IPPN

40,000 teachers are yet to be vetted by gardai [Independent.ie]

Published: 19 January 2010

MORE than 40,000 of the country's 60,000 teachers have still not been cleared by the Garda Vetting Unit, the Irish Independent can reveal.

But in a move designed to reassure parents and pupils, the Department of Education has drafted a circular to extend vetting to existing teachers who change jobs.

Full Story: www.independent.ie

Minister not to be dogmatic over lost days [IrishTimes]

Published: 19 January 2010

MINISTER FOR Education Batt O’Keeffe has decided to back off from any possible confrontation with teachers over tuition days lost during the recent big freeze.

Most schools closed for between two and five days during the freeze. Last week there were suggestions the Minister might extend the school year or shorten the February mid-term break to allow schools make up the lost time.

Full Story: www.irishtimes.com

Huge difference in water bills for metered schools [Independent.ie]

Published: 19 January 2010

SCHOOLS in neighbouring counties face huge differences in water charges under a new metering system.

Principals in Wicklow will have to find cash in their budgets to pay out twice as much as Kildare when water meters are introduced in schools next month.

The average water bill for schools is set to double from €1,000 to €2,000 a year under the new regime.

Full Story: www.independent.ie

North's teachers call for schoolbag searches [IrishExaminer]

Published: 18 January 2010

Schoolbags should be searched to try and cut the number of schoolchildren abusing alcohol, a teaching union said today.

A total of 360 pupils were suspended during a five-year period because of drink, an Assembly written answer said.

NASUWT union regional organiser Seamus Searson said there should be thorough checks where a problem is suspected.

Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com

Govt’s next ICT investment must focus on e-learning environments [siliconrepublic.com]

Published: 18 January 2010

As kids swarmed over the latest learning technologies at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition last week, it is clear the next phase of the Government’s investment in schools’ ICT must focus on the e-learning environment of kids at school and at home.

The recent and vital first step of investing €150 million to equip teachers with laptops and software as well as digital projectors for classrooms has been widely acclaimed. But it must also be universally recognised that this is a late first step on a longer journey if Ireland wants to produce the smart kids of the future.

Full Story: www.siliconrepublic.com