Minutes for Parents Meeting Sat 3rd September 2016
The meeting began with a welcome to all parents both those new to the school and those of long standing. Teachers explained that the meeting is, as always, an attempt to improve the smooth running of the school. This year (Easter 2017) the World Championships take place in Dublin and teachers want dancers to get the new term and beginning of the dance year off to a great start. This year provides an opportunity for the school to showcase our talent and standards of excellence in our own country.
This year Dearbhla has been appointed to judge at the All-Irelands/ Oireachtas Rince na hEireann and Ciara is judging at the Great Britains. Consequently our dancers will not be taking part in either event.
Our School Feis/ Feis Cuchulainn takes place on the first weekend in October, on Sat 2nd October & Sunday 3rd October. Teachers are aiming to get all teams to dance at the feis. [syllabus on c.l.r.g.)
With regards to solos this is a Championship Feis for students who have passed their grades and are at Open (or Preliminary) Level.
Parent support for the event is both highly appreciated and necessary for the smooth running of our school feis. There will be a rota at class on the run up to the feis and volunteering parents are asked to remember to volunteer for times when their child is not dancing. All parents are welcome to help out even if their child is not dancing at this feis. It is lovely to present a “red army presence” at these events. It would be wonderful if older dancers could volunteer to help also.
The Ulsters /Oireachtas Rince Uladh is taking place in Ballybofey in Donegal on the 18th 19th & 20th November. This is a “World Qualifying Event”. Our school will do both solos and teams. Although there aren’t any specific times announced as yet there is a “days only” timetable. New parents are advised to book accommodation in advance, accommodation is already heavily booked and therefore it may be necessary to book accommodation outside Ballybofey. [Details on Comhairle Uladh .com]
Teachers may bring a couple of the younger teams to Scotland in February 2017. This is for much -needed experience ahead of the World C’ships and will involve flying & 1 or 2 night stay.
Generally speaking parents need to keep an eye on the c.l.r.g. website for information on upcoming feiseanna and dance times. It is imperative to speak with teachers if you are thinking of attending a feis.
The Irish Nationals are in June this year.
Grade Exams: Grade exams will take place on the 23nd of October. Some students will be able to take up to three grades, at a higher level it may be one grade. This is similar to grades in piano whereby every child receives a certificate and a grade.
Fitness: Some dancers are not fit enough. Fitness is crucial to success. If students wish to qualify/make progress they should be planning their timetable for dance practice for the week ahead on a Sunday night. They also need to be mindful of what they eat as well as eating plenty of protein and good food generally that will fuel the body.
Fundraising: Due to the success of last year’s big fundraiser/race night it is hoped that another “big event” will not be necessary this year.
There is a treasurer’s report where all expenditure has been listed. Funds were used to subsidise dance camps and the party in July. New flooring is needed for Crossmaglen. More boys’ waistcoats may be needed and one or two more dresses.
Yvonne Preston has organised a “bag pack” in Dunnes for December 20th. A rota /schedule will be circulated in advance of this.
Preventing disruption to class lesson:
In an effort to ensure that students don’t miss out on valuable class time parents who wish to speak to teachers are advised to email their query/questions to teachers during normal working hours. This initiative is being driven by teachers so that dancers don’t suffer interruption to class time.
Parents are thereby asked to refrain from entering the dance hall during class time and a notice to this effect will be posted to encourage parents to stay beyond the v.i.p. area!
Ideally parents should check the calendar on the school website. Click on the date and the class times will appear. Take note there are a few Sunday classes always check calendar before texting teachers to avoid a whole flurry of texts with the same question.
There is a protocol regarding new dresses whereby teachers are happy to help & advise (protocol is on school website under ‘important info & documents section) but queries again should be sent by email.
Entries: Emily Lennon has volunteered again this year to do “feis entries”. This a vital service which again needs a little bit of tweaking to ensure effectiveness. Please email Emily all feis entries to emily@monanirodaigh.com only. Please do not use Facebook or text for entries as it makes process much more convoluted. Indicate the relevant feis in the subject area. Please also be sure to include dancers date of birth with every entry.
Please do not ask Emily questions regarding levels/grades etc , email teachers instead.
Teachers took the opportunity to thank all those parents who offer their voluntary services to help out within the school. Namely –
Angela (& Bronagh) Quinn – Class costumes & trophy stocks
Yvonne Preston & Bernie McMahon – Class Tracksuits
Dana Sheridan – Second Hand shoe stocks
Louise McEneaney – School treasurer
Denise Sewell- Fit Club
Emily Lennon – Feis entries
Geraldine O’Hagan & Ciara McAlevey – instructors
Teachers reiterated the importance of backroom support when it comes to running any school/club as there are so many voluntary aspects outside of the actual teaching. All parents are encouraged to help out where possible to spread the load amongst volunteers!
School spirit
Teachers would appreciate if parents could have a word with dancers of all ages to encourage them to think before they speak & or say anything which might hurt another dancer. Dancers should try to sort out misunderstandings amongst themselves. Every effort is being made by teachers to encourage an inclusive environment for all dancers. Dancers must also endeavour to make the environment a positive & friendly one for all involved.
Team Attendance:
Attendance at all team classes, in team colours is essential. Full attendance is mandatory. Team dancers should also attend a minimum of one dance class a week in order to maintain fitness levels etc. Teachers have asked that parents refrain from putting them in a position where they are asked to treat certain dancers differently to others. The same rules apply to ALL dancers.
Lost property: Parents /dancers must label all shoes jackets etc to avoid loss of belongings. See website label it.com or nametags.ie This is to minimise time picking up after dancers and accounting for lost property.
Teachers finished up by reiterating their thanks to all parents who give so generously of their time in volunteering to do essential work on behalf of the school.
