AGREED REPORT

 

 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT MEETING, 11th December, 2017

 

 

The meeting opened with a prayer.

 

The Chair welcomed the Board

 

Ratification of Chairperson:-

The Board ratified the appointment of Ed O’Donovan.

 

The Chair outlined the responsibilities of the Board with particular reference to the corporate responsibility of Board members and the need for confidentiality.  The Principal outlined Schedule I and the Chair outlined Schedule II.  The Board agreed to discuss a three year plan for the Board at the next meeting.

 

The Board passed a vote of sympathy to the family off the late Dan Breen, a former teacher in the school.

 

The minutes of September 18^th were adopted.

 

Matters Arising:-

 

The Board discussed the new build as outlined in the Schedule of Accommodation from the D.E.S. in the context of having adequate provision for the future, given the increased numbers in the school.

 

 

Correspondence:-

 

The Board noted a number of items of correspondence.

 

 

Child Protection

Catherine Fitzpatrick was appointed as Designated Liaison Person and Arthur Murphy as Deputy Designated Liaison Person.

 

Anti-Bullying

 

The Principal reported that the school had dealt with one bullying incident since the last Board meeting and was currently investigating a second incident.

 

Children First Act 2015

 

The Board noted the provisions of the Act that came into effect on December 11^th 2015.  It was agreed that all staff and Board members should access a Tusla eLearning module through the PDST website.

 

Finance

 

The Board elected the following Finance Committee: – Ed O’Donovan, Catherine Fitzpatrick, Claire O’Mahony.

 

The following Cheque Signatories were appointed: –

Claire Cogan and Labhrás White

 

Financial Reports

 

The Board noted a number of reports.

 

Book Grant Audit

 

The Board noted the Report issued after the audit and the recommendations therein.

 

Building Project Update

 

Monastery Building

The work is progressing well on site.

 

 

Temporary Accommodation

• Thermostats have been installed in all the Portakabins to regulate the heating system.
• An intercom system is currently being installed in the Portakabins.

Fire Damaged Building

This building has been demolished.

 

New Build

The DES has advised that they are still drawing up the design.  They will contact the school before going to planning and invite the school to view the design.

 

Emergency Works –Disability Access

The DES has sanctioned the installation of a lift to the canteen to enable access for a student in a wheelchair.

 

It was agreed that the membership of the Building Projects subcommittee would remain the same.

 

 

Teaching – Learning

 

• The Principal circulated information on the Junior Cycle Framework and outlined the main aspects of the framework.
• Analysis of the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert results: Board members received copies of the results which will be reviewed at the next meeting.

 

Appointment Procedures

 

The Chair outlined the different types of Interview Boards required.

 

 

Principal’s Report

 

Fundraising

• The Parents’ Association held a very successful fundraising event, “Stars in your Eyes” on Saturday, October 28^th.  The event realised €10,949 for the Academy and €5,000 for Mallow Day Care Centre.

 

Parents’ Meetings

• Tuesday, November 15^th: Fifth Year Parent Teacher Meeting.
• Monday, November 20^th: Second Year Parent Teacher Meeting.
• Monday, December 4^th: Sixth Year Parent Teacher Meeting.
• Tuesday, December 12th: First Year Parent Teacher Meeting.

 

Parents’ Association

There was a meeting of the Parents’ Association on November 28^th.

Items discussed were:

Fundraising:  Stars in your Eyes realised €10,949.  It was decided not have a Table Quiz in January and it was suggested that the Student Council might like to organise a quiz.   The Church Gate Collection will be on March 17^th /18^th and the Flag Day will be on May 19^th.

School tracksuit:  The Principal advised that the Sports Teachers agreed with the Parents’ view that there should be one school tracksuit for all school teams.  The Principal circulated some information from one company and advised that samples were awaited.  It was agreed to have a meeting with the Parents’ Association when the samples arrive.

Careers Day:  The Guidance Counsellor has liaise with the parents with the intention of organising a Careers Day next year.

Study Skills:  The meeting noted that the Guidance Counsellor is doing a Study Skills programme with Second Years.

Website Link: It was agreed to put a link for the Parents’ association on the school website.

The Principal updated the parents on

• Junior Cycle Framework
• Building Projects

 

Student Council

The Student Council:

• Organised a very successful Walk, Cycle, Run on Friday, September 29^th. This annual fundraising event raised €2,698.50
• Will present Christmas hampers to the Vincent de Paul, Le Chéile and Meals on Wheels in December.
• Is working on the Green Flag Project.

 

Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities

The relevant Consent Forms were signed by parents for all trips.

 

Leaving Certificate

September 21^st: History Class visited Cork Library to research their L.C. projects.

October 24^th:  Geography Field Trip re: projects

December 6^th:  Visit to Liebeherr, Killarney – L.C.V.P. students.

November 16^th:  King Lear – Firkin Crane Theatre

November

 

Transition Year

September 25^th:  Enterprise & Marketing Seminar, Charleville

September 27^th:  Visit to Mass Rock

October 5^th:  L.G.B.T. Seminar, Mallow.

October 12^th:  Poetry Workshop

October 17^th:  C.I.T. Open Day

November 17^th:  Mini companies showcased their products at the Bank of Enterprise Showcase in the Patrician Academy.

November 20^th /21^st:   Rotary Peace Advocacy Programme – The programme sets out to develop the three major skills in conflict resolution.  One teacher and 3 students attended the training and will now train other students to act as peace advocates in the school.

—Collaborative Conversation.

—Purposeful Listening.

—Purposeful Speaking.

December 1^st:  Vex Robotics Competition hosted by the Academy.  Academy team was successful.

December 7^th:  Student Enterprise Trade Fair Competition, Carrigoon.

December 11^th – 13^th:  Transition Year production “Academy’s Got Talent”.

 

Special Classes:

October 12^th:  Resource 1 – visit to Liskennet Equine Centre

October 17^th:  Cork Mental Health Seminar – Cork City Hall

November 24^th:  Sports Morning for Resource 1 and Naomh Padraig

 

First Years

October 27^th:  Bonding Day in Carrigoon

 

Second Years:

November 4^th – 6^th: Soccer Trip to Manchester

November 24^th:  Visit to Spike Island

North Cork Enterprise Awards

The Patrician Academy won the Senior Category, Best Team Spirit – KJ Candles  (Transition Year Students).

The Academy also won the overall Intermediate Category – 4 Lego (Second Year student).

 

Sport

Presentation of Medals to the 3 County Title Winning Football Teams 2016/17.

Medals were presented to the 14, U16 and Senior teams.  The Chairs and Secretaries of local G.A.A. Clubs attended as well as coaches.  The local clubs presented sports equipment worth €400 to the school.   The event was well supported by parents.

 

Hurling:

Cork Colleges:

U14:  Beat Mitchelstown to be placed at top of League.

U16:  Beat Mitchelstown and are through to quarter final.

Senior:  Defeated In round 1 by Coláiste an Phiarsaigh.

Munster colleges

U16.5:  Defeated In Round 1 by Scarrifff Community College.

Senior:  Defeated Rice College and drew with Coláiste Chríost Rí.  To play Clonakilty in the knockout stages.

 

Football

The U14 team hope to advance to the County Quarter Final having defeated Mitchelstown and Bantry in the first round.

The U15 team were defeated by Ennistymon in the Munster Quarter Final.

The Senior team was defeated by Hamilton High and Rockwell College in the opening stages of the Munster Championship.

 

Basketball

The U16 and 19 season has ended for this year. Both teams were promoted to A level last year.  The 16 made it out of the League and were defeated in the Quarter Final. The U19 did not reach the Quarter Final.

 

Soccer

First year soccer have done well and came 4th in the Cork Futsal tournament losing to all Ireland winners Rochestown.   2nd years start their Munster campaign v North Mon next week. Under 17 lost in the first round v Ballincollig. Seniors topped their group in the Munster A competition beating Ashton and Blarney. They defeated Charleville CBS 5-3 last Tuesday to reach the last 16 knockout stages.

 

Principal’s Business

 

Enrolment 2017-18

The Open Evening was held on Tuesday, October 10th.  The closing date for receipt of Application Forms was Tuesday, November 7th.  The total number of applications received by the due date was 98.  43 applicants secured a place because they had a brother in the school, brother or father was a past pupil. 55 applicants were entered in the lottery and 8 students were placed on a waiting list.  5 offers were declined and theses places were offered to the first 5 on the waiting list. There are 5 late applications. Total number on waiting list is now 9.

 

Health and Safety

The school was in contact with the Health and Safety Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency re: radon remediation in the school.  The school is fully compliant re: remediation and levels are being monitored.

 

Geography Inspection, October 4^th

Feedback on the day indicated that teaching and learning was good.  A report will issue from the DES.

 

Incidental Inspection, Thursday, November 30th

The feedback from the inspector was very positive. She visited 5 classes.   She observed a very good relationship between students and teachers.  Teaching was engaging and interactive and students enjoyed learning.

 

Audit of Book Grant

The FSSU carried out an audit of the 2015/16 Book Grant on October 5^th

 

Suspensions

There have been 2 suspensions since the last Board meeting.

 

Staffing

Allocations 2017/18

The school was allocated an extra 8 hours for Special Education Needs on September 29^th based on projected numbers.

 

School Development Planning

• The subcommittees on Literacy, Numeracy and Teaching and Learning are implementing and reviewing the School Improvement Plans in these areas.
• The school has prioritised the following two key skills for the Junior Cycle:
• Managing Myself
• Managing Information and Thinking.

 

The Pastoral Care Team is reviewing the Guidance Plan.

 

Supervision & Substitution Opt In-Opt Out Scheme

Six teachers opted out of the S&S. in August.

 

On Line Claims (Part Time Hours)

The board noted teachers who received part time hours:

 

Personal Days

The Board noted teachers who requested personal leave since the last Board meeting.

 

Continuous Professional Development

The Board noted teachers who attended CPD training:

 

AMCSS Meeting, Monday, November 15^th 2017

The following issues were discussed:

   

• Implementation of the Junior Cycle Framework
• Teacher Supply
• Special Educational Needs:
• Leaving Certificate Computer Science
• Posts of Responsibility
• Getting Ready for the new General Data Protection Regulation
• New Child Protection Procedures are due to issue before Christmas.

 

Authority to suspend

 

The Principal was delegated authority to suspend for up to a maximum of 5 days.

A.O.B.

• It was agreed to put a Building Project Update on the website.

Next Meeting

 

The next meeting will be end of January or early February.

 

 

PATRICIAN ACADEMY, MALLOW

REPORT OF BOARD OF MANAGEMENT MEETING

18th Sept., 2017.

 

The meeting opened with a prayer.

• The minutes off May 31^st and Special meeting of August 8^th were adopted

Matters Arising: None

Correspondence:-

The Board dealt with a number of items of correspondence:

• The Board noted a Letter of resignation from Ann Geary, Clerical Officer.
• The Board thanked Ms. Geary for her long and loyal service to the school and wished her well in the future.
• The Board agreed to advertise the position.

Child Protection

• The Principal reported that she had not sought advice from or made a report to the Child and Family Agency since the last Board meeting.

Anti-Bullying

• The Principal reported that there were no bullying issues since the last meeting.

 

Principal’s Report

 

Examination Results 2017

Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate results were excellent.

 

Leaving Certificate Results 2017

 

Patrician Academy                                         National Average

 

550+                –             7%                                         5%                              

500+                –           10%                                         12%                

450+                –           37%                                         24%                

400+                –           47%                                         36%                

350+                –           71%                                         49%                

300+                –           76%                                         62%                

200+                –           88%                                         81%

 

Average Points 380

Junior Certificate 2017

Results were excellent.  Results in all subjects were in line with or above the national average.

 

Sunday Times Top 400 Schools 2017

• In top 200 schools in Ireland
• In top 5 non- fee paying schools in Cork
• In top 20 non- fee paying schools nationally

The Board congratulated teachers and students on the excellent results.  It was agreed that the Subject Analysis or Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate should be brought to the Board.

 

Enrolment 2017-18

Mainstream                                       Foreign (included in mainstream class total)     

1^st Year                               99                             1 (Part Year)

2^nd Year                            116                             4 (All Part)

3^rd Year                                78

4^th Year                                 72                           2 (1 Full, 1 Part)

5^th Year                                 59                           2 (All part)

LCA 1                                       7

LCA 2                                       3

6^th Year                                 46                           Total 480

Special Classes

Resource 1                      11

Naomh Pádraig               5

Cuan                                    6

Naomh Éanna                  6                                Total        28

 

Total Enrolment                                                               508       

 

Enrolment 2016/17: 465

Enrolment 2017/18: 508

 

The Board considered enrolment for 2018/19 and after some discussion agreed that the maximum enrolment would be 90, proposed by Ray O’Mullane and seconded by Claire O’Mahony.

 

Fundraising

• There will be a Clothing Collection on September 26^th
• Parents’ Association is organising “Stars in your Eyes “ for Saturday, October 28^th

Parents’ Meetings

• Information Meeting for Transition Year Parents: Tuesday, September 12th
• Information Meeting for First Year Parents: Tuesday, September 19^th

 

Parents’ Association A.G.M.

The Parents; Association AGM will be held on Wednesday, September 20th.

 

Student Council

The councillors and Officers have been elected for 2017/18.  The Council is currently organising the Walk, Cycle, Run which is scheduled for Friday, September 29^th.

Open Evening

The Open Evening will be held on Tuesday, October 10^th starting at 7.00 p.m.

Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities

The relevant Consent Forms were signed by parents for all trips.

Leaving Certificate

History Trip to Collins Barracks, Cork.

Transition Year

• Bonding Trip, September 12th

 

Principal’s Business

Suspensions

There have been no suspensions since the last Board meeting.

Staffing

The Board ratified a number of staff appointments.

 

The Board noted a number of CID appointments.

 

Allocations 2017/18

The school has been allocated 2 teachers on projected numbers.

The Board reviewed Allocations 2017/18 and noted that all hours had been allocated apart from the Supervision and Substitution hours.  The Board agreed that there should be a report on the usage of the Supervision and Substitution hours at each Board meeting.

 

Croke Park Hours

Staff have been consulted on the Croke Park Hours.  The hours comprise 23 hours for whole school activities and 10 hours for planning and development on other than a whole school basis.   The 10 hours will be used for subject department meetings and School Self Evaluation.

 

The Board noted that template was being provided for Staff to sign off on the 10 hours for planning and development on other than a whole school basis and that a report would be brought to the Board in June.

 

Supervision & Substitution Opt In-Opt Out Scheme

Six teachers opted out of the S&S.  The school will receive a grant to pay supervisors and teachers.

Personal Days

The Board noted requests of personal days.

Continuous Professional Development

The Board noted that teachers had attended CPD.

AMCSS Meeting, Monday, September 4^th 2017

The Board noted a report from this meeting.

Wish List

The Board noted items on the Wish List which has been actioned.

Subject Department Budget Guidelines

The Board adopted the guidelines.

 

Policy Development

Review of Admissions Policy

The Board discussed a number of issues and agreed to adopt the amended Policy.

Admissions Policy for ASD Special Classes

The Board adopted the Policy.

 

Building Projects Update

 

Monastery Building

Works stared in September. The projected timeframe for occupation of the building is March.

Fire Damaged Building

Demolition of the building has started and will be finished by October.

New Build

The DES Design Team viewed the site for the rebuild on June 20^th.  It will be a Rapid Build process.  The stages are as follows:

• Surveys of site
• Design ( Based on Schedule of Accommodation)
• Planning Application
• DES Conservation Architect will liaise with the Cork Conservation Architect
• Tender will take 6 weeks
• A Contractor will be appointed one month later
• The entire project will take 38 – 42 weeks.
• Construction is projected for 2018.

 

 

Finance

The Board noted a number of reports.

 

 

A.O.B.

1. The Board decided that ‘Agreed’ should be deleted from ‘Agreed Report’ from the school website and appear as ‘Report of Board of Management.’
2. The Chair, noting that it was the last meeting of the current Board, thanked all Board members for their service on the Board.