Hello, How Are You?
- Published: 23 March 2023
It is the final countdown to The Hello, How Are You? nationwide campaign to promote connection and engagement in open conversations about mental health. The campaign takes place in 7 days’ time on Thursday, 30 March. The campaign this year is inviting all schools to become involved, say Hello and ask the question ‘How Are You?’ in a meaningful way.
The website has a wealth of ideas and lesson plans for schools and ideas for the whole school community to become involved. Mental Health Ireland's Development Officer, Aine Hurley, a former primary school teacher, has created a document with links to curriculum and free ideas for use in schools and in classrooms.
Leadership+ Issue 127 – April 2023 E-publication
- Published: 23 March 2023
Alongside the regular features such as the Editorial, the President’s Pen and the Legal Diary are the following articles:
- Health, safety & welfare -Another job for the school leader?
- Lessons in Kindness
- Building the team - Easier said than done but …essential!
- Reverse to move forward with mentoring
- Reflections: Looking at our Schools - from every angle
- A View from Across the Pond - Be the Balance
- The Launch of the Primary Curriculum Framework
- Empowering students to shape our schools and societies
- A tribute to Tony Cahill, Principal of Monaleen NS – RIP
- Overview of IPPN Deputy Principals Conference 2023
- Ciall Ceannaithe Summer Course
- IPPN Autumn County Meetings Schedule
- Are you planning to retire in 2023?
If you would like to contribute to a future issue, please see the submission guidelines and then email your proposed topic to editor@ippn.ie.
Summer Programme in Special Schools
- Published: 23 March 2023
The Department of Education has announced a time revision for the operation of the Summer Programme for 2023. The length of the day will be reduced from the full school day to 10.00am – 2.00pm. The introduction is part of the pilot for special schools only and does not apply to mainstream schools or special classes in mainstream schools.
A Summer Programme webinar took place yesterday evening (Wednesday, 22 November). It involved a panel discussion, providing information on the key features of the pilot programme, some vignettes from successful programmes and addressed some challenges.
Click here to view last night’s webinar
On Tuesday, 28 March at 7.00pm, an online panel discussion on the Summer Programme with four Principals of Special Schools will be facilitated. This webinar is aimed at those who are considering organising a Summer Programme, or considering working on a Summer Programme in a Special School. It will provide an overview of how the Summer Programme has run in individual schools, as well as looking at some of the challenges the schools have faced, the successes and practical tips that may help other schools considering running a Summer Programme.
NCSE – Evaluation of Services
- Published: 09 March 2023
The NCSE is undertaking an evaluation of how it delivers frontline services, such as the work of SENOs in allocating SNAs, Visiting Teachers, CPD and the provision of advice/support. NCSE wants to understand the experiences of schools who engage with the NCSE. IFF Research are conducting a survey on behalf of the NCSE, in partnership with the University of Derby and Mary Immaculate College (Limerick).
The findings from the evaluation will be used by the NCSE to inform how it can improve services and learn more about what it does well. All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence, go directly to the research team and not to the NCSE. The NCSE will receive a report on the overall findings, which will not identify individual responses.
You are encouraged to complete the survey and take this opportunity to have your say on how you perceive the work of the NCSE.
Staffing Appeals
- Published: 09 March 2023
Friday, 10 March is the first meeting of the staffing appeals board to consider appeals for the 2023/2024 school year. Subsequent meetings will take place in June and October. Deadline for submission of appeals for these meetings is to be confirmed.
The DE has advised that schools who had a significant enrolment of pupils since 1 October 2022 may be eligible to appeal their staffing for the 2023/2024 school year. Schools in this situation are advised to submit their appeals for additional teachers for 2023/2024 school year referencing: Circular 006/2023, Appendix F (a), Appendix F (g). Additional appeal options are outlined in the circular.
Appeals must be submitted to Primary Teacher Allocations Section, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, on the standard application form.
