Scéal Eile winners Career break advice Budget lobby begins - The Irish National Teachers' Organisation
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IssueNo188
June2019
ISSN1393-4813(Print)
ISSN2009-6887(Online)
Scéal Eile winners
Career break advice
Budget lobby begins
Keeping InTouch
• Interactive dialogue with members, and key news items •
General Secretary Designate’s Comment
Budget 2020 must deliver
Following our annual Congress, the INTO leadership require an investment of €5.2 million in Budget 2020.
team moved quickly into action, seeking to deliver on the We need to fund our schools. Members didn’t become
motions passed at Congress. Budget 2020 is firmly in our teachers so they could be the best fundraisers in their
sights and we have clear goals for government investment to schools. Capitation grants were cut by €30 per pupil in the
support primary education. Working hand in hand with our recession. Full restoration is urgently needed to fund basic
members, we need to deliver a robust campaign across the costs and an investment of €4.2 million in the forthcoming
country if we are to secure the funding needed to lower budget would restore funding levels to pre-recession levels.
class sizes, support our school leaders and adequately fund As members will be aware, alongside our budget
our schools. campaign we are engaged in a process with the Department
We need to reduce class sizes. Irish primary school of Public Expenditure and Reform to secure an end to our
classes are the largest in the Eurozone, five above the EU long-running pay inequality campaign and to settle the debt
average of 20. We need to ensure that class size reductions owed to primary school principals and deputy principals.
start in 2020. We have costed our proposal and believe a We are optimistic that these injustices will end once and for
modest investment of €4.5 million in 2020 would set us on all in the next public service pay deal.
the right course. Across the country, INTO is training lobbyists to engage
We need to support our school leaders. Increases in with local and national politicians and ensure our voice is
workload burdens are making the roles of school leaders heard. We will be ramping up our campaign in the coming
impossible to carry out. We need to secure a minimum of months and I’m asking every single member to play their
one leadership and management day per week for teaching part and ensure we invest for the best in primary education.
principals and we need to restore promoted posts.
Delivering one day per week and implementing the second
phase of the restoration of posts of responsibility would
GeneralSecretaryDesignate: John Boyle Correspondenceto: The Editor, InTouch, InTouch is published by the Irish National those of the individual authors and are not Organisation has formally negotiated
Editor: David Geary INTO Head Office, Vere Foster House, Teachers’ Organisation and distributed to necessarily endorsed by the INTO. agreements as part of its services to members,
DeputyEditor: Síne Friel 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 members and educational institutions. While every care has been taken to ensure that inclusion of an advertisement does not imply
EditorialAssistants:Karen Francis, Yvonne Tel: 01 804 7700 / LoCall: 1850 708 708 InTouch is the most widely circulated the information contained in this publication is any form of recommendation. While every effort
Kenny, Aida González Email:editor@into.ie education magazine in Ireland. Articles up to date and correct, no responsibility will be is made to ensure the reliability of advertisers,
Advertising:Mary Bird Smyth, Aida González Website: www.into.ie/m.into.ie published in InTouch are also available on our taken by the Irish National Teachers’ the INTO cannot accept liability for the quality
Design:David Cooke If you no longer wish to receive InTouch website www.into.ie Organisation for any error which might occur. of goods and services offered.
Photography:Moya Nolan, Shutterstock please contact editor@into.ie. The views expressed in this journal are Except where the Irish National Teachers’
INTOUCH 3 JUNe 2019
CONTENTS
24 Retirements
Retirement functions around the
branches
26 Benefits
Discover the benefits available to INTO
members with their Membership Plus
card
newsdesK
27 PDST Tánaiste course
#Friends single launch
Show Racism the Red Card
SEAI One Good Idea winners 28
28 Volunteering in Sri Lanka
Primary school entrepreneurs
29 Water school of the year
Goal Jersey Day
31 Moves for Life chess jamboree
Keeping inTouch
3 Editorial
17 Dennis Sinyolo,
Education International,
20 Five All-Irelands in a row for Scoil
Mhuire Gan Smál
32 Letterkenny school’s Erasmus+
experience
address to Congress Cork Cór Fhéile na Scol
7 INTO Apps 18 New appointments in INTO
10 things you should know Head Office
Advice
New assistant general secretary, senior
official, officials and interns appointed in 33 Money Matters
inTo news INTO Head Office. The Competition and Consumer Protection
9 New membership database and 20 Congress photos Commission give top tips to know before
members’ portal So many great photos, so little space! We’ve you travel
Principals’ and Deputy Principals’ decided to share some more Congress 34 Social media
Conference pictures this month. Dos and don’ts for activists and teachers
INTO team runs Belfast City 23 INTO Learning 37 Career breaks
MarathoninTo news Great courses available Things you should know if you’re taking a
as part of the INTO Learning
10 Applications open for INTO
Bursary Scheme
Key asks for INTO lobbying
summer programme
13 career break in 2019/20
Happy Pride month
13 Standardised testing report
launched
May Day event at Áras an
Uachtaráin
14 Portlaoise branch donates
books to local hospital
Motivational speaker for District 7
principals’ fora
Vere Foster lecture in Belfast
15 Winners of INTO/An Post Scéal
Eile writing competition
INTOUCH 4 JUNe 2019
27 June 2019
63 Children’s Books
Ireland book of the month
Scoilnet’s top websites
29
life
39 Travel
52
Trish McCluskey’s guide to Chengdu, China
41 Recipes
Tasty summer treats
finishing Touches
61 Noticeboard
Upcoming events
62 Comhar Linn
l March prize winners
l Comhar Linn Crossword
47
TeAching MATTers
43 20 Day Challenge
Improving attendance in Dublin schools
44 Cumann na mBunscol
45 Poetry in the classroom
Ideas for using poetry in the younger
classes
46 Wild bees are the bee’s knees
Developing biodiverse ecosystems in your
school yard
47 PDST
Fís film awards and science resource pack
48 Consider the Ciotóg
46
55 Jeremiah O’Donovan
How well do we support our Rossa and Glasnevin Cemetery
left-handed learners?
52 Wild teaching 56 SELFIE
A self-assessment tool for technology in
Making elderflower cordial with your class
schools
53 The Brendan voyage
58 Irish resources
54 Coding in the classroom Mo Lámhleabhar Gramadaí
NCCA reflect on first phases of coding 59 Reviews
initiative
Win a
great
41 hotel break
page 36
INTOUCH 5 JUNe 2019
Keepingintouch
INTO Apps
InTouch Leave INTOConference
InTouch App INTO Conference App
InTouch magazine has been available An app has been developed for use by
for a number of years in digital format delegates at INTO conferences including
on the INTO website. You can now also Congress. This app will allow you to: view
read the digital edition on your mobile the conference agenda; navigate your
device through the InTouch app. way to the venue using the location and
Download the InTouch app from maps section; and receive reminders of
Google Play or the App Store. Search key events and news alerts during the
for ‘INTO InTouch’. event.
Enter the username and password Download from the App Store and
within the app to unlock current and Google Play. Search for ‘INTO Conference’.
back issues of the magazine. Find the Ensure software on your
username and password in the device is up to date
Members’ Area of the INTO website. before downloading.
INTO Leave App
This app for INTO members allows you to
check your entitlement to leave in
seconds. It contains
information on brief
absences, extended
leave and sick leave.
Download from the
App Store and Google
Play. Search for ‘INTO
guide to teachers
leave’. Ensure
software on your
iPhone or Android
device is up-to-date
before
downloading.
things you should know
Key asks for Budget Standardised test Money Matters.
1 2020. Page 10 4 research findings.
Page 13
7 Page 37
New INTO database Left-handed learners.
2 and members’ portal.
Page 9 5 New appointments in
INTO Head Office.
8 Page 48
Tackling low
3 Bursary scheme open
for applications.
Page 18
Career break advice.
9 attendance. Page 43
Page 10 6 Page 33 10 Social media dos and
don’ts. Page 34
INTOUCH 7 JUNe 2019
INTO News
• e Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … who’s who, what’s new, and what’s happening •
inTo to launch Upcoming principals’
new database and deputy
Make sure your email address is up to date so you principals’ conference
can register for new members’ portal Keynote speaker announced.
Call for school leaders to share
INTO is in the final stages of intensive training work for the new
implementing our new membership
their top tips
system there may be delays in
database and members’ portal. The responding to member queries. We The INTO Principals’ and Deputy Principals’
members’ portal is a secure area that will try to keep these delays to a Committee (PDC) are delighted to announce
members will log into via the INTO minimum and will use all available that the noted speaker and writer, Viv Grant, will
website to view and update their resources to do this. be the keynote speaker at the INTO Principals’
personal details and to view INTO and Deputy Principals’ Consultative Conference.
web content that is exclusive to INTO Registering for the new The conference will take place in the Tullamore
members. This project, when members’ portal Court Hotel on 27 and 28 September. The theme
complete, will help to improve the In order to access the new members’ of the conference is ‘Managing workload’, and Viv
service that we offer to our portal members will need to register will speak on the theme of “Wellbeing and
members. on the new site. We will be in touch, keeping connected to what matters
The new members’ portal will be via email, in August with a link to most in school leadership”. You can find Viv at
launched in conjunction with the enable members to do this. To assist integritycoaching.co.uk and on social media.
new INTO website at the beginning with this process and to ensure that The PDC are also seeking the input and
of the school year in September 2019. you will receive the link, we would expertise of practising school leaders for the
Due to the nature of the work be grateful if you would ensure that conference. We would like to invite any school
required for this project, the existing INTO has your correct email address leaders who have undertaken research to
members’ area of the INTO website by either: participate in a Researchmeet, which will take
will not be available for July and 1. Accessing the existing members’ place on Saturday 28th. There will also be a
August. Members currently access area before the end of June 2019 Principalmeet for any school leader who would
this area of the website at to check and update your email like to share an experience, project or experience.
www.into.ie/ROI/MembersArea/. The address; or Researchmeet and Principalmeet are based on
full INTO website which contains all 2. Emailing the membership section the Teachmeet format. If you would like to
the latest news, useful information at support@into.ie with your participate, please contact Síne Friel at
and links will still be available to you preferred email address. sfriel@into.ie.
throughout the summer. Finally, we would also like to hear from school
The September InTouch will contain leaders about the tips and hacks that have made a
Potential delays detailed information on how to real difference to their workload. We would like to
As a consequence of staff being access the new members’ portal and give six principals/deputy principals an
engaged, during the month of June what new services you can expect to opportunity to share their top tip with the
2019, in detailed design and find there. conference. If you would like to participate,
contact your local PDC representative or Deirdre
O’Connor at doconnor@into.ie.
Bringing home During the conference, there will be
opportunities for delegates to attend workshops
the medals relevant to their work. There will also be
discussion groups to consult with delegates on
WelldonetotherelayteamfromINTO the issue of workload and how INTO can best
HeadOfficethatrecentlytookpartin assist members in this area.
theBelfastCityMarathon.Theteam Delegates for the conference have been
wasmadeupofSíneFriel,Jane selected by local principals’ and deputy principals’
Dowdall,NoelWard,DeirdreO’Connor fora, and will receive further details in the run up
andMandyDrury. to the conference.
INTOUCH 9 JUNe 2019
Idteagmháil
INTOeducational Lobbying is now underway ahead
researchgrants– of Budget 2020
The INTO has started lobbying on education issues ahead of Budget 2020 (which
applicationsopen will be announced in October). As in previous years, the INTO will lobby at local
(constituency) and national levels. Throughout May, lobbying training was held
around the country. The INTO’s main asks for Budget 2020 are as follows:
Deadline for applications
is Friday 27 September
2019
The INTO Bursary Scheme for
members will be continued for 2019.
Up to six bursaries will be awarded
with prizes of €3,000 for doctorate
level and €1,500 for masters level/
other. Bursaries are open to all INTO
members. Any project which has been
approved as a research endeavour by Ireland’s classes, with an average Workload burdens are making Capitation grants were cut by €30
a recognised third level institute will of 25 pupils, are 5 above the school leadership increasingly in the recession and capitation
be considered for grant purposes. European Union average of 20 impossible. Over 4,500 assistant funding at primary level remains
Applications must be sent on the pupils per class. INTO is calling on principal posts were lost in the much lower than capitation
relevant application form, which is the government to ensure that moratorium. While 1,300 of these funding at post-primary level.
available on the INTO website at classes sizes are cut in Budget were restored in Budget 2017, Per-pupil spending at primary
www.bit.ly/INTOBursary 2020. none were restored in Budget level in Ireland is substantially
All applications received by the In particular, DEIS schools 2018 or Budget 2019. below OECD and EU averages.
closing date will be examined by an have not had any reduction in The INTO is demanding one INTO is calling for the restoration
independent assessor who will make class size in recent years and the leadership and management day of capitation to the pre-2011 level
recommendations on the appointment and retention per week for teaching principals of €200 per pupil.
applications. Bursaries will be figures for smaller schools have and the restoration of promoted
awarded at a ceremony at this year’s risen since 2010. posts.
INTO Consultative Conference on
Education which takes place on
Friday, 15 November 2019, in the
Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.
A full list of terms and
conditions is available at
www.bit.ly/Bursaryterms
Is it a parade or a march?
happy pride It’s that time of the year again when pride
is in the air and INTO takes a moment to It’s both. It’s a celebration of diversity and
month! show our support for LGBT+ teachers in
primary schools across the country. INTO
inclusion, a celebration of LGBTQ+ people
and families and their friends and families
will be donning our pride logo to coincide and allies. It’s an opportunity to showcase
with Dublin Pride and the INTO LGBT+ all the wonderful community and
Teachers’ Group annual awards for the advocacy groups and their supporters
ground-breaking national competition – that work every day to make life better for
Different Families, Same Love. the LGBT+ community, to celebrate their
victories and highlight the work they are
Attending Dublin Pride? still doing. It’s also a protest march, a
This year’s Dublin Pride parade will take march to protest the inequalities that still
place on Saturday, 29 June. The parade exist in Irish society and the even greater
will commence from the Garden of oppression and persecution that LGBTQ+
Remembrance on Parnell Square from people experience across the globe.
midday. If you would like to join the INTO At its very heart though, it is something
group, follow them on socialmedia more than all of that, it is a march of
(@INTOlgbt) or email solidarity. It is a day to celebrate, a day to
intolgbtgroupsecretary@gmail.com. mourn those we have lost and a day to
Participants will be meeting at the show a new generation of LGBT+ people
Teachers’ Club on Parnell Square at 12 that they are valued and cherished and
noon. most of all, they are not alone.
INTOUCH 10 JUNe 2019
INTOnews
inTo co-authors report on
standardised testing with dcu
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation
and the Centre for Assessment Research,
Policy and Practice in Education (CARPE)
at DCU have carried out an in-depth
study on the use of standardised tests in
mathematics and English reading in Irish
primary schools.
The research is the first large-scale
investigation of Irish primary teachers’ use
of, beliefs about and attitudes to the tests,
with the views of 1564 respondents
recorded.
The research suggests that, while
standardised tests bring value over and
above other assessments and ultimately
provide information which is essential in
broadening the focus of decision making MembersofthesteeringcommitteeandauthorsofthereportpicturedwithAnneLooney,executivedeanof
about teaching and learning within theInstituteofEducation,DCU,andJohnBoyle,INTOgeneralsecretarydesignate,wholaunchedthereport
classrooms and across schools,
unintended negative consequences can recommendations, some of which it in light of other assessments and
also result from their use. include: acknowledges the imprecise nature of
Many respondents expressed very • changing the timing of the test from all standardised test scores;
strong views on the form and content of summer to autumn to alleviate the • ensuring rigorous validity studies of all
current tests as well as on how and when pressure felt by teachers and pupils; standardised tests in use in Irish
they were administered. Many agreed • discontinuing the reporting of primary schools to ensure that the tests
that standardised test results should be standardised tests as individual remain relevant and their impact on
reported to parents, but others expressed numbers on report cards. Instead, test teaching and learning understood.
uncertainty about whether or not parents scores should be communicated in
understood the meaning of test scores. writing as part of a narrative text that You can read the full findings of the
The research makes a number of policy describes pupil performance, interprets research at www.into.ie/ROI/Publications/.
Interns mark May Day at Áras
To mark May Day, which is also Labour home and across our wider global society, now urgently required, “we need the
Day, a day to celebrate workers’ rights, acknowledging recent actions of Irish engagement of young citizens unafraid to
President Higgins and his wife Sabina schoolchildren who raised their voices in question the status quo, to reject the easy
hosted an event in Áras an Uachtaráin to union with teenagers across the world to option of going with the flow”, to ask the
celebrate youth activism. protest inaction on climate change. difficult questions that will change the
The president expressed his hope that President Higgins explained that if we tenor of a discussion while also valuing the
the event would help stimulate the are to achieve the transformations that are capacity to listen to alternative opinions.
national conversation we need on how
we can achieve an enhanced
participation and transformation within
Irish society, igniting debate amongst
young people on the future shape of our
workplaces and of the wider culture in
which they will operate.
President Higgins said, “young people
and their active participation will be
integral to the writing of this next chapter
of our nation’s story.” He spoke
passionately about reassuring evidence
that there is, on this island, a real will
amongst young citizens to achieve
equality and to become consciously
involved in directing change both at
INTOUCH 13 JUNe 2019
NuachtCMÉ
portlaoise branch gives the gift of books
Portlaoise branch donates books to local hospital
To mark the 150th anniversary of the INTO, the Portlaoise
branch decided to make a donation to the paediatric ward of
the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. is donation was
in the form of books for the library in the ward. Over
€500-worth of books were sourced from local bookstore,
Allbooks & News, and their generosity ensured the actual value
of the donation was almost twice this. Having seen many of
their own children require the expertise of the paediatric ward
over the years, not to mention the many schoolchildren under
their care over that time, branch members were only too happy
to make this donation as part of the anniversary celebrations of
the organisation. Branch Chairperson Deirdre Fleming and
Secretary Darach Kennedy made the donation on behalf of
members and the staff of the paediatric ward were very
appreciative of this wonderful gesture.
Motivating principals in district 7
Motivational speaker, Enda O’Doherty, addresses principals in District 7
As part of our work in developing also the joys of the job we do. His own
principal and deputy principals’ fora personal story of overcoming tough
support, and engagement for school times to then follow a path of
leaders, I was supported by our INTO inspiration and support of others is
District 7 (Longford, Westmeath, warm, sincere and thought provoking. It
Offaly, Kildare, Meath) committee to is safe to say he entertained us greatly
organise a motivational and social but also strengthened each one of us in
event for 2019. different ways. We each took away
Having the success of organising a something different from his
talk by Mr Gerry Duffy behind us two presentation.
years ago, we stuck to the same It was a lovely evening where, for
successful formula – try to find a new once, we didn’t come away with a to-do
fresh speaker who would inspire, list of compliance or a deep-lying worry
uplift and entertain a group of over some oversight in our schools.
principals and deputy principals who I would like to thank Enda O’Doherty
were overworked, tired and Enda O’Doherty to the gathered school for his amazing words and insight into life
underappreciated. When driving my kids leaders. They all sat in relaxed anticipation and we are the better for meeting him.
to a camogie match one Saturday following the lovely social gathering for Thanks to District 7 for their support of the
morning I happened to hear such an hot food at the bottom of the room. event but most importantly to those school
individual being interviewed on Bobby In the following 90 minutes, he did not leaders who attended and came away
Kerr’s Back to Business and set the wheels fail to deliver for all who attended. His energised and inspired.
in motion. own professional background in
In Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday, 4 education was relevant and familiar to us NIALL CROFTON, secretary of Offaly Principals’ and
April I had the delight of introducing Mr all as he understands the pressures and Deputy Principals’ Forum
10th annual Vere Foster Lecture held in Belfast
On the 200th anniversary of the birth of the the island of Ireland a century ago, and the
first INTO president, Vere Foster, and to mark broader role of the labour movement in the
100 years of the Ulster Teachers’ Union (UTU), campaigns for home rule/independence and
the INTO and the UTU held a joint event in the opposing campaign to maintain the
Belfast. union with Britain.
The event examined the legacy of Vere Speakers at the event included INTO
Foster (in particular his role in organising Deputy General Secretary Noel Ward; UTU
teachers) for both the INTO and the UTU, the General Secretary Jacquie White; Former
developments which gave rise to the UTU President Lexi Scott and Historian
establishment of the Ulster Teachers’ Union Jimmy McDermott. The event was chaired by
in the context of the political tensions on INTO Northern Secretary Gerry Murphy.
INTOUCH 14 JUNe 2019
INTOnews
Winners of Scéal Eile writing
competition
The national awards ceremony for this revisiting their all-time favourite books Speaking at the national awards
year’s INTO and An Post schools’ writing with the task of creating their own ceremony, David McRedmond, CEO An
competition, Scéal Eile, took place in the alternative storyline or ending. Students Post, said “We are delighted to bring
GPO on 8 May. The competition is rooted from junior infants right through to sixth creative writing to children and to schools
in children’s love of books and is part of year took their favourite stories and best- around the country as part of our work on
the An Post Education Awards, in its 35th loved characters on a whole new promoting literacy. Through our
year promoting literacy and learning for adventure, creating a direction they’ve sponsorship of the Irish Book Awards we
generations of Irish students. always wanted to see in their favourite are championing Irish authors and today,
Scéal Eile saw students from all levels books. with the help of two of help of two of
Ireland’s most inspiring children’s authors,
Sarah (Webb) and David (Rudden), we are
investing in future generations by
encouraging reading, writing and books
for children of all ages.”
INTO President Feargal Brougham
welcomed Scéal Eile, “We are delighted
that An Post is once again supporting the
power of reading and writing in schools,
whilst introducing a fun creative twist. An
Post and INTO are very proud to work
together and promote literacy through
creativity and competition.”
The Scéal Eile competition is run in
association with the An Post Irish Book
Awards, (www.irishbookawards.ie) linking
the power of creative writing with the
importance of reading for child
development. Handwriting is also a key
focus for teachers and has emphasis
DaveRudden(authorofKnights of the Borrowed Dark)andSarahWebb(authorofBlazing A Trail – Irish Women within the competition.
Who Changed the World)withcompetitionwinners.Bothauthorswerenominatedinthechildren’sauthor
categoryoftheAnPostIrishBookAwardswithSarahWebbwinningthecategoryin2018.
Winners
– Junior Infant: Ava Harney,
Ballinamere NS, Co Offaly.
– Second class: Menahal Fatima Naqui,
Castletown Girls School, Co Louth.
– Fourth class: Ella Sweeney, SN
Naomh Breandán, Co Galway.
– Sixth class: Jamie Kinsella, Co Gorey
Educate Together NS, Co Wexford.
– Special Award: Jasmine McDonnell,
All Saints NS, Co Westmeath.
AnPost/INTOScéalEilecompetitionwinnerswith
family,teachers,AnPostCEODavidMcRedmond
andINTOPresidentFeargalBrougham
INTOUCH 15 JUNe 2019INTOnews
Global threats to education
Dennis Sinyolo, senior co-ordinator with Education International (EI), spoke at INTO
Congress in Galway about teaching and education in an international context. InTouch
shares an abridged version of his speech here.
In 2015, the United Nations reaffirmed its inclusive and sustainable, and the The status of teachers
commitment to the right to education by greatest equaliser of opportunities. Colleagues, teaching is a profession.
including education as a standalone goal in Results from EI’s survey on the status of
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Outcomes vs inputs teachers worldwide, published last year,
Development. Through Sustainable We also see a shift in the global education show that the image and status of our
Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality discourse, from quality education for all to once illustrious profession remains low in
education, our governments committed to learning outcomes for all. The many parts of the world.There are
ensure inclusive and equitable quality proponents of this discourse those who claim that anyone
education for all. This includes a argue that we need to can teach – just get high
commitment to universal access to quality make a shift from access school leavers or
early childhood education, free primary and and inputs to outputs university graduates,
secondary education and affordable tertiary and outcomes. give them six weeks’
education for all. Positive as it may training and deploy
Despite this commitment, UNESCO data sound, in reality this them in
shows that 262 million children and means only disadvantaged
adolescents of primary and secondary focusing on narrow, schools and they
school age are still out of school. measurable learning will deliver.
outcomes, quite [Programmes
The problem of privatisation often in literacy and that do this]
Instead of joining hands with governments numeracy. perpetuate
and mobilizing resources to achieve quality Of course, literacy disadvantage,
public education for all, we see attempts by and numeracy are deprofessionalise our
proponents of privatisation and important, but education goes profession and make it a
commercialisation of education to change far beyond the ability to read, write stepping stone to something else.
the global education discourse in ways that and count. But we can change all this by putting
threaten to undermine the achievement of Focusing only on what is measured misses pressure on governments to invest more in
this goal. the point by leaving out higher order skills, quality education and teachers. This requires
Instead of supporting the strengthening competences, capabilities and values such as expanding and strengthening initial teacher
of public education systems, they argue that problem-solving, creativity, adaptability, education; ensuring that all newly recruited
private schools provide the necessary tolerance and global citizenship. In instances teachers go through effective induction and
choice and competition required to drive up where schools and teachers are forced to mentorship programmes, and that all
quality. teach to the test, the curriculum is narrowed, teachers have access to life-long and life
We see incessant attempts to replace the leaving little room for those subjects or wide learning opportunities. As the 1966
word ‘free’ with ‘affordable’. Instead of learning areas that are not tested. No wonder ILO/UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the
talking about free primary and secondary such important aspects of the curriculum as Status of Teachers clearly states, all teachers
education, the privatisers talk about climate change and sustainable must be trained in universities or equivalent
affordable primary and secondary development are often pushed to the institutions and have access to free
education. periphery. continuous professional development
Privatisation knows no boundaries and throughout their career.
takes many different forms. In countries Olympic approach to education In conclusion, I would like to stress that
such as India and Uganda, we have seen the Focusing on competition rather than we as educators and unions should
mushrooming of the so-called ‘low-cost’ collaboration is what I call the Olympic continue to take the lead, not just in
private schools, including international approach. At the Olympic games, each defending quality public education for all
school chains; while in England and the US, athlete and each country tries to be at the and teaching as a profession, but also in
we have witnessed the spread of academies top of the medal table, while those who are defining the future of our profession and
and charter schools, where the so-called at the bottom are considered not so the education systems in which we work.
‘failing’ public schools are handing over to capable. The Olympic games produce This, we can achieve by working and
private management. Such schools have winners and losers. That’s not how our fighting together.
‘flexible working arrangements’, which education systems ought to function. Our
simply means less protections and more education systems should be about winners DENNIS SINyOLO, senior co-ordinator, Education
precarious work for teachers. and winners! Every child, every student International. you can watch the full speech at
Colleagues, if public schools are failing, everywhere, should be supported to www.vimeo.com/332436553. Have an opinion on this
the solution is not to abandon, but to flourish and to achieve their maximum speech? Share your views on social media with
strengthen them. Public schools are potential. #INTODiscuss
INTOUCH 17 JUNe 2019NuachtCMÉ
New appointments in
INTO Head Office
DavidO’Sullivan MariaMcHenry ClaireGarvey
David O’Sullivan, a native of Birr, Co representative on the board of to teaching experience at both primary
Offaly, was recently appointed as assistant management. and post-primary level, Maria has served
general secretary in the Legal and David’s qualifications include a BEd (UL, successive terms on boards of
Industrial Relations (LIR) section in INTO. 1999), MA (ITB, 2007), Post Graduate management. Maria has extensive
Since 2015, he served as senior official in Diploma in Educational Leadership experience working with schools and has
the section where he has advised, (NUIM, 2010), Advanced Diploma in a strong commitment to education.
assisted and represented members in a Applied Employment Law (Kings Inns, Maria’s qualifications include a Bachelor
wide range of fora including at boards of 2017) and an Advanced Diploma in Law of Civil Law (University College Dublin),
management, fitness to teach hearings, and Education (Kings Inns, 2018). Barrister-at-Law Degree (Honourable
Tusla and the Workplace Relations Society of King’s Inns), Diploma in
Commission. He regularly presents at Maria McHenry has been appointed as Education Law (Law Society of Ireland)
principals’ seminars, officer training, senior official in the Legal and Industrial and a Professional Certificate in
conferences, branches, districts and Relations (LIR) section. Maria served as Ombudsman and Complaints Handling
principals’ and deputy principals’ fora. He official in LIR, representing members in a Practice (Queen Margaret University).
represents the organisation on a number wide range of fora, from boards of Recently, Maria completed a Diploma in
of committees including the review of the management to the superior courts. Maria Professional Regulation Law (University
Governance Manual for Primary Schools, has been advising on various matters, College Dublin).
Education and Training Board of Ireland including parental complaints, child
(ETBI), and the Board of Management protection, staff relations, grievance Claire Garvey has been appointed as the
Steering Group. He also attends and procedures, bullying/harassment, new official in the General Secretary’s
inputs to briefings of stakeholders on a disciplinary procedures, employment Office.
range of matters. equality, Teaching Council investigations, A native of Cork, Claire has worked in
He has previously been involved in the and data protection. Maria has engaged INTO Head Office since 1997, initially in
structures of the INTO at branch, district positively with INTO membership through the Professional Development Unit (now
and national level. He has served as the delivery of presentations at principals’ INTO Learning), and latterly in the
District 9 (South Dublin City and West seminars, branch officers’ training, Education and Research section. She has
County Dublin) secretary, organiser in principals and deputy principals’ fora, and worked closely with the Education
Dublin West branch and as a at national committee and branch level. Committee, co-ordinating research, the
representative on the Equality Committee Prior to joining the INTO, Maria organisation of the annual Education
for District 9. This year he assisted the qualified as a barrister and was called to Conference and the biennial Special
work of the task force on participation. the Bar in 2011. Maria spent seven years Education Conference, and the
Prior to joining INTO as an official in working on behalf of the Ombudsman for publication of the Irish Teachers’ Journal.
2013, he served as a teacher for 12 years. Children’s Office, carrying out quasi- Claire has a BA in European Studies (UL)
During that time he was a special duties judicial statutory examinations and and a Masters in European Social Policy
post holder and served as teachers’ investigations of complaints. In addition Analysis (NUI Maynooth).
INTOUCH 18 JUNe 2019INTOnews
INTO Interns 2019/20
SheilaMurphy MuireannFoynes LisaGallagher
Sheila Murphy takes up the position of Muireann Foynes is originally from Cork Lisa Gallagher is originally from Galway.
INTO official and will be based in the Legal and qualified as a primary teacher from Lisa completed an undergraduate
and Industrial Relations section (LIR). Mary I in 2008. She taught in West Cork degree in psychology and Irish in NUI
Sheila has been a teacher in St before moving to Dublin to accept a Galway in 2011 and graduated from St
Maelruain’s SNS in Tallaght for the past 13 position in Ballyfermot. Muireann then Patrick’s College in 2013 with a
years. As well as her BEd degree, Sheila also took up her current role teaching in St Postgraduate Degree in Education.
holds a Postgraduate Diploma and Masters Paul’s JNS in Ayrfield. Lisa is currently completing a Masters
of Education from UCD. She has been an Muireann holds an Advanced Diploma of Education in NUI, Galway. She began
active member of INTO, working at both in Law and Education from Kings’ Inns her teaching career in Scoil Éinde BNS in
branch and district level for a number of and recently completed a Certificate in Salthill, where she has taught for the past
years. Sheila was involved in district Data Protection Practice with the Law six years.
training, lobbying, facilitating at youth Society. She has been staff representative Lisa is a member of Galway branch and
conferences, curriculum reform, and held in her school since 2016 and is an active has been an active member of both
the office of cathaoirleach of Tallaght member of Dublin North East branch in Galway Branch Committee and District 6
branch. District 15 (North County Dublin). She is (Galway, Roscommon) Committee for the
Sheila joined the head office staff in 2018, also on her local branch committee. past two years. Lisa is also an INTO
gaining experience representing and In her spare time she is a dedicated lobbyist for Galway West. Outside of
advocating on behalf of members in both Munster and Ireland rugby supporter and teaching, she enjoys running and yoga.
the Legal and Industrial Relations and attends as many matches as she can. She
Conditions of Employment sections. She also enjoys music, baking and podcasts.
was also involved in the recent task force
on participation.
TJ Clare, who was appointed intern for
Continuing the 2018/19 school year, will continue his
internship for another year with the Legal
and Industrial Relations section in Head
Office.
internship TJ is a member of the Dublin North City
branch, he served as branch secretary,
district secretary and district
development coordinator. Over the past
few years he has been INTO lobbyist for
the Dublin West constituency.
INTOUCH 19 JUNe 2019INTOCongressGalway2019
Snapshots from INTO Congress
The last issue of InTouch shared coverage of the INTO Congress in Galway. Here are a few
more snapshots from the three-day event.
MayorofGalway,NiallMcNeilis,welcomeddelegatestoGalway
MembersofthelocalorganisingcommitteewhodidgreatworkinensuringCongressin
Galwaywasagreatsuccess
INTOAssistantGeneralSecretaryAnneMcElduffandINTOGeneral
SecretarySheilaNunanwerepresentedwithgiftstomarktheir
retirementfromtheINTO
MinisterforEducation
andSkillsJoeMcHugh
metwithINTO
delegatesfrom
District3(Donegal,
Leitrim)
INTOUCH 20 JUNe 2019INTOCongressGalway2019 INTOUCH 21 JUNe 2019
INTOnews
INTO Learning
Summer Programme 2019
INTO Learning is offering eight online courses and one face-to-face summer
school. Registration for these courses is open on www.moodle.intolearning.ie.
Further details on all courses at www.bit.ly/INTOSummerProgramme
Moving from mainstream Tá an scoil samhraidh Cumarsáid, Comhluadar
to LS/RT Cumarsáid, Comhluadar & & Craic
This online course will enable participants Craic ar siúl Dé Luain 1 – Dé Tá an scoil samhraidh seo dírithe ar
gain an understanding of the role of the hAoine 5 Iúil le costas €100. mhúinteoirí bunscoile atá ag iarraidh
special education teacher (formerly feabhas a chur ar a gcumas labhartha
LS/RT) particularly for those teachers agus dá réir ar a gcumas chun an teanga a
moving to this role for the first time. The For this course, participants theagasc nó teagasc tríd an teanga ag
course will also explore the current can register online or using gach leibhéal sa bhunscoil. Beidh
system, a variety of learning difficulties, ceardlanna/gníomhaíochtaí ar ábhair
an application form
diagnostic and screening tests as well as éagsúla mar shampla: amhránaíocht agus
good practice in supplementary teaching. downloadable on the INTO filíocht. Beidh siúlóidí agus turas ar oileán
website. chomh maith le h-imeachtaí oíche.
ICT in SESE and STEM
This course explores the use of ICT to All online courses will run from Monday,
enhance teaching and learning in the 1 July to Monday, 22 July and cost €35
areas of Social, Environmental and
Scientific Education (SESE) and Science,
Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM). It will provide a Global Citizenship Schools: Literacy through the arts
hands-on experience of online resources justice, sustainability,
for science, history, geography, maths equality and human rights This exciting new course explores how a
and basic programming. school’s discrete literacy programme can
This course explores the concepts of be supported and extended using the
justice, sustainability and equality at a arts: drama, visual and musical arts. The
Maths problem-solving: a local, national and global level through approach integrates best practice in
process, not a product! the lens of human rights. It seeks to literacy pedagogy into arts lessons. It will
enhance teachers’ confidence and also explore bringing a story to the stage
This course focuses on a process-led competence when teaching global from a creative writing and oral language
approach to maths problem-solving citizenship and supports INTO Global development perspective including video
across all class levels. It includes an Citizenship School. footage of the process. NEW
exploration of mathematical language,
maths thinking and problem-solving
strategies. Leadership and wellbeing Our environment, our lives!
This course explores the concept of school This course will equip teachers with the
Learning through play leadership and leading wellbeing in our necessary knowledge and skills to
schools. Participants not only gain an effectively teach pupils about pertinent
This course explores the concept of understanding of leadership styles but also environmental issues. The course will
learning through play including the an understanding of current wellbeing explore the concepts of environmental
pedagogy of play, the role of the teacher policies and strategies, of workplace stress auditing, biodiversity and
and the benefits and challenges of play in and of skills and communication interdependence, climate change and
the classroom. The course will include approaches to support, enhance and lead climate justice, environmental
videos of play as a pedagogy in action in wellbeing across the school. sustainability, and how positive proactive
Irish classrooms. attitudes can be developed.
NEW NEW
INTOUCH 23 JUNe 2019NuachtCMÉ
Retirements Pictures from branch and district
functions to honour retiring members
Arklow
Lefttoright:JohnBoyle,INTOgeneralsecretarydesignate;Catherine
Woodbyrne;SheilaNunan,INTOgeneralsecretary;MarySteacyandDonncha
McGinley,branchsecretary.
Rosses
BackrowLtoR:EmilyBonar,branchsecretary;PatConnaghan;Áine
McGinley,CECrepresentative;MichaelWeed,formerCECrepresentativeand
HughGallagher,chairperson.FrontrowLtoR:BernieNíDhuibhir;John
Boyle,INTOgeneralsecretarydesignateandBridMonaghan.
Mountbellew
BackrowLtoR:JoeKilleen,INTOpresident2018/19;CarmelGreally,
chairperson;TomFlahive,branchsecretaryandTommyGreally,CEC
representative.FrontrowLtoR:AnneHynes;MaryO’Sullivan;Noreen
DonnellanandGeraldineBriggs.
Kilkenny
Lefttoright:SeanMurphy;LizReade,branch
organiser;MargaretMurphy;MarieManning,
chairperson;Margaret
CarrollandMargaretWalsh.Photo:TomBrett.
Galway
BackrowLtoR:MáireKelly;DeirdreTimlin;
MaryCostelloe;HenriettaBroderick;Bridie
McNamara;GeraldineMulgannonandMary
Cunningham.FrontrowLtoR:TeresaCarleton;
OrlaMhicAogáin,branchsecretary;Máire
Browne;JoeKilleen,INTOpresident2018/19;
MaryDivilly;PeigUíDhonnchadhaandTommy
Greally,CECrepresentative.
INTOUCH 24 JUNe 2019INTOnews
Ballaghadereen – Kilmovee
Ballyhaunis – Claremorris
BackrowLtoR:LauraMcMahon,branchsecretary;VincentDuffy,CEC
representativeandKathleenMcCann,branchchairperson.FrontrowLtoR: BackrowLtoR:AnneGallagher,branchsecretary;MauraJoyce,chairperson
MariaMulligan;PatriciaConway;PatCollins;DeniseDeeryandSinead andSiobhánGeraghty,chairperson.FrontrowLtoR:NoraKelly,GerConroy;
Mangan. MairéadUíRaghallaighandAnneShannon.
Cahir
Lefttoright:LouiseTobin,chairperson;LizMorrissey;Sheila
Nunan,INTOgeneralsecretary;AnnaSampson;Olive
HeffernanandBrendanHoran,CECrepresentative.
Athlone – Moate
BackrowLtoR:HelenO’Toole,branch
secretary;AnneO’Sullivan,chairperson;Carme
l
Browne,CECrepresentative;JoeKilleen,INTO
president2018/19;DoloresKillian,branchvice-
chairpersonandNiamhKeenan,branch
organiser.FrontrowLtoR:DarinaDolan;Tina
Connelly;NoreenGallagher;MaryO’Neill;
ThereseLonerganandBernieFinn.
Dún Laoghaire
Lefttoright:RosarioKealy;IreneHealy;Jeanne
Salter;GeorginaDarling;CatherineShanahan;
AnneMoore;MarionMurphy;SheilaNunan,
INTOgeneralsecretary;DonnchaMcGinley,
branchsecretaryandJohnBoyle,INTOgeneral
secretarydesignate.
INTOUCH 25 JUNe 2019NuachtCMÉ
Adventure is out
there...
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Whether you are heading on the adventure of a lifetime, or a visit the Membership plus website, or download the
short getaway, Membership Plus brings you a world-wide range Membership Plus mobile app, to view our Hotel & Travel partners
of discounts – just for you! including Butlins, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Eurocamp, Forest
From booking a sunny resort to finding a country cottage Holidays, Haven, Holiday Extras, Jurys Inn, Maldron Hotels,
getaway, sorting the airport car parking to treating yourself to Original Irish Hotels, Select Hotels of Ireland and many more.
an airport lounge, choosing the perfect rental car to making sure Go to www.membershipplus.ie or download the
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INTOUCH 26 JUNe 2019Newsdesk
Deputy principals: interested in developing your leadership skills?
Deputy principal summer course (Tánaiste) 1 – 5 July 2019
Tánaiste is a FREE leadership summer reflect on best practice and to share Shannon EC, Galway EC, Clare EC, Limerick
course designed specifically for deputy experience with other deputy principals. EC, Drumcondra EC, Navan EC and
principals and acting deputy principals All resources have been designed to Monaghan EC.
and provided by the PDST. reflect the deputy principal role. The To apply for Tánaiste please contact the
The course provides opportunities for venues this year are Blackrock Education individual education centres listed above.
deputy principals to explore their Centre (EC), Co. Wexford EC, Kildare EC,
leadership role in order to enhance Cork ESC, Kilkenny EC, West Cork EC,
teaching and learning in their school, to Donegal EC, Mayo EC, Carrick on
Show Racism the Red Card
#friends
Free education pack available to schools
Pupils release
e anti-racism charity Show Racism
the Red Card, has launched a new
video to
education pack. e education pack is promote positive
available to primary and secondary mental health
schools, youth groups and sports clubs Pupils from primary
throughout Ireland. It contains online schools in Donegal have
resources and an accompanying video released a single called
featuring high-profile sports people. ‘#Friends’ to promote
e pack was developed with support positive mental health.
from the Office for the Promotion of Pupils from Scoil
Migrant Integration at the Department Cholmcille, Drumoghill
of Justice and Equality, as well as the and Scoil Mhuire,
Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, Ramelton, took part in
the Association of Secondary Teachers workshops on friendship,
in Ireland, the Teachers’ Union of resilience, tolerance and
Ireland and the Football Association of understanding of
Ireland. differences/preferences
e aim of Show Racism the Red through Blue Ribbons
Card is to harness the high profile of Arts.
sportspeople to combat racism. You can e music video
get further information at was launched on
www.theredcard.ie. Monday, 13 May and
can be watched at
Topright:INTO’sJohnO’Brienspeakingatthelaunch
youtu.be/kIygYpwdfT8.
ofShowRacismtheRedCardeducationpack
Right:LordMayorofDublinNiallRing
one good idea
Kilkenny primary school wins award for their energy-saving idea
Burnchurch National School in pupils to create innovative
Kilkenny were named primary campaigns that make a big
winners of the SEAI One Good difference to how we use
Idea competition, for their energy in our daily lives. This
campaign encouraging their year, over 200 campaigns were
community to reduce, repair, developed by young people all
reuse and repurpose their over Ireland.
t-shirts. They promoted the The primary runner up was
circular economy for greener St Clare’s Primary School,
fashion to save energy, Dublin with their ‘Scooter
minimise waste and make the Train’ and Corpus Christi
most of natural resources. Primary School in Limerick was
The SEAI One Good Idea highly-commended with their
Competition encourages idea ‘The Veggies.’ PupilsfromCorpusChristiPrimarySchool,Limerick.Photo:KeithArkin
INTOUCH 27 JUNe 2019Ócáidínuachta
irish teachers making a difference in sri lanka
Every year teachers from Ireland travel as there are activities running throughout don’t get lost in translation. Nadia runs the
part of a team to work in Sambodhi Home the year. camps voluntarily and ensures that
for the Disabled in Sri Lanka, creating an volunteers see how their money is spent
unforgettable camp experience for the What happens during the volunteer while they are in Sri Lanka. The camps only
residents (old & young) that live there. camps? support projects which have a direct and
Nadia O’Shea, an Irish teacher who has Volunteers are utilized to increase the level clear impact on the daily lives of the
settled and is currently working in Sri Lanka of one-to-one support and care for the residents. As a professionally trained
has coordinated these camps voluntarily residents at Sambodhi Home. Volunteers teacher, Nadia knows exactly how to utilize
since 2013. can expect to assist residents and her fellow teachers’ professional skills to
project staff on excursions to bring the most positive and rewarding
What is Sambodhi Home the beach, temple, park experience for all.
Sambodhi Home for the and other nearby
Disabled cares for 47 attractions. They join How can I join?
individuals ranging in age the residents in daily Currently there is a group of teachers
from 7 to 75 near Galle on art workshops and travelling this summer and we are still
the southern coast of Sri exercise programs. open to additional volunteers who may
Lanka. The residents here Volunteers are always wish to join this group. If you are keen to
experience physical and/or supported on site by travel to Sri Lanka or be put on our
intellectual disability. Nadia and the project mailing list, please get in touch.
Founded in 1964, Sambodhi staff, all of whom are Expressions of interest can be sent to
Home is a private home which fluent in English. Nadia O’Shea: nadiaoshea@gmail.com
largely depends on the generosity For more information about all our
of the local and visiting community. Nadia What makes our volunteering projects, interested volunteers can visit
works voluntarily as a private individual programs special? our website: www.sambodhihome.com.
(not an NGO) with Sambodhi Home and There is no middle man or agencies
employs five local project staff who ensure involved. This means that volunteer funds NADIA O’SHEA, Sambodhi Home, Sri Lanka
PrimarySchoolEntrepreneurs
Five and a half thousand children from thirty counties took part
in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme All Ireland Showcase Day
at the RDS recently.
The classroom projects that they displayed have created an
astonishing profit of €198,000 from sales of €320,000 since the
start of the year.
The most profitable winner was a 308-page quiz book called Beat
the Quiz Master by Scoil na Mbraithre in Tuam, Co Galway which
included 3,000 questions for children and adults. This mammoth
publishing task created a profit of €8,799 from €12,000 in sales.
Youngentrepreneursfrom
GaelscoilDurlasEile,Tipperary
withRTE’sMiriamO’Callaghan Award: Change Agents School: Gaelscoil Durlas Eile, Durlas,
Product: Re-Wrappers Tipperary
Award: Genius Product Award: Creative Pioneers Attractive and eco-friendly reusable
Product name: Mama-G’s Sting Product name: Detail Bracelets food wrappings Award: Marketing Gurus
Solution Kit Bracelets that store important medical Teacher: Aileen O’Connor Product name: Coffee Scrub
Colour-coded plasters containing information using QR codes. School: An Spioraid Naomh Cailíní, Lavender-scented hand and body
customised remedies for different Teacher: Ellen Costigan Bishopstown, Cork scrub made from recycled coffee
types of stings School: Scoil Bheinín Naofa Cailiní, Teacher: Alan Walsh
Teacher: Cranait Fahy Duleek, Co Meath Award: Class of the Year School: Naomh Padraig Mixed, Baile
School: St Anthony’s NS, Ballinlough, Product: GalackTyco Trading Cards Haol, Kilkenny
Co Cork Award: Community Teacher: Fiona Santry
Champions School: Castlemartyr NS, Award: Star Submission
Award: Financial Wizards Product name: Chatterboxes Castlemartyr, Cork Product name: Presidents of Ireland
Product name: Beat the Quiz Master Creative and witty cards to encourage ruler
A fun and colourful quiz book for conversation and reduce the Award: Top Teams A ruler featuring images of every
adults and children overuse of phones and tablets Product: Get Up and Go – Bí ag Bogadh President of Ireland
Teacher: Aidan Burke Teacher: Cathryn Girvan An activity-based bilingual board Teacher: Elaine Lyons
School: Scoil na Mbraithre, Tuam, School: St Mary’s Primary School, game designed to improve fitness School: Shountrade NS, Adare,
Galway Dungannon, Tyrone Teacher: Eibhlín Ní Chuinneagáin Limerick
INTOUCH 28 JUNe 2019You can also read
