April 2020 | Issue No 194 | ISSN 1393-4813 (print) | ISSN 2009-6887 (online)

One Million Trees Launch

COVID-19 Pandemic General Secretary’s Message

We’re all in this together We find ourselves living in unprecedented times, dealing one strong mobilised and key group of public servants with challenges we couldn’t have imagined earlier in the supporting Ireland’s mission to preserve life. year. The global pandemic, which has caused so much In the weeks leading up to the closure of our schools, the disruption, has wholly altered the way we live our lives as we INTO was hard at work, along with the wider trade union follow the guidance from government to isolate ourselves. movement in securing vital agreements from government As your general secretary, I want to thank each and every and guarantees that all staff within our schools would one of you for how you have navigated uncharted waters continue to be paid. since schools closed. You have demonstrated the very best of our profession, adapting and innovating to ensure Congress 2020 our pupils are kept engaged with schoolwork through Last month we convened an emergency meeting of the distance learning. This remains the main responsibility of Central Executive Committee, to consider our response to all educators. By doing this work so effectively, you have the current pandemic and in particular, to consider whether shown that the education sector is an essential service it was advisable to proceed with our Congress. Ultimately, we took the decision to postpone this year’s gathering, Our communities are the better for your only the second time in our one hundred and fifty-two-year history to do so. Working with our colleagues in the ASTI contribution over the last number of weeks and TUI, this decision was taken with the health and safety of our members and their families in mind. that remains open for business, albeit in a new way for We also took the decision that, despite this year’s the moment. I share the concerns of a huge number of Congress being postponed, newly elected officers would members for the safety and well-being of the children we take on their new roles on the date the event was due to teach, particularly those who are vulnerable or who have take place – so new members of national committees and additional needs. No teacher wants to see children missing our incoming president and vice-president will take office opportunities because of school closures, but everyone is on Wednesday, 15 April. deeply conscious of the delicate balance between public Many INTO events across the country have been health priorities and the delivery of educational services. postponed, and we will seek to reschedule these events as INTO has exhorted government to provide vital support soon as we can. Our staff continues to work remotely with for our most necessitous pupils during this national a view to continuing to deliver a high level of service to emergency. members. While it comes as no surprise, many teachers have been volunteering in their communities outside of contractual Securing an all-island approach hours. We are closely connected with the families of our pupils and worry about them now more than ever, as some Our colleagues in Northern Ireland worked diligently to secure parents and guardians work in the front line and many an all-island approach to containing the pandemic in our families are grappling with the unknown. Our communities schools. Following an intensive campaign led by our Northern are the better for your contribution over these last number Committee and Northern Office, the UK government of weeks. I have no doubt that your efforts will continue to and subsequently the Northern Ireland executive finally make a difference in the period ahead. relented, cancelling formal classes in the north. During this crisis, the INTO will be with you every step of the way. Our web and social media channels will broadcast Tabhair aire daoibh féin. Ní neart go cur le chéile. daily updates, InTouch magazine will feature helpful content from minding your mental health and well-being to supporting our local communities and much more. If you have any ideas, get in touch. We are all in this together,

INTOUCH 3 APRIL 2020 Supporting learning during COVID-19

General Secretary: John Boyle Editor: David Geary Deputy Editor: Síne Friel Editorial Assistants: Selina Campbell, Karen Francis, Yvonne Kenny Advertising: Mary Bird Smyth 14 Design: David Cooke Photography: Moya Nolan, Shutterstock

Correspondence to: The Editor An t-Eagarthóir, InTouch, InTouch Vere Foster House, Áras Vere Foster, 35 Parnell Square, 35 Cearnóg Parnell, Dublin 1 Baile Átha Cliath 1

Tel: 01 804 7700 Email: [email protected] Website: www.into.ie A Day on the Bog 48 InTouch is published by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation and distributed to members and educational institutions. InTouch is the most widely circulated education 30 magazine in Ireland. Articles published in InTouch are also available on our website www.into.ie

The views expressed in this journal are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the INTO.

While every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this publication is up to date and correct, no responsibility will be taken by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation for any error which might occur. Except where the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation has formally negotiated agreements as part of its services to members, inclusion of an advertisement does not imply any form of recommendation. While every effort is made to ensure the reliability of advertisers, the INTO cannot accept liability for the quality of goods and services offered.

INTO Solidarity Fund

INTOUCH 4 APRIL 2020 April 2020 Contents

l7 News INTO Advice l13 COVID-19 Advice l36 Tackling credit card debt l27 Global Solidarity l37 Supporting children with anxiety Coronavirus Coronavirus COVID-19 29 38 NCCA consultation l Trade Union Voices l Public Health l27 INTO Solidarity Fund l40 Schools Forum Advice l31 Global Citizenship School Teaching Matters COVID-19 – May Day Action l41 Holocaust education l33 Your INTO l43 PDST If you have fever and/or cough you should l47 Inclusion in PE stay at home regardless of your travel or l48 Heritage in Schools contact history. 49 Winnie the Pooh as If you have returned from an area that is subject to travel restrictions due to l COVID-19 you should restrict your movement for 14 days. Check the list of inspiration for affected areas on www.dfa.ie geographical learning All people are advised to: 51 Gaeilge l > Reduce social interactions l55 Reviews > Keep a distance of 2m between you and other people 56 Finishing Touches > Do not shake hands or make close contact where possible l If you have symptoms visit hse.ie OR phone HSE Live 1850 24 1850

How to Prevent Symptoms > Fever (High Temperature) > A Cough > Shortness of Breath > Breathing Difficulties

37 For Daily 31Stop Distance Wash Updates Visit shaking hands or yourself at least your hands well and www.gov.ie/health-covid-19 hugging when saying 2 metres (6 feet) away often to avoid hello or greeting from other people, contamination www.hse.ie other people especially those who might be unwell 10 things you should know

How to support learning during Winners Coverof the CumannAvoid na Clean your mouth and nose touching eyes, nose, and disinfect 1 COVID-19. Page 13 6 mBunscolwith aAwards. tissue or sleeve Pageor mouth with35 frequently touched when coughing or unwashed hands objects and surfaces Get involved in the ‘One Million Shortlist sneezingfor Children’s and discard Book used tissue 2 Trees’ campaign. Page 26 7 Awards. Page 25

Free course for INTO staff Vere FosterIreland is operatingmedal a delay strategy winners. 3 representatives. Page 8 Page 23 in line with WHO and ECDC advice The criteria for Irish exemptions are Focus on DEIS – Why ending child 4 damaging. Page 51 9 poverty must be a priority. Page 45 INTO’s Summer Learning ‘Different Families, Same Love’ 5 Programme has been announced. 10 competition. Page 10 Page 9

INTOUCH 5 APRIL 2020 News

Niamh departs as an examiner of accounts INTO and IPPN

The INTO thanks Niamh Harris, annual external audit, and the school visit Monaghan branch, for her service over pre-Congress examination by the several years as an examiner of accounts. Accounts Committee. Niamh is replaced The examiners are appointed by the by Aileen Lynch, Tullamore branch; CEC and scrutinise INTO’s accounts with Kieran Brosnan, Portlaoise branch each quarter. This is in addition to the continuing as an examiner.

Pictured left to right are: (back row) Noel Ward, Deputy General Secretary/General Treasurer; Aileen Lynch, Tullamore branch; Gráinne Cleary, Assistant General Secretary/Director of Operations and INTO President Feargal Brougham and IPPN President Finance; (seated) Damian White on a recent visit to Scoil Eoin Phóil Niamh Harris, II Naofa in Tullamore. They met principal Simon Monaghan branch Byrne where they discussed key leadership issues and Kieran Brosnan, including workload, DEIS and the School Completion Portlaoise branch. Programme. Feargal and Damian also met the teachers and school staff during their tea break.

Standardised testing: friend or foe? Across the world, the issue of compulsory [DES, 2011]), resulting in mandatory but is not more important than the standardised testing continues to raise testing and reporting to the DES annually assessments teachers and their pupils Available for Junior Infants to Sixth Class. concerns amongst teachers, particularly of pupils’ performance in English reading use in the course of normal classroom when test results are seen to carry high and Mathematics, have given pause for activity. Starlight is the most comprehensive literacy programme stakes. In many parts of the US, the UK thought. In response, colleagues from the 3. Standardised tests in English reading and East Asia, for example, there is a very Centre for Assessment Research, Policy and mathematics measure elements available. Starlight integrates oral language, reading and strong focus on accountability and value and Practice in Education (CARPE) at DCU of literacy and numeracy but can added (as measured by improved test and the INTO conducted a research study never capture the full range of what writing around a specific genre and theme and is a performance year on year), and policy involving 1,564 teachers. Published in May achievement in both areas of learning decisions are often seen to be unduly 2019, the report (available online here: means. influenced by pupils’ standardised test http://bit.ly/INTOCARPE) provides unique 4. Single assessments are a poor basis one-stop-shop for all your print, digital and planning needs. scores. The immediate consequences insights into teachers’ beliefs about, and for making important educational for teachers’ remuneration, school attitudes towards, standardised testing decisions and the results of funding (often linked with league table in general and how tests are being standardised tests should never be rankings) and pupils’ SEN allocations can used currently in schools. Based on the used, or reported, in isolation. be very serious and are often associated study findings, the report identifies five 5. Standardised tests are not designed to with more long-term problems such as principles which, it argues, “…should be be measures of teacher effectiveness. narrowing of the curriculum, teaching to stated, reiterated and/or highlighted in all Further details of teachers’ responses the test and grade inflation. policy documents”: to the study and advice on how to Until relatively recently, primary 1. Standardised testing is an integral part address concerns raised regarding the education in Ireland was seen to be of the teaching and learning process administration, interpretation and reporting somewhat immune from problems of and the outcomes of standardised tests of standardised tests will be provided in To book a presentation for your school this kind. However, significant policy can be used by various stakeholders the April and May editions of InTouch. changes in Ireland over the past decade (pupils, teachers, policy makers and contact your local Folens Representative. in particular (e.g., the National Literacy others) to enhance teaching. DR ZITA LYSAGHT is a member of the School of and Numeracy Strategy, Circular 0056/2011 2. Standardised testing is important Policy and Practice at DCU.

Visit Folens.ie to try our Digital Resources. INTOUCH 7 APRIL 2020

RFO1704 - Starlight A4 Ad 2020.indd 1 07/02/2020 09:23 News An bhfuil tú ag smaoineamh ar chúrsa Iarchéime Gaeilge a dhéanamh? Is féidir an Dioplóma Iarchéime san raibh mé ag baint úsáid as an teanga i mo Chruthaigh na léachtóirí atmaisféar an- Aistriúchán (DISA) a bhaint amach le shaol laethúil. Nuair a chuala mé go raibh chairdiúil sna ranganna agus bhraith INTO Summer Coláiste na hÉireann/Gaelchultúr trí deiseanna ann d’aistritheoirí Gaeilge sna mé ar mo shuaimhneas láithreach bonn. mheascán den fhoghlaim ar líne agus hinstitiúidí Eorpacha shocraigh mé cur Bhí caighdeán an teagaisc an-ard. Toisc den fhoghlaim sa seomra ranga. Thug isteach ar an DISA le Gaelchultúr chun go raibh an rang beag, bhíomar in ann Programme 2020 Doireann Ní Chuanaigh faoin DISA in mo chuid Gaeilge a fheabhsú. Ag an am teagmháil dhíreach a bheith againn leis 2018/2019 agus labhraíomar léi le fáil sinbhíméagobairiLondainachtoiscgur na léachtóirí - bhí siad i gcónaí réidh le An Ghaeilge: Cumarsáid, Comhluadar amach cén chaoi a bhfuil an cúrsa tar éis cúrsa páirtaimseartha é, bhí mé in ann ceisteannaafhreagairtaguscabhairachur INTO Learning is in the process of Bookings for the An Ghaeilge: agus Craic dul chun sochair di ina saol gairmiúil. é a dhéanamh taobh le m’o chuid oibre. ar fáil. Bhí na ranganna gramadaí agus preparing for an enhanced summer Cumarsáid, Comhluadar agus Craic “Cé nach bhfuil Gaeilge ag mo Bhí cuid de na ranganna ar siúl ar líne aistriúcháin an-idirghníomhach agus programme. The programme will offer Our long-time favourite face-to-face course will be taken both online and theaghlach, bhí dúil agam sa teanga ó agus thagainn go Baile Átha Cliath uair fuaireamar a lán cleachtadh praiticiúil, nine online summer courses and one course, An Ghaeilge: Cumarsáid, via an application form to the summer bhí mé ar scoil. Bhain mé céim amach sa amháin sa mhí le haghaidh na seisiún lae. rud a chabhraigh go mór liom feabhas face-to-face summer course. Subject Comhluadar agus Craic, will take place in course co-ordinators Nuala Úi Ghearailt to Department of Education and Skills Dún Chaoin from Monday 6 to Friday 10 ([email protected]) and Seán Ó Ghaeilge ach ina dhiaidh sin chaith mé a chur ar mo chuid Gaeilge scríofa. approval, they are as follows: June. Catháin ([email protected]). This roinnt blianta ag obair thar lear agus ní Bhain mé an-taitneamh as an gcúrsa. • Moving from Mainstream to SET course costs €100. An application form Sular thosaigh mé ar an Dioplóma ní • Learning Through Play Course registration will be made available in the next issue of raibh taithí agam ar aistriúchán Gaeilge • Digital Technologies in SESE and STEM Registration for the programme will take InTouch. a dhéanamh ach faoi dheireadh an • Maths Problem Solving: A Process, not place online at moodle.intolearning. chúrsa bhraith mé muiníneach go leor a Product! ie from Wednesday 6 May and close on le bheith ag obair mar shaoraistritheoir • Our Environment, our Lives! Monday, 28 June. New branch officer training: diary date agus tabhairt faoi thionscadail mhóra. • Literacy Through the Arts The online summer programme will Training will be made available to all new A bhuí leis na scileanna a d’fhoghlaim • Global Citizenship Schools run from Wednesday 1 to Wednesday branch officers – secretaries, chairpersons mé ar an Dioplóma Iarchéime, tá • Creating an LGBT+ Inclusive 22 July. All online courses will cost €35 and organisers. This training will take place post faighte agam mar aistritheoir School with the exception of Creating an LGBT+ in Athlone on Thursday, 4 (secretaries a full sa Choimisiún Eorpach agus beidh • Understanding and Supporting Inclusive School which will cost €25. A day, other officers arriving for an evening mé ag tosú sa phost sin go luath.” Pupils Suffering Adverse limited number of places is available on dinner) and Friday, 5 June, venue to be Childhood Trauma each course so early booking is advisable. confirmed. Cuirfear tús leis an Céimithe agus léachtóirí an Dioplóma Iarchéime san Aistriúchán 2016-17 ag an searmanas bronnta, DISA arís i mí i dTeach an Ardmhéara, Baile Átha Cliath, 28 Aibreán 2018. Ar cúl, ó chlé: Duncan Keegan, Aran Corcoran, Eoghan Mac Gearailt, Laura Ní Bhroin, Emma Leonard, Seán Ó Finn. Mheán Fómhair 2020. Chun tosaigh, ó chlé: Jennifer Gorissen, Siobhán Uí Chuinn, Róisín Adams, Éamonn Ó Dónaill, Tuilleadh eolais ar ICTU Women’s Conference pass parents’ leave motion Antain Mag Shamhráin, Patricia Foley, Danielle Nic Pháidín. gaelchultur.com The 23rd Congress Women’s Conference took place from 5 to 6 March in the Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford. Themed DIOPLÓMA IARCHÉIME SAN AISTRIÚCHÁN around the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Seisiún eolais beo ar Leathanach Action and the 40th anniversary of the Facebook Ghaelchultúir: Convention on the Elimination of All Dé Céadaoin, 27 Bealtaine 2020 ag 7.30pm Forms of Discrimination against Women. Delegates debated 25 motions on topics CÉ DÓIBH AN CÚRSA SEO? ranging from Brexit, the new maternity hospital, access to education for asylum seekers, gender pay gap, parental leave Tá an Dioplóma Iarchéime san Aistriúchán and sexual harassment. There was also dírithe orthu siúd a bhfuil caighdeán maith consideration of the Congress input Gaeilge acu cheana féin ach ar mhaith to the Citizen’s Assembly on Gender leo scileanna aistriúcháin a fhoghlaim, ard- Equality. The ICTU General Secretary, chaighdeán a bhaint amach sa teanga scríofa Patricia King, gave an address drawing 2019, to be taken within a year of the this matter, in order to secure a top-up agus scileanna praiticiúla a fhoghlaim sna réimsí on all the themes included in the birth. However, Conference condemns payment in respect of parent’s leave conference. the fact that the state benefit payable in across the public sector. Conference also LEIBHÉAL 9: AN CREAT NÁISIÚNTA CÁILÍOCHTAÍ sin. Tá sé oiriúnach chomh maith do dhaoine a bhíonn ag obair trí Ghaeilge go laethúil – Eight delegates from the INTO respect of the parent’s leave is not topped calls upon all employers to top up the múinteoirí agus iriseoirí, mar shampla. Equality Committee and the two INTO up to normal salary levels for public state benefit to enable their employees to cruinneas | saibhreas | aistriúchán representatives on the ICTU Women’s sector employees who avail of the leave, avail of the leave.’ Committee attended on behalf of the and across much of the private sector. Deirdre Fleming, chairperson of Spriocdhátaí Babhta 1: 25/6/20 STRUCHTÚR AN CHÚRSA INTO. The INTO Equality Committee Conference considers that this failure to the Equality Committee proposed submitted a motion on the failure to top top up the state benefit payment of €245 the motion while it was seconded by d’iarratais Babhta 2: 21/8/20 up parents’ leave to the conference: per week will result in many new parents the Committee’s vice-chairperson, Bíonn an fhoghlaim chumaisc i gceist sa ‘Conference welcomes the introduction being unable to avail of the leave for Nuala Grealy. The motion was strongly [email protected] | (01) 484 5220 | www.gaelchultur.com chúrsa, is é sin, meascán den staidéar ar líne, of two weeks’ parent’s leave in respect financial reasons. Conference urges the supported by conference delegates and na h TE ÉIR S E de ranganna beo ar líne agus de léachtaí agus I Á A L N O N

na of babies born on or after 1 November ICTU to engage with the government on was unanimously passed. C

D COLÁISTE Í N L S N E A A É C L ranganna teagaisc sa seomra ranga. H N T O D D ON US TEANGA AG hÉIREANN INTOUCH 9 APRIL 2020 News Different Families, Same Love competition returns for May 2020

The INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group are plays, songs, videos, or podcasts based Tá fáilte faoi delighted to announce the return of the on the theme ‘Different Families, Same leith roimh National LGBT+ Federation GALAS award- Love.’ Entries will be judged on creativity, iarratais ó winning ‘Different Families, Same Love’ originality, relevance to the theme and Ghaelscoileanna competition for May 2020. how well the learning was shared with agus scoileanna We are asking primary teachers to take wider school and local community. Gaeltachta. action in their classrooms to celebrate Entries the diversity of people and families in Prizes from Ireland and to address homophobic and • iPad for your class special transphobic bullying in primary schools. • Raffle for One4All schools are also welcome. The ‘Different Families, Same Love’ voucher for all competition offers teachers a chance to participating Categories showcase their work in this teachers • Junior: Infants to 2nd Class regard and to win prizes for • Hamper of books • Senior: 3rd to 6th Class their classrooms to boot. • Lots of runner up Competition entries, like prizes! Visit into.ie/lgbt for families, can take many participation criteria and forms and schools can This competition is open recommended teaching choose to create individual, to all primary schools and resources. group or class artwork, special schools across the Closing date for receipt comics, stories, poems, island of Ireland. of entries is Friday, 22 May.

INTO meets schools Opening of Córfhéile na Scoileanna to review School Completion Áth Cliath Programme

The School Completion Programme (SCP) encompasses 400 schools nationwide, aiming to have a significant impact on levels of pupil retention in primary and second level. SCP is based on the concept of integrated services providing effective, multi-faceted actions that respond to young people’s needs. Having met with principals and school representatives last year to explore the experiences of schools in relation to the SCP, the INTO hosted a series of follow-up meetings during the spring term. A team of INTO representatives comprising Feargal Brougham (INTO President), Mary Magner (INTO Vice-President), Dr Deirbhile Nic Craith (Assistant General Secretary) and Aoife Mullen (education official) met Pictured at the opening night of Córfhéile na Scoileanna (CNS) Áth Cliath, which was held in March, are: with members in Athlone, Cork, Donegal, Back row (left to right): Rhona Clarke, moltóir cheoil; John Gearty; Joe Johnston, PRO CNS; Tom McGorman, Dublin, Dundalk, Limerick and Wexford cathaoirleach CNS; Oliver Hynes; Pat Kitterick; Carrie Maher, cisteoir CNS. to gain an insight into how the scheme is currently operating in various regions Front row (left to right): Niamh Dillon; Máirín Uí Scolaí; Mary Fleming; Mary Magner, Leas Uachtarán CMÉ; across the country and the vision of each Brian Fleming, percussion maestro, who performed the official opening; Áine Kitterick; and Patricia Cassidy, school for SCP. secretary CNS.

INTOUCH 10 APRIL 2020 Coronavirus Coronavirus COVID-19 Public Health COVID-19 Advice

If you have fever and/or cough you should stay at home regardless of your travel or contact history. If you have returned from an area that is subject to travel restrictions due to COVID-19 you should restrict your movement for 14 days. Check the list of affected areas on www.dfa.ie

All people are advised to: > Reduce social interactions > Keep a distance of 2m between you and other people > Do not shake hands or make close contact where possible If you have symptoms visit hse.ie OR phone HSE Live 1850 24 1850

How to Prevent Symptoms > Fever (High Temperature) > A Cough > Shortness of Breath > Breathing Difficulties

For Daily Stop Distance Wash Updates Visit shaking hands or yourself at least your hands well and www.gov.ie/health-covid-19 hugging when saying 2 metres (6 feet) away often to avoid hello or greeting from other people, contamination www.hse.ie other people especially those who might be unwell

Cover Avoid Clean your mouth and nose touching eyes, nose, and disinfect with a tissue or sleeve or mouth with frequently touched when coughing or unwashed hands objects and surfaces sneezing and discard used tissue

Ireland is operating a delay strategy in line with WHO and ECDC advice COVID-19 Advice Supporting learning in these strange times

Ciara Reilly offers some suggestions for teachers and parents

The sudden nationwide school closures to for such circumstances. many devices might be available to share assist the country’s fight against COVID-19 No teacher should therefore feel any between multiple siblings. It should be have posed a huge challenge for teachers guilt, or indeed any overt pressure, to noted also that such tasks often exclude and parents alike. The latter are suddenly supply a perfect substitute by way of our most vulnerable learners, and we cast in the role of home educator for ad-hoc distance learning. This is despite must try to be as inclusive as possible, which they were unprepared; the former some of the pressure they may feel from even from afar. might easily feel powerless to continue parents who are keen to have as much Instead, we should advise working- playing a meaningful role as teachers assistance offered as possible – and the from-home parents to try and focus on when the pupils are out of sight. pressure that teachers might feel to be universal ‘life’ skills which will make their Given the speed at which the closure overtly performative in keeping busy. This children more proficient in real-world was announced and enforced, both is new territory for all and poses particular tasks. camps are understandably faced with a challenges for primary level teachers. Now might be the good time, for scramble to try and structure what may Naturally any attempt to come up with example, to teach a child how to tie their be a lengthy and frustrating closure. While a plan for guiding learning from afar will laces, or work on reading a clock, getting some schools had already embraced lean heavily on electronic resources, and to grips with gardening or planting electronic means to contact parents or will likely be communicated in such ways. seeds, learning to knit or sew a button, students – the likes of Seesaw, ClassDojo But, speaking even as a lecturer who experimenting with cooking and baking or Google Classroom are popular focuses on embedding digital resources or more. Maybe it’s time to help them examples – and therefore had a head- into the primary classroom, the use of memorise the phone numbers of family start in trying to arrange a Plan technology to supplement ‘formal’ members, rediscover the art of writing B, no school and no teacher curricular education should not and sending a letter (especially to an could ever be expected to be the absolute priority at older relative they are keeping distant have a perfect system present. When devising tasks from), use old newspapers to practice ready to deploy for pupils it might be helpful wrapping a present, or even learn to ride to bear in mind the relative a bike! They might also take a creative access each home might approach to filling time by interviewing have to broadband, or how other family members on their views Naturally any attempt to come up with a plan for guiding learning from afar will lean heavily on electronic resources, and will likely be communicated in such ways.

INTOUCH 14 APRIL 2020 COVID-19 Advice

about the world and the past, which … we should advise online distraction! may become invaluable in future years Helpfully, given under the as an oral history of this time. Crucially, working-from-home circumstances, many websites have lifted tasks like this are largely accessible to their paywall and allowed public access to all and are not dependant on access to parents to try and their resources for free (though in some technology or resources. cases registration is required). Resources And, of course, they might simply like focus on universal from the likes of Twinkl, Dabbledoo or to pick up a few books and rediscover ‘Teach Your Monster to Read’ are therefore the joy of reading, perhaps setting ‘life’ skills which will more freely available and can assist themselves a reading challenge. Libraries teachers and parents alike in trying to find may be closed but many now offer make their children resources to keep the educational journey an online sign-up, which then allows alive. Educational publishers like EdCo, members to use the Borrowbox app to more proficient in Folens and CJ Fallon have also made the borrow e-books free of charge. They also electronic versions of their books, and the offer audiobook services, which may be a real-world tasks. accompanying workbooks or resources, useful hook to engage reluctant readers. available free of charge for the crisis When it comes to technological superb PDST Distance Learning page, period. assistance for activities, it might be or Twinkl (a portal of teacher-designed Over a hundred tools across both helpful to categorise the available tools resources). categories can be found through a Padlet and resources into two distinct groups: In the other category, of more resource I created to respond to the online resources which might be thought immersive standalone apps and services, school closures, the address for which is of as supplementing offline learning the likes of Epic Reading or Oxford Owl provided at the bottom of this article (and – the likes of printables, or other tools can be helpful to encourage reading; the is also the pinned tweet on my Twitter which might inspire creative tasks – and, celebrated Khan Academy can help pupils profile,@PrimEdTeacher ). That Padlet separately, technological tools where the develop a more innate understanding of also includes links to other similar Padlets app or services performs a standalone maths; Cúla4’s apps can support Gaeilge compiled by other teachers, with even function in and of itself. activities, while the Nessy Reading and more resources that might be especially The former category includes many Spelling website can help particularly useful in certain cases. different resources across all strands of address the challenges faced by pupils Twitter has come into its own in the the curriculum. In English, the Creative with dyslexia. Infant pupils can benefit current circumstances too, where the Worksheet Tool can be used to add from the likes of Topmarks and Starfall; #edchatie hashtag – ordinarily used as a some finesse to handwriting. In Irish, the new skills can be developed at channel for more generalised discussion Rainn agus Amhráin resource – or the Code.org or Typing Club, while even among Irish educators – has become Irish games list devised by my Marino PE can be addressed through services #edshareie, a cache of fresh ideas and colleague Claire Dunne – can make like GoNoodle, RTÉ’s 10@10, or the Body resources being shared within the Gaeilge come alive in the home. Pinterest Coach’s YouTube channel. Seomra Ranga’s teaching community. is packed with ideas for make-and-do online daily quiz might also be a useful The Taoiseach’s recent admission that challenges in art – and even PE can schools may remain closed into May be supplemented through the Active means schools will have to prepare for a Schools Flag ‘Running around the Garden’ The Taoiseach’s sustained period of abnormality. It also challenge. More holistic supports can be means that, if schools do return only a found in the Walk in my Shoes wellness recent admission few weeks before the end of term, some resources, while therapeutic activities can thought must be given to a ‘recalibration’ be pursued at Therapy Street for Kids. that schools may of the classroom to take stock of each Tools of this kind might be a useful child’s different experiences. But in the ‘middle ground’ for parents who are remain closed meantime, practical activities and online generally opposed to increased screen resources can help teachers to continue time for their children, or who would into May means as active stakeholders in their pupils’ hope to strike a ‘middle ground’ between education – even if they are not setting a formalised school-style education schools will have foot in the classroom. and the previously mentioned ‘life skills’ class of activities. They might also be of to prepare for a CIARA REILLY is a lecturer in ICT and Digital greater preference to parents who are Education at Marino Institute of Education. Her less pressured with work-from-home sustained period of Padlet collection of resources (such as all of those productivity targets. Further similar mentioned above) can be found at https://padlet. resources can be found at Scoilnet, the abnormality. com/ciarareillymarino/primarydistancelearning.

INTOUCH 15 APRIL 2020 COVID-19 Advice Supporting our communities during the pandemic

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) home-schooling. By offering guidance games, etc. to keep pupils learning pandemic is a time of great uncertainty and practical advice, you’ll be providing and entertained. Share the link to your for everyone. As the global crisis vital tools to those managing home channel with your school or class. unfolds, each one of us has a duty to learning for the first time and can help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe keep children’s learning on track during Offline by practicing good hygiene and social this unprecedented time while schools Looking after your community distancing. are closed. Post links to recommended You may know someone in your Schools, shops and businesses are teaching resources that provide useful neighbourhood who may be in the closed. Our lives are temporarily on hold. material for parents and guardians who higher risk category or who feels So, what can we do? There are practical are suddenly feeling the pressure of particularly vulnerable at this worrying ways to offer support to pupils, family, creating their own curriculum. It’s also a time. Reach out to them, by phone friends and the wider community during good idea to reassure families who are or even a note in the letterbox, to let school closures. struggling that they’re not expected to them know you are thinking of them re-create school at home. Children may and offer to assist with shopping, Online be feeling anxious and if they’re finding collect a prescription or walk the dog. Social Media it difficult to keep up with structured Small gestures such as these can have This is a difficult time for many parents learning, they can learn other life skills at a profound uplifting effect and even a and guardians as they navigate the home through cooking, baking, physical simple ‘hello’ can help alleviate loneliness. uncharted territory of home-schooling; exercise, play and meditation. INTO has it can be hard to know what to do or compiled a comprehensive list of HSE – ‘Be On Call for Ireland’ where to start. As a teacher, you have home-schooling resources for you to If your family or friends would like to invaluable knowledge you can share share. support the health services and think online to the benefit of others. Members are reminded that if you they have a relevant skillset that can help, In a recent trend, teachers are taking are providing support online, consider the HSE has begun a major recruitment to social media to offer help to their setting up an email/social media drive for healthcare professionals and online community. In a post, teachers presence specifically for professional volunteers. If you’d like to find out more, state their area of expertise, whether they purposes rather than providing access to read the FAQs here. You can set up a teach in primary or secondary, and offer your personal account. profile in order to register your interest. their support to parents and You can also upload your CV, listing any guardians who are at YouTube useful skills you may have that could be home with young If you’ve ever thought about setting up put to good use. children or your own YouTube channel, now is the perfect time to start! Why not host a Volunteer Ireland virtual classroom sharing lesson plans, If you are in good health and want to crafting ideas, PE plans, formally volunteer, you can register with Volunteer Ireland (www.volunteer.ie) in your local Volunteer Centre. Volunteer Ireland expects to receive a large volume of advertisements for COVID-19-related volunteer roles in the coming days and weeks. These roles will include COVID-19 support roles and others will be to help maintain services in local community organisations.

INTOUCH 16 APRIL 2020 COVID-19 AdviceNews

Worried about your mortgage? Sean Couch from EDUC Mortgages shares some advice on houses and mortgages during the COVID-19 outbreak

Mortgage payments mortgage approval and have signed contracts to purchase a We are receiving a large number of calls from members who are property, I do not forsee any issues. concerned about the effect this crisis may have on their ability to For members who have an approval in principle for a pay their mortgage in the event of earnings being affected (for mortgage, in 99% of cases the banks should stand over the example, if their partner has suffered temporary layoff or they approval. Having said that if, say, you are a couple purchasing are a substitute teacher not working at present). and one of you has suffered a layoff, the banks may look at All the lenders, including subprime lenders, are to put in place this application again, but this will be done on a case-by-case a 3-month payment break. basis. Customers will have to demonstrate that their income has been affected by the virus, with the thousands who are now Effects on the housing market facing unemployment expected to avail of the mortgage breaks. What will happen to the housing market? We are in To avail of this break you should contact the bank directly. It unprecedented times and no one can predict what will happen is very important that you do not stop paying your mortgage to the housing market. At present there is a shortage of houses without firstly calling your lender and getting their permission to in large cities and towns and this will not change. avail of this payment holiday. As a result of COVID-19, I do not see much activity in the housing market in the next 2-3 months. Loans and credit cards I think we will have a better understanding of what will Some banks have also agreed to a payment holiday for short- happen to the market in the next two months so I would term loans and credit cards. recommend that if you are considering purchasing at present that you still apply for your mortgage now so you are ready to The one important thing to remember is this is not free money, purchase when this crisis passes. any missed payments will be added on to the mortgage/loan at a later stage. Time to look again at interest rates? Now might be the time for you to look at your current interest Mortgages approved or approval pending rate and switch to another provider... Members are also concerned about whether lenders will stand over their current mortgage approvals. Where you have a full SEAN COUCH, EDUC Mortgages, educmortgages.ie.

INTOUCH 17 APRIL 2020 COVID-19 Advice Caring for yourself – mind, body and spirit

These are unprecedented times we are and will help to keep your mind more imaginary bag and put them down, now living in. We are being asked to balanced. even for an hour or two and engage in accept and live in a new reality. With • Choose carefully what you ‘feed’ some enjoyable activities that create a change such as this, fear, worry and your mind with each day; immersing a space for you to relax and even have anxiety are inevitable so if you are feeling yourself completely in news and some fun with e.g. board games, a silly like this know that, right now, this may updates can be harmful. Listen only movie, floor picnics etc. This will take not be pleasant, but is perfectly normal. to reliable sources of information in your mind off the fear and when you We are struggling to find a reference relation to COVID-19 and when you feel do return to the ‘bag of bricks,’ it may point to relate this back to and we forget you are hitting ‘saturation point,’ switch just seem that little bit lighter to carry; that there is a mammalian part of our off from social media for a while. your mind will find it easier to cope brain that sets off alarms when a threat • Once a day, write down on piece of with as it has had a ‘rest’ such as this is presented. The mind goes paper (or journal), all of your worries from it all for a into overdrive trying to figure it out and fears. This will help to keep you period of time. so that it can protect us. So in a sense ‘checked-in’ with, and become more our mind is being a caretaker to us as it aware of, your thought processes. attempts to predict outcomes and guard • Talk to a loved one about these us against harm. In reality, for us, this may anxieties as this can release a ‘valve’ on not feel like protection but rather just fear any built up pressure in the mind and and worry. sharing can really help. Let’s face it, as teachers, we like routine and knowing what comes next! We work … we need to put in schools which, yes, are by their nature, unpredictable environments, but yet measures in place they provide a strong sense of security through predictable daily routines where now to protect a bell calls us in and out of class, along with a certainty of when a term begins ourselves physically, and ends. We plan our daily, weekly and monthly lives around all of it. So emotionally and at a time like this, when there are many unanswered questions, we may have a mentally. constant feeling of uncertainty in this ‘unknowing;’ a stark contrast to what • Practice gratitude – make we are used to. This is perfectly normal a short list of all of the and yet we do need to put measures in good things about today place now to protect ourselves physically, (there will always be at emotionally and mentally. Essentially, it’s least one thing, even if a time in history where self-care has never it’s a nice cup of coffee!) been so important, not just for us but for • Whilst we think worry our families and our communities. will solve a problem, There are some really simple and it never does so it is practical ways for you to ease yourself important that we into some good self-care practices over take a proper ‘mind the next few weeks and months in order break’ from worrying to place less pressure on your body, to on a daily basis. Once ease your mind and to soothe your spirit you have written your on a daily basis. fears or worries down, close your eyes and Mind imagine each worry • As best you can, keep a lightly is a brick you are structured routine in place. This will carrying. Take all of the give you a sense of purpose each day bricks, put them in an

INTOUCH 18 APRIL 2020 COVID-19 Advice

Body • Create a healthy bedtime routine - try baking, sewing or reading. Take an We know our bodies love routine as to get to bed at the same time you online class and learn something new. above, so try to include a balance of the would on a normal school night (at least • Through meditation and conscious following where possible: during the week), try to avoid screen breathing, connect into your intuition • Plan and eat regular meals – lack of time even for 20 minutes before sleep, or ‘gut’ in order to find solutions and school routine could result in lack of use lavender or other essential oils that respond, rather than react to daily eating at regular intervals and right now, you favour on your pillow and enjoy a challenges. we need steady intake of ‘fuel’ in order to guided meditation online or just use • Spend time in nature and breathe in keep our bodies healthy and well. your conscious breathing exercises the fresh air – this will soothe your • Stay hydrated. to ease you into a more relaxed, mind and calm your spirit. • Create a space each day for some light comfortable and satisfied sleep. • Laugh! Yes this is such a difficult time exercise or yoga (or both) – if you love but if something is funny, you have your workouts and are missing the permission to laugh; it is the best gym, access many of the online gym medicine after all. resources. Exercise releases endorphins (feel good hormones) and is an Many of you are teaching online every excellent way of relieving stress. day and this may be providing structure • Fresh air – thankfully spring is here and and routine for you, and for your pupils the days are getting brighter so whilst but do be careful to balance this with practicing social distancing is essential, some or even all of the above self-care you can still get outside, get moving practices. My lovely friend said to me and explore nature. this week, ‘We must be the calm within • Access your internal ‘breathing space’– the storm now, and we must also be when we access our parasympathetic the calm in each other’s storm.’ I agree. nervous system through conscious This is a storm we will weather best if breathing and meditation, the body we are united but we must begin with slips into a space where it is actively anchoring in our own calm ‘set-point’ renewing and rejuvenating itself first and foremost. This is, and will always which strengthens all of our systems, be our first port of call; our only starting including our immune system. Where Connect with others, point of real value. We put on our own you can, take some moments every day oxygen mask first. Never before has this for resting and conscious breathing. even it is online been more important to us and to those Activating and then returning to your around us. calming ‘set-point’ every day is crucial: or through the * 4/5 Breathing – breathe in gently for ANN-MARIE IRELAND is a former primary a count of 4 and breathe out slowly phone. This is one school teacher, motivational for a count of 5 speaker, published author * Breathe/Feet – notice your feet, of our basic needs as and researcher. Her company wiggle your toes to ground yourself Breathing Space Ireland (www. and breathe in and out gently, slowly humans and without breathingspaceireland.ie) and consciously (repeat) offers courses and workshops * Mindful Senses – notice in this it, our spirit will feel in self-care, renewal and well- moment what you can smell, feel, being for educators. She is currently conducting hear, see and even taste (when you the pinch. research related to teacher self-awareness as part are eating or drinking) of a masters by research in DCU. She has worked * Check-In Practice – head, shoulders, Spirit with Education Centres and various educational stomach and feet (check in with • Connect with others, even it is online or bodies nationwide for almost 10 years and each and breathe in gently and through the phone. This is one of our believes that the school is a human community consciously as you relax each body basic needs as humans and without it, where pupils, teachers, school leaders, staff part) our spirit will feel the pinch. Over time, and parents can thrive and flourish through the • Become aware when you are in the it can affect our well-being in all ways. practices of mindfulness, gratitude, compassion stress response – heart racing, sweaty • Volunteer in some way even if only over and self-care. palms, feelings of anxiety and worry the phone – this will provide you with and then use your breathing, feet and a sense of purpose and, again, will link five senses to gently bring you back you into your humanity which will lift into the present moment. This will ease your spirits hugely. the stress response and you will begin • Get back into activities that you once to feel calmer. loved – painting, drawing, cooking,

INTOUCH 19 APRIL 2020 News Why INTO went without an Easter Congress once before No INTO Congress at Easter 2020

Although the earliest INTO Annual Elections not Held Congresses took place near Christmas, Dublin Central Association joined battle Congress has been an Easter event for on issues arising from cancelling Congress over 120 years. It is a fixture in the spring even before the outcome of the INTO INTO timetable and that of hundreds of plebiscite was known. Its November delegates from branches, districts and 1914 meeting called on the CEC to “hand committees. over” money saved on Congress to The Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic retired teachers who had not benefited has restricted many activities which are from a revised pension scheme. And the seen as part of normal living and has meeting declared “unconstitutional” a CEC caused postponement of Congress 2020. proposal for a War Relief Fund, half to be Only once before has there not been a devoted to assist Belgian refugees, “while scheduled Annual Congress, also linked a single old member of our organisation with events which challenged the wider remains a refugee in an Irish workhouse”. world. While in 2020 there is no option universally popular. Some writers to the The same meeting’s position on but to postpone, the decision about Irish School Weekly (ISW) railed against postponement of elections was similarly Congress 1915 – based on considerations it, deploring the “abandonment of forthright. Its Secretary recorded the of solidarity and perception – was Congress”. Suggestions were made about Dublin Central view that in the absence contested. holding a curtailed event, or one focussed of a Congress to ratify CEC elections, “an on “professional and scholastic” topics. injunction could readily be obtained No INTO Congress at Easter 1915? – The CEC proposal was in one writer’s view in the courts” to prevent the CEC Context and Consultation “the most serious blunder in the history of administering INTO affairs. The resolution not to hold a Congress the Organisation”. The CEC meeting of 27 March 1915 at Easter 1915 was taken in light of the Reports of association meetings in the noted that “a few associations” had world war which had broken out and ISW, however, showed broad support for objected to the non-holding of elections. escalated from autumn 1914. The war had the CEC position. The Central Secretary was mandated a profound effect in Ireland. Ultimately, – in order, in his own words, “to silence some 200,000 Irish troops fought in the Decision is Made all cavilling” – to put the decision British army; those who died included When meeting on 19 December, the on elections to the associations for Willie Redmond (MP for Clare) and poet CEC had before it the outcome of the ratification or otherwise. Tom Kettle, alongside thousands of others consultation process among INTO’s Central Secretary Eamon Mansfield from across the island. Home Rule was constituent associations. The aggregate initiated this further consultation process, in abeyance until after the international membership of those seeking to hold seeking views by 1 May 1915. In his letter conflict but active drilling by Irish and a 1915 Congress was reported to be to association secretaries he referenced Ulster Volunteers suggested that civil war 1,163, with those against totalling “one or two” who had objected to the on the island was a possibility. Once the 5,347. Expressed as numbers of teacher deferment of elections, and he rejected world war began, local differences were associations, 20 favoured holding suggestions “in the press” that the CEC deferred and army recruitment became Congress while 107 opposed this. had acted dictatorially regarding the active. For every teacher association postponement of Congress. Mansfield INTO Congress 1915 was planned for supporting the holding of Congress, near recalled that this course had been Cork. A meeting of the INTO Central neighbours were against. As examples, first suggested by the Cork Congress Executive Committee (CEC) on 31 October those in the former group included Ennis, Committee. 1914 had before it a communication Dublin Central, Tyrone Central, Kilkenny Controversy around deferring the from the Cork Teachers’ Association and Castleisland, while among the CEC elections did not arise in the ISW’s suggesting “the desirability” of Congress’s latter category were West Clare, Dublin columns thereafter – clearly the decision postponement. Following discussion, Metropolitan, Armagh, Waterford and was widely accepted. However, Dublin the CEC resolved both that “no Congress Tralee. Central continued to ventilate its should be held next Easter” and to ask Following the consultations, Congress grievances; members at its December teacher associations (the precursor of 1915 was “postponed” and did not take 1915 meeting linked perceived INTO INTO branches) to express their views on place. A linked decision of CEC, to deficiencies with the executive “having this proposal. postpone also the annual CEC elections, bull-dosed the teachers into abandoning” The CEC proposition was by no means was the subject of further argument. Congress.

INTOUCH 20 APRIL 2020 News

Justification and Recrimination affairs which has arisen out of the present action” and “to ventilate these doubts in In its report for 1914, issued in April war”. With postponement, “elections the public Press”. Referencing the (then 1915, the CEC set out its perspective automatically lapsed”. ongoing) consultation process on these events. It had recommended The CEC took aim at the “one regarding elections, local associations postponement of Congress “owing to the Association at least” which “thought fit to could “silence all harmful cavilling on this unprecedented and extraordinary state of raise the question of the legality of our matter”. No Easter Congress in 2020 The postponement of Congress 2020, 105 elections to national committees, where As we recall from the 1914-1918 years, years after the events summarised above, more than one candidate was nominated even lengthy wars end. So do pandemics. occurs in a different context. There was no by branches, are deferred until the Individually and organisationally, we will option, on public health grounds, but to COVID-19 crisis has waned. In the interim, move on from the current health crisis, postpone the event. the related committee positions remain and while the battle lasts teachers will As regards 2020’s elections to CEC and vacant. not be found wanting in contributing other positions, nominations were made The importance of matters like INTO’s appropriately. at INTO branch meetings in January, and Congress and elections are placed into [Sources: All quotes and references Congress no longer has a role in ratifying perspective when life and death are at re the 1915 INTO Congress are based on outcomes. The results of elections where stake, as at present. When the current material from the Irish School Weekly no ballot was required will be declared crisis ends, INTO’s rule-bound operations (ISW), editions from November 1914 to online by the president. Contested will resume. end-1915, inclusive].

25

Comprised of Hayfield Manor in Cork, Great Southern Killarney and Killarney Royal hotels Win a luxurious 2 night stay in a Grand Suite with dinner on one evening in your choice of Hayfield Manor or Great Southern Killarney To be in with an opportunity to win, answer the following question: Where is Hayfield Manor located? Email your answer to [email protected] before 30 April 2020 Reader Offer Everyone’s a winner with this exclusive Special Offer for the INTO: Enjoy 25% off best value B&B rates at Hayfield Family Collection hotels To book: call +353 21 4845990 or email [email protected] and quote: INTO Offer. This offer is subject to availability.

INTOUCH 21 APRIL 2020 News

Northern Secretary Gerry Murphy shares his thoughts on the current health crisis

Teachers in District 1 and District As I write, schools in the North are seems necessary and INTO will be ready 2, along with those in the remaining closed for pupils but remain open for to advise members accordingly. districts across the island, have been staff who are expected to attend and So, for now, we soldier on. It has distinguishing themselves with their be available to provide day care for been heartening to see the level of selflessness and desire to contribute the children of essential workers who co-operation across the profession as to protecting the communities they are unable to secure suitable childcare a whole and amongst the trade unions. work in and particularly protecting the themselves. This facility has been It is a truism that every cloud has a health and well-being of the children extended to include children who are silver lining and this one does too. We and young people in their care. This being described as vulnerable. This is an in the INTO have been reaching out is being done at a time when the ever-changing situation and over fifty and sharing resources and advice across working environment has completely per cent of schools have remained closed the trade union movement and we very changed and the response of INTO as principals, in conjunction with their much appreciate the help our brother members has been fantastic. Teachers boards of governors, have concluded that and sisters in other unions are providing everywhere have stepped up to ensure the risks are too great. The Department to us. When this passes, as it will, we that the continuity of pupils’ learning is expected that between fifteen and thirty will strive to hold on to this solidarity maintained. per cent of children may have to be and employ it to rebuild and secure the Across the North, teachers have accommodated, however this number brighter future we all deserve. produced learning resources in both has proven to be substantially less, under the traditional paper format and five per cent. A change of approach GERRY MURPHY, Northern Secretary. electronically, in the space of just a few days, and these materials have been distributed to about 340,000 pupils. The employment authorities are confident Northern Conference 2020 that our teachers have enough material distributed to sustain learning up until the end of the Easter holidays. INTO is currently engaged with the Department of Education to develop guidelines to inform the system as to what can be reasonably expected of our teachers attempting to manage distance learning from their own homes. These guidelines will take account of factors such as the availability of broadband and more importantly the necessity to facilitate teachers in looking after their own families and others for whom they have caring responsibilities. We are determined that our members will not be pressurised into maintaining the continuity of pupils’ learning at the expense of their own families. The officials in Belfast, the outgoing chairperson of the Northern Committee, Kevin Daly and the incoming chairperson, Caroline McCarthy have been working with the Northern Committee to ensure that our members have access to the most up- to-date and accurate information. We are grateful for the help we have been receiving from our colleagues in Dublin. The response from INTO has been on an all-Ireland basis as we appreciate the virus doesn’t recognise lines on maps. The INTO’s Northern Conference took place in Newry on 6 and 7 March 2020. Education Minister Peter This is something our members really Weir MLA was in attendance, pictured above with INTO President Feargal Brougham, General Secretary appreciate. John Boyle, Northern Committee Chair Caroline McCarthy and Northern Secretary Gerry Murphy.

INTOUCH 22 APRIL 2020 News Vere Foster Winners

President of Marino Institute of Education Dr Teresa From left to right: Professor Marie McLoughlin, head of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early O’Doherty presents Hilary Conroy with the Vere Foster Childhood Education; Colm Keane, BEd Vere Foster recipient; Aoife Ní Mhurchú, PMEd Vere Foster recipient and Medal for the highest marks for school placement on Professor Philip Nolan, President of Maynooth University. the PME (primary) programme.

Cillian Rowney was awarded the Vere Foster Medal at the Marino Institute of Pictured are INTO President Feargal Brougham, Dr Teresa O’Doherty and Dr Education graduation ceremony. Cillian achieved the highest marks on the BEd Gene Mehigan at the alumni presentation to Feargal Brougham as the first MIE degree. The award was presented by Feargal Brougham and Dr Teresa O’Doherty. graduate to be elected president of the INTO. Photo: Richard Gavin Photography. Photo: Richard Gavin Photography.

INTOUCH 23 APRIL 2020 News Save the bees One third the future. gardens across Ireland. of the food In collaboration with The Save The Bees campaign will not crops we the All-Ireland Pollinator only help schools understand pollinators grow benefit Plan, SuperValu has launched and how to protect them but also help from pollination, a Save the Bees campaign in them make Ireland more pollinator yet 30% of bees are in an effort to raise awareness of the friendly. Many bedding plants are not danger of becoming extinct in Ireland. importance of pollinators and to support rich in pollen or nectar and, in order This will create an impact on our food the local biodiversity in communities to thrive, wild bees need pockets of supply and environment over the coming around Ireland. The campaign will wildflower-rich habitat to provide them years if not addressed. educate and empower school children to with nesting areas and a diverse diet. To Bees are facing many threats, including make a difference. further promote awareness and action, habitat loss and lack of food, which Every primary school in Ireland has families can collect their own Save the means an uncertain future for bees and been sent a Save the Bees Pollinator Bees cards in SuperValu with a spend of other pollinators. This ultimately will Pack. This pack has been co-created over €30. These cards are added to each affect the food we eat, in particular fruit with Dr Una Fitzpatrick, Head of the All school’s Save the Bees poster which once and vegetables, as without pollinators Ireland Pollinator Plan. The Save the Bees completed can be entered into a draw to it would be extremely difficult to eat Pollinator Pack contains guidebooks, win a share of €50,000 for the school. All a healthy balanced diet! The loss of posters and bookmarks in addition to a elements of the Save the Bees Pollinator bees’ habitats and their food source is a wildflower garden kit with native Irish Pack have been sustainably sourced and significant factor in their decline, but this seeds and a garden sign to allow every are recyclable. is an area where people can make simple school to create their own wildflower Find more resources at: changes that will have a big impact into patch which can be replicated in home http://bit.ly/SuperValuSaveTheBees.

Shortlist for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards 2020

The ten titles competing for this year’s • Scúnc agus Smúirín written by Muireann real way to participate in the awards and KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards Ní Chíobháin and illustrated by Paddy make their voices heard. have been revealed. The ten titles will Donnelly Five other awards will also be made – compete for a total of six awards, with the Children’s Books Ireland, which The Book of the Year Award, The Honour winners to be announced at a ceremony administers the awards, will as ever be Awards for Fiction and Illustration, the on 19 May at Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre working closely with ‘Junior Juries’ – Judges’ Special Award, and the Eilís Dillon by book-loving broadcaster Rick O’Shea groups of children and young people who Award for a first children’s book, named as part of International Literature Festival will read and judge the shortlisted titles. in honour of the revered Irish children’s Dublin. The Juries’ scores decide the winner of the author Eilís Dillon, whose birth centenary Junior Juries Award, giving children a was on 7 March this year. The shortlisted titles are: • All The Bad Apples written by Moïra Fowley-Doyle • Madame Badobedah written by Sophie Dahl and illustrated by Lauren O’Hara • Mór agus Muilc based on a traditional tale told by John Óg Hiúdaí Neidí Ó Colla and illustrated by Kim Sharkey • Nóinín written by Máire Zepf • The Deepest Breath written by Meg Grehan • The Hug written by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Polly Dunbar • The Tide written by Clare Helen Welsh and illustrated by Ashling Lindsay • The Star-Spun Web written by Sinéad O’Hart • Toffee by Sarah Crossan

INTOUCH 25 APRIL 2020 News

Planting one million trees to combat climate change

The threat of climate change is real and frightening, but Irish schools have the chance to help combat this by supporting a new campaign to plant more than a million trees in 2020. One Million Trees is a local-to-global initiative that will see development charity Self Help Africa plant ten new trees in Africa for every single native tree planted in Ireland throughout the campaign. For incoming INTO President Mary Magner, ‘One Million Trees’ gives pupils, parents and teachers a very real chance to do something practical and positive to combat climate change. As school principal at Scoil Chroí INTO Vice-President Mary Magner and former INTO President Sean McMahon supported the launch of this Íosa in Blarney, Co Cork, Mary says that campaign with Self Help Africa and TV Presenter Kathryn Thomas. she intends to do whatever she can to promote Self Help Africa’s initiative. “I’ve and have also been to the fore in and bee-friendly flowers can significantly seen at first hand the increasing concern promoting a Pre-Loved Uniforms scheme reduce carbon dioxide, increase bio- that young people have about the in the school. These initiatives and others diversity and help create a more environment. They’re alarmed by what have virtually halved the amount of waste sustainable future. Taking concrete action is happening to the world, and want to that we generate,” she says. and changing habits is not a choice, but a be a part of the change that they know is Mary Magner says that Swedish climate necessity, she added. needed,” she said. activist Greta Thunberg has been a huge The INTO is an official supporter of Self “While planting trees is not the answer inspiration to young people, and she has Help Africa’s ‘One Million Trees’ campaign, to global warming, it can make a positive shown schoolchildren that they have the which is aiming to plant 100,000 native contribution, by both removing carbon right to speak out on the issue of global trees in Ireland, and one million new from the atmosphere, and improving the warming and environmental destruction trees in Africa, this year. Schools across biodiversity of the natural environment”, more widely. “Schoolchildren are miles the country that sign up to support the she adds. ahead of their parents on these issues. campaign will receive a tree seedling “At our own school in Blarney our pupils They are the ones bringing the issues and to plant, with Self Help Africa planting were at the forefront of a campaign that effecting changes in the home,” she said. a further 10 saplings on their behalf in has virtually eradicated single use plastic “Teachers and pupils can show strong Africa. bottles; they’ve been involved in a ‘No leadership in combating climate change To find out more visit: www. Waste Lunch on Wednesdays’ programme, and simple actions like planting trees selfhelpafrica.org/onemilliontrees. Plastic packaging pirates St Thomas Senior School in Jobstown, Packaging Pirates and is based on the recycle single use plastics e.g. eco-pillows, Tallaght, Dublin 24 recently qualified to manufacturing of Ecobricks in school. eco skipping rope, eco beanbags, eco art participate in the regional final of the Ecobricks are plastic bottles that we mats and eco-cushions made from recycled Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland pack full with single use plastics to create school jumpers stuffed with single use (SEAI) One Good Idea competition which a reusable building block. plastic. took place in The Omniplex, Rathmines on With these Ecobricks we have made As a Green School we want to inspire 27 February 2020 with their idea of using furniture for our school community. Since the entire Green School Network of ‘Ecobricks’ to recycle and reuse single use we entered the competition we have also Ireland to reduce or reuse their single plastics. created numerous items which reuse and use plastic in a similar way. We collect The SEAI One Good Idea competition our single use plastics from our Breakfast gives children a platform to act and make Club, our lunch bags, our staff and some positive changes in regard to climate local Dublin based business also give us change in their schools, communities and their single use plastics to recycle. hopefully across the nation. We have a Twitter account specifically for Inspiration for the project came from our idea @pirates_plastic so please follow action research through the Green us and hopefully we will inspire other Schools committee in our school and the schools to create their own Ecobricks! report that it is predicted that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean ANN MARIE KIERNAN, St Thomas Senior School, than fish. Our project is called Plastic Jobstown, Dublin. INTOUCH 26 APRIL 2020 News Global solidarity

A proud legacy on the international stage

The trade union movement is one of the Patrick’s Festival. The campaign asked The Code of Good Practice for Volunteer largest civic society entities worldwide for support from schools and pupils all Sending Agencies is a set of standards for and the INTO, as the largest teachers’ around Ireland, to reduce and/or eliminate the organisations involved in facilitating union on the island of Ireland, plays its single use plastics at their schools. international volunteer placements part in connecting with teachers and their Global Citizenship School has a stand in developing countries. Its focus is unions all around the globe in a number at all of the INTO conferences throughout to ensure overseas volunteering has of ways, one of which is through INTO the year and hosts both an online and a positive impact for the three main Global Solidarity. face-to-face summer courses within the stakeholders: the volunteer, the sending The INTO is connected to the global annual INTO Learning programme. agency, and the local project and trade union family through the ICTU community. Global Solidarity Committee, and, Volunteering As an associate member of Dóchas, most importantly, with Educational the INTO adheres to the seven principles International (EI). EI is the global union of the Dochás Code of Conduct on federation for teacher organisations Images and Messages. The purpose of In 2019, the INTO helped to establish this code is to provide a framework the Irish Forum of Global Education (IFGE). which organisations can refer to when This forum is an independent network of designing and implementing their public civil society actors, NGOs, teacher unions, communication strategy on volunteering and others concerned with education and related matters. More information is inequities and issues that impact on available on the INTO Global Solidarity at education at a global level. It promotes https://bit.ly/INTOGlobalSolidarity. Ireland’s contribution to realising The INTO has always been very proud of ‘Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality the strong tradition of members travelling Campaigning Education’ for sustainable development. throughout the world as volunteer The INTO Global Solidarity Network Within the INTO, global solidarity needs teachers. INTO Global Solidarity promotes lobbies and campaigns both nationally the enthusiasm and participation of the INTO Solidarity Fund which provides and internationally for workers’ rights on members and is guided by three principal support to individual volunteer members behalf of teachers’ unions and individual areas of activity, learning, volunteering and the projects they are involved with. teachers who are being victimised or and campaigning. INTO members are encouraged to apply harassed in pursuit of their human/trade to the INTO Head Office for this funding in union rights. Learning advance of their trip abroad. Our campaigning work on behalf of Most members who choose to do the INTO membership currently includes efforts to inform members of the ongoing The INTO, as the largest treatment of Palestinian schoolchildren and the reported human rights abuses teachers’ union on the island they endure due to the political and military occupation of Palestine, as of Ireland, plays its part in covered in last month’s InTouch. The INTO’s union-to-union activities are a connecting with teachers significant feature of the solidarity work and the INTO has engaged in partnership Global Citizenship School (GCS) is and their unions all around programmes with teacher unions in an online support for teachers and The Gambia, Cambodia and India on schools, with ready-to-go online lessons, the globe an ongoing basis, providing assistance other classroom-friendly resources and funding mainly, for teacher training and suggestions for primary school teacher volunteer work have found programmes. appropriate actions. The resources are the experience to be very rewarding, available on the INTO website, and however, it is also very important that a major part of the work of the INTO members prepare properly, well in Global Citizenship School, centres on advance of travelling. INTO recognises the promotion of and advocating for Comhlámh as the expert organisation the achievement of the 17 Global Goals in this area and continues to strongly for Sustainable Development (SDGs) by support the guidelines of the Comhlámh 2030, such as the #NoMorePlasticPaddy Code of Good Practice for Volunteer campaign, coinciding with the 2019 St Sending Agencies.

INTOUCH 27 APRIL 2020 Trade Union Voices Why we need the right to switch off

POSTGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES AT MARINO INSTITUTE The Financial Services Union’s ‘Right to Disconnect’ campaign OF EDUCATION As I write, we are in the midst of the first demand that has been made to respond issue in the last general election, and we Marino Institute of Education (MIE) is a teaching, weeks of the COVID-19 shutdown. Of the to the rise of homeworking, but also have asked Oireachtas members for their learning and research community committed to promoting many things not likely to be the same the extension of the working day continued support. At the time of writing, inclusion and excellence in education. In a challenging and after this, work is high on the list. through technology. Research conducted it is not yet clear what the programme for Many will remember that it was for the Financial Services Union (FSU) by government will commit to. the tech giants, including Google and the University of Limerick has revealed The FSU is clear that legislation will a range of specialist Masters programmes validated, Facebook, who moved first to shut down that one in five are expected to engage be more effective than a voluntary code, their offices and send staff home. Others in work-related communication outside which has been suggested by some. Opt quality assured and accredited by Trinity College Dublin, quickly followed. of paid working hours. This is in effect in, voluntarist policies will not be enough the University of Dublin. The shutdown of schools and colleges, unpaid overtime. to protect workers from the effects of the and the transition to homeworking And so what is to be done? The ‘always on culture’. for people working in education, was movement for a right to disconnect is The University of Limerick report which another signpost on the homeworking international. As is often the case with recommended the right to disconnect The MIE Application Centre is now open for applications for journey. work-related issues, the French have is available at https://www.fsunion.org/ the following Master in Education Studies programmes So as a society, we are moving more led the way, with a strong code which download/pdf/fsu_ul_technology_work_ commencing in September 2020: and more towards homeworking, flexible enshrines the right to disconnect in law. and_skills.pdf. To deal with the impact APPLY HERE work and agile work. Many people want Many other European countries have of technology at work, the report also The application process to work from home. There are clear followed suit. The EU Work Life Balance recommends increased investment in and details of each advantages: a better work-life balance, directive (2019) has added momentum skills, and crucially, collective bargaining. • Master in Education Studies (Intercultural Learning and Leadership) a more family-friendly lifestyle, shorter towards the adaptation of policies in the Workers having a voice in the workplace programme is available commutes and environmental benefits area. will be crucial if we are to deal with the • online at: are often cited. For employers, there are In the case of Ireland, the FSU has challenges ahead. Collective bargaining Master in Education Studies (Leadership in Christian Education) gains to be made by offsetting some been spearheading a campaign calling legislation will be necessary to facilitate of the costs of maintaining buildings, for legislation to introduce a ‘right to this. • Master in Education Studies (Early Childhood Education) www.mie.ie/postgrad renting offices and buying properties. disconnect’. The FSU has won widespread In the words of Bryan Adams, so far, so support for the call which we launched PAUL DILLON, growth and communications • Master in Education Studies (Inquiry-Based Learning) good. last October. We succeeded in raising the manager, Financial Services Union. But working from home comes with challenges. • Master in Education Studies (Visual Arts) Talking to a friend, who recently started working from home, I asked him how he found it. He said it was fine, but he didn’t know when to ‘switch off’. “When you are working in an office, the day has a clear start, middle and end. When you are Closing date for application: working from home, none of that is clear”, Thursday 11th June 2020 he told me. “Work is always on your mind”. Hence, the need for a right to disconnect. What the right to disconnect means is the right not to have to work Enquiries to: Dr. Rory Mc Daid outside of paid working hours. It is a MES Programme Coordinator INTOUCH 29 APRIL 2020 Email: [email protected] Phone: (01) 805 7708 News Laying the foundations Brian Kenny talks to InTouch about his work in Zimbabwe, supported by INTO’s solidarity fund

Have you ever seen a trillion dollar bill? It’s unlikely, there aren’t many countries Young Africa whose inflation is so bad that they would mechanics need one, yet Zimbabwe famously produced their first trillion dollar bill in 2016, such was the state of their economy! Zimbabwe is a country in the south of Africa with a population of 13 million, half of whom live on less than a dollar a day. It’s most well known for its once long-time dictator, Robert Mugabe, who ruled with an iron fist for almost 30 years. In 2017, amidst promises of reform and a rising wave of optimism, Mugabe was replaced and the people waited for their lives who have trained as mechanics, to improve. Sadly, young men who had no hope they are still waiting of a future and are now running and little has changed successful businesses. for the majority of the Mavambo Trust operates country’s inhabitants, on the opposite side of Harare Zimbabwe remains and its mission is different yet one of the world’s equally important. In the slums poorest nations. surrounding Mavambo Trust Amidst this Young Africa there is a disproportionate poverty, the basics carpentry number of orphans facing into which we take for bleak prospects. In this context, granted in Ireland, with no primary carers or access free education, health and social welfare, this environment the harsh reality is that to education, many children are simply are non-existent. If you are poor in it’s very difficult to prosper. lost to poverty. Through its community Zimbabwe there is little opportunity to The work that the Redemptorists outreach team, Mavambo Trust prioritises change your life, no matter how hard you and Serve do is not simply charity, it’s young children who haven’t attended may try. In this situation help is needed helping people to help themselves, to school and enrols them on their specially and this is where Irish organisations develop their communities and build designed Accelerated Learning Program Serve and the Dublin Province of the essential skills vital to a better life. In where they receive two intense years Redemptorists work tirelessly. order to do this effectively, they partner of schooling. On graduating from this Last April, supported by the INTO with local organisations on the ground programme, students are ready to join Solidarity Fund and the Redemptorists, such as Young Africa and Mavambo Trust mainstream schools equipped with I travelled to Zimbabwe to meet the who took me around their projects and motivation and self-confidence. For these people they worked with and produced showed me how they operate. children, Mavambo Trust provides a safe Foundations: A Development Education The Young Africa model works, I’ve place where they are fed and educated Resource Pack for Primary Schools. The seen it first hand. Young people are and most importantly given hope, free pack gives teachers an opportunity trained in skills such as carpentry, motor something money can’t buy. to teach a series of lessons around the mechanics, solar technology and then You can access the free lesson plans challenges facing communities on the given essential life skills training alongside and resources here global poverty line. entrepreneurial skills. On completion of http://bit.ly/ServeFoundations. When looking at a country like their training they can confidently go out Zimbabwe you have to remind yourself into their communities and create small BRIAN KENNY is a teacher in St Joseph’s Primary that there is no social welfare. If you are businesses, carve out a living and possibly School, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. This project was unemployed, like huge cohorts of the help others in the process. I met many supported with a grant from the INTO Solidarity population, life is a struggle no matter young people whose lives have been Fund and the Redemptorists Ireland. how much you work to better yourself. In changed by these opportunities, girls

INTOUCH 30 APRIL 2020 News End child labour

INTO Global Citizenship School’s May Day campaign

The International Labour Organization to the elimination (ILO) defines child labour as work that is of child labour – all mentally, physically, socially or morally governments, trade dangerous and harmful to children; and unions, businesses, interferes with their schooling. international NGO The negative effects of child labour, organisations, arising from the difficulty of tasks and communities, harsh working conditions, include a employers, teachers, number of problems such as long-term parents and indeed injuries, malnutrition, depression, drug children have a role to dependency and even death. Most child play in ending child labourers come from disadvantaged labour. backgrounds or minority groups and many are abducted from their families. 2. What is the solution Most of these children are defenceless and what can we do? and have little or no protection. We in Global Citizenship School support the view Current state of child labour in the that decent work for world today all, as a principle, and 2020 figures show more than 220 million ending child labour, as a children from age 5 to 17 years are child specific target, are worth labourers. An estimated 150 million of campaigning on as core them are victims of forced labour with actions and part of our ‘Justice, Equality This May Day, we ask primary school an estimated 50% engaged in hazardous and Sustainability’ raison d’étre. families to take May Day action in support work. 75 million of these children are of ending child labour. under 10 years old. 50% of child labourers 3. What is ‘decent work’? Three suggestions for May Day, end are in sub-Saharan Africa and 40% in Asia. Decent work is based upon the principle child labour action: Over two million victims of child labour of ‘a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work’. • Have pupils create black and white live in wealthy countries. Official figures According to the International Labour posters which contrast the lives of show more boys in child labour than Organization (ILO) ‘decent work’ children in child labour with children girls (87 million vs 63 million) but that involves opportunities for work that are enjoying a decent childhood. may be because many girls are domestic productive and deliver a fair income, • Play the following song and video service labourers in private households security in the workplace and social about child labour – Til Everyone Can and go uncounted. Over half of the child protection for families, better prospects See to all the pupils. labourers work in family enterprises or on for personal development and social http://bit.ly/TilEveryoneCanSee. farms with no contacts. integration, freedom for people to • The multi-national company, Nestle, The causes of child labour include: express their concerns, organise and have been recently exposed for • poverty and high unemployment participate in the decisions that affect using child labour on the Dispatches levels; their lives, and equality of opportunity documentary on Channel 4. We • limited compulsory and free education; and treatment for all women and men. If recommend you take photos of the • inadequate child labour national laws all workers were paid fair wages and had children’s posters and email them to and enforcement; decent work conditions then poverty and [email protected] which is a Swiss • a lack of workers’ rights and decent child labour would be on the way out, Embassy office here in Ireland. Please living wages; both locally and globally. address your correspondence to Nestle • unfair global economy pressures and c/o the Swiss Embassy, Ireland, with unregulated capitalism. 4. What is ‘May Day’? a request that they explain: (a) why In Celtic tradition, Lá Bealtaine (May they use child labour and (b) why The big questions Day) separated the dark days from the your school should not boycott Nestle 1. Who is responsible for child labour? bright days. ‘May Day’ took on a new products? Child labour is a fact of life for children meaning in the 19th century as an Please share your action with your in many countries and it is an issue International Workers’ Day. It grew out of friends/networks and also using the that affects us all. Just look at our food the movement for labour rights and an hashtag #EndChildLabour on Friday, 1 and clothing chains for evidence of eight-hour working day. This year, May May. child labour abuse. It is therefore the Day, and International Workers’ Day, is on responsibility of everyone to contribute Friday, 1 May. MAURICE HURLEY, INTO Global Citizenship School.

INTOUCH 31 APRIL 2020 Financial Planning Your INTO Do something today that you will thank your future self for… Are you an INTO staff representative? Now is the time to sign up for INTO’s free online course

The INTO staff representative to find the information, passing on procedure and advice on how to support The INTO staff representative plays an the contact details of the local Central members who might be experiencing We can help you extremely important role in our union. Executive Committee representative or difficulties. One of the big concerns The staff representative is the link for INTO INTO Head Office details. that staff representatives have is that achieve your in each of our schools and the INTO face they might have to actually represent for each and every one of our members. INTO online support course for staff a colleague who is taking a bullying/ financial goals no representatives harassment or a grievance case – this The INTO staff representative has To support our staff representatives, is not the case. The role of the staff matter what stage INTO Learning has designed an online representative is to support the member three key roles: support course to provide reps with key by providing information, while the CEC information and guidance to support representative or an INTO official will of life you are at. 1. Recruiting members them in their role. The course comprises represent the member where necessary. 2. Informing members of four modules: 3. Supporting members • Staff representative role and Staff representatives who responsibilities • INTO structures and communications complete this course before Recruiting members • Teacher employment terms and 9th April can avail of a Staff representatives talk to all new conditions reduced cost summer course. teachers and substitute teachers in • Managing workplace relationships our schools and ask them to join the Each module is short and interactive, Full details on the course at INTO. INTO provides key information providing details in a clear and moodle.intolearning.ie For to staff representatives to enable uncomplicated way. Advice is also access to the course staff them to communicate the benefits of provided on talking to non-members membership to potential members. about joining, managing an INTO ballot representatives should contact or an INTO directive and on how best [email protected] with Informing members to support members who might find their school details. The INTO staff representative is the main themselves in difficulty. communicator of much INTO news and INTO structures are explained including current issues, particularly when it comes the role of our national committees and Other supports to campaign materials and materials our Benefit Funds Committee, how the Local branches hold special meetings and on ballots or directives. We advise staff INTO makes decisions and how members briefings for their staff representatives. representatives to have an INTO display can fully and democratically These are an excellent way corner where notices of branch meetings participate and engage in INTO to get to know other and other important events, key dates decision making processes. staff representatives in and information can be made available to The module on teacher your local area and to members. employment terms and conditions meet your local branch provides details on appointments officers. Supporting members and contracts, salary and pension, Note: we advise Often the INTO staff representative is also leave entitlements, teacher schools to hold an the first point of contact and support promotion, redeployment, as well annual election for for any member seeking information as teacher suspension and dismissal a new INTO staff or experiencing difficulty in school. and the fitness to teach process. representative each This could be needing information on The module on managing June. Any INTO member For a Free Financial Planning Appointment, sick leave entitlements or advice about workplace relationships outlines can put themselves dealing with a parental complaint. The agreed procedures to address forward for the role. If call us on (01) 470 8081 INTO staff representative will always point staff relations difficulties, the you have any further colleagues in the right direction – this procedure to address adult bullying queries about the role could be to where on the INTO website or harassment and the grievance contact [email protected].

Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes. INTOUCH 33 APRIL 2020

11608 Corporate Ad V2 A4 06-18 News Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol Awards go from strength to strength

The Cumann na mBunscol awards, sponsored by Cornmarket Financial Full list of award winners Services, have long occupied a special place in the Cumann na mBunscol Pat Trainor Award calendar. This year’s awards banquet was Liam Weir (Sciath na Scol) held in Thurles, birthplace of the GAA, Public Relations and it was a night to remember for all 1. Corcaigh who attended. The local committee, led 2. Ciarraí by Cathaoirleach Paddy Kelly, spared 3. An Mhí no effort in their preparations for the Merit Awards weekend and the presence of Liam Port Láirge, Fear Manach, Tír Eoghain, Ard Sheedy, coach of the All-Ireland hurling Left: Liam Sheedy addresses the awards. Above: Liam Magee of Cumann Mhacha champions, as guest speaker was the na mBunscol with INTO Vice-President Mary Magner. County Publication icing on the cake. 1. Luimneach “The Cornmarket Cumann na 2. Corcaigh mBunscol awards highlight the huge 3. Áth Cliath & Ciarraí range of work that goes on in schools Promotion of Gaelic Games and the length and breadth of the country Culture in the promotion of Gaelic Games”, said 1. Herbertstown NS, Co Limerick Liam Magee, chairman of Cumann na 2. Kilbehenny NS, Co Limerick mBunscol. “It is fitting that the awards 3. Divine Mercy NS, Dublin banquet takes place in Thurles where the Cur chun chin an Chultúir GAA was founded. Let’s not forget that Ghaelaigh agus na cluichí the driving force behind the movement Gaelacha was a teacher, Michael Cusack.” 1. Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Maigh Eo The Pat Trainor Award for lifetime 2. Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn, Trá Lí service to primary schools’ Gaelic games Carmel Heelan and Michael Fitzgerald of Herbertstown NS, winners 3. St Mary’s Parish NS, An Lú was won by Liam Weir, who taught in of Promotion of Gaelic Games and Culture Award, with Liam Magee of Small School of the Year Scoil Barra, Beaumont, Cork, for his entire Cumann na mBunscol and Emer Conroy of Cornmarket 1. Kilbehenny NS, Co. Limerick teaching career. Liam’s involvement 2. Thomastown NS, Co Tipperary in Sciath na Scol in Cork, and also as Games and Culture. straight 3. Herbertstown NS, Co Limerick an officer of Cumann na mBunscol at Kilbehenny NS was placed second in from a Large School of the Year provincial level over several decades, the Small School category last year but training 1. Creevy NS, Co Donegal made him an ideal recipient of the award the school went one better this year and session at 2. Scoil Phrionsiais Naofa, Clara, which was presented by Ann Trainor, was named as Small School of the Year for Semple Co Offaly widow of the late Pat Trainor. 2020. Located on the border of Limerick, Stadium to 3. Holy Trinity NS, Fethard, The award for Best Public Relations Cork and Tipperary, Kilbehenny NS was the Anner Co Tipperary once again went to Sciath na Scol of Cork, also nominated in two categories this Hotel to while Cumann na mBunscol Chiarraí were year. Principal Stephen Walsh, a former address runners-up. Limerick hurler, and his staff are steeped the guests. Liam spoke of the positive Cumann na mBunscol Luimnigh won in Gaelic games. influence that teachers have on their the Best Publication award with its long The Large School of the Year award pupils and praised the volunteerism running magazine The Green and White. went to Creevy NS, Donegal, who fought which drives Cumann na mBunscol. Cumann na mBunscol promotes Gaelic off stiff opposition from Scoil Phrionsias He listed the senior stars of today games in primary schools throughout the Naofa, Offaly, and Holy Trinity NS, Fethard, who started their days in Cumann na island of Ireland and beyond. However, Tipperary . mBunscol competitions. members of Cumann na mBunscol also Cur chun cinn an Chultúir Ghaelaigh INTO Vice-President Mary Magner promote GAA rounders, handball and agus na gCluichí Gaelacha was a category represented the union at the awards. athletics, as well as activities such as introduced in 2019. Gaelscoil na Cruiche, Sponsors of the awards are Cornmarket table quizzes. Herbertstown NS were Mayo, were winners of this category. Group Financial Services and they were popular winners of the Promotion of “The number of entries in 2020 was represented at the awards by Emer Gaelic Games and Culture category. The the highest ever and the standard is Conroy while Allianz, sponsors of Cumann county Limerick school was nominated exceptionally high. The judges had an na mBunscol, were represented by Martin in two categories, as was a neighbouring unenviable task,” said Liam Magee, who McKeogh. school in south Limerick, Kilbehenny NS, is principal of St Columban’s PS, Belcoo, who were runners-up to Herbertstown NS Fermanagh. JOE LYONS, public relations officer, Cumann na in the category for Promotion of Gaelic Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy came MBunscol.

INTOUCH 35 APRIL 2020 INTO Advice

Tips for tackling credit card debt

Carrying credit card debt can be stressful. Balance Interest Not using your credit card for Monthly repayments Length of time to With high interest rates, and penalty rate (APR) further purchases/ withdrawals repay full balance charges if you miss payments, managing your credit card is an important part €1,000 17% yes €50 24 Months of your financial wellbeing. If you are constantly worried about receiving €1,000 17% yes €100 11 months your credit card bill, follow these steps from the Competition and Consumer Check out if switching could save repayments. Check out the CCPC’s Protection Commission (CCPC) to get you you money: Have you checked to see if personal loan comparison tool, at ccpc.ie, on track to being debt free: there is a better rate available? Interest to compare the costs of loans and to work Face up to your finances: Do you find rates currently range from 13.8% to out what your repayments would be. that you are always running out of money, 26.6%, so it could pay to switch. Some Learn to manage your credit card: If you missing repayments or relying on credit financial providers offer a 0% interest have a credit card there are some small cards for your day-to-day spending? It on transferred balances for a limited steps you can take to help you keep your is never too late to start taking control introductory period. So, if you move your debt to a minimum and ensure that your of your finances. The first step is to balance, every cent you pay will reduce credit rating is not affected. stop using your credit card. Fight the your debt, as you won’t be paying any • Firstly, try to keep your credit limit low temptation by leaving your card at home. interest for that period of time. Check out and don’t view it as a spending target. Make a repayments plan: Start by the CCPC’s credit card comparison tool at • Consider reducing the credit limit to an figuring out how much you can pay each ccpc.ie to see what’s on offer. amount you can comfortably afford to month. It is important that you pay as Consider taking out a personal loan: repay every month, so you are not able much as you can afford, and not just the Although you may feel reluctant to take to run up debt you can’t repay. minimum repayment. By paying more on more debt, it might make better • Don’t use your card for cash than the minimum repayment by even a financial sense to take out a personal withdrawals except in emergencies, small amount you will reduce the time it loan to pay off your credit card debt. as you will be charged a high rate takes you to get debt free and will save Interest rates on personal loans of interest often from the day you you money in interest. The CCPC has a are generally lower than on take out the money, as well as a cash free credit card calculator, credit cards. If you do this, advance fee. available at ccpc.ie, make sure you stop • Set up a monthly standing order or to show you how spending on your credit direct debit for the minimum monthly long it will take card or else you will repayment, or more if you can afford it, you to clear be faced to avoid late payments. Late payments your debt. with both can also appear on your credit history the loan and may impact your ability to borrow repayments in the future. and credit card DOIREANN SWEENEY, head of corporate communications, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. More information on financial wellbeing and the tools available can be found at www.ccpc.ie.

INTOUCH 36 APRIL 2020 Advice

Supporting children with anxiety

Clinical psychologist, David Coleman, explains how we can help

Anxiety among children and teenagers is the typically rational part of their brain really worried about…” or “I’m guessing a growing issue. In my clinical practice I may be entirely overwhelmed and unable you are pretty scared about…” or “I see more and more children for to function, such that they are in the grip wonder if you are nervous about…”. anxiety-related issues than ever before. If I of their primitive and instinctual brain Statements like these, help to soothe am meeting such children in my practice, stem responses. That fear response is the intensity of the anxiety and show a then I am sure you are coming across very powerful. When we simply try to child that you might understand their them in your classrooms. reason with them, we are speaking to perspective. From that point it may be It is never easy to know what to their rational, cortical brain (which isn’t that we help them solve their issue. do when we meet anxious children. functioning well in that moment!). Our Ultimately, for children to deal Sometimes we may be keen to try to reassurance may well fall on deaf ears, successfully with their anxiety, they need reassure them, sometimes we just try to be able to feel some element of that to sort whatever problem seems to be … we have to fear, but still face the feared circumstance, distressing them. Other times we may get person or event. ‘Feeling the fear and frustrated at the apparent irrationality empower children to doing it anyway’, is what allows children of their fears and feel powerless to know to build their confidence that they can what to do! understand their own cope. I think it is that powerlessness that is In class, you may to have an most difficult for us adults. We are used to anxieties and then opportunity to help them with relaxation understanding problems and then fixing techniques, or mindfulness, or even them. But the kinds of things that worry deal with them positive self-talk. But, even if you don’t children are sometimes just not fixable have that chance, simply empathising …or at least they are not fixable by us. until such time as we connect to their with their distress and then being a Somehow we have to empower children instinctive, emotional brain. That is what practical support to them with the task, to understand their own anxieties and empathy does. It connects to a child’s project, circumstance or social interaction, then deal with them. feelings. may be enough to help them feel that At the heart of dealing with children’s When a child feels like we understand sense of achievement in themselves, anxiety is our ability to empathise with how they are feeling, they begin to giving them the confidence to approach a them and their feelings. Even when we calm, soothing their emotions, and they similar situation alone the next time. may feel, from an outside perspective, become much more open to hearing, that their anxiety makes no sense, or and following any advice, guidance or DAVID COLEMAN, clinical psychologist and is unnecessary, it is still crucial that we reassurance we may want to offer. So, broadcaster. David has created online course put ourselves in their shoes and try to when faced with an anxious child or ‘Scared Kids – Helping Children to Cope with understand the world as they see it. teenager, validate their experience and Anxiety’ in collaboration with Anokha Learning. When they are in the height of anxiety, their feeling, saying things like “you sound For more see http://bit.ly/ScaredKids/.

INTOUCH 37 APRIL 2020 News

NCCA consultation Draft Primary Curriculum Framework

The National Council for Curriculum enjoyment of learning and teachers’ framework recognises that the 2020s are and Assessment (NCCA) published the increased use of active learning different times to the 1990s when the last Draft Primary Curriculum Framework methodologies. At the same time, the curriculum was developed. on February 25 for consultation. The framework responds to key challenges The consultation is framed around framework sets out proposals for the key messages which, taken together, redevelopment of the primary curriculum. represent the main features and The curriculum is 21 years old this year significant changes proposed for the and so a key question ‘behind’ the redeveloped primary curriculum. Each of proposals has been, what is the purpose these is outlined below. of a primary curriculum when we think of the next 20 years? Shaped by work Agency and flexibility with the Schools Forum, research and Teachers and principals have called ongoing deliberations with education for greater flexibility in schools’ partners, the proposals look at what work with the curriculum, including children learn in primary school, how to plan and allocate time how they learn and how schools can (NCCA, 2018). In response, the be given more flexibility and agency framework proposes up to seven to make important decisions about hours of ‘flexible time’ per month teaching and learning. (every four weeks). Each school This article outlines the key proposals would decide how best to allocate this within the draft framework and ways in time which might include using it for which you and your colleagues can share a particular curriculum area in a given your thoughts and responses between month and another area the following now and the end of October. month or term. Equally, a school might decide to allocate the time to a local What are the main proposals? which schools have identified such project or initiative. The draft framework The Draft Primary Curriculum Framework as curriculum overload and using also proposes weekly allocations for builds on the successes and strengths assessment in a meaningful way to inform language, mathematics and the area of of the 1999 curriculum such as children’s teaching and learning. In addition, the wellbeing, moving to monthly allocations

INTOUCH 38 APRIL 2020 News

for other curriculum areas. Three different contexts that life will bring. importance of curriculum integration, timetabling options are presented for The framework also proposes: inclusive practice, inquiry-based learning consideration. • giving more time and prominence to and playful pedagogy. Assessment is well-being; presented as a central part of teachers’ Connections • introducing modern foreign languages daily practice with the information The draft framework supports stronger from third class; enabling them to feed back to children connections between children’s • broadening the arts education area; and to make important decisions about experiences in preschool and in early • increasing the focus on technology. what to teach next, the types of activities primary, and between later primary and to use, and how to modify pedagogical early post primary. It does this through Curriculum structure and approaches to support further learning. its eight principles, the proposed key presentation Consultations on the redevelopment competencies which link to Aistear’s Building on previous consultation of the primary curriculum as a whole four themes and the eight key skills findings (NCCA, 2018), the framework don’t happen often. The coming months in the Framework for Junior Cycle, and proposes moving from subjects in the are an opportunity for you to share your through the types of learning experiences first four years of primary school to thoughts on the proposals. You’ll find full described across the curriculum areas and broad curriculum areas which support details of the consultation at subjects which would provide children an integrated approach to teaching and www.ncca.ie/primary along with the with opportunities for decision-making, learning. These areas would become draft framework and information videos. creativity and collaboration. more differentiated into subjects from There are links to an online questionnaire third class onwards to reflect children’s and a written submission template. You Emerging priorities growing awareness of subjects as a way of can sign up here to receive monthly Children born this year will begin primary organising their learning. e-bulletins on the consultation. We hope school in 2024 or 2025 and start their to be in a position in the coming weeks working lives in the 2040s and retire in Pedagogical approaches with to reschedule the focus group meetings the 2080s/90s. Taking account of the assessment central to teaching and which had been due to take place before Ireland and world these children will learning Easter. We look forward to hearing from be part of, the proposals include seven Finally, the draft framework promotes you during the consultation. key competencies from junior infants to evidence-based pedagogical sixth class. These are intended to equip approaches and strategies that foster NCCA EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PRIMARY TEAM children with essential knowledge, skills, engagement, ownership and challenge concepts, dispositions, attitudes and while connecting with children’s life values to help them adapt to and deal experiences and their interests. As part with a range of situations, challenges and of this, the framework emphasises the

*Broad learning outcomes in Arts Education would continue to support learning in visual arts, music and drama, as well as supporting other aspects of arts education such as dance, film and digital media, and enabling schools to engage with local, national and international initiatives and opportunities. The learning outcomes would also support integrated learning experiences in stages 1-2. While disciplines within Arts Education have a common creative process and share transferable skills, each has its own knowledge, concepts and skills. Subject-specific learning outcomes in stages 3-4 alongside a set of broader outcomes overarching the subjects, would ensure children experience a broad and balanced Arts Education.

INTOUCH 39 APRIL 2020 News NCCA Schools Forum A primary principal shares her experience of reviewing the primary curriculum through the NCCA Schools Forum, and encourages other teachers to have their say

There are still some of us in the structure, purpose and content of profession that remember when the the next curriculum for primary complete curriculum was contained in schools. It sees teachers and school two orange books. A bit like knowing leaders as ‘curriculum makers’, using where you were when you heard about broad learning outcomes alongside John Lennon’s death, we also remember curriculum vision and principles to where we were when the truck trundled allow schools to devise a curriculum into the school yard to deliver the which is appropriate for their particular copies of the new 1999 curriculum! With context and community. its 23 books, strands and strand units, The Schools Forum has placed and specific aims and objectives that teachers and schools at the centre were numerous and ambitious, it was, of curriculum development. It is to say the least, a bit of a change. grounded in the reality of primary Fast forward twenty years and the education in Ireland while still being 1999 curriculum is well embedded in aspirational. It has allowed us to school practice. The general consensus collaborate with colleagues, share ideas is that much of it is still relevant today and make suggestions. We also involve and it has served us well. Nevertheless, the wider community by promoting changing societal expectations and the work of the forum at local level with new initiatives have led to curriculum our boards of management, parents overload and we need to re-evaluate associations and other networks. how the primary school curriculum will In our school we have taken time to look for today’s children who are facing explore important educational issues for new challenges in the 21st century. children’s learning and examine our own attitudes and values. Meeting teachers NCCA Schools Forum The NCCA Schools Forum meets every and leaders from other school contexts Since 2011, the NCCA has been engaged four to six weeks and it has been a very regularly has encouraged us to consider in reviews and consultation on what engaging process, moving from big issues that we would rarely encounter in a redeveloped curriculum might look picture, research based thinking about our specific situation. During the past two like. As part of that work, a network was education and how children learn, to years we have developed relationships established of 43 schools, (37 primary, the more practical aspect of what a and built a network which has enriched three preschools and three post- redeveloped curriculum should look like. our experience of the forum. primary schools), to look at priorities Essentially, the work of the forum to Overall, our involvement has been a for children’s learning and how a date has focused on two key questions: really positive experience and it has been redeveloped curriculum should look. • What is the purpose of primary a privilege to be so closely involved in this These schools represent a cross-section education for tomorrow’s children? important work. of schools throughout the country, • What structure and components within reflecting a diversity of context, ethos and a curriculum can support this? Where now? environment. • Several members of our school staff The published framework (the new ‘red Our school is a single stream, vertical have attended forum meetings, book!’) is available on the NCCA website school with eight classes, 228 pupils, 15 bringing different personal and the public is encouraged to provide teachers (including SET) and four SNAs. perspectives to the process. This in submissions – sign up for updates and Under Church of Ireland patronage, turn has fed back into staff meetings, submit feedback on the ‘have your say’ it is situated in the suburban area of focus groups and meetings for parents, section of the NCCA website. This is an Rathfarnham in south Dublin. where we have teased out and important document for everyone but When the NCCA invited schools to take considered possible changes and how specifically for teachers and anyone part in a schools forum, we signed up. they might translate into practice. The involved in education. Consultation is Like many other schools, we’ve felt the child’s voice is also an important factor open until October 2020. pressure of having to deliver many new in these deliberations. This is only the first chapter in this initiatives alongside the original core important work and we are looking curriculum, and trying to choose what Draft Curriculum Framework forward to continuing to engage with the to prioritise. We felt that the forum was a The result of this work is the Draft Primary forum in the coming years. great opportunity to be involved in the Curriculum Framework which is available process of curriculum review from an on bit.ly/PrimaryCurriculumFramework JOYCE PERDUE, principal of Rathfarnham Parish early stage. The framework sets out the proposed NS, Dublin 14.

INTOUCH 40 APRIL 2020 Teaching matters

Holocaust education It is 75 years since the liberation of in an era of populism and an increasingly Holland, who was born in Warsaw, speak Auschwitz. To coincide with this fragile international order. about her career in film-making. Among anniversary, Education International Teachers at the conference spoke of her films are Europa Europa, Angry (EI), the federation of teacher unions their approaches to holocaust education Harvest, Washington Square, Copying across the world, organized a conference and inter-country education projects. Beethoven and In Darkness. She spoke in Poland on the topic of holocaust They acknowledged the debt we owe about the role that film and the arts can education. As a member of Education to victims, and focused on investment play in education about human rights International, INTO was represented at in the future and recognizing the and holocaust awareness. The Holocaust the conference which emphasized the importance of developing of a framework should not be forgotten nor should crucial role that teachers and teacher of competencies for citizenship. A teacher anything like it happen again. unions play in ensuring mass genocide from Berlin spoke of the use of story in The conclusion of the conference does not happen again. upper primary when learning about the recognised that matters of the heart and As part of the conference, delegates life of Jews. A teacher from Israel spoke values are central to education. The key visited the Auschwitz museum and about teaching about the Holocaust messages from the teacher unions were attended the commemoration ceremony. in kindergarten, creating a sense of the importance of education in human Listening to survivors speak of their belonging. Other teachers spoke about rights, teaching children about racism experience was very moving. Marian youth exchange projects between young and discrimination, developing empathy Turski, addressing his comments to the people in Poland, Germany and Israel. and understanding and educating for generations of his daughter and A teacher from the US spoke about the diversity. All children, regardless of who grand-daughter, delivered a powerful work of the Educators’ Institute for Human they are or where they come from, should message – do not be indifferent when any Rights in developing partnerships with have the same rights to safety, security, minority is discriminated against. During teachers working with conflict, human health and education. Sadly, this is not his speech, Turski said the Holocaust rights and holocaust education. the case in many parts of the world. In did not “fall from the sky” but emerged The presentations from teachers led to the words of HG Wells, “human history gradually in small acts of discrimination interesting discussions around the nature becomes more and more a race between that led to what happened at Auschwitz. of holocaust education, the right age to education and catastrophe”. Teacher unions spoke of increasing start teaching about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, the impact of climate the role of human rights in education. The Holocaust Education Trust Ireland provide change, growing levels of migration Delegates were privileged to hear resources in Ireland – https://hetireland.org to and refugees, the rise of the far-right in film director and scriptwriter Agnieszka support holocaust education. many countries, and a post-truth world. These create challenges for societies in relation to truth, democracy and human rights. The importance of the European convention on human rights, character education, civic engagement and media literacy were highlighted

Left: Sylvia Stieneker holds up teaching materials used in her primary school in Berlin. Above: INTO AGS Deirbhile Nic Craith pictured with Susan Flocken, ETUCE, and Dorota Obidniak, Polish Teachers’ Union.

INTOUCH 41 APRIL 2020 Teaching matters Benefits of a Scoilnet account Teachers now have access to the Irish Newspaper Archive through a Scoilnet Account Week Dudes The vast majority of resources on Scoilnet Ireland), The Irish Times Archive (1859 courses for summer 2020 are highlighted Food are completely free and open without any to the present day), and JSTOR Ireland below and around 5,000 course places restriction to access. When the site was (collection of academic journals) – are are accessed through Scoilnet accounts re-developed five years ago there was a available free through the Schools annually. debate about setting a requirement for Broadband Connection. Teachers who have registered for an users to register for free before being able Some other services are free in schools account can also share resources through to download or access resources. This is but also allow access to teachers – via a Scoilnet. This was a major innovation of common practice with other portals and Scoilnet account – from outside school. the re-vamped site five years ago and Introducing Food Dudes Week! does enable portal owners to target users The account is restricted to teachers, while initial skepticism and experience Our first ever Food Dudes Weeks are now just around with resources specific to their profile. active and retired, and is authenticated from European portals indicated that the corner and packed with lots of fun and interactive However, notwithstanding this, Scoilnet against their Teaching Council teachers would not share, the experience # opted for a barrier-free solution that did registration. Scoilnet Maps (Ordnance from Ireland has confounded this with healthy ideas for your school. Food Dudes Week is an FoodDudesWeek2020 not require a sign-in and furthermore Survey Ireland maps, aerial photography, many hundreds sharing lesson plans, exciting progression in the development of the Food At Food Dudes HQ, we are so excited to see what gave access to resources from anywhere historical maps and teaching tools) can PowerPoints and links to useful websites. Dudes programme, and we’re thrilled to have schools you get up to during Food Dudes Week! Show in the world. be viewed at home through a Scoilnet Any teacher who signs in to Scoilnet across Ireland taking part. This spring term, schools us what you’re doing for your Food Dudes Week Some content on Scoilnet, though, is account. And at post-primary level, the has access to a dashboard to which they licensed and carries restrictions. World re-developed Census At School is similarly can save their favourite resource links, who participated in Food Dudes last year (2018/2019) using the hashtag, #FoodDudesWeek2020 on will be taking part in Food Dudes Week for the Book Online, which is the portal’s main attainable. a useful feature given the ever-growing your school’s social media and the best ideas will licensed content stream, is free through database of tagged-assets (currently over first time. be featured on our website! Scoilnet but is restricted to IP addresses Irish Newspaper Archive 20,0000). The dashboard also contains a Food Dudes Week is an opportunity for Food Dudes in the Republic of Ireland. Other services Since last month, the Irish Newspaper listing of the teachers shared resources schools to celebrate their healthy eating culture and – like the amazing Dictionary of Irish Archive has extended access to teachers and learning paths and allows them to embrace the good habits and learnings from the initial The latest National Children’s School Survey II* Biography (a comprehensive collection with a Scoilnet account. The archive edit the descriptions on demand. published in September 2019, revealed that while of biographies covering the island of is a collection of over 70 national and intervention. Food Dudes Week is also an opportunity Free Online Courses most children regularly ate fruit and vegetables, the regional newspapers from to engage parents in the programme and get the wider overall intake was low at just three servings a day. the 1800s to the present PDST Technology in Education is community involved! day and covers such widely providing three online courses this read titles, like The Irish summer via our online learning platform A well-balanced diet should include 5 -7 Independent, Irish Press TeacherCPD.ie, including an exciting new portions of fruit and vegetables per day. and Belfast Telegraph. In course on Digital Video in the Primary Food Dudes Week recent months the archive Classroom. (Courses are subject to has also added its ‘Radical approval for EPV days.) will include the The Food Dudes programme aims to create healthier Papers’ to the collection of The courses are: habits and increase consumption of fruit and titles available to schools • Digital Technologies in the Primary vegetables in Irish children. and teachers. Allowing Classroom, July 1-17 following: teachers to view the • Digital Video in the Primary Classroom, Up to 5 consecutive days of fresh fruit & veg √ newspapers from July 1-17 for the whole school home is a major • Digital Video in the Primary Classroom, development and August 4-20. √ Brand new Food Dudes Week Videos available should dramatically All courses are free of charge. in both Irish and English change how papers Enrolment will be available in late April or from the past are early May via TeacherCPD.ie. You need a √ A range of Extension Activities tailored used in the Scoilnet account username and password to the curriculum for Junior, Intermediate classroom. to login to TeacherCPD.ie and proceed and Senior classes available on our website, A Scoilnet with the enrolment process for your www.fooddudes.ie, in both Irish and English Account also chosen course. allows teachers For all the latest news and information, √ A “Passport to Healthy Eating” to enroll for free subscribe to the PDST Technology in for every child to complete at online courses Education newsletter (via the www. home, available in both Irish organized pdsttie.ie homepage). and English by the PDST If you’re interested in signing Technology PATRICK COFFEY, national coordinator, Scoilnet in Education √ Food Dudes Lunchboxes up for the Food Dudes programme for your new intake next academic year 2020/2021, through TeacherCPD.ie. please call us on 01 522 4855 or A number of the email [email protected] INTOUCH 43 APRIL 2020 *Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA). (2019). National Children’s Food Survey II. Available from: https://www.iuna.net/surveyreports [Accessed 18/02/20]. Teaching matters Ending child poverty

Why this should be a national priority

There are over 100,000 children in in the next Programme for Government qualifications; Ireland living in consistent poverty and and make ending child poverty a national • Making quality childcare affordable for that simply isn’t right. This means there priority. parents by increasing investment and are families choosing between heating This can be achieved by: introducing price caps on fees. Making and eating. Thousands of children are • Making ending child poverty the childcare free for lone parents and spending their childhoods in unsuitable primary focus of the next National families on low incomes intending to emergency accommodation. While Children and Young People’s Strategy access training or education; more struggle to access education or and establishing a dedicated • Ensuring quality early years’ services healthcare when they need it. Young implementation team and budget; for all children, particularly those most people living in consistent poverty are • Ensuring that all children have access in need by establishing an early years’ also locked out of opportunities they to a hot nutritious meal every day in programme for marginalised children deserve to participate in society and educational settings by expanding the with wraparound family supports in the reach their full potential. To really break School Meals Programme nationally; community; the cycle of child poverty, we need clear • Investing in a major public housing • Establishing an Oireachtas committee and decisive action. programme and introduce a Child and to identify how the State can invest up There have been efforts made in past Family Homelessness Strategy that to €1 billion in childcare; governments to tackle child poverty with includes strict limits on the length of • Making primary education free the ‘consistent poverty’ rate for children time children and families spend in for all children by providing free falling from 10.9 per cent in 2016 to 7.7 per inappropriate accommodation; school books, eliminating voluntary cent in 2018, and the ‘at risk of poverty’ • Transforming the lives of children contributions and reinstating rate declining from 19.1 per cent to 15.9 seeking international protection by capitation rates for schools; per cent. While these reductions are providing own-door accommodation • Introducing free public transport for all very welcome they still mean that large and developing alternatives to children and young people under 18; numbers of children are growing up in direct provision and making HIQA • Improving living conditions for families poverty: over 200,000 children are in the inspection body for refugee struggling with fuel poverty by households at risk of poverty, and among accommodation to ensure it meets the delivering a Warm Homes programme these children more than 100,000 are in new national standards; focused on reducing energy use and consistent poverty. • Investing in creating a dedicated costs. Addressing child poverty requires radical public health nurse service for children Every child deserves every opportunity change in areas of housing, health and and develop a home visiting strategy to reach their full potential. The next nutrition, education and climate action. to ensure every child has access to Programme for Government is the new The new government has a choice: prevention and early intervention government’s chance to deliver the ignore the scale of child poverty and lock supports they deserve in their own change that is needed to transform the out a generation of young people from community; lives of children and families across the the opportunities and childhoods they • Improving quality in universal early country. deserve; or face up to the challenge. We childhood education and care by know that when the Government prioritises introducing a programme that CHILDREN’S RIGHTS ALLIANCE, The Children’s child poverty and shows leadership supports early years’ professionals Rights Alliance unites over 100 members – significant progress can be made. obtaining a qualification and establish including the INTO – working together to make The Children’s Rights Alliance is calling a system to monitor the quality Ireland one of the best places in the world to be on our political parties to put children first and consistency of professional a child.

INTOUCH 45 APRIL 2020 Continue saving online with

Up to 40% off

www.membershipplus.ie

Home & Lifestyle Fashion Health & Beauty 10% off at Clean Cut Meals 10% off at DV8 15% off at Bloobloom Glasses 25% off at Domino’s Pizza 10% off at Divine Boutique 15% off at Make Up Pro Store Up to 20% off at Dell 10% off at ej Menswear 25% off at Myvegan 40% off at Emma Mattress 15% off Hanley & Co 50% off at Myvitamins 10% off at isubscribe 15% off at Nine Crows 10% off at SKINICIAN 20% off at Komodo Maths 10% off at Pamela Scott 10% off at The Health Store 4% off Tesco Shopping Cards 15% off at Suit Direct 50% off at VideoDoc Gifts & Flowers Sports & Fitness 10% off at Argento 15% off at AvaRose Leggings 10% off at Flowers.ie 10% off at Cotswold Outdoor 10% off at The Flower Factory 20% off at ROS Nutrition 10% off at Newbridge Silverware 10% off at Runners Need 10% off at Unbound 10% off at The GAA Store

Make sure you have registere d yoINTOUCHur M e46m APRILbe 2020rship Plus card to access 1,700+ savings! Visit the Membership plus website or app today to register or login. Teaching matters

Including children with movement skill challenges in the PE lesson

Many children develop good movement DCD. Using the TREE model, teachers can in small groups and co-ordination skills through play assist children with motor challenges in a • Minimise competition – participation and movement opportunities in early range of ways. is key childhood. Factors that influence the • Play modified activities with modified development of fundamental movement Teaching Style rules skills (FMS) include age, health, motivation • Demonstrate skills and environment (PDST, 2017). Failure to • Give clear, short instructions Equipment develop and refine these skills may lead to • Highlight three skill criteria at a time • Use tasks cards and visual supports a child becoming frustrated and unwilling • Give regular, meaningful feedback • Use a whiteboard to write key to participate in physical activity with • Offer a choice of developmentally messages consequences both physically, socially appropriate skill level to all children • Use videos to assist instruction and cognitively. Movement skills must • Ask permission to use ‘hand over hand’ • Use a range and choice of equipment be explicitly taught to young children, feedback – consider slower moving balls, larger embedded and practised through the • Use verbal cues to aid with timing e.g.: bats strands of the PE Curriculum. Some 1,2,3, catch children may have persistent and • Use station teaching Environment unexpected difficulties with co-ordination • Allow time for children to discuss their • Keep child close to you so they can and movement and following assessment challenges hear/see instructions clearly may be diagnosed with developmental • Build trust so children can ask for help • Remove distractions within general co-ordination disorder (DCD) or dyspraxia. area of the child Occupational therapy is often prescribed Rules • Keep environment predictable for children with a clinical diagnosis of • Offer individual learning opportunities • Ensure the child with movement challenges is always included – Case Study: Outdoor and Adventure activities consider a buddy to help • Practise skills in a variety of Kate is 8 years old. She is in second class. Kate • Progress to pairs. Kate hold hands with a environments and strands has been diagnosed with DCD. This affects her buddy as they try to move the hoop up and • Provide instructions for external fine and gross motor skills, most notably in her over their partner’s head providers supporting the PE lessons handwriting and during yard time. She often • Provide visual demonstration after exploration • Provide loose equipment at yard time ‘trips over herself’ and bumps into others. Kate • Progress to small group in a circle. Emphasise finds PE difficult. that it’s not a race to allow Kate and others Resources time to co-operate and master skill • PDST (2017) Move Well Move Often Teacher Guide Proposed activities PDST https://www.scoilnet.ie/fileadmin/user_ Outdoor challenges from PSSI lesson plans (Pass Obstacle course upload/Move_Well_Move_Often_Teacher_ the hoop p.7 #3 https://pssi.pdst.ie/pdf/out/ • In advance of lesson give Kate a simple map Guide__7___1_.pdf. out_WAOC.pdf and obstacle course p.10) of the course. Explain the course in the • Dyspraxia Ireland DSD Ireland. www. classroom on the whiteboard dyspraxiaireland.com/Reading (For a range of Pass the hoop • Ensure equipment is well spaced out useful books on DCD). • In advance of lesson, let Kate bring a • Walk through the course. Give visual • Special Education Support Service (2005). hoop home to practise playing freely and demonstrations and plenty of verbal cues Information on Motor Dyspraxia (DCD) https:// manipulating it along the route www.sess.ie/sites/default/files/Categories/ • In the lesson allow each child practise • Allow repeated practice on one route, if ASD/10DCD_Motor_Dyspraxia.pdf. stepping in and out of a hula hoop and required, before moving to a new route ‘thread’ hoop up over their bodies while IPPEA committee members CAITRIONA COSGRAVE, stationary and then moving. Praise Kate when primary teacher and SUSAN MARRON, DCU. successful.

INTOUCH 47 APRIL 2020 Cúrsaí teagaisc

A day on the bog

When you hear someone say they spent Climate Change Heroes Wonderfully Different ‘a day on the bog’ your first thoughts, The well-being of the child is central to We all learn in different ways. Bogland or indeed your pupils’ thoughts, may schools. In this global climate emergency plants and animals all have to be different be of memories of long summer days children can be concerned about their to survive in the wet, wild and open spent cutting and footing turf on a future and, from my own experience, landscapes. Each has adapted a special bog. However, for the Irish Peatland will convey to you the most drastic and way of surviving including a lizard that Conservation Council (IPCC) based at the devastating consequences we may drops its tail, an insect eating sundew, a Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Co Kildare, experience with the changing climate. snipe that drums and a hare that chooses a day on the bog holds a different During classroom discussions on this not to burrow. You can choose to explore meaning. It is an opportunity for pupils bogland plants and animals with your to explore a bog ecosystem, a living pupils using ICT, using a practical hands- habitat supporting a wide variety of on approach, with pupils making their unique flora and fauna, a carbon store, There is no doubt own bog plant flower identification dials, a habitat that regulates water, that has or incorporate the lesson with developing inspired some of Ireland’s renowned taking your pupils to the pupils’ literacy skills using wildlife poets and artists and, for the raised bogs identification books. in the midlands, a 10,000 year journey explore a local bog Although undertaking an educational of formation. There is no doubt taking bog visit, exploring the carbon storage your pupils to explore a local bog would would benefit their ability, the formation of and the plants benefit their learning. However the wet and animals of a local bog is different to nature of bogs, storing 90% water and learning. harvesting turf from a bog, somethings an accumulation of 10% dead plant will never change – wellies or old runners material, means that schools are not are advised for all visiting a bog, bring built on bogs! Supporting schools in theme I recommend you use the bogs plenty of sandwiches to keep energy their exploration of bogs, the Heritage of Ireland to express how nature, in levels up and wear clothes that will work in Schools Scheme has encouraged particular our bogs, can be our heroes. To in all weather types. For those choosing development of resources to bring bogs explain, in brief, bogland plants absorb to bring the bogs alive in the classroom alive in the classroom through activities carbon dioxide as they photosynthesise. visit http://bit.ly/BogsinClassroom and and discussion while also offering Bogs are natural water storage units download IPCC’s Discovering the Wild schools an opportunity to explore a which prevents decomposers such as Boglands Primary School worksheets to local bogland with a heritage specialist. worms living beneath their surface. When support you. As a heritage in school specialist with bogland plants hibernate in winter, their a particular focus on bogs, I share with dead leaf litter becomes part of the bog NUALA MADIGAN, Irish Peatland Conservation pupils my own childhood days spent on surface. This leaf litter will not decompose Council and heritage expert with Heritage in the bog but also aim to share the values due to the absence of decomposers and Schools. The Heritage in Schools Scheme is we now know our bogs offer us while in turn becomes stored carbon helping to coordinated by the Heritage Council. To find out promoting the well-being of pupils in an reduce carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas more and to book a visit from a heritage expert inclusive environment. in our environment. visit www.heritageinschools.ie.

INTOUCH 48 APRIL 2020 Teaching matters

Winnie the Pooh inspiration for geographical and outdoor learning

idespread attention has with his son. been paid to the benefits of In 1921 A.A. Milne gave his son children learning outdoors Christopher Robin Milne a toy bear. Wsince the American author Richard Louv Initially called Edward, the bear was developed the concept of nature-deficit renamed Winnie after a brown bear disorder. In books such as Last Child in London Zoo. Harry Colebourn, a in the Woods, Louv linked the rise in Canadian lieutenant and veterinary obesity, attention-deficit disorder and surgeon, had brought the bear cub depression to children’s lack of contact to England at the beginning of World with nature. War I. Winnie was named after the city The Winnie the Pooh stories (Milne of Winnipeg and she was donated to and Shepard, 1994) can be used by London Zoo when Harry’s unit left for teachers to inspire outdoor adventures France. The origin of the second part of for children. During an era where the name ‘Pooh’ is explained in the 1924 children are spending less time book When we were young. The name outdoors, it is opportune to revisit the Pooh originally belonged to a swan, characters created by A.A. Milne. The as can be seen in the introduction magical setting for Winnie-the-Pooh’s of Milne’s When We Were Very Young. Ashdown Forest, Sussex Forest, Ashdown adventures is a real place: the Hundred “Christopher Robin, who feeds this Acre Wood was inspired by Ashdown swan in the mornings, has given him Forest, a wildlife haven that spans more the name of ‘Pooh.’ This is a very fine than 6,000 acres in southeast England. name for a swan, because, if you call Milne’s childhood connection with him and he doesn’t come (which is a nature inspired his writing as he spent thing swans are good at), then you can hours outside exploring the woods pretend that you were just saying

Subject Strand Strand Unit Geography Natural Environments The local natural environment

INTOUCH 49 APRIL 2020 Cúrsaí teagaisc

‘Pooh!’ to show him how little you children learn to make swings in trees, small scraps of fabric, images of Pooh wanted him.” to use ropes to climb muddy slopes, and and friends and PVA glue or sticky dots. The friendship between Christopher to be outdoors in all weather conditions. Then ask them to glue materials onto Robin and Winnie the Pooh inspired They take risks, develop gross motor skills the map, to create a tactile and sensory a collection of books starting with and engage in problem solving. Teachers piece of art. Include local versions of Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926. The books were can design multiple outdoor activities the key sites which feature in the story illustrated by E.H. Shepard. Winnie the inspired by the Winnie the Pooh stories. e.g. the ancient black walnut tree on Pooh has also been immortalised by the the edge of the forest that became animated film created by the Walt Disney Geographical and outdoor activities Pooh’s house, a bridge to represent Corporation. Milne’s stories have been based on Winnie the Pooh Poohsticks Bridge and an old quarry translated into 50 languages and are • Select a special tree from the local where Roo played in his sandy pit. considered classic children’s stories today. environment. Find out its name and • Create a honey trail in the school Other characters, such as Eeyore, Piglet, special characteristics. Draw a sketch grounds using templates of bees Tigger, Kanga and Roo were also based on of this tree using E.H. Shepard’s dotted around the school ground. stuffed animals belonging to Christopher illustrations as inspiration. Encourage Children understand that bees are Robin. Most of these stuffed animals are the children to label their picture with important pollinators. A decline in now on display in the New York Public a title inspired by the Winnie the Pooh the bee species causes a decrease in Library. The characters, Rabbit and Owl, books. Also include the child’s name, pollination, new plants, flowers and were based on animals that lived, like the date of drawing and name of tree. ultimately honey. Part of the school swan Pooh, in the surrounding area of ground can be planted as a wild garden Milne’s country home, Cotchford Farm in Initiatives such as with an explicit aim of attracting Ashdown Forest, Sussex. It is this area on bees and enhancing the school’s which the 100-Acre-Wood was based. forest schools ensure biodiversity. The end-paper to Winnie the Pooh by • On a fine day organise a Christopher A.A. Milne, first published by Methuen that children have an Robin Tea Party outside. Children can in 1926, is a map of the 100 ‘aker’ wood dress up as their favourite characters or (Hundred Acre Wood). Using the device opportunity to play bring miniature toy versions. of a map or bird’s-eye view, it shows • ‘The case of the missing tail’: Create a each of the characters in their own outside, to swing treasure hunt to enable the children to home or locality in the Hundred Acre find Eeyore’s missing tail. Wood, where the story is set. When E.H. from ropes, climb • Print out Winnie the Pooh characters Shepard first drew the map of the 100 on cardboard. The children can use ‘aker’ wood he based the location on trees and explore these to create new Winnie the Pooh Ashdown Forest, near the home of the stories in their school grounds. These Milnes in East Sussex. Over the years natural habitats with characters can also be used to create there has been much speculation about a diorama with a scene from the the location of the story and how many a sense of adventure Hundred Acre Woods. of the landmarks were inspired by real • If the school is located near a river places. According to Christopher Robin rather than fear. or stream the children can play in his own autobiography The Enchanted poohsticks. This is a game whereby Places, Ashdown Forest is 100 Acre Wood. • Using an iPad or video camera, record each player throws a stick over the The best-known landmark is Poohsticks children reading a favourite line from upstream side of a bridge into a stream Bridge, which on the local map is called the story and their reasons for this or river, the winner being the person Posingford Bridge. choice. You could film this outside whose stick emerges first from under In his later years, Christopher Milne under a tree and use props to make the bridge. recruited Pooh to help in the campaign it look like the Hundred Acre Wood. for the survival of Ashdown Forest, which Collate the film clips together and Further resources available: was then being threatened by a proposed show them to the rest of the school in Aalto, K. (2015) The Natural World of exploration by British Petroleum. assembly, or play the video on a loop Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring the Real Fortunately, Ashdown Forest was saved at parents’ evening. There is excellent Landscapes of the Hundred Acre Wood, for posterity. support available on the FÍS Film Timber Press Initiatives such as forest schools ensure Project website via PDST. Louv, R., 2008. Last child in the woods: that children have an opportunity to • Map work: Situate the story in a local Saving our children from nature-deficit play outside, to swing from ropes, climb landscape. Show children a map of the disorder. Algonquin books. trees and explore natural habitats with a Hundred Acre Wood. Discuss the map. Milne, A.A. and Shepard, E.H., 1994. sense of adventure rather than fear. The Ask the children to draw a map of their The complete tales of Winnie-the-Pooh. forest school movement originated in local area as a setting for the Winnie Penguin. the Scandinavian countries in the 1950s the Pooh stories. Give each child a and since the mid 1990s is increasingly large piece of paper and a selection of DR ANNE DOLAN is a lecturer in primary being supported in the UK and more collage materials, including coloured geography in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. recently in Ireland. At forest school events, and patterned papers, twigs and leaves,

INTOUCH 50 APRIL 2020 Teaching matters Exemptions from the study of Irish New criteria are damaging

The criteria in the revised DES Circular do not exist in other countries. For standardised score on a discrete 0052/2019 issued by the Department example, there is no exemption from test in either word reading, reading of Education and Skills (DES) for the the study of Welsh in Wales. The comprehension or spelling at or below exemption of pupils from the study of overwhelming response was that the tenth percentile as the cut off to Irish are damaging and not based on education systems in other countries qualify for an exemption. As percentile scientific evidence. I explain here why employ inclusive education practices is a norm-referenced score, this means I think this is the case and how this will which meet the learning needs of all that 10% of all children will be identified impact both teachers and pupils alike. pupils regardless of ability. at or below this score. The responsibility Additionally, from our understanding will now lie with the teacher to create Why was a review needed? of the research, there is no such thing the case for approving or denying an A very informative review of policy and as a language learning disability per application by a parent for exemption. practice in 2018 in relation to exemptions se. Childr en with a range of special In setting a cut-off point, the impression was undertaken by the DES Inspectorate. education needs can and do successfully is created that there is scientific evidence This review clearly illustrated that the learn a second language. The fact that to support the notion that these children processes in place at that time were 67% of students with an exemption from cannot learn a second language. Nothing broken and new processes were required. the study of Irish in 2017 successfully could be further from the truth. Learning Coupled with this, the number of pupils studied another language for their Junior Irish as a second language helps children with exemptions had grown from Certificate is evidence of this. learn another language at post-primary or 2.5% in 1999 to 11% in 2019. The DES third level. In setting the cut-off so high, initiated a public consultation process Why are the new criteria damaging? children who are capable of learning Irish on exemptions from the study of Irish in The existence of an exemption from the will be denied the opportunity. They will December 2018. study of Irish gives legitimacy to the also be denied career opportunities in It was clear to me and colleagues false notion that there is such a thing as primary teaching, an Garda Síochána and in SEALBHÚ in DCU, however, that the a language learning disability. Granting civil service. consultation process was flawed and exemptions to pupils who don’t require The DES has committed to review DES that it did not take the findings from the them sends them an implicit message Circular 0053/2019 in 2021. I have called Inspectorate’s consultation document that they cannot learn a second language. for its withdrawal as it is normalising the nor international research into account. A This denies them the opportunity concept that many children cannot learn more fundamental review was required to enjoy all the cognitive, social and Irish. that questioned the underlying basis for academic benefits that come with being exemptions from the study of Irish. bilingual. Furthermore, it denies them PROFESSOR PÁDRAIG Ó DUIBHIR, deputy dean, the opportunity to learn the language DCU Institute of Education and director of Is there a basis for exemptions from in a manner that might better suit their SEALBHÚ, the DCU Research Centre for the the study of Irish? learning needs and style. Learning and Teaching of Irish. Exemptions from the study of languages DES Circular 0052/2019 sets a

INTOUCH 51 APRIL 2020 Teaching matters David Walliams

Is úrscéalaí Béarla don óige é David Walliams agus tá lucht bhaineann le cairdeas agus cineáltas. leanúna mór aige in Éirinn. Tá a chuid leabhar ar fáil i mbreis agus • In ainneoin a chuid airgid, tá cairde de dhith ar Joe, pléigh slite leathchéad teanga ar fud na cruinne. Tá trí leabhar dá chuid ar fáil go mbeadh sé in ann cairde nua a dhéanamh i nGaeilge. • Tarlaíonn bulaíocht sa scéal, pléigh conas is féidir cabhrú leo Tá saibhreas den scoth agus greann sna haistriúcháin siúd a ndéantar bulaíocht orthu. cumasacha ó Futa Fata a spreagfaidh suim agus a chuirfidh le • Iarr ar pháistí liosta siopadóireachta a scríobh de na rudaí a taitneamh na bpáistí. Cabhróidh pictiúirí spraíúla Tony Ross le bheadh siad ábalta a cheannach dá mbeadh míle euro acu. páistí an téacs a thuiscint níos fearr. Mr Lofa An Billiúnaí Beag • Cuireann Chloe a lán ceisteanna ar Mr Lofa ag tús an scéil. Iarr Buachaill óg 12 bhliain d’aois é Joe Práta atá lofa le hairgead. Tá ar pháistí liosta ceisteanna a bheadh acu féin dó a chumadh. na milliúin euro aige agus teilifíseán plasma 100 orlach aige i • Iarr ar pháistí an scéal a athinsint ó thaobh dhearcadh ngach seomra sa teach, tá ráschúrsa grand prix ar chúl an tí aige. Annabelle, deirfiur óg Chloe. Níl rud ar bith de dhíth air, ach rud amháin, cara. • Baineann an scéal le cineáltas agus carthanacht. Pléigh an tábhacht a bhaineann le bheith cineálta agus carthanach lena Mr Lofa chéile. Is í Chloe an cailín is uaigní ar domhan, go dtí go mbuaileann • Scríobh prófíl carachtar do Mr Lofa (nó do dhuine ar bith ó sí leis an bhfear déirce, Mr Lofa. Tá boladh bréan uaidh agus na scéalta eile). Spreag na páistí le machnamh a dhéanamh tá daoine ag iarraidh é a dhíbirt ón mbaile. Socraíonn Chloe é ar thréithe fisiceacha chomh maith le pearsantacht agus a chur i bhfolach i seid sa ghairdín nuair atá áit le fanacht de dearcadh an duine – dean tobsmaoineamh ar na haidiachtaí a dhíth air mar gurb é an t-aon duine ina saol atá deas, cineálta léi. dhéanann cur síos ar Mr Lofa agus scríobh ar an gclár bán iad Caithfidh Chloe an rún a choimeád ach is gearr go dtuigeann sí chun cuidiú le páistí. gur féidir le rúin go leor trioblóide a tharraingt agus faigheann sí amach go bhfuil a rúin féin nach raibh coinne ar bith aici leis ag Mamó an Gadaí Mór Mr Lofa. • Cruthaigh comhrá beirte idir Mamó agus Ben agus í ag iarraidh leithscéal a dhéanamh leis maidir leis an rún atá aici. Mamó an Gadaí Mór • Imríonn Ben agus Mamó Scrabble le chéile, tabhair sreang Ceapann Ben gur seanduine leadránach í a Mhamó. Is litreacha do na páistí chun focail a chumadh leis na litreacha gnáthMhamó í amach is amach. Itheann sí anraith cabáiste, tá sin. gruaig bhán uirthi, tá fiacla bréige aici, bíonn ciarsúr páipéir • Is breá le Mamó cabáiste agus ullmhaíonn sí oidis éagsúla le ina muinchille i gcónaí aici agus caitheann sí an oíche ag imirt cabáiste iontu. Cruthaigh biachlár le miasa a bheadh oiriúnach Scrabble. Ach ansin faigheann Ben amach go bhfuil rún ag Mamó do Mhamó. – rún dochreidte – is gadaí idirnáisiúnta seod í! • Scríobh liosta de na ceisteanna a chuirfeá ar Mhamó dá mbeadh agallamh á chur agat uirthi agus tú mar Gharda Úsáid sa Rang Síochána. An Billiúnaí Beag Ar fáil: www.futafata.ie • Iarr ar pháistí machnamh a dhéanamh ar conas a bheadh an saol muna mbeadh aon cairde acu. Pléigh an tábhacht a MÁIRE NIC AN RÍ, oifigeach bunscoile, COGG.

INTOUCH 53 APRIL 2020 News Reviews

Political division, hard borders and Journey the strength of hope through the I think I am correct in saying that there Helen’s Hope Hostel in Belfast. The hostel is a real market for historical fiction for is a feminist space where young women trenches Irish primary school classrooms. We really live and work together. People in Belfast Liam and Aoife are off on a second enjoy a well-written, dramatic historical start to turn against the progressive adventure! The siblings are upon the story. Hope Against Hope, by Sheena values of the hostel. battlefields of Northern France and Wilkinson, is the type of novel that This story is one of brilliantly vibrant Belgium shadowing their grandfather primary school teachers and current themes for as a young man. World War I: When and children will love, a 5th/6th class student. the Lights Went Out in Europe is the especially the senior It will provoke debate second book of the historical time classes. in language, history travelling trilogy. The novel is set in and learn together The pair are aided in their 1921 when Ireland was lessons. Most of all it is adventures by Seamus and Phelim, a separated under British an enduring tale that will couple of sidekicks who bring levity law by the Government entertain the class while to the narrative. For a story which of Ireland Act, which teaching children about takes place during World War I, the created Northern Ireland. political division, hard author, Rod Smith, treats the subjects This is a time when borders and the strength of warfare and death both realistically communities were of hope (against hope). and sensitively. divided and the hard Published by Little Since the book is historical fiction border is the catalyst for Island. ISBN: 978-1912- there are many real life characters our protagonist, Polly’s 4174-21. Cost: €9.99. who cross paths with the children: call to action. Polly Francis Ledwidge the poet, Nurse decides to run away from Reviewed by ROZZ LEWIS, Edith Cavell, Sir Adrian Carton de home and ends up in a Co Carlow. Wiart. The reader is met with true-to- life events characteristic to war. These events and the many well-drawn characters bring the narrative to life Lovely introduction to Irish legends evoking both interest and a strong feeling of empathy for those who stepmother and forced to wander across were subject to the many pains of Ireland for 900 years. war. The book comes in hardback which If studying World War I with makes it robust for the classroom. It has students, this book would a handy ribbon attached make an excellent to the book which can be resource to use as used as a bookmark. a read aloud novel It’s written by Laura or as a class novel. Ruth Maher, a Montessori The novel is rich in teacher with an interest in descriptions, strong the importance of rhyme for characters and early literacy development. engaging scenes It’s nicely illustrated by to deem it worthy Conor of not only reading Busuttil. and comprehension The book is suitable from lessons but oral 1st class upwards due to its language and rhyming nature. A lovely, writing sessions This enjoyable book for children too. The novel is book is a lovely introduction to Irish and teachers. suitable for 4th to legends for children. It’s a rhyming O’Brien Press. ISBN 978-1- 6th class. Poolbeg. version of The Children of Lir which 78849-106-8. Cost: €12.99. ISBN: 178-1997-78-0. enables children to join in as they become Cost: €8.99. familiar with the story. Reviewed by AUDREY KEOGH, Co It tells the story of how Lir’s children Longford. Reviewed by STUART PURCELL, Co Dublin. were turned into swans by their wicked

INTOUCH 55 APRIL 2020 Comhar Linn Draw winners CAR – TOYOTA YARIS CASH €2,000.00 CASH €1,000.00 CASH €1,000.00 CASH €1,000.00 Winner details withheld Sharon McGough – Winner details withheld by Caroline Carey Winner details withheld by by consent – District 21 – Co. na Gaillimhe consent – District 10 – Co. Donegal consent – District 18 – Waterford Galway Meath

Comhar Linn Crossword No. 205 A draw for 2 x €100 will be made from all correct entries. Simply complete the crossword and email it to : [email protected] before 29th April 2020.

Across Down 1234567 1. Label a character with silver. (3) 1.& 13d. Telecasters hoped change would 3. Gave in a little on seeing commies drop occur to a prayer. (3,8,5)

89 out. (11) 2. Native American with a strangely 8. Darren has gone off on a message. (6) minor ego. (8) 9. Whale-food gives the board added 3. Despite its many locks, it’s open to 10 11 12 weight. (8) barges. (5)

13 14 10. Punitive way to confine a novice. (5) 4. This plant may provide syrup, Pa. (7) 11. The heart of the teachers’ quibble is a 5. Makes money making confectionary. little explosive! (5) (5) 15 16 17 13. Harsh, irritated ulcer. (5) 6. Embark to find a hawker from the 18 15. Part of the pig reserved for Del-Boy south-east. (3,3) or Rodney? (7) 7. Professor? It’s all put on! (3) 19 20 16. Soundly one learns a character 12. Piece of film about two-wheelers one 21 22 23 provides gossip. (7) kept just over a foot? (7,4) 20. Indoor sport involving many skills. (5) 13. See 1 down. 21. Head-case! (5) 14. Loamy soil damages soles. (5) 24 25 23. Found under Director-Generals’ 17. One who jumps from planes make expenses initially? How sweet is that? kids very upset. (8)

26 27 (5) 18. Sounds like Canadian premier Justin 24. Connacht, perhaps, is in favour of has real money! (7) Lombardi. (8) 19. With a little wolf love, I would be in NAME: 25. Note, a French composer is small and shape! (6) ADDRESS: stony. (6) 22. Prone to telling fibs. (5) 26. The occupation of teaching the aged 23. Will two score this many? (5) rope guy to change. (11) 24. An explosive sound from Dad. (3) 27. Type of music produced by an artist, quietly. (3) Open to INTO Members only To read the Crossword Competition Terms & Conditions and INTO’s Data Privacy Notice, please visit https://www.into.ie/about/compliance/data-privacy-notice/

Gordius – In Touch No. 204 – March 2020 solutions

Across Down 1. Trace element 7. Oft 9. Memo 10. Aviary 1. The Sport of Kings 2. Ahoy 3. Exam Winners of Comhar Linn InTouch Crossword No. 203 are 11. Glue 14. Pedal 15. Baize 16. Flat 4. Loire 5. Maria 6. Toll 8. Twenty-twenty Mary Hickson, Co. Kerry and Siobhan O’Callaghan, 18. Lodge 21. Haiku 22. Visit 23. Small vision 9. Misbehaviour 13. Menus 14. Polka Co. Tipperary. 24. Vent 25. No-one 26. Penny 29. Oily 17. Lesson plan 19. Dolly 20. Event 27. Error 33. Oracle 34. Lucy 36. Rag 28. Nacho 30. Legs 31. Week 35. Cos Winners of crossword no. 204 will be announced in our next InTouch issue.

INTOUCH 56 APRIL 2020 Each month Children’s Books Ireland recommend a book of the month for primary pupils Children’s Books Ireland recommended read – April The most clicked resources on Scoilnet last month SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA INIS CHLÉIRE CO CARE OF THE EARTH CORK In The Garden http://bit.ly/CAFOD-ZeroHero Written by Noëlle Smit. Little Island Books, 2020. ISBN A four minute animation for children based on a 9781912417490. 32pp. Cost: €20 letter from Pope Francis on caring for the earth. BIA – BOSCA LÓIN Ecology, green living, clean eating and bit.ly/BoscaLóin growing your own food have all become Seo cur i láthair PDF le focail don téama bosca lóin. important current topics for a variety of reasons, not least of which is climate http://snchleire.com/ LENT, SHROVE TUESDAY, ASH WEDNESDAY change. This book might show children Situated in a beautiful part of http://bit.ly/Lent-ShroveTuesday that by gardening, they can take action the country, the website uses a Among other things, it explains the differences and do something very beneficial to help lot of strong imagery to reflect between the Western and Eastern churches in how the environment. This could provide life in the school. While there is they celebrate these significant days. not a huge amount of written them with a sense of agency as an antidote to the AN TEARRACH regular news stories about the effects of global warming. content, the images speak for themselves. Bi-lingual content. http://bit.ly/Daltai-Irish-Puzzle The endpapers are bright and attractive showing Crosfhocal bunaithe ar an tEarrach. Tugtar na a summer garden filled with flowers, and a big ONES TO WATCH leideanna i mBéarla agus bíonn ar an dalta iad butterfly taking centre stage. Starting in January, a aistriú. each opening of the book depicts a month in the SAFEFOOD IRELAND – garden. The interdependence of soil, plants, insects, CREATIVE DRAMA LESSONS birds, animals and people is understated but visible. www.childdrama.com/lessons.html The cyclical nature of the gardener’s year is depicted Games include; mixed fractions, adding fractions, through the use of very bright contrasting blocks subtracting fractions, reduce fractions, greatest of colour. From dark earth tones in winter and early common factor, lowest common factor. spring, we progress to light-filled double spreads, EASTER RISING showing summer in all its glory of blue skies, HANDWASHING http://www.easter1916.net and riotous reds and pinks. There is a very strong www.safefood.eu/handwash/index. Background information to the 1916 rising. design element and a lot for children to look at and html LESSON ACTIVITIES – BOY IN THE STRIPED discuss. The text is minimal and factual, whereas the A guide to handwashing that PYJAMAS illustrations are busy and energetic. contains storybooks, videos and http://bit.ly/Boy-Striped-PJ This book, then, is a timely and welcome addition posters. Information is aimed at A series of eight lesson activities based on the to homes and classrooms. It might well entice parents, childcare providers and parents. John Boyne novel. teachers and children to begin gardens of their HSE – HYGIENE POSTERS own. Overall, the message conveyed is that growing MONEY – SHOPPING PROBLEMS https://tinyurl.com/u9sas6f tinyurl.com/rehmll4 plants is hard work, but that it provides great joy and Posters in both Irish and English satisfaction as well as food to eat. Non-fiction, 5–7. PowerPoint presentation aimed at a 3rd/4th around coughing and sneezing. maths class. Children’s Books Ireland is the national children’s books Also includes a number of organisation of Ireland. For further information and more images created for sharing on HOLY WEEK THEMEPAGE reviews, visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie social media. http://bit.ly/Holy-Week-Resources Collection of resources and videos to explain what InTouch competitions and draws LANDSCAPES IN IRISH ART is being commemorated during Holy Week. From time to time, the INTO runs competitions and draws for our https://tinyurl.com/spxqzm7 A set of lesson plans from the COUNTRIES OF EUROPE members via InTouch, our e-newsletter, website or social media. http://bit.ly/CountriesofEurope Only essential data required for the running of the competition is National Gallery based on well-known Irish paintings. Interactive to test knowledge about the location of requested from members. The data collected is deleted once the countries. Not so easy! winners have been selected. The full name and county of prize winners are published by the 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 57 APRIL 2020