Board Of Management 2025-26

Mount Saint Michael continues to work closely with its Trustees, CEIST, who maintain close connections with the school. The Board meets approximately 8–12 times a year and is constituted in line with the Articles of Management for Secondary Schools.

It comprises two representatives of parents of current students, two staff nominees and trustee nominees.

From October 2023–2026

Board of Management 2025–2026

Child Safeguarding

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (Revised 2025) and Tusla guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the Board of Management of Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork has reviewed and ratified the 2025–2026 Child Safeguarding Statement.

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Relevant Person: Stephen Murray, Principal

The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP): Dee Keohane, Deputy Principal

Financial Management

The financial management of the school is conducted under JMB/AMCSS Guidelines and is in strict compliance with Department of Education requirements. The school accounts are externally audited annually for the Board of Management.

The accounts are examined by the Finance Sub-Committee, which reports at each Board meeting. School finances continue to be closely monitored, and prudent financial management remains a priority. The Board has been proactive in addressing school expenditure and maintains a detailed budget each year.

Planning and Review

Progress in achieving identified priorities is monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis through:

• Regular Board of Management meetings
• Reports from the Principal
• Board meeting agendas (including items raised by parents, pupils and staff)
• Planning and results analysis at subject department level

Inspections

PE Inspection – See full report here

Summary of findings:

• The quality of teaching and learning was good in all lessons observed, with some excellent practice noted
• Students were well engaged, active and achieved very well in PE lessons
• A very positive atmosphere was evident in all classes
• Subject provision for PE was very good and appropriately timetabled
• A wide range of activities is provided and lessons were well planned
• Good overall subject planning, with some scope for development
• Very good collaboration among teachers, including peer observation

Whole School Evaluation (WSE-MLL)

The Department of Education and Skills conducted a Whole School Evaluation (Management, Leadership and Learning) in May 2016.

View full report

The inspectors commended the Board of Management, school management and staff for their work. A number of recommendations were made and have since been addressed.

Key findings:

• The school is inclusive, student-centred and caring, guided by its mission statement and Catherine McAuley ethos
• The Board is committed to the development of facilities and maintaining a broad curriculum
• Strong links exist with the wider community through co-curricular and extracurricular activities
• The Parents’ Association is very supportive
• Leadership is strong and forward-looking
• Staff are committed to providing high-quality learning experiences
• Leadership is effectively distributed among middle management
• A broad curriculum is available at junior and senior cycle
• High levels of student care are provided through a range of supports
• Teaching and learning were of a high standard, with some excellent practice observed
• The school has strong capacity for ongoing development and improvement

See full report

WSE-MLL Follow-Through Report 2017–2018

View report

Summary of findings:

• Very good progress in relation to the health and safety statement
• Good progress in areas such as annual reporting, guidance planning and SEN provision
• Some aspects require further attention for full implementation
• Senior leadership continues to show strong commitment to improvement

Conclusion

The Board of Management wishes to express its appreciation to the hardworking, dedicated and committed staff of Mount Saint Michael, led by Principal Mr Bart Kerrisk and Deputy Principal Ms Dee Keohane.

They are supported by the middle management team, including year heads, guidance counsellors and programme coordinators.

The Board also acknowledges the work of the Parents’ Association, who continue to support the school through fundraising, including the annual school bazaar, and initiatives such as the Junior Cycle Book Rental Scheme. Their work is of great benefit to families.

The Student Council and Cairde Group make a valuable contribution to school life. All students are to be commended for their behaviour, cooperation and their academic and extracurricular achievements.

The Board is satisfied that the religious ethos and characteristic spirit of the school continues to be promoted.

The Board of Management also wishes to acknowledge the ongoing commitment and support of CEIST. The Board remains committed to upholding the Catholic ethos and fulfilling the mission of the school.