Minutes of The King’s Hospital Parents’ Association AGM 2014
Held on 9th September 2014 at 7.30pm
Apologies:
Libby Edghill, Donal O’Sullivan, Roberta Williams and Rionach Campbell
Present:
Governor, Mr Ken Peare, Headmaster Mr. John Rafter, Deputy Head, Ms
Louise Marshall, members of the KHPA committee, and over 80 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 2013 AGM were proposed by Jane Murphy and seconded
by Kevin Murphy.
Election of Committee for 2014 -2015
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:
Ms Diane Begley - Ms. Hazel Boles - Ms. Hilary Davis - Ms. Elizabeth Edghill – Ms Margaret
Kadeba – Ms Margaret Lawless - Ms. Nicola Le Roux - Ms. Síle Maher-Jio – Ms. Kristin
Matson-Murphy - Ms. Jane Murphy - Mr. Hugh Pitt – Mr Paul Rolsten - Ms. Gay Williams –
Mr James Barrett – Mr Clinton Pratt
Introduction of Mr. John Rafter (Headmaster)
The Chairperson introduced Mr. John Rafter, the Headmaster. Mr Rafter said that once
again the school was very pleased with the results in the Leaving Certificate. The Junior
Certificate results would be issued tomorrow on the Transition Year’s return from Killary
Adventure Centre. He asked that there be no celebrations held before the weekend.
Parents were asked to assist the school in regards to naming of uniform and books and 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.
The pre-debs reception would be held in the school on Tuesday 16 th September from 4.30
pm. All of last year’s 6th years and parents are invited to attend. No alcohol will be served.
Mr Rafter read a thank you card from Ms Helen Roycroft, Head of Music Department,
expressing her thanks for the new choir robes and hymnals that were purchased this year by
the Parents Association. The annual law service will be held in St Minchan’s on 6 th October.
John Huggard, Head of Extra-curricular activities also sent his thanks to the Parent’s
Association for the funding of the new remote video tripod and video recording equipment
which will be very useful for sporting and other activities.
The school website is currently in the process of being completely reformatted. The launch
of the new website will be in the next 2 weeks.
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
Mr John Lonergan gave us a very informative and entertaining talk on Parenting: the
challenges and the rewards with tips to consider when raising children of all ages. His book
called ‘Parenting – Raising your child in Ireland today’ can be purchased online with all
royalties going to the charity Barnardos.
Introduction of Mr Ken Peare (Governor elect)
Mr Peare said he had come along to formally welcome Mr Louise Marshall as Deputy Head
of The King’s Hospital. He outlined Ms Marshalls many years of very relevant experience in
a similar school in the UK and wished her well in her new role. He said that Louise is lucky
enough to be joining the school when it is under the very capable stewardship of our new
Headmaster, John Rafter.
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 and Hop
School texting service
6th Form Valedictory Dinner with Award Presentation
Re-cycling Uniform Initative
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 Judy
Millar, Donal O’Sullivan, Roger Berkley and Rionach Campbell.
Treasurer’s report
Judy Millar, outgoing Treasurer, summarised the accounts and explained the Auditor had
taken ill and so the audited accounts will only be available later in the month. It was agreed
that they would be reviewed by the incoming committee at the next meeting of the PA.
This motion was put to the entire parent body in attendance with no objections.
Meeting adjourned at 9.20pm.