Weird science has budding boffin enthralled [Independent.ie]
- Published: 15 November 2010
Eoghan Myers, from Donaghmore, enjoys Discovery, Cork's Science Festival in the City Hall yesterday.
The event -- which runs until tomorrow -- aims to interest children in science, engineering, technology and maths through fun activities, puzzles and games.
Visitors get the chance to experiment with slime, create an electronic circuit or zap the microbes in their gut.
Irish Independent
No severe education cuts - Ryan [IrishTimes]
- Published: 12 November 2010
GREEN PARTY Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan has said he is “confident” the budget will not contain severe education cuts.
Mr Ryan indicated that Fianna Fáil shared the Greens’ view that the education sector should be protected in as far as was possible.
“We don’t believe it’s the time for severe cuts in education. I think actually one of the strengths of this country is that we’ve invested in education over the years,” he said.
“I’m confident . . . we can give a direction, in a difficult budget at a difficult time, that actually it’s still the right thing to invest in our younger people.”
Mr Ryan’s party colleague Paul Gogarty yesterday warned a cut in class sizes was “non-negotiable”. He said a rise in registration fees was “unavoidable” but they should not go beyond €2,000.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Proposals aim to end half-day school closures for teacher meetings [IrishTimes]
- Published: 12 November 2010
THE PRACTICE of schools closing for half days for teacher meetings and training is set to end under new Department of Education proposals for more “parent-friendly’’ schooling.
The department is also proposing new procedures to monitor the workload of lecturing staff at third level.
The new proposals are set out in the department’s plan for 90,000 education employees, prepared as part of the Croke Park agreement on public service reform.
The agreement requires teachers to work an additional hour per week.
The department says it wants to reduce the “existing deficit in the operation of schools” which results in school planning and staff and other meetings “intruding on class-contact time”.
It plans a new protocol from January which will ensure the additional hour is used to reduce the need for school closure.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Tánaiste opens newly extended and refurbished Taugheen National School [education.ie]
- Published: 12 November 2010
Taugheen National School, which has an enrolment of 74 pupils and 5 staff, is set in a lovely rural area and has been totally modernised.
In addition to a total refurbishment of the existing school, three new classrooms, a General Purpose room, a Learning Support classroom, ancillary accommodation were constructed together with the re-development of the football playing pitch at a total cost of almost €500,000.
Speaking at the opening the Tánaiste said that there is a proud history of education in Taugheen and "this community deserves great praise for providing and supporting a quality education to many generations of families during all of those years.
"Taugheen’s ethos nurtures and enriches each child’s experience at school by being praised by the teachers each day."
Highlighting the school’s interest in sports, the Tánaiste went on to say “You can also be proud of your many successes in sport.
"With nine of the girls from the school on the football team which won the All Ireland final in 2009 this is an outstanding achievement for Taugheen.
"It is marvellous to learn that the school enjoys excellent relationships with the Community Council and the Community Playgroup and share resources to the benefit of the children and the community in general with the local playgroup availing of the school's outdoor play facilities."
The Tánaiste acknowledged the contribution of the Principal, Deirdre Dennedy and her staff and praised the parents of children attending the school for their support of both the children and school saying "it is heartening that you are taking such a great interest in your children’s education and that you fully recognise the importance of your support for the school.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Tánaiste opens new €525,000 extension in Balla National School [education.ie]
- Published: 12 November 2010
The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, today opened a new extension in Balla National School, Co. Mayo.
The school has an enrolment of 159 pupils.
The new school extension, completed at a cost of €525,000 has three new classrooms.
In addition, the funding allowed for the replacement of the flat roof on the linkage area, alterations to the school drainage, sewage and heating system, upgrades to electrical works and the provision of car park and drop off areas.
Speaking at the school, the Tánaiste commended the school's principal, Patricia Flatley, teachers, pupils and the local community for working so diligently to bring the project to completion.
The Tánaiste also praised the school for its involvement in the Green Schools Programme.
"The programme is an international education initiative involving a whole-school environmental management approach.
"In participating, students learn the importance of environmental issues and, more importantly, how to take practical steps in tackling green issues in their school and home lives.
"Achieving the standards necessary to be awarded a green flag is a significant undertaking by any school.
Full Story: www.education.ie
