E-Scéal 148: Energia
- Published: 29 February 2008
We have received numerous calls to the office and observed the many postings to Networking@ippn.ie over the past few weeks enquiring about the genuine benefits of switching to Energia.
IPPN conducted research and negotiated with energy companies with a view to finding the best value for Primary Schools. Based on a combination of quality of service, reputable track record and competitive pricing, IPPN secured a deal with Energia offering schools up to 10% savings on their current electricity bills. Depending on your current rate these savings can reach as much as 13%. The service was introduced in October of 2007 and so far over 400 schools have switched to Energia. The feedback we have received has been 100% positive in respect of both the savings and service provided.
For more details on the Energia deal see the front page of www.ippn.ie.
To sign up or to receive further information, simply call 091 384138.
IPPN is trying to create savings on necessary utilities in schools. If there are products or services you would like to negotiate better value on using our buying power as a network then please let us know by e-mailing marketing@ippn.ie.
Le meas
Seán Cottrell
E-Scéal 147: Please give your feedback on funding today to RTÉs Prime Time
- Published: 28 February 2008
Please give your feedback on funding today to RTE Prime Time
IPPN and NPC have teamed up to jointly campaign about the persistent under-funding of primary schools, particularly in relation to day-to-day operational costs. The main objective of our campaign is to have primary school children grant-aided to the same level as their second-level brothers and sisters. This would mean the annual capitation grant going from €178 per child to the €318 per child currently available to second-level schools.
RTÉ Prime Time have examined the school accounts of two schools with different economic backdrops. The contrast is stark. One school in Tallaght is constantly under pressure to make ends meet and consequently cannot invest sufficiently in the educational resources and technologies needed for a modern school. The other school in Kells, Co. Meath is more fortunate whereby the parents have the means to constantly fundraise and enable the school invest in the latest resources.
Neither school should have to fundraise. One school should not be disadvantaged because of its economic back drop. The parents of the other school should not have to fund for so-called 'free' primary education.
In order to keep this campaign going, it is important that all Principals support each other regardless of individual circumstances. Re. the Prime Time programme Thursday 28th February, please help by:
a. Contacting the Prime Time Production Team in order to register your support for this campaign;
b. Expressing your own views about the inequitable funding structure in primary schools and how Principal teachers feel embarrassed and frustrated by constantly having to go to parents for money;
c. Thanking Prime Time for highlighting this issue.
Prime Time contact details are:
Email - primetime@rte.ie
Tel. - 01 208 3199 - 01 208 2311 - 01 208 2410
Strong feedback to current affairs television programmes is an important factor in determining their likelihood of revisiting the topic.
Is sinne le meas
Seán Cottrell and Larry Fleming
E-Scéal 146: Mobile+ available to Deputy Principals until March 2008
- Published: 20 February 2008
IPPN and O2's tariff is still available to your Deputy Principal until the end of March if you are already a customer.
If you are a customer, please tell your Deputy Principal. If not then why not subscribe together?
Here are some of the reasons why hundreds of Principals have already subscribed to the service:
1: Mobile+ generates a saving of at least 25% a month when compared to the *best value competitor offers on the market
2: Mobile+ offers shorter peak time hours 9am-4pm versus 8am-6pm on competitor networks leading to an even lower cost as fewer hours are rated at higher peak rates.
3: Mobile+ offers a fixed monthly rental of €8.47 compared to €29 for the nearest competitor. This will save you more money in months where your usage might be low.
4. Mobile+ includes a free handset (choice of Nokia 6230i and Nokia 7390 in pink).
5. Mobile+ allows you to keep your existing number if desired.
Chart based on the following assumptions reflecting an average user profile:
Average no. of voice mins p/m: 248 minutes & Average no of texts p/m: 174 texts.
This IPPN / O2 offer is open to Deputy Principals in schools where the Principal is availing of the tariff. Alternatively you can both subscribe together.
The tariff is facilitated by 3G so for queries or to subscribe contact the 3G service team on 1890 401 501 or call into any of the 23 nationwide 3G stores quoting IPPN and the Mobile+ tariff.
To subscribe you will need to fill in the Customer Application Form (highlighted fields only) CLICK HERE and provide a copy of the ID required listed on the attached form to any of the 23 nationwide 3G stores
* Offer available to Deputy Principals until the end of January 2008**1) Meteor Talk 300: Free weekend calls to any network
**2) Vodafone Perfect Choice 200: Free Vodafone to Vodafone Weekend Calls
**3) Three Talk 200 Anytime: no offer
E-scéal 145: Parents' Survey on Fundraising for Schools
- Published: 07 February 2008
A Chara,
You are aware that since 2007, IPPN is actively campaigning to achieve a significant increase in operational funding for Primary Schools.
In association with the National Parents' Council (NPC), we have designed a short 3 minute survey for parents. This survey is now accessible on both www.educationopinion.ie and www.npc.ie. The information arising from this survey will be crucial in strengthening our case for the proper resourcing of schools.
We would appreciate if you could encourage all the parents in your school to complete this survey. We have included below a link to a sample letter which you will hopefully copy and distribute to all parents.
We are aware that this request has workload implications for you. However, we ask that you support this initiative as it will provide us with significant leverage in our future negotiations with Government. If this campaign is successful, Parents, Children, Teachers and Principals will all benefit.
Is sinne le meas
Larry Fleming Seán Cottrell
Click here to download sample letter to parentsE-scéal 144: In-School Management Circular
- Published: 28 January 2008
In response to the high volume of queries from Principals concerning the status of the long-awaited Circular on In School Management, the following is our understanding of the present situation.
In 2005, IPPN was invited by the Department of Education & Science to join a Working Group to look at the related issues of:
- Principals' Workload
- In-School Management
Participating in that Working Group were the DES, the Management Bodies, IPPN and the INTO. Priority was given to the issue of In School Management as it was seen as an area which, if comprehensively reviewed, could significantly reduce the workload of the Principal. Much valuable work was done by the Working Group on reviewing the Circular on In-School Management. Issues then arose which caused it to be referred to Conciliation and Arbitration for agreement between the DES, Management Bodies and our union, where it has now been for more than a year. The DES is currently unable to tell IPPN when we can expect publication of this Circular.
Despite repeated attempts by IPPN to re-engage with the Working Group, to address issues other than those referred to Conciliation and Arbitration, no meetings of the Working Group have been held since 20th December 2006. We will continue to press for the publication of this Circular and for progress on Principals' issues through this Working Group and through ongoing discussion with DES officials.
Le meas,
Is mise le meas
Director - President
