IFSA AGM MINUTES 21/5/17
Agenda
1. Chairperson’s report
2. Financial report
3. Feedback from Conversation Cafe
4. Election of new committee
5. Evaluation and close of meeting
1.Chairperson’s report – Joan
Key points:
Joan opened by noting that the IFSA wanted to be an ethically sound and transparent organisation. Our mission is twofold: For the IFSA to be the ‘go to place’ for both the public and the forest school community in Ireland to learn about Forest School and secondly to promote quality Forest School in Ireland.
The gathering at Sli na Bande was mentioned as 1 year ago, from this meeting, emerged the acorn group and association name. Ciara and Jenny acknowledged and thanked for the steps they made to get the IFSA started. In Castlecomer in October 2016, we agreed to a model of Forest School going forward based on the six principles adopted by the FSA in the UK.
Thanks given to Ranelagh multi-denominational School, The Irish National Heritage Park, Kilkenny City and County Childcare Committee and to Castlecomer Discovery Park for sponsoring our meetings and events this year.
Acknowledgements given to Claire, Majella, Maura, Sally and Veronica for their contribution to the committee over the year. .
The IFSA has had meetings with Brian Poots, NIFSA, Gareth Davies, FSA and Isabell Smyth, The Heritage Council. The Heritage Council have given grant funding to the association. Their support gratefully acknowledged.
Joan has been talking to Kidd insurance and the association hopes to develop a relationship with them and other insurers. Garda vetting was mentioned.
We envisage the structure of the IFSA as a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. IFSA has opened a bank account.
Thanks were given to Roisin O Flaherty for her design of logo and her very reasonable costing. Website, social media, facebook were all set up and will be a priority for further development over the next year.
The committee has developed policies on social media and financial practice.
The IFSA will aim to have two main meetings a year, one for CPD sharing in October and the annual open conference in May.
IFSA is developing a relationship with Leave No Trace Ireland.
Joan mentioned our disappointment that The Compass Club closed.
Issues regarding access to public land and county council park is in progress. We look forward to developing our relationship with Coillte, The Tree Council and local authorities and private landowners over the coming years.
Joan has presented to the DCU outdoor learning group and attended the RDS – STEM education conference in November 2016 on behalf of the IFSA.
2. Financial Report – Caroline
€451 starting point for the IFSA bank account. Caroline acknowledged contributions and noted that the balance was €4784: however, conference expenses will be taken out of this. The development of the website and social media platforms will be a substantial cost in the coming year.
3. Feedback from conversation café – Mirjam
Mirjam said that she would be in contact by email regarding feedback from conversation café. Joan thanked Mirjam for all her hard work emailing, administration and organizing for the conference. All agreed.
The committee will be looking at the benefits of IFSA membership, why it is of value and to increase numbers. Feedback on the website was also encouraged.
4. Election of new committee
Committee put themselves forward again and Joan as chairperson was agreed. She asked for 2 more people for committee positions.
Nicola Salmon put her name forward for committee and was seconded by Gretta.
Sally O’Donnell put herself forward for committee and was seconded by Orla.
5. Evaluation
Joan reminding all to fill in evaluation forms and asked that members give any further feedback be email.
6. Close of meeting
IFSA would be looking to the West/ NorthWest for possibility next CPD meeting. Ciara thanked Joan for all her hard work.
Meeting closed at 12.30pm
