Welcome to the Parents Council Webpage of CBS Kilkenny
CBS Kilkenny Parents Council meets on the first Thursday of every month. The meetings are generally very informative and easy going, and usually last for about an hour. Meetings are attended by the Principal as well as a teacher representative.
The Council plays a very important role in the promotion of co-operation between home and school. Being a member on the Council makes us more aware of what is happening in the school and hence we become more involved in our sons’ education and school life. There is a mutual respect between the school and the Council. As a Council we do not interfere in the day to day running of the school where such responsibility rests with the school Principal. Also, we do not use the Council as a forum for complaints or problems relating to individual students.
Some of the activities that we undertake include: organising a speaker for the AGM and occasional speakers during the year, presenting the best Junior and Leaving Certificate students with a prize at the end of the year and providing much needed refreshments at the Parent Teacher Meetings. We also acknowledge the retirement of staff members. We also are involved in a collaborative project between the school and prospective employers in the Kilkenny area to draw up a Transition Year experience database.
We ask that each family please pay a subscription of €5 towards the Parents Council each year. This money is normally paid at either the AGM or at the Parent/Teacher meetings throughout the year. The Parents Council uses this money to fund its activities throughout the year.
Go to archives for news from other academic years.
The Council plays a very important role in the promotion of co-operation between home and school. Being a member on the Council makes us more aware of what is happening in the school and hence we become more involved in our sons’ education and school life. There is a mutual respect between the school and the Council. As a Council we do not interfere in the day to day running of the school where such responsibility rests with the school Principal. Also, we do not use the Council as a forum for complaints or problems relating to individual students.
Some of the activities that we undertake include: organising a speaker for the AGM and occasional speakers during the year, presenting the best Junior and Leaving Certificate students with a prize at the end of the year and providing much needed refreshments at the Parent Teacher Meetings. We also acknowledge the retirement of staff members. We also are involved in a collaborative project between the school and prospective employers in the Kilkenny area to draw up a Transition Year experience database.
We ask that each family please pay a subscription of €5 towards the Parents Council each year. This money is normally paid at either the AGM or at the Parent/Teacher meetings throughout the year. The Parents Council uses this money to fund its activities throughout the year.
Go to archives for news from other academic years.
Parents Council members (2018 - 2019)
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Committee Members:
Chairperson: Vivienne Crowley Secretary: Claire Brennan Treasurer: Sheila O’ Reilly |
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PARENTS COUNCIL News 2018 - 2019
CBS Kilkenny Minutes of Parents’ Council Meeting Tue 9 April 2019
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson’s Report
The Chairperson welcomed all to the April meeting. Claire Brennan gave an update on the upcoming Race Night fundraiser which is taking place in St James’s Park on Friday 24 May. Tickets will be available for sale at the end of April. The sub-committee have been busy requesting local businesses to purchase ads in the race card.
Principal’s Report
Mr Clarke informed the Parents’ Council that Ms Derarca Maguire has been appointed as a new Deputy Principal (additional post). The Parents’ Council congratulated Ms Maguire on her appointment and wish her every success in her new position. Mr Clarke stated that the recent TY Programme inspection which took place at the end of March went very well. The School Awards Night is on 15th May. School policies on RSE and the Droichead programme were distributed to the Parents’ Council for review.
Teacher’s Report
Ms Kelly gave a very detailed report on the many school activities which have taken place since the last meeting. These included:
The final meeting of the school year will take place on Wednesday 8 May 2019.
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson’s Report
The Chairperson welcomed all to the April meeting. Claire Brennan gave an update on the upcoming Race Night fundraiser which is taking place in St James’s Park on Friday 24 May. Tickets will be available for sale at the end of April. The sub-committee have been busy requesting local businesses to purchase ads in the race card.
Principal’s Report
Mr Clarke informed the Parents’ Council that Ms Derarca Maguire has been appointed as a new Deputy Principal (additional post). The Parents’ Council congratulated Ms Maguire on her appointment and wish her every success in her new position. Mr Clarke stated that the recent TY Programme inspection which took place at the end of March went very well. The School Awards Night is on 15th May. School policies on RSE and the Droichead programme were distributed to the Parents’ Council for review.
Teacher’s Report
Ms Kelly gave a very detailed report on the many school activities which have taken place since the last meeting. These included:
- Successes by Rice Cup hurlers and Junior B win in the Leinster Final v Kieran’s College
- First Year students claim 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in Junior Maths Final
- Selection of Mark Power 6th Year for Irish Men's Golf Team competing in European Nations Cup in April
- Introduction of reusable coffee cups for staff and launch of reusable bottles for students after Easter
- Green Schools Committee involved with Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Committee and the Tidy Towns entry
- Ongoing fundraising by Lourdes TY Group including table quiz, cake sale, raffle and the annual Lourdes Staff Lunch.
The final meeting of the school year will take place on Wednesday 8 May 2019.
CBS Kilkenny Parents Council Meeting Tue 12 March 2019
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson’s Report
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the March meeting. Claire Brennan gave an update on the upcoming Race Night fundraiser which is taking place in St James’s Park on Friday 24 May. The sub-committee are working very hard in securing sponsorship for the event. Tickets for the event are priced at €10 each and will include admission, entry into a prize draw and a race card. Tickets will be available for sale at the end of April.
Principal's Report
In Mr Clarke’s absence, Ms Derarca Maguire gave an outline of upcoming events in the school such as the TradFest fundraising concert over St Patrick’s weekend, the Fun Run in April, Oral examinations at the end of March and Sports Day on 9 May.
A number of school policies were distributed to the Parents’ Council for review.
These included school policies on Visiting Speakers, Green Schools and Internet & Acceptable Use.
A copy of the minutes of the last Board of Management were circulated.
Teacher's Report
Ms Kelly gave a very detailed report on the many school activities taking place, such as the TY Build a Bank group participating in the National Final, the Senior Debating team who have reached the National Quarter Finals of the Concern Debating Competition, the launch of the new School Development website as well as the annual u/11 hurling blitz taking place in Palmerstown on Sat 30 March.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 9 April 2019.
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson’s Report
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the March meeting. Claire Brennan gave an update on the upcoming Race Night fundraiser which is taking place in St James’s Park on Friday 24 May. The sub-committee are working very hard in securing sponsorship for the event. Tickets for the event are priced at €10 each and will include admission, entry into a prize draw and a race card. Tickets will be available for sale at the end of April.
Principal's Report
In Mr Clarke’s absence, Ms Derarca Maguire gave an outline of upcoming events in the school such as the TradFest fundraising concert over St Patrick’s weekend, the Fun Run in April, Oral examinations at the end of March and Sports Day on 9 May.
A number of school policies were distributed to the Parents’ Council for review.
These included school policies on Visiting Speakers, Green Schools and Internet & Acceptable Use.
A copy of the minutes of the last Board of Management were circulated.
Teacher's Report
Ms Kelly gave a very detailed report on the many school activities taking place, such as the TY Build a Bank group participating in the National Final, the Senior Debating team who have reached the National Quarter Finals of the Concern Debating Competition, the launch of the new School Development website as well as the annual u/11 hurling blitz taking place in Palmerstown on Sat 30 March.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 9 April 2019.
CBS Kilkenny Parents Council Meeting 12 Feb 2019
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson's Address
Vivienne welcomed all to the meeting.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke gave a very interesting overview of the School Child Protection Procedures as set out under the “Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017” directive from the Department of Education. The purpose of the procedures is to give clear guidance to schools in relation to meeting their statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and to establish best practice. Mr Clarke also outlined the school’s Safeguarding Statement and stated that the Board of Management carried out a full review of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Statement on 8 October 2018. Under the Children First Act 2015, all Boards of Management are obliged to undertake a risk assessment to consider and document the potential for harm to come to children while in the school’s care. The school has completed all necessary risk assessment work. A copy of the Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment are available upon request from the cchool.
Mr Clarke also discussed the work being done by the Fundraising Development Committee, the new School's Admissions Bill and the School Improvement Plan, with the Digital Learning Framework being the focal point for this year.
Teacher’s Report
Ms Kelly provided a very comprehensive list of all the various school activities taking place, such as:
Race Night Fundraiser
A brief update was provided on the Race Night fundraiser event. The sub-committee has already met twice, and arrangements are well under way with the event taking place on Friday 24 May at 8pm. Tickets will be on sale shortly. Keep an eye on school social media for updates!
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson's Address
Vivienne welcomed all to the meeting.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke gave a very interesting overview of the School Child Protection Procedures as set out under the “Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017” directive from the Department of Education. The purpose of the procedures is to give clear guidance to schools in relation to meeting their statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and to establish best practice. Mr Clarke also outlined the school’s Safeguarding Statement and stated that the Board of Management carried out a full review of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Statement on 8 October 2018. Under the Children First Act 2015, all Boards of Management are obliged to undertake a risk assessment to consider and document the potential for harm to come to children while in the school’s care. The school has completed all necessary risk assessment work. A copy of the Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment are available upon request from the cchool.
Mr Clarke also discussed the work being done by the Fundraising Development Committee, the new School's Admissions Bill and the School Improvement Plan, with the Digital Learning Framework being the focal point for this year.
Teacher’s Report
Ms Kelly provided a very comprehensive list of all the various school activities taking place, such as:
- TY Trip to Bavaria, taking place from Friday 15-19 February.
- Best wishes to 1st Year student Billy Coogan taking part in Leinster Cross Country Championships
- All 6th Year CAO applications are now completed
- TY Build a Bank Team busy preparing for the Final which is being held in the RDS in March. Good Luck to all involved!
Race Night Fundraiser
A brief update was provided on the Race Night fundraiser event. The sub-committee has already met twice, and arrangements are well under way with the event taking place on Friday 24 May at 8pm. Tickets will be on sale shortly. Keep an eye on school social media for updates!
CBS Parents Council Meeting January 2019
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Principal’s Report
Mr Clarke updated the Parents Council on the following areas:
Teacher’s Report
Ms Kelly provided a very comprehensive list of all school activities. Some of the main points were:
Race Night Fundraiser
Mr Paul O Donoghue spoke to the Parents Council about the proposed Race Night fund-raising event. A fundraising sub-committee has been formed to organise and promote the event.
Next meeting to take place on Tuesday 12 February 2019.
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Principal’s Report
Mr Clarke updated the Parents Council on the following areas:
- Several fundraising events taking place throughout the year for the New School Development fund, such as the Trad Concert on 16th March, Race Night at St James’s Greyhound track on Friday 24 May and upcoming social media fundraiser.
- Fire safety works taking place in the school from April to August approx.
- Updated School policies distributed on:
- Critical Incident
- Accident and Incident
- Work Experience
Teacher’s Report
Ms Kelly provided a very comprehensive list of all school activities. Some of the main points were:
- Greens Schools – School will receive first order of re-usable water bottles which will be made available to students for purchase in March. The Parents Council fully supports such a worthwhile initiative.
- Basketball - 1st Year team secured a good win in the first round of the league with the 2nd Year team being narrowly beaten.
- Hurling – Senior Team had a good win over Borris VC and will now play in quarter final.
- Debating – Senior debating team continued their very successful run with another fantastic win in their league.
Race Night Fundraiser
Mr Paul O Donoghue spoke to the Parents Council about the proposed Race Night fund-raising event. A fundraising sub-committee has been formed to organise and promote the event.
Next meeting to take place on Tuesday 12 February 2019.
CBS Parents Council Meeting 11 December 2018
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson's Address
Vivienne discussed with the Parents Council the possibility of running a Race Night in St James’s Park in 2019 as a fundraiser for the new school. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Parents Council in conjunction with the school would organise a Race Night for April 2019. A sub-committee will be formed to organise the event.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke updated the Parents Council on the following areas:
Teacher's Report
Ms Kelly provided a very comprehensive list of the huge range of school activities taking place in December, of which a small sample is provided below:
We wish all CBS staff, students, parents and guardians a very Happy Christmas.
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson's Address
Vivienne discussed with the Parents Council the possibility of running a Race Night in St James’s Park in 2019 as a fundraiser for the new school. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Parents Council in conjunction with the school would organise a Race Night for April 2019. A sub-committee will be formed to organise the event.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke updated the Parents Council on the following areas:
- Child Protection Safeguarding Policy available on the website. Parents Council urged to read and be aware of its contents (available on www.cbskileknny.ie on Policies page)
- Junior Cycle Cluster training for staff took place on 3 December.
- Restorative Practice training for staff took place on 30 November.
- Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement certificates to be distributed in w/e 14 December to the JC Class of June 2018.
- Parents asked to support the Christmas Carol Service which is a fundraiser event for the new school.
Teacher's Report
Ms Kelly provided a very comprehensive list of the huge range of school activities taking place in December, of which a small sample is provided below:
- Fantastic fundraising for various charities undertaken by students, including Christmas Jumper Day, Concern 24 Hour fast and St Vincent de Paul Hamper appeal.
- Very successful Christmas Craft Fair raised more than €1,500 for school basketball teams. Many thanks to all who supported the event.
- Congratulations to Tommy Docherty, TY on winning the runners-up prize in the Ireland’s Own Short Story Competition
- Well done to the U16 School Basketball team who reached the preliminary rounds of the All Ireland play-offs and who have had a fantastic year. Well done to all students and trainers!
- Congratulations to the Senior Hurlers who had a fantastic win in the League Final against St Kieran’s College.
We wish all CBS staff, students, parents and guardians a very Happy Christmas.
CBS Parents Council Meeting Minutes 20 November 2018
Present: Vivienne Crowley, John Bourke, Claire Brennan, Sheila O’Reilly, Therese Healy, Caroline Cummins, Kevin Cleary, Fiona Noonan, Danilo Fuentes, Susan Hennessy, Karen Butler, Dave Gorman, Ken Mason, Fiona Brennan
Apologies: Martina Sheehy, Kathleen Sherry
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson's Address
Following approval by the Parents Council, it was agreed that Vivienne and Claire will meet with parents who have already ran a Race Night fundraiser. They will report back their findings at the next PC meeting.
Treasurer's Report
There is currently a balance of €1,222 and €67 in the cash box.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke addressed the issue of facilitating students indoors at lunchtime during bad weather. The school are doing the best they can to alleviate the situation, given the lack of space. Specific classrooms are allocated for this purpose at lunchtime and students are supervised at all times. Mr Clarke was happy to report that there have been no incidences of vaping on the school premises. This issue is very closely monitored by Mr Clarke himself during lunchtimes and a fine of €50 is imposed on students should they be caught vaping. (This money is donated to the Zambia fund). The Parents Council thanked Mr Clarke in this regard. Mr Clarke spoke about Brother Micheál (Mick) Ó Donnchú former CBS Principal 1984-1990, who has passed away. Mr Clarke in particular acknowledged the great work Brother Mick did for the underprivileged in Third World countries. May he rest in peace.
Mairead’s 40 years of service in the school office and the retirement of Mr Jim Ahern after 38 years as a teacher in CBS Kilkenny, were also specifically mentioned. A Christmas Concert will take place in St Canice’s Church on 13th December. This is a fundraising event, and it would be appreciated if the Parents Council would assist in promoting the event and also at the event.
Mr Clarke also mentioned:
Teacher's Report
Ms Kelly has been appointed as the Teachers representative to the Parents Council for this year. She provided a very comprehensive report of all school activities, a copy of which is attached herewith.
These activities ranged from successful performances at the Trath na gCeist quiz, debating, and hurling to Science Club and TY Build a Bank.
A general discussion then took place on the following issues:
Present: Vivienne Crowley, John Bourke, Claire Brennan, Sheila O’Reilly, Therese Healy, Caroline Cummins, Kevin Cleary, Fiona Noonan, Danilo Fuentes, Susan Hennessy, Karen Butler, Dave Gorman, Ken Mason, Fiona Brennan
Apologies: Martina Sheehy, Kathleen Sherry
The meeting opened with a prayer.
Chairperson's Address
Following approval by the Parents Council, it was agreed that Vivienne and Claire will meet with parents who have already ran a Race Night fundraiser. They will report back their findings at the next PC meeting.
Treasurer's Report
There is currently a balance of €1,222 and €67 in the cash box.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke addressed the issue of facilitating students indoors at lunchtime during bad weather. The school are doing the best they can to alleviate the situation, given the lack of space. Specific classrooms are allocated for this purpose at lunchtime and students are supervised at all times. Mr Clarke was happy to report that there have been no incidences of vaping on the school premises. This issue is very closely monitored by Mr Clarke himself during lunchtimes and a fine of €50 is imposed on students should they be caught vaping. (This money is donated to the Zambia fund). The Parents Council thanked Mr Clarke in this regard. Mr Clarke spoke about Brother Micheál (Mick) Ó Donnchú former CBS Principal 1984-1990, who has passed away. Mr Clarke in particular acknowledged the great work Brother Mick did for the underprivileged in Third World countries. May he rest in peace.
Mairead’s 40 years of service in the school office and the retirement of Mr Jim Ahern after 38 years as a teacher in CBS Kilkenny, were also specifically mentioned. A Christmas Concert will take place in St Canice’s Church on 13th December. This is a fundraising event, and it would be appreciated if the Parents Council would assist in promoting the event and also at the event.
Mr Clarke also mentioned:
- University scholarships received by the LC2018 Class
- Huge demand for places in CBS Kilkenny for 2019
- Emergency health and safety works ratified by the Dept to be carried out in the school
Teacher's Report
Ms Kelly has been appointed as the Teachers representative to the Parents Council for this year. She provided a very comprehensive report of all school activities, a copy of which is attached herewith.
These activities ranged from successful performances at the Trath na gCeist quiz, debating, and hurling to Science Club and TY Build a Bank.
A general discussion then took place on the following issues:
- Following the very positive feedback received after the presentation by Ossory Youth at the AGM, Therese and Claire will explore getting them back into the school in early 2019 to do a further presentation to parents as well as in-house talks to students.
- Craft Fair in School on 8 December in aid of school basketball teams. How can this event be publicised?
Minutes of Parents Council Meeting, Oct 2018
Minutes of Parents Council Meeting, 10 Sep 2018
Chairperson's Address
Vivienne Crowley, Chairperson, informed the meeting that the Parents Council will be involved in another major fundraising event later on this year in support of the new school development.
Treasurer's Report
It was agreed that the Parents Council will present Mr Clarke with the cheque from the recent American Tea Party fundraiser at the AGM in October.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke updated the council on the excellent Leaving Cert results from the class of 2017 -2018. He also spoke of the progress of the new school development, which is now at the design and planning stage. Mr Clarke also addressed the issue of overcrowding of the Bialann at lunchtime, now that there are three year groups staying in the school grounds at lunchtime. School management is doing as much as possible to alleviate the situation, given the general lack of space. A tiered approach to lunchtime has been adopted, with 1st Year students starting their lunch ten minutes earlier than other year groups. Two classrooms are also available to accommodate students during lunchtime, when weather is bad etc. Mr Clarke stated that the situation is constantly being monitored.
Sincere thanks were expressed by the Parents Council to Mr Clarke for the smooth and speedy allocation of lockers to all students.
The Parents Council intend to organise a Parenting session in early 2019. Further details to follow.
The AGM will take place in the School on Thursday 18 Oct 2018 at 7.30pm. We encourage as many parents as possible to attend.
Chairperson's Address
Vivienne Crowley, Chairperson, informed the meeting that the Parents Council will be involved in another major fundraising event later on this year in support of the new school development.
Treasurer's Report
It was agreed that the Parents Council will present Mr Clarke with the cheque from the recent American Tea Party fundraiser at the AGM in October.
Principal's Report
Mr Clarke updated the council on the excellent Leaving Cert results from the class of 2017 -2018. He also spoke of the progress of the new school development, which is now at the design and planning stage. Mr Clarke also addressed the issue of overcrowding of the Bialann at lunchtime, now that there are three year groups staying in the school grounds at lunchtime. School management is doing as much as possible to alleviate the situation, given the general lack of space. A tiered approach to lunchtime has been adopted, with 1st Year students starting their lunch ten minutes earlier than other year groups. Two classrooms are also available to accommodate students during lunchtime, when weather is bad etc. Mr Clarke stated that the situation is constantly being monitored.
Sincere thanks were expressed by the Parents Council to Mr Clarke for the smooth and speedy allocation of lockers to all students.
The Parents Council intend to organise a Parenting session in early 2019. Further details to follow.
The AGM will take place in the School on Thursday 18 Oct 2018 at 7.30pm. We encourage as many parents as possible to attend.
