Minutes of The King’s Hospital Parents’ Association AGM 2015
Held on 8th September 2015 at 7.30pm
Apologies:
Gay Williams, Mimi Kuan, Isobel Marinot-Wood, Kevin Murphy
Present:
Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Mr Ken Peare, Headmaster, Mr. John
Rafter, Deputy Head, Ms Louise Marshall, members of the KHPA committee,
and over 90 parents.
Introduction
The Chairperson, Hugh Pitt welcomed all present including Mr Ken Peare, Mr. John Rafter,
Ms Louise Marshall, new and existing parents, and fellow members of the PA committee.
Adoption of the Minutes of the 2014 AGM were proposed by Noreen Gibson and seconded
by Jane Murphy.
Election of Committee for 2015 -2016
The Chairperson thanked outgoing member of the Parents’ Association Committee and
those not running for re-election. Existing members and new nominees introduced
themselves to the meeting and election of the new committee took place. 15 members
were elected as follows:
James Barrett - Ms Diane Begley - Ms. Hazel Boles - Ms. Hilary Davis - Ms Margaret Kadeba –
Ms Margaret Lawless - Ms. Nicola Le Roux - Ms. Síle Maher-Jio – Ms. Kristin MatsonMurphy - Ms. Jane Murphy - Mr. Hugh Pitt – Mr Paul Rolsten -– Mr Clinton Pratt – Caroline
Whitley – Richard Heywood-Jones
Introduction of Mr. John Rafter (Headmaster)
The Chairperson introduced Mr. John Rafter, the Headmaster. Mr Rafter informed us that
the school had heavily invested in updating the computers over the summer and had
employed an IT technical support person to help with this this. He also spoke of the
feasibility study to be carried out regarding the building of a new astro turf pitch and also
the possibility of putting in an all-weather training area. A sub-committee would be set up
in due course and representation from the KHPA would be involved.
Mr Rafter also said that the school was looking at carrying out a major capital expenditure
project over the next few years of approx. €3-€5 million.
Once again Mr Rafter confirmed that the school was very pleased with the results in the
Leaving Certificate with 28% of pupils achieving over 500 points. 68% of pupils achieved
over 400 points. He explained how the league tables that are published are not a fair
reflection of the academic results of KH as they do not take into account the large number
of our pupils who go on to study in 3rd level colleges overseas. In 2015 98% of students have
gone on to study in 3rd level colleges. Mr Rafter also spoke of the very strong results
achieved by our students with special learning needs and that we are very fortunate to have
such a strong Special Needs Department in the King’s Hospital.
Parents were reminded that under no circumstances were mobile phones allowed during
chapel, class time or prep. Parents were reminded that mobile phones can be one of the
greatest forms of bullying and were asked to check their children’s phones regularly.
A new Behavioural policy has been introduced in the school and a new computer package
called ‘sims’ which is used to record good and bad behaviour on a daily basis.
The school Musical ‘Oliver’ will be held in November.
Mr Rafter finished by expressing his thanks for all the work the out-going committee of the
PA had done during the year.
Guest Speaker
Ms Nóra Ní Fhlannagáin , Performance Nutritionist with the IRFU gave us a very informative
talk called ‘The Basics of Sports Nutrition – Fuel, Hydrate, Recover’. She gave advice on
snacks while playing sport. She advised about the over use of sports drinks and gave some
healthy alternatives as well as the best natural sources of protein to use to recover after
training sessions. She took many questions from parents present.
Chairpersons’ Report
Mr Pitt outlined the many activities of the KH Parents’ Association in the previous year
noting in particular;
6th Form Mock Interviews
5th Form Careers Night
Assistance with Annual Shindig
School texting service
6th Form Valedictory Dinner with Award Presentation
Re-cycling Uniform Initiative
2nd year Parent Social night
Mr Pitt thanked all the volunteers noting the required assistance from the parent body to
make these activities successful. A Parent Contact Details form was provided and
encouraged to be completed and returned to the school to enable the Parent’s Association
keep in touch and to encourage parents to get involved in helping with activities as it is both
worthwhile and sociable. Mr Pitt explained the money accrued by the Parents’ Association
is used to support the school on unbudgeted items.
Mr Pitt reminded parents of the importance of keeping pressure on our government
representatives not to increase the Pupil Teacher ratios in the private schools and this is
discriminating our children and pushing our fees up. He reminded parents that they can
support this initiative and visit www.fairfunding.ie. If parents need more information to
participate they can contact a member of the Committee.
Mr Pitt thanked all the members of the out-going committee for their hard work and also
thanked those who were stepping down and not going forward for re-election, namely Libby
Edghill and Susan Deacon-King.
Treasurer’s report
James Barrett, Treasurer, summarised the accounts and got approval from the floor for
himself and Hugh to sign off the accounts.
COMPASS
Paul Rolsten explained what COMPASS is all about to the parent body and explained how it
is the voice of the Protestant minority schools on the national stage. He explained how it
can help our school and encouraged more parents to get involved and to attend the
interactive meetings that are held during the year. See compassparents.org.
The meeting adjourned at 9.45 pm.