Intouch May 2019

­Issue­No­187 May­2019 ISSN­1393-4813­(Print) ISSN­2009-6887­(Online)

Catch up on Congress Tips for travel with children Northern news Keeping InTouch

9 Interactive dialogue with members, and key news items 0

INTO - working on your behalf

e INTO’s Annual Congress sets the key priorities of the launched their report. Some of the group’s union and is central to the democratic decision-making recommendations are published in this magazine. e full process. Over three days in Galway, INTO members report is available on the INTO website. debated and discussed the issues that are affecting them We showed our deep appreciation to our outgoing daily in their classrooms and schools. Pay equality, pensions, General Secretary Sheila Nunan, for her decade of the challenges facing school leaders and workload were top committed service to the INTO. of the agenda this year along with calls for a scheme of leave Our lobbying activities play a key role in communicating for reproductive-health-related matters, smaller classes, our priorities to the government. We have had a strong and extra support for educational disadvantage and special committed team of lobbyists working at a local level to education, and improved funding for schools. is issue of make sure our TDs and politicians are clear on the issues InTouch carries details of the speeches delivered and the that matter to teachers. INTO members will be meeting motions adopted in Galway. with their local politicians, in their clinics and as part of our I am delighted that this Congress saw us secure a pathway national lobby day, ahead of Budget 2020 and we would love towards pay equality. I will be keen to take advantage of this for you to get involved. Find out how on page 33. opportunity in the coming months. I’m looking forward to working with, and on behalf of, It was wonderful to hear positive feedback from delegates members, as general secretary in the year ahead. who were attending Congress for the first time. At this year’s Congress, a task force set up to look at ways that INTO can encourage and improve engagement with the union,

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 Deputy­Editor: 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. CONTENTS

Retiring head office offcials honoured at Northern Conference Belfast Pride parade 28 INTO Learning INTO Summer Programme 2019 29 How do you solve a problem like participation? Key recommendations from INTO Task Force on Participation Career break membership 31 Different families, same love competion Tribute to FX Buckley Global Citizenship School 32 Benefits Discover benefits available to members with their Membership Plus card 33 Education Budget 2020 – INTO lobby begins KEEPING INTOUCH 25 INTO northern Grants from INTO Political Fund news 3 Editorial 13 INTO meeting with IPPN One INTO, two INTO - working on your behalf jurisdictions 7 School year wall planner NEWSDESK 26 INTO northern news INTO Diary 2019/20 NISTR works well for subs and 36 A holiday spent helping 10 things you should know schools Teachers volunteer in Addis Ababa with Wishing Sheila Nunan all the best support of INTO Solidarity Fund 37 Cambodian delegation visit INTO NEWS 27 INTO northern news Dublin 9 Dáil motion on homelessness Mid-career review workshop Summer works scheme 10 INTO’s members’ draw for charity Free mortgage and tax advisory seminars for INTO members 17 13 INTO Congress Galway 2019 Report on INTO president’s speech 14 Minister’s address to Congress Joe McHugh, Minister for Education and Skills 15 General Secretary Designate’s response John Boyle responds to Joe McHugh 17 Tribute to Sheila Nunan 18 New president and vice- president Feargal Brougham and Mary Magner 19 Congress resolutions Resoloutions adopted at Congress 2019 23 Who is your CEC Rep? Map of districts

INTOUCH 4 MAY 2019 27 May 2019 51

41 Cumann na mBunscol 43 Retirements Retirement functions around the branches

LIFE IINTO ADVICE 51 Travel 45 INTO advice on filling posts Paradise awaits in Seychelles and Ciara 46 Money matters McNally shows it to us Understanding home insurance 53 Recipes 47 Travel with children? Get ready for the good weather 39 Pasture to Plate Trish McCluskey shares her top tips Winners of Agri Aware’s recipe competition Irish Primary PE Association 49 Tributes FINISHING TOUCHES Teachers pay tribute to deceased colleagues Conference 69 Noticeboard 40 Digital school of distinction Upcoming events Raise the Roof 70 Comhar Linn Data Protection l February prize winners Commission l Comhar Linn Crossword consultation 23 71 Scoilnet Panel INTO Districts 57 and CEC TEACHING MATTERS Representatives 57 Travel throught time Visit Craggaunowen in Co Clare and experience life through the ages 59 Pre-school to Primary Building positive relationships to support the transition 60 The Hairy Toe Drama ideas based on an American folk story in rap form. 63 Scoilnet resources now easier to find 65 Glasnevin Cemetery Safer Internet Day 2019 Awards Discover the Celtic crosses of Glasnevin 66 Irish resources Gaeilge reading ideas 67 Reviews 60 59

INTOUCH 5 MAY 2019 Keeping­in­touch INTO Diary 2019/20 and School Year Wall Planner The 2019/20 school year wall planner is September. New members will receive being distributed with this issue of their diary with their new member’s pack InTouch. A copy is included for every once their application has been member plus one for the school processed. As well as a calendar section, staffroom. A downloadable pdf of the the diary contains information, salary planner is also available on the INTO scales and useful contact details. website in the ‘School Year’ section. The INTO diary for 2019/20 will post to current members in

things you should know

Congress special. Support sick children. INTO lobbying 2019 1Page 13 5Page 10 8starts. Page 33 Tribute to Sheila INTO Learning summer How to get the most 2Nunan. Page 17 6programme 2019. Page 9from your home One INTO, two 28 insurance. Page 46 3jurisdictions. Page 25 Guide to filling Travel through time Who is your CEC rep? 7 teaching posts. Page 45 10 at Craggaunowen. 4Page 23 Page 57

INTOUCH 7 MAY 2019 INTO News

5 e Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … who’s who, what’s new, and what’s happening 6 Homelessness motion gets cross-party support

John Boyle, INTO General Secretary support and socialisation for children. In and Saoirse Brady, Legal and Policy addition, it was highlighted that teachers Director, Children’s Rights Alliance make their best efforts to support (CRA) met with omas Byrne, TD children who are experiencing following a Private Members’ Debate in homelessness despite an absence of the Dáil on the impact of homelessness targeted resources. on pupils in schools. e motion, Following the debate, INTO General proposed by Fianna Fáil, gained cross- Secretary Designate John Boyle and party support. INTO Official Maeve McCafferty met e debate follows on from a report with Minister Joe McHugh to further commissioned by the CRA entitled discuss the issue. Home Works – A Study on Educational e INTO, Focus Ireland and the Needs of Children Experiencing CRA are working closely to find ways to Homelessness and Living in Emergency better support pupils who are Accommodation. e research reported experiencing homelessness and their that schools are often a safe haven for teachers. children experiencing homelessness You can read the text of the motion providing much needed stability, here http://bit.ly/HomelessnessMotion INTO agrees process towards pay equality

INTO acknowledges that new entrants to successor agreement to the Public Sector “the capacity to achieve a resolution of all teaching from 2015 are paid equally to Stability Agreement, in order to finally aspects of pay inequality”. colleagues who entered the profession bring an end to pay inequality. “INTO is confident that today’s prior to the cuts, as a result of the Speaking at INTO Congress in Galway, announcement provides a pathway to agreement reached in September 2018. INTO General Secretary Designate John pay equality which will deliver for our 2011 Our members ultimately rejected that Boyle said: to 2014 cohorts, while enabling us to offer from government as it would have “Arising from recent negotiations, focus on other outstanding pay issues left their colleagues, who entered the Sheila Nunan, outgoing general secretary including a now twelve-year-old profession between 2011 and 2014, facing of the INTO, has this afternoon informed principals' pay award and a general pay future financial losses of up to €19,000. delegates attending INTO Congress in rise for teachers who have not received a INTO undertook a national consultation Galway, that a process has been agreed pay rise since 2007.” with our members in the aftermath of the with government, finally setting a ballot which included hosting a national pathway towards ending pay inequality. Wording agreed with Government: conference in Dublin. This consultation This process, which takes the form of a “On the issue of new entrant salary scales, clarified that whilst members accepted statement of intent by government, certain unions have indicated that they that colleagues entering the profession acknowledges the need to find a have outstanding issues of concern from 2015 are paid equally, they were not resolution on pay equality and other following the agreement brokered in prepared to stand by whilst colleagues outstanding pay issues by way of a pay September 2018. The management side who had entered the sector between 2011 review process or in the context of the understands that these outstanding and 2014 faced further financial losses in next public sector pay talks.” matters will be given full consideration future years. “Earlier today, the central executive either by 1) any pay review mechanism Following this consultation, the union’s committee considered the new agreed by the parties or 2) in the context central executive committee authorised development and has decided that INTO of the next round of pay talks. the union’s leadership to enter into further members will utilise this new process which It is recognised that the positions of negotiations with government, focused has now been agreed with government.” each of the parties concerned on these solely on the 2011 to 2014 cohort. At the “INTO’s motion on pay equality, matters must be given due regard in same time, the executive determined that adopted at Congress 2018, asked the endeavouring to reach a mutually agreed a resolution would have to be found in the union to secure an agreement that had resolution.”

INTOUCH 9 MAY 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ Support sick children Purchase your ticket for INTO’s members’ draw

representative and cost €10 each. e proceeds from the 2019 draw will continue to assist with funding the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research project. IBD is a term for two chronic relapsing conditions, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Payment and ticket counterfoils must be returned to INTO Head Office on or before ursday, 13 June 2019. e draw will take place on Friday, 14 June 2019 and results will be uploaded to the INTO website immediately afterwards. Cheques and postal orders to be made payable to INTO CMR Fund. If you wish to pay using a debit/credit card, please contact Please support the INTO’s charity partner, the Children’s Georgina at 01 8047745. Medical and Research Foundation at Our Lady’s Children’s If you require further tickets or have any queries, please Hospital, Crumlin, by purchasing a ticket for our annual contact Georgina at (01) 8047745 or [email protected] members’ draw. Tickets have been posted to your INTO staff Many thanks for your support and good luck!

PRIZES

l 1st prize – Toyota Auris l 2nd prize – €4,000 l 3rd and 4th prizes – €2,000 l 5th and 6th prizes – €1,500 l 7th, 8th, 9th and10th prizes – €1,000 l Plus: 10 x €100 staff representatives’ prizes

Free mortgage and tax advisory seminar for INTO members and their families

With the success of previous seminars topics: • Offers exclusive to INTO members held, INTO are delighted to confirm we • Tips on mortgage applications The above information is provided in are running a series of FREE joint seminars • First time buyers, moving home or conjunction with our partners/colleagues for INTO members and their families. investment properties at EDUC Mortgages, ITAS Accounting and The seminars will take place at 7 pm in • Saving money by changing mortgage Summit Law. the following venues: providers To register for this seminar, please • Teachers’ Club, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 • The solicitors role in buying or selling email [email protected] or ring (01) 804 on Thursday, 16 May property 7745 and quote your INTO membership • Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on • Ownership options number Thursday, 23 May • The importance of drafting/updating or school • Clayton Hotel, Galway on Thursday, your will after purchasing property roll 30 May • Tax reliefs available for property owners number. • Strand Hotel, Limerick on Thursday, • How to reduce your tax bill on rental 6 June, and income • Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon • Understanding your tax obligations on Thursday 13 June • Gifting or inheriting property The seminars will cover the following • Tax tips

INTOUCH 10 MAY 2019 INTO Congress Galway 2019 A proud year as president

In his address to delegates at INTO,” said Mr Killeen, “Our Congress 2019 in Galway, INTO primary schools fare badly when President Joe Killeen welcomed it comes to funding compared to delegates to his home county, post primary and third level… reflected on some of the key One euro per pupil per day will moments from his presidential not run a school and provide the year and highlighted key standard of education we want priorities for the INTO. to deliver… We will be stepping up our campaign this year and I National Lobbying hope we will secure a significant Mr Killeen praised the work of increase in funding which will INTO lobbyists throughout the liberate our teachers to focus on year in bringing INTO’s priorities their primary duty – the to the attention of our education of our pupils.” politicians. He said, “Activists were trained on the ground, Disadvantage armed with the facts and figures “I strongly believe we need to to make our case. We pinned support our pupils from down every politician in the disadvantaged backgrounds, land, in their local clinics throughout the in classes of more than 30 pupils. Now is both urban and rural,” said Mr Killeen. country. We made our case through each the time to, once and for all, cap class “School is a refuge for so many of these and every member.” sizes at 20 students, ensuring teachers children…The DEIS review must be and schools, and more importantly, completed and its recommendations Equal Pay children, will never again be crowded out acted upon. Our teachers are losing The president highlighted that pay of Irish education.” He said, “We will patience and our pupils are running out equality remains a top priority for the continue to campaign on class size until of time.” INTO. “Each and every one in this union, every child has the room to bloom and on this executive, and indeed every every teacher the room to teach and Brexit official working for our union believes in teach to the best of their capacity.” Mr Killeen spoke about the many pay equality. The notion that anyone who concerns that INTO members have believes in trade unionism would feel School leaders expressed. “Will I be able to cross the differently, is wrong. As president, I have Mr Killeen emphasised the critical border to teach in my school? Will my car had a unique opportunity to see the importance of leadership positions in insurance be valid? Will my health passion and determination running schools. “I speak to you as a teaching insurance apply?” He told delegates that through our union to deliver on this principal. Over the years I have seen first- he travelled to Brussels earlier in the year campaign and right a great injustice… hand the level of work increasing but the and sat down with key decision makers Negotiations may take time but our support lessening… Principals in Irish involved in the Brexit negotiations. He argument for equal pay for equal work primary schools are overworked, said “I’m proud of the work we have done will win out in the end.” He praised Tomás underpaid and struggling under never- in raising our members’ concerns with Horgan and Claire Keegan who put their ending administrative work, schemes and those at the top.” names behind the campaign and brought initiatives.” He noted advances made, a claim before the Labour Court and the including the establishment of the Closing European Court of Justice. “Whether Primary Forum to support the planning In closing, Mr Killeen praised the work the through negotiation, court challenge or and sequencing of change, but said “The INTO does on issues of global solidarity. industrial action, INTO will stand with our challenge in the coming year is to build He thanked his colleagues, north and members until the blot of inequality is on these achievements and continue to south, and all the members who have obliterated.” make this forum work to address those supported him this year. “It feels issues which undermine the effectiveness particularly special to have served as Class sizes of our schools.” president on our 150th anniversary. I Speaking on class size, Mr Killeen said, celebrate the countless members who “We know only too well, as teachers, how School funding kindled the flame and improved our profoundly challenging it is to teach “Securing adequate funding for our conditions of service so dramatically over larger groups. We have 100,000 children schools remains a core objective of the these 150 years. Thank you!”

INTOUCH 13 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019 We need to value all our teachers in equal measure Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD

The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, addressed delegates at Congress on Tuesday 23 April in Galway. In front of a crowded room, Mr McHugh began by thanking the INTO and members for being honest and upfront about the issues facing the education system. “The only way I can deliver as Minister for Education and Skills is through knowing, seeing and believing what is happening on the ground.” The minister discussed the various challenges facing the education system, including the influence of external factors such as Brexit. “We are living at a time of enormous change on this island, Brexit looms large.” Speaking about north-south the challenges teaching principals face, in Galway, Kildare and Meath. 18 teachers will co-operation, Mr McHugh went on to discuss combining teaching with the demanding be hired on full-time contracts with two to the importance of protecting the “valuable role of managing and leading schools. Mr three teachers assigned to each panel. and rich cross border links between McHugh listed one of his key priorities as Each teacher will be based in one school education and different institutions.” He giving teaching principals one day per and rotate around up to 15 other schools as announced the intention to create more week to facilitate leadership and part of a substitute cluster. cross border opportunities for schools, management responsibilities. He The Minister also announced a new allowing them to engage on societal issues committed to continuing to work to build project to support and promote the and build relations with one another. He on the increase in release days provided learning of Irish through other subjects. spoke of the importance of the INTO as an in recent budgets. “The theory and practice of content and all-Ireland organisation in protecting and Minister McHugh spoke of the need to language integrated learning is proven to strengthening these connections. “value all our teachers in equal measure” work.” Pupils will have the opportunity to He paid tribute to Lyra McKee the and of the unfinished business of pay learn a subject other than Irish through journalist from Northern Ireland who was equality.” I’m glad that the measures to the medium of the Irish language. The fatally shot in April during rioting in Derry. improve progression on scale agreed last project will be piloted first as Irish He spoke about our duty and year, have now taken effect. This has been through PE. “Whether the classroom is responsibility to make sure the peace reflected in the recent salary payment to using music, arts, drama or PE, this is an process isn’t taken for granted, and the post 2011 entrants.” Mr McHugh addressed important juncture in ensuring that Irish need to really drive this message home for the issue of new entrants salary scales and becomes relevant.” the next generation. “As teachers you play acknowledged concerns: “I know that the He ended with a tribute to Sheila an irreplaceable role in showing them that INTO has outstanding issues of concern Nunan who is retiring as general secretary [...] they can be part of a better future, a following the agreement brokered in of the INTO after 10 years at the helm.” You future that Lyra McKee campaigned for.” September 2018, these outstanding matters have been a tireless advocate for trade Minister McHugh announced that a will be given full consideration.” Mr McHugh union members and the movement, you symposium on small schools is scheduled accepted that many teachers he met led through the worst recession in the for June. As a former pupil at a rural working around the world had identified country’s history and did it with a school, Mr McHugh spoke about the pay as a major barrier to returning home determination and tenacity to do the best important role small schools play in their to teach, and acknowledged the work of for teachers, for the education system, communities as a “part and parcel of the teachers and the INTO in progressing this and most importantly for children in our very fabric of rural life.” He acknowledged issue over the years. schools.” the vulnerability of small schools and Minister McHugh acknowledged the vowed to work with the INTO to address difficulty some schools are experiencing in the challenges they face. Mr McHugh recruiting teachers, particularly in sourcing spoke of the importance of ensuring substitute teachers. He announced a new small schools have a sustainable future, initiative to create six substitute teacher allowing them to contribute to panels in North and South Dublin, Cork, communities for generations to come. The minister acknowledged the need Listen to the full speech on to support school leaders, and spoke of the INTO Vimeo account.

INTOUCH 14 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019 Striving for a just education system General Secretary Designate’s response

In his response to the minister, the INTO system. Teachers who qualified in 2011, properly. The first step has to be the General Secretary Designate John Boyle, 2012, 2013 and 2014 must be paid equally restoration of the primary capitation focused on the theme of a “just to everyone else…every single INTO budget to €200 per pupil, with 20% education”. A just education system for member, whether directly affected by pay annual increases thereafter.” our pupils and for our teachers. inequality or not, is outraged by its He also called for better supports for continuation in 2019.” DEIS schools “We have Workload He continued to say, come a long way with our Mr Boyle noted that the minister, early in “Minister, you recently plans to address social his tenure, took onboard teachers’ stated you would be inclusion, but alas there concerns about workload “We have been flying to the Middle East are still far too many vocally opposed to the excessive pace of this Summer to bring our homeless children and change and increasing workload in best and our brightest pupils experiencing schools,” he said, “…in your first two days on home. I’ll tell you what. educational disadvantage the job, you listened to our concerns and Get your cabinet to without the scaffolding took the welcome decision to re-schedule announce that pay and supports to implementation of the primary mathematics inequality and the overcome its effects. We curriculum and paced the commencement moratorium on need to see more schools of the Admissions to Schools Act. The promotions will end next benefitting from DEIS, Primary Education Forum must urgently year and you’ll solve two and the schools within tackle the causes of teacher burnout, problems- teacher DEIS, who serve acutely which is impacting on our members’ retention and climate change – you’ll be disadvantaged communities, need working lives, social lives and family lives able to cancel that long haul flight and additional supports, beginning with lower and impairing our ability to deliver for more importantly the jumbo jets full of class sizes. Children in Bonnybrook should pupils.” Mr Boyle emphasised the need for teachers going to Doha, Dubai and Abu have the same opportunities as children the forum to be “more than a talking shop.” Dhabi will no longer be needed.” in Donnybrook. Justice is about investing at least as much in primary pupils as post- Supply panels School leaders primary pupils. Justice means paying the Welcoming the minister’s announcement Mr Boyle told the minister that “equality same capitation grant for children in of a pilot scheme of supply panels, Mr for primary school leaders will be the next primary and secondary schools. Justice Boyle said,” We campaigned for the re- battleground for the INTO” noting that means giving the same technology grant establishment of regional supply panels of “the salary injustice perpetrated against to two 500- pupil schools, rather than teachers. Your announcement today that our newer entrants is pre-dated by that giving an extra €5000 to the secondary you will be reintroducing these panels as a affecting our primary school leaders.” He school.” pilot scheme is a very welcome move and called for parity of pay between primary will ensure children are taught by a and post primary school principals and a Class size qualified teacher whilst substitute teachers restoration of middle management Finally, Mr Boyle called on the minister to receive decent pay and contracts.” positions in our schools. He warned the address the issue of class size, saying “We minister “I’m putting you on notice. If we still top the European ladder of class size A just education don’t see movement on this issue in shame Minister. A good teacher is the Speaking about “a just education,” Mr budget 2020, we intend to draw up a list greatest resource a child can receive. Boyle said, “A just education system is one of duties, which are increasingly Children in Ireland’s primary schools are that focuses on ensuring that all students impossible to carry out because of the being short-changed because of the have the opportunity to develop their lack of promoted posts, with a view to overcrowded classes their great teachers skills and abilities based on their values directing teachers not to undertake these have to teach ... We have a great and their communities’ values. A just duties without further restoration.” opportunity to change this in the next education system is one that does not five years. It’s simple Minister – hold on to assume the same means or the same ends School funding our primary teachers as the number of for every student. A just education system The general secretary designate told the pupils drops. This will allow you to bring will remain beyond our grasp until we minister that primary schools needed Ireland’s class sizes to the bottom of the value the work of teachers and trust their investment. He said, “Undervaluing 4 to ladder, below EU and OECD averages. In professional judgement.” 12-year-old children by under investing in October’s budget you can also easily primary education is guaranteed to result undo the terrible damage done to small Pay equality in future societal problems. Early schools from 2011 to 2013. We will gladly He highlighted the “unfinished business” intervention is key. That’s why we need engage with you on a variety of of pay equality saying that ”teachers too massive investment in primary. It’s time approaches to support rural schools, are entitled to work in a just education for politicians to fund our primary schools which are close to both our hearts.

INTOUCH 15 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019 So long, Sheila! INTO Vice-President Mary Magner led tributes to outgoing General Secretary Sheila Nunan on her retirement from the INTO.

At the INTO Congress in Galway, Mary Magner paid tribute to Sheila Nunan for her outstanding and valuable service to INTO over many years, making history as the first every female to hold the role of INTO general secretary. Mary said “Sheila, you have been a leading light, a beacon for INTO. Thank you for setting an example for us all. Thank you for your ceaseless dedication to our members, whom you have served so faithfully over 25 years. Thank you for your genuine interest, concern and generosity to us all.” Deputy General Secretary Noel Ward also paid tribute to Sheila. Although he remembered Sheila from her early involvement with the INTO, when she was secretary of Tallaght branch of the INTO 30 years ago, it is in the last ten years working closely with her that he has really come to know her. He said, “It is in working alongside a person, especially when navigating choppy waters, that you really interest of INTO members?... It meant get a sense of their abilities, qualities and never, ever prioritising image over values. And Sheila, as general secretary, substance, always viewing responses and was not a lucky general! Her election actions through the lens of members’ Unions. She has, you will know, done INTO coincided with the most dramatic longer-term interests. proud in all of her engagements. She takes economic nosedive in our history. But Those strengths arise from having her work seriously, and she does gravitas, cometh the hour, cometh the woman.” good values. It is one thing to but with a twinkle in her eye. He recalled the challenges Sheila has communicate well, to have an ability to Sheila’s commitment to fairness in faced as leader of the INTO at a time of debate with power and panache. dealing with others and in reforming tension and cutbacks and said, Grounding those abilities in strong belief society, added to great energy and focus, “Throughout it all, Sheila led the fight to in INTO’s (and the broader trade union’s) has served INTO well.” protect the education service and to roll mission set the compass for Sheila to He wished Sheila well saying, “we valued back the losses.” work towards her goals through the crisis, your company as well as your leadership. He said that two key impressions of withstanding pressures to deviate from Your second family in the INTO will miss Sheila have stood out for him. “The first her conviction about the way ahead.” you, but know that we will look out for was her focus on the big picture… Sheila Noel praised Sheila’s effectiveness as a you, we will remember that you steered us always knew the crisis would pass; she leader and her contribution to “numerous through the storm, and that we were the kept her focus and her equanimity amid rounds of working groups, launches, INTO better for having you at the helm.” the turmoil, knowing that today’s training, lobbying, consultations and Mary Magner closed her remarks with, decisions had to stand the test of conferences.” He said, “I can testify that she “May the sun’s rays warm your face on tomorrow and beyond. is highly regarded among other teacher your next journey. May the dreams you The other impression concerned union leaders. Her standing in the wider hold dearest be those which come true Sheila’s yardstick for all actions – which union movement is reflected in her and the kindness you spread, keep approach, popular or not, was in the best presidency of the Congress of Trade returning to you”.

INTOUCH 17 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019 INTO president and vice-president 2019/20

Feargal Brougham – new president of the INTO

The new president of the Irish National paid. He spent the next two and a half appointed principal of this school. Teachers’ Organisation is years as a librarian for From 2009 - 2015 Feargal represented Feargal Brougham, the Dublin City Council. teachers in north county Dublin on the principal teacher in St The employment INTO Central Executive Committee. From Paul’s SNS, Ayrfield, situation for newly 2017 he served on the union’s Benefit Dublin 13. qualified teachers Funds Committee. Feargal was born and improved due to the Feargal is married to Caroline Farrell reared in Raheny in work of the INTO and he and lives with their three children, Megan, Dublin. He attended Scoil managed to get a Sorcha, and Lúc in Marino. Ide and Scoil Neasain permanent teaching Feargal passionately believes that primary schools. He position in Mary Queen education can play a crucial part in travelled into Colaiste of Angels Boys School, creating a more just and equal world, Mhuire, Parnell Square, Ballyfermot. Feargal especially for the most marginalised in for his secondary spent eight years society for whom he has campaigned education and studied teaching in Ballyfermot throughout his professional life. During for a BEd at Colaiste with the exception of a his year as President, Feargal intends to Mhuire, Marino. year working in United work tirelessly in helping achieve pay On graduating from Arab Emirates. equality for all teachers, to improve college in 1989 he faced In 1999 he moved resources for both urban and rural DEIS an uncertain future. back north of the Liffey schools, to further assist schools to Unemployment among to take up a post as a improve their ability to include pupils newly trained teachers was very high. learning support teacher in St Paul’s SNS, with special needs and to promote global Substitute work was scarce and poorly Ayrfield, Dublin 13. In 2015, he was citizenship education.

Mary Magner – new vice-president of the INTO

The new vice president of the Irish Blarney since 2014 and is a trained mentor Team and is currently Cathaoirleach of the National Teachers’ Organisation is Mary and executive coach, mentoring newly Task Force on Participation. She also Magner, a native of Castletownroche in appointed principals with the Centre for represents INTO on the Board for Early North Cork and living in nearby School Leadership. Mary Childhood and Primary Killavullen. She represented North and is also a member of the of the NCCA, recently East Cork as well as Cork City North on the Association for Coaching. advocating the INTO executive since 2011. Mary’s first slowdown of pace of Educated in Castletownroche NS and introduction to INTO was curriculum change. Loreto Convent Fermoy, Mary became a as a member of Dublin Married to John, they graduate of St Patrick’s College, City North Branch. From have three children, Drumcondra, in 1982. She began her the outset Mary became James, Marie and Sean. teaching career in inner city Dublin an active union member, Mary is an avid cyclist teaching in St Gabriel’s School in Aughrim willingly participating in and hill-walker and Street before returning to Co Cork where a 3-day strike in the early especially enjoys she taught all class levels in many urban ‘80’s for teachers’ rights adventure travelling and and rural schools before securing a position to employment and photography. “ in St Patrick’s BNS, Mallow, in 1995. decent salaries. Mary has “I am privileged and Since then Mary has pursued a MEd. in served as Staff Rep, leas- honoured to take up the ICT in Education in Mary Immaculate Cathaoirleach and role of Vice-President of College, Limerick, and further studied a Cathaoirleach of Mallow the INTO and I pledge to post-graduate diploma in SEN in Branch and as Secretary work steadfastly to University College Cork. She became both of District 16. During her improve working an acting teaching principal and an time on the INTO executive, Mary has conditions and incomes for all our administrative principal in St Patrick’s BNS been involved in several INTO committees members. I am keen to encourage active and was also a Resource Teacher for SEN including the Learning Committee, Trade grassroot participation and I commit to children in the school. Mary is currently Union Training, the Principals’ Forum ensuring that our Union continues to be a principal teacher in Scoil Chroí Íosa, Review Committee, Pay Equality Project cohesive, powerful lobbying force.”

INTOUCH 18 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019 Resolutions adopted at Congress 8679

Pay Equality incremental pay purposes; Congress: (d) instructs the CEC to devise a strategy for both (a) acknowledges the CEC's ongoing commitment to reversing reductions in entitlements and restoring pay equality for all members; preventing any further diminution of benefits; and (b) demands that the CEC continues to negotiate a (e) directs the CEC to propose that the ICTU convene clear pathway which will achieve pay equality for a major national forum to address the issues all members; surrounding pensions and to ensure access to (c) reiterates that the INTO's first priority in pay schemes that will provide an adequate pension in negotiations is pay equalisation especially to retirement for all workers, in the public and redress the position of the cohorts of entrants in private sector. the years 2011-2014, where new entrant pay changes had particular impact; Leadership (d) condemns the State's failure to commit to Congress: payment of the outstanding pay parity award for (a) instructs the CEC to highlight and prioritise the principals and deputy principals and other third- issue of principals' and deputy principals' terms party awards and demands that these outstanding and conditions of employment; awards be paid as a matter of priority; (b) reiterates the leadership resolution of Congress (e) recognises that teachers require a general pay 2018; increase and demands that such an award be (c) condemns the failure of the PSSA to fully address made under the next pay agreement; the issue of the 2008 pay award to principals and (f) further demands: deputy principals, particularly in the context of 1. early discussions to examine the adequacy of Increasing workload for principal teachers; current pay arrangements in regard to (d) demands that the issue of increased pay for proposals in the Public Service Pay Commission school leaders be dealt with by the next public Report of August 2018; and service pay agreement; 2. an immediate return to the norms of collective (e) further demands that: bargaining and industrial relations processes, to 1. all school staff be included in the calculation of replace the current prevalence of unacceptable the allowance payable to principals and deputy legislative sanctions and penalties. principals; 2. the threshold for the appointment of Pensions administrative deputy principals be reduced to In light of the substantial decline in pension 16 mainstream class teachers; arrangements since 2004, especially in recent years, 3. provision be made for release time for all post both North and South, Congress: holders; (a) deplores in particular the substantial reduction in 4. all teaching principals be allocated a minimum pension benefit for teachers taking up of one release day per week; employment following the introduction of a 5. all principals be paid the appropriate allowance career average system for calculating pensions in as secretary to the board of management; January 2013 (ROI) and April 2015 (NI); 6. an increase in administrative support for boards (b) further deplores that retirees in receipt of a of management to enable them to carry out coordinated pension are treated less favourably their duties; than retirees in receipt of an uncoordinated pension; 7. INTO research and explore the cost of (c) demands that all service previously given by implementing a step down facility for qualified teachers in substitute or temporary principal teachers as recommended in the positions be recognised for pension and INTO Report on Teacher Workload and Work-

INTOUCH 19 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019 Congress resolutions continued...

Related Stress (2015); and 5. open negotiations with the relevant cost to the State; (f) calls on the CEC to use all means government department to realise (d) believes that it is essential for possible, up to and including industrial the Statutory Leave for Reproductive educational reasons to reduce class action, to achieve these demands. Health Related Matters Scheme for sizes but also to ensure that student Teachers; and teachers currently in college have Workload 6. report to Congress 2020 on progress realistic employment opportunities on Congress: made to realise this Congress qualification; (a) deplores the incessant bombardment resolution. (e) demands that the Minister for of new initiatives/procedures/ Education and Skills and the frameworks/ strategies being foisted SEN Government commit to reducing upon all primary schools; Congress: primary school class sizes to the EU (b) notes the motion passed at Congress (a) notes that an annual mechanism exists average within the coming five years 2018 regarding: to report school leavers, who have a by way of annual revision of the 1. ever expanding list of initiatives; SEN diagnosis, to the NCSE; staffing schedules; 2. teacher workload; (b) demands that a similar annual (f) condemns the: 3. ongoing under-resourced curricular mechanism be established to report 1. failure to reduce class size in DEIS changes; new SEN diagnoses and other schools in recent revisions of staffing 4. the teaching and learning in schools; identified learning, emotional, social, schedules and demands that the (c) demands that the CEC inform the DES behavioural, language and sensory preferential class size provisions for of the detrimental effect these are difficulties as referred to in Circular such schools be restored and having on: 13/2017 to the NCSE, to ensure that maintained; 1. the teaching and learning in schools; schools receive their correct SEN 2. exclusion of INTO from the Steering 2. the mental health and wellbeing of teacher allocation and instructs the Group on Teacher Supply, and its those involved in teaching; CEC to enter into negotiations with the associated bodies, established under (d) further demands: DES and NCSE with a view to agreeing the Department of Education and 1. that the progress of the such a mechanism; Skill independent study into teacher (c) further notes that a mental health (g) instructs the CEC to negotiate with the workload, as agreed at Congress issue is a special educational need DES for the establishment of regional 2018 be published as soon as under the EPSEN Act (2004); supply panels to cover all approved practicable; and (d) deplores the lack of timely assessment absences and approved release times 2. a reduction in initiatives which and admission of children in distress by from classroom duties; and impose extra, unacceptable HSE Primary Care, CAMHS, Assessment (h) further demands that the Minister and workload upon schools. of Need, HSE Early Intervention Team the DES, in planning teachers supply, and HSE School Age Team; also ensure that maximum Reproductive Health (e) further demands that: employment flexibilities are in place in Congress: 1. the union actively liase with DES, order to facilitate teachers who require (a) acknowledges the work done to date HSE, NCSE, NEPS, CAMHS and other such flexibilities and in order to by the Equality Committee to gather relevant bodies to decrease waiting enhance job opportunities for evidence of members' reproductive lists for assessment and significantly graduating student teachers. health related issues as they interact improve access to appropriate with their work and their current leave therapies; and School Funding entitlements; 2. schools are provided with sufficient Congress: (b) calls on the CEC to: specialised services for children (a) notes the failure of the current 1. evaluate the evidence of members' presenting with mental health issues capitation model to meet the most reproductive health issues as they to meet their ongoing needs. basic needs of schools; interact with their work and their (b) reiterates its demand that capitation current leave entitlements; Class Size per primary school pupil be raised to 2. investigate best practice in other Congress: €296 as is paid to voluntary secondary jurisdictions; (a) notes that class size in Irish primary schools; 3. draft a Statutory Leave for schools continues to be well above (c) rejects the DES Excellence Funds Reproductive Health Related Matters international averages, specifically Scheme as a funding model; Scheme for Teachers proposal, that table D2.1 in the OECD report (d) calls on the CEC to negotiate for: would include miscarriage or “Education at a Glance 2018” which 1. the additional capitation grant threatened miscarriage regardless of shows average class size in Ireland at 25 payable to pupils enrolled In special term, ectopic pregnancy, fertility with an OECD average of 21 and an EU classes also be paid in respect of screening, fertility treatment and average of 20 pupils; pupils with diagnosed special other reproductive health related (b) reaffirms that reducing class size is a educational needs enrolled in matters; priority for the INTO; mainstream classes; 4. seek support from other unions and (c) further notes that in the light of falling 2. the size of the premises be taken reproductive health related enrolments in primary schools from into account as well as the number organisations and bodies for such a 2019 onwards it is possible to reduce of pupils attending, in order to allow scheme; class size with minimal or no additional school buildings to be run

INTOUCH 20 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019

adequately; Small Schools School Reorganisation 3. the payment of grants to be in line Congress: Congress demands that the Minister for with the academic year and/or (a) demands that the: Education and Skills consult with the termly instalments to allow for clear 1. CEC negotiates with the DES to education partners, at an early date, in financial planning and budgeting; ensure that all primary schools are order to put in place agreed templates 4. the Minor Works Grant to become a staffed with a minimum of two full- and guidelines, to assist in the process of permanent fixture in the annual time classroom teachers; planning for, consultation about, and school grants calendar; 2. appointment figures for schools of implementation where appropriate, of 5. the ending of the practice of paying P+2 and P+3 mainstream classroom school reorganisation, to include non -teaching staff, such as school teachers (MCTs) be returned to 49 reorganisation of vertical schools to secretaries and caretakers through and 81 respectively on the primary become junior/senior schools, BOMs, and the establishment of civil staffing schedule; amalgamations and divesting. service grades for such employees to 3. substantial additional supervision be paid directly by the DES; hours carried out by teachers in two- HSCL 6. the removal of the cap of 500 pupils teacher schools be fully recognised Congress: for the payment of the ancillary and remunerated in addition to the (a) notes with concern the changes being services grant; current supervision restoration deal; imposed on School Completion 7. an adequate annual ICT grant to and Projects and the changes being protect the investment made by the (b) recognises the particular challenges to imposed on the role of HSCL teachers DES in schools' technological the mental, physical and emotional by TUSLA EWS; infrastructures be paid to schools. wellbeing of the teachers in these (b) rejects the TUSLA EWS SCP Intake small schools. Framework as unworkable and DEIS unnecessary; Congress: Assault (c) a rms the role of principals in the (a) condemns the utter lack of progress Congress: allocationffi of personnel to all positions, made by the DEIS Review Group; (a) notes with concern the results of the including HSCL; (b) notes that the successive Education Trade Union Group of the (d) notes the decrease in time allocated by improvements made to the general Northern Ireland Committee of the HSCLs to home visits and the increase staffing schedules since 2016 did not Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ survey in time allocated to paperwork and apply pro-rata in DEIS schools; in relation to levels of violence in administrative duties as outlined in (c) demands: schools, published on 20 March 2019; Partnership in DEIS schools: a survey of 1. that the DEIS Review Group (b) further notes the growing number of home-school-community liaison addresses all elements listed in the assaults, both verbal and physical, by coordinators in primary and post- Congress resolution of 2016; pupils and parents on teachers which go primary schools in Ireland (2018); and 2. the roll out of DEIS for schools be unreported across the school system; (e) calls on the CEC to: transparent and directly in line with (c) welcomes the zero-tolerance approach 1. consult with TUSLA, EWS, principals current data on disadvantage as per to assaults on workers in other public and HSCLs to develop an alternative Census 2016; service workplaces; and Intake Framework that is acceptable 3. that the School Completion (d) calls on the CEC and Northern to principals and HSCL teachers; Programme be placed back under Committee to work with those unions 2. demand that the management of the auspices of the DES; involved in the education sector along HSCL be restored to the BOM; and (d) further demands that the original with the employing authorities in both 3. negotiate for the lifting of the five- urban Breaking the Cycle schools retain jurisdictions, to establish, through year limit on teachers working as a maximum class size of 15:1 in infant to agreed and robust procedures, a zero- HSCL thereby returning the second classes; and a maximum class tolerance policy on assaults in schools autonomy of the principal to allocate size of 18 pupils be introduced in senior to protect all workers in schools across duties within their own school. classes; and this island. (e) instructs the CEC to instigate a public Special Education campaign by September 2019, along Substitute Cover Congress: with other vested parties, to highlight Congress demands that substitute cover (a) acknowledges the strong contribution the impact of social inequality within be provided for all approved teacher of primary teachers to the education of our schools. absences. children with special educational

INTOUCH 21 MAY 2019 INTO­Congress­Galway­2019 Congress resolutions continued ...

needs across the continuum of special needs at school level; development and learning in special schools, special classes and 4. the provision of therapy supports to education for all teachers throughout mainstream schools; all pupils requiring such support, their careers; (b) demands, in order to support schools regardless of whether pupils attend 6. that teachers with qualifications and with the additional workload special or mainstream schools; expertise in special education be associated with the organisation of 5. provision of a comprehensive appointed to the NCSE Regional provision for pupils with special programme of professional Support Service for Inclusion to educational needs: provide support, advice and 1. a reduction in the number of professional development and teachers required in special schools guidance for teachers in both special from 15 to 10 to appoint an and mainstream schools; administrative deputy principal; 7. the provision of guidelines 2. an additional 20 release days per regarding challenging behaviour annum for teaching principals in and physical restraint, to support schools with special classes; teachers to respond to and prevent 3. the restoration of posts of crisis situations; and responsibility to enable schools to (c) calls on the DES and the NCSE to enter allocate a teacher with responsibility into discussions with the INTO for the coordination of support for regarding the definition of Complex children with special educational Special Educational Needs.

Motions passed in private session

Pay deal (c) condemns society’s current obsession made by the Teaching Council to Congress demands: with standardised test results as the introduce a manatory element of CPD (a) that in light of the confusion that main indicator of pupil achievement; for the purposes of registration be prevailed around the current pay deal and rejected outright by this Organisation and its subsequent rejection, that the (d) calls for the updating of all standard- by all means necessary up to and CEC be empowered to inform ised tests normed on Irish populations. including industrial action”; members accurately about any pay (b) welcomes the November 2018 deal on offer; and PSSA statement from the Teaching Council (b) that after careful consideration of its Congress: that “CPD should be both encouraged advantages and disadvantages, issue a (a) notes that the membership have and incentivised and... that renewal of recommendation to members. voted to reject the PSSA on two teachers’ registration will not at this separate occasions; time be subject to engagement in Standardised Testing (b) welcomes the ‘Agreed text by Parties CPD”; and Congress: to PSSA’ as presented by the General (c) instructs the CEC to enter into (a) notes current DES policy that the Secretary at Congress 2019; and discussions with the Teaching Council results of standardised tests in reading (c) further notes that the management and DES to: and mathematics in 2nd, 4th and 6th side have acknowledged that 1. ensure that proposals regarding the classes be submitted to the DES outstanding issues will be given full rollout of Cosán are based on the annually at the end of May; consideration. promotion of, rather than imposition (b) acknowledges that standardised tests of, engagement in CPD; and are part of a suite of approaches to CPD 2. secure a permanent agreement that assessment used by teachers to assess Congress: the renewal of teachers’ registration their pupils’ progress in learning and (a) reiterates policy passed at Congress will not be subject to engagement to inform teacher planning; 2016 which demanded that “any effort in CPD.

INTOUCH 22 MAY 2019 INTO­news INTO Districts and CEC Representatives

Dorothy McGinley Vincent Duffy Áine McGinley

3 1

2

Seamus Hanna Tommy Greally 4 5

15 6 14 Catherine Flanagan Carmel Browne 7 9 8 11

10 Shane Loftus Brendan Horan 13 16

12 Gregor Kerr Anne Horan

Gerry Brown Joe McKeown

Carmel Hume John Driscoll Siobhán Buckley

Districts: 4 Sligo, Mayo. 8 Wicklow, parts of South Dublin. 12 South Cork. 1 Antrim, North Down. 5 Cavan, Monaghan, Louth. 9 South Dublin City and West County 13 Kerry, Limerick. 2 Derry, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Armagh, 6 Galway, Roscommon. Dublin. 14 North Dublin City. South Down. 7 Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare, 10 Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Laois. 15 North County Dublin. 3 Donegal, Leitrim. Meath. 11 Tipperary, Clare, Waterford. 16 North Cork.

INTOUCH 23 MAY 2019 Northern­news One INTO, north and south INTO Northern Secretary Gerry Murphy looks at the differences between INTO north and south of the border.

The INTO is a broad church, north and south, and it is essential that the public face of the INTO is one that is identifiable to members and familiar with its members’ circumstances across the island. There are a number of differences between the two jurisdictions that the INTO has become adept at exploiting to the benefit of members. Our experiences across two system and wider trade union education systems support how we movement. In particular, the represent our members – A teacher in leadership of the Northern Ballymena may be assisted with advice Ireland Teachers’ Council gained from the experience of (NITC) and the Northern Ireland representing a teacher in Dingle and vice Committee of the Irish Congress versa. Learning gained by officials dealing of Trade Unions (NIC-ICTU) with the Department of Education and currently rest with the INTO, Skills in Dublin is often transferable to the demonstrating the confidence situation of an official in the north INTO enjoys among our trade negotiating with the Department of union brothers and sisters. Education in Belfast. Another difference in how we In addition to encompassing every operate is that every negotiation we shade of political opinion and social undertake is as part of the NITC. grouping, the INTO has two additional The negotiating machinery categories of membership in the north means that the five not present in the Republic. The first is recognised unions have to post-primary teachers, either from bring joint claims and decision grammar/selective schools where pupils these are then subject to a makers is possible. have completed a selection test known as joint negotiation. The Decisions about funding the 11-plus, or non-selective schools, challenges of such an are taken at Westminster, only where children who choose not to sit a approach are quite familiar to the slicing of the cake is decided at selection test, or who haven’t achieved members in the Republic, as public- Stormont. At school level, the budget is the required grade, transfer to service-wide agreements relating to pay delegated to the board of governors and automatically after primary school. The and terms and conditions of employment administered by the principal. This second category is teachers in nursery have become the norm in the last significant degree of autonomy is and pre-school settings. These two number of years. However, the INTO in accompanied, not only by a commensurate categories make up a significant part of the Republic still holds the right to level of accountability, but requires the northern membership and are full negotiate professional matters principals to take difficult staffing participants in our functioning as an concerning primary school teachers, decisions on occasion. Budget autonomy effective voice for teachers. whereas in the north this is undertaken is one of the biggest drivers of excessive Our operating environment differs jointly by the five teacher unions under workload in the north. from that in the Republic too. In the the auspices of the NITC. This is just a brief sketch of some of the north, the INTO is one of five recognised A final contextual difference between differences in our education systems teacher unions competing for INTO north and south is the manner in across the island. A more complete study membership among the entire teaching which our education systems are funded and analysis of them is probably best workforce. We are continually adjusting to both centrally and at school level. The suited to a doctoral thesis. But what is take account of changing circumstances education system, and the public service clear is that the INTO has evolved over the and in response to the activity of other as a whole, in the north is funded from last 100 years into an organisation that the trade unions. We prefer to play to the the Treasury in London, with the money majority of teachers on this island believes INTO’s established strengths which are administered via the Department of best represents their outlooks and values. providing leadership in professional Education in Northern Ireland. This limits This has been achieved in difficult matters and in securing positive terms the ability of the INTO to directly circumstances and is something we all and conditions. This is evidenced by INTO influence the total amount of money have a duty to promote and protect. officials holding the leading positions in available to education, unlike in the numerous bodies across the education Republic where direct access to the Gerry MurpHy, INTO northern secretary

INTOUCH 25 MAY 2019 Northern­news Sub­register­– far­from­perfect Tommy McGlone, senior official, says that the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register (NISTR), has streamlined the process of getting substitute teachers but it is far from perfect and too often abused.

The Northern Ireland Substitute Teachers’ boards of governors that the use of NISTR permanent colleagues. Appointments of Register (NISTR) was established in 2008, is only appropriate to provide immediate, this nature should include payment for when employers were advised that only unplanned, short-term cover for a period July and August. These contracts should subs on the NISTR register should be not in excess of six months. When it is not cease at the end of June and should employed in schools. Eleven years later, it known that an absence will last no more match the contract of the person for remains a free service for subs and, while than six months the substitute teacher whom the sub is deputising. not without flaws, the centralised must be sourced through NISTR. The INTO cannot endorse the booking system has removed the However, NISTR is very clear about continued employment of teachers for haphazard nature of arranging qualified vacancies that are anticipated to last for longer than six months on a daily or teaching cover. It serves both subs and longer than six months, and this is where weekly basis. NISTR is there to protect schools well. INTO members can suffer. When a teacher teachers’ rights and, in order for the The INTO provides a strong trade union is required to cover for principal release, register to be used as it was intended, it is voice for substitute teachers and irrespective of the number of days, this important that, where substitute teachers continually highlights the problems faced vacancy should be publicly advertised are being employed beyond six months, by this section of our membership. The and the person appointed can then be without justifiable reason, the matter is INTO supports a centralised system where afforded permanency and the raised with the INTO so that the activity all subs must be booked online via NISTR employment rights that come with that. can be regulated. and advocates for this free service to be Similarly, substitute teachers employed to Substitute teachers need to be able to the only means of engaging substitute cover all new posts that are temporary in avail of the beneficial work already teachers in all schools. The union nature (e.g. long-term ill health, undertaken by the INTO in relation to continues to push for greater recognition maternity, secondment or career breaks ) paid leave for illness and social necessity, of teachers’ rights for those subs covering and expected to last for a minimum of six which was agreed before the collapse of absences for longer than six months and months, should be employed only after Stormont. The ultimate aspiration for the is acutely aware that many long-term the position has been publicly advertised, INTO is a full employment model for all substitute teachers are not receiving pay and they should be appointed in qualified substitute teachers, similar to during school holidays and are financially accordance with the relevant teaching the panel system in the south. penalised for being ill. NISTR currently appointment scheme. This gives advises principals, school leaders and substitute teachers similar rights to their TOMMy MCGLONe, INTO senior official Wishing Sheila Nunan all the best

During her tenure as general secretary, Sheila has been involved in many campaigns on pay, terms and conditions and professional matters in both jurisdictions. She has always been very encouraging and supportive of INTO members in the north and her time as general secretary will be fondly remembered by members in Northern Ireland.

At this year’s Northern Conference, Sheila was presented with a picture on behalf of the members to acknowledge, in part, her efforts on their behalf and as thanks to her for all her years of effort on our behalf.

Members in the north wish Sheila all the best in the next chapter of her life.

Right:­INTO­General­Secretary­Sheila­Nunan­receiving­a­presentation­from INTO­Northern­Secretary­Gerry­Murphy

INTOUCH 26 MAY 2019 Northern­news

Saturday morning learning Lori and Zita Great feedback from Mid-Career Review workshop honoured at

A very successful training event for high degree of satisfaction with the Northern INTO members was held on 23 March workshop, with the Careers Service and in the Riddel Hall, Stranmillis, Belfast. Phased Retirement presentations Conference 80 Teachers gave up their Saturday deemed to be particularly relevant. morning to attend the first ever INTO e event was very ably chaired by Mid-Career Review workshop. In Kevin Daly, the incoming chairperson Northern members and northern planning the event, it was thought we of the INTO Northern Committee. staff wish INTO officials, Lori would be lucky to have 30 people at the Kevin, a careers teacher and INTO Kealy and Zita Bolton, all the best event but such was the interest of the Career Learning Rep brought a wealth on their retirement from INTO INTO members in the North in the of experience to the day from a variety head office. workshop that the number was of perspectives. increased to 80 with a waiting list. e workshop finished at 1.30 with a Zita joined INTO in 1982 and Lori At 9.30 on a lovely sunny morning in very nice lunch and lots of chat. Some in 1986. Their commitment to the Riddel Hall’s enclosed courtyard, teachers had to be encouraged to go INTO over the years has served as members received presentations from home at 2.30! an inspiration to us all. Both Margaret McGuigan of the Careers As a number of members also colleagues were invited to Service NI and Maggie Bates of the indicated their desire to attend the Northern Conference and Open University. Alan Tolson from workshop but were unable to do so for presented with a small token of Platinum Financial gave a presentation various reasons, INTO will be our gratitude and we extend on Phased Retirement. organising a similar event for members every best wish to them both for Following the coffee break, there was in the next academic year. Check out the future. a 2-hour session on reviewing your the INTO website, bulletins and career with Stephen Wray from Inspire. Printout in September 2019 for Feedback from members indicated a details.

Date for your diary: Belfast Pride parade Join the INTO on Saturday 3 August 2019

Following the success of INTO’s first branches and activists in due course float at Belfast Pride 2018, the steering and we hope as many members, committee is working toward an even friends and family as possible can bigger and brighter float for 2019! attend on the day – please put the Please follow our progress on the INTO date in your diaries! website and other social media. Further details will be issued to Contact us at [email protected] INTO­Northern­Secretary­Gerry­Murphy­with Lori­Kealy

INTO­Northern­Secretary­Gerry­Murphy­with Zita­Bolton­

INTOUCH 27 MAY 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ INTO Learning Summer Programme 2019

INTO Learning is offering eight online open on moodle.intolearning.ie. courses and one face-to-face summer Further details on all courses at school. Registration for these courses is bit.ly/INTOSummerProgramme

Moving from mainstream to LS/RT Tá an scoil samhraidh Cumarsáid, Comhluadar & Craic This online course will enable participants Cumarsáid, Comhluadar & gain an understanding of the role of the Craic ar siúl Dé Luain 1 – Dé Tá an scoil samhraidh seo dírithe ar special education teacher (formerly hAoine 5 Iúil le costas €100. mhúinteoirí bunscoile atá ag iarraidh LS/RT) particularly for those teachers feabhas a chur ar a gcumas labhartha moving to this role for the first time. The For this course, participants agus dá réir ar a gcumas chun an teanga a course will also explore the current can register online or using theagasc nó teagasc tríd an teanga ag system, a variety of learning difficulties, an application form gach leibhéal sa bhunscoil. Beidh diagnostic and screening tests as well as ceardlanna/gníomhaíochtaí ar ábhair good practice in supplementary teaching. downloadable on the INTO éagsúla mar shampla: amhránaíocht agus website – see below. filíocht. Beidh siúlóidí agus turas ar oileán chomh maith le h-imeachtaí oíche. ICT in SESE and STEM

This course explores the use of ICT to All online courses will run from Monday, enhance teaching and learning in the 1 July to Monday 22 July and cost €35. areas of Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It will provide a Global Citizenship Schools: Literacy through the arts hands-on experience of online resources justice, sustainability, for science, history, geography, maths equality and human rights This exciting new course explores how a and basic programming. school’s discrete literacy programme can This course explores the concepts of be supported and extended using the justice, sustainability and equality at a arts: drama, visual and musical arts. The Maths problem-solving: a local, national and global level through approach integrates best practice in process, not a product! the lens of human rights. It seeks to literacy pedagogy into arts lessons. It will enhance teachers’ confidence and also explore bringing a story to the stage This course focuses on a process-led competence when teaching global from a creative writing and oral language approach to maths problem-solving citizenship and supports INTO Global development perspective including video across all class levels. It includes an Citizenship School. footage of the process. NEW exploration of mathematical language, maths thinking and problem-solving strategies. Leadership and wellbeing Our environment, our lives!

This course explores the concept of school This course will equip teachers with the Learning through play leadership and leading wellbeing in our necessary knowledge and skills to schools. Participants not only gain an effectively teach pupils about pertinent This course explores the concept of understanding of leadership styles but also environmental issues. The course will learning through play including the an understanding of current wellbeing explore the concepts of environmental pedagogy of play, the role of the teacher policies and strategies, of workplace stress auditing, biodiversity and and the benefits and challenges of play in and of skills and communication interdependence, climate change and the classroom. The course will include approaches to support, enhance and lead climate justice, environmental videos of play as a pedagogy in action in wellbeing across the school. sustainability, and how positive proactive Irish classrooms. NEW attitudes can be developed. NEW

INTOUCH 28 MAY 2019 INTO­news Improving participation

The INTO Task Force on Participation publishes recommendations for increasing engagement.

A resolution at Congress 2018 noted that attendance at INTO branch meetings was ‘unacceptably low’ and called for recommendations for improving engagement and participation. On foot of that motion, the INTO established a task force, with members from every district, to consider how levels of engagement and participation can be increased. The task force’s report was launched at Congress 2019 in Galway.

Key findings: Engagement varies The task force acknowledged that INTO members may be more or less involved with the INTO depending on their personal circumstances at various stages of their career. Engagement can be passive or active. Members who don’t dominate debates. The task force, appoint a branch organiser to liaise with attend branch meetings may keep up to therefore, recommended that multi- staff representatives and encourage date on current issues by reading InTouch media presentations on the structures participation in branch activities. magazine, looking up the INTO website or and procedures of branches and districts The Report of the Task Force on attending conferences or seminars. The be developed and that priority should be Participation, including all task force was of the view that the given at conferences to members who recommendations, is available to dynamics of engagement and have had no previous attendance at download in the members’ area of the participation have changed and many conferences. INTO website. members view the union as more of a professional service that doesn’t require Supporting staff reps active participation within INTO The task force recommended increasing structures. supports and training for staff representatives, including the creation of Belonging in your branch an online portal for staff representatives When young members attend meetings and providing/continuing training at regularly they connect more with the local and regional level. The task force work of the INTO and other INTO suggested expanding the online colleagues. Their participation can be support course for staff reps to include a inhibited by unfamiliarity with issues or discussion forum facility to enable union procedures or by more experienced greater networking and support. It also voices and views being allowed to recommended that each branch Going on career break?

INTO members taking a career break for can send a cheque or postal order, along break membership, as an INTO the 2019/20 school year can take out with your name, address and payroll subscription will be deducted career break membership at a cost of €30 number to the Membership Section, INTO, automatically from their salary. If you are for the school year. This is relevant for Vere Foster House, 35 Parnell Square West, subbing, however, you should notify teachers who avail of INTO member-only Dublin 1. Alternatively, call Carmel at 01 INTO’s membership section to ensure that policies, such as the Cornmarket Salary 8047780 to pay by card. your correspondence, including your Protection scheme, as you must remain an INTO members taking a career break, InTouch magazine, is sent to your home INTO member to maintain these policies. who plan to do substitute work during address, rather than your school. You can To avail of career break membership, you the school year, should not avail of career do this by emailing [email protected].

INTOUCH 29 MAY 2019 INTO­news competition returns for May 867:

The INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group are Who can enter? delighted to announce the return of the This competition is open to all primary Different Families, Same Love schools and special schools. competition for May 2019. To mark International Family Equality Categories Steps to Success! Day (IFED) and International Day Against • Junior: Infants to 2nd Class 1. Browse the recommended resources at Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia • Senior: 3rd to 6th Class www.into.ie/lgbt/Competition/ (IDAHOBIT) they are asking teachers to Tá fáilte faoi leith roimh iarratais ó 2. Explore the theme ‘Different Families, take action in their classrooms between 5 Ghaelscoileanna agus scoileanna Same Love’ with your class and 17 May to celebrate the diversity of Gaeltachta. 3. Share your learning with others people and families in Ireland and to (school/families/wider community) address homophobic and transphobic How to get involved? 4. Download and complete the entry bullying in schools. Competition entries, like our families, can form take many forms so you and your 5. Send the entry form and evidence of Prizes students can choose to create individual, your project (photos, videos, mp3, • iPad for your class group or class projects based on the children’s artwork etc) to; • Raffle for One4All voucher for all theme ‘Different Families, Same Love’. Post: Different Families, Same Love participating teachers Entries will be judged on creativity, Competition, INTO Equality Officer, • Hamper of books originality, relevance to the theme Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, • Lots of runner up prizes! and how well the learning was shared 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 with wider audiences. Email: [email protected]

INTO sympathises with family of Frank X. Buckley

INTO head office staff were saddened to INTO. In his letter to INTO General hear of the death of Frank Buckley who Secretary, Sheila Nunan, Frank said: shared his beautiful collection of “I am mindful of the great opportunity paintings with the Organisation. Frank and responsibility of our primary school Buckley was a regular and welcome teachers and those who support them in visitor to the INTO head office and was promoting the development of the delighted to hear of compliments paid by children of Ireland and their creative visitors to the artwork on display. He was thinking and imagination. e visual arts a good friend of the INTO and play an important role in that pursuit. I recognised the valuable contribution of would hope that these works of art will teachers. contribute to the inspiration of those In 2013, Frank arranged the transfer of whose task it is to inspire our young.” a collection of paintings and prints (Frank INTO extends our sympathy to Frank’s X. Buckley Collection) to the care of the husband, Michael, and all of his family.

Our Lady Immaculate SNS named Global Citizenship School

Pictured:­Feargal­Brougham,­INTO­vice- president,­unveiling­a­Global Citizenship­School­plaque­in­Our­Lady Immaculate­SNS,­Darndale.

INTOUCH 31 MAY 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ

Haveyou activatedyour new2018/20 Membership PlusCard?

Your 2018/20 INTO Membership Plus Cards were posted to staff the family, getting away for a hotel break, enjoying some fresh representatives during Autumn last year to distribute to INTO air on the golf course, looking good in a new outfit, relaxing on members directly. the sofa with a treat night takeaway and so much more. The Membership Plus Card gives you access to over 1,500 Ensure you have activated your new Membership offers and discounts for you and your family to enjoy meaning Plus Card to view the full range of offers, be kept up to date there is something for everyone with significant savings in a with new offers throughout the year, enter fantastic short space of time. competitions and much more. You can enjoy great savings on meals out with family and Please take time to read the information on the How To Use friends, checking out the latest blockbuster movies, keeping fit page on the Membership Plus website and read the terms of at the gym, your weekly grocery shop, making memories with each offer to ensure you receive a warm welcome at the venues.

Days Out Offers New Discounts with your Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin W5, Belfast INTO Membership Plus Card Eating Out Offers The Membership Plus Team are busy Bubble Waffle Factory, Dublin Burritos & Blues, Cork and Dublin adding new offers to the Membership Ground Espresso Bars, Blanchardstown Mao, Dublin Plus website and mobile app each week – The Kitchen at Jurys Inn, 5 Locations Wowburger, Dublin many of which have been suggested by you. Hotels and Travel Offers On the right are some of the offers Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge recently added – for the full list of offers, Dream Apartments, 3 UK Locations Jurys Inns, Across Ireland and UK visit the Membership Plus website or Leonardo Hotels, 3 Scottish Locations Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork and Sligo download the mobile app! The Morgan, Dublin Titanic Hotel, Belfast

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Shopping Offers W5,­Ground­Espresso­Bars,­Titanic­Hotel Paperblanks, Dublin Topline Archers, Ballina

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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 in You can submit your suggestions by please send a receipt of the Membership Plus? By suggesting a logging onto the Membership Plus transaction to Membership Plus venue, you help Membership Plus grow in website or email within 28 days. Provided you have the way which benefits you the most. [email protected] with as used your Membership Plus card Once received, our venue team will much information about the venue(s) as correctly, we will be happy to contact the suggested company and possible! reimburse the discount.

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INTOUCH 32 MAY 2019 INTO­news Budget time again... Time to tell our TDs what we need!

INTO has started work towards lobbying effective and widespread in the run-up to not later than 6.30 pm on education issues for Budget 2020 Budget 2020. (scheduled in October 2019). Constituency-level lobbying of TDs is a Interested in helping with lobby As in previous years, INTO will lobby at critical part of INTO’s pre-Budget work. It work? local (constituency) and national levels. is complemented by the June national Although numbers are limited and those The national lobby day is planned for lobby. Details of the lobby training events nominated by CEC for national lobbying June. are as follow: have places reserved, INTO invites • Tuesday, 14 May – Clayton Hotel, Sligo members who are interested in active Local lobby training • Wednesday, 15 May – Clayton Hotel, participation in this lobbying work to During May, INTO will conduct a series of Ballybrit Galway and Newpark Hotel, register for attendance at the session lobby training sessions around the Kilkenny nearest to you. country. Attendees will include activists • Tuesday, 21 May – Clayton Silver To register, please email nominated locally and members who Springs, Tivoli Cork and Crowne Plaza [email protected] with your name and commit to participation in this important Hotel, Dundalk indicate which session you wish to attend, work. • Wednesday, 22 May – Clayton Hotel, not later than Friday 10 May. With key priorities including class size, Liffey Valley, Dublin better supports for school leadership and Each training session will commence at school funding, INTO lobbying must be 5 pm and conclude with a buffet dinner Grants from INTO Political Fund

INTO has a political fund from which the discretion of the Central Executive political donations and are subject to full grants may be paid towards the expenses Committee (CEC). disclosure to the Standards in Public incurred by members who are It has been the practice of INTO to Office Commission. candidates in elections. support, from this fund, members who Applications, which will be presented INTO rules provide that an are running for office and to do so to the CEC for consideration, should be application from a member for a grant regardless of party affiliation in order to made to the General Treasurer’s Office must be made by that member in writing recognise participation in the (INTO, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1) or prior to the election. e amount and democratic electoral process. Any grants by email to the general treasurer payment of any grant from the fund is at are also subject to legislation regarding ([email protected]).

INTO meeting with IPPN

Pictured­in­back­row­from­left to­right:­Damian­White,­IPPN; John­Boyle,­INTO­general secretary­designate­and Deirdre­O’Connor,­INTO assistant­general­secretary. Front­row­from­left­to­right: Pauric­Clerkin,­IPPN;­Feargal Brougham,­INTO­president­and David­Ruddy,­IPPN­president.

INTOUCH 33 MAY 2019 Solidarity

A holiday spent helping in Ethiopia

My name is Geraldine Campion and I am a primary school teacher in San Carlo SNS, Leixlip, Co Kildare. My sister Patricia is also a primary teacher, teaching in Scoil Shutterstock Mhuire GNS, Lucan, Co Dublin. In December 2016, a family friend presented us with the opportunity to volunteer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the Easter break. As we are both primary teachers, Before our Easter trip, Sr Lutgarda Lutgarda and she has informed us that we were very interested in volunteering provided us with a list of items which were the funds we donated were put to good in a school or an orphanage working with in shortage and a priority for the children use – the construction of a long-awaited children. We were fortunate to be placed in their studies. Some of our funds were computer room to assist the children in in contact with Sr Lutgarda – the director used to purchase much-needed books, the home with their studies. of the children’s home Kidane Mehret, pencils, pens, copybooks, erasers, pencil To find out more about Kidane Mehret which is on the same grounds as the sharpeners, colours etc. We also delivered there is some information on the following school of the same name. The orphanage English school books and story books that website: www.fcj-kmch.org/. Sr Lutgarda caters for children from newborns up to had been donated to us by family and told us when we were there in April 2017 the age of 16/17. friends. We would also like to thank that they are always looking for people to We wanted to raise as much money O’Brien Press for their kind donations of come to the orphanage to offer any help, and gather as many resources for the brand new books. The children in the support, skills or donations that they can. orphanage and school as we could and so orphanage were so delighted with all the There are contact details on that link if you our fundraising efforts commenced in school supplies and the school at Kidane wish to get in touch with Kidane Mehret or January 2017 – cakes sales, a bowling Mehret were equally thankful for the Sr Lutgarda. We have very fond memories evening and online donations via English story books and copybooks. of our time in Kidane Mehret – a truly GoFundMe. We are very thankful to all During our time at Kidane Mehret we unforgettable experience. And once again who contributed. We would especially like spent the majority of the time helping out we would like to thank the INTO Solidarity to thank the pupils, staff, parents and at the orphanage. It was Easter break at Fund for their contributions. extended communities of our two the school and so Sr Lutgarda arranged schools San Carlo SNS and Scoil Mhuire for us to work with the older children to GerALDINe CAMpION, San Carlo SNS, Leixlip, Co GNS for facilitating the cake sales. Further improve their oral language. We also Kildare and pATrICIA CAMpION, Scoil Mhuire GNS, to this, we were very fortunate to be in worked in the mornings in the Lucan, Co Dublin. receipt of the Solidarity Fund from the kindergarten teaching the younger INTO, as we are both union members. children. We put some of the supplies we Again, we are very thankful to the INTO brought such as the colouring books, for their contributions. Collectively, colours, pencils and paper to good use through all these efforts and kind here. In the afternoon we spent some donations, we raised almost €6,000 and time caring for the babies and the we are delighted to say that every cent toddlers. It was a great experience to get was donated either directly to Kidane to know the children and the very hard Mehret or used to purchase much needed working staff in Kidane Mehret. educational supplies. We have recently been in touch with Sr

INTOUCH 36 MAY 2019 Solidarity Cambodian delegation visit Dublin

The morning of 2 April started with a visit to INTO head office by the delegation left:­Sophen­Phan, from SeeBeyondBorders (SBB) to discuss deputy­director­SBB, and plan ongoing support from the INTO and­Sovoeun­Chhout, for the SBB projects in Siem Reap and SBB,­with­Alison Battambang provinces in north west Gilliland,­senior­official, Cambodia. SBB’s Colm Byrne, Sophen INTO­and­Feargal Phan and Sovoeun Chhout met Noel Brougham,­INTO Ward, treasurer/deputy general secretary president. and Feargal Brougham. INTO president. Other INTO officials discussed ideas and below:­PEPY­staff­and exchanged information. Síne Friel, INTO students official presented on social media and communications and Alison Gilliland, senior official on INTO Learning. secondary school teacher, Colm Byrne teaching English for two years Colm qualified as a primary school at a school on the Thai- teacher in 2003 and spent ten years Cambodian border before teaching in Donabate/Portrane Educate being promoted to deputy Together NS in North County Dublin. director of the school. Sophen DPETNS is an Ashoka Changemaker joined SeeBeyondBorders in School. June 2011 as education In June 2014, Colm moved to Cambodia program co-ordinator, and in and began working with PEPY (Promoting 2017, he was promoted to the Education Empowering Youth), based in new role of education Siem Reap. While there, he established technical manager. Sophen is responsible and oversaw all elements of a partnership for the design and management of their families and communities through between PEPY and schools in Ireland. In SeeBeyondBorders' award-winning Teach the power of education. Also joining the July 2017, Colm joined SeeBeyondBorders the Teacher program in Cambodia. panel was John O'Brien, INTO senior and is their director of development. His official and global solidarity co-ordinator, responsibilities include human resources, who spoke on behalf of the INTO, communications and building Cambodia Ireland Changemaker outlining the story of the INTO’s solidarity partnerships. He believes in empowering Network work and their continued support for others through education. Check out the Later that afternoon, an impressive teachers in Cambodia and their quest to SBB website for more information and gathering at the DCU St Patrick’s Campus develop and grow their own education volunteer opportunities in Drumcondra participated in the system. Other speakers included Breda www.seebeyondborders.org/. inaugural event of the Cambodia Ireland Murray, principal, Darndale NS; Tim Reilly, Changemaker Network. The theme of the deputy director, Vietnam and the Mekong Sovoeun Chhout event was 'Education is Power'. The event Sub-region, Irish Aid and Ciaran Herr, a Sovoeun joined SeeBeyondBorders in was organised to mark the annual visit director of Horseware Ireland, a Louth November 2013. Previously, he worked for from Cambodian educators and students company that operates in Cambodia and three years as a secondary school teacher, to Ireland. supports SBB. One of the highlights of the teaching English and Khmer subjects at A panel of speakers was invited to talk evening’s proceedings was the official Romcheck secondary school in the rural about different aspects of education and launch of the Changemaker Network, area of Siem Reap province. His role is development, including the visitors from marked by Fergus Finlay, former CEO of mentoring mentor and mentee teachers, Cambodia representing two amazing Barnardos, who spoke eloquently of his supporting them to develop professional NGOs focused on education. These memories of his experience of the Irish capability in order to provide quality included four Cambodian visitors from education system, both good and not so teaching and learning at schools. He is PEPY and the two Cambodian good, but also of the overwhelming due to complete his bachelor degree in representatives from SBB, who each evidence of change that education can English in 2014. spoke of their personal stories and the bring, not only to and individual’s life but change to their lives, and those of both to a society as a whole. Sophen Phan Sophen has worked in the educational sector in Cambodia since 2004. Sophen started his career as a qualified lower

INTOUCH 37 MAY 2019 Newsdesk Pasture to Plate Winners of Agri Aware’s local produce recipe competition announced The winners of the Pasture to Plate recipe Farmers’ Association, Restaurants’ Association of Winning recipes competition, organised by Agri Aware, were Ireland and the European Union. announced recently. The initiative aims to promote healthy eating and seasonal cooking as risotto with bacon and part of a healthy, balanced diet. Primary school cabbage Rang 3, Realt na pupils were asked to put a spin on a traditional Mara National School Balbriggan Irish dish or to invent a new recipe. The Rd, Townparks, Skerries, Co Dublin. competition encouraged pupils to use as much Irish produce as possible, with a particular focus Local and lovely on local ingredients. The winning schools got a Limerick black pudding visit from a chef who brought their recipe to life. A and apple, potato patties with producer and local farmer also visited to salad leaves and a honey highlight the ‘farm to fork’ journey of their food. mustard dressing 6th class The competition is part of a year-long project gardening club, Scoil Mocheallóg, by Agri Aware to promote the Common Kilmallock, Co Limerick Agricultural Policy (CAP) called ‘Many hats, one 6th­class­gardening­club,­Scoil­Mocheallóg,­Kilmallock­with CAP’. The project aims to teach consumers about teacher­Sinead­Clifford;­local­producer,­Maurice­Gilbert Collective recipes from the role of farming and the agri-food sector in their (Ballyhoura­Apple­Farm);­local­chef,­Tom­Flavin;­and­local 1st Class, St. Joseph’s, lives. Pasture to Plate is sponsored by the Irish farmer,­Shay­Galvin Gorey, Co Wexford

Meatloaf Students of White Class, Our Lady of God Counsel Special School, Inishmore, Ballincollig, Co Cork.

rossie’s Lamb ragout 4th class, Ballybay NS, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co Roscommon.

Mullingar Meatloaf served with traditional colcannon and local honey 1st­class­pupils­from­St­Joseph’s,Gorey­with­local­butcher,­Alan roasted vegetables 3rd and 4th Redmonds;­local­farmer,­James­Kehoe­(IFA);­and­local­chefs, Rang­3,­Scoil­Realt­na­Mara­with­local­chef,­Terry­McCoy;­local class Sonna National School, Faien­Riquet­and­James­Cantwell­with­pupils­from­1st­class,­St producer,­John­Hagan­(County­Crest);­and­local­farmer,­Padraic Slanemore, Mullingar, Joseph’s,­Gorey.­ McMahon­(IFA) Co Westmeath.

Learning with the head, heart and hands Irish Primary PE Association hold 16th annual conference in Kilkenny

The Irish Primary PE Association (IPPEA) and Jump into Athletics’. Notes for all of members’ section of the IPPEA website held its 16th annual conference in the workshops are available in the www.irishprimarype.com. Kilkenny on Saturday, 9 March. The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Learning with the head, heart and hands in physical education.’ Delegates took part in workshops that highlighted how learning can be promoted in the psychomotor (physical), cognitive (head) and affective (heart) domains within physical education and how learning across these domains can support children to live physically active lifestyles. Workshops ranged from ‘Creative Dance Tales’ and ‘Teaching Social Skills in Physical Education’ to ‘ Hop Skip

INTOUCH 39 MAY 2019 Ócáidí­nuachta

Housing as Top of the class for technology a legal right St Thomas’ Senior National School, Jobstown of technology in primary school. Schools can get Petition asks government recently held a celebration to mark being more information at www.digitalschools.ie to take action named a Digital School of Distinction. As part of the Raise the Roof is celebrations, pupils in the asking people to school showcased how ICT is sign a petition used in the school to enhance calling for a legal teaching, learning and right to housing in assessment. Demonstrations Ireland. The right included the use of green to housing screens, virtual reality and currently exists in digital storytelling tools. more than 81 Digital Schools of Distinction countries is a programme that aims to worldwide and promote, recognise and would help ensure encourage excellence in the use Matthew­Campbell­and­Antoinette­Reid­from­St­Thomas’­SNS that everyone can access decent quality accommodation suitable to their needs. In October 2018, a majority of political parties and TDs supported and passed a motion demanding action on evictions, a major programme of public housing and the creation of a legal right to housing. Raise the Roof is calling for that motion to be implemented in full. Raise the Roof is a campaign group of trade unions, political parties, students’ unions, housing agencies and community campaign groups that have joined forces to demand action on the housing crisis. You can show your support for this campaign by adding your name to the INTO­President­Feargal­Brougham­with­some­of­the­cast­of­Evita,­staged­by­the­Teachers’­Musical­Society. petition at: bit.ly/2GDWiay. Well­done­to­everyone­involved­in­organising­what­was­another­great­show.

What do your pupils think? Views on social media and data privacy sought

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) is running a public children and young people on their data protection rights. consultation on children’s data protection rights in a social media We would love to hear from as many students as possible and context, and we want to hear from your students! At the end of will be accepting submissions from schools until the end of the January, the DPC sent out emails to all schools in the country school year. If you have any questions at all, please contact inviting them to take part in this consultation. We have created a [email protected]. pack of lesson plan materials (lasting approximately two hours) that aim to assist teachers in facilitating a discussion with their students (aged 8 to 17) about personal data and data protection rights in a social media context. We are inviting schools to then relay the opinions expressed by students on the various issues back to the DPC via six feedback posters. All of the information and materials you need can be found here on our website: bit.ly/2ZwOHTY. By getting involved in our consultation, you will be giving your students the opportunity to have their voices heard on very important issues relating to their data protection rights. Furthermore, your school will be actively helping to shape a new piece of guidance that the DPC will be creating especially for

INTOUCH 40 MAY 2019 Newsdesk Committee changes in Cumann na mBunscol The new Coiste held its first meeting on Friday, 5 April where Cathaoirleach Liam Magee set out plans for a busy year ahead.

Liam Magee from Fermanagh is principal Mairéad O Callaghan succeeds Liam as Fidelma Sheridan is well known to INTO of St Columban’s Primary School in uachtarán and is the first woman to fill Congress delegates as cathaoirleach of Belcoo. Liam has vast that role. Mairéad teaches in Glenville NS Standing Orders Committee. She was experience at local in Watergrasshill, Co Cork where she is elected as leas cathoirleach of Cumann na and provincial level. deputy principal. Like Liam, she has mBunscol at the 2019 AGM, succeeding He has served on experience at all levels of Cumann na Tomás Ó hAiniféin who is now the National Committee mBunscol. Cumann na mBunscol delegate on as treasurer of Mairéad served as runaí of Sciath na Central Council of the GAA, a role filled for Cumann na Scol for a total of 17 years before the past five years by Jim Fennelly. mBunscol from 2011 becoming rúnaí of the Coiste Náisiúnta, a Fidelma teaches in St Patrick’s NS, Loch to 2016 and was position she held from 2014 to 2019. Gowna, Co Cavan where she is deputy elected as uachtarán Mairéad also served as cisteoir of Coiste principal. “The school is in the parish of in 2016, a role he na Mumhan from 2013 to 2018. Lough Gowna and Mullinalaghta – we are filled with distinction Liam­Magee, Mairéad’s proudest achievement was the less famous half for the last three cathaoirleach­of­Cumann winning an All-Ireland senior club medal of the parish!,” she years. na­mBunscol for ladies football with her club, says. Watergrasshill. Fidelma became Mairéad has served active in Cumann na Full list of officers of the Coiste Náisiúnta as chairperson of the mBunscol over 22 uachtarán: Mairéad O Callaghan (Corcaigh) Cork Ladies’ Football years ago. She was Cathaoirleach: Liam Magee (Fermanagh) Board and, during a assistant secretary Leas Cathaoirleach: Fidelma Sheridan (An Cabhán) spell in the USA, was for many years rúnaí: Gary Farrell (Ard Mhacha) chair of San before becoming the Leas rúnaí: Jim Fennelly (Cill Chainnigh) Francisco Camogie chairperson in 2011, a Cisteoir: Micheál Mac Thiarnáin (Liatroim) and Ladies’ Football role she occupied for Fidelma­Sheridan,­leas Oifigeach Chaidrimh poiblí: Joe Lyons(Luimneach) Club. seven years. cathaoirleach Development Officer: Tim O Byrne (Port Láirge) At present, she is Mini Sevens Officer: Gerry O Meara (Baile Átha Cliath) once again rúnaí of Mairéad­O­Callaghan, JOe LyONS, prO, Coiste Náisiúnta, Cumann na Central Council Delegate: Tomás Ó hAiniféin (Ciarraí) Sciath na Scol in Cork. newly­elected­uachtarán­ mBunscol.

OUT AND ABOUT IN Primary & Post-Primary THE BURREN Teachers Job Share Teacher Learning Support Improve your qualifications EPV Approved Course through part-time modular required Sept 2019 Monday 1st to Teachers courses leading to an MA in Education. Friday 5th July Compile End Year Qualified Primary Teacher Explore the unique Course commences September each year. Credits allowed for required to job share Special environment of the Maths Profiles for Prior Certificated Learning Burren region Pupils Now ! Inquiries to: Education post in Talks in Hyland’s Burren The Dean of Studies, Christian Co. Westmeath starting Hotel, Ballyvaughan Maths Tracker Leadership in Education Office Walks: Various Burren (CLEO), September 2019. Mardyke House, Cork Locations CD ROM Tel/fax: 021-4271729. Close to Cavan and Longford Contact Brian Howley www.aiseanna.com E-mail: areas. Please call 087 911 0193 [email protected] 086 2391542. [email protected] www.cleocork.com

Want to advertise Contact Mary Bird Smyth: [email protected] We have limited advertising space available Please contact Mary to book your space. or [email protected] in our June InTouch issue. phone 01 8047724 in ?

INTOUCH 41 MAY 2019 r Retirements

Pictures from branch and district Retirements functions to honour retiring members

Dublin South County Retiring­members­of­Dublin­South­County­branch­pictured­with John­Boyle,­INTO­general­secretary­designate;­Donncha McGinley,­district­secretary­and­Sheila­Nunan,­INTO­general secretary.

Craobh an Earagail Back­row­L­to­R:­Fiona­Nic­Pháidín,­branch­chairperson;­Áine McGinley,­CEC­rep­District­3;­Dáithí­Mac­Roibert,­branch­secretary and­John­Boyle,­INTO­general­secretary­designate.­Front­row­L­to R:­Catherine­McClafferty,­Fionnuala­Weed,­Bernie­Ní­Dhuibhir, Sadie­Marie­Curran­and­Nancy­Ní­Mhaoilmhichil.

Craobh Chualann Retiring­members­of­Craobh­Chualann­pictured­with­Anne Farrelly,­branch­secretary;­Sheila­Nunan,­INTO­general secretary;­Donncha­McGinley,­district­secretary­and­John Boyle,­INTO­general­secretary­designate.

Tallaght Retiring­members­of­Tallaght­branch­pictured­with­John Boyle,­INTO­general­secretary­designate;­Donncha­McGinley, district­secretary­and­Sheila­Nunan,­INTO­general­secretary.

Tuam Back­row­L­to­R:­Aidan­Burke,­branch­secretary; Mary­Kelly;­Nuala­O’Hara;­Ann­Molloy;­Anne Lewis;­John­Dunne;­Mary­Higgins;­­Maureen Reilly;­Mary­Trayers;­Joan­MacDonnell;­Tommy Greally,­CEC­rep.­Middle­row­L­to­R:­Sally­Flynn, Carmel­Keating,­Cecilia­O’Grady,­Joe­Killeen, INTO­president;­Margaret­Burke;­Bernadette Flaherty;­Catherine­Brennan.­Front­row­L­to­R: Mary­O’Mahony,­branch­recording­secretary; Siobhán­Lynskey,­branch­chairperson;­Susanne Keady;­Irene­Nolan,­branch­vice-chairperson.

INTOUCH 43 MAY 2019 INTO Advice

7 INTO advice for members on issues of importance 8 Guide to filling vacancies InTouch guides you through contracts of indefinite duration (CIDs), panels and how schools should fill vacant positions.

How do I fill a permanent vacancy?

A permanent vacancy should be filled 3. Appoint a teacher from the be found in Appendix D of the by appointing a teacher in the following supplementary panel if the main Governance Manual for Primary Schools order of priority: panel is clear. 2015-19.

1. CID-holding teacher already in the 4. Appoint a teacher via open The relevant circular for staffing in the school/Appoint a temporary teacher competition if all panels are clear. 2019/2020 school year is Circular already in the school who may be 0019/2019. Vacancies should have been entitled to a CID using the When advertising a permanent vacancy, notified to the patron by 21 March 2019. permanent vacancy as the viable both www.educationposts.ie and Permanent vacancies must be filled contract. www.staffroom.ie can be used. The before 4 November 2019. Fixed-term vacancy must be advertised on at least vacancies cannot be filled until the DES 2. Appoint a teacher from the main one of these sites. is satisfied these posts are not required panel. More details on the appointment of for redeployment purposes. teachers to permanent vacancies can

Contracts of Indefinite Panels (main and supplementary) Duration What are the panels? to be redeployed, the Main Panel What is a CID? The two types of panel are the main Application Form should have been A CID, or contract of indefinite duration panel and the supplementary panel. submitted to the DES by 21 March 2019. has the same employment status as a Each panel area has a main panel and Permanent teachers who are due to be permanent post. supplementary panel. redeployed can choose to defer going A teacher may be entitled to a CID onto the main panel to take up a when they have in excess of two years’ The panel areas are organised as temporary contract in their school, to continuous service in the same school follows: go on career break/secondment or to and a ‘viable contract’ in year three. • Catholic Church (on diocesan basis) job share. CID-holding teachers due to A viable contract is a permanent • Church of Ireland (on be redeployed must take up any position, a contract covering a career diocesan/united diocesan basis) temporary positions that arise in their break or secondment or a Special • Each Religious Order has its own school. Education Teacher (SET) position. A panel position arising because of a job-sharing • Educate Together (national panel) What is the supplementary panel? arrangement, is not considered a viable • An Foras Pátrúnachta (national panel) This panel is used to give priority to contract in year three. • Special National Main Panel non-permanent teachers for permanent appointments. This panel comes into Applying for a CID What is the main panel? operation once the main panel is clear. You can apply for a CID by filling out The main redeployment panel is used The criteria for getting on the Appendix H of the Department of to redeploy surplus permanent/CID supplementary panel are based on a Education and Skills Circular 0019/2019. For teachers whose position is no longer teacher’s service as measured by salary further details see Circular 0023/2015 and sanctioned in a school. This may scale point. This panel does not the Department of Education and Skills happen as a result of falling enrolment guarantee teachers on the panel a FAQs or the loss of a post. Where a teacher is permanent position.

INTOUCH 45 MAY 2019 Home Sweet Home

Understanding home insurance can be tricky. InTouch asked JLT Ireland, providers of the Teacherwise scheme, to guide us through some of the key things we should know. Here’s what they told us.

Value correctly individual thing and no two policies are Not only do people undervalue their the same. A home is most people’s buildings and contents but they can over A home is most biggest investment so it is essential to get value them too. A good tip when the best advice. You can speak to one of deciding on your buildings sum insured is people’s biggest JLT’s qualified advisors to go through your to go to the Chartered Surveyors of policy with them. The Teacherwise team Ireland website www.scsi.ie which, will investment so it is can be contacted on 1890 700 745 or 01 give you a guideline to the rebuilding 2026000 and will take the time and effort cost for your property in your area . We essential to get the to ensure you have a policy that will meet speak to a lot of customers who believe your specific needs. You can also find out that they have to insure their home for best advice. more, or make an enquiry, on our the value of their mortgage which is not dedicated INTO members website the case. www.jltonline.ie/into/. automatically include accidental damage Make a list and check it twice cover. GrAHAM MCeLHINNey is head of personal lines at When it comes to contents cover, you JLT Ireland. JLT Ireland are providers of the should do a room by room checklist of All risks cover INTO-approved ‘Teacherwise’ home and travel your contents, which is effectively Specified all risks cover is taken out to insurance products. anything that can be picked up and taken cover valuable items outside the out of your home, to ensure you have an boundaries of your home, everything adequate sum insured. It’s important to from an item of jewellery to electrical remember that fixtures such as fitted equipment such as cameras and laptops. kitchens and wardrobes are part of your This means that if you lose or damage this buildings sum insured. item outside of the home, the value of the item, less the policy excess, is covered. For Added extras high-end items, like jewellery for Some policies don’t cover accidental example, the insurer may request an up damage and may charge you an to date valuation in order to provide additional premium for the benefit so be cover depending on the items value. aware of this. All of JLT’s policies In many respects, home insurance is an

INTOUCH 46 MAY 2019 INTO­advice Travel with children? Trish McCluskey shares her top tips

Travel doesn’t have to stop when even easier for packing and unpacking. one. children arrive. Although it may seem Plan outfits before you go to avoid taking Entertainment is essential for a stress daunting at first you can still travel with too many clothes. Little ones that can free flight. Make an activity pack before your little ones and with some carry a mini backpack can have their leaving with some jigsaws, a colouring preparation and planning you may even toys and plane snacks in their bag. e book and a small toy. On a long haul enjoy it! I’ve travelled with my daughter less you take the less you have to drag flight try booking an overnight flight so since she was a few months old. Now around the airport. Any bulky baby your little one will hopefully sleep for the aged 10, we have travelled to 37 equipment can usually be hired at your duration of the journey. countries together; from Iran and Syria to Mexico and Malaysia. After all of our You can definitely give Destinations on destinations travels together I think that these are all You can definitely give kids culture and the tips you’ll ever need for travelling kids culture and have have a holiday at the same time. You are with kids. not doomed to sprawling, soulless a holiday at the same resorts until they are teens. One idea is Plan ahead to take a cooking class where you and Less is definitely more when it comes to time. You are not your child can learn to make a local dish. travel with kids. It’s a good idea to not Many hotels and resorts can organise overload your itinerary and to let kids doomed to sprawling, this or you can contact a local cookery choose an activity. Ease off on some of school ahead of your trip. Visiting a local the normal family rules during a holiday, soulless resorts until market is another great way for kids to whether that means allowing unlimited see a different way of shopping from the screen time on flights or unlimited ice they are teens. usual supermarket run. Cookery classes cream for the duration of the trip. As often involve a trip to a local food long as everyone knows things will go destination and you can usually do market to buy the ingredients. Seek out back to normal when you get home, laundry in your hotel. some local music and dance (watch a what’s the harm? Organise child-friendly flamenco performance in Spain, take a accommodation perhaps that’s a family Flying high tango lesson in Argentina). Visit friendly resort or a great Airbnb; choose Add extra time to get through the neighbourhoods where families live. somewhere you’d be happy to hang out airport when travelling with children. Paying a visit to playgrounds in these and where sleeping will be easy. You need to account for toilet and neighbourhoods or taking part in possible tantrum stops. You are much weekend activities where your children Pare back when packing more likely to stay calm as you navigate will get to mix with the locals can be a Do not over pack. Extra luggage adds to the airport with your little ones if you great experience. the stress of a family holiday. You need aren’t pressed for time. And don’t forget to relax and enjoy to pack smart for everyone. Packing On the flight it’s a good yourself! cubes are a great space-saving way of idea to bring familiar packing and having a different colour pre-packed snacks TrISH MC CLuSKey. Travel blogger and teacher packing cube for each person makes it to settle your little based in Galway. www.travelwithtrish.com

INTOUCH 47 MAY 2019 Tributes Tributes Fiona O’Reilly

The community of Scoil Bhríde was deeply saddened by the unexpected passing Sr Helen O’Connor of our principal and friend, Fiona O’Reilly, Croom National School community was a star. Her enthusiasm permeated the after a short illness. deeply regret the death of our much whole staff. We hold in her memory a As founding Principal esteemed colleague Sr Helen O’Connor. lovely crib which she donated to the of our school, Fiona Sr Helen, a native of school. expertly led its Knockfierna, graduated from Sr Helen’s EPV days were development from a Mary Immaculate College in 1981. always booked to coincide with three-teacher school in 2005 to a thirty- Sr Helen was a member of the Listowel Writers’ week. She nine teacher school in 2016. Sisters of Charity of St Paul the participated in creative writing Fiona embraced this challenge and Apostle. She taught in Kilmallock classes and imparted her love of worked tirelessly on behalf of the NS for a number of years. In 2003 books and writing to the students. No problem or challenge was she joined the staff of Croom NS. children in her care. She took insurmountable. She was steadfastly During her time here she worked pleasure in putting together a positive, innovative and inspiring. She in a variety of different settings. set of story sacks which are still encouraged the staff to embrace new As HSCL co-ordinator she in use in our school today. ideas and to engage with new projects. endeared herself to parents and Sr Helen is deeply missed by Fiona was a skilled mentor and she was could always be relied upon to give them her brothers William and Tony, sisters in particularly interested in guiding and sound practical advice. Her favourite class laws, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, inducting newly qualified teachers. was most definitely first holy communion grandnephews, her community of St Paul Fiona was a person of deep faith and class. She prepared the children with the in Kilfinane, board of management and had a strong sense of justice and equality. greatest devotion for first penance and colleagues of Croom NS and a wide circle She was strong in her resolve to ensure first holy communion ensuring that every of friends. that the values and ethos of the school child had a day to remember. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam dílis. were respected. The nurturing of each The highlight of Sr Helen’s school year child’s potential was central to her vision was the Christmas concert. Every child Staff of St Mary’s NS, Croom, Co Limerick for the school. She had a special interest in the education of children with additional needs. Without hesitation, Fiona embraced Edel Davis the setting up of three classes for children with ASD and ensured that the classes Edel Davis was a truly gifted teacher who team player. She was a great friend to were well resourced. Fiona’s great love of fulfilled her vocation every single day. She everyone on staff and was especially music was evident in her support of the had a natural empathy for children who, welcoming to newcomers. She was great school choir and her membership of in turn, loved her for her kindness, her fun to be around on staff nights out when Ballycane Church Choir. She initiated the warmth, her passion for learning and her her laugh was memorably infectious! sixth class musical which has become an compassion. She taught sixth class and Edel passed away in her 38th year. Her important occasion in our school calendar. was a confidant, friend and role funeral was attended by Fiona supported her colleagues both model to every pupil in their last hundreds of mourners and professionally and personally. To her year in primary school. Entering guards of honour were provided principal colleagues, Fiona was the heart her classroom on any school day, by amongst others, hundreds of and soul of their group. To the parents her default position was on her past and present pupils, beloved and students, she was the smiling face at knees beside children, making school colleagues, the door in the mornings, full of energy sure they understood the lesson, Ballinamere/Durrow GAA and and with a zest for life. or sitting on her stool, surrounded the children from Durrow NS We miss Fiona’s dignified calming by eager learners. where her children are pupils. presence in our lives, her sense of fun and She was central to all school Our loss is great, but for her her hearty laugh echoing through the activities, and for many years family, it is incalculable. We offer corridors. As we move forward with our looked after the school’s athletics our deepest sympathy and our lives, her presence as mentor, colleague team, overseeing several successes in the thanks for the opportunity to share life’s and friend remains with us. Offaly Cross Country Championships, as path with a truly wonderful colleague and Our thoughts and prayers are with well as the Colin Dunne Primary Schools friend. Fiona’s mother Mary, sisters Máire and Track and Field Championships. Credit Solas na bhflaitheas agus leaba i measc Órla, relatives and friends. Union quizzes, green flags, school na naomh duit, Edel. Ar dheis Dé go raibh A hAnam dílis concerts and plays always demonstrated Edel’s major contribution. Colleagues and friends of Scoil Shinchill, Killeigh, Community of Scoil Bhríde, Oldtown, Naas, As a colleague, Edel was the ultimate Tullamore, Co Offaly Co Kildare

INTOUCH 49 MAY 2019 Life

3 Tips on health, wellness, travel and finance 4

Paradise awaits: Seychelles

Mahé, the main island in the Seychelles is added bonus to Eden Bleu is that What to eat? one of those pinch-me places. A they offer a free daily shuttle to Beau French Creole cuisine heavily influences destination I had never anticipated going Vallon beach so you can get a taste of the diet on the island. You can find a lot of because I thought it was one of those poolside chills and sandy beach stretches western food and the hotel restaurants places that was horribly expensive, all in one day. A week’s accommodation always cater to the tourist tastes with the reserved for lotto-win lists. However, I in Eden Blue Hotel for two people, b&b, usual fare like steak, chicken, pastas, found myself Seychelles bound on my costs just under €2,000 in February and I mezze plates and sandwiches. For that recent midterm and wanted to share the would recommend this hotel. There are pleasure you are going to pay. Most details in case you’re in the mood to make many more expensive hotels and cheaper mains cost from €18/20 – €30+. If you like a lotto-win trip without the lotto win. options but it’s likely you will need to hire sampling local culture then Creole cuisine a car while on the island to get to your is where to start. On our day trips we were How do I get there? apartment or villa (unless you fancy treated to Creole barbeque, which Flights to Mahé, via Doha, cost about forking out for taxis every day) so that will included mango and papaya salad, grilled €800 per person with Qatar Airways, add to your costs. whole fish and chicken curries, sweet depending on the time of year. It is worth potato mash, fried and battered fish and bearing in mind that I went in February, What’s there to do? fresh breads. I heard of the famous Marie which is the end of the rainy season, so do Of course you can do absolutely nothing Antoinette restaurant whose menu hasn’t anticipate some showers. And, by but grab a sun lounger, turn every 20 changed much since 1970 offering showers, I mean torrential downpours. minutes like a rotisserie chicken and catch traditional Seychellois dishes that have Temperatures run in the high 20s to low up on your reading. Nothing wrong with made its name; parrot fish deep fried, 30s but factor in the real feel heat and it that. I do also love to explore when I travel, aubergine beignets, delicious chicken rockets up to close to 40 degrees. When I so the Seychelles was no exception. No curry and fish stew as well as tuna steak say pack your sun cream, I mean it. You matter how much research I did, all day and apple salad. If you order ahead of will be using that factor 50 even if trips to see the other island cost at least time you can get fruit bat and octopus. you don’t usually have it within €120pp plus. So resign yourself to the The warm, blue waters and soft white 50 feet of you. Trust me! fact that, if you want to explore and sand is every bit the daydream come true. see what there is to see, then you Leaning coconut trees and the lapping of Where to stay? are digging into your pocket again. I water does wonders for the soul. The Taxis are pricey on the island, booked two day trips. One was to Seychellois people are kind, welcoming much like meals and excursions, so the Moyenne Island turtle sanctuary and so friendly. As a tourist I didn’t feel getting there is just the beginning of the and the other was to Praslin and La Digue pestered to buy anywhere. If the wallet damage. I found a beautiful hotel to see the protected coco de mer plant Seychelles is on your bucket list I would called Eden Bleu on Eden Island, 10 and the most photographed beach in the encourage you not to put it off. It can be minutes from the airport. It’s a four-star world; Anse Source d’Argent. Both are made affordable and worth the 14 hour hotel and comes with a pool and on-site absolutely worth the money and journey but, if I am very honest the Greek restaurant so you don’t have to stray far to memories so, if you do nothing else while islands offer just as beautiful a vista, graze. Eden Island is a new build and on your trip to the Seychelles, do these crystal seas and sandy beaches for less accommodates tourists with the Eden two. Of course you can do snorkeling and money. Plaza mall on site. It has restaurants, a deep sea fishing excursions. There is also a supermarket, spa, medical centre, shops zip lining park somewhere in the centre of CIArA MC NALLy teaches in Greystones, and a bank. Plus it’s close enough to the the island, in the jungle, if that’s your bag. Co Wicklow. For more detailed itineraries check port for easy access to day-trip ferries. An In 40 degree heat, it’s not mine. out her webiste www.mysuitcasediaries.org.

INTOUCH 51 MAY 2019 Life

Be barbecue ready

Crunchy Asian slaw

This­Asian­slaw­packs­a­series­crunch­and, depending­on­your­kitchen­knife­skills,­can­be made­in­minutes.­It­can­be­served­with­just about­anything.

Ingredients At Foodoppi HQ we are looking forward to longer sunny l ¼­head­red­cabbage evenings and warmer weather. Our sticky honey chicken l 2­carrots drumsticks and asian slaw are fast to prepare so you won’t have l 1­packet­mangetout to sacrifice too much time in the kitchen. They can be eaten at a l 1­red­pepper BBQ, are perfect for a picnic or make a delicious lunch on the go. l 2­spring­onions l Handful­coriander­leaves l 50g­roasted­peanuts­–­optional Sticky honey chicken drumsticks l 2­tablespoon­toasted­sesame­seeds­– optional Serves­4. with­oil.­Place­in­a­roasting­tray­and­cook­in­the oven­for­20­minutes.­ Dressing Ingredients 3 Mix­all­the­ingredients­for­the­glaze­together l 3­tablespoon­rapeseed­oil l 8­chicken­drumsticks in­a­bowl.­Take­the­chicken­out­of­the l 1­tablespoon­sesame­oil­ l 2­tablespoons­rapeseed­oil­ oven­and­pour­the­glaze­all­over. l 2­tablespoons­rice­wine­vinegar l Salt­and­pepper Make­sure­each­drumstick­is­coated l 2­tablespoon­honey with­glaze.­Return­the­chicken­to l 1­tablespoon­soy­sauce Glaze the­oven­and­cook­for­another l 1­tablespoon­sweet­chilli­sauce l 5­tablespoons­honey 20–25­minutes.­Keep­turning­the l 1­garlic­cloves­–­crushed l 2­tablespoons­rice­wine chicken­every­few­minutes­while vinegar cooking­to­ensure­an­even­glaze.­­ Method l 2­tablespoons­fish­sauce­ 4 Once­cooked,­remove­from­the 1 Mix­all­the­dressing­ingredients.­ l 2­tablespoons­soy­sauce oven­and­allow­to­rest.­These­can­be 2 Remove­the­outer­leaves­of­the­red­cabbage. l 1­tablespoon­sesame­oil eaten­hot­or­cold­and­served­with­a Finely­shred­the­red­cabbage.­Peel­and­grate l 1­lemon­–­juiced salad.­These­can­also­be­cooked­on­a­BBQ. the­carrot.­Wash,­then­thinly­slice lengthways,­the­red­pepper,­mangetout­and Method Tip spring­onions.­Chop­the­coriander.­Place­all 1 Preheat­the­oven­to­200°C/Fan­190°C/Gas­6. Cooking­with­meat­on­the­bone­is­always­more the­vegetables­into­a­large­bowl.­Pour 2 Season­the­chicken­drumsticks­and­lightly­brush succulent­and­tastier. dressing­over­and­toss­together­until­well coated. 3 Sprinkle­with­roasted­peanuts­and­sesame Foodoppi is a creative educational platform which cookery school at the Cliff at Lyons a few years ago. seeds.­Serve­in­a­warm­tortilla­drizzled­with takes an extraordinary approach to food and STeM LOuISe LeNNOx is a top chef and food broadcaster peanut­dressing­or­eat­with­honey­chicken education that has proven to be on TV and radio here in Ireland drumsticks.­ an effective way to foster and has a background in nutrition positive relationships with food and children’s food media while exciting children about production. learning and gaining STeM skills. Aisling and AISLING LArKIN has a degree in Louise education from Trinity, spent 10 joined years working in a DeIS school in forces a inner city Dublin, has a first class few MSc in Food product Design and years ago Culinary Innovation and set up and created Ireland’s premier children’s Foodoppi.

INTOUCH 53 MAY 2019 Feature­article

INTOUCH 54 MAY 2019 Feature­article

INTOUCH 55 MAY 2019 Teaching matters

3 Articles and opinions on primary teaching, with tips and ideas for the classroom 4

Travel through time at Craggaunowen You can travel through the centuries, from the Bronze Age to the modern day, at Craggaunowen in Co Clare. Jean Wallace shares some of the rich history of this attraction.

Back in the bronze age roamed Ireland during the Iron Age. a swift escape if under threat. The Bronze Age started in 2000 BC and These sheep don’t require shearing. They marked a time when people became shed their own coat each summer which Medieval masterpiece experts in making metal objects. In was collected and woven by the women Hundreds of years later people would mixing copper with tin the harder bronze of the time to create warm cloaks for the have lived in towers and castles for safety. alloy was created. Knives, axes and swords winter. Craggaunowen Castle was built in 1550 by became stronger as blacksmiths cast this In the Iron Age Ireland was thickly John McSíoda McNamara. It stands new metal. wooded and marshy. Wooden roads were securely on an outcrop of rock with a lake Indeed Bronze Age axes would have made out of layers of trees, brushwood, to one side and a moat on the other. The been used in the construction of Crannógs. earth and stones. These helped travellers upper rooms would have been the safest The people who lived in these to traverse the boggy lands. Part of an and where the family would have lived. It dwellings would have occasionally worn Iron Age road lies at Craggaunowen, was in use into the 17th century but then gold decorations – the precious metal excavated from the Corlea Bog, in Co became obsolete as weaponry became was expertly manipulated into cloak pins, Longford, in 1985. It was relocated to more sophisticated and people no longer bracelets and hair decorations. Co Clare in 1985. needed to ‘hide out’ in castles. The Crannógs at Craggaunowen were Visitors to Craggaunowen today can built by renowned archaeologist, John Early Christian period explore the reconstructions of these Hunt, who donated the site to the state to Craggaunowen includes a ring fort. Ring ancient dwellings, from Crannógs to ensure that generations would be able to forts were the housing estates of ancient ringforts to medieval castles giving us a explore and investigate them. Ireland. There are over 40,000 examples valuable insight into life through the ages throughout the country. The forts were in Co Clare. Into the Iron Age circular and surrounded by an earthen The Iron Age followed the Bronze Age, bank or stone wall and crucially a ditch for JeAN WALLACe, Shannon Heritage. To arrange a commencing around 400 BC. The Soay safety. Some of the homes would also visit to Craggaunowen or any of Shannon sheep at Craggaunowen are descended have souterrains or underground areas Heritage’s attractions, contact from an ancient breed that would have where the inhabitants could hide or make [email protected] or 061 711222.

Subject Strand Strand Unit SESE (History) Continuity and change over time Homes and houses Housing and urban developments

INTOUCH 57 MAY 2019 Teaching­matters Pre-school to Primary Building positive relationships to support the transition

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has recently published reporting templates called Mo Scéal along with a suite of materials to support children’s transition from preschool to primary school. We are very grateful to the group of primary schools and preschools in counties Galway, Tipperary, Limerick and Laois who piloted the templates as part of the NCCA’s Preschool to Primary School Transitions Initiative.

Positive relationships Research highlights the value of building

Mo Scéal: Moving fr positive relationships locally between om Preschool to Primary preschools and primary schools. The

Child’s Personal Details schools and preschools involved in the First name:

Likes to be known as:

Transitions Initiative had many ideas on Surname:

Date of birth: how to do this, and you will find those Primary School and Preschool Details Primary School child is enrolled in: suggestions in joint transition activities Preschool: Preschool contact number:

Preschool contact person: for preschools and primary schools, Role of contact person: which you will find on www.ncca.ie/ You will find these and other ideas on child’s interests, earlychildhood. Your school may already the website in suggested activities for strengths and be working with local preschools to schools to support a positive transition to challenges will support children’s move to junior infants. junior infants. The Mo Scéal templates can give the Perhaps the practitioners and children in be a helpful addition to these shared teacher

primar developments those preschools visit your school during activities, where schools and preschools insights into foráis sa bhunscolaíocht ncca.ie/earlychildhood the summer term, or maybe the are working together in the interests of the child’s preschool is on the same site as the the children. learning and experiences from home and school and joint activities and events are from preschool and will be useful in the organised. Sharing information initial weeks of junior infants. This Contact between the school and the Research tells us that sharing information information can help the teacher plan for: preschool, for example visiting each on children’s prior learning can help them • continuity in learning approaches and other’s classrooms, will help the teacher with the transition to school. The Mo Scéal experiences for the child. to learn about the kinds of experiences templates are based on the themes of • differentiated learning opportunities and environments the children have met Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum suited to the child. with before they come to school. This Framework, and Aistear is familiar to many • topics and projects linked to the child’s information can help with: teachers of infant classes. The templates interests and needs. • making the classroom layout similar to have sections for the parent, the child Mo Scéal templates are available in the preschool with interest areas – him/herself and the preschool English and Irish, and along with related blocks, dress-up, junk art area, reading/ practitioner to share information with the materials, are available at quiet corner, or providing a cosy teacher. The completed Mo Scéal reports www.ncca.ie/earlychildhood. area/pop up tent with a bean bag and share the child’s story as a learner as Schools, preschools and families blankets where children can chill out. she/he moves to school. Mo Scéal is working together support children’s • having some books, activities and similar to the Education Passport that learning and helps to make the move to routines that the children are familiar supports the transfer of pupil information school as positive an experience as it can with from preschool, as well as from primary to post-primary school, but be, and Mo Scéal is there to help. introducing new ones. it is important to note that the Mo Scéal • thinking about visual supports e.g. templates are not a requirement. Instead, Dr JACQueLINe FALLON, Director, NCCA National photos of the preschools children have they are a resource which preschools and Council for Curriculum and Assessment come from, a family wall with photos of schools, with parental consent, can use to each child’s family and pets, a photo of share information. the teacher on the door so children know which classroom to go to, labels Using the information in the children’s home languages. The information in the reports about the

INTOUCH 59 MAY 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc e Hairy Toe

This traditional American folktale is in rap - Line ‘Away... cry’ in Verse 1 (solo high sounds e.g. woman humming, creature form. A number of drama activities listed voice). growling. below give rise to a number of - Distribute various lines in Verse 2 to 2. Dramatic moment. ‘You’ve Got It!’ opportunities for in-role writing which solo/pairs/groups. Sculptor and Sculpture (pairs). A ‘sculpts’ can be humorous, opinionated, vivid, - All shout last line. B into statue of the creature at final line visual, personable and original. ‘You’ve got it!’ using oral instructions only. Phase 1. My ‘To-Do’ List! Sculptors stand back and watch the Setting the scene – the day before the action. statues come to life, making strange The Hairy Toe 1. Creating the lists. Divide the class in sounds and moves. Next repeat but this Once there was a wom-an who went half. One half, out of role and in groups of time B (now the sculptor) sculpts A into out to pick beans three writes the creature’s to-do list of statue of the woman. Finally, together A And she found a … hairy toe! chores for an ordinary day. Include new and B bring the moment to life for 30 She took the hairy toe home with her. information (for example, the creature is seconds. Yeah! very vain so include plucking his And that night when she went to eyebrows, admiring himself in the mirror bed, the wind be-gan to moan and etc). The other half, similarly, create the groan. old woman’s to-do list. Include new Moan! Moan! Groan! Groan! information (for example, the old woman ‘Who’s A-way off in the distance, she heard a is cranky and a little hard of hearing). voice cry ‘Who’s got my hairy toe? Who’s got 2. ‘And action!’ Students mime the activities got my my hairy toe?’ as the teacher reads aloud the lists. The wom-an scrooched down, down, 3. Prioritise! Prioritise! Prioritise! Each hairy down student, still in role, creates a list of three Way down in her bed! Way down in priority jobs for later which she displays her bed! on the wall. toe?” And a-bout that time the wind ap- peared to hit the roof, the leaky Phase 2. Back to the Story roof. Note: We do not know how the toe landed in the bean 3. ‘You need a doctor!’ ‘Oh no, I don’t! Oh The wind growl-ed a-round the field. yes you do!’ Teacher announces that the house like some big an-i-mal 1. Retracing our steps. Add a sound. In a woman notices yellow liquid oozing out The wom-an scrooched down further circle, students recreate the sequence of of the hairy toe. Half the class writes (in un-der the covers events from finding the toe (daytime) to role as the cranky old woman) a And pulled them tight a-round her ‘You’ve got it!’ (night short speech insisting that head time). Include the creature to go with her The voice had come nearer, al-most sounds to the city to find the toe to the door now. from weather: Then! In an awful voice it said: animal ‘Who’s got my hairy toe? Who’s got sounds my hairy toe? e.g. YOU’VE GOT IT!!!’ bullfrogs, Traditional American folktale (abridged) crickets, ‘gators’; and human Choral Verse 1. Rap. Click fingers on the underlined words. 2. Distributing lines: - Line ‘Who’s got my Hairy Toe?’ in both verses (solo low voice).

Subject Strand Strand Unit English Writing Competence and confidence in using language

INTOUCH 60 MAY 2019 Teaching­matters

An extended and integrated drama and in-role writing project suitable for middle and senior classes surgeon. The other half of the class writes Phase 4. ‘Wait a Minute’. Action 4. Operation. ‘Nurse, scalpel please’ (not (in role as the creature) his short speech Replay for the faint-hearted). Spend plenty of outlining his fears about his toe. Pairs 1. ‘The Director’s chair’. Teacher appoints time setting up this whole class (creature and woman) improvise the a director who sits in a Director’s chair. improvisation which may only last a few argument face to face. He/she, with the class, looks at one minutes. Include the concerned old ‘improv’ at a time (from the previous woman at the creature’s bedside. Allow 4. Write the scene. In pairs, (creature and activity). The class gives suggested the improvisation to take on an unusual woman), write a six line dialogue using directions to the director on how to twist e.g. the anesthetist might run out of playscript format e.g.: improve the quality of the drama as well gas, the creature might jump off the - WOMAN: By heck, I’ll get ya to the city if as how to improve the behaviour of the operating table. Afterwards, each student I have to push ya all the way there characters in the improvisation. writes an in-role monologue starting with myself. Ultimately, the director and the teacher the words: ‘What a fiasco!’ - CREATURE: Give me back my hairy toe!!! agree/have the final say on changes. Grrr! Phase 6. ‘Home Sweet Home’ 2. Flashback flashforward. The revised 1. ‘How can I ever repay you?’ The Phase 3. ‘To The City!’ and improved crafted scenes are run in creature and the old woman, now fast 1. Bundles. ‘What should we bring?’ Pairs sequence. The director can have fun by friends, arrive back at her cabin. At this (out-of-role) create a list of belongings calling out ‘faster’, ‘slower’ or ‘pause’. An point, the students can speculate on why they need for the journey to the city. experienced class might be asked to the hairy toe arrived at the bean field. Include how they will preserve the toe perform their work as ‘comedy’, ‘tragedy’ Returning to the present, the students until they get to the surgeon. or ‘melodrama’. can decide what happens next. For example, a leaky roof. Together, pairs 2. Onwards and upwards! The creature Phase 5. ‘At the Hospital – Procedure compile a step-by-step approach to and old woman write (and then share) for Attaching the Toe’ fixing the leaky roof (or students’ his/her own diary entry incorporating 1. The case conference. First, the teacher suggestion). these headings: in role as the toe surgeon, is hotseated by - Describing my deep need to go on the the class (out-of-role). He/she infers the 2. Thank you letter. Each student writes journey. various medical roles needed for the an in-role thank you letter outlining how - What might happen if we don’t leave operation. Next, students brainstorm he/she was transformed after the journey immediately. these roles e.g. the anesthetist, the toe (include key moments). Then, each reads - Our plan of action. surgeon, the theatre nurse. Groups of four the other’s letter while listening to the - Obstacles we might meet along the or five adopt a role. Finally, the case music You’ve Got a Friend in Me from the way. conference is held the day before the filmToy Story. extraordinary procedure. A press release 3. Obstacles on the journey: Groups of is announced on why this procedure is so 3. Back to my to-do list. Both return to three or four (including the creature and groundbreaking. normality by reading aloud their original woman) are each given one of the list of three priorities on the wall (see following first lines which is the basis for a 2. Layout of the operating theatre. Phase 1). They mime these while short improvisation. Brief the creature to Students, out-of-role, redesign the humming You’ve Got a Friend in Me. be vain and cowardly. Brief the woman to classroom as if it is the operating theatre. be cranky and impatient. They place pieces of paper to ‘map out’ HeLeN HALLISSey, The Association for the imagined place. Drama in education Ireland 1. We are never going to cross that river. (Scalpel) 2. Look at that alligator. Run! 3. You take the old woman and I will take 3. The journalists. The teacher reveals the big creature. that some journalists have ‘got wind’ of 4. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. the groundbreaking procedure. Appoint 5. If we don’t make it, I just want to say three or four students to set up camp one thing. outside the hospital. Create a Conscience 6. Stop right there! Alley activity where they decide if they 7. I wouldn’t eat that if I were you. sensationalize (or not) the breaking 8. Go on! You can do it! information about the creature.

Subject Strand Strand Unit Drama Drama to explore feelings, knowledge and Exploring and understanding making ideas, leading to understanding drama

INTOUCH 61 MAY 2019 Teaching­matters

‘HTML Heroes’ Using Scoilnet’s collections wins European to teach thematically media literacy With almost 21,000 curriculum-tagged engage pupils through maps and data. award resources now in its database, one of the big challenges for Scoilnet is how to make Primary Gymnastics Webwise’s newest education teachers aware of specific resources that bit.ly/scoilnetgym programme: HTML Heroes: An might be useful at a particular point in This collection is based around a set of introduction to the internet – has time. The creation of ‘collections’ helps video demonstrations and skills cards that received a European media meet this challenge by enabling were developed by the PDST PE team to literacy Award at a recent resources to be grouped on a thematic support teachers in safely teaching a European media literacy basis with the choice of resources variety of rolling techniques and conference in Brussels where it selected by the in-house team at Scoilnet. progressions within gymnastics. was named the most educative Three of the more recent collections to media literacy project. Launched be created were: The Beatles for Safer Internet Day <:;=, HTML bit.ly/scoilnetbeatles Heroes is a free digital media The Great Irish Famine A collection that tracks the formation, literacy programme designed to bit.ly/scoilnetfamine success and eventual break up of one of support primary level teachers as The centrepiece of this collection is a 22 the world's most successful bands. The they introduce digital technology page PowerPoint presentation covering page includes activities, quizzes and and the internet to the classroom. all aspects of the famine. The page also information resources designed to Webwise.ie/html-heroes/. includes links to the UCC-developed support teaching in SESE history and mapping resource that enables teachers music. Safer Internet Day 8679 Awards winners announced

We­are­in­Ctrl­Pupils­of­St­Brigids­National­School­(Winners­Best­Picture)­with­their­Safer­Internet­Day­posters.

Safer Internet Day 2019 saw 145,000 winners will receive a drone for their • Best Video: Christ the King Girls School, students across more than 550 schools in school and highly commended schools Cabra, Dublin; Ireland participate. Inspired by the work will receive an instant camera. Well done • Best Music: Scoil Assaim, Raheny, being done in schools around Ireland on to all the winning schools. Dublin. internet safety, Webwise launched the Safer Internet Day 2019 Awards Winners: very first Safer Internet Day Awards to • Safer Internet Day Art Award: St Brigid's pATrICK COFFey and JANe McGArrIGLe,pDST recognise the range of different events National School, Castleknock, Dublin; and positive actions taking place to • Best Use of Technology Digital Citizen - promote internet safety. Webwise are Moneystown NS, Bray Co Wicklow; delighted to announce the 2019 winners • Best Picture: St Angela’s National and highly commended entries. Overall School, Castlebar, Co Mayo;

INTOUCH 63 MAY 2019 Teaching­matters

have survived from this period where school tour to Glasnevin Cemetery they took prominence in Early-Christian Museum, mention this article and the first monasteries. St Muiredach's Cross at five individuals to do so will receive a free Monasterboice in Co Louth is one such copy of this fascinating book. example; it stands at over five metres tall and features scenes from the Bible. In an MICHeLLe O’CONNOr, education officer and age when literacy was confined to few, teacher liaison at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, these carvings were used as tools to teach Finglas road, Dublin 11. the local population about Christianity. To find out how a tour can be tailored to include Originally these crosses were not used such interesting narratives as the one above – as grave markers but as prominent public please contact the education Department at monuments and it wasn’t until the 1800s Glasnevin Cemetery Museum at that they became popular as headstones. www.glasnevinmuseum.ie, tel: 01 8826550, email: Due to their origins, they were [email protected]. synonymous with Ireland’s past as the island of saints and scholars and so were seen as a fitting tribute to the memory of the dead. As the nationalist movement and the Celtic Revival (a cultural movement promoting interest in Celtic culture) grew, so too did the popularity of the Celtic cross. In 1857 a collection of sketches entitled Illustrations of the Most Glasnevin Cemetery is home to one of the Interesting of the Sculpted Crosses of largest and most impressive collections of Ancient Ireland was published and Celtic crosses in the world. Schools, became a guide for stonemasons to tourists and the general public visit re-create the patterns of the original Glasnevin Cemetery on a daily basis to crosses. This book was the work of artist learn about many key figures that played Henry O’Neill who was later buried in a prominent role in shaping Ireland’s past. Glasnevin. Commenting on the influence Visitors are often amazed at the intricate and importance of O’Neill’s work, Oscar sculptures they discover along the tour. Wilde wrote, “Everywhere in our Celtic crosses began to emerge in cemeteries there are now to be seen Ireland and Britain in the early medieval stately and graceful Irish crosses, which period and are most easily distinguished are suitable memorials of our dead, not by a ring of stone encircling the arms of merely as being Christian emblems, but the cross itself. Christ was usually as works of native hand and brain.” depicted at the centre of the stone circle, For anyone interested in discovering and from a structural perspective, the more there is a wealth of information in circle was necessary to support the arms Peter Harbison’s book Glasnevin Celtic of the cross. Several impressive examples Crosses – A Selection. If you are planning a

INTOUCH 65 MAY 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc Taiscéalaithe Teanga

Clár feasachta teanga do bhunscoileanna agus a thugann aitheantas do na pobail baint úsáide as na is ea Taiscéalaithe Teanga. Tá sé deartha atá éagsúil ó thaobh cultúir de in Éirinn. comharthaí chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar fheasacht Forbraíonn na gníomhachtaí oiriúnacha. Cuir páistí ar na teangacha éagsúla a ilteangacha seo uile feasacht na bpáistí ar béim ar an labhraíonn pobal na scoile. Spreagann an éagsúlacht teanga agus spreagann siad tábhacht a clár cur chuige ilteangach i leith an plé faoi na teangacha a úsáideann na bhaineann le teagaisc agus na foghlama, agus cuireann páistí sa bhaile agus ar scoil. húsáid na méara, sé ar chumas páistí a dteangacha baile a Bronnadh an Séala Eorpach Teanga ar na láimhe, mar aon le gothaí gnúise. úsáid i dtimpeallacht na scoile. an tionscadal sa bhliain 2018. • Iarr ar pháistí bheith ina dtaiscéalaithe Is í an eagraíocht Mother Tongues a teanga agus comharthaí a aimsiú agus chuireann an clár Taiscéalaithe Teanga ar Úsáid sa Rang grianghraf a thógáil díobh le linn fáil i mbunscoileanna agus cuireann sí • Úsáidtear breis is 6,000 teanga ar fud an siúlóide sa cheantar nó nuair a bhíonn oiliúint ar fáil do mhúinteoirí ar mian leo domhain. Pléigh na teangacha atá ag na siad ar saoire thar lear, pléigh na an clár a úsáid iad féin ag baint úsáide as páistí. Pléigh na teangacha a bhfuil cur teangacha atá sna comharthaí atá an leabhar gníomhaíochta Taiscéalaithe amach acu orthu agus an tábhacht a aimsithe acu agus na leideanna a Teanga. bhaineann lenár dteanga dúchais féin a d’úsáid siad chun brí a bhaint as teanga Sa leabhar Taiscéalaithe Teanga, tá bheith againn in Éirinn ó thaobh nár thuig siad. moltaí agus gníomhaíochtaí den scoth do oidhreachta agus aitheantas cultúrtha. • Inis do na páistí faoi leabharlann mhúinteoirí ar mian leo cur chuige • Úsáidtear geáitsí nó gothaí gnúise Chester Beatty i mBaile Átha Cliath, áit a ilteangach a éascú sa rang. Tá an leabhar uaireanta chun teachtaireacht a chur in gcuirtear léirthuiscint ar chultúir deartha ag Dr Francesca La Morgia, iúl. Pléigh na buntáistí a bhaineann leis dhomhanda chun cinn sna teangeolaí le blianta fada taithí i dtaighde seo. Iarr ar pháistí gothaí gnúise a lámhscríbhinní, sna leabhair ar an dátheangachas. chumadh a chuirfidh teachtaireacht neamhchoitianta, agus sna seoda eile Spreagann an leabhar páistí chun gairid in iúl agus iarr ar pháistí eile ón Eoraip, ón Meán Oirthear, ón Afraic Teanga Chomharthaíochta na hÉireann a tomhas a dhéanamh maidir leis an mbrí Thuaidh agus ón Áis atá ar choimeád fhoghlaim, fadhbanna a réiteach, dúshlán a bhí i gceist. D’fhéadfaí leas a bhaint as ann. Spreag iad le hiniúchadh a ilteangach a ghlacadh, beannú do emojis chun cuidiú leo. dhéanamh ar an suíomh gréasáin atá dhaoine i dteangacha éagsúla, a • Déan iniúchadh ar an aibítir láimhe i ag an leabharlann chun breis eolais a dtimpeallacht féin a iniúchadh. dTeanga Chomharthaíochta na fháil https://chesterbeatty.ie/learning/ Foghlaimeoidh na páistí faoi hÉireann atá léirithe sa leabhar. Bain Ar fáil: www.mothertongues.ie. Leabharlann Chester Beatty freisin, áit a triail as ainmneacha na bpáistí a bhfuil na mílte seoid i dteangacha éagsúla chleachtadh agus ráitis ghairide ag MÁIre NIC AN rÍ, Oifigeach Bunscoile, COGG.

INTOUCH 66 MAY 2019 Teaching­matters Reviews

Essential Literacy Skills for the Early Years Classroom – theory and practice

Teaching Essential Literacy Skills in the Early discussion of the book and could also Years Classroom outlines both practical include word study, developing fluency, and theoretical knowledge required to comprehension or phonic development. teach a range of emergent literacy skills in Assessment of guided reading as well as the early years of school. the modification of the approach for EAL As the book is aimed at both student pupils is also considered. and experienced teachers, a range of Social constructivist principles of more basic literacy skills are considered literacy instruction are further explored initially. For example, in the chapter on within the context of writer’s workshop. The teaching reading there Writer’s Workshop offers Brian Boru – are chapters on the an opportunity for development of young children to simple text, phonological awareness, develop their voice in phonic knowledge and writing. The author wonderfully comprehension describes how children strategies. For writing, in early years’ illustrated Concannon-Gibney classrooms can be offers ideas and encouraged to compose Brian Boru – The Warrior King is the activities on developing writing based on topics second book of the Little Library handwriting and fine of their own choosing collection by award-winning father motor skills. and to share their work and daughter team, John and Fatti However, the central in writing communities. Burke. The series introduces readers theme of the book is Mini lessons based on to renowned and fascinating figures that for practice to be aspects of what the of Irish history. considered effective, literacy teaching children write offer a real opportunity for Brian Boru grew up in Killaloe, Co and learning should be embedded in the teacher to develop the children’s Clare in a large warrior family over meaningful contexts. The book draws on writing in a meaningful context. Advice 1,000 years ago. Brian and his 11 the latest research to showcase on spelling development and assessment brothers practiced raids on other meaningful contexts for reading, writing of writing is also offered. counties from the River Shannon. and oral language, including shared This useful resource provides Brian eventually became High King reading of large-format books, language comprehensive, balanced and practical of Ireland. In Dublin, the Vikings experience charts and digital texts. Play is literacy instruction for pupils in early were invading, so he gathered his also considered as a way to provide an years’ classrooms. With the introduction men and went into battle. engaging and meaningful context in of the Primary Language Curriculum The escapades of Brian Boru, which to develop literacy skills. presenting new challenges in literacy including the infamous Battle of There is a particularly interesting instruction, Teaching Essential Literacy Clontarf, are chronicled in the book chapter on guided reading which is Skills will help teachers of young children and have been summarised by described as children in small groups meet these challenges in meaningful and John, a retired primary school reading and discussing levelled texts. The enjoyable ways. teacher, into simple text for younger steps of the lesson are outlined as Routledge. ISBN: 978-1-138-48105. Cost: readers and are wonderfully children ‘whisper reading’ the book at the €35. illustrated by Fatti. one time while one child ‘turns up the Gill Books. ISBN: 978-0-7171-8456- volume’ when reading to the teacher. The reviewed by SHArON O’DrISCOLL, Coachford, Co 9. Cost: €12.99. follow-on activities always begin with Cork.

The Salmon of Knowledge is a teacher, we meet a young boy, Fionn, Fionn beautifully illustrated hardback book who wants to become a warrior. He retelling the classic Irish legend, meets Finnegas, a wise old poet, who and that about an enchanted salmon, that has spends his days fishing, hoping to been passed down from generation catch the salmon of knowledge. enchanted to generation and remains a firm Follow Fionn as the story takes an favourite among children. unexpected twist. salmon Beautifully illustrated and retold Starfish Bay Publishing. ISBN: 978- by Celina Buckley, a primary school 1-76036-070-2. Cost: €12.20.

INTOUCH 67 MAY 2019 Finishing Touches x Resources for teachers, noticeboard of upcoming events and the Comhar Linn Crossword x Noticeboard

IATSE Conference Volunteer Abroad 14–15 June 2019 Ficheall.ie 2019/20 Ficheall.ie is a network of primary Looking for adventure? Retiring The Irish Association of Teachers in school teachers and principals who soon or on career break? Join the Special Education (IATSE) promote chess in their schools for GIVE team in the Gambia for a 5–6 conference ‘Looking Back Moving the social, cognitive and mental week period in January – February Forward: Celebrating Inclusive fitness benefits it has for students. 2020. Volunteers will be involved in Education for All’ will be held at the The organising group would like to upskilling Gambian teachers at early National University of Ireland, hear from like-minded teachers to primary level in literacy, maths and Maynooth, from 14 – 15 June 2019. bring the initiative to new counties classroom management. This year marks the 50th anniversary and champion the idea of chess of IATSE. The full conference agenda being used to develop new skills in For further information contact will be distributed shortly. Pauline Moran by email students. Don’t worry if your chess playing ability is not of masterful [email protected] or visit For more information and level; strong organisational skills are www.giveireland.ie. conference bookings, please email: what’s required. [email protected]. To enquire about participating in 2019/20 and for more information visit www.ficheall.ie or email Global Citizenship Copy Dates [email protected]. School A reminder that the copy deadline A brand new Global Citizenship for the June InTouch is 13 May. School face-to-face summer course Submit any articles, photographs or is being planned for Club na notices you would like to have Múinteoirí, in Dublin city centre considered for publication to Online Summer from 1 – 5 July 2019. [email protected] before that date. Courses PDST Technology in Education’s An online Global Citizenship School online summer courses are provided course will also take place over the via TeacherCPD.ie, are approved for first three weeks of July. See EPV days and are free of charge. www.into.ie (Global Citizenship School) for more information. 1 – 18 July (enrolling 8 May) and 6 – 22 August (enrolling 13 May): Digital Technologies for STEM in the Primary Classroom. 1 – 18 July (enrolling 9 May): Digital Kindling the Flame 150 Years of the INTO Technologies in the Primary Kindling The Flame:  Years of the INTOchronicles and marks the life of the INTO Classroom. 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 Places are released in two tranches “accessible and fluent”, “a fascinating history” and “a marvellous read”. (11:30am and 3:30pm) on the enrolment dates. You need a There are a limited number of books to purchase from INTO Head Office, the cost Scoilnet username and password. is €19.99. Contact Georgina Glackin on (01) 804774. Login to TeacherCPD.ie and follow the summer course links to enrol.

INTOUCH 69 MAY 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 Feburary Draw Cash €2,000 eilish Comerford, eoin Naofa NS, Ballymore, Winner details withheld by consent. Co Westmeath. Car – Toyota Yaris hybrid Winner details withheld by consent. Cash €1,000 John Quinn, Muire Na nGael NS, Dundalk, Máire Bn uí Chorcora, Millstreet, Co Cork. Co Louth. Comhar Linn Crossword no198 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, Friday 31st May 2019. photocopied crosswords are not accepted.

1 2345 678ACrOSS 9 1. Actions­cry­out­for­capital­in­Nevada.­(6,4) 6. Conflict?­Grand­-­but­not­cool.­(4) 10 11 10­&­11.­Is­one's­social­standing­not­taken­into­account­when­one­calls­this­at­the end­of­lessons?­(5,9) 12. That­royal­spouse­is­the­trickster-type.­(7) 13 14 15 12 15. Where­to­sacrifice­a­novice­sailor.­(5) 16 17 17. Around­five,­one­of­the­Irish­finds­an­English­river.­(4) 18. Right,­help­with­the­attack.­(4) 18 19 20 19. Dog­seen­in­Quebec­or­Gijon.­(5) 21 22 21. One­is­learning­how­to­get­around­Aintree.­(7) 23. Some­turn­to­fish­for­sport.­(5) 23 24 24. Manufactured­some­cheese­backwards.­(4) 25 25. The­record­is­kept­in­the­Washington­area.­(4) 26 27 28 29 30 26.Such­plants­provide­entertainment­to­a­soldier.­(5) 28.'Magnificent­Woe'­(same­arrangement).­(7) 31 32 33. Disconnected­one­of­the­French­before­the­overthrow­went­ahead.­(9) 33 34 34. Type­of­cabbage­found­in­the­operettas­of­Gilbert­and­Sullivan?­(5) 35. Island­beloved­of­British­Conservatives?­(4) 36. To­a­degree,­it­will­show­how­hot­is­an­unusually­fine­hearth.­(10) 35 36 DOWN 1. Couture­of­Calvin­Klein­initially­gets­the­bird.­(4) NAME: 2. Working­out­how­one's­grain­is­scattered.­(9) 3. Forcibly­ejects­from­topless­medieval­tournaments.­(5) ADDRESS: 4. One­must­be­firm­bringing­a­communist­up­as­a­computer­programmer.­(5) 5. An­examination­of­turkeys'­entrails­seems­trivial,­at­first.­(4) 7. Tessa­turned­up­something­worth­having.­(5) 8. Minor­deeds­can­be­brought­up­to­date.­(10) INTO Membership No. 9. That­nice­fan­might­provide­money.­(7) 13. Will­love­damage­desert­poet­Khayyam?­(4) To read the Crossword Competition Terms & Conditions and INTO’s Data Privacy Policy 14. Ciao,­Pat­-­mix­dessert.­(7) please visit www.into.ie/ROI/Benefits/Competitions 16. Did­The­Bounty's­cargo­consist­of­two­kinds­of­food?­No,­just­one.­(10) 20. Would­"Sunset­Boulevard"­and­"Highway"­be­examples­of­this­film­genre?­(4,5) Gordius - In Touch Crossword No. 197 April 2019 Solutions (winners names will be 21. Edward­has­promises­of­payment­-­how­boring!­(7) published in the next InTouch issue) 22. Have­some­of­Korea­sedated,­for­convenience.­(4) Across 1. Bar 3. Market value 8. Last in first out 11. Ruins 13. Tunic 15. Anthill 16. Hacksaw 20. 27. It's­a­more­pleasant­French­city,­right?­(5) Range 21. Reply 23. Fresh 24. Tara Road 25. Golden oldie 26. Transcended 27. Gas 29. Of­greater­breadth?­How­weird­is­that?­(5) Down 1. Ballot paper 2. Resident 3. Maize 4. Kaftans 5. Visor 6. Look in 7. Eft 12. Show of hands 30. Ms­Boyle­is­responsible­for­part­of­the­census­announcement.­(5) 13. Tiler 14. Crane 17. Sheepdog 18. Snowdon 19. Sparta 22. Yarns 23. Flood 24. Tit 31. Entreaty­for­a­quiet­meadow.­(4) Gordius - InTouch No. 196 winners: are Bridie Nic Suibhne, Leitir Ceanainn and Marie 32. Small­island­found­by­some­Killarney­otters.­(4) Dineen, Tramore

INTOUCH 70 MAY 2019 Finishing­touches

Each month Children’s Books Ireland recommend a book of the month for primary pupils CBI recommended read –May The­most­viewed­resources­at­the­start A­Year­of­Nature­Poems of­this­month 1 STÓr FOCAL: ÓCÁIDÍ SpeISIALTA Written­by­Joseph­Coelho­and­illustrated­by­Kelly­Louise­Judd. http://bit.ly/Stórfocal Wide­Eyed­Editions,­2019.­ISBN­9781786035820.­32pp.­Cost:€11.99. Tá focail anseo mar aon le foghraíocht na bhfocal, don téama 'Ócáidí Speisialta'. This is a pleasure to look at. Award-winning poet 2 AN CHÁISC – LeATHANACH THéAMA Joseph Coelho has written an www.scoilnet.ie/index.php?id=943 original poem for every month of the Seo leathanach le físeán agus acmhainní leis year, and illustrator Kelly Louise Judd an Cháisc a mhúnadh le do rang. provides the sumptuous folk art to ST BrIGID’S NS, SINGLAND, accompany the words. Frogs frolic, LIMerICK 3 e-CHÁrTAÍ daffodils delight and bluebirds http://stbrigidslimerick.ie/ http://bit.ly/NIREBlas perch on snow-covered trees in this St Brigid's National School's Tá na cártaí seo leanas le fáil: Comhgairdeachas, love letter to nature. site has a nice simple design Lá breithe, Beannachtaí na Casca agus rl. with good use of colour and an The poems are nostalgic, harking eASTer eGGS COMpreHeNSION ACTIVITy easy to navigate layout. The 4 back to days spent collecting frogspawn in jam-jars http://bit.ly/CadburyEggs site is an excellent point of and stealing fruit from orchards. But an anxious A reading activity from Cadbury about the contact between parents, thread runs through some of the introductions to the history of Easter and Cadbury Easter Eggs. poems. The author observes the decline in the frog pupils and the school. 5 eyeWITNeSS ACCOuNTS OF THe eASTer population, the erratic weather patterns and the ONES TO WATCH rISING increase in the jellyfish population. The reader is left http://scoilnet.ie/uploads/resources/15416/ in no doubt that we must change our ways if we want 15057.docx to protect our wildlife and habitats. Eyewitnesses – Easter Monday to Saturday Given the large size of the book, it might be assumed that the poems are aimed at young children, 6 THe eASTer rISING pOWerpOINT but they would find some of the vocabulary preSeNTATION challenging. The opening poem refers to http://scoilnet.ie/uploads/resources/15068/ murmurations of starlings and describes them as the 14708.ppt ‘Rorschach of the winter months’, while a poem about WHITeBOArD FOx Slides showing the causes, the leaders, the events the mayfly talks of pubescent wings and puberty. The https://whiteboardfox.com and several photographs of the 7:79 Rising. Whiteboard Fox is an online December poem about snow is a joy, talking about eMpTy COOKING pOT – HISTOry OF virtual whiteboard where 7 ‘the exultation at being first to leave footprints on a IreLAND IN 100 OBJeCTS students or teachers can place so often trod’ and describing a snowfall ‘like a http://100objects.ie/education/lessons/?id=3731­ collaborative in real-time. blanket, like icing and you wonder at the uniqueness Information and lesson plan about this of each flake, how together they form a gasp-flowing historical object. blanket, a oneness so complete’. A beautiful book. TeANGLANN – DICTIONAry AND JuMpING ASSeSSMeNTS - pDST (Ages 8–12) LANGuAGe LIBrAry 8 http://scoilnet.ie/uploads/resources/22532/ CBI is the national children’s books organisation of Ireland. www.teanglann.ie 22255.pdf For further information and more reviews, Teanglann.ie is an on-line Includes a rubric, checklist and peer-observation visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie dictionary and language library. guidelines. 9 SCOILNeT MApS InTouch competitions and draws MeDIAWISe - SAFeFOOD http://maps.scoilnet.ie/ www.bit.ly/MediaWiseIRE Detailed Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) maps, From time to time, the INTO runs competitions and draws for Find out how the media works incl. historical maps, and aerial photographs. members via InTouch, our e-newsletter, website or social media. over the course of four topics. CLIMATe CHANGe THeMepAGe Only essential data required for the running of the competition is 10 MediaWise is packed with fun http://scoilnet.ie/index.php?id=928 requested from members. The data collected is deleted once interactive activities that Videos and resources to teach about climate winners have been selected. develop awareness and change. The full name and county of prize winners is published by the understanding. INTO. By entering the competition, it is assumed consent is given by members for publication of these details. For more information on T&Cs for competitions visit the Benefits section of the INTO website.

INTOUCH 71 MAY 2019