Approval of Minutes

The minutes were reviewed from the last meeting.  Minutes were approved by Deirdre Glynn and Mary Molloy

Treasurers Report

Balance from end of January Statement was €52, 927.91. Income from last month €2501.64 and expenses were €1796.00.  To date we have received subscriptions from about 26% of families.  Over 300 reminders were issued.

Action Items Discussed 
The Pirates of Penzance :  Andrew Dunne advised that the musical had cost €47000.  There were some substantial expenses such as the Orchestra, Lighting & Costumes.  He mentioned that sponsorship was considerably lower than last year.  However they did expect to cover the costs but have no surplus.   

Library:   The Library committee met with John McDonagh and Regina Richardson.   Regina marked out ten major classes and requirements for additional shelving.  Library software as used in Girls National School is suitable for the post primary library.  It costs about €800.  There are books currently in the library that need to be disposed of.   There are set of outdated encyclopedias taking up space. Lady who helped the girl’s school is willing to come in/advise.  €15,000 is still allocated to this project and needs to be spent. Would there be access to the Library over Easter break to start clear-out.

Oratory: The Community Church paid for the curtains. Project is now complete

School Sports Facilities:  Johnny Nevin will be meeting Colm Nolan (Chairperson GAA) this week.  He is also in contact with Kildare Sports Council.  There are no plans in place.  He will meet with Colm first.

Readers for Students: We talked about the lack of funding readers for mock exams.  If we set up a pane of volunteers they would need to be vetted.  It would also be school hours.  Mrs Ash would need to verify requirements. This may be of interest to the Active age group.  Tony will also talk to retired Superintendent who works in college.

Leaving Cert Graduation Event:  We talked about how the PTA could help the 6^th year students.  Grainne offered to help students particularly with Tickets/money.

First Years:  Parents raised concerns about 1^st years being intimidated by older years when they first come into the school.  We asked if the school could pre-empt this by talking to the 2^nd/3^rd year classes.

Principal’s Report

Vice Principal Andrew Dunne presented his report.
Andrew gave details of

 -         Three new appointments to school staff
 -         Mock examinations would be complete on March 12, posted March 18^th
 -         Information Meeting for 3^rd, 4^th years on transition year and leaving cert subjects – 150 parents attended 

Important dates: 
 -          1^st April Staff meeting
 -          3^rd April  first year parent/teacher meetings
 -          Fun run on Thursday 12th
 -          March 16 – staff development day
 -          March 31, junior certs will need to decide if taking higher or ordinary level papers
 -          Easter break – 2 weeks starting 6^th April

First year assessments were held on March 7.  There were over 200 students. Mr Broderick had visited the main schools prior to this.  Students would also be brought into the school over May 21-22 for afternoon.

The school is looking at the next stage of Green flag and alternative sources of poser – 1Kw wind turbine which would cost €3500 initially.

Andrew congratulated
-          The senior boys’ football team who qualified for the Leinster Schools B final. This will take place on March 21^st, location to be confirmed.  He thanked Thortons recycling and NULIM for used of their facilities.  They were treated to a team meal in Twist café.
-          The u14 boys football team for winning their Leinster B final
-          Ciara Hewston for winning 2^nd place in the All-Ireland cross country race
-          Girls’ basketball team who had reached the quarter-finals