­Issue­No­186 April­2019 ISSN­1393-4813­(Print) ISSN­2009-6887­(Online) Joe’s year as INTO President

Supporting our school secretaries Snapshots from Special Education Conference Keeping InTouch

9 Interactive dialogue with members, and key news items 0 Looking forward

General­Secretary­Designate’s­Comment

This year our annual Congress will be taking place in Galway, government and agreed to seek a resolution in the context of from 22 to 24 April. Further information on this year’s event is the Public Services Agreement. As our annual Congress contained within the magazine. approaches, we want to be in a position to put a proposed Along with the rest of the nation, and quite a few international resolution to our members at the earliest opportunity. spectators, INTO is following the ongoing Brexit talks between A commitment to invest in our school leaders was also the EU and the UK. As you will know, recently, INTO President secured at this international summit, which will include the Joe Killeen and Northern Ireland Chairperson Paddy McAllister teacher unions and other stakeholders working together to led a delegation to Brussels to raise the concerns raised by our sustain and reduce the burdens facing our school leaders. members who cross the border to take up critical roles in I was proud to deliver my first speech as General Secretary schools in both jurisdictions. As things become clearer, INTO Designate in Belfast at this year’s Northern Conference. The will provide further guidance to such members. conference was a credit to all those involved in organising this Our recent special education conference was a triumph. vibrant event. This year’s consultative conference explored ‘Inclusion – a Finally, I’m proud of our work with our friends in FORSA in continuum of support’. Dr Finn O Murchú reminded us that supporting their school secretaries’ campaign. School “the power of being a teacher is incredible”. secretaries play pivotal roles in our school communities and I was honoured to attend the recent 2019 International deserve the dignity of a living wage. A feature on the Summit on the Teaching Profession, which brought together campaign is included in the following pages. ministers and teacher union leaders from countries and regions with high-performing or rapidly-improving school INTO General Secretary systems. During our session with the Minister, INTO secured Designate an acknowledgement from Minister McHugh that pay equality for new entrants is a top priority for the Irish

General­Secretary­Designate: John Boyle Photography:­Moya Nolan, Shutterstock please contact [email protected]. The views expressed in this journal are Except where the Irish National Teachers’ Editor: David Geary Correspondence­to:The Editor, InTouch, InTouch is published by the Irish National those of the individual authors and are not Organisation has formally negotiated Assistant­Editor: Síne Friel INTO Head Office, Vere Foster House, Teachers’ Organisation and distributed to necessarily endorsed by the INTO. agreements as part of its services to members, Editorial­Assistants:­Karen Francis, Yvonne 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 Kenny, Aida González 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 Advertising:­Mary Bird Smyth, Karen Francis, Email:­[email protected] education magazine in Ireland. Articles up to date and correct, no responsibility will be is made to ensure the reliability of advertisers, 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.

INTOUCH 3 AprIl 2019 CONTENTS

26 Money matters Your guide to PAYE Modernisation 27 InFocus Education, Research and Learning section 29 Global Solidarity Education in Palestine Sad passing of Rong Panha

nEwSDESK 31 Teaching Council revetting CórFhéile Na Scoileanna 33 Retirements Retirement functions around the branches 34 School secretaries campaign INTO supports school colleagues Case studies 37 Asthma Society of Ireland Council of Irish Chiefs and Clans 10 prize in History KEEping inTouCh New branch officer training University of Limerick study on PE 3 Editorial 21 #NoMorePlasticPaddy 39 Young Engineers Awards Cobh primary school students awarded top Looking forward Entries from schools for the campaign Engineering honour 22 Benefits 7 Stay connected PhD Stipend from Irish 10 Things you should know Discover benefits available to members with Manufacturing Research their Membership Plus card 23 International Women’s Day inTo nEwS ICTU Women’s Seminar LifE 9 John Boyle starts in INTO Head Member survey on reproductive 41 Travel Office health related matters Aisling Hester shows us the jewel of the Alps, 2019 International Summit on the Innsbruck Teaching Profession 43 Recipes inTo ADViCE 10 Countdown to Congress 2019 A flavour boost in your day INTO Conference App 25 Managing a PR crisis in your school Congress delegates’ social night 44 Cumann na mBunscol 16 Communications advice for members Shuttle bus information 13 Clustering for teaching principals’ release days INTO Political Fund 14 Meet the President InTouch sits down with Joe Killeen 16 INTO Special Education Conference Snapshots from the event 19 Northern Conference Lobbying news 20 INTO Learning INTO Summer Programme 2019

INTOUCH 4 AprIl 2019 April 2019 25

62

finiShing TouChES Comhar Linn 61 Noticeboard l March prize winners Win­a Upcoming events l Comhar Linn Crossword fabulous­hotel­break 63 Scoilnet Panel 26 in­Hayfield­Manor­or Great­Southern Killarney TEAChing MATTErS Page­60 45 Exploring the Scientific Process 58 Irish resources Introducing the new resource JellyLab Gaeilge reading ideas Online 59 Reviews 46 Motivating children as readers 52 and writers Some ideas for your classroom 49 The Schools’ Forum Reviewing and redeveloping the primary curriculum 45 51 Bunratty Castle Discover its long and interesting history 52 ILLEY – Inspiring Language Learning in the Early Years A new website from the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) 55 Life and work of Ernest Kavanagh Michelle O’Connor shares a glimpse of this ‘Artist of the Revolution’ 56 Dinosaurs in the classroom Dale Treadwell share ideas for your Aistear play areas 57 Something Fishy Project All-Ireland winners Letterkenny ETNS 56 37 INTOUCH 5 AprIl 2019 Keeping­in­touch

Stay informed

Social media E-Newsletter Follow the INTO on Facebook and INTO’s weekly e-newsletter with Twitter for all the latest news and important union news and education updates. updates for members. Subscribe to l Facebook: facebook.com/intonews the INTO enewsletter at l Twitter: @intonews into.newsweaver.ie Subsearch

INTO SubSearch is designed to help Video tutorials teachers find substitute work and to help and FAQs on how principals find substitutes. to use SubSearch Schools and substitutes register on are available on subsearch.into.ie – substitutes can the website. register their availability on the site while Subsearch mobile principals can search for registered is now available substitutes in their area by date or location. for your smartphone. things you should know

Countdown to Fórsa campaign. Motivating children as 1 Congress 2019. Page 10 5Pages 34 and 35 8readers and writers. Meet the President. INTO Special Ed Pages 46 and 47 2 Pages 14 and 15 6Conference. Inspiring language Principal release days. Pages 16 to 18. 9learning in the early 3 Page 13 Managing a PR crisis years. Pages 52 and 53 PAYE Modernisation. 7 in your school. Bunratty Castle. 4 Page 26 Page 20 10 Page 51

INTOUCH 7 AprIl 2019 INTO News

5 e Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … who’s who, what’s new, and what’s happening 6 John Boyle starts in inTo head office

Incoming General Secretary, John Boyle, has colleagues and pupils, I am looking forward to taken up office in Vere Foster House. my new role as General Secretary of the INTO. John was elected to succeed Sheila Nunan as I will be relying on Sheila's counsel over the General Secretary in late 2018, assuming the coming months as I prepare to take on this role of INTO General Secretary Designate. He important role at a critical moment for our will formally take over from outgoing Secretary members. I will bring a clear vision for INTO General Sheila Nunan later in the year. John over the coming decade, we will be bold and stepped down from his position as principal of ambitious in demanding the level of St Colmcille's JNS in Knocklyon, following an 18 investment our education system, both here in year career in the school, as he prepares to the Republic and Northern Ireland, needs. We assume the running of the Irish National will remove inequalities that currently exist Teachers' Organisation. and give every teacher and pupil the room Commenting on his first full day in office, to bloom.” John Boyle, said “As I say farewell to my school INTO secures key commitment from minister at summit

INTO’s General Secretary Designate, John quality school leaders and a well- Boyle, formed part of an Irish delegation qualified teaching profession as key to the 2019 International Summit on the contributors to the Irish education Teaching Profession, in Helsinki, Finland. system; this will include working with The summit brings together ministers and teacher unions, the Teaching Council, teacher union leaders from countries and providers of initial and continuing regions with high-performing or rapidly- professional development (CPD), the improving school systems. Centre for School Leadership and other At the summit, each national stakeholders to sustain and improve delegation met to discuss their policy the supply of teachers and school priorities for 2019 with a view to leaders; to continue to advance publicising their top priorities at the improvements in the middle closing session. INTO General Secretary management of schools; and to Designate John Boyle directly raised both implement the recommendations of the need to end pay inequality and the the Minister’s Teacher Supply Group need to provide additional supports for • New entrant teachers’ pay: Continue school leaders with Minister McHugh. student and teacher well-being, and ongoing engagement and constructive Both of these critical issues were agreed the professional capacity building and dialogue between teacher unions and for inclusion and now become two of the leadership required government on post-2010 entrant top education priorities for the Irish • Early Years education: Implement, in teacher pay and seek to work towards a government. collaboration with the Department of resolution within the context of the The priorities adopted by the Irish Children and Youth Affairs and other Public Services Agreement. Government at the International Summit stakeholders, the relevant education- Speaking from the summit, General on the Teaching Profession include: focussed actions from First 5, A Whole Secretary Designate John Boyle • Stakeholder engagement in planning of Government Strategy for Babies, said,“Today, Minister McHugh implementation and pacing of Young Children and their acknowledged that pay equality for new reforms: Use the recently established Families including actions on workforce entrants is a top priority for the Irish Primary Education Forum and other development, curricular development government and has agreed to seek a appropriate fora at primary and second (including work on Early Years to resolution in the context of the Public level to ensure that stakeholders are Primary transitions), and quality Services Agreement. As our annual involved in giving careful consideration assurance Congress approaches, we want to be in a to the implementation of education • Teacher professionalism and position to put a proposed resolution to reforms, including pacing, resources, leadership: Continue to invest in high our members at the earliest opportunity."

INTOUCH 9 AprIl 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ Countdown to Congress 2019

e 151st Annual Congress of the INTO will take place in A live webcast of Congress public sessions will be the Galmont Hotel, Galway, from 22 to 24 April 2019. available on the INTO website. Full details, including the More than 800 delegates from branches and districts programme for Congress will also be available on the throughout the country will attend for three days to discuss website. Follow Congress on twitter using the hashtag and debate issues of concern to INTO members. #INTOCongress19. inTo Conference App Congress delegates’ social A conference app is available for releases, etc. You will also delegates attending Congress. Download be able to navigate your night – Tuesday, onto your phone or tablet from the iTunes way to Congress by or Google Play stores. Search for ‘INTO using the location and 22 April Conference’ or select the link on the map sections of the app. Annual Congress 2019 page of the INTO The app is free to Join us on Tuesday night in the Veranda website. download. If you have Lounge at the Galmont Hotel to dance Once downloaded, you will be able to already downloaded it the night away with the amazing band view information including Congress for previous conferences ‘The Conquerors’ from 10pm finger food agenda, public motions, speeches, press just tap the ‘update’ button. will be served and all are welcome! Congress transport and parking

The INTO will be providing a shuttle bus The bus and train stations are located information, log onto www.irishrail.ie, service to and from Congress. within 300 metres of the hotel. For more www.gobus.ie and www.citylink.ie.

Senior camp shuttle bus Route A 22 April 23 April 24 April A shuttle bus will operate from the Clybaun­Hotel­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.10pm ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.15am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.15am Galmont Hotel to the senior camp in Scoil Iognáid. The bus will also bring the Ardilaun­Hotel­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.20pm ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.25am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.25am children back from Scoil Iognáid to the Salthill/Galway­Bay­Hotels ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.30pm ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.35am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.35am Galmont Hotel each day. Children will be accompanied and supervised by a Nile­Lodge­bus­stop­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.40pm ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.40am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.40am member of the senior camp staff. Return­from­the­Galmont­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.15pm ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­4.45pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­2.30pm Children are welcome to board the bus with their parents/guardians from all of Route B 22 April 23 April 24 April the listed hotels. Clayton­Hotel­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.10pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.15am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.15am Car parking Flannerys­Hotel­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.20pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.25am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.25am There is no car parking available in the Galmont Hotel throughout Congress. Connaught­Hotel­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.30pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.35am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.35am There are several car parks located around Huntsman/G­Hotels­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­1.40pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.40am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.40am Galway City and can be found here Return­from­the­Galmont ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8.15pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­4.45pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­2.30pm https://bit.ly/2Oh4fpA.

Public transport Senior camp 22 April 23 April 24 April Please avail of Depart­the­Galmont­Hotel ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­2.20pm ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­9.15am­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­9.15am public transport. Arrive­at­the­Galmont­Hotel ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­8pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­4.30pm­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­2.15pm

INTOUCH 10 AprIl 2019 INTO­news Clustering for teaching principals’ release (Leadership and Management) days

A pilot scheme for clustering principals’ benefits: the cluster agree a timetable for the release days ran very successfully in a l All schools in the cluster are teacher and any changes (e.g. number of areas from 2005. Principals in guaranteed a fully-qualified substitute swapping days) can be agreed locally. participating schools including those in teacher for their leadership and the various base schools have advocated management release days. Forming a cluster strongly for the scheme. l The principals involved, their classes Where a school or schools wish to form a The principle of the scheme was to and teaching colleagues are cluster, they should make contact with enable schools with teaching principals to guaranteed continuity, as the same schools with teaching principals in the pool their release days to form a full-time teacher covers the release days locality to ascertain their interest. fixed term post in a base school serving throughout the whole year. Generally, seven or eight schools will the cluster. In 2016, INTO succeeded in a l The teacher covering the release days form a cluster, which must have a claim at the Teachers’ Conciliation Council receives a fixed-term contract, which if minimum of 175 days. Where the cluster (TCC) to secure the payment of travelling renewed twice, would lead to a CID in has less than 183 days, the balance can be expenses for these teachers. the base school. used, usually in the base school, to cover At Congress 2018, Minister Bruton l The teacher serving the cluster receives casual substitution. Where the cluster has announced that provision would be made travelling expenses for journeys more than 183 days, schools can use for up to 50 fixed term posts to serve to/from the base school. normal casual substitution to cover the clusters of schools. Circular 0020/19 l The creation of a cluster can retain a excess days. The closing date for receipt of announced a small increase in the teacher in the base school, if the school applications, on the form included in number of administrative release days. was due to lose a post. Circular 0020/19, is 30 June 2019. l While principals will need to choose Release time for teaching principals in their release days well in advance, there primary schools is usually flexibility to change the day A principal’s experience – should that be absolutely necessary. In release cluster: mid Clare area the pilot scheme to date, principals Our cluster of 11 schools has been in operation have experienced that level of flexibility. for the past 13 years. It was one of the original l Where a cluster is made up of more pilot schemes in this area. All principals than 183 days release time, the involved meet twice yearly and agree the additional days are filled through casual dates for our release days. This means we can substitution. This gives additional plan our work around these dates, but if there flexibility where two principals may is any unexpected issue that occurs at short require release on the same day. notice, we swop with another principal– we * Under the terms of this circular, size of l The principal of the base school may are very flexible. In addition, as the number school refers to teaching principals, allocate the position to an experienced of combined release days is more than 183 mainstream class posts, including teacher from that school. days, we each keep a small number of developing school posts and mainstream l Should the fixed-term teacher be ‘discretionary’ days – very useful for last class appeal posts and excludes ex-quota absent due to illness, etc., the base minute emergencies/issues. Knowing that we posts e.g. special education teaching school may employ a substitute, who have the same teacher for our release days is posts, special class posts, HSCL, etc. would then cover the release days. fantastic. No ringing around in desperation l The only administration attaching to for a sub is invaluable! Following the It also confirmed that schools could the cluster relates to the initial filling of announcement of the extension of the combine their allocations of release time to the post and the employment of Release Day Cluster Scheme, two extra form fixed-term posts to cover release days. substitutes should the teacher be on clusters were created in Clare, based on our Schools who have participated in the approved substitutable leave. Other model and both are working wonderfully. scheme have identified the following than that the principals participating in Standing for election? INTO’s Political Fund can help you

INTO has a Political Fund from which grants may be paid members who are running for office and to do so regardless of towards the expenses incurred by members who are party affiliation in order to recognise participation in the candidates in elections. This notice is published since there are democratic electoral process. Any grants are also subject to elections scheduled for May of this year. legislation regarding political donations and are subject to full INTO Rules provide that an application from a member for a disclosure to the Standards in Public Office Commission. grant must be made by that member in writing prior to the Applications, which will be presented to the CEC for election. The amount and payment of any grant from the fund consideration, should be made to the General Treasurer’s is at the discretion of the CEC. Office, INTO, Vere Foster House, 35, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, or It has been the practice of INTO to support, from this fund, by email to [email protected].

INTOUCH 13 AprIl 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ InTouch sits down with As his presidential year comes to a close, InTouch sits down with INTO President, Joe Killeen, to find out more about him and his year in office.

Joe Killeen’s calm demeanour and out. I was wondering if this job was for me inspector didn’t share our sense of laidback tone belie the busy reality of his at all.” He had fifth and sixth class on a humour and took a very dim view of it!” life. In his year as INTO president, he has later teaching practice and it restored his Joe’s passion for small schools was travelled the length and breadth of the determination to become a teacher. ignited in his first teaching post after country, north and south, represented the He recalls a funny incident from one of qualifying, in a two-teacher school in INTO in Luxembourg and Brussels, and his teaching practices, “I was out at a Kiltrustan, outside Strokestown in Co somehow still managed to keep a farm school in Limerick, and we had to use the Roscommon. While there, he played running back at home (with the help of ‘deilbhíní’ (cut-out figures used for rugby and basketball and became some very supportive neighbours). He teaching Gaeilge) The inspector arrived involved in the INTO. “My principal asked takes it all in his stride and credits “a good out and I had to put the deilbhíní on the me to go to my first INTO event.” He found sense of humour” with helping him nylon board. There was sandpaper on the the union to be a supportive network, through challenging times. back of them and, as I was talking, they “There was always someone to give a “Born, bred and buttered in Corofin” on started to slide down off the board onto gem of advice to a rookie teacher” and a the edge of the Burren in Co Clare, Joe, the the floor. No matter what I did I couldn’t great means of building a social network second of six children, followed his big keep them up in place! The children in a new place. “My salary in the 80s sister, Marie, to Corofin National School. started to laugh their sides off at the couldn’t match my social life!” There must have been INTO water running whole thing. I laughed myself at it but the While living in Strokestown Joe met his through the pipes of Corofin NS – Jackie Brosnahan, former president and former general secretary of the INTO, and Declan Kelleher, another former president of the INTO, both attended the same school. Joe knew from an early age he wanted to be a teacher. Even in primary school, he was often called on to help with the younger classes and discovered he had a knack for keeping them engaged. But, despite being clear on his career plan, farming was never far from Joe’s mind. From the age of fourteen, instead of having a lie-in on a Saturday morning, Joe was out driving a tractor and helping his father on the family farm. While at secondary school in St. Flannan’s in Ennis he got the “call from above” and headed off to Mary Immaculate College to study primary teaching. He was one of only 25 males, among 200 females, in his class. “It was hard to fly under the radar,” he recalls with a laugh. Joe has very happy memories of his time in Mary I. “It was the first year of the B.Ed and it had changed from a two-year to a three-year course. There was a lot of philosophy and psychology of education. There was a lot on the theory of education. The new curriculum was being introduced at the time so a lot of it was very revolutionary, very new, very interesting and very exciting.” “The teaching practice was intensive but I really enjoyed it,” says Joe. But his very first teaching practice almost caused him to question his calling: “I had second class,” he recalls. “They were only up to my knees! It took me a while to figure them

INTOUCH 14 AprIl 2019 INTO­news President Joe Killeen

Joe’s year has been full of high points. One of the highlights was the opportunity to meet President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, “who is also originally from Clare and lived in Galway”, as part of the INTO 150 celebrations. Joe travelled to Luxembourg for the result of the INTO-supported case on pay equality before European Court of Justice and, although he was disappointed with

wife Marian, who was staying in the same Committee (CEC). the case’s outcome, he remains digs as him. The couple married in 1982 In his role as CEC rep, Joe lobbied hard committed to ensuring pay equality is and wanted to move closer to home. Joe for small schools and to improve the pupil delivered. “We’ve made significant got a job in a three-teacher school in teacher ratio, which had increased for progress, but it’s time to finally see this Lough Cutra in Galway and became small schools in 2010/11. “Larger classes through.“ principal of the school in 1987. The school put increased pressure on principals and, He is grateful for the opportunity he has since grown and opened a class for in some cases, caused rivalry between has had to work closely with colleagues in pupils with Autism about five years ago. schools. The pressure on teaching Northern Ireland and to raise the Brexit Many of the pupils in Joe’s school share principals is still there, we’ve had some concerns of colleagues in both Northern his passion for farming. He often finds success in reducing the pupil teacher Ireland and in border counties with himself bargaining with former pupils ratio, but I’m determined to get them Members of the European Parliament in when he’s selling his pedigree Limousin down further.” Brussels. or Hereford cattle. “When I’m doing deals The year has been busy. Joe met with So what’s next for Joe? Following his with former pupils, I realise I taught them politicians from around the country as busy year, he’s looking forward to getting well” Joe jokes. part of INTO’s lobbying day, launched the back to spend more time on the farm and Joe carried his interest in INTO to INTO/An Post handwriting competition to getting back to his hobby of Galway with him. “I became secretary of and marched under the INTO banner in windsurfing. He’s always had an interest the Gort branch at my first meeting. I Dublin’s Pride parade. He’s proud to be in politics and hopes to get involved at a wanted to share the support that I had bringing INTO Congress back to Galway local level to try to effect further change. received with other teachers.” And, in this year, where he will hand over the “Bhain mé sult agus taitneamh as mo 2008, at the end of the Celtic Tiger era, presidential chains to incoming president, bhliain. Mo mhíle buíochas do gach uile Joe joined the Central Executive Feargal Brougham. dhuine a chuidigh liom.”

INTOUCH 15 AprIl 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ INTO Special Education Conference Inclusion - a continuum of support

The biennial INTO Special Education considered the challenges of leading Conference was held in the Clayton Silver inclusive learning and suggested Springs Hotel on Saturday, 9 March. strengthening areas such as primary to Attended by more than 300 delegates, post-primary transitions, effective team this was a full-day conference comprising teaching, teaching and learning roles for discussion groups, workshops and middle leadership and recalibration of keynote presentations, on the theme of access to professional learning. Inclusion: a continuum of support. The second keynote speaker was Katherine O’Leary, a special education Opening teacher, farmer, columnist with the Irish The conference was opened by INTO Farmer’s Journal and advocate for the President, Joe Killeen, who welcomed all rights, independence, dignity and the delegates and noted how much the equality of people with disabilities. She area of special education in Ireland had addressed the conference from the changed in the last 20 years. In 1994, there perspective of a parent of children with was a total of seven resource teachers in disabilities, and reminded delegates of the primary system, in 2019, there are now over 9,000 INTO members working in the “In 1994, there was a total of area of special education. Dr Deirbhile Nic Craith, INTO Director of seven resource teachers in the Education and Research, gave an presentation on the current primary system, in 2019, there developments in special education, referring to special schools and classes are now over 9,000 INTO and the new allocation model and supports. Deirbhile emphasised that the members working in the area of INTO’s position was one that supported the policy of inclusion, where it is in the special education “ Joe Killeen best interest of the child and where the necessary resources are provided. Gordon Porter’s definition of inclusive Teachers’ expertise lies in identifying and education as being ‘education where responding to children’s learning needs, students with special needs are educated but children have other needs, and can in local schools in age-appropriate regular struggle to learn if speech and language classroom settings with non-disabled therapy, occupational therapy, behaviour peers, with the necessary supports to therapy or counselling needs are not met. enable them to participate with their Caroline McCarthy, INTO Northern peers while also meeting their individual Committee, gave a comprehensive needs’. Katherine underlined the overview of the developments in special importance of the partnership between education in Northern Ireland, calling for the teacher and the family and the a responsive pedagogy as she stated, importance of recognising and ‘teachers are changing, children are celebrating achievement. She concluded changing, but is policy keeping up?’ that while progress in the area of special education had been substantial, it was Keynote speakers vital to track and plan for development in The first keynote speaker was Dr Finn Ó special education in the future. Murchú, Head of School in the Thurles Campus of Mary Immaculate College, Workshops who gave a presentation on ‘Inclusion – a All delegates were invited to attend continuum of support … and a continuum two workshops out of a possible six. of endless possibilities’. He underlined the The handouts and presentations from centrality of the teacher and discussed the workshops will be on the conference the critical attributes of a teacher. Finn page of the INTO website, and it will be challenged delegates to consider how worth viewing the keynote presentations inclusive learning in our schools and which are also available to view from the classrooms can really be achieved. He also webcast on: https://bit.ly/2TDXSCQ.

INTOUCH 16 AprIl 2019 INTO­news

workshops Maths Recovery: Overview and Application – Dan O’Sullivan & Ciara Fahy All delegates got the opportunity to sign up for two workshops during the Student Support Planning within the conference. These included: continuum of support model – Geraldine O’Loughlin Effective Teaching Strategies for Students with ASD – Margaret Egan & Co-Teaching and SEN: Developing Christina O’Keeffe Whole-School Professional relationships and learning – Ciara Uí Chonduibh

Top Tips to support teachers working with pupils who have a SEN and speech and language needs – Geraldine Moran

A Best Practice and Ethical Based approach to restrictive practices in special schools – Mark Quinn

Left:­Members­of­the­Special­Education Conference­Working­Group

INTOUCH 17 AprIl 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ INTO Special Education Conference (continued)

Snapshots from the Special Education Conference that took place in Cork on Saturday 9 March.

INTOUCH 18 AprIl 2019 INTO­news Northern conference The Northern Conference took place in Belfast from 1 – 2 March 2019. For more pictures see https://bit.ly/2FzfTtg

Budget 2020 lobby preparations begin

The INTO has put in place the initial steps education issues at local (constituency) around the country in the month of May. towards lobbying on education issues for and national levels. A national lobby day With key priorities including class size and Budget 2020 (Budget scheduled for is planned for June. the need to support school leaders, it is October 2019). In advance, INTO will conduct a series of vital that INTO lobbying be effective and As in previous years, INTO will lobby on lobby training sessions with key activists widespread in the run up to Budget 2020.

INTOUCH 19 AprIl 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ INTO Summer Programme 2019

Scoil Samhraidh An Ghaeilge: Cumarsáid, Comhluadar & Craic 

Tá an scoil samhraidh seo ar súil i Scoil An Fheirtéaraigh agus san Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir, Dún Chaoin, Trá Lí, Co Chiarraí an 1–5 Iúil. Tá sé dírithe ar mhúinteoirí nach bhfuil an teanga ar a dtoil acu, chomh maith leo siúd go bhfuil sí go líofa acu. Beidh ceardlanna idir ghníomhacha ar ábhair éagsúla ar siúl: ceardlanna drámaíochta, amhránaíochta agus filíochta. Beidh roinnt den chúrsa dírithe ar mhodhanna muineadh na gaeilge chomh maith le cur le líofacht an mhúinteora féin. Beidh siúlóidí agus turas ar an oileán. Tá eolas le fáil ó [email protected] nó [email protected]

new Branch officer Training

If you were elected an INTO branch and ursday, 30 May. New branch day/s they will be attending. However, officer (chairperson, secretary or secretaries will attend from 11am on we ask that you arrange this cover organiser) at your January AGM you Wednesday for IT and finance training ahead of time. INTO Learning will be will take up your new role after INTO while all other new branch officers will in contact with all new branch officers Congress. To support you in your role attend from 7pm on Wednesday. All immediately after Congress. If you are a INTO Learning have organised a new branch officers will attend on new branch officer and we do not make training session for you in the Radisson ursday. INTO Learning will cover contact with you, please email Hotel in Athlone on Wednesday, 29 the cost of a substitute teacher for the [email protected].

INTOUCH 20 AprIl 2019 INTO­news #NoMorePlasticPaddy

In the March InTouch, Global Citizenship Schools asked Lots of teachers shared on social media using schools to share the work they were doing to raise #NoMorePlasticPaddy or sent their pictures to InTouch. awareness of and combat single-use plastics. Here’s a selection of them.

Above:­Rath­National School­in­Co­Offaly S.N.­na­Naomh­Uile,­Cleggan,­Co.­Galway.

Ms­Coppinger’s­1st­class­in­Scoil­Eoin,­Kilbarrack,­Dublin­5

Fifth­class,­­Woodland­NS,­Letterkenny,­Co­Donegal Scoil­Naomh­Eirc,­Kilmoyley,­­Ardfert, Tralee,­Co­Kerry

Lurgybrack­NS,­Letterkenny,­Co­Donegal

Senior­Infants,­St­Thomas­JNS,­Jobstown Presentation­Primary­School,­Terenure,­Dublin Kilglass­NS,­Co­Sligo

Pope­John Paul­II­NS, Malahide

Rathlee­NS,­Easkey,­Co­Sligo INTOUCH 21 AprIl 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ Have you activated your new 18/20 Membership Plus card? www.membershipplus.ie

Your 2018–20 INTO Membership Plus the Membership Plus website and read cards were posted to staff the terms of each offer to ensure you representatives during autumn last year receive a warm welcome at the venues. to distribute to INTO members directly. The Membership Plus card gives you Treat someone special access to over 1,500 offers and discounts Whether you are looking for the perfect for you and your family to enjoy, gift for someone special, or you simply meaning there is something for want to treat yourself, you can enjoy everyone with significant savings in a great savings across the country with short space of time. your INTO Membership Plus card. Some You can enjoy great savings on meals fantastic competitions and much more. suggested offers are below and you can out with family and friends, checking out Please take time to read the view the full range at the latest blockbuster movies, keeping fit information on the ‘How To Use’ page on www.membershipplus.ie at the gym, your weekly grocery shop, making memories with the family, getting away for a hotel break, enjoying some Argento 10% Discount Sligo fresh air on the golf course, looking good Balla Florists 15% Discount Balla in a new outfit, relaxing on the sofa with a Blooming Amazing Flower Company Special Offer Online treat night takeaway and so much more. Carraig Donn 10% Discount Countrywide Ensure you have activated your new Center Jewellers 15% Discount Athenry Membership Plus card to view the full Clara House Holistic Spa 20% Discount Clara range of offers, be kept up to date with Cobwebs 10% Discount Galway new offers throughout the year, enter Dublin Holistic Massage 20% Discount Dublin Fines Jewellers Up to 15% Discount Limerick Flowers.ie 10% Discount Online Gift Studio 10% Discount Dublin Go Dutch 10% Discount Galway House of Gold Up to 15% Discount Monaghan Houstons 15% Discount Dundalk Hynes Family Jewellers 10% Discount Wexford Kingfisher Spa 25% Discount Galway and Waterford McCarthy’s 10% Discount Galway Moores Jewellers 10% Discount Cork Neil Conway Jewellers Up to 20% Discount Dublin Notionz 10% Discount Dublin Oceana Day Spa 20% Discount Dungarvan Spa Haven at Westgrove Hotel 20% Discount Naas The Flower Factory 20% Discount Countrywide Tierney & Co 10% Discount Online Unbound 10% Discount Cork Weir & Sons 10% Discount Dublin

WHere WOUld yOU lIke TO sAve? MONey bACk gUArANTee… Has the hottest new restaurant opened once we secure an offer we will add it to In the unlikely event that you do not down the road from you or maybe your Membership Plus. receive the published discount, favourite place to go shopping isn’t yet You can submit your suggestions please send a receipt of the transaction in Membership Plus? By suggesting a by logging onto the Membership Plus to Membership Plus within 28 days. venue, you help Membership Plus grow website or email Provided you have used your in the way which benefits you the most. [email protected] with Membership Plus card correctly, Once received, our venue team will as much information about the venue(s) we will be happy to reimburse the contact the suggested company and as possible! discount.

INTOUCH 22 AprIl 2019 INTO­news ICTU Women’s Seminar

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) held its biennial International Trade Union Confederation, Chidi King. Women’s Conference in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, Co Delegates participated in workshops and discussions on the Down on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 March. The INTO delegation to work of the International Labour Organisation and the impact of the Seminar included the INTO Equality Officer and members of automation and new technologies on the future of work. the INTO Equality Committee. The Seminar focused on women’s Delegates celebrated International Women’s Day with a leadership in trade unions, work and society. The opening address discussion on how a better gender balance can be achieved was given by ICTU General Secretary, Patricia King while the across the world and a question and answer session with current keynote address was given by the Director of Equality with the women leaders in the trade union movement.

INTO­Equality­Committee­delegates­pictured­at­the­ICTU­womens­seiminar.­From­left­to­right:­Tracie­Tobin,­District­13;­Emer­Mangan,­District­15;­Eleanor­O'Dwyer,­District 11;­Nuala­Grealy,­Equality­Committee­Vice-Chairperson­and­ICTU­Women's­Committee­representative;­Alison­Gilliland,­INTO­Equality­Officer­and­ICTU­Women's­Committee Representative;­Deirdre­Fleming,­Equality­Committee­Chairperson;­Anne-Marie­Coffey,­District­9;­and­Sarah­Bradley,­District­5.­ Member survey on reproductive health related matters

The INTO Equality Committee would like threatened miscarriage, fertility those who did indicated that they were to thank all members who completed the screening, diagnosis and treatment. Half not comfortable doing so. Those who member survey on reproductive health- of those experiencing difficulties didn’t divulge the matter to their principal related matters circulated to all members indicated that they had to leave their explained their absence using sick leave, with an email address on the INTO school immediately to manage a EPV days or school closures. membership database. Almost 2,500 reproductive health-related matter. While The vast majority indicated support for members responded with over 1,500 15% indicated that their treatment and a INTO negotiated reproductive health- indicating experiencing reproductive recovery required more than 31 days the related leave scheme. However, most heath-related difficulties and almost 400 vast majority required between one and principals indicated that training in indicating supporting a partner/spouse nine days. Almost 70% deliberately used managing the system and supporting a experiencing reproductive health-related school closures to schedule reproductive teacher experiencing a reproductive difficulties. health-related appointments for either health-related matter would be required. Initial analysis indicates that privacy reasons or because they did not The Equality Committee with analyse all reproductive health-related matters want to take a school day. Just over half of survey responses and draw up a report. experienced included pre-24 weeks those who experienced a reproductive This report will be discussed at a miscarriage (miscarriages over 24 weeks health-related matter divulged the matter lunchtime event on Tuesday, 23 April at come under maternity leave entitlement), to their principal. However, a quarter or Congress.

INTOUCH 23 AprIl 2019 INTO Advice

7 INTO advice for members on issues of importance 8 Managing a PR crisis in your school INTO’s Head of Communications offers some advice to members on managing a PR crisis in your school.

‘The art of communication is the Right, let’s start with a command language of leadership’ – James Humes structure. The most important thing you will do is to establish an efficient flow of Every school is as vulnerable to a PR crisis information to the senior decision maker as a large company. The days of burying who is authorised to comment on behalf your head in the sand and hoping the of the school. In almost all cases this problem, or the investigating journalist would be the principal. goes away, are long gone. Stay in control. Be proactive, Let’s start with a definition – what do transparent, emphatetic and honest. Any we mean by a communication crisis? official statement issued by the school Anything that can damage the reputation should use a voice that conveys trust, of your school or your leadership team, calm and compassion. Stick to the facts, anything that can cause a loss of trust be sure of the facts you use and do your with your local community or the public own due diligence before you use them at large and any risk to the health, lives or in an official statement. Under no safety of staff, pupils or other circumstance should you speculate. stakeholders within your school is a crisis. for you to respond publicly. The INTO Make sure that you keep your Obviously the first task is to respond to communications team can help you get colleagues, members of the board and the needs of the crisis itself. Those in a the wording right, but any statement you other important local stakeholders up to position of leadership within the school choose to make needs to be one that is speed on developments and fully briefed will then have to consider whether there factual, appropriate and comes with the on your official statement. You never is a need to respond or to keep quiet. In support of school management. know who might end up getting a considering whether there is a need to There will be times when it’s not question from a journalist and everyone respond, school leaders should ask appropriate to comment publicly. should be able to reference your official themselves the following questions: Ultimately, this is a judgement call for the position. school and you should be mindful of any The one thing to remember – if you n Would a reasonable person legal responsibilities or ongoing need to issue a statement, don’t dodge expect a responsible school investigations. that responsibility. It will only lead to to respond? We don’t use the word crisis lightly. further speculation and potential When it happens, it’s something like a reputational damage to your school. Be Would silence be tornado – unpredictable, chaotic and proactive, connect with the INTO n challenging. Schools may struggle with communications team who can offer you construed as a lack of limited information, a loss of control, expert advice and get your position out empathy or a sign of guilt? intense public and media scrutiny and an there. escalating flow of events. There will be a n Is the story already being lot of things you can’t control, but you can DAVID GEARY, MPRII, INTO Head of told inaccurately by others control how you manage the crisis locally Communications. and is there a need to in your school and how you respond to it clarify facts? publicly, where appropriate. Further guidance on dealing with critical So, you’ve got a crisis situation on your incidents in your school is available from the If you’ve answered yes to any of these hands and you feel it’s appropriate that National Educational Psychological Service and questions above, it would be appropriate you respond to it in the public domain? can be downloaded here https://bit.ly/2HIetz1

INTOUCH 25 AprIl 2019 INTO­advice As Revenue moves online, make sure your taxes are correct

As a result of the changes, teachers should see a reduction in under or over payment of taxes … However, you should still review your taxes each year.

Since the start of 2019, there has been credits, rate bands or other reliefs are employments that you no longer work some focus on teachers’ tax as a result incorrect, the onus is on you to ensure for; of an issue with deduction of tax of these are rectified with Revenue. The • Are you receiving the correct teachers substitutes. PAYE Modernisation affects easiest, quickest and most efficient way to Flat Rate Expenses?: all members’ tax. do this is by registering with Revenue’s – Full time teaching including Below we look at ways to ensure you PAYE secure online services myAccount. Teaching Council – €583 continue to pay the correct amount of Simply search for ’ROS myAccount’ and – School principal including tax, and not a cent more. register. Teaching Council – €673 The introduction of PAYE As well as ensuring that your PAYE If you find that your credits and rate Modernisation, which took effect from 1 allowances are correct you can also bands are incorrect, or indeed you feel you January 2019 effectively means your tax is review other areas of your tax such as are paying too much tax, myAccount calculated in “real-time”. Instead of the Local Property Tax. Below is a list of things should be your first port of call. The DES DES receiving tax certs from Revenue you should check: cannot amend your tax details and periodically and filing your P60 figures at • Ensure your personal contact details similarly, if you contact Revenue by phone, the end of the year, they now receive live are up to date; they may direct you to myAccount. information of your credits and rate • Are you receiving at least the minimum Importantly, if you think that your bands online and instantly declare the 2019 tax credits – (€3,300) and rate credits have been incorrect for a number salary details to Revenue fortnightly. band (€35,300) for a single person?; of years, you can review the last four years Although the largest shake-up in the • Are you jointly assessed with your to claim any taxes overpaid. PAYE system in decades was never going spouse, if married? If so, are your credits to be perfect, it does offer significant and rate bands distributed correctly to This article has been provided by DAMIAN WIlSON advantages for both the DES and you, the each of you in proportion to your of ITAS Accounting ltd., who provide tax and tax payer. As a result of the changes, income?; accountancy services to INTO members. Should teachers should see a reduction in under • Are your credits and rate bands fully you require tax advice or wish to see if you are due or over payment of taxes as a result of allocated to your main employer?; a refund of tax, you can contact them on Revenue or payroll issues. However, you • If you have more than one live [email protected]. should still review your taxes each year. employer, are your credits and rate Remember, the DES calculate your tax bands distributed correctly to each in and Universal Social Charge(USC) based proportion to your income?; on instructions from Revenue. If your tax • Ask Revenue to remove any previous

INTOUCH 26 AprIl 2019 InFocus Behind the scenes in Head Office Education, Research and Learning Section

The Education, Research and Learning section is led by Deirbhile Nic Craith, Director of Education and Research and is supported by a dedicated team. The section supports the work of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and both the Education Committee and the Equality Committee.

Education The Education team are responsible for dealing with issues such as curriculum and assessment, special education, social inclusion and teacher education. Members of the Education team represent the INTO on committees of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The team also respond to queries from members on these issues. Front­row­(left­to­right):Joanna­O’Byrne,­Alison­Gilliland­and­Deirbhile­NicCraith.­ Maeve McCafferty works with the Back­row­(left­to­right):­Linda­Johnston­and­Claire­Garvey.­Missing­from­photo:­Kim­Lally,­Ann­McConnell­ Education Committee. The consultative and­Maeve­McCafferty conference on education is the main event on the INTO’s education calendar. done by a national committee, such as programme and plans to expand the Up to 400 delegates attend the the Education Committee. At other times autumn course schedule this year. conference annually, which takes place the INTO works in collaboration with every year in November, in various venues other organisations. Trade Union Training throughout the country. For example, our current research The INTO Learning Team is also Each year has a different theme and the project is on Standardised Testing in responsible for Trade Union Training. next conference will be on the theme of Primary Schools, in collaboration with Training is provided to newly elected curriculum, as we face into discussions on CARPE (Centre for Assessment Research, branch and district officers after primary curriculum review. Policy and Practice) in DCU. Congress each year. Training for existing The Education team also organise the The INTO worked in collaboration branch and district officers takes place biennial consultative conference on with Professor Mark Morgan on the report in the Autumn, in recent years on a special education. The most recent on Workload, Stress and Resilience of regional basis. In addition to a focus on conference took place in Cork on the Primary Teachers, publishing the results skills, topics include current issues, ICT theme ‘Inclusion – a Continuum of of a survey of INTO members in 2015. training and an overview of the main Support’. For the first time the conference We are returning to the topic of workload work in each of the different sections of had a presentation from INTO Northern in 2019. Head Office. Committee. On occasion themed seminars or Professional Development Equality conferences are organised to provide The Learning team, led by Alison Gilliland, Alison Gilliland is also Equality Officer of members with opportunities to discuss is responsible for designing, planning and the INTO and represents the organisation particular policy issues, such as DEIS. At organising the INTO summer course on the ICTU Women’s Committee. other times the INTO collaborates with programme. The Equality Committee are currently the Colleges of Education to organised INTO Learning pioneered the carrying out research on reproductive seminars such as recent seminars on provision of online summer courses and health with a view to identifying what School Placement. this has now become the main approach supports are required by teachers who to providing summer courses for have reproductive health related issues. Research teachers on a range of topics, designed The INTO organises a consultative The INTO carries out research on topics and facilitated by practising teachers. conference on equality every three years. relevant to teachers and the teaching In addition to summer courses, INTO The next conference is scheduled for profession. Sometimes this research is Learning also offers an autumn February 2020 in Wexford.

INTOUCH 27 AprIl 2019 Newsdesk

glObAl sOlIdArITy Dublin districts’ meeting on education in Palestine

On Tuesday, 26 February, approx 40 INTO members attended a meeting organised by three Dublin District Committees on 'Education in Palestine'. The meeting heard three excellent presentations. • Mark McTaggart and Susan McMullan, INTO members who travelled to Palestine in October 2018, with Trade Union Friends of Palestine spoke about their experiences and what they had witnessed. • Fatin Al Tamini, Chair of Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign spoke about the importance of international witness and solidarity in defending the human rights of Palestinian people, especially children. • A Dublin teacher who had taught in Pictured­from­left­to­right:­Mark­McTaggart,­Assistant­Northern­Secretary;­Fergal­Brougham,­INTO­Vice Palestine last summer talked about President;­Susan­McMullan,­INTO;­Fatin­Al­Tamini­Chair,­Ireland­Palestine­Solidarity­Campaign. some of the practicalities of raising Solidarity issues in the classroom. Following the presentations there was term 2019 as part of a Trade Union If you would like to get any more a discussion about how we can best, as Friends of Palestine delegation. information about either of these INTO members, contribute to the raising • Develop lesson plans that teachers can suggestions, if you are interested in of awareness of the conditions Palestinian use to raise this issue in their maybe being part of a delegation to children endure on a daily basis. Among classrooms, and that we seek to build Palestine in October or would like support the proposals to emerge from the links between our schools and schools to raise the issue in your school and class, meeting were: in Palestine, perhaps through please contact [email protected] • INTO members from Dublin should encouraging Irish schools to 'twin' with travel to Palestine at the October mid- Palestinian schools. GREGOR KERR, CEC Rep District 14 Sad passing of inTo friend, rong panha

It was with great sadness that we learned been in progress to continue this work of the tragic death of Rong Panha, who with CITA for 2019/20. Despite his was fatally injured in a traffic accident youth, Panha was widely known and outside Phnom Penh on the morning of respected within the greater 9 March 2019. He had only recently Cambodian trade union movement. He turned 30. advocated tirelessly for trade union Panha worked at the Cambodian representation, in a country that can Confederation of Unions (CCU), having often be politically hostile to such a studied at the Royal University of Law position. He also organised many and Economics, Cambodia. For almost national and local trade union training five years, Panha was the liaison workshops and seminars across between the INTO and the Cambodian Cambodia, and more recently Independent Teachers Association represented CCU at Association of (CITA), one of the three teacher Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and organisations the INTO works with International Labour Organization (ILO) directly, on a union-to-union basis, between the INTO and the CITA had events. He will be greatly missed and within our Global Solidarity been widely reported in InTouch and our sympathies go to his family and programme. Many of the initiatives CEC reports over the years. Plans had many friends around the world.

INTOUCH 29 AprIl 2019 Newsdesk

{ News from the world of education and trade unionism, at home and abroad }

re-vetting of registered teachers who hold the Central garda Vetting unit letter

In April the Teaching Council will contact vetting process, they will not be able to school/employer in the foreseeable over 7,000 teachers whose registration renew registration and will lapse from the future should apply for a vetting date is August 2019 to invite them to register which means they cannot receive disclosure in the normal manner as per re-apply for a new National Vetting a state-funded salary. Circular 0031/2016. These typically are Bureau disclosure via the online system. Teachers are advised to wait until they teachers who intend to sub on career Teachers who receive a re-vetting are contacted by the Teaching Council break, job-share in another school etc. notice are advised to complete both and requested to apply for re-vetting. Registered teachers can check their stages of the vetting application process However, any teacher who holds a GCVU vetting status by logging on to the My within the timeframe given. vetting letter and requires a vetting Registration section of the Teaching If a teacher does not complete the disclosure for the purpose of changing Council website www.teachingcouncil.ie.

Córfhéile na Scoileanna

John­Boyle, General­Secretary Designate­with members­of­Coiste Chórfheile­Na Scoileanna­BÁC after­the­official opening­at­the National Basketball­Arena

To advertise in InTouch – contact Mary Bird Smyth [email protected] [email protected] Phone 01 8047724 There is limited ad space available in May InTouch issue Media Packs are available, if you would like one, please email [email protected]

INTOUCH 31 AprIl 2019 Newsdesk

Pictures from branch and district Retirements functions to honour retiring members

Killarney Dungarvan Front­row­L­to­R:­John­O'Donoghue;­Eilis­Mahony;­John­Boyle,­Árd­Runaí­Tofa,­CME; Back­row­left­to­right:­Muireann­Mhic­Dhonncha,­Chairperson; Mary­Woodcock­O'Sullivan;­Patricia­Sheehan­O'Donoghue.­Second­row­L­to­R:­Seán­Mc Brendan­Horan,­CEC­Rep­District­11­and­Mary­Harney, Dermott;­Juliette­Kelly;­Brid­O'Farrell;­Evelyn­Curtis;­Therese­O'Donoghue;­Joan­Foley;­Mary Branch­Sec.­Front­row­left­to­right:­Retirees­Vera­Collins,­Mary O'Sullivan.­Back­row­L­to­R:­Anne­Horan,­CEC­Rep,­District­13;­Josephine­Doncel;­Denis Dunford,­Mary­Cusack­and­Maeve­Gildea. O'Sullivan,­Branch­Secretary.­Photo:­Michelle­Cooper­Galvin.

Fermoy Dingle Left­to­right:­Marian­Uí­Shionnaigh;­Clare­Bryan;­Mary­Magner,­CEC;­Anne Suite­chun­tosaigh­clé­go­deas:­Eilín­Uí­Lúing,­Mai­Uí­Bhruic,­Máire­Ní O’Sullivan;­Mags­Sheehy;­Síle­Ní­Mhuimneacháin; Mhaoileoin,­Máire­Ní­Mhurchú.­Seasta­chun­deirigh­clé­go­deas:­Nuala­Uí Maeve­Tobin;­Margaret­Howard,­Chairwoman­Fermoy­Branch­and­Joe Ghearailt,­John­Boyle,­Anne­Horan,­Seanachán­Mac­Gearailt. Killeen,­INTO­President.

Cork City North Front­row­L­to­R:­Cristín­Ní­Chonchubhair; Marian­Clifford;­Catherine­Crowley;­John­Boyle, INTO­President;­Mary­Magner,­CEC­Rep;­Caoimhe Galvin,­Branch­Secretary;­Norma­Doody­and Sorcha­Bn.­Uí­Laoghaire.­Back­row­L­to­R: Michael­O’Donnell;­James­Doolan;­Josephine Smiddy;­Alice­O’Connell,­Carmel­O’Sullivan;­Ted Cotter­and­Joseph­McCarthy,­Branch­Treasurer.

INTOUCH 33 AprIl 2019 Ócáidí­nuachta Standing up for school secretaries

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation afforded the same basic rights and pay has voiced it’s support to Fórsa’s Support grades as their colleagues. Our Secretaries campaign. The Support The trade union is seeking to have all Our Secretaries is a nationwide school secretaries and caretakers currently movement of school staff, parents, paid from the ancillary grant put onto colleagues and friends all standing in Grade 3 or Grade 4 as per Circular 0037/97 support of the demand for respect and of the Department’s pay scale. fair conditions for all school secretaries. School secretaries play pivotal roles in pension rights, as other school employees. What can you do to help? our school communities. The country’s The vast majority of schools are forced to Go to www.forsa.ie/support-our- 3,500 school secretaries are often the first employ their school secretary, and their secretaries-campaign and sign the point of contact between schools and caretaker, through their ancillary grant petition calling on the Department of parents. However, despite the important meaning that these staff members have: Education and Skills to ensure that all roles they play in their school communities, • No certainty of employment or hours of school staff are afforded the same basic most school secretaries are poorly paid, work; rights and pay grades as their colleagues. with uncertain short-term contracts that • No occupational pension; force many of them to sign on during the • No entitlement to sick leave; summer holidays. • No entitlement to pay increases resulting from public sector pay What is the problem? agreements; Many school secretaries work for as little • No incremental pay increases. as €12,000 per year. Only around 10% of school secretaries are paid directly by the What is the campaign looking for? Department of Education and Skills Fórsa is calling on the government to meaning that around 90% of school ensure that not just some, but all school secretaries do not have the same rights secretaries and staff are paid by the and entitlements, such as sick leave and Department of Education and Skills and

Kathleen O’Doherty has been School Secretary at Scoil Naomh Fiachra – outside Letterkenny, Co depend totally on the state Donegal – for the last 22 years. The pension. This means that my school is an extremely busy one current income of €365 per week with almost 600 pupils and over 50 will almost halve when I retire.” staff. “While I’m in good health at the Kathleen is a grant-paid School moment thank God, I’m concerned Secretary which means she will that if I became ill I’d find it nearly have no occupational pension when impossible to pay the healthcare she retires and this is a real concern costs associated with that. In for Kathleen as she is only a few addition, with just the State Case study years from retirement. Pension to rely on I’m not going to Kathleen “When I retire after loyally serving be able to enjoy my retirement and the wonderful school community at spoil my five grandchildren as my O’Doherty Scoil Naomh Fiachra, I won’t have teaching colleagues in the school an occupational pension so I will can do when they retire.”

INTOUCH 34 AprIl 2019 Newsdesk Standing up for school secretaries

Claire O’Shea works just outside the pupils as well as medical and dental scenic village of Beaufort, Co Kerry – care and liaising with the parents on right in the heart of the all of this too. On top of that there MacGillicuddy Reeks – and is School are the usual tasks of typing, Secretary at St Francis Special School printing, ordering and chasing up which has 50 pupils with moderate, materials as well as preparing wages severe and profound intellectual and looking after the accounts.” disabilities. Claire loves her work – Claire really enjoys the job but she which is very demanding – because is hurt by the discrimination that she no day is the same and there’s always faces compared to her other school a new challenge to get sorted. colleagues. “While there are just only 50 pupils “I work as hard as everybody else in the school – because of the pupils’ on the team and that’s why it’s really Case study needs – my job involves a huge galling – when everyone else is Clare O’Shea amount of interaction with the discussing their plans for their parents, various therapists, doctors summer holidays – I know that I’ll be and of course the school’s staff. This signing on instead. It’s simply not includes organising therapy for the fair!”

“As a principal, I deeply appreciate the role school secretaries play in supporting the work of the principal and the school. As an INTO member, I support fair and equal pay and conditions for school secretaries, and wish the Fórsa campaign well.” Michelle­Keane,­Cathaoirleach­of­the­INTO’s­Principals’­and Deputy­Principals’­Committee.

INTOUCH 35 AprIl 2019 Newsdesk Asthma Youth Champions Asthma Society of Ireland programme

The Asthma Society of Ireland is calling awareness and asthma safety in the on schools in Ireland to get involved in school; their new Asthma Youth Champions l An asthma education session delivered programme. A panel of four young by an asthma specialist nurse for asthma ambassadors will be created as teachers and students; part of the programme to gather their l Information booklets, classroom games thoughts on how asthma services can be and STEM engagements, videos and an bettered for young people in Ireland. The Asthma Council project planner; Asthma Society will also equip the l A final information session delivered by selected young people with the resources students on their Asthma Champion also receive publicity in regional and/or and know-how to become ‘asthma programme of activity (including a national media broadcast and print media champions’ and promote asthma change planned meeting with Minister for throughout the programme. in their school and community. Children). For more information on the Asthma There are a number of supports that All activity will be built around ensuring Youth Champions programme and how the Asthma Society will provide to that the school is supported so that they you and your school can get involved, go selected schools: can change the asthma culture in their to www.asthma.ie/news/invitation- l Completing an audit of asthma school and community. The school will asthma-youth-champions. Council of Irish Chiefs and Clans of Ireland Prize in History 2019

e Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and level institution. bibliography will not be counted as part Chieftains and Clans of Ireland (Finte na e essay must be on a topic dealing of the word length). It may be written in hÉireann) in association with the history with any aspect of the political, social or English or Irish. department of Trinity College, Dublin, cultural history of Gaelic Ireland (within Entries, with candidate’s name, and History/Ireland magazine, is offering the date range 400 to 1690 A.D.), such as address and contact details should be a prize of €500 for the winning entrant Irish kingship, lordship, land-holding, emailed as an attached Word file to in an essay competition on Gaelic genealogy, family history, etc. [email protected] to arrive by 1 June Ireland. It should be approximately 2,000 2019. Entry is open to all persons over 18 words in length and accompanied by full For more information visit years who are NOT on the academic footnote references to sources used, with www.tcd.ie/history/irishclansandchiefs staff of a history department in any third a bibliography at the end (footnotes and prize.php Arts and pE help pupils to thrive at school

Pupils who enjoy physical education and the arts take part in school life more fully than those who do not, according to a research study led by University of Limerick’s Dr Enrique Garcia Bengoechea. Researchers at University of Limerick, University of Edinburgh and McGill University in Canada, assessed a group of more than 1,700 early or middle adolescent pupils and identified participation in physical education and activities such as music, drama and visual arts as the greatest predictors of engagement among children aged 12 – 15. They also found that for 12 and 13 year olds, enjoyment of physical education was the greatest contributor to feeling Sciences, said, “Curricular factors, and in promoting student engagement.” connected to school. particular the quality of students’ experiences The study is published in the journal Lead researcher, Dr Enrique Garcia in physical education and arts education, RETOS: New trends in Physical Education Bengoechea, of the University of Limerick’s may be more important than previously Sports and Recreation, available at this Department of Physical Education and Sport recognised in terms of understanding and link: bit.ly/2WfVsap

INTOUCH 37 AprIl 2019 Newsdesk Cobh primary school students awarded top engineering honour

Fourth class pupils at Bunscoil Rinn na placement thanks to their innovative Bunscoil Rinn na Chabhlaigh we place a Chabhlaigh were awarded the Engineers project ideas. Winning student team ‘e profound importance on providing our Ireland STEPS Young Engineers Award Carrots’, made up of Francesca, Sam, students with relevant opportunities to at a school presentation in Cobh recently. Kayla, Fantine, Tara and Kacper, came up engage with STEM activities in their e Engineers Ireland STEPS Young with an ingenious idea to produce a formative years and to encourage our Engineers Award encourages third- and small, environmentally friendly chip that students to think scientifically though fourth-class pupils and their teachers to uses solar energy to charge a mobile exploration and discovery. explore the world of engineering by phone. Fellow classmates, Laura, Kate, Today’s STEPS Young Engineers developing an engineering project that Cian, Katelyn, Fahad and Oliver, Award presentation to Ms Kelleher’s and would help to improve their local members of ‘e Enthusiastic Engineers’ Ms Healy’s fourth-class students is a community. were also highly commended for their testament to the dedication of our Over 250 projects were entered into innovative design – a steering wheel with teachers in fostering STEM engagement the inaugural year of the Young sensors for skin to detect high alcohol in the classroom and providing our Engineers Award competition, with two levels which would automatically stop a students with the opportunity to projects from Bunscoil Rinn na car from starting. innovate, create and explore together to Chabhlaigh awarded the top prize in the Ms. Sinéad Flannery, Principal of engineer real world solutions for their country and a highly commended Bunscoil Rinn na Chabhlaigh, said, “At local community and society”. phD Stipend from irish Manufacturing research

The Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) subject to the provision of satisfactory your research. are offering a stipend to a registered academic progress reports. Part-time as The selection of the award will be primary school teacher currently well as full-time students are eligible to overseen by the IMR STEM Education undertaking a PhD in STEM education. apply. advisor Dr Cornelia Connolly, NUI Galway, The prospective candidate for this As a condition of the award the IMR will an Engineers Ireland representative, award should be in the early stages of require the successful candidate to Professor Emeritus Eamonn Murphy IMR their PhD programme. Candidates from partake in a small amount of outreach and Barry Kennedy, CEO of the IMR. Northern Ireland are welcome to apply. work, with schools and industry, in Preference will be given to those who are promoting the STEM subjects. DR CORNElIA CONNOllY, lecturer, focusing on the engineering element of Please submit your CV to School of Education, STEM education. [email protected], along NUI Galway. A stipend of €3,500 p.a. for two years, with an expression of interest (max 1000 payable on the 1st of October of each year words), outlining your interest in and will be paid to the successful candidate, suitability for the stipend and details of

INTOUCH 39 AprIl 2019 Life

3 Tips on health, wellness, travel and finance 4 Innsbruck…The Jewel of the Alps

Goldenes­dachl­(golden­roof)­ Swarovski­Giant Spectacular­views­by­funicular

“Innsbruck? Where is that?” was the usual and craft stalls. selection of sweet and savoury strudel! reply when I said where I was off to for Easter break! Well, it’s definitely not the A visit to 360 Grad Bergisel ski jump tower typical long weekend destination but well 360 Grad is a panoramic bar on the The Bergisel has held two Olympic winter worth a visit. Innsbruck is the capital of seventh floor of the Rathausgalerien games and is best seen from the top! If Austria’s western state of Tyrol and is shopping centre. The views are you feel fit you can climb the 455 steps to about three hours, by train, from Munich spectacular by day or night and it’s the the main tower or more comfortably in and about 90 minutes from Salzburg. perfect spot for a coffee or a cocktail. just a few minutes by funicular (we Ryanair offers direct flights from Dublin There are couches along the outside of favoured the latter) which takes you up during the winter season. the bar… though trying to nab one is the tower to the café and restaurant and I’ve visited Innsbruck a number of nearly impossible! the panoramic viewing platform, which times so I’ve put together a list of my offers a 360-degree view of the Tirolian favourite things to do in the city. Chilling out at Seegrube mountain scenery. The photographs of The Nordkette is part of Austria’s largest the ski jumpers on the Bergisel are Hitting the slopes nature park and is accessible by funicular brilliant and just show how amazing and Innsbruck was the location of the from Innsbruck. There are several stops terrifying this sport is! Channel 4 show ‘The Jump’ and is popular along the way, including the popular with winter sports enthusiasts. There is no Alpine Zoo. It takes about 20 minutes to Swarovski crystal worlds end to the amount of winter sport get to Seegrube, which is positioned at Located 20km from Innsbruck, and activities available in Innsbruck and the 1,905 metres. The views are spectacular accessible by free bus from Innsbruck is surrounding area so is a great for an and there is a restaurant and a bar on site. Swarovski crystal world, part art museum active holiday. I tried my hand at skiing So sit back, chill on a deck chair and and part crystal shop. The most striking and sledging, they have something to suit watch the skiers and snowboarders fly by! installation is the ‘Giant’, a grass and all levels. There are a number of ski resorts If you want to enjoy an afternoon on the crystal covered head that spouts water close to Innsbruck so it makes a great slopes without having to do any actual into a pond. Inside, the Chambers of base to hit the slopes. The free ski bus skiing then Seegrube is the place to go. Wonder form the heart of the exhibit. 17 operates daily on several routes between rooms are filled with crystal art by Innsbruck and multiple ski resorts. City Tower international stars. Based in the centre of the old town, over If you’re spending 24 hours or more in Strolling around the Altstadt (old 133 steps lead up to the 31 metre-high the city the Innsbruck card offers town) viewing platform which overlooks the discounts on many services and Innsbruck has a spectacular old town in medieval streets of Innsbruck and offers attractions. It’s available for 24, 48 or 72 the heart of the city. From beautiful old stunning views of Bergisel and the hours. buildings to the famous golden roof, with Nordkette mountain range. If visiting Innsbruck for a ski trip or just its 2,738 gold-plated copper tiles, it’s an passing through, I hope this article will ideal spot to stroll, have a coffee at one of Afternoon treats in Strudel-café help you make the most of your time in the many outdoor cafes and people Kroell this beautiful city. watch. The city is compact and most You can’t wander too far without finding restaurants and sights are easily a café in Innsbruck but Strudel-café Kroell AISlING HESTER teaches in Galway. accessible by foot. During our visit, there is my favourite spot for a traditional Visit her travel blog at was an Easter market, with lots of food strudel and a coffee. They have a great www.lessonsontravel.wordpress.com.

INTOUCH 41 AprIl 2019 Life

This month at Foodoppi HQ we have been getting a lot of requests from people asking how to give food a flavour boost that won’t break the bank. Our answer is a sprinkle of spice. Most kitchens have a few Spicing spices hiding at the back of the press. We have kept it simple by using a few of the most common spices which really help give our turkey koftas and falafel power ball things up wraps a delicious taste. These can be eaten hot or cold which is perfect for any lunch on the go. Please keep your suggestions coming in as we love to hear from our readers at foodoppi.com

Falafel power ball wraps with sweet chilli mayo Turkey kofta Serves­6. l 2­tablespoons­greek­yogurt­ Serves­4–6. l 3­tablespoons­sweet­chilli­sauce Ingredients Ingredients

l 1­tin­good­quality­chickpeas­– rinsed,­drained Method l 1­slice­wholemeal­bread and­dried­ 1 Preheat­the­oven­to­180°C­/Gas­5. l 2­tablespoons­milk l 120g­cooked­wholegrain­rice­(50g­uncooked) 2 Pour­boiling­hot­water­into­a­medium­sized l 400g­turkey­mince l 1­tablespoon­garlic­powder saucepan­and­add­in­the­rice.­Simmer­for­10–15 l 1­medium­egg l 1­tablespoon­onion­powder/granules minutes­until­the­rice­is­cooked.­Drain­the­rice l 1­small­red­onion­­ l 1­tablespoon­dried­cumin­­ and­allow­to­cool. l 2­cloves­garlic­ l 1­teaspoon­dried­coriander 3 Empty­the­chickpeas­into­a­colander­and­rinse l 1­teaspoon­chopped­parsley l 1­teaspoon under­cold­water.­Shake­off­any­water­and­dry l ½­teaspoon­cumin lemon­juice­– with­kitchen­paper.­ l ½­teaspoon­cinnamon tiny­squeeze 4 Using­a­food­processor­– add­in­chickpeas,­rice, l ½­teaspoon­mixed­spice l 4­tablespoons garlic­powder,­onion­granules,­cumin,­coriander, olive­oil­+­2 lemon­juice,­4­tablespoons­olive­oil­and­salt. Method tablespoon­oil Blitz­for­about­2­minutes­until­it­forms­a­smooth 1 Preheat­the­oven­to­18o°C­Fan/200°C/Gas­6. for­brushing paste. 2 Tear­the­bread­into­small­pieces,­then­put­it l ¼ teaspoon 5 Take­1­tablespoon­of­mixture­and­roll­into­a­ball. into­a­small­bowl­and­pour­the­milk­over. salt Then­place­onto­a­baking­tray­lined­with­baking Leave­for­a­few­minutes­to­soak. l 6­­small parchment.­Then­repeat­until­all­the­mixture­is 3 Peel­and­finely­dice­the­onion­and­garlic. wholemeal used­up. Then­mix­all­of­the­ingredients­together­in­a wraps 6 Brush­each­ball­with­a­little­oil.­Then­bake­in­a large­bowl.­ l Salad:­Baby preheated­oven­for­20–25­minutes­until­golden 4 Divide­the­mixture­into­12­equal­pieces.­Next Gem­lettuce, brown.­ wet­your­hands.­One­at­a­time,­take­a­piece baby­corn,­radish­and­spring­onion 7 To­make­the­sweet­chilli­dressing,­mix­all­the of­the­mixture­then­shape­and­squish­it­into ingredients­together­in­a­bowl. an­oval­sausage­shape.­ Dressing 8 Spread­a­spoon­of­sweet­chilli­dressing­on­the 5 Line­a­baking­tray­with­baking­paper.­Place l 3­tablespoons­mayonnaise wrap,­add­salad­and­falafels.­ the­turkey­koftas­evenly­apart­and­bake­for 15–20­minutes­until­they­are­complete cooked­through.­ Foodoppi is a creative educational platform which Culinary Innovation and set up Ireland’s premier 6 Serve­the­turkey­koftas­with­grilled­flatbreads, takes an extraordinary approach to food and STEM children’s cookery school at the Cliff at lyons a few hummus,­cucumber­and­carrot­sticks. education that has proven to be years ago. an effective way to foster positive lOUISE lENNOx is a top chef and relationships with food while food broadcaster on TV and radio exciting children about learning here in Ireland and has a and gaining STEM skills. background in nutrition and AISlING lARKIN has a degree in children’s food media Education from Trinity, spent 10 production. Aisling and years working in a DEIS school in louise joined forces a inner city Dublin, has a first class few years ago and MSc in Food Product Design and created Foodoppi.

INTOUCH 43 AprIl 2019 Ócáidí­nuachta Excellence rewarded at Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol Awards

Ballybrown­NS,­winners­of­the­INTO­150­category.­Back Winners­of­Best­Large­School­Category:­St­Teresa’s­NS, row­L­to­R:­Séamus­Barry,­Sheila­Hayes,­Sarah­Keyes The­staff­of­Roan­St­Patrick’s­PS,­Eglish,­Co­Tyrone, Longford.­L­to­R:­Colm­Harte,­Principal;­Bernadette and­John­Tuohy.­Front­row­L­to­R:­Ciara­Quane,­Joe winners­of­the­Small­School­category.­Pictured­with Ryan,­Cathaoirleach­Cumann­na­mBunscol;­Emmet Lyons­and­Katie­Gibbons. Bernadette­Ryan,­Cathaoirleach­Cumann­na Toher;­Cathriona­Connerton,­Deputy­Principal­and mBunscol­and­Adrian­Travers,­Cornmarket­Group Adrian­Traver,­Cornmarket­Group­Financial­Services. Financial­Services.

The Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol special Award was sponsored by INTO to Awards were held in the Sligo Park Hotel highlight the contribution of INTO on Friday, 8 March. Over 200 guests members to the promotion of Gaelic attended the awards banquet. Cumann Games. The winning project was na mBunscol Shligigh worked tirelessly compiled by the children of fifth and sixth for weeks in advance of the night to class from Ballybrown NS, Clarina in Co ensure that every detail was covered. Limerick under the guidance of their Bernie Ryan, Principal of Holy Family NS in teacher Katie Gibbons. The winning Tubbercurry, saw her five-year term as L­to­R:­Bernadette­Ryan,­Cathaoirleach­Cumann­na project looked at how INTO members Cathaoirleach of An Coiste Náisiúnta mBunscol;­Jim­Higgins,­former­INTO­President;­Katie have contributed to the success of come to an end during that weekend and Gibbons,­Ballybrown­NS;­Fidelma­Sheridan,­INTO Cumann na mBunscol. the local committee, led by Mary Curley, and­Joe­Lyons,­Ballybrown­NS. Former INTO President Jim Higgins ensured that she went out on a high note. represented the union at the awards as The Pat Trainor Award for Lifetime Culture category. did Fidelma Sheridan, member of Service to Primary Schools Gaelic Games There were two new categories of Standing Orders Committee and an was won by Jim O Riordan from Wicklow. Award this year. officer of Cumann na mBunscol in Cavan. Jim, a native of Cork, taught in Newtown- Cur chun cinn an Chultúir Ghaelaigh Sponsors of the Awards are Cornmarket mountkennedy NS for many years. agus na gCluichí Gaelacha was Financial Services and they were Cumann na mBunscol Luimnigh won introduced to mark Bliain na Gaeilge and represented at the Awards by Adrian Travers the Best Publication Award with its long highlight activities organised in schools while Allianz, sponsors of Cumann na running magazine The Green and White. during 2018. Gaelscoil na bhFál from mBunscol, were represented by Alan Black. St Mary’s Parish Primary School from Antrim were winners of this category. Co Louth were popular winners of the INTO 150 was celebrated by members Joe lyons, PRO, Coiste Náisiúnta Cumann na Promotion of Gaelic Games and throughout the country during 2018. A mBunscol. Cumann na mBunscol Cornmarket Award Winners 2019

Category 1 – Pat Trainor Awards Category 3 – County Publication Catagóir 5 – Cur chun cinn an Category 7 – Small School of the l Jim O Riordan (Wicklow) 1 luimneach Chultúir Ghaelaigh agus na Year 2 Corcaigh gCluichí Gaelacha 1 Roan St Patrick’s PS, Tir Eoghain Category 2 – Public Relations 3 An Mhí 1 Gaelscoil na bhFál, Aontroim 2 Kilbehenny NS, luimneach 1 Corcaigh 2 Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Maigh Eo 3 St Joseph’s NS, Tipperary Town, 2 Baile Átha Cliath Category 4 – Promotion of Gaelic Tiobraid Arann 3 Ard Mhacha, Ciarraí Games and Culture Category 6 – The INTO 150th • Highly commended – 1 St Mary’s Parish PS, lú Anniversary Category 8 – large School of the Fear Manach, Port lairge 2 Herbertstown NS, 1 St Joseph’s NS, Ballybrown, Year luimneach luimneach 1 St Teresa’s NS, An longfort 3 Kilcoole NS, 2 Kilcoole PS, Cill Mhantáin 2 Kilcoole PS, Cill Mhantáin Cill Mhantáin 3 Fermanagh Cumann na mBunscol 3 Creevy NS, Dún na nGall

INTOUCH 44 AprIl 2019 Teaching matters

3 Articles and opinions on primary teaching, with tips and ideas for the classroom 4 Exploring the Scientific Process through Scoilnet Introducing JellyLab Online, a science resource for primary school teachers

PhD­student­Amy Courtney­in­the­lab­at the­UCD­Health Sciences­centre.

This flexibility will There is no doubt that in the modern JellyLab Online is a web-based resource be enhanced as the current line-up of world, we are surrounded by science and which uses unique marine animals to videos is expanded to include videos technology. A recent survey conducted help introduce scientific thinking and the focused on the effects of plastic pollution by iReach for the RDS found that 96% of scientific method in the classroom. on marine animals, and footage of animal parents of primary school children in Developed by Amy Courtney and Mark behaviour in the wild. Ireland identified the growing need for Pickering, research scientists in the UCD Exploring the scientific process does their children to learn life skills such as School of Medicine, it was designed to fill not have to end there. There are a creativity, critical thinking, communication specific gaps in the landscape of primary multitude of collections and theme pages and collaboration (also known as 21st school science resources. across a range of topics within the science century skills). Over half of those parents First, many of the current resources are curriculum that are available on Scoilnet surveyed believed that science was the demonstrations of scientific knowledge, such as Scoilnet’s primary STEM page, the third most important subject after maths rather than the scientific process. JellyLab Explorers Project page, Kitchen Chemistry and English. Online focuses on ‘how we know’, rather and INFOMAR. Also, as reflective Scoilnet has a huge repository of than ‘what we know’. practitioners, teachers are always science resources at primary level. To Second, while many university-based encouraged to either share resources they ensure that resources are of a high quality research scientists interact with primary have found to enhance teaching and and standard, Scoilnet regularly schools, large areas of the country miss out learning in their classroom or upload collaborates with universities, educational on these opportunities due to geographical resources they have created themselves institutions and government bodies to location. By making a web-based resource, to Scoilnet. deliver scientific material aimed at primary the material can be accessed anywhere. JellyLab is available on Scoilnet at school children. The goal is to introduce Another key principle is that the videos https://bit.ly/2J5stUU. pupils to scientific material and have them are based on real research being carried engage with the subject in a constructive out in Irish universities, and features PATRICK COFFEY, PDST Technology in Education and meaningful way. Collaborations to actual scientists, showing the important date have included The Marine Institute, human element in the scientific process. UCC Eureka and Trinity College Bridge 21. Most importantly, JellyLab Online was The result of the most recent collaboration designed to be flexible, and can be used is JellyLab. with the pre-made worksheets or Amy Courtney of UCD Medicine explains: adapted into other classroom activities. INTOUCH 45 AprIl 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc Motivating children as readers and writers

Motivation is assumed to be of particular significance because it affects the amount and breadth of Research suggests that reading students’ reading, which, in turn, Motivation drives effort, energy engagement is more important than facilitates the development of and enjoyment. students’ family background. reading competence. (Guthrie, 2015) (Gambrell, 2011) (Wigfield & Guthrie, 1997)

According to research, classroom practices and increases achievement. Pupils need Feedback that foster motivation are essential to to feel safe when sharing their thinking Feedback motivates children when it engagement and achievement in literacy. and this requires careful organisation by focuses on the qualities of the child’s work This is why one of the aims of the Primary the teacher. The classroom experience is (not in comparison with others), gives Language Curriculum is to ‘promote a dialogic rather than monologic. specific ways in which the child’s work positive disposition towards could be improved and notes communication and language’. (pg 26-27) Choice improvements that have been made in Promoting choice within a classroom or comparison to earlier work. school library, allows children to explore different types of literature and find what Explicit Instruction they enjoy reading or writing for Effective instruction incorporates direct, themselves. A feature of motivating explicit demonstrations of the cognitive environments is the constant renewal of strategies that good readers, writers and books, magazines, comics, newspapers, speakers use. It also fosters the transfer of podcasts and videos that interest the strategies from the structured children. Some ideas for promoting practice activities to children’s choice in reading and writing are independent use of them while engaged included below. in reading, writing or speaking.

Time Range of Texts Children need extended time to actually An essential part of any reading read and write during the school day. This environment is access to and an is critical to proficiency and provides the experience of a wide variety of texts to opportunity for children to consolidate feed pupils’ imagination and interests. Taking time to reflect on levels of the skills and strategies that teachers aim motivation and engagement could involve to develop. Some ideas for encouraging asking ourselves questions such as: motivation and choice in reading • What are the values, beliefs and What­can­we­do­to Read Aloud (Gambrell, 2011) behaviours surrounding reading and motivate­our Read aloud often to children all through writing in our class? How are children students? primary school. An effective read aloud is being supported in the development of more than just reading; it their interests and curiosities? requires the teacher to be • What choices do children have familiar with the text, to around what they read and write? read with expression, • How regularly do children excitement and contribute to discussions with assurance. confidence and respect for others? Read and Tease (Beers, What can we do to motivate our 2003) students? Read the first chapter or The PDST have identified six two aloud to the class fundamental components from stopping at a research, which are essential to particularly interesting motivation and engagement. These point which may are: motivate students to continue reading Social interaction themselves. Have regular Providing opportunities for collaboration ‘booktalks’ from teacher or and social interaction in literacy enhances children to advertise books in your class cognition, fosters intrinsic motivation, and tempt students to read them.

INTOUCH 46 AprIl 2019 Teaching­matters Motivating children as readers and writers

Good Books Box (Beers, 2003) The level of choice in a library can be overwhelming for some students. We may need to narrow that choice for students. ‘Bounded choice’ can be achieved in many different ways. For example, a ‘good books’ box of high quality literature which you feel your students may enjoy can create a manageable level of choice for students.

Some ideas for encouraging motivation and choice in writing: Expert lists (Geiger, 2013) Model creating an expert list. This is a list of topics, places, people, etc that you Topic­Tree know a lot about, and therefore you may (Jamison,­2007) enjoy writing about. Model making your own list for the students; “Sometimes, good writers aren’t sure what to write about. It helps them to Things to write about the chart titles, for example, ‘things we make a list of topics. One thing that can • Facts on minibeasts can do’, ‘things we know about’, etc. help writers is to think of things they are • What causes a volcano expert at. Do you know what that • Moving to a new place Topic Tree (Jamison, 2007) means? Today I’m going to make an • My favourite book Sometimes students select topics that are expert list. It will be a list of things, people, • A trip to Italy too broad for focused writing. A topic tree or places that I know a lot about. • Getting the Green Flag (or similar graphic organiser) can help Hmmm …” • Why it is important to be active students split one topic into a series of Students can create their own list to use • A blizzard smaller, more focused sub topics. We can when they are searching for something to then choose from one of these sub topics, write about. They can also add to it over Class chart of shared experiences being mindful of our intended audience. time. (Jamison, 2007) These six fundamental components will Children are eager to write about be explored during two workshops Drawing four images on a page themselves and what they know. One way facilitated by the PDST throughout the 1) favourite person to support this process is by creating a education centre network during the month 2) a special place you like to go class chart of shared experiences that of May. The workshops will explore practical 3) a food you love to eat may be turned into writing pieces. Each ideas and resources to motivate children as 4) something you like to do time the class studies a new theme, goes readers and writers. Register at on an outing, discusses an important https://pdst.ie/onlinebooking. Schools can • 5 things you love issue or celebrates an event we can list also register for in-school support here • 5 things you dislike the items on a ‘things to write about’ https://dms.pdst.ie/school/register. chart. Write the letters of your name in a When the chart is full, it can be cut into CHERYl BRENNAN, PDST Primary literacy Team column. For each letter, write one thing individual lines and left in a writing area, that you know about or know how to or in an ‘ideas bag’ that students can draw do that begins with that letter. from if they need an idea. As genres are introduced we can vary

References Beers, K. (2003) When Kids Can’t Read: Geiger, A., (2013) Gambrell and L.M. Morrow, (Eds.) Best Minlessons for Teaching Beginning What Teachers Can Do. Portsmouth: Make an expert list: a pre-writing Practices in Literacy Instruction. Writing K-3, Ontario: Pembroke Heinemann. strategy for kids [online] [accessed 10th Guthrie, J.T., & A. Wigfield (Eds.), (1997), Publishers. Gambrell, L. B. (2011) Seven Rules Of September 2018] Reading engagement: Motivating readers National Council for Curriculum and Engagement: What's Most Important https://bit.ly/2F8M8PQ through integrated instruction. Newark, Assessment. (2015). Primary Language to Know About Motivation to Read. The Guthrie, J. T., (2015), Best Practices for DE: International Reading Association. Curriculum. Accessed at Reading Teacher, 65(3), 172-178. Motivating Students to Read, In: L.B Jamison Rog, J. 2007, Marvellous https://bit.ly/2J7BMnn

INTOUCH 47 AprIl 2019 Teaching­matters The Schools’ Forum Reviewing and redeveloping the primary curriculum The Schools’ Forum was established by the NCCA in May 2018. It includes representatives from over 40 schools across the country, reflecting the rich diversity of primary schools. Meeting every 4–6 weeks, the Forum provides a space for teachers and school leaders to share experiences, perspectives and reflections, and to tease out key ideas about a redeveloped primary curriculum. This article, written by four Forum members, gives a flavour of the schools’ experiences of being part of this curriculum development work.

Why did your school get involved? self-reflection. The value NCCA places on Mary: As a staff we wanted to lend our including every individual teacher’s voice, voice and our aspirations to a process as well as those of each school staff and which recognises the inherent value of their schools’ parents, is undeniable. The teachers’ contributions. research presented has been insightful Regina: As a newly amalgamated school and thought-provoking, the ensuing the idea of change and looking to the discussions are always rich and fast-paced future, while preserving the best of what and have always left me coming away went before, was the business of the day. with something new to think about, or It seemed like a good fit for us to get perhaps even a different viewpoint. involved with the Forum for consultation Brendan: One thing that has struck me is on the review and redevelopment of the that smooth transitions are important primary curriculum. the stated intention of consultation at and that a child should experience Alison: I was nearing the end of my own grassroots level. seamless transitions from pre-school to primary education when the 1999 Brendan: Our involvement so far has primary and from primary to second level. curriculum was being rolled out, I am now been very rewarding, the space and I have found it particularly interesting to part of a group tasked with evaluating and materials for professional conversations hear from teachers from second level and looking to redevelop it – this highlighted has been the most valuable of all. Sitting early years settings about their to me the timeliness of embarking on this around a table as a staff to discuss the experiences, it’s extremely important that process of review and redevelopment. future direction of the curriculum and we’re all contributing to this process. knowing that these discussions are Our schools’ experience feeding into the national conversation is Next steps Mary: Participation in the NCCA Forum powerful. It’s very refreshing to hear the Alison: As a group, the Forum members and working with my fellow forum views of professionals from differing have a common interest in, and passion members has been an enormously contexts from every corner of the for, shaping an outstanding curriculum positive and rewarding experience. country. The voices of the primary that will best serve and guide the lives of Working with colleagues in other schools educators of children have been listened Irish children for the years to come. has enlightened my perspective, they to very closely too and earlier in the year You can read more about the Schools’ have inspired me with their innovative we held a very productive parental focus Forum by visiting https://bit.ly/2tZG0TC. approaches, enthusiasm and articulate group. While the dialogue here fed into The website also gives information about suggestions, and strengthened my belief the NCCA’s work it also provided very how you and your school can contribute that our work is of significant value. valuable information for our own school to the redevelopment of the primary Our school feels a sense of shared as we plan for the future. curriculum. understanding from being involved in the Regina: At a recent meeting in a privileged consultative process. first view of draft aims and principles by MARY O’GRADY, St Joseph’s School, Tipperary; Regina: Parents and teachers have an the Forum, there was a magical moment BRENDAN ROACHE, Court NS, Co Wexford; opportunity to ponder big questions such as we saw ideas which had arisen in REGINA O’SUllIVAN, Scoil Mhuire agus Eoin, Cork; as what we value in education, what its previous meetings and been discussed, AlISON RAFFERTY, Central Model Infants School, purpose is, how and what children should reflected in the piece. There was a sense Dublin. be taught, what’s important in our current of collegiality, respect and trust as we The NCCA thanks Mary, Brendan, Regina and context and what the future might shared genuine concerns and brave ideas. Alison for authoring this article. demand. Our ideas have been expanded Alison: Outside of the reflective and and challenged and our thinking assessment exercises representatives deepened with access to academic papers undertake in the Forum, our school’s outlining recent research both in Ireland participation has also meant that our staff and internationally. Visits by NCCA had been provided with the opportunity personnel to our school really marked out and support to engage in a process of

INTOUCH 49 AprIl 2019 Teaching­matters

Bunratty Castle in Clare has a long and interesting history. Jean Wallace delves into Bunratty Castle the background of the famous fortress.

The spot on which this castle stands, has of the O’Brien family, Earls of Thomond in near ruins as seen in the picture below. been occupied for over 1000 years – from and Kings of North Munster. the Vikings to the Normans and great Irish earls to noble lords and ladies. The castle Location was graciously restored in the 1950s. The location of Bunratty Castle occupies a strategic site commanding the entrance The rise and fall of the castle by sea to the port of Limerick. To the south is the mighty river Shannon, to the west and south, ancient and treacherous marshes, to the east, the river Raite, the river which gave the castle its name; the The job fell to renowned architect Percy mouth of the Raite, Bun Raite or Bunratty. LeClerc to ensure Bunratty Castle was restored to the authentic building you see today’

Some things change, others stay the same Robert De Muscegros, a Norman, built the The O’Briens no longer live in the castle. first defensive fortress (an earthen mound The last family that lived in it were the with a strong wooden tower on top) in Studdarts but, in 1804, they moved to 1250. His lands were later granted to Bunratty House nearby. This house would Thomas De Clare who built the first stone have been modern and a lot more castle on the site. About this time Bunratty Bunratty Castle was built as a defensive comfortable than a large old castle. Also, became a large town of 1,000 inhabitants. structure to protect the O’Briens’ land but Ireland was a safer place and there wasn’t In 1318, Richard De Clare, son of also to keep a watchful eye on the a threat of invasion from the river. The Thomas, was killed in a battle between important Shannon Estuary. Nowadays, family simply did not need to live in a the Irish and the Normans. His followers the M18 runs very close to the castle and fortress anymore so could afford the were routed and the castle and town visitors frequently enquire how the castle contemporary comforts of a house. were completely destroyed. The castle was built so close the a main road. Of was restored for the King of England but course the road is a new piece of was laid waste in 1332 by the Irish infrastructure but the river was the Chieftains of Thomond under the O'Briens motorway of its day providing the castle and MacNamaras. It lay in ruins for 21 with a key gateway to the rest of Europe in years until it was rebuilt by Sir Thomas 1425.. Rokeby but was once again attacked by the Irish and the castle remained in Irish Appearance now and formerly hands thereafter. The present stone The castle looks the same now as it did in The castle itself remains largely structure was built by Shioda MacNamara 1425. It was bought and restored in the unchanged from when it was originally in 1425. For two centuries it was the seat 1950s by Lord Gort who also donated the built. This is because the Shioda furniture which resides in the castle. MacNamara built a strong stone fortress Before Lord Gort’s restoration in that has stood the test of time. Due to the partnership with the OPW, it lay generous help of Lord Gort we can in experience this site as it was in 1425.

JEAN WAllACE, Shannon Heritage. To arrange a school tour to Bunratty Castle or the other Shannon Heritage attractions, contact [email protected] or 061 711226

Subject Strand Strand Unit SESE (History) Local Studies Buildings, sites or ruins in my locality.

INTOUCH 51 AprIl 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc ILLEY – Inspiring Language Learning in the Early Years A new website from the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML)

United in diversity – the motto on which between languages. For instance, there educators, each with experience working the European Union (EU) was founded – are so many ways to say eight -– ocht, opt, at pre-school and/or primary level across reflects the linguistic and cultural huit, ocho, otto, etc. This integrated Europe. diversity that is integral to European approach to language awareness is a This link: https://bit.ly/2TC2bOj gives identity. Today, within the EU, there are 24 learning resource for both pupils and direct access to the website – currently a official languages, 60 recognised teachers alike. The resulting development work in progress – where details of each regional/minority languages, in addition of observational, reflective, and analytical section are introduced in the form of a to numerous migrant languages. In skills can be brought to bear on all areas flower graphic. Ireland, for example, more than 180 of learning, including STEM subjects. languages have been identified. Language awareness is an important tool Languages play an important part in to support learning. It is also one of everyday life and in cultivating respect for learning’s most valuable outcomes and cultural and linguistic diversity. The develops when pupils are encouraged European Centre for Modern Languages to make autonomous use of the (ECML), of which Ireland is a member languages at their disposal. stage, promotes quality language education, recognising that it is central to How ILLEY can help to create achieving intercultural dialogue, linguistically aware learners democratic citizenship and social The ILLEY website was cohesion. developed to provide practical Early language learning has been support for teachers and those identified by the Council of Europe as the involved in delivering initial and key element in achieving this objective. continuous professional Research shows that children who are development. The tools provided bilingual benefit cognitively as well as are based on existing resources having improved language learning skills. from the ECML and various member This has particular resonance in Ireland states including Ireland. Envisaged where we are fortunate to have a outputs include making teachers and situation where all children are exposed other educators aware of their own to two languages, both Irish and English, linguistic potential in addition to that of during their primary education. For the children in their groups/classes. migrant children, encouraging them to Learners who are encouraged to use their maintain their home language has several full linguistic repertoires can tap into Each of the six petals opens to reveal important advantages among which is a valuable resources that support different topics pertaining to the teaching head start in fulfilling the Council of development of their linguistic and and learning of languages, providing Europe objective above. This approach cultural competences information to support language learning can also present advantages for their Irish ILLEY encompasses all aspects of in, and beyond, the classroom. counterparts. Hearing their peers language learning, i.e., the language of confidently using their own home schooling, modern languages, and Context addresses the background to languages empowers Irish pupils to integrated language learning. The ILLEY, what it is, and why it was develop an interest in languages, one of adaptability of ILLEY to the various developed. Because of the importance the results of which can be a new-found contexts in which learning and teaching and benefits to be derived from early interest in the Irish language and using it take place lies in its child-centred language learning, ILLEY aims to provide as a means of communication. approach. The focus is on encouraging ways in which to cultivate Inspiring The development of an integrated the use of what the child brings to the Language Learning environments. Core approach to language learning (NCCA) learning situation, even when this is a ideas about language learning and reflects our understanding that language not known by the teacher. practical examples – that encourage both languages support the learning of further Whatever the language, wherever it is children and adults to acknowledge and languages. Creating an awareness of being learned, the ideas presented in develop their linguistic skills, learn new language through their developing ILLEY can be applied in schools and languages and open themselves to the proficiency skills of listening, speaking, classrooms throughout Ireland, Europe languages around them – aim to make reading and writing allows pupils to and beyond. The website was compiled language learning enjoyable and inspire realise that there are helpful connections and developed by a team of teachers and both children and adults alike.

INTOUCH 52 AprIl 2019 Teaching­matters ILLEY – Inspiring Language Learning in the Early Years A new website from the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML)

The Quiz section challenges our views and one of the most basic principles of all in their ongoing learning process. beliefs regarding how languages are learning, i.e., that we start from the child’s learned, and how language learning may existing knowledge and experience. The The ECML Resources and more section be supported. Twenty statements and facts outcome from this is that children are provides associated projects, articles and are presented, e.g., children get confused if motivated to begin using their own research for those who wish to follow up they learn more than one language at linguistic knowledge, knowledge that the on the topic of language learning at the same time. Is this a myth or fact? teacher cannot possibly be expected to pre-school and primary level. As teachers, the team is acutely familiar have. This creates increased levels of with the demands made on teachers and participation, enthusiasm and A Glossary is included to ensure clarity teaching time. The section on Frequently involvement in learning by the pupils regarding terminology used. Asked Questions addresses issues raised themselves. For many of them, it will be by teachers, e.g., How can I help a child to the gateway to becoming autonomous References learn or use a language I don’t know learners. Learning and teaching European Centre for Modern Languages myself? Suggestions are provided as to resources provide suggested approaches (ECML) www.ecml.at how additional languages, present in the to language learning across the range of Integrated Primary Language Curriculum classroom, may be integrated into topics included in the curriculum. These (draft 2018) NCCA curriculum delivery and how children’s suggested examples were all devised by Little, D. and D. Kirwan (Forthcoming language(s) can be tapped into as a practising teachers. 2019) Engaging with Linguistic Diversity: A teaching and learning resource. Study of Educational Inclusion in an Irish Guiding principles are the bedrock on Primary School. Bloomsbury Academic. The section on Inspiring practice which the website is built. These provides examples of topics already principles are based on the concept of DR DÉIRDRE KIRWAN is a former Principal of an Irish devised and used successfully by teachers language learning as an active process in primary school where 80% of pupils were from more in Ireland and other European countries. which children, as autonomous learners, than 50 linguistically and culturally diverse These examples are categorised under make meaning of the world by using their backgrounds. She has written articles and presented age groups: 3–6; 6–9; and 9–12. Very linguistic repertoires to interact with others. papers both nationally and internationally on the quickly, teachers will begin to appreciate This approach respects children’s needs topic of linguistic and cultural diversity, co-authored that these examples do not represent a and ways of learning. It takes into account the forthcoming publication above, and provided new programme or methodology. Rather, what children already know by focusing on whole-school CPD for primary teachers. She is they demonstrate ways for teachers to the child’s pathway of learning, and currently working on the IllEY project with the incorporate into their current teaching providing scaffolding for individuals ECMl.

INTOUCH 53 AprIl 2019 Teaching­matters A Glimpse into the Life and Work of Ernest Kavanagh

From 1912–1916, cartoons accompanied by the monogram ‘E.K.’ were a familiar Ernest­Kavanagh’s sight to the readers of a variety of cartoon­‘The­Demon publications, including the socialist of­Death’­depicts newspaper The Irish Worker and the Irish­businessman, suffragette publication, The Irish Citizen. newspaper These initials belonged to Ernest publisher­and Kavanagh, who is described by his politician,­William biographer, James Curry, as the ‘Artist of Martin­Murphy,­as­a the Revolution’. Through his political and vulture­outside­his satirical cartoons, Kavanagh depicted residence,­Dartry contemporary events from 1912 until the Hall,­Rathmines. early months of 1916. However, his life and An­injured­worker work were cut short; in April 1916 he was lying­on­the­ground struck by a bullet and died, at the age of represents­the thirty-two. Kavanagh had been officially workers­of­Dublin employed as a clerk for Jim Larkin’s union, during­the­1913 the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Strike­and­Lock-Out Union (ITGWU) and was one of the many civilians to die from gunshot wounds during the Easter Rising. Kavanagh was born in 1884, educated at Synge St CBS and the 1901 census records give his address as the Wood Quay area of Dublin city. His work began to be published in The Irish Worker from 1912. This publication had been launched the previous year and was described as a vital organ of communication by Jim Larkin, who stated that for, ‘… far too long have we, the Irish working people, been humble and inarticulate.’ Many of Kavanagh’s cartoons focused on the worker lies on the ground. Kavanagh Kavanagh’s sister Maeve (who spelt her struggle of workers during the 1913 Strike presents the stark divide between the surname Cavanagh) was a poet and and Lock-Out. A recurring figure in his classes and his views on how Murphy member of the Irish Citizen’s Army. She work was businessman William Martin afforded his existence; from the labour of also produced many works in support of Murphy, owner of the Irish Independent, the worker. This particular cartoon was the Nationalist and Labour cause and was Dublin Tram Company and leader of the published in the aftermath of Bloody also published in The Irish Worker and Employers’ Federation. In 1913, Murphy led Sunday of 31 August 1913. Larkin had been other publications. The following lines employers in Dublin in the lock-out of banned from speaking to a crowd but were written in tribute by his sister Maeve, workers. Employees were shut out of said that he would proceed and was ‘And yet how dear I hardly knew, employment, not to be re-admitted until smuggled into the Imperial Hotel (later Till now when you have died …’ they resigned from the ITGWU and Clery’s). From there he spoke to the promised not ‘to join, or in any way gathered workers who were on strike and MICHEllE O’CONNOR, Education Officer and support this union’. This action resulted in as he began to speak the crowd surged Teacher liaison at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, hardship, struggle and acute poverty for forward to hear. The police baton-charged Finglas Road, Dublin 11. the workers and their families. The lock- those gathered and very violent scenes To find out how a tour can be tailored to include out lasted for six months, after which and fatal injuries ensued. The worker in such interesting narratives as the one above – workers returned to work under the terms this cartoon is bleeding heavily and it is please contact the Education Department at of their employers. clear where Kavanagh is laying the blame. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. at The cartoon pictured is known as ‘The On 25 April 1916, Ernest Kavanagh was glasnevinmuseum.ie, tel: 01 8826550, email: Demon of Death’. William Martin Murphy shot dead outside Liberty Hall (now [email protected]. (buried in Glasnevin Cemetery) resided in SIPTU’s headquarters). He was not a Dartry Hall, a sizeable residence in member of the Irish Volunteers or James Rathmines. Murphy is depicted here as a Connolly’s Irish Citizen Army but made his vulture outside his home, while an injured contribution through his artistic work.

INTOUCH 55 AprIl 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc

Dinosaurs in the Classroom

Movies such as Jurassic World and events in any ditch. Just add some toy dinosaurs like the lizard-king T Rex. Turns out such as the Museum of Ireland’s ‘Jurassic to make a fun dinosaur garden. tyrannosaurus was just an oversized rooster! Skies’ exhibition and Dublin Zoo’s ‘Zoorassic World’, have put dinosaurs back Dem Bones Dem Bones Fossil prints: in the minds of Irish children – if they had While you could buy one of the many During the time of dinosaurs, most of ever left them! The creatures of the skeleton kits available, to make a plastic Ireland was under water so most fossils cretaceous period always seem to inspire replica, why not use the real thing? You get found are of marine creatures. Fossils of young minds. one free with every Sunday poultry roast. anomites and trilobites are not very A ‘dino world’ can be created in any After eating that delicious chicken roast, expensive. Prepare a flat bed of sand and classroom, at little expense. The following throw the leftovers in a pot and boil them make imprints from real, or replica fossils. ideas could form part of your Aistear play up. The fleshy bits will fall off to make great Let pupils fill the imprints with a areas. soup stock and the bones can be dried in dessertspoon-full of plaster of paris to the oven or just in the fresh air. Split the create their own fossil replicas to take home. Dino Garden bones up, bury them in the sand, and get Get a tray and fill it with soft sand. Add pupils to excavate them and put them DAlE TREADWEll is a Heritage Expert, available plants in small pots – ferns, moss and back together. Then crack one in half. It will through Heritage in Schools. Find out more at liverworts are all available, free of charge, be hollow, just like the bones of theropods https://bit.ly/2W5zxch or www.naturallywild.ie. Seachtain na Gaeilge Bhí comórtas ealaine i Glenswilly NS, Leitir Ceannain le haghaidh Seachtain na Gaeilge. Nach ndearna siad obair ghálanta?

INTOUCH 56 AprIl 2019 Teaching­matters Something Fishy Project All-ireland winners Letterkenny Educate Together national School

Something Fishy is an educational Google Apps for Education. They could programme, aimed at primary school edit the content and include text, links, pupils aged between 10–13 years, which videos, images, and games (which they informs and educates students on fish, coded themselves). Some of the pupils water, angling, and the environment. had coding experience and they shared Having heard numerous positive their knowledge with others in their reports about the Something Fishy team. project from other primary schools in The web-based project was conducted Donegal, fifth class at Letterkenny ETNS as a live project and the students began decided to take part in the project. by breaking the project down into tasks The children knew it would take and assigning teams to those tasks something exceptional to compete in the depending on their area of interest. The project. They decided to do something project tasks and the teams are listed on that hadn’t been done previously and the website as are the roles assigned to came up with the idea of developing a each team. All of the information the website. They learned all about fish life, students learned was uploaded to the how they can help save our fish life by website. reducing pollution and the impact the “I­want­to­congratulate­the­students­and­teachers­of environment has on the survival of fish. Sharing the project ETNS­in­Letterkenny­on­becoming­‘Something­Fishy’ The students created mini-projects, After the project was complete, the National­Champions­for­2018.­This­year’s­award­is conducted research and interviews and, students visited the classes in the school particularly­special­as­we­embark,­in­conjunction with help from their teachers and outside and presented their website to other with­countries­all­over­the­world,­on­the agencies, they gathered as much children. They showed the classes their International­Year­of­the­Salmon­to­celebrate­the information as possible to educate games, the videos and many of the other shared­cultural­and­mythological­place­of­salmon­in themselves and create a project they resources they had gathered and societies­around­the­globe.” were proud of. uploaded to their project. The learning Joe­McHugh,­Minister­for­Education experience was extremely positive and Visit from Inland Fisheries Ireland the pupils showed great pride in As you can see the project took an Owen Kelly from Inland Fisheries Ireland demonstrating what they had learned enormous amount of effort but the visited the school and gave fifth class an and in showing the project they created children really enjoyed the process. They introduction to his job as an inspector to the other classes. The students were also delighted to have won first and all the activities he and his team are concluded that their initial aim reiterated place in the national Something Fishy involved in. Inland Fisheries are the state below, was achieved, and the project was competition 2018. The school would like agency responsible for the protection, a success. to thank Donegal Education Centre and management and conservation of “Our aim is to teach our peers and Owen Kelly from Inland Fisheries for their Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling others all about what we have learned support throughout the process. Have a resources. and how we can all help in saving our look at our project Save Our Schools – schools of fish from extinction. We hope https://bit.ly/2CozFpi. Making the website you enjoy learning all about fish like we The students created a website using did!” Nakita Burke, letterkenny ETNS

INTOUCH 57 AprIl 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc

Is í Suzanne Nic Pheaircín, Síceolaí chun féiniúlacht an fhoghlaimeora a éifeachtachta san fhoghlaim. Forbartha & Oideachais, údar an chláir chothú le linn na mblianta scoile. • Meall páistí lena scéalta féin a insint sna Mise Mar Fhoghlaimeoir (leagan Gaeilge Lorgaíonn an tsraith comhpháirtíocht an leabhair taifead dalta: a láidreachtaí, a de My Learner Identity) atá curtha ar fáil le bhaile agus na scoile ar mhaithe le n-ábhair spéise sa domhan ina cúnamh ón gComhairle um Oideachas féiniúlacht fhoghlaim na bpáistí a chothú maireann siad, a mianta, a nguíonna Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. agus le hiniúchadh a dhéanamh ar an ‘cad’ agus a n-aislingí, na rudaí faoin scoil a Cabhraíonn an clár praiticiúil seo le agus ar an ‘conas’ a bhaineann le thaitníonn leo agus na slite inar maith foghlaimeoirí foghlaim ‘conas foghlaim’. foghlaim. Tacaíonn an clár le cleachtais na leo a bheith ag foghlaim. Cuireann an clár ar chumas na ndaltaí múinteoirí maidir le measúnú • Bain leas as bileoga gníomhaíochta measúnú a dhéanamh orthu féin mar múnlaitheach agus féinmheasúnú scoile. treocha na daltaí chun machnamh a fhoghlaimeoirí agus tuiscint a chothú dhéanamh ar an domhan mórthimpeall iontu faoin mbealach ina bhfuil a Úsáid sa Rang orthu, conas mar is maith leo foghlaim, ngníomhaíochtaí, a mothúcháin, a • Bain leas as treoirleabhar an a ndearcadh orthu féin mar smaointe agus a n-aidhmeanna foghlama mhúinteora, áit a dtugtar comhairle do fhoghlaimeoirí, agus a ndearcadh ar an nasctha le chéile. mhúinteoirí maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na scoil. Sa tslí seo cuirtear ar chumas daltaí sraithe chomh maith le heolas maidir • Tá comhpháirtíocht ó thuismitheoirí de teacht ar an tslí is fearr ina leis an réasúnaíocht agus leis an dhíth chun gníomhaíochtaí éagsúla a bhfoghlaimíonn siad féin. Chomh maith bunchreat taobh thiar de Mise Mar chomhlíonadh. Tabhair comhairle do leis sin, cabhraíonn sé le daoine eile Fhoghlaimeoir thuismitheoirí faoi conas na gníomh– tuiscint a fháil ar dhearcadh saoil agus ar • Déan iniúchadh ar aíochtaí seo a chíoradh sa bhaile agus mheon na ndaltaí mar fhoghlaimeoirí. www.misemarfhoghlaimeoir.com , áit a tacaíocht a thabhairt dá bpáistí. Tá sraith téacsleabhar sa chlár seo agus bhfuil oiliúint agus físeáin ar fáil do • Tabhair le fios do pháistí go bhfuil meas tá treoirleabhair ann do mhúinteoirí mhúinteoirí chun an clár a chur i agat ar a ndearcthaí, go bhfuil tábhacht freisin agus díríonn siad ar ghuth an bhfeidhm sa rang. ag baint lena dtuiscint fúthu féin. agus fhoghlaimeora a chur chun cinn. • Díríonn an tsraith ar mheon nach mbeidh na tuairimí a roinneann Cothaítear freagracht, éifeachtacht agus foghlaimeoirí agus ar an gcur chuige siad á gcáineadh. úinéireacht san fhoghlaimeoir. Cothaítear tábhachtach foghlama a bhaineann le • Tabhair suntas do mheon na bpáistí meon an fhoghlaimeora agus múintear nósanna foghlama atá éifeachtach. agus na cuntais atá tugtha acu faoina na huirlisí is gá a úsáid maidir le foghlaim Spreag na páistí chun an meon seo a dtaithí foghlama agus tuairiscí scoile á éifeachtach a chur ar bun. aithint agus déan iad a mhealladh chun scríobh ag deireadh na bliana Is creatlach comhtháite, oiriúnach ó féinmhachnamh a dhéanamh agus Ar fáil: http://misemarfhoghlaimeoir.com/ thaobh céime agus forbartha de é Mise chun úinéireacht a ghlacadh ar straitéisí mar Fhoghlaimeoir agus tá sé deartha chun feabhas a chur ar a gcuid MÁIRE NIC AN RÍ, Oifigeach Bunscoile, COGG.

INTOUCH 58 AprIl 2019 Teaching­matters Reviews

Fantastic autism resource for the whole school community

Autism from the Inside Out is described as Difference’. Since learners’ success is often ‘a handbook for parents, early childhood, linked to teacher expectation, this seems primary, post primary and special school to be a very positive step forward in how settings’ and this is most certainly what it we view our ASD pupils. is. It is a fantastic resource for anyone Autism from the Inside Out would be whose life is touched by ASD, and in very useful for teachers and SNAs working schools today, that would include the vast directly with ASD learners, both in special majority of staff. classes and mainstream settings. More The book combines theory on ASD generally, however, it’s a book which with up-to-date Irish research findings, focuses on learners as individuals, with ‘signpost’ boxes which helpfully reminding us of the range of challenges summarise key points along they face but also of their the way. The world of huge potential for success. school is depicted through For this reason it would the senses of an ASD help all teachers in their learner, with descriptions planning for an inclusive of the challenges they face classroom. as well as a clear emphasis Peter Lang. ISBN: 978-1- on their huge potential for 78707-839-0 Cost: €25. All success. This positive tone proceeds from the book’s Kevin and Kate’s is throughout the book, sale go directly towards from the affirming AsIAm. foreword by Adam Harris, food adventures to the forward thinking Reviewed by STEPHEN DAlY, Scoil These books by Olivia Goodwillie and rewording of ASD to Bhride JNS, Donaghmede, Dublin illustrated by Anne McLeod are about ‘Autism Spectrum 13. two siblings, Kevin and Kate. They live with their parents and grandparents in the countryside. There are three books in the series, Friendship – with a T-Rex! Kevin and Kate’s Bread Book, Kevin and Kate’s Vegetable Book, and Kevin Eddie is a very ordinary 10 year old boy from becoming and Kate’s Milk Book. We follow with a very ordinary family and a very a laboratory Kevin and Kate as they sow and ordinary life. Fun loving and full of pet? harvest vegetables, milk a cow to adventure, he is soon to find out what Bolan –A produce butter and cheese and happens when something extraordinary Tyrannosaurus make bread from scratch. They occurs. Pet by Sam speak about the origin of food in a The adventure begins when he Lawrance, is child-appropriate, fun way and there stumbles across a giant egg. An egg written in a are recipes included in each of the which he thought would boost his straightforward books so the food can be re- chances of becoming star of the week in manner and produced by children. school. However, things are about to take would be Each of the books rhymes and they a whole different turn when Eddie brings suitable for have lovely, colourful illustrations to the giant egg home and it hatches! children aged go along with the stories. Eddie becomes the proud owner of a seven – 12. Its simplicity, Through these books, children will T-Rex, called Bolan. Keeping Bolan a humour and the strong theme of learn where food comes from. The secret from friends and family can be friendship running throughout the book books also encourage healthy eating quite a challenge, especially when the would also make it a delightful class and home cooking. These books are tiny dinosaur starts to grow! Throughout reader. best suited to children aged three to the book we are given account of the Printed by Amazon. ISBN: 978-1-91650- eight. adventures they have together and watch 090-7. Cost: £5.99 stg. Available to buy ISBN: 978-0-99298-521-9, 978-0- their friendship grow and blossom. But all from Amazon Book Store. All proceeds are 99298-522-6, 978-0-99298-523-3. Cost: good things must come to an end and it going to Cork City Hospital’s Children’s €9.99 each. Available to buy from: is not long before a nasty professor of Club. kevinandkatesfoodadventures.com science discovers Eddie’s secret and plots to kidnap Bolan. Can Eddie save Bolan Reviewed by lORNA ROCHE, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Reviewed by SARAH BIRD, Naas, Co Kildare.

INTOUCH 59 AprIl 2019 Finishing Touches x Resources for teachers, noticeboard of upcoming events and the Comhar Linn Crossword x Noticeboard

Accord are looking for Global Citizenship Teachers’ Golfing volunteer facilitators School Society Teachers and those who have Accord are now recruiting volunteer How can you find out more or get retired are invited to join the marriage preparation course involved? Teachers Golfing Society (TGS) for facilitators. If you’re interested in 1. Email [email protected] to arrange a the 2019 season. becoming part of the Accord team free Global Citizenship workshop and supporting couples preparing for staff or pupils. Outings to challenging courses, for the Sacrament of Marriage 2. Check out www.into.ie (Global away trips and good company are contact Aisling on 01 5053112 or Citizenship School) for latest free guaranteed. email [email protected]. lesson plans and teacher New members are exempt from See www.accord.ie for more details. resources. the annual subscription for this year. 3. Follow @GlobalCitSchool on Twitter or Email Secretary, @globalcitizenshipschool Catherine Hennessy, at on Facebook. [email protected] for Put a note in your diary: Global details. Food Glorious Food! Citizenship School Summer Courses Olivia Goodwillie is offering will take place in early July. workshops in Education Centres in the South East.

Based on the Kevin and Kate Food Deadline for Adventures books (see review on Copy dates submissions to Irish page 59) she will show fun ways to Copy you wish to have considered Teachers’ Journal explore the origins of food in the for publication in the May issue of The Irish Teachers’ Journalis now classroom. InTouchshould be submitted by 8 open for submissions. She will also show how to use the April 2019. books in other areas of the The deadline for the June issue is 13 Articles for consideration curriculum. May. (5,000 – 7,000 words) should be Check them out at Please email copy to [email protected] submitted in electronic form to kevinandkatesfoodadventures.com Claire Garvey ([email protected]) by Friday 12 April, 2019.

You can find full Kindling the Flame 150 Years of the Irish submission guidelines at National Teachers’ Organisation www.into.ie/ ROI/Publications/ chronicles and marks the Kindling The Flame: 150 Years of the INTO IrishTeachersJournal/ life of the INTO since its formal beginnings in 1868. It is a major contribution to the INTO 150 celebrations.

Reviews have described the book, written by Niamh Puirséil as “accessible and fluent”, “a fascinating history” and “a marvellous read”. There are a limited number of books to purchase from INTO Head Office, the cost is €19.99. Contact Georgina Glackin at 01 8047745.

INTOUCH 61 AprIl 2019 Nótaí­deiridh

Two pages with Comhar Linn prizewinners, Crossword, resources for the classroom … from training courses to helpful hints and useful links Comhar Linn Draw winners January Draw Car – Toyota Yaris Kerry-Anne McShane, Scoil Ghráinne Community NS, Clonee, Dublin 15.

Cash €2,000 Thomas McKenna, Tralee, Co Kerry.

Winners details held by consent.

Cash €1,000 Eibhlís Uí loineacháin, Tournafulla, Co limerick.

John Paul Murphy, Scoil Treasa, Firhouse, Dublin 24.

Winners details held by consent.

Right:­January­2019­car­winner­ Kerry-Anne­McShane Comhar Linn Crossword no197

A draw for 2 x €100 will be made from all correct entries. Simply complete the crossword and send it to ‘InTouch Crossword’, INTO, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, before Friday 3rd May 2019. Photocopied crosswords are not accepted.

1 2 34567ACROSS DOWN 1.­One­encounters­an­amount­of­pressure­in 1­­Will­a­laptop­blare­out­the­vote­you­put­on such­a­pub.­(3) this?­(6,5) 3.­Take­rum­veal­(chopped)­-­what's­it­worth? 2.­One­dwells­on­the­Head­of­State's­being 8 9 (6,5) decapitated.­(8) 8­&­9.­A­California­city's­can­(with­conifer 3.­I­can­be­found­in­a­labyrinth­of­corn.­(5) beer)­shows­who­on­staff­is­most 4.­Sank­fat­concoction?­Cover­up­with­these!­(7) 10 11 12 vulnerable­to­enrolment­changes.­(4,2,5,3) 5.­It'll­protect­your­pupils?­Get­six­to­Sligo, 10.­See­25­across. right?­(5) 13 14 11.­Dashes­around­one­in­derelict­places.­(5) 6.­Have­a­short­visit­with­the­toilet­family.­(4,2) 13.­Uniform­jacket­from­Timbuktu?­Nice!­(5) 7.­An­amphibian­will­move­your­money 15.­Convert­a­tin­hall­to­a­place­where­insects electronically.­(3) 15 16 17 may­live.­(7) 12.­An­informal­vote­-­for­a­performance­of 16.­The­journalist­espied­a­cutter.­(7) manual­dexterity?­(4,2,5) 18 20.­The­scope­to­dispel­anger.­(5) 13.­Tradesman­involving­a­novice­in­a­row.­(5) 21.­Answer­in­a­salesmanlike­manner?­(5) 14.­Frasier's­bird?­(5) 19 20 23.­Fabulous­restaurants­evidently­serve­hot 17.­Will­it­bear­pups­or­lambs?­(8) 21 22 23 starters,­straight­from­the­oven.­(5) 18.­A­cardinal­at­present,­the­professor­shows 24.­Show­the­sailor­a­way­to­write­a­Maeve how­high­one­can­go­in­Wales!­(7) Binchy­novel.­(4,4) 19.­This­Ancient­State­found­in­a­section­within 25­&­10a.­How­did­Noel­ogle­a­favourite­from South­Africa.­(6) 24 25 the­past?­(6,5) 22.­Stories­about­spun­products.­(5) 26.­Reworked­dance­trends­surpassed­all 23.­Whatever­floats­your­boat,­Noah!­(5) others.­(11) 24.­It's­a­small­bird,­whatever­view­you­have­on 26 27 27.­Georgia's­great­fun!­(3) it.­(3)

NAMe: Gordius - In Touch Crossword No. 196 March 2019 Solution Address: Across 1. Pragmatism 6. Pass 10. Put an end to 11. Wheat germ 12. Comrade 15. Staff 17. Myth 18. Oral tradition 21. Started 23. Untie 24. Kite 25. Tell 26. Exams 28. Damages 34. Odour 35. Lady 36. Presbytery Down 1. Pope 2. Astronaut 3. Manor 4. Towed 5. Seem 7. Akela 8. Sum of money 9. Stashed 13. Abut 14. Emerald 16. Monumental 20. Drive home 21. Set sail 22. Edam 27. Award 29. Agnes Grey 30. Agony 31. Pier Gordius - InTouch No. 195 winners are Meabh Barry, Blackrock, Co. Cork and Kevin Loftus, Foxford Co. Mayo. To read the Crossword Competition Terms & Conditions and INTO’s data privacy policy please visit www.into.ie/rOI/benefits/Competitions Gordius - InTouch No. 196 winners will be announced in the next InTouch issue.

INTOUCH 62 AprIl 2019 Finishing­touches

Each month Children’s Books Ireland recommend a book of the month for primary pupils

CBI recommended read –April The­most­viewed­resources­at­the­start of­this­month 1 GNÍOMHAÍOCHTAÍ DO SHEACHTAIN NA e Magic Moment GAEIlGE Written­by­Niall­Breslin­and­illustrated­by­Sheena­Dempsey. www.scoilnet.ie/uploads/resources/21617/ Gill­Books,­2019.­ISBN­9780717184866.­25pp.­Cost:€9.99. 21340.pdf 2 AN T-EARRACH An increasing number of picturebooks explore www.scoilnet.ie/search/resource/entity/ emotions and teach children about positive and show/Lre/643/ negative feelings. This book goes one step further, TEMPlEDERRY NS, NENAGH, Leabhar labhartha as Gaeilge do Ranganna providing a practical technique CO TIPPERARY Naíonáin–Rang 0 to help children deal with www.templederryns.ie/index.php 3 IRISlEABHAR SEACHTAIN NA GAEIlGE negative emotions in a healthy Its website is colourful, well www.joom.ag/V2WY way. Irish sports star, musician designed and welcoming to Seo irisleabhar a féidir a húsáid mar chuid de and mental-health activist Niall visitors. There is a good use of ceiliúradh Seachtain na Gaeilge Breslin teams up with Irish space and colour which makes illustrator Sheena Dempsey to 4 NAOMH PÁDRAIG – lEATHANACH THÉAMA it easy to navigate and find www.scoilnet.ie/index.php?id=955 produce this picturebook information. about facing, and ultimately Seo leathanach le naisc chuig acmhainní, físeán overcoming, your fears. ONes TO WATCH agus cur i láthair faoi Naomh Pádraig Freddie’s trip to the swimming pool is scary and he 5 lENT, SHROVE TUESDAY AND ASH leaves without getting into the pool. So his nana WEDNESDAY teaches him a special trick to help him overcome his www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ feelings. holydays/lent_1.shtml The Magic Moment Trick described in this book is a An explanation of what Lent, Shrove Tuesday and simple mindfulness technique to help children Ash Wednesday are manage big feelings. The technique is clear and 6 ASH WEDNESDAY – THEMEPAGE should be easy for young children to replicate. SCRATCHJR www.scoilnet.ie/primary/theme- Sheena Dempsey’s beautiful illustrations do a https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/ pages/events/ash-wednesday/ wonderful job of portraying Freddie’s feelings – both scratchjr/ Resources and videos to aid in your teaching of negative and positive – throughout the book. With ScratchJr, young children Ash Wednesday in the classroom It is a positive, practical and heartfelt book. The (ages 5–7) learn important new THE WEBWISE PRIMARY PROGRAMME story itself has a lot of words, which makes it skills as they program their 7 www.webwise.ie/teachers/ appropriate for older picturebook readers. It would own interactive stories and webwiseprimaryprogramme/ make a very good class-based resource for an early games. primary-school setting. (Ages 5–7) For primary school teachers who wish to introduce internet safety into SPHE SNAPSEED–PHOTO EDITING APP CBI is the national children’s books organisation of Ireland. https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/ 8 lÁ FHÉIlE PÁDRAIG: lUASCHÁRTAÍ For further information and more reviews, snapseed/ www.subh.ie/padraiglc/story.html visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie Snapseed is a free photo Luaschártaí Gaeilge idirghníomhach a bhaineann editing app from Google that is le Lá Fhéile Padraig available on both Android and THE FAMINE – AN GORTA MóR InTouch competitions and draws 9 iOS devices. Snapseed has 29 www.scoilnet.ie/uploads/resources/25865/ From time to time, the INTO runs competitions and draws for tools and filters. 25601.pptx members via InTouch, our e-newsletter, website or social media. PowerPoint created by Scoilnet about the Famine Only essential data required for the running of the competition is BIODIVERSITY IN SCHOOlS 10 BIA – SCOIlNET THEMEPAGE requested from members. The data collected is deleted once www.biodiversityinschools.com www.scoilnet.ie/go-to-primary/theme- winners have been selected. This website has some very pages/irish/bia/ The full name and county of prize winners is published by the approachable and readable Choose from various topics within the theme – Bia INTO. By entering the competition, it is assumed consent is given articles about biodiversity. by members for publication of these details. For more information on T&Cs for competitions visit the Benefits section of the INTO website.

INTOUCH 63 AprIl 2019