covid-19 Disease
• A fever of 38.0⁰C or higher without another medical reason (such as chickenpox or a urine infection) OR
• new cough or difficulty breathing or worsening of an existing breathing problem, OR
• loss of sense of smell, change in sense of taste, or loss of sense of taste OR
• other minor breathing or chest problems in a child who has been in contact with an ill person, is part of an outbreak or is a contact of someone who has COVID-19
5. Correspondence
None apart from the 3 surveys which The Chairperson annexed to meeting invitation
Unfortunately, Mr Corley’s connection was lost, so meeting was continued with Mr Corley in absentia.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Nothing new to report, same amount in account €2670.00
7. AOB
PE Kit including zip up shirt and jacket is €50.00 and will be available from the School in August 2021. An on-line payment has been set up with payment requested please by 21.05.2021. Children can have their initials on same. Tracksuit pants will be available for purchase next year.
Jane Johnston raised the question about fund raising – activities COVID permitting hoping to be organised by PA asap, it was noted that the annual Christmas Carol Service is a very popular event.
The Chairperson also asked to be informed if any parents know of any other parents who are not receiving emails from the PA, she is unable to receive parents’ email addresses from the School due to GDPR.
It was agreed to leave the date of the next meeting and AGM to be confirmed later.
The question was also raised as to whether students may leave school premises during exam time, if, for example, they only have 1 exam or 2 exams per day. The plan is that the student would stay in the school to study. If however he/she feels they would work better at home, permission could be sought to do this.
School calendar, book lists, uniform information etc.. to be available to parents within the next two weeks.
The annual uniform and book sale cannot happen in the school. Parents are invited to email the parents association, with details of what they have for sale, with their name and phone number/email address. This information will be then sent by email to any parents on the parent’s association email list.
Minutes from Parent's Association Meeting 23rd March 2021
1. Apologies
There was 1 apology and 32 in attendance.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
The minutes from the meeting on Tues 19th Jan were emailed to parents They were proposed by Anne Garland and seconded by Trevor Cassidy
3. Matters arising from previous meeting
There were no issues
4. Mr Corley's Report
Remote Learning
I wish to acknowledge how remote learning can be challenging for parents to keep their child/children focused on their learning.
There are still issues with the quality of broadband for students and staff and equity issues such as access to ICT. There are still some chromebooks available if a student is sharing a device with siblings or parents. Email pcorley@royalschoolcavan.ie
State Examinations for Leaving Certificate Students
Oral Interviews and Music Practical Assessments:
Spanish – 26th March 2021, Irish - 31st March 2021, French - 7th April 2021
Music – TBD
Accredited Grade Process
Collection of data and evidence to conclude on 14th May 2021
Written Examinations
Commence Wednesday 9th June 2021.
Junior Cycle Arrangements
The Framework plan for the phased return to in-person teaching at post-primary school may return all students on Monday 12th April.
State Examinations have been cancelled.
There will be two elements to their certification: A State Certificate of the Junior Cycle from the Department of Education and a School Report. The school report will detail the student’s learning achievement over their Junior Cycle Programme. Consultation to take place with Form 3 students and teachers to decide the weight to be assigned to Continuous Assessment and the weigh to be assigned to the final summer exam.
Transition Year
A very successful Environmental & Climate Change Awareness Week took place last week. A huge thank you to the acting TY coordinator, Ms. McElwaine and the planning team for all the excellent online learning opportunities that they have sourced and planned for our TY students. Currently TY students are taking part in Careers week and I am very grateful to parents and past pupils who have given of their time to be part of this event.
Subject Options for Form 5 2021-2022
Subject options for your Leaving Certificate will open on the week of Monday 19th April, This will afford students the opportunity to review their CAT4G results with Ms Sheridan/Ms McQuaid and to engage with Ms Sheridan/Ms McQuaid about the best optional subjects to select for their career choice (s). Students will study 4 optional subjects.
Core Subjects: Irish, English, Maths, PE, Religion, Wellbeing, Guidance
Option Subjects: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, DCG, French, Geography, History, Home Economics, Music, Technology.
Covid-19 Response Plan
I am happy to report that we have had a successful return to school for both Form 5 & Form 6 students. We await further guidance on the Department of Education Framework Plan for the phased return of Form 1, 2 3 and TY students for in-person teaching. Once we receive this information it will be emailed to all relevant parents.
Reducing the Spread of Covid-19
I remind parents of the need to reduce your child’s contacts with other students outside the school setting.
Signs & Symptoms of Covid-19 Disease
• A fever of 38.0⁰C or higher without another medical reason (such as chickenpox or a urine infection) OR
• new cough or difficulty breathing or worsening of an existing breathing problem, OR
• loss of sense of smell, change in sense of taste, or loss of sense of taste OR
• other minor breathing or chest problems in a child who has been in contact with an ill person, is part of an outbreak or is a contact of someone who has COVID-19
School Calendar
Please note the following:
School is closed on Tuesday 4th May.
All students receive their Summer Holidays on Friday 28th May 2021.
Please also note that other events planned for Term 3 (Sports Day, RSC Music Festival, TY Awards Night, LC Graduation) may have to be cancelled or modified, nothing has been decided yet. The calendar will be modified in line with the latest Public Health advice and circulated to all parents during the first week back after the Easter break.
School Year 2021-2022
Following a survey carried out with the students, it was decided to review our current PE uniform. Mr McHugh is looking into the possibility of sourcing a PE Top & T-Shirt. More information will follow after the Easter break.
It is hoped that the School Calendar, Booklists and Uniform list will be circulated to all parents by mid-May.
School Development Planning
PE Hall Development: I am delighted to report that an invitation to Tender for an Architect and other Design Team Consultants was placed on e-Tenders. The closing date for applicants is 9th April 2021. This project will result in the building of a Physical Education Hall (406m2) and ancillary spaces. The total area of the building will be 662m2.
Pastoral Care
RSE Education Programme This programme will be delivered to all students from Monday 12th April until Friday 28th May 2021. A letter will be emailed to all parents outlining the topics that will be covered during this 6/7-week period later this week.
Digitised Whole School Guidance Plan: Protocols in place for one-to-one online counselling sessions.
After consultation with parents/guardians, students will be scheduled a virtual meeting using the platform ‘Google Meets’.
These meetings will be scheduled during the normal school timetable 8:45am-3:45pm.
Contact with students should not occur outside of these agreed times.
Personal phone numbers will not be exchanged between the Guidance Counsellor and students / parents / guardians.
These meetings will include both careers and personal counselling.
Update on School Events
BOM Meeting took place on Thursday 11th February 2021. Minutes from this previous are available on the website.
TY YSI Projects The Trans R class YSI project Physical Activity & Its Positive Impact Upon Mental Health will feature in the YSI Speak Out Virtual Tour Roadshow being produced with the help of Virgin Media. One member from the team is due to take part in a short virtual interview with host Zara King on Wednesday 24th March.
Mini Companies: RSC entrepreneurs participated in the annual Cavan Student Enterprise Awards. In the Junior category we claimed the two top prizes. ‘Masks of Many’ came 2nd while the overall winner was ‘The Natural Bubble’, ran by 1st year sole trader Ava Jackson. In the Senior category ‘Always There Bear’ won a special prize for best social media marketing, while the overall 1st place was claimed by ‘Epoxy Designs’. This group was made up of TY pupils, Christopher Clarke, Daniel Bernatos, Charlotte Moore & Olivia Moore. Both 1st place winners will now prepare to represent Co. Cavan in the National Student Enterprise awards in May.
Creative Engagement Annual Exhibition took place online from 4th – 5th March. The aim of the Creative Engagement programme is to encourage students’ creativity, initiative, and expression through arts in education projects. Our Transition Year students 2019-2020 developed a mural called ‘Through the Journey, Seize the Day’. This mural was showcased at the exhibition. Our students worked with local artist Colette Kearney. Through various workshops they explored their connection with the school through the lens of Wellbeing and then developed the beautiful mural that symbolises inclusiveness, creativity, and an open mindset to life.Ent1st & 2nd place in the Junior Category while taking 1st & a special award for best social media marketing in
Staff Matters
We welcome back past pupil Mr. Joshua Hall, who joins the teaching staff as a Year 2 PME student for the remainder of the school year. Joshua will be teaching History and Geography.
Buildings & Maintenance
Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
5. Treasurer's Report
There is currently €2670 in the Parent's Association Account
6. AOB
There was a discussion about online learning, and the importance of getting homework details in a timely manner. Also felt best that Google Classroom would be the platform for setting work on. Emails should be for notification, rather than an addition to Google Classroom. The chat function on Google Classroom can be used for feedback.
Regarding TY students, unfortunately it is very unlikely in view of COVID restrictions that work experience can happen. The possibility of the TY trip to Killery happening next year for this year's current TY year, was also discussed-this may be considered but possible problems include lack of places, as many schools may wish to do the same, also it would reduce valuable leaving cert class time.
School Hot Meals will be reintroduced next year, COVID permitting. The current staggered lunches meant that this was not possible in this year of COVID.
7. Date of next Meeting
Tuesday 11th May 2021 at 8pm
MINUTES FROM SCHOOL MEETING
THE ROYAL SCHOOL CAVAN VIA ZOOM
TUESDAY, 19.01.2021 @ 8 p.m..
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The meeting opened with a 15 minutes presentation by Mr Kavanagh as regards the Google classroom, the use of the now on-line journal for students. Mr Kavanagh gave a very in-depth introduction. He advised that students should access their on-line journal and daily class activities via Google Chrome browser. They sign into their google account using their school email address, private student email addresses will not be replied to by teachers in any event.
Also, on the school’s website, there is a section called “g-suite” (google class), each subject is clearly defined and there are sub folders also. Children can click on their subjects to see what daily work is going to be undertaken and when homework etc… is due. Students attach their homework to the icon. Site entitled www.classroomgoogle.com can also be used. Google meet is the school version of zoom, there will be live-streaming of some classes. Students to check regularly daily to their Google classroom account. Help is there is required from the school via Mr. Kavanagh, Ms. Gray and Mr Corley. Some classes are being pre-recorded if they are not on live-stream.
He strongly advised the use of one device only, no mobiles during school time which Mr Corley also endorsed later on in the meeting.
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There were 43 participants logged into the meeting.
1. Apologies
One apology.
2. Minutes of last meeting of 10.11.2020
These minutes were proposed by Mrs Naomi Mitten and seconded by Mrs Jane Johnston.
3. Matters arising from last meeting
The sale of Christmas went well, some packets of cards were not sold. They were felt to be of good quality.
4. Mr Corley’s address
(i) Remote Learning
I wish to acknowledge how remote learning can be challenging for parents to keep their child/children focused on their learning.
Range of live streaming of classes happening. We are currently using two platforms to deliver these; Google Meet & Zoom. We are endeavouring to move all live streaming of classes to Google Meet. It will provide greater security from ‘uninvited guests.
Our VLE is Google Classroom. Teachers use this platform to upload work, assignments, pre-recorded lessons. Students use this platform to submit their assignments.
There are still issues with the quality of broadband for students and staff and equity issues such as access to ICT. There are still some chromebooks available if a student is sharing a device with siblings or parents. Email pcorley@royalschoolcavan.ie
One-to-One Tuition: Teacher will email parent to let them know when individual class is scheduled to take place. We require parents to reply to acknowledge this.
Feedback: Mobile phones are a distraction during learning. Reports of students snapchatting each other during Live classes. Possible solution: ONE-Device-Rule, avoid using phones during Live Classes, phone is put away.
Cameras on or off while student attending Live Classes? Open for discussion, pros, and cons.
Supporting Your Son/Daughter during Online learning - Proposed
Establish Routine & Expectations – Look at your family’s schedule and agree the best time for learning.
Help your child to ‘own’ their learning – Help your child to find ways that work and learn which best suits them.
Plan for Shared use of devices. 30–40-minute bursts.
Choose a good place to learn – help them to set-up a quiet clutter-free area for learning.
Check in regularly – Be familiar with the school’s learning plan – Google Classroom.
Remove Distractions – social media, TV, Pets, limit during learning, One Device only??
Stay in touch with school – we are happy to advise and support your role in our son/daughter’s online learning.
Plan for Balance – Plan for exercise, activities, and non-screen time. Provide healthy meals and snacks. Manage stress by encouraging your child to talk it out.
Talk to other Parents – Other parents are a great source of support, share ideas, tips and/or concerns.
(ii) Covid-19 Response Plan
Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling (SSPS) Inspection Friday 4th December 2020. School is fully compliant.
(iii) School Development Planning
Literacy Plan 2020-2021: Target group – Form 1, Focus
Book Review Competition in 200 words or less. Many thanks to Easons and Parents’ Association for supporting this initiative by funding prizes.
Pre-Examinations & State Examinations
RSC plan to run pre-examinations when it is safe to do so.
According to Minister Foley the Traditional Leaving Certificate will take place.
Department of Education Assessment Arrangements for JC and LC 2021 document; assessment-arrangements-junior-cycle-and-leaving-certificate-examinations-2021.pdf (education.ie)
School Development Plan 2020-2021
The Board carried out a policy audit and decided that, in addition to the policies that must be reviewed annually, the following policies will need to be developed/reviewed in this school year also: (i) Administration of Medicine & First Aid (ii) Whole School Wellbeing Policy (iii) Substance Misuse Policy.
(iv) Pastoral Care
Coaching for Learning programme running with our Form 6 students.
Review of Wellbeing programmes currently taking place.
(v) Update on School Events
· Creative Schools Project Creative Schools 2020-2022
Our Creative Associate, Mary Farrelly, will work with Ms Burns and Mr Vahey to support them in developing and implementing a Creative School plan. Creative Associate, Mary Farrelly, will give a short 5–10-minute presentation to parents explaining the project.
· BOM Meeting took place on Thursday 3rd December 2020. Minutes from the previous meeting available on the website.
· TY YSI Projects both classes are carrying out projects to promote Positive Mental Health among young people. One group focusing on the impact positive messages have while the other group are looking at the positive link between exercise and mental health. This group have also organised a ‘Step Challenge’ for the length of this lockdown to try to get everyone active in a fun and competitive way!
· Mini Companies: A huge thank you to parents for supporting this year’s minicompanies.
· Connecting with each other at Christmas Project: This project involves several elements; RSC Christmas Cards, Christmastime at Royal School Cavan recording available on website, The Wellbeing Committee organised hampers for our Local Nursing Homes and organised two Festive Friday Jumper days to raise money to purchase items for these hampers. A huge thank to the Parents’ Association for providing money to assist with the purchasing pf products for these hampers. The Wellbeing Committee also decorated our school for Christmas and held a Festive Door competition.
· Team Hope Shoe Box Appeal TY students organised a movie afternoon on Wednesday 25th November, all money raised went to Hazel Speares & Edna Smith, who completed a 1,000km sponsored walk for Team Hope Shoebox Appeal.
(vi) Staff Matters
· 8 members of staff took a Concussion Course in early December.
(vii) Student Matters
· Form 5 Christmas Reports available on VSware since Monday 18th January.
(viii) Parent Communication
· Form 2 Parent-Pupil-Teacher Meeting took place by phone call. Feedback was very positive; it is hoped to hold a similar PPTM for Form 3 parents on 25th February.
· New School iClass App to be downloaded to mobile phone, Monthly Newsletter, use iClass app to report appointments and illness.
· Leaving Certificate Parents: CAO registration is now open, currently there is a €30 registration fee to complete your application this will increase to €45 after 20th January. The closing date is 5:15pm on 1st February 2021.
· Form 2 & Form 3 Parents: Classroom Based Assessments (CBA) continue remotely. Please check the CBA Calendar on our website: school life - calendars
(ix) Buildings & Maintenance
· Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
· 4 new windows for front of school building to be installed in the next few weeks.
· Improvements made to student footpath.
5. Creative Schools Project Creative Schools 2020-2022
Our Creative Associate, Mary Farrelly, will work with Ms Burns and Mr Vahey to support them in developing and implementing a Creative School plan. The school received a grant of EUR 5,000 towards this project. The project aims to enable the creative potential of each child. It hopes to celebrate the arts and creativity in schools. Although, only initially for 2 years, this plan will exist beyond the 2 year spam of the scheme. It is hoped to receive feedback both from students and parents and to select a student committee also. The scheme is available to all students throughout the school.
6. Correspondence
Very little correspondence apart from that received from NUIG regarding a study of the impact of COVID on teenagers, which Chairperson, Heather Alexander already distributed to parents.
7. Treasurer’s Report
Balance of EUR 2,670.
8. AOB
Possible fund-raising at Easter, this might prove difficult vis-à-vis COVID etc..
Should students have any issues at all, they may contact Ms Sheridan at ysheridan@royalschoolcavan.ie or indeed Mr. Corley.
TY subject choices will be circulating in the upcoming weeks. There is a staff meeting on Wednesday 20th January. Parents will receive full information regarding same as soon as possible.
Mr Corley also asked that children switch off their laptops, chromebooks in late evening, some teachers have young children and are working through the night to upload their class lessons etc..
9. Date of next meeting
Tuesday 23.03.2021 @ 8 p.m.