Diocesan Boards of Education
Annual Report 2023 – 2024
Membership
Chairperson – The Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Michael Burrows
Tuam
Elected: Rev. Carol Reynolds, Dean Diane Matchett, Dr. Catherine Emerson, Frances Hill-Thornburgh ( Secretary February 2024 )
B.O.M Chairs : Provost Lynda Pielow, Ms. Lesley Emerson, Rev. Suzanne Clements.
Representative for Principals: Wendy Lynch
Killala and Achonry
Elected: Rev. Andy Pierce, Rev. Karen Duignan, Jackie Higgins, Diane Bournes, Sinead Murray (Treasurer)
B.O.M Chairs, Rev. Canon Alex Morahan, Myrtle Nairn.
Meetings: February 2nd 2024
May 28th 2024
September 25th 2024
Gratitude:
We extend our thanks and best wishes to all those who have served on the Diocesan Boards of Education and have either retired or moved on to pastures new. Special thanks is due to Rev. Canon Doris Clements for her many years of service as Secretary; to Sinead Murray as outgoing Treasurer and to Rev. Karen Duignan who is stepping back from the B.O.E. as she embarks on a full time stipendary course.
Diocesan Education Grants
Grants allocated for the school year 2023/24 were:
Fee Grants: Total €9,700 to 10 Boarders and 3 Day pupils at Sligo Grammar School, Villiers and The King’s Hospital.
Transport Grants: Total €1,500. 6 grants of €250 each for families attending our primary schools.
Book Grants: Total €2,595. 6 grants according to receipts received.
Total paid out in Grants €13,795.
Diocesan Primary Schools:
The Board was kept up to date on each of the schools – building, management and enrolment issues. All four schools reported on the happy and positive atmosphere in the classrooms.
St.Nicholas’ Galway reported on damage to a roof which should be fixed during the holiday months under the Summer Works Scheme.
Enrolment numbers are holding with 10 new Junior Infants for September 2024 1st to 4th classes are full with spaces in 5th and 6th classes. It is hoped to open a pre-school in 2025.
Leaffoney also is holding its numbers for September. An English language teacher ( half-time post )is in the process of being appointed as is a second Classroom Teacher.
St. Michael’s Ballina. Canon Alex Morahan reported on another positive, happy school where he takes assembly once a week. However, while there are two teachers, numbers are fluctuating and one family leaving the area can make a difference.
Holy Trinity Westport. While numbers are good, a warning note was sounded about property prices steadily rising making it difficult to afford houses in the area. This has the potential to affect numbers in the future. Unfortunately the Board of Management has hit another bump in the very long journey to build a new school on a bigger site. Having reached the initial planning stage with architects appointed, the Department of Education issued a letter last March to say it would be a shared site in the immediate future. The Board of management, while disappointed, does not accept this and negotiations and discussions have been reopened.
Annual School Service.
The Annual School Service was held on the 16th May 2024 in St Mary’s Cathedral in Tuam with all 4 schools attending. It was judged a huge success under the recently appointed Dean Diane Matchett. It is now a debate whether November or May is the best time to hold it.
The Bishop gave gifts of trees to all four schools throughout the year which are now planted.
Boards of Management
A Training Day for Boards of Management was held in Claremorris on 24th February. It was well attended and, with new responsibilities for Trustees under CRA, it was gratefully received.
CIPSMA
There is no update on this body’s activities. Rev. Carole Reynolds reported that there was to be a meeting in November 2023 which was cancelled and no future meeting has been planned. The Bishop is aware of the situation.
Insurance
Insurance liability for BOE members is being investigated with Ecclesiastical Insurance. By the time this report is published it should be in place.
Accounts
A Statement of the Accounts, for the year ending 31st December, 2023 is appended to this report.
Frances Hill-Thornburgh ( Hon Secretary, TKA Diocesan Board of Education )
The Financial Report of the Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe
Diocesan Board of Education
For the Year Ended 31st December 2023
Secretary: Rev’d Canon Doris Clements
Treasurer: Mrs Sinead Murray
Tuam Diocesan Board of Education – Current Account 38619001
€ €
Opening Balance at 01-01-23 56949.60 School Grants 9,700
Bank Interest 27.46 Transport Grants 1,500
RCB Dividends 17311.32 Book Grants 2,595
Bank Fees 34.71
Dirt 6.40
Balance at 31-12-23 60,452.27
————– ————— 74,288.38 74,288.38
Tuam Killala and Achonry Diocesan Board of Education
Killala Account -Current Account 32549620
€ €
Opening Balance at 01-01-23 5,676.23
RCB Dividends 417.36 Bank Fees 30.20
Balance at 31.12.23 6,063.39
—————- ________
6,093.59 6,093.59
Tuam Killala and Achonry Diocesan Board of Education
Bishops Education and Ewart Memorial Fund
Current Account 38619060
€ €
Balance at 01-01-23 3,840.12 Current account Fees 30.10
RCB Dividends 245.65 Balance at 31-12-23 4,055.67
—————- —————- 4,085.77 4,085.77
Tuam Diocesan Board of Education
Dr Henry Bequest Fund Current Account 38619028
€ €
Balance at 01-01-2023 3,983.21
RCB Dividends 78.58 Current Account Fees 30.10
Balance at 31-12-23 4031.69
—————- ————-
4,061.79 4,061.79