No end in sight to Industrial dispute What is reasonable force? - Kindling the Flame-INTO history book launch
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January 2018
Kindling the Flame–INTO history book launch
Page 13
No end in sight to Industrial dispute
Page 2
What is reasonable force?
Page 4
Nuacht CMÉ
No end in sight to industrial dispute
Since it falls to the Northern Secretary employers and DE acknowledge our refuse to negotiate, rather they “engage”
to pen the lead at the front of Printout, I system of education as currently and then attempt to bully us into
have always tried to explain the realities designed is no longer fit for purpose. accepting their interpretation of the
of the situation we find ourselves in. Anything else is merely a sticking plaster outcome of this engagement. ey
Recently this has been dominated by that will inevitably peel away to bring us threaten salary reduction because they
austerity and cut after back to where we are say teachers are not fulfilling their
cut. e quest to reduce now. In the meantime, contracts whilst ignoring their failure to
costs on the part of the INTO will continue to enter into a genuine negotiation with
Department of Education fight for our members to INTO and the other teacher unions.
has now reached the have both decent salaries ey continually insist there is no
inevitable point of open reflective of the money whilst threatening to cut salaries,
conflict between those at contribution they make something that, were it possible for
the chalk face the to society and the them to do would necessitate a long and
practitioners and those increasingly unbearable costly battle in the High Court thereby
hiding behind the spread workload they are forced pushing money better spent on the
sheets. is is where the to carry. children and young people into the
professionals who In doing so, we have pockets of the lawyers. Our education
facilitate the learning are taken action; industrial system deserves better.
so stretched that the action as is our right. e INTO is genuinely interested in
goodwill that allowed the is action was resolving our ongoing disputes and
system to function is now democratically decided would like nothing better than a period
in serious danger of being upon within the of industrial relations calm. We have, it
lost forever. Gerry Murphy, demanding legal seems, reached the end of the current
e disputes underway Northern Secretary framework confines that round of engagement however, this does
between the employers trade unions are forced to not mean we have reached the end itself.
and their Department of Education (DE) satisfy. We do not take such action What we have is an interim report
masters and the teaching workforce are lightly. Our purpose is to bring the outlining a series of high level intentions
not fuelled by any ideology on the employers and the DE to the table so as a across a number of areas that have been
teachers’ part rather it is the neo-liberal meaningful negotiation can be held and agreed by all parties as driving increased
economic doctrine of a government in workload. INTO is willing to continue to
Westminster which is driving these “engage” with the employers and DE to
disputes. e political vacuum in the
Teachers cannot translate these high level intentions into
north, whilst unhelpful, is not the cause
nor are the reasonable demands on the
continue to have their changes to be brought about in schools
and classrooms across the north which
part of the INTO or the other teacher
unions for a fair salary and a reduced
cost of living eroded teachers will experience as positive
improvements to their working
workload. What we are experiencing is a
failure on the part of the Employers and
and their terms and conditions and reductions to their
workload. On the issue of pay the
DE to challenge an economic model
[austerity] that was never designed to be
conditions shaved in employers and DE simply throwing up
their hands and repeating the mantra
applied to an economy as sick as ours. an effort to support “there is no money” whilst pointing to
is is coupled with an administrative the Executive Pay Policy is no longer
model for the education system here not the children’s going to work. Teachers’ salaries are
that is so top heavy that money, worth approximately 15% less than they
desperately needed to support services education but the were in 2010/11 and that is simply
and provide adequate recompense to unacceptable to teachers just as it is not
teachers and support staff, disappears duplication of back acceptable to every other public sector
before it ever reaches a school. worker across the public service
We can no longer afford the plethora office functions. including the very officials who
of management bodies we currently represent the DE in their “engagement”
support. Teachers cannot continue to with us. INTO is willing to engage on
have their cost of living eroded and their a resolution arrived at. To date this has pay but we will not be letting go of our
terms and conditions shaved in an effort not been possible. is despite demand for a fair and equitable pay
to support not the children’s education employers and DE accepting that our settlement that reflects our members
but the duplication of back office workload has grown unreasonably and worth. e future for education across
functions. Resolving the current that the value of our take home salaries the north may look dark but then the
disputes will only be achieved when the has been declining and yet they still darkest hour is always before the dawn.
PRINTOUT 2 JANUARY 2018
INTO news
Cuts continue to impact
on Education
The announcement by The Education that the school will meet the needs of the actual spending has taken place.
Authority Chief Executive of a £350 budget. The reality of the situation is that,
million funding gap will come as no From the school budget all the wages, unless there is a major increase in the
surprise to anyone in the education (teachers, classroom assistants and Education Budget, schools will be put
sector. INTO has, over the past seven auxiliary staff) must be paid including the under severe pressure to reduce their
years, warned the employing authorities employer’s contributions. In most schools, staffing levels, thus increasing class size,
that education was reaching crisis point, more than 90% of the budget is taken up or reducing help for the most vulnerable
with schools having sought to make cuts with funding wages. On top of this, young people in our schools. It will hasten
that would have as little effect as possible schools must pay the reorganisation of the
on the service teachers provide to the electricity bills, water school estate, which has
young people in their care. charges, ground the potential to have a
Watching Mr Boyd on the news on maintenance, pupil detrimental effect on local
Monday reminded me of the players in resources, cleaning communities, and may in
the Public Information adverts of the materials and a host of fact put increased strain
1970’s and 80’s. He should have finished other bills. on the Education Budget
with, “It’s a pity we let it happen in the The Common Funding in terms of providing
first place.” Formula does not take transport for pupils. Or
Of the total £1.82 Billon Education account of any increases this may lead to further
Budget, approximately only 59% goes in expenditure which are financial penalties for
directly into school budgets. The budget beyond a school’s control. parents, who may have to
allocation for each school is decided So for example, there is finance any increase in the
through the Common Funding Formula. no adjustment to reflect transport costs. Schools,
When all the factors have been taken any wage increase for which are at the heart of
into account then a school is allocated a teachers or other staff. communities should be
budget, which is expected to sustain a Any inflation rise is not protected, and be
school for a 12 month period from 1st included. Mark McTaggart , designated as essential
April through to the following 31st March. The Budget that was Assistant Northern Secretary schools rather than using
The school must then prepare two imposed by James the term small schools.
budget plans each year in line with the Brokenshire on 13th November 2017 has It is time that the politicians finally put
available funding. One is a three year increased the overall Education Budget their money where their mouths are, and
plan, the second a one year plan. Schools by 1.5%. With inflation currently running look at the real educational needs of the
are expected to arrive at a plan which at 3.9% and the Public Service Pay Cap community, and to properly fund an
stays within the money given. INTO has announced, as reflecting that agreed for education service which will meet the
always believed that the budget that the 2016/17, the effect that in reality this will diverse needs of young people who are
school receives should meet the needs of mean a school can expect to lose up to the future of this country.
the school, rather than the expectation 4% of the school budget, before any
Northern Committee Information
Area Branches Mobile INTO Email
CEC 1 District 1 0101-0113 Seamus Hanna CEC Rep shanna@into.ie
CEC 2 District 2 0201-0217 Dorothy McGinley CEC Rep 07342041938 dmcginley@into.ie
BFC - Patrick McAllister BFC Rep 07828769034 pmcallister@into.ie
NEP North Eastern Primary Region 0101/0102/0104/0107/0109/0111 Geraldine McGowan INTO N Ctte 07717277565 gmcgowan@into.ie
NES North Eastern Post-Primary Region 0101/0102/0104/0107/0109/0111 Siobhan McElhinney INTO N Ctte smcilhinney@into.ie
SEP South Eastern Primary Region 0110/0113 Brendan Sadlier INTO N Ctte 07793243954 bsadlier@into.ie
SES South Eastern Post-Primary Region 0110/0113 John Kelly INTO N Cttee 07809694954 jkelly@into.ie
BP Belfast Region Primary A 0106 Caroline McCarthy INTO N Cttee 07977935988 cmccarthy@into.ie
BP Belfast Region Primary B 0105 VACANT INTO N Ctte
BS Belfast Region Post-Primary 0105/0106 Caoimhin MacColaim INTO N Ctte 07710234126 cmacolaim@into.ie
SP Southern Region Primary A 0202/0206/0208/0217 Mary Dorman INTO N Ctte 07733020269 mdorman@into.ie
SP Southern Region Primary B 0201/0203/0211/0214 Cathy Crozier INTO N Ctte 07763197253 ccrozier@into.ie
SS Southern Region Post-Primary 0201/0202/0203/0206/0208/0211/0214/0217 Kevin Daly INTO N Ctte 07568528951 kdaly@into.ie
WP Western Region Primary A 0209/0213/0215/0216 Paul Groogan INTO N Ctte pgroogan@into.ie
WP Western Region Primary B 0207/0212 VACANT INTO N Ctte
WS Western Region Post-Primary 0207/0209/0212/0213/0215/0216 Annmarie Conway INTO N Ctte 07701049789 amconway@into.ie
PRINTOUT 3 JANUARY 2018
Nuacht CMÉ
What is Reasonable Force?
Regularly members contact the Belfast time when the teacher has lawful control Physical force could not be justified to
office in relation to the use of reasonable or is in charge of the pupil. Examples of prevent a pupil committing a trivial
force. Generally they have found these are when teachers are outside of misdemeanour where the situation could
themselves having to rely on physical school, on educational trips or sporting have been resolved without force. If a
intervention and so requested basic events. situation does warrant the use of force
written guidance about its use. It is important that schools have a clear then the degree of force must be in
Article 4 of the written ‘Reasonable Force’ proportion to the circumstances. Any
Education (NI) Order policy that is understood force used should always be the
1998, remains, in 2017, the by teachers and forms minimum needed.
legislation that teachers part of the school’s policy Examples of situations that fall into the
rely on to enable a on discipline. In drawing appropriate use of reasonable force
member of staff of a up the policy the include when …
grant-aided school to use governors should consult
• A pupil physically attacks a member of
such force as is with both the principal
staff
reasonable to prevent a and the teaching staff.
• A pupil physically attacks another pupil
pupil from causing injury The use of reasonable
• Pupils are fighting
to another pupil, the force always depends on
• A pupil is running on a stairway in a
teacher or indeed the the circumstances of
way in which the pupil might be likely
pupil themselves. each case. Teachers need
to cause an accident or injure
This right to use such to bear in mind that the
him/herself or others.
reasonable force applies use of reasonable force
when the teacher is on can only be regarded as Remember physical intervention must
the premises of the Tommy McGlone, reasonable if the never be used as a substitute for good
school or elsewhere at a Senior Official circumstances warrant it. behaviour management.
Overpayment Scheme
No dilution of members’ rights
INTO has had recent success in its trade union accompaniment. management side that if a teacher owed
opposition to the management side a sum that fell into the first two
proposal for reclaiming overpayments. For overpayments with a net value of categories then a teacher could possibly
In theory INTO does not object to the less than £1,000, the options are based loss either around £150 to £200 per
recovery of overpayments where a on the following: month depending on how much was
teacher may have been paid too much • Full immediate repayment from the owed for between 6 to 36 months.
by the Department of Education and next available payroll Management had to concede that
has accepted that there needed to be a • ree monthly repayments their proposal to recover owed money
mechanism to recover overpayments • Six monthly repayments. was far too prescriptive and money
from teachers in accordance with the could not be recouped on a one size fits
legislative provisions of Article 46 of For overpayments with a net value in all. To that end they have accepted the
e Employment Rights (NI) Order excess of £1,000, the options are based INTO proposals and have amended the
1996. INTO has negotiated and agreed upon the following: policy in that it now follows INTO
a method of payment because this • Full repayment direction whereby if a teacher believes
1996 order allows employers to make • 10% of net salary until repaid in full that repayment is not possible within
certain deductions from teachers’ • 36 equal instalments the stipulated timeframes because of,
future entitlement to salary. e initial for example, financial difficulty in doing
proposal from management provided e Department will liaise with the so, alternative arrangements can be
only three options (as outlined below) relevant employing authority/ discussed and agreed with the teacher’s
without any consultation with the employer before populating the employing authority and in doing so
member as to what a member could repayment stencil, should the gross may, if they wish, be accompanied by a
afford to pay coupled with no overpayment exceed £7,500 work colleague or a trade union
opportunity for a member to avail of INTO brought it to the attention of representative.
PRINTOUT 4 JANUARY 2018
INTO news
Schedule of Training Courses 2017-18
Date Time Course Delivery Closing Date
5 & 6 Feb 2018 9.30am-3.30pm School Reps Training x 2 Days (SR2) INTO/UTU/NEU 29 Jan 2018
INTO Northern Office
Week of 19 Feb 2018 9.30am- 3.30pm IPad Training – Using IPads in the classroom (1 day) SEERC 12 Feb 2018
INTO Northern Office
21,22 & 27 Feb 2018 9.30am-3.30pm Union Learning Reps Stage 1 (3 days) ICTU 14 Feb 2018
INTO Northern Office
21 Mar 2017 3.00pm-5.00pm Aspiring School Leaders: INTO/NEU 14 Mar 2018
Applying For Your First VP/P Post
INTO Northern Office
15, 16 & 24 May 2018 9.30am-3.30pm Social Media Training Course (3 days) ICTU 8 May 2018
(OCN accredited)
INTO Northern Office
INTO is also in the process of setting up an online training course for members on Teacher Wellbeing and Management of Stress in
the Workplace. Further details will issue when the course has been finalised. Watch this space!
INTO-UTU Pre-Retirement
With Presentation by Platinum Financial Services
RS2 Tues 23 January 2018 4.30 – 6.00pm Tullylagan Hotel, Cookstown
RS3 Wed 31 January 2018 4.30 – 6.00pm City Hotel, Derry
RS4 Thurs 8 February 2018 4.30 – 6.00pm Canal Court Hotel, Newry
RS5 Wed 21 February 2018 4.30 – 6.00pm Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen
RS6 Tues 6 March 2018 4.30 – 6.00pm Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim
RS7 Wed 14 March 2018 4.30 – 6.00pm Lodge Hotel, Coleraine
RS8 Thurs 29 March 2018 1.30 – 4.00pm INTO Northern Office, Belfast
RS9 Thurs 26 April 2018 4.30 – 6.00pm UTU Head Office, Belfast
See website (www.into.ie) for further details about courses and application forms
An Ghaeilge i gColáiste Mhuire, Doire
Dia daoibh a chairde, seo bhlás beag ar na rudaí a bhí
ag tarlú an téarma seo sa scoil. Ag tús an bhliain i mí
Mheán Fómhair, bhí imeacht mhór againn sa halla fá
chóinne oíche chultúir. Bhí ceol traidisiúnta, rince
Gaelach agus taispeántas óna daltaí. Bhí scaifte mhór
i láthair. I rith Mí Mheán Fómhair fréisin shocraigh an
scoil dul sa scéim Gaelbhratach. Tá muid ag iarraidh
an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn sa scoil. Mar chuid de
seo, ghlac muid páirt i nGaeilge 24, is í aidhm an
dúshláin seo ná daoine óga a spreagadh chun
labhairt as Gaeilge amháin ar feadh 24 uair a’ chloig.
Ag an bomaite buaileann an Cumann Gaelach le
chéile achan Mháirt ag am lóin leis an Ghaeilge a chur
chun cinn. Tá muid ag déanamh cartaí don Nollaig ag
an bomaite.
PRINTOUT 5 JANUARY 2018
Nuacht CMÉ
‘Inspectors refuse to be pawns in teachers’ dispute’
This is the headline from the June/July/ they were undermining the indicate whether they were co-operating
August 2017 NIPSA News. The majority, if independence and neutrality of the ETI with inspections.” It took a while for the
not all ETI are members of the trade union and doing so risked undermining years of statement to emerge but ETI did
NIPSA and an article in the NIPSA News work building trust. Worse still was the eventually publish instructions reflecting
outlined how the Chief Inspector was requirement placed on inspectors to keep the agreement brokered by NIPSA to
instructing the inspectors with regard to a record of those teachers who didn’t co- avert industrial action.
the Teacher unions’ action short of strike – operate. NIPSA Branch Officers were told The full article is available to read on
non co-operation with the ETI. by the Chief Inspector in January that the the NIPSA website at https://www.nipsa.
“Since January 2017 NIPSA branch purpose of this instruction was to inform org.uk/News/NIPSA-News page 8 of the
Officers had sought to raise inspector’s employing authorities and result in June/July/August edition.
concerns about the Chief Inspector’s deductions from earnings.” This article clearly highlights that it is
instruction over action short of strike being This was strenuously denied by the not just schools and the teacher unions
taken by teachers. Two elements of the Chief Inspector and efforts to address the who are experiencing difficulties with the
instruction were particularly worrying for issues by NIPSA were frustrated to the Chief Inspector and calls into question
inspectors given the lawful industrial action extent that they had to resort to a ballot whether the inspection regimes the Chief
taken by teachers over pay and workload of NIPSA members (Inspectors) for action Inspector has tried to introduce have the
issues. Firstly, inspectors were instructed to short of strike, ‘specifically the refusal to support of the inspectors carrying out the
ask each teacher whether they were happy door-step teachers and record their role on a day to day basis.
to co-operate with an inspection, even names.’ Almost 80% of school inspectors INTO also wishes to thank the NIPSA
where they had been specifically informed supported the ballot for industrial action members for taking this stand against the
that teachers in a school were not co- and eventually ETI management agreed Chief Inspector and to acknowledge the
operating in line with their union’s wishes. “to issue a joint statement advising staff respect shown by the majority of
“Inspectors had reported to NIPSA that that they were no longer required to inspectors to the teacher unions industrial
by putting individual teachers on the spot attend classrooms and ask teachers to action with regard to inspections.
‘Teachers can only ever have a small impact on their students'
results – yet they are judged as if they are 100% responsible’
In an interesting article in the Times individual teacher's control to take into the needs of the children in their class but
Education Supplement (TES) on 9 account, such as class size, available the ETI have the same inspection process
December 2017, 'Teachers can only ever teaching resources and budgets. The for all schools in NI regardless of the
have a small impact on their students' Coleman study on educational equality individual make-up, circumstances and
results – yet they are judged as if they are concluded that the remaining 86 per cent requirements of the school.
100% responsible' by Tom Rogers, he can be put down to "out of school" ETI inspection reports tell us very little
argues that there is little evidence to factors. about the effectiveness of staff within a
suggest that the performance of a “This explains the findings from particular school. They will never be able
teacher can be linked to a set or sets of Cambridge Assessment last year that to quantify the impact of a fleeting or
exam results, but that there is plenty of summarised that: "It’s normal for schools’ longer-term relationship that inspires a
evidence, conveniently ignored, to results to change – even when teaching student to "be" more in life. These
suggest hereditary and environmental practices stay the same.” Yes – this is relationships are not only built inside the
factors have the dominant impact. because, for the most part, results will vary classroom but within a wider school
Tom Rogers writes that; depending on the children and parents, context, showing how nuanced such
“In a recent and extensive study by rather than the teachers.” things are. This inspiration may have zero
researchers at Kings College in London, impact on academic attainment but will
they concluded that individual …In other words, the better the genes, carry an invisible benefit – something
differences in educational achievement at family life and location of your students, that can’t be “evidenced” and is not
the end of compulsory education are not the better ETI report you get. reported in the published ETI report.
primarily an index of the quality of In ETI inspections, schools are judged It is time to look at a new model of
teachers or schools: much more of the according to their "outcomes", taking very inspections and shift the focus away from
variance of GCSE scores can be attributed little account of the fact teachers have ‘outcomes’ to ‘value added’. INTO
to genetics than to school or family little control over them. INTO and NITC members are to be congratulated on their
environment…. have long argued that the context within stand in relation to the industrial action of
“Seminal research by the American which individual schools operate is not ‘non co-operation with the ETI’ and are
Statistical Association (2014) concluded sufficiently taken into account by urged to continue to stand firm to
that only 1-14 per cent of educational inspectors in their inspection reports. highlight to the Chief Inspector and the
outcomes can be attributed to the Despite research and evidence to the Permanent Secretary that the current
"teacher factor" and within that, there are contrary the Chief Inspector has Teachers inspection regime is not fit for purpose
plenty more factors outside of the are supposed to differentiate work to suit and must be changed.
Nuala O’DONNell, Senior Official
PRINTOUT 6 JANUARY 2018
INTO news
Three Months and Counting
Since my appointment on 1st September Then the phone calls started and and varied and just when you think you
2017 it has been a roller coaster of a ride. though nervous at first, I soon got used to have an area covered, along comes
The initial shock was getting used to no the process and delved in with the same another query which you didn’t expect.
bells signifying break, lunch and home enthusiasm as a NQT on their first day. The There is a saying that a change is as
time. On my first day I had Christine, our staff in Northern Office are super to work good as a rest. I have actually met friends
Office Manager, ringing me at 11:20am to with from Christine, Helen, Trevor, Marian who say I look a new man since leaving
come down for a cup of tea. It is strange and Paul on reception. At least that’s what teaching. To them it may look like that,
not to be ruled by the bell ringing. they told me to say. No honestly, they are but the job has different pressures and
The next shock to the system was my superb and so helpful. Having two Pauls in deadlines which still have to be met, (this
office. Never having had an office before I the office is slightly confusing so we are article for example). There is no doubt I
was looking forward to that but what I going to have to work out some kind of am not experiencing the fatigue now
didn’t realise was where the office was nickname to differentiate between each associated with teaching, caused by the
situated. Now usually “Junior,” members of other and for those that know mine NO I workload in schools, and for that I am
staff would be located in the bottom of am not going to use it! glad. Yes, I now do a lot of travelling but I
the building next to the kitchen, so they I must of course also mention the great don’t mind that as it is just part of the job.
could cart the cups of tea and coffee to help I have had from the officials in the The thing that keeps me focused and
their bosses. Not in College Gardens! I office too. Many thanks to Mark (Assistant gives me a buzz is that each day I am able
went straight to the top! Literally straight Northern Secretary) Nuala and Tommy to help someone by answering a query
to the top. There are 62 steps to the attic (Senior Officials) and of course our leader that may have been worrying them or
room where I am located and each Gerry (Northern Secretary). causing them stress. I feel I am doing a job
morning I climb those steps in bated As to the work itself it is hard to believe that is worthwhile and helps teachers in
anticipation of the day ahead. When I the amount of calls the office receives and their daily lives.
climb onto the 62nd step I am just so I did think to myself how did the other On saying that, roll on the holidays!
thankful I made it to the top today!! A officials manage before another “Junior”
good start to the day!!! colleague arrived. The queries are wide Paul Groogan, Trade union Official
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PRINTOUT 7 JANUARY 2018
Nuacht CMÉ
Project: My Coping
Companion “Inner Peace”
A picture book to help in times of stress
Between September and November
2017, eight pupils between the ages of
14-18 years from Glenveagh Special
School based in Harberton Park, south
Belfast, were fortunate to have had the
opportunity to visit Fighting Words
Belfast based in the Skainos Centre on
the Lower Newtownards Road, each
Monday morning for six weeks.
Here, the pupils and staff from the
school were welcomed by employees
and volunteers from Fighting Words
Belfast, with the aim of collaborating on
a very exciting project, which would
ultimately result in a published picture
book to be launched during the Young at
Art Festival held in Belfast in March
2018.
e purpose of the six Skainos based
workshops, was to explore the causes of Michael McGuinness (18) holding up his illustration for the coping companion picture book at the Skainos
stress in young adults with special needs, Centre Belfast
and discuss how it manifests itself in the
physical body. Each week they explored Or the word close would look like are now ready to be installed into a book
one feeling that could trigger stress in this: layout software, ready for sending off to
their body, culminating in six different the printers before Christmas.
discussions around these emotions. For is will form the basis of a Young
example, worry, fear, tiredness and anger. Enterprise Programme, where the sales
Using a system nicknamed “Body of the book will hopefully contribute to
Check Bob” (Courtesy of Carol Burns) further publications, from pupils in
the students explored how to identify Glenveagh School. In actual fact, this
when they were experiencing stress. could be seen as the beginning of the
For example; when their hands get Communicate in Print symbol & Lego interpretation Glenveagh School Publishing House!
sweaty or their throats get dry, or they’re is book will eventually, be
legs become wobbly, and so on. e pupils would then use Lego like submitted for inclusion in the IBBY
ey were then able to take images blocks to make their own versions of (International Board on Books for Young
from “Communicate in Print” (an these symbols, which would then be People) Special Needs Collection, which
educational app to aid with used as illustrations for the book. is held in Toronto Canada.
communication available to all teachers e aim of this book is to function as New titles that are accepted into this
on the C2K network) related to calming a de-escalation aid, which students can library are announced at the Bologna
exercises using yoga based breathing carry around with them. e idea being Children’s Book Fair in April every two
techniques, and interpret them using that whenever they recognise stress years.
Lego like blocks. through their own bodies, then they can A big thank you to Fighting Words
For example the word eyes would look read the signs in the book, to remind Belfast, and all its wonderful volunteers,
like this: them of how to use simple breathing for assisting in this exciting project
exercises, to begin relaxing (de-escalating). which is still to run right up until March
At the present moment, the pupils are 2018, as part of the Belfast Children’s
ready to embark on the second phase of Festival and then beyond, until the
the project which entails designing and submission for the Ibby Special Needs
printing the hard copy book. All of the Collection in April 2018.
block illustrations have now been
photographed by David and Cheryl article submitted by aNDrew whiTSON (Teacher
Pauley at “Studio” (a Belfast based and illustrator) Participants: Glenveagh Special
Communicate in Print symbol & Lego interpretation professional photographic studio) and School in conjunction with Fighting words Belfast
PRINTOUT 8 JANUARY 2018
INTO news
Maths Mastery
'Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire’,
W B Yeats
Prophetic words acknowledged in a past development, good CPD, is a key part of from primary into secondary which
generation, but do these inspirational the process. Of course written work and involved teachers from both sectors
words mean anything at all in the practise is important but it should be coming together to share insights and
prescriptive and inhibited curriculum that ‘intelligent practice’ that makes number experiences that produced real impact on
we all follow in the 21st century? connections clear and explicit, enhancing learning. As a result of this and further
Well in a new and innovative way in the the understanding of how Numeracy is research both these schools have now
teaching of Mathematics, I believe these best taught through clear stages. embarked on a teaching for mastery
profound words could at last have the programme.
* Concrete Stage (use of hands on
potential to come alive! For these two schools and another few
materials to make numbers real for
For far too long Maths has been feared schools in Northern Ireland, the journey
children)
by many learners, parents and dare I say it has begun. Teachers are working
* Representational Stage (pictorial
teachers too. How many times have we collaboratively across all the key stages,
representation of a number problem,
heard parents lamenting that they were focussed on a common purpose, to
eg bar models)
never any good at maths at school, and as improve and enhance every child's
* Abstract Stage (the ability to
a result these negative beliefs about ability confidence and achievement. The spark
understand and manipulate numbers)
and aptitude have become entrenched in has been ignited surely, inevitably, the fire
children's thinking from an early age. During the last spring and summer term I will be lit!
But what if there was a system that got the opportunity to help develop and
believed every child has the ability to work on a Mastery transition programme CaTheriNe MCBriDe, Belfast Branch
succeed and enjoy Mathematics and not
just the gifted few?
I’ve been a Numeracy Co-ordinator in
the primary sector for quite a number of
years and have seen ideas and strategies
go in and out of favour, but about a year
ago I came across a new approach to
Numeracy, an approach that made such
logical sense that it truly became the
'lighting of a fire' in my mind. Teaching for
mastery is this belief. It is about
developing the power to think
(conceptual understanding), not just
procedural fluency. It is about growth
mind-set versus fixed mind-set, in
practical terms it means a coherent
journey for teacher and pupil that begins
in primary one and transitions across the
key stages right through to GCSE. The
depth and simplicity of the Mastery
approach to learning I believe could have
a truly transformative impact not only on
the teaching of Mathematics but
potentially on other core subjects as well.
The journey is about whole class
groups tackling concepts in small clearly
connected steps. You can only build
knowledge on secure foundations with
depth of understanding by both teachers
But what if there was a system that believed
and pupils. Until now we have taught
Numeracy through a variety of schemes
every child has the ability to succeed and enjoy
and text books but in Mastery, teachers'
understanding and professional
Mathematics and not just the gifted few?
PRINTOUT 9 JANUARY 2018
Nuacht CMÉ
Out and About
Retired Teachers’ Association, Annual General Meeting, Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown Stranmillis recruitment fair
Armagh City Branch Meeting
Northern Chair visits St John the Baptist Primary
Derry City Branch Meeting School, Carrenbeg, Belleek
PRINTOUT 10 JANUARY 2018INTO news
Dorothy McGinley with the Principal Seamus Hanna and pupils of St Columban's College, Kilkeel
Beth Davis Beth Davis who was the winner of the
Vere Foster Medal at the Stranmillis Graduation
Ceremony Dorothy McGinley with the President of St Mary's
Student Union who is accepting the Vere Foster
John Boyle, President, and Dorothy McGinley attend medal on behalf of the recipient Ryan Farrell
the SCoTENS Conference
Oliver Short presenting the John Cull medal, on behalf of the Newry Branch, Oliver Short, Newry Branch, with Elizabeth Lundy and Paula Sands daughters of
to Brendan Fay, the father of the winner Leah Fay (mature student award) the late John Cull.
PRINTOUT 11 JANUARY 2018Nuacht CMÉ
Principals’/Vice-Principals'
Conference 2017
The INTO Principals’ and Vice Principals’ Northern representatives on PDC, Martin • Rationalisation of the School Estate
Conference took place in the Tullylagan Short and Mario Gribben also attended. • SEN
House Hotel, Cookstown, on Friday 1st The current issues in Education were
December 2017. outlined by the Northern Secretary and In the afternoon the District 1 and District
The conference was attended by INTO discussed by the 60 principals in 2 Principal Fora were initiated, the next
President John Boyle, Northern attendance. meetings of these Fora will take place in
Chairperson Dorothy McGinley, the These included, February 2018. They provide an
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of INTO • Industrial Action opportunity for Principals and Vice
PDC, Northern Secretary Gerry Murphy • Education Budget Cuts Principals to voice concern which are
and Senior Officials of INTO. The two • Principal and Vice Principal Welfare carried back to the PDC.
From left to right : Michelle Keane
(District 15), Gerard O'Donoghue
(District 12), Mark McTaggart, John
Boyle, Dorothy McGinley, Mario
Gribbon (District 2), Martin Short
(District 1) and Gerry Murphy
Principals and Vice Principals attending the Conference
PRINTOUT 12 JANUARY 2018INTO news
Kindling the Flame
INTO 150 Year History (1868 – 2018)
Kindling the Flame: 150 Years of the INTO
chronicles and marks the life of the INTO
since its formal beginnings in 1868. It is a
major contribution to the INTO 150
celebrations.
Bans on organising
The publication traces the INTO’s history
as Ireland’s longest-established, largest
and only all-island teachers’ union. From
the start, organisation of teachers was
opposed and even forbidden. Both the
Education Commissioners and the
Catholic hierarchy put bans in place at
various times. Despite this, and with the
assistance of Vere Foster as an external
president in its early days, the INTO
survived and grew in strength
throughout the 19th century.
Into the 20th century, teachers took on
a new and more varied, child-centred
school programme. Between 1912 and John Boyle, President, Niamh Puirséil, Author, Dorothy McGinley, Northern Chairperson, Dr Éamon Phoenix,
1920, the INTO also had its first female political historian, broadcaster and member of the Taoiseach's Expert Advisory Group on Centenaries.
president, registered as a trade union, (Photo by Andrew Vaughan, Ulster Tatler)
elected its first full-time general secretary
and fought a wide range of campaigns Today’s position and northern events Tribute to the study
both on individual cases and on pay and The story of the INTO is brought up to Professor John Coolahan acted as advisor
conditions. date in the context of the financial throughout the researching and writing
crisis of recent years, with a brief outline of Kindling the Flame. In paying tribute to
Marriage ban and strikes of challenges facing the Organisation Niamh Puirséil and her work he said of the
In the early years of Irish independence, today. publication: “The study is very well
the INTO had to fight on several fronts, A unique feature of the book is that it researched and is objectively written in a
against the marriage bar on women contains two chapters tracing INTO’s work succinct form. It covers a huge canvas of
teachers and opposing pay and pensions in Northern Ireland since partition and events, and is located well within the
cuts in the new state. The struggles later the particular challenges faced by the political, economic, social and cultural
culminated in significant INTO events Organisation for its very survival and then context of its era. Its launch should be a
such as the lengthy 1946 strike, the progress there. major celebratory event for the INTO”.
campaign for pay parity with post-
primary teachers, and opposition to the
take-over of school principalships by
members of religious orders (the issue in
the famous Ballina dispute).
Niamh Puirséil’s book goes on to
analyse events in more recent history
including the John McGahern sacking
(1960s), the introduction of degree status
for teachers (1970s) and the raft of
education reviews (1980s). Significant
INTO leaders are covered as are disputes
including the 1985 pay campaign under
the banner of ‘Teachers United’.
Dorothy McGinley introducing speakers at the book launch in the Linen Hall Library, Belfast.
PRINTOUT 13 JANUARY 2018BIG SAVINGS
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to big brand names, there is something for
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place to go shopping isn’t yet in Membership Plus? Suggest a Venue to the Membership
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Explore our new website by going to
www.membershipplus.co.uk today!INTO news
Newry Branch INTO’s recent October meeting
Newry Branch INTO honoured recently retired members at their
October Branch Meeting held in The Canal Court Hotel, Newry on
Tuesday 10th October. The retiring members were presented
with INTO pins/brooches as well as signed certificates from
Sheila Nunan (Ard Runai) in recognition for their years of
committed service to their pupils and their loyal membership
and support of the INTO.
Honouring retired members (left). Above: Lucky winners in the free members’
Back Row (L-R): Noreen Kelly draw for attendance at Newry Branch
(Runai), Pat McParland, Oliver INTO's October meeting. (L-R): Noreen
Short, David Nolan (Cathaoirleach). Kelly (Runai), Pat McParland (Voucher
Front Row (L-R): Irene Malone and Winner), Michelle Morgan (Voucher
Margaret Rogers Winner) and David Nolan (Cathaoirleach)
Branch Officer Training, Canal Court Hotel Newry
As part of INTO’s continuing upskilling (General Treasurer), Grainne Cleary
training sessions, Branch Officers from (INTO Accountant) and Claire Daly
Districts One and Two attended a (Finance), focused on Finance. Gerry
weekend Training Workshop in Newry Murphy (Northern Secretary) and Mark
in November. Whilst the agenda was Mc Taggart (Assistant Northern
indeed a busy one, overall the training Secretary) discussed ongoing Industrial
event was extremely useful and Action. Nuala O’Donnell (Senior
informative for all the participants. Official) informed delegates on Training
Over the weekend members were Courses for INTO members and Paul
informed and trained on a wide range of Groogan (Official) informed officers of
issues. Fidelma Heston and Merrilyn the Social Media Platforms that INTO
Campbell from the IT Department in have now in place and encouraged all
Head Office trained and guided Branch members to engage in these. All in all it
Officers on aspects of Branch business was a very productive and worthwhile
and data protection, while Noel Ward weekend.
PRINTOUT 15 JANUARY 2018Nuacht CMÉ
The BEE begins…
2017 OUR
was the first year group as audience. Adhering to the rules, girl went forward,
our school entered we reiterated the procedure and each we took our seats
a student to the student stood up, spelled their word. in the audience
Eason’s Spelling Bee. afford… condescending… proletariat… while her mother hid her head in her
I presented the idea to the children in sovereign… They then sat back down – hands. The competitors were expertly
fifth and sixth classes and there was quite up front if they spelled successfully, in the handled, gently led into a practice round
a bit of enthusiasm. I reckoned more than audience, if not. One by one, all the sixth and put at their ease. Exercise … knock …
half of the eligible 60 children knew what class students were knocked out. Within chair … client… Straight away, some
a Spelling Bee was, and at least as many four rounds, we were down to two fifth children did the full “Can you repeat that
were interested in competing. class pupils. It was anyone’s game, as both for me / put it into a sentence for me,
I photocopied lists of words, some of them were well-prepared and please?” as they had been coached to do.
sanctioned by the organisers, some not. I determined to win. A mistake that the The atmosphere was electric as the Bee
had many takers, eager, good, clever child would probably never make in other proper began. You could hear a pin drop
children, brave too, willing to give this circumstances was made and so our between the adjudicator asking the
Bee a go. We practised dummy-runs in school representative was selected! All spelling and the speller making their
the classrooms and some pupils realised involved congratulated her, some attempt.
just how nerve-wracking it could be. through tears, but graciously, and she was There were 18 contestants, some
Firstly, remembering how to spell words overjoyed. obviously nervous, some confident. I
they had fastidiously learned and
secondly, calling out the letters, in the
correct order, in front of a group of
people!
I had many takers,
There were super-enthusiastic pupils
and timid children who had done their
eager, good, clever
homework, showing quiet confidence
when I called their name. Each dummy-
children, brave too,
run produced a different winner. The
randomness of the words along with the
willing to give this
stage-fright was now understood. They
were counselled that to win required
Bee a go
gritty determination, hard work and some
sheer luck.
Our girl set about learning to spell maintained eye-contact with our girl as
words from the bright yellow Spelling Bee much as I could, trying to convey calm
THE
day for the school dictionary each night with her family. Her and slow-breathing when it was almost
Bee came. The class teacher and I grilled her at every her turn.
teachers, an SNA and opportunity, aided by her classmates. People sat on the edge of their seats,
I sat facing the competitors, with their Within a short couple of weeks, it was parents looked on through their fingers
peer time to face the other schools in the or behind someone’s shoulders. Some
county final. We didn’t have far to go, prayed, all of us held our breath while
arriving with Mom and another each courageous speller said their bit.
supporter, to a school bedecked in Words began to be misspelled as the
Interested dazzling Spelling Bee yellow bunting. rounds went on. Difficult words for adults,
in entering the
Buzzy yellow bees, balloons, posters, not to mind 11- and 12-year-olds. Pertinent
drawings and projects were on display /pertinant … brusque/brusk …
2018 Spelling Bee. as we made our way to the school hall. azalea/azalia …. The children battled
Well done to this school’s pupils bravely and sadly bowed out when it was
and their teachers, it was an clear they were mistaken. “Geranium”?
Visit http://www. / impressive welcome to all the This was a tough contest!
easonedition.com competitors. The school stage was set There was the boy who knew he
category/ up with a number of children’s chairs,
fantastic Spelling Bee backdrop, and
spelled his word wrong two letters in, the
child who forgot to insert the ‘u’ in quaint,
spelling-bee/ adjudicators’ desk. A microphone the competitor who took an age to
loomed front centre stage. enunciate each letter, in a very uncertain
PRINTOUT 16 JANUARY 2018INTO news
way. When she got to the end of the word with, which she valiantly attempted, but the first time in an hour! Our girl was
and it was correct, some of us nearly unfortunately got wrong. absolutely thrilled, and a little stunned by
leaped up with relief for her! It was now up to our girl to tap into her the whole experience. Gutted, the other
Applause was offered at the end of great, practised knowledge of spelling competitor took her defeat well, and I
each round as the unlucky spellers took and spin out her word correctly. found it very heartening to see many of
their seats in the audience. Anthracite… the other spellers come up to offer
Round one: one speller gone. Round congratulations to our winner.
two: three more out. Round three: four Our girl collected her prize, photos
FOR
spellers out. So we were left with a person who has were taken and we were told to expect
something like seven boys, all looking never come across notice of the next round in May.
extremely competent and three sound- this word before, it Delighted, we returned to school and our
looking girls. could be spelled a number of ways. The girl was feted. She immediately started
Round four was a killer round, adjudicator repeated it, slowly learning to spell the contents of the
surprisingly felling all of the boys, leaving pronouncing each syllable. Collins English Dictionary.
just two girls. Our girl was one of them. Our girl went for it, choosing ‘c’ over ‘s’ Unfortunately, our girl was pipped at
We were incredulous! for the fourth last letter. She later the post in a very exciting provincial final
There was no way to know which way admitted she really wasn’t sure which but she will be trying out for this year’s
this thing could go. Knockout Round One letter to use, but made a lucky guess. This competition.
had both contestants spelling correctly. was our winner!
Knockout Round Two offered the other We jumped up, unable to contain our Monita (Nita) Fitzgerald teaches in St John of God
girl a word she obviously wasn’t familiar glee! Her mother breathed properly for NS, waterford. Nita is also a published author.
PRINTOUT 17 JANUARY 2018Nuacht CMÉ
INTO Northern Conference
2–3 March 2018 ate Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen
Northern Conference sets the agenda for AGM in January. Check with your staff (ii) Work with the Department of
INTO in the north, and each year sets representative for the date of your AGM Education to provide clear information
the work programme for the NC and (dates are also published on the INTO to all staff about their rights in the
officials of the union for the coming year. website). event of an assault.
An elected committee called the Conference demands that Northern
Standing Orders Conference (SOC), Who can submit motions to Northern Committee work with the NITC to ensure
prepares the Conference agenda Conference? that no teacher suffers any detriment
from motions submitted by Any member is entitled to resulting from injury at work.
INTO branches and districts, in submit a motion to their Northern Committee
the form of order papers listing branch for discussion at the
the business of Conference and AGM. Motions passed by How priority is determined for items
motions for discussion. branches are sent forward for on the final agenda
e Chairperson of Northern placement on the agenda for e SOC has regard to the following
Committee presides over Northern Conference. when determining priority for the final
Conference. agenda:
What do motions for l e consensus among the general
Who attends INTO Northern Dorothy McGinley, NC
Conference look like? membership in relation to the priority
Conference? Chairperson, will l A motion is a proposition issues in any particular year.
l Delegates elected by INTO deliver her address on submitted for discussion l e consensus among the SOC in
branches in Districts 1 and 2 the first day of and vote. relation to the priority issues, and the
l Members of the Central Northern Conference l It must ask Conference to motions which will result in the
Executive Committee 2018 declare an opinion or call for greatest degree of favourable and
l Members and incoming a course of action – or both. advantageous publicity for the
members of Northern Committee l Motions should be designed to Organisation.
promote the aims and objects of the l e degree of urgency attending to a
What is on the Agenda? Organisation as set out in Rule 3. particular motion.
Annual Conference debates motions l All motions must be clear and l e extent to which a particular
submitted by branches and districts. It unambiguous in meaning and motion will further the objectives of
also considers the Northern Committee’s intention and must be the Organisation.
Report. is report is published online worded accordingly.
in the Members’ Area of the INTO l All motions must by capable Conference Timetable
website. of implementation. Day 1
Some motions to Conference are l Each motion should be brief Conference begins at 10.00 am
discussed in a public session which is and concise and should not – 6.00 pm at the latest.
open to delegates and invited guests. contain argument. e business of the first day
ese are also webcasted live on the l Each motion should deal includes
INTO website. Other motions are with one topic only. l Chairperson’s Address
discussed in private by accredited l Decisions taken at Northern l INTO President’s Speech
delegates only. Conference shall be binding Gerry Murphy, l Minister of Education
e number of delegates a branch may on all members of the INTO Northern Secretary Representative
send to Conference is laid down by Rule in Districts 1 and 2 l Northern Secretary
10 of the INTO Rules and Constitution. Responds
Branches may send two delegates for the Sample motion
first 129 members in the branch with an Motion 10 Day 2
additional delegate for each additional Conference condemns the continued Begins at 9.00 am – 1.30 pm at the latest.
65 members or part thereof. failure of the employers to protect l Motions are then debated and the
e business of the INTO is governed members from increasing numbers of Northern Committee’s report is
by the Organisation’s Rules and verbal and physical assaults. delivered for the rest of the afternoon.
Constitution. is is available in the Conference calls on Northern l At the end of the Conference the
Members’ Area of the INTO website. Committee to: incoming Chairperson is introduced
(i) Engage with the Department of to the members.
Would you like to be a delegate to Education to undertake research into
Northern Conference? the number, severity and impact or Keep up to date with Conference information via
Find out how by attending your branch assaults on staff in schools; the iNTO website and social media.
PRINTOUT 18 JANUARY 2018INTO news
William Kennedy Piping
Festival
Armagh Pipers Club has announced details of Smyth, Eoin Ó Riabhaigh, Brian McNamara,
the 24th William Kennedy Piping Festival. The Caoimhín Ó Fearghail and Eamonn Curran.
festival takes place in multiple venues across The William Kennedy Piping Festival
Armagh City over the weekend of 16-19 celebrates the life and work of William Kennedy,
November and features musicians from all over the 18th century piper, pipe maker and inventor
the globe as well as the best of home grown who was born in 1768 near Banbridge and died
talent. in 1834 in Tandragee, County Armagh. This
Festival highlights include a first Armagh visit Festival, founded in 1994, was originally
for supergroup Danú, a new collaboration conceived to bring together pipers from
between local heroes Ulaid and West Kerry's different countries and traditions, and was the
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, and a 22-strong pipe first of its kind anywhere in Northern Europe. To
band from Asturias in the north of Spain. date the event has brought to Armagh pipers
Other initiatives this year include a from Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary,
celebration of French bagpiping featuring Belarus, Portugal, Canada, USA, Australia,
musicians from five different regions each Algeria, Iran, Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece,
showcasing their distinct music, culture and Sweden, Belgium, England, Scotland, and Wales
maybe culinary delights; a unique multi-media as well as the cream of Irish pipers.
performance entitled "Musical Footsteps" The festival is organised by Armagh Pipers
tracing the musical heritage of past and Club which was founded in 1966 and has been
present members of Armagh Pipers Club; and a to the forefront of traditional music not just on
special concert for little people called "The
Quiet Tree and the Creatures of Whistleberry
Forest" performed by Monaghan native
a local scale but worldwide through its
publications and teaching programme over
five decades
A note
Thomas Johnston.
The William Kennedy Piping Academy will
The festival is grant aided by the Arts Council
of Northern Ireland, Armagh City Banbridge from the
run in tandem with the festival. This is an and Craigavon Borough Council, Foras na
intensive uilleann piping immersion course
focusing primarily on performance but also
Gaeilge, and the Colmcille programme which
promotes cultural links between Ireland and
Chairperson
addressing the maintenance, construction and Scotland.
history of the instrument, and boasting the This year i have the privilege of
cream of uilleann pipers as course tutors. This For more information visit www.wkpf.org or email being Chairperson of Northern
year’s line-up includes Robbie Hannan, Mikie info@wkpf.org. (article submitted October 2017.) Committee and i relish this
honour as iNTO will celebrate its
15oth anniversary in 2018.
i take on the role as Northern
Chairperson for 2017–2018 at a
time of extraordinary change
across the educational landscape,
in a backdrop of continuing
education budget reductions, Pay
freezes and in an ever increasing
landscape of measurability and
accountability. Our officials and
negotiators have indeed
challenging times ahead!
Nonetheless, it will be a privilege
to serve all members in District 1
and 2 and i look forward to
visiting branches across the north
to hear their views and vision for
the year ahead.
DOrOThy MCGiNley
PRINTOUT 19 JANUARY 2018You can also read
