Parent Council 2024-25 & 2025-26
- Catherine Horgan- Chairperson
- Kathleen Moran- Treasurer
- Deirdre O'Connor- Secretary
Parent Nominees to the Board of Management from 2024
- Deirdre O'Connor
- Eamon Horgan
TYRO We anticipate TYRO will be ready at the end of June and you will receive an email with a link to log in.
TYRO Set up on Mobile Phone
Minutes of meetings
28 May 2026
Survey shared with Parents/Guardians-
Dep of Education Survey- Free School Books SchemeWe are now carrying out an evaluation of the scheme. Hearing directly from school staff, parents and guardians will help us understand what worked well and where improvements can be made. Your feedback will help shape how the scheme develops in the future, so it continues to support students effectively and reduces costs for families.
We would be grateful if you could support this process in two ways:
Survey links:
Information shared with parents/guardians
Kerry County Council Public Consulaation Re: National Speed Limit Review and Implementation Phases – Phase 2 of 4
As part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, Our Journey Towards Vision Zero, a dedicated steering group carried out a National Speed Limit Review in 2023.
The review identified four key phases designed to support the Strategy’s goal of reducing deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50%.
Phase 2 of the review focuses on speed limits in built‑up and urban areas. This includes examining the potential reduction of the default limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h, where it is considered suitable and justifiable, through the use of Special Speed Limit Bye-laws.
Kerry County Council is currently undertaking this review for all urban and built‑up locations in the county, including towns and villages.
Under the national guidelines, proposals include either a permanent 30 km/h speed limit on roads beside schools within an Urban Core, or a periodic 30 km/h limit for schools located within wider Urban Speed Limit Zones but outside the Urban Core.
For schools in these latter areas, the periodic 30 km/h signs would operate only on school days during opening and closing times, through prior consultation with each school.
Draft Special Bye-law maps will be available for public consultation and submission of observations invited during a Statutory Consultation Period, provisionally scheduled for mid‑June to late July. The Statutory Public Consultation process will be advertised through newspaper publications and social media platforms. The Draft Special bye-law maps will be accessible via Kerry County Council’s website during the Public Consultation phase.
As this Public Consultation window may coincide with the school summer recess, this email serves as advance notice of the upcoming Public Consultation Phase. Submissions from your school community will be welcomed during that period.
Meeting Minutes Parents Council 09/02/2026
In Attendance:
Deirdre O’Connor, Rima Cournane, Catherine Horgan, Ann Marie Golden, Denise Collins, Kathleen
Moran, Ann O’Driscoll, Maurice Fitzgerald, Ann Marie Killen
Area Discussed:
Fundraising - Maurice advised that main golf tournament fundraiser was no longer going ahead.
Will look at it again for next year.
Clothes Collection - Ann Marie Killen to research who Killarney school were using for their current
clothes collection drive they are holding in the school in the hope we could use the same
company for a future collection.
Maurice was interested in a permanent clothes bank to be at the school , Deirdre said she would
look into this .
Action:
Deirdre looked into having a permanent collection box but to date cannot get a company who are
interested in placing a clothes bank in southkerry at the moment. The rising cost of fuel has forced
these companies to cut down on their travel.
Next topic
Windows / Doors in the school and the Sports Hall.
Action
Parents have emailed local councillors / T.D’s to express concerns.
School Benches
Maurice & Ann Marie suggest that school benches would be of great benefit to the pupils of the
school and would be a lovely addition to the already wonderful walkway.
Action:
Suggested that we would ask businesses to sponsor benches. With the school procurement
process this is proving difficult for the PC.
Is it possible that a company purchases the bench themselves for the school ?
Outdoor School Gym Equipment
Parents suggested outdoor gym equipment for the walkway area also to encourage positive
mental health and exercise.
Action:
Maurice & Ann Marie to look at possibility of Clár funding.
Kathleen emailed Rethink Ireland & VHI Health & Wellbeing re possible grants.
Vaping / Phones
Vaping continuing to be a big issue within the school community.
Action:
Both Parents and staff are all in agreement that it is an extremely difficult situation . Parents
suggested a speaker for the pupils who will relate to their age group. Deirdre suggested a girl she
thought was Cork who almost died from vaping a few years back and had thought that she was
doing talks, asked if there was any way the school could find out or source someone for a talk
with all students as this now seems to be an issue from age 12 upwards.
Phones
Phones, another continuous problem, parents heard the issues the phones pose in school
Actions:
In school : We understand that pouches will be introduced in September. Hopefully this will help
relieve the issues currently being experienced within the school
AT Home
Parents expressed their issues with phones at home due to being required for Teams. Parents
asked if teachers could please emphasise and utilise the use of the students journals. Journals
are costing €5000 per year, Teams should not be used as the main source for homework which
has happened over the past 5 yrs. Parents asked that teachers be encouraged to write homework
at the start of each class allowing ample time for a student to record it in their journal. By teams
being used as a main source for homework it is talking away a parents ability to take a phone
from their child at home.
1st Year Open Night
Kathleen & Catherine agreed to hold a table at open night hoping to encourage new members.
Deirdre said she would speak briefly to try and encourage new members.
Action:
The night was very busy in general but the PC table was quiet.
Maurice kindly spoke on behalf of the PC , Hopefully September will bring new members.
Meeting commenced at 7:30pm.
10 October 2025 Colaiste Na Sceilge Parent Council Meeting 6pm
In Attendance: Deirdre O’Connor, Rima Cournane, Denice Collins, Anne O’Driscoll, Natalia
Maliarenko, Kathleen Moran, Maurice Fitzgerald , Ann Marie Killen
Guest : Brendan O’Keeffe
Apologies: Ann Marie Golden, Catherine Horgan, Sandra Donovan, Ita Ryan
Meeting opened at 6pm
Minutes from previous meeting Approved, Proposed By Rima Cournane, Seconded By Denice
Collins
Deirdre briefly read through the Principals report which highlighted
- The fantastic sporting achievements in a variety of sports both individual and teams which our
students are participating in and doing extremely well representing our school with pride.
- The amazing academic achievements by students which is proving consistent year after year.
Very proud to say for the Second year in a row one of our students has been awarded the
Naughton Foundation Scholarship.
- Maurice also highlighted that while scholarships are fantastic and we are extremely proud, the
aim within the school is for every children to reach their own best potential and to help and
encourage every student to succeed in achieving their own goals.
- Deirdre thanked Maurice , Ann Marie and their wonderful staff for the trojan work they do every
day to help our children and encourage them to reach their full potential.
Guest Speaker
Brendan O’Keeffe from The Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church committee was in attendance to
speak about the school and the Church committee joining forces for an upcoming fundraiser for
the church in which the students of Coláiste na Sceilge will be beneficiaries of the fundraiser.
We all agreed to take books and sell within the school community but also advised that no one
could be told that they “Must” take and sell a book. Book numbers were not in order, it was
agreed that the PC would organise and record book numbers in order to hep the school before
distributing to sellers. Transition year students were going to be spoken to and it is hoped that
they will help in distribution of books.
We thanked Brendan for coming to speak with the group.
It was agreed items for Students would be purchased with funds with suggestions as follows:
- Girls Rugby Team Jerseys
- Boys Rugby Team Jerseys
- Arts / Music
- Benches for the walkway
- New Soccer team jerseys
Fundraising
Bus Costs and Building were briefly discussed as a major issue for the school. This was more to
make people aware of some of the day to day struggles of the school but it was emphasised that
the school did not want or expect the PC to fund for the building. The group were all very positive
about coming together to raise monies for the school to try and help in anyway possible, Ann
O’Driscoll suggested doing a Big Fundraiser going forward for the school. Maurice advised that a
Golf Classic was booked for March 2026 and organisation for this event is in progress which is
great news giving the school a great opportunity to raise funds.
Christmas Concert
It was agreed that the PC will again run a raffle at the school Christmas concert. Parents asked to
see if they can get spot prizes from local businesses. Agreed to advise the school of sponsors of
prizes before the concert so they can all be acknowledged and thanked. This was a great success
last year and we look forward to another lovely evening of fantastic entertainment.
Meeting concluded at 7:15pm
2024-25 School Year
Parent Council Meeting 15/5/2025
In attendance: Catherine Donnelly Horgan,Denise Collins,Rima Cournane,Kerry Courtney, Deirdre o Connor, Ita Ryan ,Annmarie Golden, Maurice Fitzgerald,Annmarie Killen and Kathleen Moran.
Last meetings minutes were proposed by Denise .
Seconded by Deirdre.
1.The new anti-bullying policy was presented , it was stated that the school feels all staff are more aware and proactive regards what bullying is. The system is now in place that the year head has support team of 3/4 others who will continue up along the years with students and this should foster greater trust between the team and students to feel they can tell someone if they are experiencing bullying at school.
2. 1st and 2nd year students have participated in the Shona project which fosters kindness and goal-setting.
3. Staff have been receiving training through the country wide Bi Cinealtas program .The school has put more time and emphasis into using socio- grams to help address issues of bullying and give students the opportunity to come forward if they feel there is an issue for them or somebody else in their class .It was stated that one person came forward as a result of the socio-gram already .
4.The new building is to be officially opened on the 12th of September by Minister McEntee.
5.The school update’s mentioned were:
-TY graduation is on 21st May 2-4pm.
-Leaving cert graduation is on 22nd 2-4pm.
-School achievement awards 27th May 9-11am.
-The TY school tour to Barcelona was a success
5. The school History inspection was mentioned.
6.It was noted that The Darkness into light walk was a positive community link again this year for the school .
7.It was noted by a parent that the decision that the 4th year graduation would be done in school uniform was welcomed and took pressure off parents to buy suits etc.
8.The possibility of having a school tracksuit was suggested and also the purchase of jerseys for the Rugby teams representing the school . These suggestions were positively welcomed .
9.It was stated that the teachers are involved in peer observation to enhance positive growth in the school and this year saw positive VS wares increased by 17.55% with school attendance also up by 17.06%.
10. A parent noted a concern that homework was still being given so close to the exams which was impeding study time and it was stated that an email would be circulated to the teachers to this effect especially for the 6th years.
11. It was agreed that fundraising would be needed and that in September the parents council would try to have a plan to organise a fund raiser .
12. The parents council were thanked for their attempts to organise a clothes collection.
13. It was noted that the student council are being pro active with regard to anti-vaping in the school . It was also stated that the boys toilets may be changed into cubicles to help control this problem and safely monitor the toilets.
14. The Board of Management meeting is to be held Tuesday the 21st of May at 4:15pm
Parent Council Meeting of 11/03/2025.
In attendance: Annmarie Killen (Deputy Principal), Parents: Rima Cournane, Sandra Donovan, Annmarie Golden, Deirdre O Connor, Denise Collins, Kathleen Moran.
Apologies: Catherine Horgan (Donnelly).
The Minutes of the previous meeting were
proposed by Deirdre O’Connor
Seconded by Rima Cournane
-
Clothes Collection fund raiser planning-Company contacted to arrange a Clothes Collection date after Easter perhaps the 30th of April. Action- Parent Council to contact company with arrangements to pay through Kerry ETB by bank transfer as KETB can’t except cash and Parent Council to confirm details to school for text to be sent to parents.
2. Fund raising ideas discussed to raise money for wellness walk nodes, including, seating, sensory garden. Also it was mentioned purchasing of Rugby jerseys from the school as they are representing Colaiste na Sceilge.
3.Action Request to record the amount of money raised at concert raffle in the minutes.
4. It was mentioned that exercise equipment along walk or near new building would be nice but concerns were raised re with attracting unwanted visitors trying to access them on school grounds.
5. Action Parent council to look into rural social scheme might be able to help put stencils or Irish symbols on sensory wall/path .
6.The school will be involved in a PISA school survey & a random selection of students aged 15/16yrs have been selected by PISA. A text message with short explanation video has been sent to parents of students selected, together with a parental survey for parents of students involved.
7.Sports achievements were acknowledged and it was again mentioned to try and publish events more on school social media.
8. Additional fund raiser ideas- It was suggested that sports tickets or music tickets could be bought/sourced as prizes and tickets sold and raffled off to raise money.
I donate was mentioned as a way to do online funding.
9. It was asked if a little more notice could be given for meetings.
10. Action Room, access point and parking arrangements to be made clearer on text for future meetings & sign on main door directing parents to relevant entry. Room M11 for future meetings with parking and access from the park at the back of the Poly Tunnel.
11. It was mentioned to add information about parents committee to 1st year packs for September-potential new members.
Action: Incoming 1yr parents to be invited to first meeting of the new academic year.
Action Last meetings minutes were read , proposed and seconded
Parent Council Meeting 28/1/2025
Parents council meeting 28/01/25 5pm
In attendance:
Maurice Fitzgerald (principal)
Annmarie Killen(vice-principal)
Parents- Rima Cournane, Mairead O Neill,Carmel O Connor,Kathleen Moran,Sandra Donovan,Annmarie Golden,Denise Collins,Holly Woollett, Deirdre O Connor.
Apologies from Catherine Horgan(Donnelly).
1. Maurice spoke briefly, welcomed everyone,encouraged new members to bring a friend the next time.
He referred to the new build and the possibility of showing it to the parents council at a later stage when fully completed , perhaps March.
2. Deirdre O Connor ran through the minutes of the previous meeting with the Board of Management and referred to the issues touched on such as ,the teams issues, new policy regarding the phones being left at the top of the class, attendance, extracurricular activities, anxiety workshops by the family resource centre, uniforms, absences and how to inform the school by using the slip in the journal and the potential for a first year, mentoring / buddy system with the involvement of the 4th year students.
Annmarie Golden proposed minutes and Rima Cournane seconded them.
3. The Be kind policy is being rolled out at the moment and training for staff is occurring regarding this policy of understanding Bullying behaviour.
4. Maurice mentioned that Wednesday afternoons will be used to facilitate children of the exam years to stay for extra study and classes to compensate for some of the days lost due to school closures during the adverse weather conditions.
5. The school library is to reopen.
6. Providing a school canteen or a lunch dropin service is being investigated.
7.Annmarie referred to policy updates.
8. Up and coming events referenced:
Pre-exam timetables, Feb3rd closure, 5th year work experience, 6th class visit and open night 11th/13th March.
8. Irish courses and Barnardo’s survey flagged.
Maurice and Annmarie finished presentations and the parents present had brief discussions regarding a few items:
1. The idea to have a clothes collection was made in order to raise funds , it was agreed that people would make enquiries regarding companies who make collections.
2. The point was made that it would be good if the school could communicate more with parents regarding sports events and other events that students may be representing the school in . Mainly so that parents are aware of all the positives happening in the school and that they could possibly attend and support these events where appropriate. Maybe if links could be shared on school website so games etc could be viewed.
3. It was also stated how good the recent concert was and that maybe events like this could be advertised on radio kerry and promoted more . Even a second night might be good for fundraising.
4. The suggestion was made that the website could be a bit more informative .
We thanked all new members for attending.
2024 09 19 Parent Meeting Minutes
Parent Council Meeting Minutes Autumn 2022