Boards of Management of primary schools are appointed for a four year term. The term of office for new Boards of Management is from 1 December 2019 to 30 November 2023. The Board manages the school on behalf of the Patron and is accountable to the Patron and the Minister. The Principal is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, including guidance and direction of the teachers and other staff of the school, and is accountable to the Board for that management.

All Boards of Management of primary schools assuming office from 1 December 2019 onwards are required to adhere to the provisions of the Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2019 – 2023. It is acknowledged that the most effective Boards also have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities and ensure that these are fulfilled. Among these responsibilities include:

  • Training for Boards plays an important role in this regard. Board members are therefore strongly advised to avail of the training that is provided, including training provided by the Management Bodies
  • The Board should adopt a child-centred approach to all of its work. It must also have regard to the efficient use of resources (particularly the grants provided by the State), the public interest in the affairs of the school and accountability to students, parents and the community
  • The Board must also uphold the characteristic spirit (ethos) of the school and is accountable to the Patron for so doing
  • The Board is obliged to consult with and keep the Patron informed of decisions and proposals of the Board. Examples of information that must be supplied to the Patron include the Admission Policy, School Plan, Child Protection Policy, Code of Behaviour/Anti-Bullying Policy, school accounts etc
  • The Board’s role as an employer includes responsibility for the recruitment and dismissal of teachers and other staff within the school, subject to relevant Department circulars, employment legislation and sectoral agreements
  • The Board has overall responsibility for school policies, e.g Code of Behaviour, Anti Bullying Policy and Enrolment policy
  •  In particular, the Board must be familiar with and ensure that the Child Protection Procedures for Primary Schools (issued in 2017 most recently) are fully implemented by the school
  • Boards have a statutory duty to ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to ensure school resources (including grants, staffing and other resources) are managed appropriately and efficiently and in a manner that provides for appropriate accountability to the relevant parties.
  • Boards of Management must be cognisant of the importance of encouraging and facilitating the Principal and Deputy Principal and others in developing and effectively exercising this leadership role in the school
  • It is the responsibility of the Board to arrange for the preparation of a School Plan, and to ensure that it is regularly reviewed and updated.
  • Self-Evaluation/Teaching and Learning Under the Education Act, 1998 a school is required to establish and maintain systems whereby the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations can be assessed
  • St. Joseph’s Primary School’s Board of Management is as follow:
  • Chairperson:                          Pat Heffernan
  • Patron’s Nominee:                Eileen Bourke
  • Treasurer:                                Catherine O’ Brien (Parent Nominee)
  • Secretary:                                  Elaine Foley (Principal)
  • Teacher Nominee:                 Michael Delaney
  • Parent Nominee:                   Brian Slevin
  • Community Nominees:          Sr. Helena Blackwell and Johnny Nevin