IPPN

Last Updated: Saturday, 02 February 2002 00:00

The Irish Primary Principals' Network 2nd Annual Conference

THEME: "The Challenge of Leadership"
DATES: Thursday 7th - Saturday 9th February 2002
VENUE: Corrib Great Southern Hotel, Galway

The largest ever gathering of primary schools principals will meet in Galway later this week at the start of the 2nd annual conference of the Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN). The development of best practice in school leadership is a key aim for IPPN and the keynote address at this year's conference entitled "Challenges for education leaders in the 21st century", will be given by Dr. Ed Walsh, President Emeritus, University of Limerick. (Copy of keynote address to follow.)

Management Consultants to examine Primary School Principals' Role
In an unprecedented move, IPPN has commissioned international experts Hay Management Consultants to analyse, profile and define the role of the principal teacher in a primary school. This is the first ever involvement of independent management consultants in evaluating a particular role within the Irish education system. The results will have far reaching consequences for the management of the States 3,400 primary schools. IPPN has initiated this review to progress a radical reform of how primary schools are managed.
In addition to 3,400 primary principals, all the education partners have been invited to participate in this unique external evaluation of a key role in education. This development takes place at a time when:

• Alarming figures showing a continuous slide in the number of teachers applying for principalship - 1996 : 6 applicants per vacancy - 2001 : 3.5 applicants per vacancy
• Increasing numbers of schools receive no applications for vacant principalships.
• 75% of principals are still required to teach fulltime.
• Parental expectations of primary education are increasing and becoming more diverse.
• Compliance with legislation and government policy places a huge onus on principal teachers
• The challenge of integrating children with special needs into mainstream schools has increased the responsibility and workload of many principals.

â€Â¢ Inadequate administrative support while school administration grows exponentially

IPPN has committed itself to leading the way in opening up a national debate on leadership in primary education. The crisis facing the role of the principals is symptomatic of an education system needing radical overhaul and structural reform. This conference will challenge our understanding of how schools will be led and managed in the future.

Further information from:
Seán Cottrell, : Tel: 086 6478717 and 1890 21 22 23
Director, IPPN

Tomás Ó Slatara,: Tel: 087 6486801
PRO, IPPN

Eamonn Drea, Managing Director : Tel: 01 6765994
Hay Management Consultants

IPPN Conference 2002 Programme

Thurs. 7th February.

19.30: "Leadership in Review" - Mr. Jim Hayes, President IPPN.

20.00: "Principalship for the Future"- Gearóid Uas. Ó Conluain, Deputy Chief Inspector DES

21.00: President's Reception.

Fri. 8th February.

09.00: Official Opening by Mr. John Dennehy, Secretary General, Dept. of Education and Science.

09.30: Keynote address-"Challenges for Educational Leaders in the 21st century"
-Dr. E. Walsh, President Emeritus, University of Limerick.

11.30: "School Leadership, Roles, Rights and Responsibilities"
-Mr. Seán Cottrell, National Director, IPPN.

13.30: Press Conference:

Seminars:
14.00: "The Role of Principal-What the Legislation Means"
- Mr. T. Boland, Principal, Legal Services, Dept. of Education & Science.

14.00: "21st Century Principals-21st Century Skills"
-Mr. Michael Farrell, Administrative Secretary, UCC.

14.00: "Principals and Boards of Management- A Vision for the future"
- Sr. Eileen Randles, General Secretary, CPSMA.

14.00: "The Role of Principal- An Independent Analysis"
-Mr. Frank Hartle, Education Consultant, Hay Management Consultants.

Sat. 9th February.

09.00: "School Leadership in the 21st Century"
-Mr. John Carr, General Secretary Designate, INTO.

09.45: "Special Education-Principal Issues"
- Ian O'Herlihy, Partner, Arthur O'Hagan, Solicitors
- David Ruddy, B.Ed.,Dip.,Law, B.L., Principal, Talbot N.S., Clondalkin, Dublin.

11.15: "Questions and Answers"- Chaired by Ms. Teri Garvey, RTE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Seán Cottrell, Director 1890 21 22 23 (office) 086 6478717
Tomas Ó Slatara, PRO 087 6486801