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NAPD PRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Leader PORTRAIT OF A PRESIDENT Paul Byrne leads NAPD into 2016 Winter 2015 A Publication of the National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals NAPD 01 PRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS
NAPD PRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS Leader Page 8 Page 11 Page 41 Page 48 Traveller tragedy in Carrickmines Paul O’Connell, Man of the Year, Europe feels the impact of the Mairéad McGuinness and Outstanding Leader Middle-East conflict Paddy O’Conor at the Creative Engagement expo FEATURES 30 36 School Leaders’ College Awareness Week 8 Well-Being Happy faces of high achievers at the launch After Carrickmines Report on 2015: Does it take ten deaths to awaken statistics and recommendations 39 our consciences? Philip Riley Creating Effective Una O’Neill Learning Environments 32 Graham Powell and Mike Hughes – 10 In the Wake of the Workshops for leaders CSL Launch Marriage Referendum Barry O’Callaghan An important step forward for An interview with former BeLonGTo school leadership in Ireland Director, David Carroll 41 Derek West Dare to Change 11 Disability Access Route to Education Conference 2015 35 Kieran Houlihan Mary Nihill: Profile of a President Presidential speech Paul Byrne is the new leader of NAPD – we 41 Jan O’Sullivan: talk to him about his work in school and The Learning School Project Minister’s address to Conference with the Association Report on an initiative in Cork, West Cork, Philip Matthews: Clare and Kerry Leadership is a Way of Being Collated by Barry O’Callaghan The New Executive: NAPD PRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS The full Committee Leader 48 Workshop Reports: Creative Engagement Expo FE, Gaeilge, Cúram The story and the pictures Article by Dermot Carney 27 The Burning Issues PORTRAIT OF A PRESIDENT REGULARS On ‘positives noises’ in the system Paul Byrne leads Winter 2015 NAPD into 2016 A Publication of the National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals NAPD 01 PRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS 4 Paul Byrne, NAPD President John Walshe 5 The National Executive This Month’s Cover 35 The Leader Reader Paul Byrne 41 The Esha Column Portrait by Charlie McManus 4 NAPD Leader
NAPD PRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS FROM THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR Leader EDITOR: Derek West The Urgent Email: derek.west43@gmail.com Mobile: 087 289 1443 Need for Strong EDITORIAL BOARD Clive Byrne, Anne Duggan, Leadership Tim Geraghty, Mary Nihill, Barry O’Callaghan, Áine O’Neill, Ger O’Sullivan, Derek West Photo: Nick West Photography by: Charlie McManus, R ecent storms have battered our shores, rattled our slates and promised multiple outages. We duck our heads and shuffle on in hope. David MacPherson, Paddy Boyle, Derek West, Dermot Carney On the world stage, we face even greater upheaval, with the massive movement of displaced ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS people and carnage erupting indiscriminately, leaving a growing sense of insecurity and anxiety. How to contact Leader You can send your comments, replies, Never, it seems, have we had such an urgent need for strong leadership. If the vacuum is left in letters to the editor etc. place, there is no predicting what will rush in to fill it. The cataclysm in the Middle East is rippling E: derek.west43@gmail.com outwards in ever-widening circles that will touch even our lives. Who can bring in calm and order and stability? Leadership is not just about inspiration, encouragement and creativity. It entails crisis management, but not that of the knee-jerk variety; it calls for persuasion, diplomacy, firmness. DISCLAIMER In the microcosm that is our own education system there is also a crying need for leadership and Articles produced in this publication vision: solely represent the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect We have a handicapped curriculum reform, caught in a cross-fire between those who can envisage those of NAPD. Every effort has been the benefits and those who cannot see beyond their own negativity. made to fulfil requirements with regard to reproducing copyright material. We have a teaching profession that is being paralysed by inertia. Young teachers entering service NAPD will be glad to rectify any face lowered salaries, few if any promotional prospects and an edict from a trade union that omissions at the earliest opportunity. prohibits voluntary duties within the school structure. The teachers’ rejection of the Lansdowne Agreement will do nothing to restore industrial calm. PUBLISHING INFORMATION There are significant challenges to the status quo around the continuing denominational basis of school ownership, patronage and governance. A denomination-based ethos may assure the Published by NAPD conservation of certain values, but it can protect privilege or create an exclusion mechanism, in a Layout & Print: landscape that is increasingly multi-national, multi-cultural and in which the clamour for equity Mark Daniel, CRM Design & Print, and equality is becoming louder and louder by the day. A New Ireland is bringing pressure to bear Unit 6, Bridgecourt Office Park, on the old. Dublin 12. Mary Nihill, speaking as President of NAPD, in Galway last October, brought these two strands together CONTACT INFORMATION At this point in our country’s history, as we celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Uprising, which had its roots 11 Wentworth, Eblana Villas, in a vision for an egalitarian society, and 22 years since we last debated education at a national level, I am Grand Canal Street Lower, proposing that we need another National Consultative Forum on the true meaning of education at all levels Dublin 2 for the Ireland of 2016… I firmly believe that now we need a reappraisal of, and a national debate on, an Tel: (01) 662 7025 overall strategic direction for our education system, so as to develop one which will provide every student with Fax: (01) 662 7058 fulfilling educational experiences at every stage in a lifetime of learning. www.napd.ie Pádraig Pearse coined the phrase ‘the murder machine’ to characterise all that is worst in Email: info@napd.ie education. He might be pleased with many of the changes and reforms that have come about in the young republic, but he might also note how we have yet failed to fully address the cries of the marginalised – those, like the Travellers, who come from within our community, and those who have come to these stormy shores seeking shelter and safety and learning. Mary’s call for a Forum is timely. With the establishment of the Centre for School Leadership, we Find NAPD On-Line have an opportunity to look at our theories and our policies but also, for the times that are in it, [www.napd.ie], to apply them in a positive, practical and humanitarian manner. on Facebook, Twitter and Vimeo. Derek West, December 2015 NAPD Leader 5
REFLECTIONS ON… What remains of my schooldays Paul Byrne, President R ecently I had to “take to the bed” because of a case of This was in for all intents and purposes a sort of time capsule flu. Fortunately it was at the start of midterm! Albert and we did this on every other roof we made. I was learning Einstein said “Education is what remains after one Stoite in school at the same time I was at this roofing job has forgotten what one learned at school.” I started to and literally “the penny dropped” and I “got” the essence reflect on what remains from my own school days. I of the poem. It has stayed with me ever since. never liked primary school and the memories from there would not serve any useful purpose unless to show how The Listeners by Walter de la Mare far the teaching methodologies and curriculum reform, The second item which has stayed with me is the which took place in our primary system, have famous classic The Listeners by Walter de la Mare. How transformed the nature of primary education for the many other poems on the English syllabus will have us better. reading them in thirty years’ time? I have tried to reason So what has remained with me from my post primary why this has stayed with me and I think that because as I now education? I completed three sets of state examinations during know, I am a visual learner, I can “see” this poem clearly. It is a my five years of secondary education and I really cannot give an kaleidoscope of images knitted together to form an intriguing story accurate account of my results in any of these exams; nor can I which poses so many questions which only we ourselves can answer. I remember actually doing any of them. This would probably suggest that am sure that I am not the only one of a certain vintage who will always I was not too stressed about them. The day I received my Leaving carry “The Listeners “as a treasured legacy of their school time. Certificate results – and I do remember I was well pleased with them – I also received another envelope embossed with a harp which was The Trout by Seán Ó Faoileán offering me an apprenticeship in what was then the Army Apprentice The last abiding memory of the post primary school curriculum which School in Naas. remained with me and which I go back to read from time to time is the As I had wanted to become a woodwork teacher and had the Leaving short story by Sean Ó Faoileán called The Trout. I will never forget when Certificate grades to go to Thomond College, I had a choice to make. I my English teacher Miss Seal read the first lines “One of the first places consulted my career guidance expert, my Dad, and the decision was easy Julia always ran to when they arrived in G—- was The Dark Walk.” Miss to make from there. He gave me sage advice to get a trade and if I Seale was greeted with a chorus of “Miss, Miss, G—- is for wanted to go to college afterwards the opportunity would still be there. Graiguenamanagh! We can show you the dark walk” this was even It is a decision which I am happy I made and I am eternally grateful to though we had never heard the story before. Miss Seale did not believe my Dad. So the question of what has remained with me from my school us at first as she was not local, but after consulting with the Principal days in Graiguenamanagh Vocational School? she agreed to allow us to take her to the dark walk and to show her the Well. It was as much a surprise for her to see the overgrown laurel walk I developed a love of problem-solving through woodwork and technical and the well as it was as for us to find out that Sean Ó Faoileán had drawing classes and my admiration for an inspirational woodwork written about it capturing the sight, sounds and the smell of the place. teacher, Mr. Daly, shaped my career path. I was blessed with a number The end of the story mentioned “She heard the fishing-reel whirring”. of outstanding teachers who were fantastic role models and champions This also resonated with me as my mother’s family had always fished of learning. I also left secondary school with a love of History and for trout and salmon in the very spot where the trout would have been English. I also had developed a love for learning. Apart from these most released. valuable attributes I want to reflect on three topics from the school’s curriculum that remain vivid in my mind. I will share them with you and Why have these three elements of my education stayed with when why I believe they have stayed with me for over thirty years. many more momentous ones have not. Well the first one was for me a “eureka moment” when I identified with what the poet had intended me to feel. The link between poetry and life was real and tangible to me Stoite by Máirtín Ó Direáin for the first time. The first of these is the Irish poem Stoite by Máirtín Ó Direáin. Here the poet is contemplating his mortality and contemplating what legacy the The Listeners on the other hand is a great example of how thirty six lines work he carried out will leave, compared to the legacy he would have of poetry written in 1912 can transcend time to create enough emotion left if he had stayed working on Inis Mór. and intrigue and to generate a lasting impression on a sixteen year old for life. My experience with The Trout shows how one (unplanned) It was at this time I began working with my older cousin John. We active learning experience can have a lifelong impact. The class wanted completed many fine roofing and plastering jobs together over the to know more about the story and the author and the period in which years. I was eager to learn and he was a very adept teacher. We had the story set. Graham Powell would be well impressed with this “hook” taken an old roof off a building which we were reroofing and I found for learning. Imagine if we had more active learning which would make an old penny under the corner of the wall plate which had been learning more relevant for our students by linking the world outside deliberately placed there. When I showed it to John he told me that the the school environment with the curriculum. Imagine the number of carpenter who had put the last roof on the house was a man called lifelong learning experiences this would create. The new Junior Cycle Jacksey Fenlon and this was his marker. The year on the penny was the Framework when implemented will allow teachers the opportunity to year he started the roof. When we laid the new wall plate we replaced adopt new teaching methodologies and create this type learning the penny and also laid another coin of our own, marking the date we experience. Do any of us have to argue any further the benefits to be had reroofed the building. gained through this long overdue curriculum reform? “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one learned at school” – Einstein 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
NAPD PRINCIPALS AND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE Meetings of the National Executive took place on the 14 and 16 October 2015 in the Radisson Hotel, Galway and on the 17 November in the Heritage Hotel Portlaoise. Among the items discussed were; Resources for Junior Cycle Graham Powell & Mike Hughes College Awareness Launch The President and Director briefed the seminars The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Executive on a number of meetings which Protection, Joan Burton, officially launched Following a recommendation from the have been held between NAPD and the three College Awareness Week in the new DIT Management Bodies to explore agreed Leading 4 Learning committee, the Executive Campus, Grangegorman, on 23 November strategies to ensure that adequate resources sanctioned a series of six seminars to take and the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan are available to school leaders as the place throughout the country involving O’Sullivan, performed a simultaneous launch implementation of CPD begins for English, Graham and Mike. These will be in a different in the Limerick College of Further Education. Science and Business. The implications for format to the seminars offered by the late The week was an outstanding success with schools and for the DES in terms of cost is Paul Ginnis in that they will be targeted at 8- over 600 events taking place nationwide – enormous. NAPD is keen to have an agreed 10 schools, will involve an initial session with double the number of events which took place position with the management bodies in the principal and deputy and three follow-up last year. NAPD works in collaboration with negotiations with the Department to sessions with additional staff, with Skype the Trinity Access Programme, the NPCpp, maximise the benefits of the in-service for consultations being possible The cost for the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, the teachers and to minimise the disruption in schools to participate was set at €500. Higher Education Authority, IBEC, the ISSU, schools as a result of the level of substitution USI and access offices nationwide to ensure involved. A series of meetings between the NAPD-R the success of the programme which is NAPD, Management Bodies and the DES is designed to encourage individuals to consider ongoing. At the October Executive meeting Anthony educational opportunities post compulsory Condron gave his last report to the Executive schooling. Allied Irish Banks and Perrigo as NAPD-R representative. He reported on the Thomas Francis Meagher campaign to achieve pension parity, a very financially support the campaign and their support as part of their Corporate Social Foundation successful golf outing and a wonderful Dinner Responsibility programme is much and AGM for members in the Castleknock appreciated. The Executive supports the Foundation and Hotel. Anthony has been replaced on the its drive to promote the national flag as a Executive by Ger Looney and Ger gave the symbol of peace. The campaign to deliver the report at the November meeting. He advised Professor Philip Nolan’s offer flag to every school in the state is ambitious and the efforts of the defence forces are much that spring lunches will take place in Dublin, to visit regions Cork and Galway and that there will be a May appreciated in the primary sector. Those post- Maynooth University President, Professor social and overnight in the Ormonde Hotel primary schools who did not receive their flag Philip Nolan, who chairs the Transitions Kilkenny, as well as the usual golf tournament at the ceremony with President Higgins in Group from second to third level, has offered in Thurles. It is hoped that NAPD-R will take Waterford last year will be presented with to visit NAPD regional meetings to dialogue part in a European funded project dealing with one at a major ceremony in Dublin in March. with colleagues on the need to reform, the coaching and mentoring. The deadline for new grading structure for the Leaving application is March. Transgender Round Table Certificate and broader course entry to various faculties such as engineering, science Director, Clive Byrne, was asked to participate Joint Oireachtas invitation and paramedical. The rationale is to reduce in a round-table discussion on the issue of the stress on students caused by the point’s how our education system caters for pupils regarding the allocation of race and to minimise the effects of institutions presenting as Transgender. It was a very SEN resources that are trying to game the system with very informative event with most stakeholders small cohorts for certain courses which will present. Two follow-up meetings have taken The President and Director represented the inevitably drive the points up. NAPD head place and an in-service day will be held this Association at a session of the Joint office is liaising with Professor Nolan’s office month to advance matters further. Oireachtas Committee on Education and but if he comes to a regional meeting near Social Protection on 18 October. The you, be sure to try to attend because I’m sure committee wished to explore the allocation of Stand Up Campaign SEN resources at second level. Also before the you’ll find his presentation refreshing and forward looking. Monday 23 November was the launch date committee was the NCSE and a representative for the annual Stand Up Campaign in support group of parents with children who had of LGBT students in our schools. Stand Up was special educational needs. NAPD’s submission Creative Engagement launched in Limerick and NAPD was is available on the committee website but the The Executive thanked the Arts Committee, represented at the launch by Past President, exchanges which occurred were relevant, chaired by Mary Hanley, and Arts Off icer, Padraig Flanagan. informative and forward looking. Dermot Carney, for the very successful 6 NAPD Leader
Creative Engagement Exhibition held in Collins Barracks in October. Works featured reports tabled at the General Assembly which was chaired by Clive Byrne as President of Teaching Council as part of the Creative Engagement Initiative ESHA. Paul Byrne represented NAPD. There NAPD is not represented on the Teaching will feature in the NAPD calendar which will was extensive discussion of the diff iculties Council but effective channels enabling be circulated to members shortly. The posed in the education sector by the migrant participation have evolved over time as a programme is a vital part of Arts-in-Education crisis and personal experiences were given of result of the credibility built up by the and is supported by the Department of some of the diff iculties by delegates from Association and also the quality inputs given Education, the Department of the Arts and German, the Balkans and Sweden where there by NAPD when requested. Tim Geraghty the Heritage Council. are 40,000 unaccompanied minors. There was represents NAPD on a number of working an election for two members of the Executive groups established by the Council and he gave members an update on the progress at post- Dáil na n-Óg – Board who were retiring by rotation. Barbara Novinec from Slovenia and Jens Nillsen from primary of the Droichead initiative on teacher Priorities for next year Demark were elected to fill the vacancies. induction and mentoring as well as the Cosán process which is ongoing. NAPD will make a NAPD is represented on the Expert Panel of formal submission as part of the Cosán Advisors to Comhairle na n-Óg and was Centre for Leadership Update consultations. consulted on the very successful implementation of their priority action for the Briefing meetings have been held by the CSL last school year – the Let’s go Mental team with all relevant bodies, organisations NCCA Campaign designed to raise awareness of and agencies to inform and advise of the work of the centre over the next three years. The Director Clive Byrne is a nominee of the mental wellbeing among our young people. Minister for Education on the NCCA Council The current Dáil na n-Óg met on the 27 Executive noted that the Centre will be officially launched by the Minister on which met on November 5. A key change this November in Croke Park and were addressed year is the move to paperless meetings and by Minister O’Reilly and Minister O’Sullivan. December 1. council members were issued with an iPad to Their priorities for the next year are enable this initiative. It will be interesting to educational and they will campaign for the student voice to be heard in matters that Wellbeing Seminar see how this works out because the iPad can only be used for NCCA business – probably a effect their participation in school. Expect The Director reported on an excellent seminar wise move. The Council has established a then that issues to do with school uniform, organised by IPPN which was also open to Board for Junior Cycle and a Board for Senior subject choice at senior cycle etc. will be to the second level and at which he’d been invited to Cycle. NAPD has been asked to chair the fore. speak. Over 500 delegates were present on Board for Senior Cycle which met for the first the day in Citywest and powerful time towards the end of November. The next presentations were given on the challenges ESHA Report faced by staff and students in our schools. NCCA meeting is on the 17 December. There was a meeting of the ESHA General Follow up meetings have been arranged to Assembly in Bergen, Norway, over the draw up an action plan for presentation to the October half-term. Information was shared Taoiseach who addressed delegates and urged about Erasmus+, 21st Century schools, coping those present to do more to promote being with critical incidents as well as the usual well in our schools. Seven integrated brands supporting schools, teachers and learners www.examcraft.ie www.examcraft.ie www www.4schools.ie .4schools.ie www.educationcareers.ie www.educationcareers.ie www www.learningdata.ie .learningdata.ie www.thesupergeneration.com www.thesupergeneration.com Schools.ie Thinking ahead INSPIRING FUTURES 35 Finglas Business Park, Tolka Valley Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 T: 01 808 1494 E: info@examcraft.ie www.helpmestudynow.com www.helpmestudynow.com www.pastpapers.ie www.pastpapers.ie F: 01 836 2739 www.theexamcraftgroup.com NAPD Leader 7
BUDGET 2016 by Tim Geraghty It demonstrates – if it ever needed THIS IS HOW THE MONEY IS SPENT demonstration – that schools are people rich environments with almost 60% of the annual education budget being spent on pay and less than 30% on non-pay and capital projects. Effective teaching and learning depend on visionary leadership and wise husbandry of resources. This can only happen when school leaders have time and a structured middle leadership team in place that facilitates a distributed leadership process. To this end the partnership between the DES, NAPD and IPPN in establishing the Centre for School Leadership (CSL) is significant with an investment of €3m over the next three years. The centre’s brief over the next three years is to provide mentoring for newly appointed principals and deputy principals, coaching for school leaders who wish to enhance their capability and to develop existing provision for aspiring school leaders. At the launch of CSL Minister O’Sullivan said “We know that the quality of school leadership is a key determinant of school effectiveness and the A government’s annual budget faces The Minister for Education and Skills has economic, political and social pressures provided 550 posts at post-primary level in achievement of good learning outcomes” and while classic economic theory 2016, to enhance guidance counselling and It is heartening, also, to see a step taken on the focuses on the wise allocation of scarce school leadership. In doing this, she stated, road to restoring Guidance and Counselling resources, the demands of different interest “Strengthening leadership in schools is a capacity in our schools. A recent paper by the groups invariably mean that a budget can serious issue and part of this allocation will Institute of Guidance Counsellors articulates rarely satisfy all requests for favourable also be used to enhance the role of deputy clearly the role of the Guidance Counsellor in consideration. principals at post-primary level in schools with counselling, prevention, developmental less than 500 students and will allow deputy education guidance and in consultation, Nonetheless, there is evidence in the principals to reduce their teaching time and planning and co-ordination. It is an insightful education budget that there is a reflective focus on leadership and management” conceptualisation of the potential that understanding in the DES of the pressure points in the educational system. In terms of the wise and effective use of effective Guidance and Counselling provision resources this is critical. Education is the third can deliver. Some are relatively self evident and must be largest spending department after Social addressed. The Department’s own document, Protection and Health. “Identifying Demand” recognises that demographic growth over the next decade will have to be met by increased teaching capacity. When it comes to the busy school environment, Marmoleum offers the best long term value due to its hard wearing reputation and ease of maintenance. Its rich Projected Pupil Enrolment Numbers: Post- colours and design options helps create a vibrant and attractive learning environment and because it is made from natural materials, the wider environment is also protected. Primary To find out more call 01 289 8898 or email info@forbo-flooring.ie 2014 – 333,302 2020 – 375,000 approx. 2025 – 400,000 approx. The DES has allocated 370 second level mainstream teachers and 155 second level resource teachers to address this demographic demand in 2016. NAPD has long promoted the importance of the leadership agenda and there is a growing recognition in the budget and elsewhere of the importance of properly resourcing creating better environments leadership in our schools. 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
AFTER CARRICKMINES By Una O’Neill W hen two Traveller families died in Carrickmines in south many times. I recall experiencing a sense of utter hopelessness and Dublin recently, shock and grief was expressed throughout despair eight years ago on hearing the news of the death by suicide of the country. But the limits of this sympathy quickly became a young Traveller man. His death was followed by the similar tragic clear when residents of Glenamuck formed a blockade to prevent the death of his cousin in the same town. The suicide rate for Travellers families from relocating to a site beside their estate. On hearing these remains 6.6% above that of settled people. 11% of all Traveller deaths reports, I felt a grim sense of déjà vu. I was reminded of the 20 years of are caused by suicide. These must be thought of as lives, and not just my career that I spent working as a Visiting Teacher for Travellers, numbers. where I encountered countless ‘Glenamuck’ type incidents. We must realise that Glenamuck is not an isolated case. It is a sad When institutional racism is allowed to reflection of the pervasive hatred and animosity towards Travellers that persist in a system as central to the is permitted in Irish society. These residents were educated in our health of our society as education, it schools, by our teachers. Our education system has produced permeates the rest of society generations of people who feel no shame in publicly and freely expressing their hatred of a whole community. I worked with both of these young men and their families when they As a Visiting Teacher for Travellers, I frequently felt the depth of that each had their applications to transfer to secondary school rejected. hatred and animosity when trying to achieve the most basic rights for Indeed, the same school rejected the applications of every single Traveller children and their families. I witnessed racist prejudice in my Traveller boy in the town. The reason given to each family, regardless dealings with every type of organisation, county councils, Gardaí, health of their intelligence, abilities, needs or ambitions were the same: “We officials, politicians, residents, and my fellow teachers. are sorry we don’t have the resources to meet your son’s needs in our school.” The reason I was given as Visiting Teacher was that this school was not willing to be the first school in the town to enrol Travellers. I A sad reflection of the pervasive hatred was told that if I managed to get the other boy’s school, which was a and animosity towards Travellers privately owned institution, to enrol the Travellers, then they would be accepted. A major source of these negative incidents during this time was the issue of school enrolment policies. I encountered a range of different The position adopted by this school was supported by every layer of methods of attempting to justify the refusal to enrol Traveller pupils. bureaucracy. The logjam was only broken when the privately owned When an institution puts in place conditions of access, rules or secondary school enrolled two Traveller boys. The position of the school requirements, which result in the exclusion or mistreatment of a then became untenable and it was forced to open its doors to Traveller particular group in this way, this constitutes institutional racism. When students. institutional racism is allowed to persist in a system as central to the health of our society as education, it permeates the rest of society. It Austerity measures…have decimated the provides a tacit agreement that this behaviour is not just permissible educational supports available to but somehow normal. Travellers I have witnessed the impact of institutional racism in education too 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
black students identifying with a high achieving role model. If Travellers were similarly recognised as a distinct minority, with powerful role models, unafraid to express their identity, there is every indication that similar strides in school achievement would be achieved. What we should see as a result of these programs is better outcomes for Traveller students Programmes such as the Yellow Flag Programme hold some promise. This programme awards a yellow flag schools that successfully use an eight-step plan focused on issues of interculturalism, equality, and diversity. While I have seen some excellent work take place in schools under this programme, unfortunately I have also seen the flag awarded to schools where no real improvement in the support or inclusion of Traveller children has been achieved. What we should see as a result of Austerity measures that have been implemented since the economic these programs is better outcomes for Traveller students, more recession have decimated the educational supports that were available meaningful participation, and a higher level of transfer to third level and to Travellers at primary and secondary level. to the world of work. Our country was uplifted by the recent results of the same sex marriage Recognition of the ethnic minority status referendum. For the first time in the history of this country, many gay of Travellers is crucial in order to name and lesbian people felt like truly valued citizens. Young gay and lesbian discriminatory behaviours as racist people felt that they no longer had to hide their identity, but found encouragement to be proud and confident about themselves. Through The whole Visiting Teacher Service was disbanded. This meant that this referendum, we acknowledged collectively as a society the the experience, knowledge, and relationships that these teachers had importance of pride in one’s identity, the value in expressing it freely, built up with the Traveller families in their areas were lost. Expenditure and pride in the sense of self. This is no less important for Traveller on Traveller education has fallen by 86% since 2008. Traveller identity. It is time to stage another “National act of inclusion’ by accommodation spending is down by 85%. The scale of these cuts is supporting the Traveller Ethnicity Campaign. incomparable with the overall cuts of 4.3% in government spending “Be the Change you wish to see in the world” Gandhi between 2008 and 2013. No other group in Irish society was treated as severely as Travellers as a result of the recession. Lack of recognition of Travellers as an ethnic minority allows the situation described above to persist. Recognition of the ethnic minority status of Travellers is crucial in order to name discriminatory behaviours as racist, and to effectively tackle this legally and institutionally. Pride in Traveller identity is unfortunately still an alien concept to many teachers in Irish education, and the importance of this for a child’s sense of self- worth and motivation is overlooked. Countless times throughout my career, teachers have said to me, by way of praise for a well-behaved Traveller child, “You would never even know she was a Traveller.” This attitude is fundamentally detrimental to children’s educational development. The impact on their self-esteem is severe and real. As educators, we know that the children who achieve most from our system, are those with a positive self-image and sense of identity. Instead of shutting out Traveller children, principals must take a proactive approach to including and retaining them The difference that recognition of the distinctiveness and inherent value of their culture can make to Traveller children in education is Una O’Neill immeasurable. In the duration of my career, as well as the tragic and Una O’Neill currently works as negative experiences, I have witnessed exemplary practices by many Visiting Teacher for supportive teachers. This is an indication of good leadership in a school. Deaf/Hard of Hearing Instead of shutting out Traveller children, principals must take a Children. Between 1994 and proactive approach to including and retaining them. Only when 2011 she worked in the Principals and teachers have the same high expectations for Travellers Visiting Teacher Service for students as they have for every other student will equality be achievable. Travellers. She co-founded the There are numerous parallel examples that illustrate these truths in Traveller Project in Tipperary, other contexts. In one exam known as the Graduate Record Exam, in and was a management member the United States, black students have historically scored as much as 15 of the Kerry Travellers Development points lower than their white counterparts. A study carried out by Project. She was a regular guest lecturer on professors Friedman, Marx, and Sei Jin Ko, found that the black students the Special Ed. Diploma course in UCC and in Mary Immaculate College, do worse in the exam due to anxiety around fulfilling the stereotype Limerick, where, in conjunction with Traveller parents, she presented a that black students do poorly in the test. The authors went on to find seminar on “The Inclusion and Support of Traveller Students in that the performance gap was effectively eliminated during the height Education”. of President Obama’s election campaign. They put the results down to 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
Minister O’Sullivan formally launches Centre for School Leadership Launching the CSL at the Clock Tower, DES, Marlborough Street, and enjoying a joke: Clive Byrne, Áine Lawlor, Minister Jan O’Sullivan, Mary Nihill and Seán Cottrell. T he Minister for Education and Skills, The partnership will have many benefits for the profession in Jan O’Sullivan, formally launched the newly established Centre for School terms of the quality of training programmes, co-ordination of Leadership (CSL) on Tuesday, December 1. provision, and increased accessibility. At the launch with the education partners in It is intended that the CSL will become a programmes, co-ordination of provision, and the Department’s offices, Minister O’Sullivan centre of excellence for school leaders. The increased accessibility. congratulated Mary Nihill on her Centre’s responsibilities will cover the appointment as Director of the Centre, Minister O’Sullivan said: “We all know that continuum of professional development for together with Anna Mai Rooney and Máire Ní the quality of school leadership is a key school leaders, from pre-appointment Bhróithe who have also been appointed as determinant of school effectiveness and the training and induction of newly appointed Deputy Directors. achievement of good learning outcomes.” She principals, to continuing professional again paid tribute to the IPPN and NAPD, development throughout careers. In referencing the Government’s stating that “this model also recognises the commitment to supporting leadership The Centre is operating on a partnership basis essential roles played by the two professional development, with an investment of almost between the Department of Education and organisations in representing school leaders”. €3m in the CSL over the next three years, the Skills, the Irish Primary Principals’ Network She also acknowledged the work of Dr. Áine Minister spoke of the need to ensure that (IPPN) and the National Association of Lawlor, Chairperson of the CSL Steering school leaders can access a rich programme of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD). The Group and Clare Education Centre, where the support which represents best value for public partnership will have many benefits for the CSL is based. money. profession in terms of the quality of training 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
The importance of Inheritance Planning Ivan Ahern, Director, Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. Ireland has one of the highest What are the thresholds and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) rate? inheritance taxes in the world. Changes Inheritances can be received free from Capital Acquisitions Tax up to a certain amount. The tax- in Inheritance Tax rules commenced free amount varies depending on your relationship to the person giving the gift (group threshold). in 2009 but it is only now that people There are three different groups. Each group has a threshold that applies to the total value of the are starting to realise the impact this inheritances you’ve received, in that group. The current rate of Capital Acquisition Tax is 33%. is having as property prices and asset values begin to recover. Capital Acquisitions Tax Group Thresholds after 14th October 2015 (Source: Revenue.ie). The tax bill suffered by beneficiaries can be Group Beneficiary Tax free amount* substantial, depending on 3 main factors: A Son or daughter €280,000 B A parent,** brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild 1 The relationship between the deceased of the person giving the gift. and the beneficiary (this determines the €30,150 ** In certain circumstances a parent taking an inheritance maximum tax-free threshold that applies, from a child can qualify for Group A threshold. i.e. the ‘Group Threshold’). C All other relationships, other than those mentioned in A or B. €15,075 2 The net/taxable value of the inheritance. *CAT only applies to amounts over the relevant group threshold. 3 Any previous gifts or inheritance received. Example of how Inheritance Tax works. What many people don’t realise is payment of this tax bill needs to be paid soon after the Net/Taxable Value of Inheritance €700,000 inheritance. The onus is on the beneficiary to Number and type of Beneficiaries: 2 pay it and complete a full tax return. If you do Breakdown of inheritance due. Son and Daughter. not plan ahead, your family could lose part of their inheritance or be faced with a difficult Jamie Deirdre decision between having to sell part of their Gross inheritance to each beneficiary €400,000 €300,000 inheritance, or borrow the money to pay the Less tax-free amount threshold €280,000 €280,000 tax bill. Relationship: child i.e. Group A. Gross taxable inheritance per child €120,000 €20,000 If your family is likely to have to pay inheritance tax when you die, it may be a good Less personal Capital Gains Tax exemption €1,270 €1,270 idea to protect them against this beforehand. Net taxable inheritance per child €118,730 €18,730 Tax payable at 33% per child €39,181 €6,181 Overall inheritance tax due €45,361 What are your options to protect your family against inheritance tax? The tax liability for beneficiaries can be avoided in a number of ways: 1 By effecting a ‘Section 72 Life Assurance Policy’. This policy funds the Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) liability which arises on the benefits inherited from your estate and the proceeds of this are exempt from inheritance tax. This policy is relatively straight-forward to set up, however it is subject to medical underwriting and therefore the earlier this is done, the better. 2 By gifting a maximum of €3,000 per person annually. Your beneficiaries can each get gifts of up to €3,000 a year from you without paying tax. This exemption, which is known as the small gift exemption, is useful if you can afford to drip-feed your inheritance while you are still alive. 3 By gifting of the family home to a child. You could save your children hundreds of thousands of euro in tax by encouraging them to move into any second homes or investment properties you intend to leave to them. Please note: Different guidelines apply for those passing on a business or farm to a child, for which one should seek professional advice. Cornmarket is here to help and Inheritance Planning is about to get a whole lot easier! 10999 NAPD Inheritance 12/15 For information on our Inheritance Planning Service, call (01) 408 6275. Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Cornmarket is part of the Great-West Lifeco group of companies, one of the world’s leading life assurance organisations. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
Mary Nihill CONFERENCE 2015 MARY MAKES HER POINT enthusiastically with this fundamental change President Mary Nihill opened the sixteenth NAPD Conference while also dealing with a degree of initiative- with an address to over 550 delegates. Those who attended in overload, salary cuts, extra work, limited Galway will have witnessed, at first hand, the eloquence, career prospects [for some teachers] and, for us as school leaders, a lack of adequate middle assurance and leadership qualities that she demonstrated. Here leadership structures. I would have hoped that are some of the highlights. our improving national finances would have allowed you, Minister, in this week’s Budget, to examine this gap particularly in relation to JUNIOR CYCLE REFORM we must find a way to accredit these skills and additional middle leadership positions in the The recent ballot by members of the ASTI to a once-off terminal exam cannot do that. areas of curriculum planning and assessment! reject the latest framework for Junior Cycle I am concerned that the current impasse is Yes, it is much harder to find ways to show reform is, as the Minister said at the time, sapping the life blood out of what was and is that a 16-year-old is more inquisitive, more ‘deeply disappointing’.We in NAPD have been a great opportunity to re-envision how we determined more imaginative and more to the fore in articulating a view that many of teach and how students learn in our second- convivial than it is to assess whether he can our traditional curricula have emphasised the level schools. Teachers are neither confident differentiate a calculus problem. This sort of acquisition of knowledge at the cost of nor convinced of the merits of the new Junior learning and assessment does require highly- developing the sort of skills needed for the Cycle. As a consequence, even those teachers skilled teachers and I agree with our Chief 21st century. In the light of that rejection, we, who were enthusiastic supporters of a more Inspector, Dr. Harold Hislop, when he as school leaders, are greatly challenged to constructivist, collaborative approach to commented recently that Ireland has an remain optimistic and solution-focused at this learning skills, are beginning to obsess about advantage when it comes to our teachers. time. the certainties of external assessment and Teaching is well regarded as a profession and state certification. we, as school leaders, see the commitment “If we teach today’s and dedication of our teaching colleagues to students as we taught the welfare of students on a daily basis in our HOW DO WE REGAIN classrooms, on our corridors and in the many yesterday’s, we rob them THE MOMENTUM? extra- and co-curricular activities that they of tomorrow” I believe the core of the problem is the engage in. We observe their dedication to [John Dewey] significant gap that has developed between upskilling themselves as professionals in areas the very laudable aspirations of the such as the use of ICT. I genuinely believe, if we are committed to Department and the reality on the ground. new ways of teaching so as to enable our However If we do not find ways of measuring students to engage more fully as active Minister, you and your cabinet colleagues in what we say we value, we will continue only learners, then that learning has to be assessed Finance need to come to grips with the to pay homage to it in the vision statements and evaluated by new methods. If we want to resourcing required to deliver this on our walls and we will continue to allow support and reward learning experiences that momentous reform of the education system. society to value only what we measure. promote, not only critical thinking but also Changing culture is incredibly slow and, collaboration, creativity inventiveness and crucially, this quantum leap requires innovation – skills that will be essential to substantial financial investment if it is to result THE REALITY equip the young people in our care to live in significant change. Our teachers and school As one who was first appointed to productive lives in a globalised world – then leaders are being asked to engage Principalship in 1993, I can honestly say, 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
the confidence, skills and time to regularly my October returns, which were due last engage about learning with teachers, both at week. an individual level and as subject departments. Back in the office and a teacher sends down Leadership at governance level needs to set a student to tell me that three of the clear expectations as to how principals and computers in the computer room are not deputy principals are to spend their time.This working and students cannot log on. expectation needs to be mirrored by the 1.15p.m. During lunch break, the deputy selection and interview process. To use the principal and I help out with lunchtime analogy that we have heard repeated recently supervision. during the discussions around assessment - what is tested is what is taught. I would 2.00p.m. The afternoon has only just propose that what is valued by leadership at commenced when the caretaker informs me governance level has a significant influence on of a fight which had happened at lunchtime; what school leaders devote their time to. the relevant year head is timetabled for class Minister, that the role of school leader has evolved into one that is hugely challenging all afternoon and this incident needs to be Wouldn’t it be a tragedy, Minister, if, at a future and one that is not understood by many investigated before those involved continue it date, when a Ph.D. student is researching the people, even those inside the education on after school. The year head has the key components that led to the success, or environment. possible suspects sitting outside my office and failure, of the Junior Cycle initiative, that the another two outside the deputy’s office. findings are that a lack of time and training for We all acknowledge that our primary role is school leaders was a significant contributor While I’m carrying out this investigation, that of priomhoide, lead teacher, but few of us, to its failure. another year head comes to my office with if we’re honest, can say that we spend the major portion - or even a respectable concerns for a student who has had mental minority - of our time in this role. We are A DAY IN THE LIFE health issues in the past and is now displaying anxious to develop other leaders as we symptoms of serious anxiety. My guidance I started by keeping a daily diary for a three recognise that principals and deputy counsellor has gone to her weekly week period during late October, generally principals alone cannot lead organisations as supervision meeting. perceived to be a reasonably quiet time of complex as our schools. However, we, as year This is a typical day: 3.40p.m.The bell rings for end of school and school leaders, are solution-focused and with I have a scheduled Finance Sub- committee 7.30a.m. Arrive at school to be met by this in mind, on a personal level two years ago meeting of my Board to address the financial parent of Johnny (whom she is dropping off Being a scientist by training, I decided to situation the school faces as a result of the on her way to work) and who has heard that research how I could improve my mismatch between projected income from this is a good time to catch me. She wants to contribution to the core function of leading voluntary subscriptions and the reality of discuss how she might get Johnny moved out learning and developing leaders in my own income achieved. of Mrs Smyth’s English class. The next half - school. hour is involved in dealing with the fall-out of After this meeting I prepare for my Board Our days are busy but what is most two teachers who’ve rung in to say that they meeting, including correspondence, principal’s frustrating for us is that we are busy doing won’t be in today report etc. the wrong things. 8.00a.m. A local retailer calls me to tell me 8.30p.m. As I leave the school with the list The fact that our schools open every day and that one of “my students “ has been of jobs from the Board meeting, on top of the that students, staff and parents are cared for, misbehaving in his shop and to ask what I am pile of post that I did not open that day, I is coming at an enormous cost to the school going to do about it. As I put down the phone write in my diary “ What did I do today that leaders in this room. It is taking its toll on the caretaker, who has just arrived, informs could be described as Leading the learning in many of our colleagues who are opting for me that the senior girl’s toilets are out of my school?” early retirement so much so that up to 70% action and that we will need to reallocate of current school leaders have been in the job toilet facilities for them. for less than 5 years. 9.00a.m.The secretary rings to say that the WELCOME TO HSE vaccination team says that they need ICT INVESTMENT The combination of three rooms rather than two as previously We have watched with interest the launch of l the lack of any real middle leadership arranged. the new Digital Strategy for schools. School system Also Mrs Flanagan, who has made an leaders did not need the recent OECD appointment to see me, wishes to discuss report, Students, Computers and Learning, to l inadequate secretarial, caretaking and how the school can support her daughter tell us that we still need gifted teachers to technical support in our schools, who is not dealing very well with the excite the interest of young people in learning l the absence of an effective guidance separation of her parents. and to awaken their imaginations. We know service that technology can amplify great teaching but 10.30a.m. A number of local residents meet great technology cannot replace poor has resulted in a situation where the principal with me to discuss if I could have a presence teaching. and deputy, who want to lead the learning of at the front gate in the mornings – for about both students and staff, and who want to 30 minutes – to deter the small number of This announcement of some monies for develop other leaders, find their days parents who park illegally and hold up traffic. schools, while welcome, will not address many crowded with tasks that, in any other They feel that the presence of the Principal is of the major issues. Currently, in many of our organisation, would be dealt with ‘elsewhere’ needed. schools, broadband speed is unsatisfactory; I visit the staffroom at morning break and a maintenance is ad-hoc, even if you have a Leadership development courses have maintenance contract; there is a mix of old championed the concept of instructional teacher approachs me with a report that the internet is not working in his room and that and new equipment; many teachers have leadership but I believe that we need to upskilled themselves in the use of ICT but the provide school leaders with training and his planned lesson for the afternoon with the LCVP class needs to happen. level of knowledge and confidence is not resources to enable them to become what uniform within any staffroom. their title in Irish describes them The secretary informs me that the DES have as –Priomhoide. School leaders need to have rung, wondering why I have not yet submitted If we are serious about using ICT as a learning 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
CSL complimented on this well-researched The year saw the Department of Education document. This framework provides and Skills collaborate with NAPD and IPPN tremendous guidance to those of us involved in leadership development and learning for in setting up the Centre for School school leaders. Leadership [CSL]. As its first National Director, working with my two Deputy All of these initiatives are welcome but Directors who are here this morning, Máire perhaps, at this point in our country’s history, Ní Bhróithe at Post Primary and Anna Mai as we celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Rooney at Primary, I am looking forward to it Uprising, which had its roots in a vision for an being a real force in developing a more egalitarian society, and 22 years since we last strategic approach to meeting the needs of debated education at a national level, I am both newly-appointed and serving school proposing that we need another National leaders. The establishment of the Centre Consultative Forum on the true meaning of provides us with a unique opportunity for the education at all levels for the Ireland of 2016. tool – and I believe that it is only a tool - then advancement of a coherent continuum of The Green Paper of 1992 was entitled this 5-year framework must provide adequate professional development for school leaders. Education for a Changing World, but I firmly resourcing to allow for planning, purchasing, believe that now we need a reappraisal of, and technological support, maintenance, service a national debate on, an overall strategic and capacity-building for teachers and school CHASING EVERY direction for our education system, so as to leaders. Can you imagine a business with 124 EXTRA MARK…. develop one which will provide every student laptops desktops and tablets, 60 data The changes to the CAO points system with fulfilling educational experiences at every projectors, two computer rooms and two which is being rolled out for our current 5th stage in a lifetime of learning large in-house server without a dedicated year students is a welcome development.The ICT technician? new scale, with its broader grading bands, will PROFESSIONALISM hopefully discourage the practice, amongst Furthermore, if the use of ICT is to truly students and some teachers, of feverishly MATCHED BY ENTHUSIASM become the learning tool it has the potential chasing every extra mark, often through a Over my year as President of NAPD I have to be, then school leaders need CPD so that reliance on rote learning. Now we have begun had the privilege to witness at first hand both we can lead ICT policy and practice in our to travel down this more enlightened pathway the professionalism and dedication of our schools – a practice that truly underpins and I hope that a way can be found to include a teachers and the life-giving enthusiasm of our supports student learning and is not just a fuller picture of a student’s portfolio of young people. replacement of one type of reading material achievement, with areas such as the A few weeks ago I attended an instructional with another. contribution made to the life of their leadership conference and saw, at first hand, communities, and involvement in extra - teachers from all over Ireland work through NAPD welcomes the model of funding and curricular activities, showing in the final training that has been provided for the T4 Friday evening and Saturday, to explore new certification. ways of engaging with students so as to subjects. We have seen the wholehearted engagement by our T4 teachers with this This initiative, combined with the on-going ensure deeper learning. technology. The fact also that the Leaving debate led by Professor Philip Nolan of the I was delighted to be present at the Young Cert DCG curriculum and the portfolio is National University Maynooth, around the Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the ICT-based has further embedded the use of proliferation of “prestige” courses in college RDS this January. It was fantastic to see real this powerful learning tool for these teachers. prospectuses, is another welcome impetus to examples of the type of self-directed learning initiating dialogue around the true meaning of that is at the core of the Junior Cycle reform. I believe that this is the model that needs to education at all levels.The creation of so many It was an experience to walk around the be followed in other subject areas – a course codes creates elitism. Professor Nolan exhibition hall and to chat to so many dedicated programme aimed at upskilling has acknowledged that the third-level enthusiastic students and teachers. What a teachers in the use of ICT as a learning tool institutions themselves are trapped in that difference an enthusiastic teacher makes to in their subject area, combined with a internal competition because of a public the lives of young people in their care. meaningful integration of ICT into some perception that a 500-point course is better aspect of the assessment of that subject than a 400-point course. The award of Educators of Excellence goes would, in my opinion, be a powerful tool in some way towards recognising these gifted changing the way teachers teach and students teachers. However I would question the WE NOW NEED capacity of our current system to recognise learn. A NATIONAL or reward teacher leadership in any CONSULTATIVE FORUM meaningful way.We all have “teacher leaders” The publication of Cosán, the draft framework in our schools whose knowledge of and WELCOME TO THE NEWLY- for teachers’ learning, is another very enthusiasm for their subject is infectious yet APPOINTED COLLEAGUES welcome development. The concept of life- most of the professional opportunities for At this point I would like to welcome long learning encapsulated in the very word career advancement in our current system especially our newly-appointed colleagues Cosán [the Irish word for pathway] affirms the promote them out of the classroom. If we are who are here with us today value of teachers’ learning. It also recognises serious about the importance of leading the fact that professional learning is “part and learning, then surely we need to find some We in NAPD recognise the importance of parcel of a teacher’s working life” and that way of creating promotional prospects for the relationship between principal and deputy teachers have demonstrated enormous teachers which will recognise this key principal, as the senior leadership team in the goodwill and flexibility, particularly in recent leadership classroom role. school, and we are committed to supporting years, when many of the traditional supports you in your role as leaders of the learning in and incentives were no longer available to I leave you with these final words of wisdom your schools.We have no doubt that you will them. This framework will give teachers and find your new role challenging but also very school leader’s autonomy to plan their own “You can do what I cannot do. rewarding. I would encourage you to attend professional learning and to take account of I can do what you cannot do. your local regional meeting and to regularly the changing needs of the students they teach Together we can do great things.” check the NAPD website which now includes and the schools they lead. Everyone involved a very interactive section for each region in developing this framework is to be [Mother Teresa] 00 NAPD Leader NAPD Leader 01
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