IPPN

This event took place in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Attended by 150 primary and post primary Mentors, in addition to invited guests and CSL facilitators, this day of celebration brought an immense feeling of achievement and success to the fore for all who were present.

The core focus of the work of CSL, quality teaching and learning for the pupils and students in our schools, was evident as we listened to the melodious voices of the 2nd and 3rd class pupils from Ballybay NS, Kiltoome under the expert guidance of their music teacher, Ms Heather Shine, and watched with pride by their príomhoide, the renowned musician, Michael Mc Loughlin.

The talent and creativity of the CSL-trained Mentors was showcased by the beautiful poem written especially for the occasion by Simon Lewis, Principal of Carlow Educate Together. Unable to join us due to the presentation of his recently-achieved Hennessy Award in Belfast, Simon read his poem, the very poignant and appropriate “Driving Lessons” from a recording prepared in advance, while utter silence descended on the room. Not to be outdone by such a well-lauded poet as Simon, Damian White, Principal of Scoil Shinchill, Killeigh, entertained us with a summary of the day in rhyme.

Damian is well known for his ability to write as he listens and proceeded to record the previous speaker’s words only minutes before he took to the stage. To further highlight the creative ability in the room, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Príomhoide, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, presented the highlights of the first year of CSL in a very professionally-developed recording which finished off the day on a high note of hope, anticipation and enthusiasm for the future.

The day of celebration was opened by Dr. Áine Lawlor, Chairperson of the Steering Committee, who spoke very generously and appreciatively about the achievements of CSL since last September. In a similar fashion, the day was closed appropriately by the affirming remarks and good wishes for the 

 future of CSL by the Principal Officer of the Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education & Skills, Eddie Ward. Keynote speakers included Dr. Deirdre Mathews, Assistant Chief Inspector who presented a very clear and comprehensive guide to the Quality Framework for Leadership and Management. 

Deirdre’s presentation was followed by an open forum at which she was joined by her colleagues, Richard Galvin and Kate O’ Carroll. This rich discussion was followed by Billy Redmond, Principal, St. Laurence College, Dublin 18. Billy’s presentation was inspirational. Specially chosen to represent the Mentee, Billy provided a sensitively-navigated journey of uncertainty, excitement, hard work, ne

Attendees also had the opportunity to become part of the first CSL art piece. This was in the form of a tree provided by the company ‘Uniquely Yours’, on which all attendees placed their finger print. They received a copy of the CSL Mentors’ Vision, Mission and Values Statement which all Mentors present had the opportunity to help develop in their training sessions. The training video, developed especially to provide further learning opportunities on the skills and elements of the mentoring relationship, was received very well by the participants and expertly facilitated by the CSL facilitators, Catherine Moynihan, Sheila McManamly and Tom Moore at post primary level and Breege Flynn, Enda McGorman and Tom McGann at primary level.w beginnings and opportunities, challenges, doubt, celebration, joy and achievement. His words led to many enriching and interesting conversations over lunch as everyone enjoyed the delicious food, with profiteroles literally providing the icing on the cake! 

The new CSL website was expertly explained and launched by the Director of Clare Education Centre, Pat Hanrahan and all the administrative requirements of the day were handled in a highly competent and professional manner by the CSL administrator, Ms Thecla Farrell.

The CSL team is very grateful to the Hodson Bay Hotel for the very professional service they provided. They would like to express their gratitude to IPPN, NAPD and PDST for their presence, their collegiality and constant support.

They thank Dr. Joe O’ Connell, Mary Burke, Kevin Hennigan and Máirín Ní Cheallacháir (NIPT) for their input into the Mentor training. Most importantly, they wish to congratulate each and every one of the principals who took time out of their hectic schedules and the demands of running busy schools to partake in the training and to consider the needs of newly-appointed principals. Their generous attitude and willingness to give back to the system is the moral purpose which underpins the Irish education system ensuring its unique and renowned worldwide reputation.