Nearly 70% of primary schools encountering problems as a result of smartphone / social media use outside of school
A recent survey of primary school leaders has highlighted the dramatic impact smartphones and social media usage can have on and in our primary schools. This survey was carried out ahead of the largest gathering of primary school principals in Europe, at the upcoming IPPN Annual Principals’ Conference taking place this Thursday and Friday, 24th and 25th January in Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin.
An ESRI report, published on 15th January 2019, has stated that 40 per cent of children own a mobile phone by the age of 9. This has resulted in primary schools having to define a strategy on the use of mobile phones in their schools. The recent survey carried out by the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) has determined that 84% of primary schools currently have a smartphone policy in place.
Leadership and Management days prioritised for Teaching Principals
The Annual Conference of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), titled ‘Sustainable Leadership’ taking place on Thursday and Friday, 24 and 25 January in Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin, highlights the needs of Teaching Principals and the fundamental need for further investment in school leadership at primary level.
In the Irish primary school system, close to 2,000 primary school principals (56%) are ‘Teaching Principals’ defined solely on their enrolment figures being fewer than 177 pupils. IPPN’s top priority at present is to secure a minimum of one leadership and management day per week for teaching principals.
IPPN Conference 2019 focuses on making school leadership sustainable
The Annual Conference of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), titled ‘Sustainable Leadership’ takes place on Thursday and Friday, 24 and 25 January in Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin.
The Conference will host over 1,200 primary school leaders and invited guests who will hear inputs from a range of educationalists and leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend numerous professional development seminars throughout the two days. Plenary sessions will be facilitated by Anton Savage.
Managing the pace of change and reform within the primary education sector
The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) welcome a long-awaited announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, T.D. to slow down the pace of change and impact of reform on the primary education sector.
Over the last number of years IPPN has been engaging with the Department of Education and Skills and education partners to operate a ‘Calendar of Reform’, whereby new initiatives are staged and coordinated, ensuring an agreed, prioritised plan and an adequate communication process. This should eliminate any duplication or unnecessary workload.
