Professional Guidance – Communicating Decisions
- Published: 23 February 2023
During the next month, the outcome of leave applications will be communicated to staff. Some will meet with approval from staff, while others will be disappointed with the outcome. The first question is who made the decision. In the case of leave applications, it is the Board of Management.
The Board, as the employer, makes all decisions with regard to leave requests. It is important that communication of decisions comes from and is seen to come from the Board. It should not be perceived that this is a decision of the principal. The importance of maintaining a good relationship with staff cannot be overestimated. Clear understanding by staff of the Board’s responsibility is necessary to avoid conflict arising with the principal if an application for leave is declined.
While decisions are communicated in writing as per circular, it is the practice in a number of schools for the Chairperson to also deliver decisions in person, whether it is to approve or decline a leave application.
A conversation with the Chairperson to decide on the best method of communicating decisions of the Board and a discussion regarding the necessity for effective communication in this area could go a long way to enhancing working relationships within the school community.
Should you, as a school leader, need to have a difficult conversation with anyone in your school community, the Leadership Support Team is available with guidance and support.
IPPN Research on Health and Wellbeing of Principals and Deputy Principals – Your participation is essential!
- Published: 23 February 2023
Phase 2 of the Irish Principal and Deputy Principal Health and Wellbeing research is now underway. The online survey remains open until 7th April. This research looks at the increasing complexity and workload demands of school leadership roles and the impact on the health and wellbeing of Irish school leaders. More information is available HERE
The data from last year’s survey formed a key part of the analysis of the ‘current reality of primary school leadership’ in the Sustainable Leadership Report.
All members are encouraged to partake in the survey so that IPPN can build on existing data and sustain momentum in implementing the recommendations in the report.
The survey will take less than 45 minutes for new participants and 30 minutes for those who participated in 2022.
- All new participants should use the following link: https://survey.educatorhealth.org/register?experiment=IEP
- Participants who registered or completed the survey last year: https://survey.educatorhealth.org/login Returning participants should use the login details they used last year. If you have forgotten it, you can reset your password.
Queries or issues regarding the survey can be directed to irelandprincipalsurvey@gmail.com.
Your engagement with this important research is greatly appreciated.
Le meas,
Brian O’Doherty
IPPN President
NABMSE & IPPN Focus Group
- Published: 09 February 2023
IPPN and NABMSE are collaborating to develop comprehensive resources and supports for schools opening new special classes. Planning is integral to ensure that the supports developed will help members provide the best education and care for the students enrolling in new special classes. To facilitate this planning, a focus group has been organised.
- Who is it for: Focus group for mainstream primary schools who have just opened new special classes
- Where: Facilitated by NABMSE and IPPN, in Kildare Education Centre (in person or online)
- Date and Time: 15th March 2023. 9.30: tea/coffee, Seminar 1: 10-12, Lunch 1-2, Seminar 2: 1-3pm.
Amendment to Teaching Council Regulations
- Published: 02 February 2023
On 26 January, the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 were signed into law. Primary and post-primary teachers who have qualified outside of Ireland can now apply for registration and complete their induction here in Ireland, subject to meeting the eligibility and qualification requirements. Applications for eligible primary and post-primary teachers will open on 22 February 2023 and will be accepted no later than 1 February 2024. Information is available on the Teaching Council website.
Staffing Schedule 2023/2024 – Published
- Published: 02 February 2023
The DE has published the staffing schedule for 2023/24. At IPPN’s Conference in November, the earlier publication date of February had been requested. This was to facilitate a timely and strategic recruitment process for the coming school year by Boards of Management.
Key Items:
Leadership & Management Day: One leadership & management day per week will be retained for Teaching Principals in the 2023/2024 school year. Teaching Principals with one special class have an additional 4 leadership and management days for the 2023/2024 school year.
CID: 23 February 2023 – Boards are reminded that CID applications cannot be submitted to the department until viable posts have been confirmed for application purposes.
SET: Existing clusters will remain operational for the 2023/2024 school year. Schools have up until 23 February 2023 to enter into a cluster arrangement for any additional hours to create a full-time post.
Substitute Teacher Supply Panels: Will remain in place for 2023/2024 school year.
Redeployment and Key Dates: Thursday 23 February 2023
- Notify Panel Operator of permanent and fixed term teaching vacancies
- Return Main Redeployment Panel Application Form (Appendix E) for surplus permanent/CID holding teachers
- Return SET cluster form(Appendix D)
- Return CID Declaration Form 23 (Appendix G)
- Submit completed Staffing Appeals Form (Appendix F) for the next meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board
- Submit applications for Teaching Principals Leadership & Management Day Clusters
