Board of Management

Board Members

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson) Patron nominee

Monsignor Gearóid Dullea Patron nominee

Seán Lyons Principal

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary) Teacher nominee

Graham Manning Parent nominee

Sandra O’ Meara Parent nominee

Paul Donovan (Treasurer) Community member

Ann McKernan Community member

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 05/10/2022

Board Members Present     

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Msgr. Géaróid Dullea

Graham Manning

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

• The Board of Management welcomed our seventy-two new junior infant pupils and their families to St. Anthony’s BNS and thanked the Parents’ Association for providing a welcoming coffee morning in the gym.

• Road Safety Week was recently held in the school. Thank you to all of the staff, pupils and parents for their work in promoting road safety.

• Our second ASD Special Class has opened and to date it is a huge success. This is a very welcome addition to our school community.  A big thank you to the staff of Room 19 who worked over the summer to ready the room for the pupils. .

• Congratulations to 4^th Class teacher Mr. Cussen who won a silver medal at the European Masters Swimming Finals.

• We are presently engaging with before and Afterschool providers with the intention of making this available to the pupils in January 2023.

• The Parents’ Association will hold their Annual Zombie Charity Walk on the 16^th of October. Halloween Games and treats will be provided in the gym after the walk.

• The Board of Management would like to thank teacher, Ms. Ursula Higgins, for her valuable contribution to the school community in St. Anthony’s BNS and wish her every health and happiness in her upcoming retirement.

• The Data Protection Policy was ratified by the Board of Management.

• An upgrade of the school computer room will take place during the month of October and this will again provide a wonderful resource for all pupils.

• The Board has granted the purchase of €1500 worth of PE equipment.

• Swimming for pupils from 2^nd to 4^th will commence in the Gus Healy Swimming pool in November.

• The Board wishes our School Football team, and coaches the very best of success and enjoyment in their Sciath na Scol Campaign.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 27/06/2022

Board Members Present     

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Msgr. Géaróid Dullea

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

• Four very happy and successful open days were held for the incoming junior infant classes where they met their new teacher and classmates.

• Road Safety Week was recently held in the school. Thank you to all of the volunteers.

• A lovely graduation mass and blessing for the outgoing 6th class took place on Wednesday June 22nd. This was lead by Mon. Gearóid Dullea.  A big thank you to all of the pupils and teachers of the 6^th Class pupils as well as all of the parents and family members who attended.  The Parents’ Association provided a wonderful reception for the families after the ceremony.

• The Feast of St Anthony was celebrated on June 13th.

• The Kavanagh Brothers football tournament was held for the 4th and 5th class pupils. Over 150 pupils from St. Anthony’s participated accumulating in the Finals on the 4G pitch in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.  All teams marched around the field behind the piper.  It was a wonderful occasion.  A sincere thank you to all of the staff who assisted in the Tournament and especially Mr. Ryan for organising the event.

• Junior and Senior Infants fun sports day took place in the Japanese Gardens and all were delighted with their medal and ice-cream.

• Cycling Safety lessons for boys from 3^rd class took place in the school.

• Seven of our teaching staff successfully completed their Droichead Training. Thank you to the Droichead team for all of their mentoring and assistance.

• It was great seeing the school tours return and all classes enjoyed their days.

• The Board of Management would like to wish all of the St. Anthony’s BNS Community a very happy and safe summer holiday and thank all of the staff for their hard-work and dedication. The Board would also like to thank the Parents’ Assoc. for all of their assistance and support.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 18/03/2021

Board Members Present – The Meeting took place remotely via Zoom                         

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Msgr. Géaróid Dullea

Sandra O’ Meara

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

• A big welcome back to all pupils and staff. It is great to have such life around the school again. A big thank you to all staff and members of the school community for all their assistance in facilitating a safe reopening of the school. The school was fully deep cleaned. PPE has also been made available to all staff members and all Covid-19 protocols are in place to keep the school community safe.

• Seachtain Na Gaeilge was celebrated from March 15^th to March 17^th Cork singer John Spillane had singing workshops“as Gaeilge” with the pupils from Junior Infants to 6^th Class on Zoom and it was a big success. Each Class had a number of fun events, “as Gaeilge” also.  Some teachers played morning music at the school entrance to welcome the boys to school.

• The Cúl 4 School video compilation was a great success and a big thank you to Cummins Sports Douglas for sponsoring the vouchers for the raffle and to all those who took part.

• The school Anti Bullying Policy is currently being reviewed.

• Literacy Lift Off will commence in the Senior Infant classes after Easter. This intensive literacy programme will give the children lots of opportunities to read and develop their literacy skills.

• To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the school went green with pupils and staff dressed in green to celebrate the day.

• A big thanks to Keith Crusie of Cork Balloons for the wonderful bouquets of balloons to celebrate the return of the pupils and the school reopening again.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 08/02/2021

Board Members Present – The Meeting took place remotely via Zoom                         

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Msgr. Géaróid Dullea

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

• Work is ongoing in the school garden and thanks to all volunteers who have helped out.

• A special tribute of respect and thanks was made to Canon Michael Crowley of the Ballinlough Parish who passed away recently. Canon Crowley was a loyal friend and servant of the school and he will be hugely missed by the school community. Leaba i measc na Naomh go raibh aige.

• Remote learning continues to take place using Zoom, SeeSaw, and phone. A big thank you to all teachers, SNAs, and parents for their hard work. Teachers are currently doing three Zoom classes a week with their classes.

• The sale of Christmas cards was a very successful venture and a donation of €250 will be made to three charities, Cork Simon, RNLI, and CMUH Bed for Beth. Thank you to all who participated in this.

• Our Special Class, Room 18, Ms. Hurley will open on February 22^nd. The school is following the Return to School Protocol as laid down by the Department of Education and the HSE

• All SNAs are to take part in the Brain Calm CPD training which will support many of the pupils under their care.

• Catholic School’s Week took place on January 25th 2021 and many events took place remotely to celebrate this.

• Contact has been made to parents of children eligible for the In Person Supplementary Programme of Support to see if they would like to take part. This programme runs from February 11th 2021 to April 30^th, this provides twenty hours of tuition to each student.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 16/12/2020

Board Members Present                                                      

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Msgr. Géaróid Dullea

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

• The school has purchased sixteen IPads and they have proven to be a great resource to aid to the teaching and learning within the school.

• A further grant of €3000 has been received for the school garden. A thanks to all who worked hard to get this grant.

• The sales of the Christmas cards was a very successful venture and thanks to all who contributed to this project.

• Mary Lyons of the NCSE gave a very informative Workshop to all staff on Managing Challenging Behaviour.

• We wish Mr. Paddy Murphy every health and happiness on his upcoming retirement. We thank Paddy for his dedication, professionalism and wit. He will be missed by all in the school community

• A big thank you to the Parents’ Association for the organising of the virtual book fair in conjunction with Scholastic Books. It was a big success and very much appreciated by all students and staff.

• A sincere thank you to all the pupils and parents of St. Anthony’s BNS for their wonderful charitable spirit in raising €5,247 for St. Vincent de Paul through the virtual giving tree this year. All monies raised will be used to support families in the local community.

• The school has been celebrating the beginning of Advent and the Christmas Mass will take place on Friday 18^th

• A very happy, holy and peaceful Christmas to all members of the school community and a sincere thank you to all who have assisted our school Community in 2020.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 09/11/2020

Board Members Present                                                      

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Msgr. Géaróid Dullea

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

• Work is ongoing in the school garden and thanks to all volunteers who have helped out. A special thanks to parents and staff for their hard work and goodwill.

• A special tribute to our friend and school psychologist, Anne Hales of NEPS and Jim Cremin, formerly of the staff of Chríost Rí, who both passed away recently. May they rest in peace.

• Bernadette Howlett has commenced life in St Anthony’s in her role as school secretary. Best of luck Bernadette.

• The school will launch Aladdin Connect and parents will be contacted on how to access this service.

• The board has approved the purchase of eighteen Ipads.

• We are looking forward to the virtual Scholastic Book Fair and a week of fun reading activities organised by the Parents’ Association.

• The school will host a Christmas card fund raiser in association with the Parents’ Association. Each child will get to design their own card.

• Well done to the school community who had wonderful Halloween activities. €930 was raised by the pupils and school for Brú Columbanus and Mercy Heroes

• Congratulations to Fiona Angland who has been ratified as the deputy principal of the school. Well done Fiona and all the best in the years ahead.

• We are presently reviewing the SEN policy and our Code of Behaviour policy.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 13/10/2020

Board Members Present                                                      

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Msgr. Géaróid Dullea

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

• A special thanks to former secretary Helen Harrington who has completed her time in St. Anthony’s and has moved on to a new career. Best of luck Helen and thanks for all the hard work over the years.

• We wish teacher Ms Nuala McAuliffe and SNA Mary Murphy every health and happiness on their upcoming retirements. We thank them both for their dedication, kindness, and professionalism. They will be great missed by the entire school community.

• Best wishes to Canon Jim O’ Donovan on his retirement as parish priest from the Ballinlough diocese. Canon Jim has shown great dedication over the years and we wish him all the best.
• A special welcome to Msgr. Géaróid Dullea in his appointment in Ballinough parish. Msgr. Dullea also joins the school Board of Management.

• Best of luck to former deputy Duncan McCarthy who has taken up the principal role in Dungourney NS.

• Work has commenced on the school garden and thanks to all volunteers who have helped out. A special thanks to Carey’s Tool Hire for use of a mini digger and to parents Alan Conway and Tom Curran for their assistance.

• The ASD special class has opened and has been a great success and an outstanding addition to the school. Thanks to all for their hard work in making it happen.

• The school received a certificate of excellence from the Science Federation of Ireland.

• Congratulations to “The Rockies” on their victory in the Cork Senior Hurling final and to staff member Ciarán Cormack who played a vital role on the day.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 07/09/2020

Board Members Present                                           Apologies:

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)                                    Canon Jim O’Donovan

Sean Lyons (Principal)                                                   Anne McKernan

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.
• The Logistical Plan for the safe Re-opening of St. Anthony’s BNS is working extremely well. A sincere thank you to all staff.
• The extra Covid Cleaning hours are ensuring that the school building and all surfaces are disinfected and thoroughly cleaned each day. An extra 48hrs have been provided by the Board of Management for this essential service.
• The board is to advertise for the vacant secretarial post. The board thanked former school secretary Helen for all of her hard work and commitment over the years and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
• The school garden is progressing and a huge thank you to parents Alan Conway and Tom Curran for assisting with this as well as the large number of staff who are working at the weekends in getting this space ready.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 27/08/2020

Board Members Present                                                      

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

Apologies:

Canon Jim O’ Donovan

Anne McKernan.

• The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.
• Meetings have taken place with all members of staff to inform them of the school’s COVID Response Plan and the plan for the Logistical Plan for Reopening.
• Chairperson Kieran Hastings is to sign the school Covid 19 Policy and Logistical Plan for Reopening our school safely.
• Hand sanitiser stations and have been set up in every classroom and at entry points, and emulsifying soap is also being provided at sinks. New signage has been placed both inside and outside the school.
• The Layout of all classrooms have been carefully planned and adjusted in response to Covid -19 and to keep all of the school community safe.
• Skips have been brought in to the school to facilitate the cleaning of the school and the removal of all unwanted items.
• Each classroom will operate as a bubble and children will operate in pods within the classroom. The children will bring nothing home for the first two weeks except their bags and lunch box. Pupils will leave all of their books and pencil cases in school.
• All staff will perform extra supervision duties at the staggered drop off and collection times to ensure the safety of all and to ensure that all pupils sanitise their hands and follow the new procedures.
• Junior infant children are to begin school on August 28th. Best of luck to all children on this new venture.
• The digital learning team are to look into an upgrade of the school app to facilitate an easier sharing of information with parents.
• Fiona Angland it to take up the roll as acting Deputy Principal Principal.
• The Board of Management would like to sincerely thank all of the school staff for the voluntary work they have undertaken during the summer months to ensure the safe and sustainable opening of St. Anthony’s BNS for the Academic school year 20/21.
• We wish of of our pupils, parents and staff a very safe, enjoyable and healthy school year.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 16/04/2020

The meeting of the Board of Management 2019-23 took place on Thursday April 16^th 2020 via the online meeting platform ZOOM.

Board Members Present                                                     

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• On March 12^th, we were all catapulted into the unknown due to Covid 19, these are unprecedented circumstances and challenging times for us all. We are navigating and continuing to navigate unchartered waters. Thanks to all the staff for their cooperation, support and hard work in continuing to prepare for, support and assist their pupils.
• The school has been communicating to the parents as a school community regularly through the Aladdin email system, regular email, text message, school App, Facebook page and phone.
• Presently, teachers are forwarding activities/tasks/work through Aladdin email, google drive and are putting daily extra supports up on our Facebook Page and School App. Each teacher has also provided their work email address @stanthonys.ie. The school has stressed to parents that this work is optional and should not be a stress or extra burden because each family and home situation is different and unique, and it is acknowledged that parents are working from home, some in the health sector, frontline workers and in providing essential services. Thanks to all parents for what they are doing to support their child’s learning.
• Second Class have trialled the Online Distance Learning Platform ‘SeeSaw’. This has proven to be very successful as a feedback tool, as it provides a purpose and motivation for the pupil, and the teachers found it easy to use and navigate. Teachers were asked to explore Distance Learning Platforms and to provide Feedback as part of the process. Work will continue with the Digital Learning Team and teachers next week in relation to this.
• The platform ZOOM is being used to facilitate staff meetings

• The 6^th Class Confirmation was due to take place on Wednesday April 1^st. However, due to present unprecedented circumstances, all Confirmations are postponed. Letters were sent to all students to acknowledge that this was to be their special celebration, and that we were thinking of them and their family.
• The Board of Management would like to thank all frontline workers and all those in the essential services for the sacrifices they are making. We would also like to wish continued good health to all pupils, parents and staff at this time.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 11/03/2020

The meeting of the Board of Management 2019-23 took place on Wednesday 11th March 2020.

Board Members Present

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Canon Jim O’ Donovan 

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

• • Coronavirus (COVID – 19). The whole school community is adhering to all the procedures and advice recommended by the HSE, Dept. of Education and Skills, WHO, and all government agencies.  This essential information has been communicated to the whole school community, pupils, parents, and staff.  All the staff are teaching, demonstrating and reminding all the pupils daily, of correct hygiene, the importance of regular and correct hand washing technique, and the correct and safe protocol if sneezing and coughing. All pupils are requested to bring in their own towel and hand sanitiser. Teachers are teaching pupils about the Coronavirus and the spread of it. Desks and surfaces are being disinfected daily by staff. All toilets are fully stocked with soap by cleaners and caretaker. The school is in daily contact with the HSE on any updated information and closely following their advice.
  • A license for use of school facilities signed for Carol Diggin.(Basketball) and Barry O’ Regan (Karate).
  • The FSSU confirmed receipt of the school accounts for the 2018/2019 school year.
  • A letter was received from the Diocesan office instructing and directing all schools on their new Admissions Policy, this policy must comply with the requirements of the Education Act 1998, the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and the Equal Status Act 2000.
  • Congratulations to the Credit Union Quiz Team under the guidance of Mr. Murphy, who reached the National Finals in Dublin. They were Runners-up in the Credit Union Cork County Quiz in Rochestown Park Sunday 20th February. This is a remarkable achievement.
  • A Croke Park meeting for staff took place on the 2nd March, Oonagh Foley of the NCSE gave a very informative presentation on the Continuum of Support (Classroom Support, School Support, and School Support Plus).
  • The school recently enjoyed Engineer’s week where many activities were enjoyed across all the school standards. The 4th classes went to Blackrock Castle Observatory for engineering workshops.
  • Mr Eddie Hogan O’ Connells 5th class represented the school with distinction and pride at the ESB Science Blast in the RDS Dublin and achieved an Award of Excellence for their amazing research on their topic ‘Is all Water the same!’  The boys had a very enjoyable and memorable day.  Thank you to all the pupils, and to Mr. Hogan O’ Connell, Ms. MacCurtain, and Mr. Cormack who accompanied the boys.
  • World Book Day was celebrated at St. Anthony’s BNS on Friday 6th March. This was a very enjoyable day. Pupils and staff dressed up as their favourite character or author.  There were a number of activities to celebrate this day, the highlight for many the fashion show for all those who dressed up, which was held on the ‘catwalk’ in the hall.
  • Seachtain Na Gaeilge was held in the school from the 9th to 12th March. Bhí alán gníomhachtaí, taitneamhach, diffriúla timpeall na scoile gach lá. The school collected money on ‘Lá Glas’ for Pieta House as part of the school Amber Flag. 
  • A primary language Curriculum Webinar is set for 26th March.
  • There are a number of upcoming occasions. The Confirmation is set for 1st April and the Scholastic Book Fair for 20th April.  We are looking forward to celebrating these special events.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 25/02/2020

The meeting of the Board of Management 2019-23 took place on Tuesday 25th February 2020.

Board Members Present:

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Seán Lyons (Principal)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Canon Jim O’ Donovan 

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Sandra O’ Meara

Apologies:

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

• The board has received a letter the Education Secretariat of the Diocese of Cork & Ross to formally recognise the new board.
• The board has agreed for Ballinlough Summer Festival Committee to hold the Easter raffle in our school again this year.

• We had four school teams compete in the Ballinlough Credit Union Quiz on February 2nd. Our U13 team won their competition and the U11 team were runners up. This was a remarkable achievement. Thanks to teacher Mr. Paddy Murphy for all his work and well done to all the boys.

• A Croke Park meeting for teaching staff was held on the 3rd February. This meeting facilitated the monitoring of the Gaeilge School Improvement Plan across all standards to analyse what is working well, and what areas there are for improvement.

• The Ficheall Chess Tournament took place on Tuesday 4th February.  It was a great success with boys competing in both the team and individual competitions. Thank you to Ms. Allen and Mr. Pardis and well done to the boys.

• Dr. Maureen Griffin hosted a very informative parent information talk, pupil workshops (3rd – 6th classes) and a staff talk on Cyberbullying & Internet/Mobile Phone Safety on Monday 10th February. The parent talk was very well attended.

• The school garden is presently at design stage. Members of the Parents’ Association and staff will facilitate the preparation and tidying of this space.

• Work is to be done to increase the broadband speed throughout the school and to install Wifi. 

• The school swimming team became All-Ireland Champions at the All-Ireland Primary Schools Swimming Gala in the National Aquatics Centre Dublin on Sunday 9th February. They received team medals in the relay, gold for the front crawl and silver in the medley. They also won medals in the individual events. Congratulations and well done to the swimmers and their coaches Mr. Harrington and Mr. Cussen.

• The school basketball team won their second title this year, winning the Cork Schools Basketball Tournament on February 11th. Thank you to coaches, Ms. Leen and Mr. Murphy and well done to the boys.

• Two Policies are presently being reviewed by school staff, the Challenging Behaviours Policy and Our Health and Safety Statement. 

• 4th Class pupils and teachers went to see a production of “Under the Hawthorn Tree” in the Cork Opera House on Wed 19th Feb.

• Pupils of St. Anthony’s BNS attended UCC on February 19th to celebrate UCC’s 10th Anniversary of their First Green Flag.

• The School Admissions and Enrolment Policy will be updated to reflect circular 007/2020. 

• The school accounts are presently being prepared for submission to the FSSU.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS Agreed Report 28/01/2020

The meeting of the  Board of Management 2019-23 took place on Thursday 28th January 2020.

Board Members Present:

Kieran Hastings (Chairperson)

Sean Lyons (Principal)

Paul O’ Donovan (Treasurer)

Kieran Lynch (Recording Secretary)

Canon Jim O’ Donovan 

Anne McKernan

Graham Manning

Apologies:

Sandra O’ Meara

• Catholic Schools Week was held from 26th – 2nd February. An intercom Prayer and a daily “Thought for the Day” were read by 6th Class pupils. An altar was displayed in the main school corridor. 
• 6th Class had their Ceremony of Light on Monday 26th January. Thank you to the 6th Class teachers and Canon Jim O’ Donovan. The boys will continue to prepare for their Confirmation on the 1st of April.
• Fr. Michael Keohane has forwarded a video of the Rite of Confirmation from Bishop Gavin showing how the pupils will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit this year. 
• “Parent Information Talk on Cyberbullying and Internet/Mobile Phone Safety” with Dr. Maureen Griffin on Monday 10th February at 7pm in St. Anthony’s BNS. Dr. Griffin will also host a workshop for all pupils 3rd – 6th during school and for the staff after school.  This will be financed by the Parents’ Association.
• The Parents’ Association will finance the purchase of new PE Equipment.
• Staff are to undertake CPD in First Aid with First Aider Stephen Mulcahy on Saturday 28th March. 
• The Board of Management is undertaking a review of the rental fees of the school hall.
• Congratulations to our Basketball Team who won the Cork Garda Basketball Tournament. Thanks to Mrs. Leen and Mr. Murphy for coaching the team.
• 4th Class Indoor Hurlers had two teams competing in the Sciath na Scol Indoor hurling Competition.  Thanks to Mr. Lynch and Mr. Brick for training the teams.
• The Ficheall Cork schools Chess Tournament is taking place on  Tuesday 4th February in Blackrock GAA club. Thirty-two pupils from St. Anthony’s BNS will play in this event.  Thank you to Ms. Sarah Allen and Mr. Richard Pardi for coaching the teams.
• Mr. Eddie Hogan O’ Connells’s, Fifth Class will enter the ESB Science Blast Competition in the RDS Dublin in early March.
• Second Class pupils will receive their Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday 17th Feb and will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday 16th May.  We look forward to these spiritual occasions.

Board of Management of St. Anthony’s BNS  Agreed Report 09/01/2020

• The first meeting of the New Board of Management 2019-23 took place on Thursday 9th January 2020.
• Form 2 – Declaration of Acceptance of Membership of the School Board of Management signed by all members.
• Nomination of Treasurer and Recording Secretary.
• Education Secretariat to the Diocese of Cork & Ross, Mr. Seán Ó Caoimh gave a presentation to the Board on the roles and responsibilities of Board members.
• The Board of Management would like to sincerely thank all the dedicated staff for preparing the pupils so well for their wonderful Christmas concerts, plays and beautiful Christmas Mass.  It would also like to thank the hard working Parents’ Association for their very successful ‘Christmas Giving Tree’ which provided much needed items for St. Vincent de Paul, and for their Christmas card initiative which raised funds for Penny Dinners Cork, and their successful Santa’s visit to the Junior classes.  The Board of Management would also  like to thank all the pupils who raised much needed funds for Cork Simon Community and Cappagh Kids through the fun Santa circuits and Reindeer run initiatives organised by pupils and staff.
• All classes will be taught ‘The Stay Safe’ Programme, which is a personal safety education programme and part of the SPHE Curriculum during the months of January and February.
• As part of St. Anthony’s BNS, School Self Evaluation, the focus is on Gaeilge and Teanga ó bhéil.At present a number of policies are being reviewed by the school, Assessment Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy.
• The Principal presented ‘The Child Protection Oversight Report.
• The Board of Management would like to congratulate the two school quiz teams who recently came first  and third respectively in the Sciath na Scol Sports quiz for Cork City and County. Maith thú to all involved.