The teaching staff of
This weekly staff briefing promotes good communication between staff members
and allows for exchanges of information and opinions.
However, this policy outlines current practice in relation to Formal meetings,
which take place less often, but are of equal value.
It aims to ensure that meetings are effective and use time well, that procedures are widely known
and that meetings ultimately improve teaching and learning.
For formal, whole-staff meetings, the following will apply:
Preparing Agendas:
The Principal is responsible for organising and convening staff meetings. A draft agenda circulated by the Principal, submissions invited and final agenda circulated. Attendance at meetings is recorded. Outside speakers may be invited to address meeting.
Who attends Meetings?
Permanent teachers, temporary teachers and long-term substitute teachers are entitled to attend. In shared situations, when meetings clash, teacher(s) involved generally attend meetings with base school. All Special Needs Assistants attend for relevant issues.
Conducting Meetings:
Circulate staff at the beginning of the school year to ascertain how many teachers would be interested in chairing meetings and keeping minutes. Minute all meetings. Meetings should start and finish on time. Mobile phones should be switched off.
Frequency of Meetings:
At least once a term, or as deemed necessary. In line with DES circular 14/04, at least one staff meeting per term will have equal time inside and outside of school hours. The school will liaise with local schools prior to setting the dates of meetings.
School Development Planning:
Attended by all teaching staff, permanent, temporary and long-term substitutes.
Subcommittee meetings:
Attended by members of teaching staff, permanent, temporary and long-term substitutes and SNA’s.
Meeting of Ancillary Staff:
Co-ordinated on group/individual basis by Principal/Deputy Principal.
Meetings of SEN Teams:
Co-ordinated by Principal/Deputy Principal/Post Holder.
Parent/Teacher Meetings:
In line with terms of circular 14/04 – formal, once a year.
Informal:
We operate from a base of consultation and teamwork. Atmosphere of mutual respect, courtesy and approachability cultured.
To avoid disruption to teaching and learning, meetings should be by appointment, that arrangements can be made.
Meetings can be one-on-one or team based.
Other Home school Links:
We utilise the following to allow maximum feedback from home to school and vice versa.
Outside agencies:
By appointment. All relevant staff attends.
Roles/responsibilities:
All members of the school community have a right and responsibility to use the communications system in place.