25 March - DE Updates, Improved Sub Seeker & Online Parental Declaration Form
- Published: 26 March 2021
This e-scéal contains useful information on the following:
- Conference 2021 – Have you Booked?
- EducationPosts.ie – New Sub Feature
- TextaParent.ie – Parental Declaration Form
- Two Factor Authentication for all TextaParent Accounts
- Resource Bundle Update
- IPSP – School Facilitation
- Staffing Schedule 2021/2022
- CSL Blether and PDSL
With the approach of the Easter break, as President of IPPN, I want to again reiterate just how proud I am of how primary schools have responded to the unprecedented challenges of the past year. Last year, many saw closure up to Easter as a regrettable, but necessary step in the fight against the spread of Covid-19. It was hoped that the break would see the necessary reduction in contact between people and hence a decrease in the chance for the virus to spread.
We have since learned that defeating this virus would and will take longer. Through each stage of the past year, schools have responded and implemented new ways of teaching and communicating with children without any notice or formal training for staff.
While vaccines have been developed to combat the virus, their distribution has been slower than hoped and target dates have been pushed back with each piece of disappointing news. What is most essential is that school staff are prioritised for vaccination, especially staff in Special Schools, whose jobs are indistinguishable in the levels of physical contact from those in frontline health positions.
School leaders are encouraged to take a reasonable and well-earned break over the Easter Holidays. IPPN is aware of the challenges some people face, particularly where the virus is very prevalent in their communities.
Where any issue arises, IPPN is available to support you through the Leadership Support Team, which will be operating as normal over the holiday period. The Covid-19 Resource Bundle is updated regularly and will contain the answers to the majority of questions arising on a day-to-day basis.
Where Covid related issues arise out-of-hours or over weekends or national holidays, support is offered to members by email on covid@ippn.ie . You will receive an automatic email outlining where information can be sourced and the option to have a follow-up phone call.
As the staffing schedule has been issued, please note that EducationPosts.ie has launched a number of recent updates to Sub Seeker, details of which are outlined below in the e-scéal. TextaParent.ie now facilitates the online completion of the HSE Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration Form, details of which are also outlined below.
IPPN’s National Principals’ Conference takes place on Friday, 7 May. It is IPPN’s first online Principals Conference, having already held the Deputy Principals’ Conference online in November. While nothing fully replaces the full IPPN Conference experience in Citywest, all the stops are being pulled out to make this year’s event as interesting and enjoyable as possible.
Speakers this year include Prof. Steve Munby, world renowned speaker on school improvement and author of ‘Imperfect Leadership, Irish Aeronautical engineer and Scientist - Astronaut Candidate Dr Nora Patten, Drs. Jolanta Burke and Majella Dempsey (Maynooth University) on their research into school leaders mental and physical health, Limerick Hurling Manager and School Principal John Kiely, CSL Director Mary Nihill and NCSE Director Teresa Griffin. There are also 8 seminars from which to choose, as well as a full online trade exhibition, entertainment and more.
Finally, on behalf of all on the IPPN Board, Council and staff, I wish you the best for the Easter Break and hope that you get some chance to relax ahead of the final term.
Le meas
Damian White
President IPPN
2021 Principals’ Conference: ‘Leadership for an Imperfect World’
This may now be an opportune time to book your place for conference prior to the Easter Break.
EducationPosts.ie – New Feature
EducationPosts.ie has launched a number of recent updates to Sub Seeker, including the facility to offer sub vacancies to multiple teachers at once. The system works on a ‘first come first served’ basis, whereby the first teacher to accept a position will be successful. Teachers shortlisted for a substitute position will be notified by email only. SMS messages will no longer be sent.
NEW - Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration
The latest enhancement to TextaParent.ie facilitates the online submission of the HSE Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration Form, which is to be completed when a pupil(s) returns to school after any absence.
Resource Bundle Update
The Live Resource Bundle was updated on Wednesday 24 March and contains information on the following:
- TextaParent.ie Facility for HSE Return to Education For
- Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVID-19 - Updated FAQs for School Principals or Designated Contact Person
- HSE Memo to All Principals – 23 March 2021
- IPSP – School Facilitation
- Spring Back to School: Supporting the Wellbeing of School Communities, Spring 2021
- Staff returning to working in the schools
- Guidance note on School Placement for the 2020/2021 School Year
IPSP – School Facilitation
The Department has revised its guidelines regarding the facilitation of IPSP following representation from IPPN and other education stakeholders. It is now permitted to facilitate provision of the programme in schools. This is a decision for the school’s Board of Management.
Staffing Schedule 2021/2022
The staffing schedule for 2021/2022 school year has been issued by the Department. Any queries in relation to the Staffing Schedule may be submitted by email to rachel.hallahan@ippn.ie by Tuesday, 13 April 2021. All queries will be answered by the Leadership Support Team in the next e-scéal.
CSL Blether and PDSL
- Tri Nations Blether, ‘Adapting as a Leader Moving Forward'
- Aspiring Leadership Programme, Professional Diploma in School Leadership
