Gorey Educate Together National School

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Board of Management news

By

8th November 2011

Dear Parents & Guardians,

I wish to draw your attention to the following school matters:

Board of Management Response to Last Year’s Ethos Self-Evaluation Process

As you may recall, our participation in Educate Together’s Ethos Self-Evaluation Process involved pupil, parent and staff questionnaires as well as discussion groups and workshops.  The Board of Management wishes to thank everyone for their input – in particular, the members of this school’s Ethos Evaluation Team.       

The Board has agreed the following set of actions in response to the process:

Objective Rationale (from ethos review)  Action Timeline
Develop Mission Statement and Vision Statement for Gorey Educate Together National School Connect this school community’s expectations and aspirations with core principles of Educate Together Charter Consultation/engagement:

  • Evening event linked to BoM elections & PTA AGM. (November 2011)
  • Joint meeting of BoM & PTA committee
  • Coffee morning event
  • Staff Meeting 
  • School Council work
  • Questionnaire/survey
  • Other 

 

 By October 2012
Consolidate our position as an inclusive school community Emphasise one of our agreed core strengths Work towards Yellow Flag School statusExtend this school’s Diversity Week to include greater parental and/or community involvement  Programme funding not available 2011-2012.  Re-apply September 2012.May/June 2012. 
Maintain cohesion as our school community continues to growMaintain cohesion as our school community continues to grow Maintain cohesion as our school community continues to growBoost the efficacy of home-school communication

Boost the efficacy of home-school communication

 Restore whole-school Open Classroom event to a weekday during Term 1Arrange joint meeting of BoM and PTA committee.

Arrange get together of staff, BoM and PTA committee

Revisions to School Guide for Parents & Guardians

Regularise the issuing of newsletter and notes

Incorporate more day-to-day news from the classrooms (including Learn Together news) into school newsletters

 September 2011 (& annually thereafter)Annually

Annually

Parent & staff survey, June 2011.  Revised guide, September 2011. 

From September 2011, (Tuesdays)

From September 2011 (monthly)
Broaden the experience of the children on our School Council Broaden the experience of the children on our School Council Local government: visit Town Council chambersNational government: visit Houses of the Oireachtas (School Council + 5th or 6th class) November 2011 (& annually thereafter)Biennially 
Develop an outdoor teaching space Develop an outdoor teaching space Minor landscaping to an area at the rear of the school building.  Provide suitable benches/tables for 30+ children  Spring/summer 2012
Consolidate teacher preparedness for implementation of the Learn Together curriculum Consolidate teacher preparedness for implementation of the Learn Together curriculum Board to increase subsidy for completing training courses offered by Educate Together to 75% of course fee (subject to annual limits) From October 2011

ELECTION OF PARENT NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

The current term of the school’s Board of Management will expire on 30/11/2011 and a new Board will take up office on 01/12/2011.  Two parents of children enrolled in the school (one being a mother and the other a father) must be elected by the general body of parents of children enrolled in the school.

A meeting will be held at the school at 8pm on Wednesday 23rd November 2011. 

At this meeting:- 

  1. Nominations will be sought from parents for persons to stand for election as parent nominees on the Board.
  2. A ballot will be held at the meeting to elect the nominees.  If there is only one nominee for either panel, the nominees shall be deemed to be elected.  If more than one nomination is received for either of the panels, a secret ballot shall be held at the meeting.

A panel will also be established from which vacancies arising during the term of the Board may be filled. 

See www.education.ie (search ‘Board of Management’) for further information on roles and responsibilities.  See also next week’s school newsletter.

Parent-Teacher Association Annual General Meeting

This meeting will also take place on Wednesday 23rd November 2011.  A report on the work of the Association over the past year will be presented. 

A number of volunteers are needed to join the Organising Committee for 2011-2012, and parents are asked to consider putting themselves forward during this meeting.  See next week’s school newsletter for additional information.   

Parent-Teacher Meetings

These meetings will take place during the week beginning November 21st.  Appointment letters will be sent home next week.

Kind regards,

_______________

Raymond Swan

Principal

Board Meetings 2011

By

Report to staff and families 18th November 2010

Minutes of BoM meeting 18th November 2010

Acknowledgement of co-option of Angie Dooley as Parent Representative on the Board.

Acknowledgement of co-option of Karen Loughran as Community Representative on the Board.

With regret, the resignation of Laura Hempenstall, parent representative was accepted by the Board. The Board would like to thank Laura for her work on the Board for the past three years.

With regret, the resignation of Lee Richardson, community representative was accepted by the Board. Lee was on the working group that was involved in the setting up of our school. Lee has been the treasurer of the Board for the past five years. The Board would like to thank Lee for his work over the past six years.

Educate Together has been notified of the above changes to the Board.

Declarations of Acceptance were signed by Karen and Angie.

Suggestion of highlighting again to parents of how to contact the Board – through the BoM letterbox in the front hallway.

Treasurer’s Report: 

Certified account for the years 2008/2009 are now available. These will be posted shortly.  

Last month the school received an IT grant for 10,000 euro. It is suggested that 5,000 will be kept to set up the new classroom that will be needed next year. The rest will go on software, a number of new computers, visualizers.

Voluntary contributions: The board would like to thank all parents who are paying the school voluntary contributions. Direct debits bring in 802 euro per month, and 1,073 euro was received in once off donations. 38 families are contributing voluntarily to the school. 

SEN purchase of suspended equipment totalled 11,824 euro. The school was advised by the occupational therapist to purchase this equipment.  4,000 euro raised by the PTA with the sponsored walk will go towards paying for this equipment and the rest will come from general funds. 

The enrolment at the moment is 266 pupils. All classes from 1st to 6th are full, vacancies in Junior and Senior infant classes only. 

Raymond brought the School Development Planning programme to date and the plan for this school year to the attention of the Board.

The updated Guide for Parents was reviewed.

Code of Behaviour:

The Board will review the NEWB guidelines for schools (esp. chapters 10-12) for the December meeting.  

Physical interventions: as a last resort- nonviolent crisis intervention strategies and techniques to be employed (CPI training course attended by all staff August 2010)

Board Meetings 09-10

By

Board members:  Colm O’Gorman (Chairperson,) Gail Gilliland (Patron’s Representative,) Angie Dooley (Parent,) Colin McShane (Parent,) Raymond Swan (Principal,) Imelda Wright (Teacher,) Karen Loughran (Parent, Treasurer) and Mary McDonald (Community Representative.)

Report to Staff and Families, March 2010

1.    Minutes were agreed and signed.  Report to staff and families also agreed.

2. Voluntary contribution letters go out to everyone in March (done twice yearly).

3. Accounts from the last school year go to Doyle’s Accountants in Enniscorthy to be formalised in next few weeks. 

4.    Enrolment/staffing 2010/2011:

For the department to fund teachers for a 10 class school, enrolment needs to reach 266 by the end of September which seems likely to happen.

A second class teacher for children with Autism has been sanctioned by SENO from May 1st and 3 or 4 children will attend this class in September, making a total of 9 out of a possible 12 in the two classes.

5. The school buses (5) are a great success transporting 150 children.

6. Nancy’s class attended a horse-riding programme which hopes to be continued on a regular basis.

7. Percentage for Art project is going ahead with a post to be advertised next week.  The music scheme has been left for now but new thoughts are welcome.

8.    PTA Link:

Congratulations to the PTA on the great success of the school disco – plans for another! Another quiz night and 80s night planned and a PTA newsletter envisaged.  They would also like to encourage teachers at the school to join the PTA.

9.    Ethos self-evaluation process:

This was mentioned in the newsletter.  Educate Together Head Office are happy to help.  An event/workshop to include all parents needed and a committee to be organised to co-ordinate it.

10.    Enrolment policy:  To return to this.

Next Meeting: Wed 21st April 8pm

Report to Staff and Families from the Board of Management meeting minutes 27/1/10

1.    Minutes were agreed and signed.  Report to staff and families were slightly amended and agreed.

2.    Enrolment:

School numbers currently 243 (including 5 in the special class).  56 junior infant offers posted today (71 on the list).  No offers made above first class as all full.

3.    Principal’s Report:

–    Special class: The second class is to open in September

–    Homework and Reading club: expected to go ahead.

–    Gaelige course has 12 parents attending.

–    % for Art meetings:    These are progressing.

–    School Warming:   This is to be held on the 12th Feb.  Thanks to the PTA who have offered their help:”Mad Hair” theme!

–    Tag Rugby is being coached by John Breen.

–    Paul Rowe is paying a visit to the school on the 3rd February.

4.    Ethos self-evaluation process:

Staff and some parents are interested in this.  Raymond to ask ET how to proceed…

5.    PTA link:

Raymond went to the last meeting.  The winter fair (which raised euro 1500) was a really successful social event.  Thanks to all who helped organise this event! 

6.    A.O.B.

Imelda raised the issue of how staff and families could be thanked for all they contribute towards the successful running of the school.  The BOM agreed that this should be done as positively as possible. To be discussed further at next meeting. 

Raymond to attend meeting re new ET school in Enniscorthy.

Enrolment document to be read by board members for next meeting.

Because the school had to shut on account of the severe weather this January, it was suggested that 2 days might be added to the end of the school calendar year to be used in extreme situations only.  Raymond to look at the new school calendar and the matter further discussed.

Next meeting:  Wed 3 March 8pm

Report to staff and families from BOM 4/11/09:

1.    Minutes: These were agreed and signed.

2. Opening of new building:  This happened on the 2/11/09 and all facilities are now in use, with just snagging to be finished.

3. Staffing:    Lisa Byrne is the new part-time resource teacher, working 4 mornings per week with 6 children.  Jacinta has now gone on maternity leave with Deidre Flynn replacing her.

4. Assistant Principal post:    This has now been advertised. Closing date Friday 13th December.

5. Supervised hour:    This is between 1 30 – 2 30pm.  So far only a max of 8 children (average 5) are in supervision at one time.  To be reviewed at the end of January. 

6. In-Service training:    This is on the 25th & 26th November. This covers Learn Together and PE and the school will have to close for half a day.

7. Four members of staff are on “Rainbows” Training, making a total of 9 staff members trained (Jacinta is the coordinator).

8. Percent for Art funding has granted at least euro 56,000.0 in funds.  Need to ask the county council how they wish this money to be spent.  Could it include music facilities?  BOM wish to set up a committee to oversee this with a member from the BOM on it and interested parents

9. ICT Grant:    This is 8500.00 euro. BOM to look into buying or leasing a good colour printer.

10.    Hall: Shared use:    Raymond has sent a letter to the principal and chairperson of the Gaelscoil welcoming the shared use of the hall. 

11.    PTA link:    On the 5/11/09 the PTA AGM is to be held and the new building will be on view.  The sponsored walk at the end of October raised 4500.00 euro.

12.    AOB:    The school saving scheme for the book list will be highlighted in the next Newsletter.

13. BOM to discuss the Ethos of the school and how to open it up to parental discussion and awareness.  Perhaps talk to Deidre at ET to see what other schools have done?

Next meeting:  2nd Dec 8pm

Report to staff and families from Board of Management October ‘09

1. Voluntary Contributions: – The tax-back form for voluntary contributions is to be sent again to all parents subscribed to voluntary subscription scheme.

2. Enrolment:  – A Flexible enrolment policy is to be discussed at future board meeting. Current first-come, first served policy to be reviewed.

3. Staffing: – Maternity leave request commencing on 19th November was approved. Interview process for substitute to commence before mid-term. There is a vacancy for assistant principal role. Interview process to commence in coming months.

4. Supervised Hour (1.30 – 2.30): The board will advertise for applicants for supervisor for the hour between pick-ups. The position will be advertised and applicants will need to submit C.V. to be considered. Cost will be €15 per child per week, or €25 for 2 members of same family.

5. Building: Design for new infant playground submitted. Surface upgrade previously approved via email.   Sensory garden also being provided free of charge with wheelchair accessible displays.

6. French Classes: Currently running for 6th class.  These classes will now be extended to 4/5th class.

7. After School Activities: In an effort to make the classes more affordable to all families, it has been decided to cap payment of tutors at €40 per session. The school would hope this would make the activities more accessible as it is felt cost may have been a deterrent.

8. PTA: The board gratefully acknowledged the receipt of 3 cheques from the PTA.

9. Next BOM meeting scheduled for Wednesday the 4th November.                 

Report to Families and Staff  Board of Management (BoM) Meeting April 23rd 2009

Agenda items covered:  community representative to Board, school savings scheme, appointment of permanent teacher, SNA probation, Garda vetting, Green Flag day, parental guide update, phase 2 of school building, parking in the school grounds, Catherine Howard Foundation, ET AGM, bus transport.

  • Community rep is soon to join the BOM
  • The savings scheme, for school books, has not to date had a great uptake from parents
  • Andrew Murray has been appointed to a permanent teaching position
  • Garda vetting: to be discussed at next meeting
  • Probation for new SNA’s up and BOM approved their continued employment
  • Green Flag Day:  The Mayor of Gorey, Bernard Crosbie, will raise this on the 8th May with invitations to other council members to attend.
  • Parental guide update:  this contains brief but practical guidelines such as parking and drop-off details.  From September the building will be open from 8 40 a.m.; with a member of staff available to supervise children until classes start. 
  • Lack of parking was discussed at length
  • The planning has finally been agreed and the second phase is to start in mid May (builders are the Sammon Group from Kildare).  The plans are now up in the school.
  • Raymond applied to the Catherine Howard Foundation for euro 1,500 worth of multi-sensory equipment for the autism unit.
  • Motions for the next ET AGM to be sent in now.
  • Transport: no more news of the provision of a school bus service.

Next meeting:  Thursday 21st May 8pm

Report to families and staff:  BOM meeting February 2009

Agenda items covered included: Treasurer’s Report, Relationship and Sexuality Education policy, South African Ambassador, Rainbows Training, The School Council, Enrolment, Recruitment, Building, IT, Fundraising.

–    The Relationship and Sexuality Education policy is almost complete.

–     Colin McShane has put the internet filter in place so all classes have access to the internet.

–    The National Centre for Education and Technology will pay for Broadband.

–    The South African Ambassador is to visit on the 2nd March.

–    Two members of staff attended Rainbows Training.

–    Eight members of staff are now trained on the use of the defibrillator.

–    The School Council has started without the need for parental help.  Raymond facilitated the first meeting.  The school logo is being worked on.

 –  Offers for places for next year posted out on Monday.  The school will be open next Monday evening from 6.30 to 7.30 for people to drop in and look around.  The local newspapers also have notices for enrolment in them.  

–   Permanent teaching post to be advertised with the interviews to be held in March.

 –  Five additional interactive whiteboards have been ordered.  There will be an interactive whiteboard in every classroom.

–     The Quiz night raised euro 1100.00 and was very successful.  There are hopes for an end of year event for the 6th class, and more library books. 

Next meeting:  19/03/09 at 8pm – No  meeting on 19th March ’09, next meeting 23/4/09

Report to Families and Staff on Board of Management Meeting 14th January 2009 
Agenda items covered at the January meeting included: Treasurer’s report, Relationships and Sexuality Education, EasyPay scheme for book bills, Enrolment, Internet access for pupils, Defibrillator training, Phase two of building, IT update, General fundraising, Swimming, Young Scientist Exhibition.  

  • Introduction of an EasyPay option for parents to pay each Friday towards book bills
  • Relationship and Sexuality Education will go ahead in the school after Easter
  • Internet Access: the new Internet access in the school will be used when filtering software is in place and will only be used under strict staff supervision
  • Defibrillator Training: defibrillator training for staff will take place shortly
  • School Council: the school council will go ahead and will be reviewed in June as to how it is progressing
  • Enrolment: Offers of places for the next school year will go out shortly
  • Second phase of building work: planning decision expected shortly
  • IT update: Colin McShane thanked for sourcing an excellent deal in the purchasing of IT equipment for the school.  Five more interactive whiteboards to be purchased.
  • General Fundraising: General fundraising principles agreed by the BOM. These will be passed onto the Parent Teacher Association.
  • Swimming: Swimming will be reviewed as the numbers attending are dwindling
  • Congratulations were extended to Grace’s class for winning a prize in the Young Scientist Exhibition

Next Board of Management meeting will take place on February 11th 2009.

Report to Families & Staff on Board of Management Meeting 12th November 2008

Agenda items covered at the November meeting included: minutes, treasurer’s report, recruitment, principal’s report, IT progress report, building (phase 2,) ‘Heart Safe’ project, Educate Together (national) enrolment policy review and PTA link.

 €18,000 fundraising monies were gratefully received from the school’s PTA (proceeds of fundraisers ’07/’08.)  This money will be used to part-fund investment in IT equipment.  A number of families made voluntary contributions in response to the most recent appeal.

Three teachers were appointed to special duties posts, following interviews.

Open Day to be organised for November 30th – for pre-enrolled families, neighbours and the general public (invites via post, as well as announcements in local newspapers.)

Information/consultation meeting for parents on the school’s draft Relationships/Sexuality Education policy to be organised for early December.  Any feedback to be discussed by Board members at January meeting.

Computers ordered (following quotations,) as follows: 13 PCs, 2 laptops and server (DELL.)  Further quotes needed re: interactive whiteboards.

Phase 2 of the school’s building project has been put out to tender by the Department of Education and Science.  Planning application to be lodged with Wexford County Council (again, by Dept of Education.)    

The Board agreed €500 contribution to Gorey Heart Safe group towards the installation of an automatic external defibrillator at the school.  Questionnaire re: enrolment policy completed by Board members and forwarded to Educate Together national office.

The Board agrees that specific fundraising initiatives should be channelled through the school’s PTA committee.

The next Board meeting will take place on the 14th of January 2009.