E-scéal 234 - Email - more effective than telephone
- Published: 10 June 2010
Principals are reporting difficulty in gaining access to the DES by telephone, due to allocated time periods in telephone answering. It may be opportune to consider email as generally a more efficient means of contacting the DES. It is certainly more time efficient and email has the added benefit of giving you a record both of your query, the date and of the content of the response. This is outlined in the Chinese proverb which says 'The palest ink lasts longer than the most retentive memory'.
E-scéal 233 - Dealing with Underperformance - Section 24
- Published: 03 June 2010
Teacher Underperformance
Circular 60/2009 outlines the process to be used for dealing with underperformance issues in schools. A number of Principals currently involved in ‘Section 24's’ have contacted the support office with a view to networking with other Principals that are in a similar situation. Given how new this process is, there is virtually no precedence to refer to. Understandably, those involved are eager to share experiences. If you are currently in the process of, or have completed a ‘Section 24’, please contact the IPPN Support Office if you are willing to share with your colleagues on a one-to-one basis.
E-scéal 232 - Calling on Your Experience…How to save 2 cent
- Published: 26 May 2010
At present we are involved in a number of research projects. One of the great strengths of IPPN research is that it is fully informed by practicing Principals and Deputy Principals 'on the ground'. Unfortunately, two of our current projects require surveys over the next two weeks. We are fully aware that we are entering the busiest time of the school year. Let it be clear that there is no expectation of you to complete any or both questionnaires. If you choose to contribute your experience and expertise through the surveys, it will be greatly appreciated.
E-scéal 231 - SEN News, INTO Meeting & Student Transfer Form
- Published: 06 May 2010
Representatives of IPPN recently met with officials from Special Education in the DES to discuss a number of issues.
General Allocation Model (GAM)
A review of GAM was carried out by the DES in 2008. IPPN made a submission based on feedback from Principals countrywide. This review is now complete and awaiting publication. The DES is not in a position to reveal when the final report will be made public or if the current ratios are to be altered to reflect the changing circumstances in schools. The original allocations were made at the beginning of the 2005/06 school year based on enrolment figures for 2003/04. In the intervening years many schools have substantially increased enrolments with greater numbers of low and high incidence pupils per year. It is clear that the present ratios will not be sufficient to enable schools to meet all the needs of their pupils.
E-scéal 230 - Fixed-term and Specific Purpose Contracts in Plain English
- Published: 21 April 2010
Fixed-term, specific-purpose and contracts of indefinite duration (CIDs) can be a source of confusion when it comes to appointing temporary teachers. In May 2009, on behalf of IPPN, David Ruddy researched this issue in detail and formally sought a legal opinion. The purpose of this was to clarify once and for all what is best practice in relation to the appointment of temporary teachers.
