05 October 2023 - E-sceal
- Published: 05 October 2023
This week’s e-scéal includes information on the following:
- Planning Prompts
- Professional Guidance
- Teacher Supply & substitute availability survey
- Leadership+ Issue 129 - Working Well with your School Inspector
- Getting your ducks in a row’ series. Episode 5: Employment and Recruitment
- Spotlight on Conference Keynote Speakers
- IPPN Budget 2024 submission
- Important Updates
- NPC Internet Safety Training for Parents
- Useful Resources
Planning Prompts
Now that the first month of the school year has passed, you might take a few moments to reflect on all that has happened. You inevitably think of all the things you never got round to doing, however much you achieved. As you prioritise and plan for the next few weeks, give credit to staff for that good work, as well as giving yourself credit for your part in leading it. Reflect on how successful you have been in finishing work at a reasonable time each day and on making sure that you do the things you enjoy with family and friends.
Professional Guidance - Annual Census Return
As the date of 30th September has now passed, it is in order for schools to complete the Annual Census Return’s process, which is done via the Pupil Online Database (POD) system.
The number of pupils who are enrolled in the school on 30th September is a critical factor in the determination of grant payments and teacher allocations to schools. To ensure the accuracy of such enrolment figures, it is imperative that a record exists on POD for each pupil enrolled in the school.
Teacher supply and substitute availability survey
IPPN, CPSMA and INTO have collaborated on a joint survey in relation to Teacher Supply and the availability of substitute teachers and are asking for your assistance in establishing the level of vacant permanent, fixed-term and long-term substitute posts in primary and special schools.
Up-to-date information is crucial in advocating for flexibility and supports for children and schools. Thank you in advance for your help. Please note that only one person from each school should respond to the survey. You will be asked to enter the school roll number before you start to avoid duplicate data.
Click here to access the survey
Leadership+ Issue 129 - Working Well with your School Inspector
School inspections play a crucial role in contributing to and at the same time assessing the overall effectiveness of an educational institution, identifying areas for improvement, and recognizing achievements. The school inspector is not to be considered as an adversary but a partner in the journey to enhance the quality of education.
‘Getting your ducks in a row’ series. Episode 5: Employment and Recruitment
Getting your Ducks in a Row - Episode 5 in the series addresses Employment and Recruitment, including:
- Recruitment process
- Contracts for Teachers and for SNAs
- Vetting
- Conflict scenarios
Click here to access the video
(Please share with members of the Board of Management)
Spotlight on Conference Keynote Speakers
Marie served as Captain of the LE AOIFE during her time in the Irish Navy and has experience in the arena of public policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement. She has held consultancy roles in the areas of strategy, human performance factors and leadership.
Click here to find out more about conference keynote speakers
Book your place via the homepage of www.ippn.ie – limited availability remaining
IPPN Budget 2024 submission
The focus of IPPN’s budget submission this year was on sustainable leadership and those elements of funding that will have the greatest impact on primary schools and school leaders’ capacity to discharge their leadership and management accountabilities. IPPN presented three key priorities for Budget 2024:
1. Increasing leadership capacity and developing a culture of shared leadership
2. SEN Allocations and Resourcing
3. Review of Primary School Governance Structure.
Click here to view the submission
News from City & County Autumn meetings
Today, 5 October, marks the last of the city and county network meetings. Rich discussion, constructive feedback to IPPN and positive engagement with members, National Council representatives and Board members has been a feature of all the meetings. Sincere thanks to outgoing, continuing and incoming Council members for the commitment and support to your fellow members. There has been a record number of registrations and resounding endorsement of face-to-face events, with 95% of respondents choosing it over virtual or blended approaches.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
DE Circular 46/2023 – Revision of Salaries for School Secretaries
NCSE AON Queries
The Department and the NCSE are currently reviewing the process related to Assessment of Need, pending the conclusion of the test case at the High Court.
If any school has queries or concerns about AON, contact the NCSE via email to aon@ncse.ie.
NPC Internet Safety Training for Parents
National Parents Council is hosting free Internet Safety Information Sessions for parents. It provides hints and tips for parents, helping children be effective, responsible, and safer Internet users.
Sessions will take place online via Zoom at the following dates and times:
Useful Resources
Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth - Parenting Helplines, Courses and Advice
