29th January 2010 Keynote address of IPPN Director Seán Cottrell at the IPPN Conference 2010 at Citywest
I'd like to speak to you this morning about leadership and vision and the extraordinary contrast between what we are witnessing at national level and what we see in primary schools across the country.
Even to the casual observer, it is clear that there is an extraordinary absence of leadership at national level. Politicians, bishops, bankers, developers, trade unions and state agencies can all take their share of the blame for subverting their mandate to lead while neglecting the interests of those they were supposed to serve. The concept of 'servant leadership' has been replaced by 'self-serving leadership', where vested interests take priority over the common good and where self-preservation comes before everything else. This is all the more galling in a country which defines itself as a republic.
8th January 2010 - Principals Welcome clarity following decision to close schools
The decision by Minister for Education & Science, Batt O’Keeffe to close schools for three days next week has received a mixed reaction from Primary Principals and School Chairpersons. The greater majority of Principals have welcomed the fact that the Minister has provided direction said Seán Cottrell, IPPN Director. It appears that this decision was taken by Minister O’Keeffe after a meeting of the National Emergency Committee. The forecast of severe weather during the first half of next week presents a real threat to the safety of children, parents and teaching staff. The decision will prove to be wise because it will reduce unnecessary travel in areas that have been affected by severe weather conditions said Mr Cottrell. Principals and teachers who have ‘battled’ the elements to get to schools amidst increased numbers of casualties prevents accidents and protects lives that otherwise may be lost
8th January 2010 - TextaParent: Just-in time school information for parents
The greatest challenge facing Principals this weekend is how to inform parents if their child’s school will be open or closed on Monday (11th January). TextaParent.ie is a service provided by the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) used to send instant messages to parents and staff. The severe weather conditions forecasted to continue for at least another week will leave parents and Principals in a state of uncertainty.
21st December 2009 - Give Your Teacher’s Gift to Charity
There has been an unprecedented response to the statement issued by IPPN yesterday which recommended that parents should not give into their children’s requests to buy presents for the class teacher.
