The Board of Management manages the school on behalf of the patron and is accountable to the patron and the Minister of Education.
As a Board, we are committed to upholding and promoting the core principles of the Educate Together ethos: equality-based, child-centred, co-educational, and democratically run. These values underpin everything we do as a school community.
We work together as a team that values collaboration, mutual respect, and transparency. We welcome open and respectful dialogue, embrace diverse perspectives, and reach collective decisions in the best interest of the school. Once a decision is made, we support it as a unified Board.
The principal is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, including providing guidance and direction to the teachers and other staff, and is accountable to the Board for that management.
Our focus is on providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child and staff member feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
We take a strategic approach to school leadership, setting direction, overseeing progress, and putting in place the foundations for continuous growth and development within our school community.
The Board of Management can be contacted directly at bom@betns.ie
Current Board Members:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Fiona Lyons | Staff Representative |
| Kirsten Killoran | Parent Representative |
| Stephen Mullins | Parent Representative |
| James Cannon | Patron Representative |
| Olive O’Connell | Patron Representative |
| Ruth Shine | Community Representative |
| Currently vacant | Community Representative |
| Anita Collings | Principal |
| Chairperson: | James Cannon |
| Secretary: | Anita Collings |
| Treasurer: | Kirsten Killoran |
Agreed Reports for School Community:
The agreed report is a summary of the main points discussed and agreed upon at each Board of Management meeting. The agreed report is intended to keep all members of the school community informed about the discussions and actions decided upon at the latest meeting of the school’s Board of Management. It is published following each Board meeting on the school’s website.
Date of Meeting: 11/09/2025
Venue: Blessington Educate Together N.S.
Attendees: James Cannon, Kirsten Killoran, Lynn Steed, Stephen Mullins, Olive O’Connell and Anita Collings
This was the first meeting of the 2025/2026 school year.
Chairperson addressed the meeting and welcomed and thanked new patron representative Olive O’Connell to the Board.
Minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved.
The Board thanked a family in the school community for approaching the school and offering to support the resurfacing of the school car park.
The principal presented her report to the Board of Management which covered:
– Additional Accommodation New Build Update – the school requested an update on progress over the summer. Works will not commence on site during the 2025/2026 school year.
– Parents’ Association – Becky Clements, PA chairperson has resigned her position. The Board wishes to thank Becky for her work and commitment to the school. Caragh Tisdall has stepped into the role of PA chairperson. The Board expressed thanks to Caragh.
– Sensory equipment has been purchased and is being utilised by pupils across the school. Funds for same were raised through PA fundraising last year. An Afterschool Activities Inclusion Statement was adopted by the Board.
The Board commended Stephen Mullins on his work on a refreshed and redesigned school website.
The Board discussed the school collecting for various charities. Going forward any fundraising for an external organisation requires Board approval.
Full day closures determined by the Department of Education and Youth for this school year were approved by the Board.
07/11/2025 – Child Protection Training for Staff
09/02/2026 – Primary Curriculum Framework Teacher Training (Day 1)
11/05/2026 – Primary Curriculum Framework Teacher Training (Day 2)
Charities Regulator – the Board of Management is currently updating school records.
Admissions Policy for the 2026/2027 School Year was approved by the Board and will be sent to the Patron for approval.
School Attendance – last year’s school attendance was discussed and a discussion took place on ways to improve school attendance.
