E-Scéal 52: Principals Beware - Networking Grant - Cross Border Project
- Published: 15 September 2004
Schools Targeted with Financial Scam
Over the last few weeks a number of different principals have contacted the IPPN Support Office concerned that they have been caught by a clever scam. It appears that schools in Ireland are receiving letters from a company in Spain inviting principals to submit their school's details to a "European Guide". The letter appears quite innocent and is similar to other initiatives that encourage European schools to interact with each other and enhance international educational opportunities. Unfortunately, somewhere in the small print there is reference to a cost of €857! Naturally, principals were shocked by this invoice and attempted to disengage from the 'contract' which they were supposedly signed up to. In some cases, 'legal representatives', have been writing and telephoning the school using intimidating and threatening language, demanding immediate payment. From the evidence to date, the whole venture appears to be quite underhand and nothing short of an elaborate scam. IPPN recommends that you ignore requests for payment no matter how threatening the nature of communications. In the interest of others, please inform colleagues of this development.
Computer Networking Grant
Letters were sent from the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) to schools at the end of June referring to an application process to access a grant from NCTE to improve computer networking facilities in schools. The deadline for receiving applications is September 27th. It appears that this deadline has been forgotten by many principals / ICT co-ordinators, on the basis on enquiries received by IPPN. If you have any queries about processing your application, please contact the NCTE at 01 7008200. Full details and a copy of the letter sent to schools is available at www.ncte.ie
Funding for Cross Border Projects
Opportunities to participate in cross border and cross community projects are currently available to schools and organisations in counties Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo & Donegal. 'NcompasS' is the title of the project specific to this aspect of Largas activity. Funding comes under the EU programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties. Full information and application forms are available from:
Eva Creely, NcompasS Co-ordinator, Leargas, Tel: 01 8731411 Fax: 01 8731316
e-mail: ecreely@leargas.ie, www.ncompass.org
Is mise le meas,
Seán Cottrell,
Director,
Irish Primary Principals' Network.
Leadership Development for Schools: Appointment
- Associate Tutors
- Part Time Facilitators
Applicants should be serving principal teachers (who currently hold permanent posts in recognised schools and from principal teachers seconded from such schools).
Associate Tutors will assist in the design and delivery of programmes of professional development for school leaders. Appointments will be made on a part time basis (approximately 10-15 days per year).
Part Time Facilitators will assist in the delivery of the LDS Programme for up to 5 days per year. Applications from "Teaching Principals" are particularly welcome.
The Application form is available for download from the Clare Education Centre website (address below). Completed application forms should be returned to: The Administrator, Clare Education Centre, Government Offices, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare not later than 5pm on Monday 4th October 2004.
Please visit http://www.clare-education-centre.ie/services/lds/index.html for further information.
Is mise le meas,
Seán Cottrell,
Director,
Irish Primary Principals' Network.
