21st March 2024 - Message from IPPN President / Mandatory anti-bullying template
- Published: 21 March 2024
In this week's E-scéal:
- Message from IPPN President
- Planning Prompts
- In response to member queries - Mandatory anti-bullying template
- Leadership+ Issue 131
- Education Yearbook 2023
- CORRECTION
- Updates
- NEW Resources on ippn.ie
As Term 2 of this school year draws to a close, I want to say Well Done to you all for weathering the storms of the past few months, in terms of managing school funding, SET allocations, clustering, not to mention the stormy, wet weather that we have had for the past while.
As schools prepare for the Easter holiday break, ask yourself what is important, what is urgent right now and what can wait until after the holidays. Most things can wait. You need time to rest. Make it a priority.
Bain taitneamh agus tairbhe as laethanta saoire na Cásca.
In response to member queries - Mandatory anti-bullying template
The DE published Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools in 2013. It can be accessed on the DE website here. Appendix I contains a Template Anti-Bullying Policy. The first sentence of that Appendix states that “All sections of this template must be completed.” A number of school leaders have recently been asked by DE Inspectors to ensure that they have used the Template when completing their Anti-Bullying Policy. This template should now be regarded as mandatory.
Small schools action research clustering project – important learnings
This action research project has established six clusters of small schools – each of which is supported by a cluster co-ordinator who is sponsored by one of the management bodies, IPPN or INTO. The clusters have tested some very interesting initiatives that are yielding important findings. Many common themes and initiatives are emerging from the clusters.
Student Participation during Inspection – Dr Suzanne Conneely, Assistant Chief Inspector
The inspection of early learning and care settings and schools affects children; they are entitled to have their views sought, listened to, and taken into account. This article outlines the rights-respecting approach taken by the Department of Education Inspectorate in working with children. The approach gives them an opportunity to express their views about the quality of provision they experience and plays an important role in advocating for children’s rights in schools and settings generally.
CORRECTION
Last week’s E-scéal carried notification of a closing date for applications to the Summer Works Scheme. This was included in error. Details of the latest phase of the Summer Works Scheme have yet to be released. In response to a parliamentary question on 30 January, the Minister gave the following information –
“As part of its planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.”
IPPN apologises for any confusion caused by last week’s E-scéal and will notify members of the details of the new phase of the Summer Works Scheme when they are released.
Updates
To be shared with your Board, staff and parent body as appropriate
2024 Summer Programme
- DE Press Release - Ministers Foley and Madigan encourage all primary, post-primary and special schools to participate in the 2024 Summer Programme
- 2024 Summer Programme Homepage
Call for applications from schools for Arts in Education initiative – BLAST 2024/25
Mason Hayes & Curran webinar - Procedures and Policies Protect Principals
- Education for Sustainable Development CPD
- School Sector – Climate Action Mandate
- School Sustainability Policy
- Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool for Schools
