Agreed Report – Board of Management Meeting. 02/09/2025

Date: 2 September 2025
Venue: School Campus
Chairperson: Keith O’Connor
Secretary: Kevin Shortall

1. Election of Chair

The Board appointed a Chairperson for the 2025/26 school year. Mr. Keith O’Connor.

2. Previous Minutes

Minutes from Meeting 379 reviewed and approved.

3. Finance

Financial statements for May, June, and July 2025 were presented and approved.
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the main meeting.

4. Correspondence

The Board reviewed a wide range of correspondence from educational bodies, government representatives, agencies, and external organisations.
Routine school communications, policy circulars, and updates on funding/works were noted.

All listed school trips and staff leave requests were reviewed and approved.

5. Buildings and Facilities

• Emergency works replacing water tanks have been completed.
  • Tenders for urgent roof works have been awarded and work will begin shortly.
  • A detailed plan for additional school accommodation is expected in Autumn 2025.
  • Minor internal works linked to ASD provision are ongoing.

6. Staffing

• An Assistant Principal I post will be advertised shortly.
  • A number of teaching and SNA appointments were approved by the Board (details anonymised in this Agreed Report).
  • Part-time substitute teachers were noted as active on the OLCS system.

7. Anti-Bullying and Child Safeguarding

• The new Bi Cinealta anti bullying policy was ratified by the BOM and annual checklist for 2025/26 were approved.
  • The Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment Checklist (effective from 1 September 2025) were approved.
  • Board members were reminded to complete Children First training.
  • The Child Protection Oversight Report was reviewed and approved.

8. Governance and Annual Approvals

The Board adopted and approved a range of annual governance items, including:
• DEIS planning and progress checklist
• Principal’s delegated authority for suspensions (as per agreed limits)
• School calendar and Croke Park hours
• Admissions Notice and updated Admissions Policy
• Statement of Strategy for School Attendance
• Board decision-making procedures
• Appointment of the Finance Subcommittee
• Confidentiality and Agreed Report procedures
• Ratification of Designated Liaison Person and Deputy DLP

9. Principal’s Report

The Board received updates on:
• Erasmus+ staff mobility, with a significant number of teachers participating
• Completion of the new all-weather pitch, which will be formally launched shortly
• A proposal to name the pitch in honour of a former Board member
• Opportunities for Transition Year students, including external work experience placements
• The need to elect a new Parent Representative
• A request from a production company to explore a documentary project
• Positive media coverage of the school
• Leaving Certificate results, which remain strong despite national grade trends

10. Admissions & Enrolment 2026/27

• Enrolment trends were reviewed, including changes in EAL and IPC student numbers.
  • The Annual Admissions Notice was approved, with applications for 2026/27 opening on 1 October 2025 and closing on 1 December 2025.
  • The intake cap for First Year was confirmed at 125 students.
  • Updates were given regarding NCSE processes for ASD provision.

11. Agreed Report Preparation

The teacher nominee will continue working with the Principal to prepare the public Agreed Report for publication.

12. Points of Information

The Board noted that the current Board will conclude its term in July 2026.

13. Future Meeting Dates

The following dates were agreed for upcoming meetings:
• 21 October 2025
• 9 December 2025
• 26 January 2026
• 10 February 2026
• 14 April 2026
• 26 May 2026

Next Meeting: 21 October 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Agreed Report – Board of Management Meeting 26/05/2025

Date: 26 May 2025
Venue: School Campus
Chairperson: Keith O’Connor
Secretary: Kevin Shortall

1. Minutes

Minutes of the previous meeting reviewed and approved.

2. Finance

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board meeting.
Financial statements for April 2025 were examined and approved.
No exceptional financial concerns were reported.

3. Correspondence

The Board reviewed a range of general correspondence, including items relating to school administration, department communications, and external agencies

Approval was confirmed for a Foreign Language Assistant to join the school next year.

All listed school trips and staff leave requests were reviewed and approved.

4. Buildings and Facilities

Updates were provided on ongoing works and applications:
• Summer Works application is progressing, including window replacement, insulation upgrades, and a new bike shed.
• Emergency Works funding for roof repairs and water tank replacement has been secured and will take place over summer.

5. Staffing & Recruitment

• Interviews for a number of teaching positions will take place shortly.
  • Sanction for an additional ASD classroom is still awaited; recruitment will begin once approval is confirmed.
  • Further interviews may be required in Autumn 2025.

6. Child Protection & Oversight

The Child Protection Oversight Report was presented and approved.
All procedures remain fully compliant with national guidelines.

7. Principal’s Report

The Board received updates on school activities, including:
• A summary report on Transition Year activities.
• Events relating to the school’s 40th Anniversary, Graduation, and Prize-giving.
• Confirmation that the Summer Programme will run again this year.
• Progress of the DEIS Plus committee.
• Planned Erasmus+ staff mobility in 2025.
• Agreement for staff to return on 20 August 2025, with the full school calendar to be finalised later.

8. 40th Anniversary Events

The Board noted the success of the recent anniversary events, including the alumni visit.
Thanks will be formally conveyed to the key coordinator of the 40th Anniversary programme.

9. Subject Inspection – Science & Biology

A recent subject inspection took place, including mandatory reviews of Child Protection and Anti-Bullying procedures.
Oral feedback was very positive and confirmed full compliance.
The inspector will return in an advisory capacity in Autumn 2025.
The Board will formally acknowledge the work of the departments involved.

10. Admissions & Enrolment 2025/26

• Applications for 2025/26 are close to the school’s enrolment threshold.
  • TY is full for the coming year.
  • Projected enrollment for 2025/26 is above 580.

11. Points of Information

No new items were raised.
The Board noted the continued strong performance of school leadership and the positive direction of the school.

12. Agreed Report

The Principal and Teacher Nominee will prepare the public Agreed Report for publication on the school website.

13. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 2 September 2025.

Agreed Report – Board of Management Meeting 08/04/2025

Date: 8 April 2025
Venue: School Campus
Chairperson: Keith O’Connor
Secretary: Kevin Shortall

1. Previous Minutes

The minutes of Meeting 377 were reviewed and approved.

2. Finance

Financial statements for December 2024 and January–March 2025 were reviewed by the Finance Subcommittee and approved.
The Board noted that audited accounts were submitted on time to the relevant authorities.

3. Correspondence

• The Board reviewed a range of communications, including:
  • Retirement notification for a staff member
  • Updates from external agencies and education bodies
  • Routine administrative and financial correspondence
• All school trips and staff leave requests were approved.

4. Buildings and Facilities

• The Board approved submitting a Summer Works application for window replacement, insulation upgrades, and a bicycle shed.
  • Updates were provided on ongoing building projects and maintenance works.

5. Staffing

• The Board noted that several teaching and SNA posts will be advertised due to increased allocation and upcoming staffing needs for 2025/26.
• Vacancies will be processed through the standard reporting and recruitment channels.

6. Child Protection & Anti-Bullying

• The Child Protection Oversight Report was presented and approved.

7. Principal’s Report

The Board received updates on:
• The Principal’s appointment to a national advisory group relating to DEIS initiatives
• Progress on Erasmus+ projects
• Student achievement in a national public speaking competition
• The upcoming Summer Programme
• Transition Year activities, including work experience and a planned overseas trip
• Arrangements for the school’s graduation ceremony

8. 40th Anniversary Events

Upcoming events were noted, including a visit from past students/staff.

9. Campus Development Plan 2024–2029

Updated designs were presented.
The school is awaiting confirmation regarding potential funding through the Community Participation Fund.

10. Admissions & Enrolment 2025/26

Projected enrolment remains strong at approximately 575 students.
The Board noted that approval for a third ASD classroom is still awaited, though planning for accommodation is underway.

11. Points of Information

A parent representative has stepped down from the Board.
The Board expressed thanks for their contribution and service.

12. Agreed Report

Teacher Nominee will work with the Principal to prepare the public Agreed Report for publication on the school website.

13. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Monday, 26 May 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Agreed Report – Board of Management Meeting

Date: 4 February 2025
Venue: School Campus
Chairperson: Keith O’Connor
Secretary: Kevin Shortall

1. Previous Minutes

Minutes of Meeting 376 were reviewed and approved.

2. Finance

• Audited accounts were presented, approved, and will be submitted before the statutory deadline.

3. Correspondence

The Board reviewed general correspondence from various agencies and organisations, including:
• Academic recognition notices
• Communications on staffing matters
• Jury duty notifications
• ICT and resource procurement updates
• A range of leave applications and trip requests

All leave requests were conditionally approved pending written confirmation.

4. Buildings and Facilities

The Board received updates on ongoing works:
• A heating issue caused a partial closure but has been resolved.
• A small expansion of the additional accommodation project has been approved.
• No new information regarding the application for temporary ASD classroom accommodation.

5. Staffing

There were no new staff appointments reported.
An NCSE query regarding staffing allocations remains in progress.

6. Child Protection & Anti-Bullying

• The Child Protection Oversight Report was presented and approved.

7. Principal’s Report

Updates were shared on:
• A High Achievers event celebrating students with exceptional examination results
• Student success in public speaking, sport and extracurricular competitions
• The school’s upcoming participation in the NCSE RELATE national launch
• Transition Year developments, including work experience and an overseas trip
• A major tree-planting project in partnership with Trees on the Land and Microsoft Ireland
• New links with youth services and a community-wide attendance initiative

8. 40th Anniversary Celebrations

The Board received an update on the ongoing programme of events.

9. Campus Development Plan 2024–2029

The Board reviewed and endorsed an updated development plan.
Current proposals include collaborative work with local authorities, external funders and community partners to enhance sports and leisure facilities.

10. Admissions & Enrolment

Applications for ASD classrooms significantly exceed available capacity.
The school awaits a decision on an application for temporary additional accommodation.

11. Points of Information
• Board members will visit the school on 14 March to observe daily activity.

12. Agreed Report

Teacher nominee will work with the Principal to prepare the public Agreed Report for publication.

13. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 8 April 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Agreed Report – Board of Management Meeting 17/12/2024

Date: 17 December 2024
Venue: School Campus
Chairperson: Keith O’Connor
Secretary: Kevin Shortall

1. Previous Minutes

Minutes of Meeting 375 were reviewed and approved.

2. Finance

• Financial statements for November 2024 were presented and approved.
  • Annual accounts will be presented at the next meeting for adoption ahead of the statutory deadline.
  • The Board acknowledged and commended staff undertaking further training in bookkeeping.

3. Correspondence

The Board reviewed general correspondence, including:
• Routine communications from education bodies and agencies
• Notices regarding grant drawdowns
• Letters of acknowledgement from national offices and external organisations

The Board also noted:
• Recognition received from the Office of the President following a student initiative
• Agreement to support a nomination for a national educational representative role

All staff leave requests and school trips listed were approved.

4. Buildings and Facilities

Updates were provided on multiple ongoing projects:
• Final drawdown has been submitted for a major M&E works programme.
• Additional works relating to exterior wall dampness and porch repairs have been requested.
• An application has been submitted for temporary accommodation for two additional ASD classrooms.

5. Staffing

A new staff member has joined the school and is now active on the OLCS system.
The Board noted this update.

6. Child Protection & Anti-Bullying

• The Child Protection Oversight Report was presented and approved.

7. Principal’s Report

The Board received updates on:
• A forthcoming High Achievers event in January
• Receipt of a significant grant for ICT investment
• A rescheduled Board Christmas meal
• Recent Erasmus+ activities, including a collaborative book launch
• A successful school variety show
• Communications from the local authority regarding future partnership opportunities
• Recent publications and updates from ASD and TY programmes

8. Admissions & Enrolment 2024/25

• Updates were provided on ongoing applications, mid-year transfers, and EAL support.
• The Board discussed the continuing need to strengthen support in response to enrolment patterns.

9. Agreed Report

Teacher Nominee will work with the Principal to prepare the public Agreed Report for publication.

10. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 4 February 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Agreed Report – Board of Management Meeting. 26/11/2024

Date: 26 November 2024
Venue: School Campus
Chairperson: Keith O’Connor
Secretary: Kevin Shortall

1. Previous Minutes

• Minutes of Meeting 374 were reviewed and approved.

2. Finance

• Financial statements for October 2024 were presented and approved.

3. Correspondence

• The Board reviewed general correspondence from educational agencies, public representatives, and other external bodies.
  Update included:
  • Confirmation of emergency works drawdowns

All listed leave requests and school trips were reviewed and approved.

4. Buildings and Facilities

Updates were provided on several ongoing capital and maintenance projects:
• Tender documentation for water tank replacement is progressing
• Emergency works on heating and gas have been completed
• Safety systems, WiFi and wiring works are nearing completion
• New security fencing, vehicle barriers and porch works are close to conclusion
• The design team continues development of plans for additional school accommodation

5. Staffing

The Board approved a number of senior post appointments
Additional part-time staff were approved for activation on the OLCS system.

6. Child Protection & Anti-Bullying

• The Child Protection Oversight Report was presented and approved.

7. Principal’s Report

The Board received updates on school operations and events including:
• Plans to develop a digital learning space in partnership with an external provider
• A successful open/transfer day attended by a large cohort from local schools
• Filming of a promotional video featuring school programmes
• Ongoing discussions regarding digital learning resources
• A proposal for a “Year in the Life” series with a national newspaper, approved in principle
• Preparations for significant upcoming school events

8. 40th Anniversary

Updates were provided on preparations for the school’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Further in-school events will be arranged.

9. Erasmus+

The Board noted details of an Erasmus+ mobility trip involving staff, students and project partners and wished the participants well.

10. Admissions & Enrolment

• Application numbers for First Year 2025/26 remain strong.
  • The Board approved seeking Department support for two additional ASD classrooms in 2025/26.
  • Mid-year applications continue, particularly from families in temporary accommodation.
  • The school continues to work with the REALT coordinator to support unplaced students.

11. Points of Information

• The next Board meeting date was brought forward.

12. Agreed Report

Teacher nominee will work with the Principal to prepare the public Agreed Report for publication following the meeting.

13. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 17 December 2024 at 6:00 p.m.