SJSS Convent Lane (present)

As the Board of Management of SJSS, we understand our responsibility to ensure the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the school site, recognizing its critical role in supporting safety, education, and community well-being. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent accidents and injuries by addressing potential hazards, such as faulty equipment, inadequate lighting, and fire safety measures. A well-maintained school fosters a positive learning environment, with clean, comfortable classrooms and functional facilities that enable students to focus and thrive. Timely upkeep also reduces long-term costs by preventing costly repairs and extending the lifespan of facilities. 

The BOM believes that well-kept campus reflects pride in our school and its community, showcasing our commitment to excellence. Sustainability is a key priority, with efforts to incorporate energy-efficient practices and water conservation to reduce environmental impact while educating students on responsible stewardship. Ensuring accessibility for all students, including those with disabilities, is fundamental to our inclusive vision. Compliance with health, safety, and building regulations is a legal and moral obligation, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Additionally, a well-maintained school boosts morale among staff and students, enhancing satisfaction and engagement. Ultimately, we view maintenance as an investment in the future, creating a space where students and the broader community can thrive.

Roof Repairs and Ceiling Maintanence

Regular maintenance is essential for maximizing the lifespan and performance of our flat roof and skylights areas. Exposed to the elements year-round, these features require attention to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs or replacements. Regular inspections can identify problems like loose seams, clogged drains, or deteriorating sealant on the roof, or dirty skylights that block natural light. Addressing these issues promptly prevents leaks, ensures proper drainage of rainwater on flat roofs, and maintains the energy efficiency of your entire building. By keeping our roof and skylights in top shape, we'll not only save money on repairs and energy bills, but also gain peace of mind knowing your property is protected from the elements. Even so, some areas do require replacement and major work has been undertaken to reduce the risk of leaks in much used student spaces. The Boys toilets and Room 38 underwent major overhaul in 2023/2024

Emergency Life Safety Systems Upgrade 

Bolier Upgrade

Our school has implemented a significant advancement in its heating infrastructure this year. We have transitioned from a traditional single-boiler system to a cascade boiler system. This technology offers enhanced efficacy and adaptability, making it particularly well-suited for larger structures or those with fluctuating heating requirements. Cascade systems provide a multitude of advantages.

Firstly, they promote increased efficiency and cost savings. Multiple boilers operate collaboratively, intelligently activating only when necessary. This eliminates the wasteful on-and-off cycling inherent in single-boiler systems and allows for a broader operational range, enabling more precise temperature adjustments. Consequently, energy consumption is demonstrably reduced. Additionally, by sharing the workload, the lifespan of each individual boiler unit is extended.

Secondly, cascade systems boast enhanced reliability and redundancy. In the event of a single boiler malfunction, the remaining units can maintain comfortable temperatures within the building, thereby minimizing downtime. This intrinsic backup system is of paramount importance for facilities with a critical reliance on heating. Furthermore, the presence of multiple boilers allows for staged maintenance on individual units without necessitating the complete shutdown of the heating system, thus ensuring greater operational flexibility.

Finally, cascade systems offer additional benefits. They are readily scalable, permitting the seamless addition of more boilers as heating demands evolve. This makes them an ideal solution for buildings with potential expansion plans. Individual boilers within a cascade system are frequently smaller than a single large unit, potentially resulting in space savings within the boiler room. Most importantly, the heightened efficiency translates into lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, making cascade systems an environmentally responsible heating solution.

Drainage System and Pathways Upgrade

Areas of the school grounds have had a recurring issue realting to rainwater infiltration, leading to increased surface runoff that overwhelms storm drains and causes flooding, especially during heavy rain. Maintaining a healthy water management system is crucial for both the school site and the local environment. This applies not only to underground features like soakaway pits, but also to the shores and pipes that handle water flow. Maintaining a properly functioning system through professional cleaning and drainage offers significant advantages such as improved drainage, flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and cost-effective rainwater management. Similarly, addressing issues with shores and pipes is equally important. Shore erosion can be tackled through techniques like adding riprap or building seawalls, while planting vegetation can provide natural stabilization. Pipes require regular inspections and repairs to prevent leaks and ensure efficient water flow. In some cases, complete pipe replacement might be necessary, and upgrading to more durable materials can extend their lifespan. By maintaining a healthy combination of soakaways, shores, and pipes, you can achieve a comprehensive water management system that reduces flooding risks, protects the environment by promoting groundwater recharge and preventing erosion, and improves efficiency through better water delivery and drainage. 

After consultation with professionals, we decided unpon a multi-step solution using cement paving in combination with drainage systems and and existing soakaway pit to effectively addresses surface flooding by managing rainwater in stages. The combined system handles larger rainwater volumes without causing flooding. Drainage systems, like channels or grates, collect rainwater from the paved surface and direct it away from potential pooling areas. The Soakaway pit is an underground chamber filled with gravel. This receives the collected water. Here, the water can infiltrate gradually into the surrounding soil, replenishing groundwater reserves. The gravel also acts as a natural filter, removing contaminants before the water reaches the ground. This leads to reduced runoff by collecting and directing water, the system prevents storm drains from being overwhelmed. The soakaway pit mimics natural drainage patterns by allowing gradual infiltration, preventing surface flooding. Soil conditions play a role - sandy or loose soil allows for better infiltration than clay soil. Regular maintenance of drainage channels and soakaway pits (removing debris and ensuring clear gravel) is essential for optimal water flow and infiltration.

Lift Maintanence and Ugrades to Phone Call Line

Anti-Slip Safety Flooring Upgrades 

Electrical Upgrades, FUSE Board Power & Control Upgrades

Pavillion Area 

Outdoor seating in post-primary schools can be a game-changer. Sunshine and fresh air act as natural stress relievers, boosting mood and well-being. These areas are hubs for student interaction, fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging. These seating arrangements provide the the chance to move around more throughout the day promotes a healthy lifestyle, while greenery improves the conceot of the open air classroom. On a broader scale, these inviting spaces create a more vibrant school atmosphere, attracting students and teachers alike. It's an investment in a healthier, happier school environment. 

TBC