­Issue­No­185 March­2019 ISSN­1393-4813­(Print) ISSN­2009-6887­(Online)

School Tour Special Pay equality in the European Court Brexit concerns brought to Brussels Keeping InTouch

3 Interactive dialogue with members, and key news items 4

#NoMorePlasticPaddy

Welcome to the March edition of InTouch Magazine and on enhancing social and communication skills of students our annual ‘School Tour Special’ featuring lots of terrific on the autistic spectrum. ideas for your forthcoming school tours. Brexit is on the front pages of all national newspapers Stories are incredibly powerful. With World Book Day most days at the moment. Our own members, some of on the horizon (7 March), we are proud to include a series whom cross the border to work each day have been in touch of age appropriate LGBT+ friendly books which introduce to raise their concerns on mutual recognition, pensions, diverse characters and family types. health insurance and so on. Our President, Joe Killeen and is St Patricks Day (17 March) INTO will be doing Northern Ireland Chair, Paddy McAllister, led a delegation something very special. Our Global Solidarity Campaign to Brussels last month to raise these concerns with key is asking all primary schools in Ireland to ditch single decision makers there. You can read more about the use plastics, a key component of the UN sustainable delegation in the magazine. development goals. Read more about our In just about six weeks’ time we will be gathering in #NoMorePlasticPaddy campaign inside. Galway for our Annual Congress. Delegates representing In a few days our Special Education Conference will take branches all over the country will be in attendance to decide place on 9 March. is timely gathering will focus on INTO policy on a range of topics. inclusion – the continuum of support. is month’s magazine features an outstanding article by autism experts

InTouch­General­Editor: Sheila Nunan Correspondence­to: The Editor, InTouch , InTouch is published by the Irish National those of the individual authors and are not Except where the Irish National Teachers’ Editor: David Geary INTO Head Office, Vere Foster House, Teachers’ Organisation and distributed to necessarily endorsed by the INTO. Organisation has formally negotiated Assistant­Editor: Síne Friel 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 members and educational institutions. While every care has been taken to ensure agreements as part of its services to members , Editorial­Assistants:­ Karen Francis, Yvonne Tel: 01 804 7700 / LoCall: 1850 708 708 InTouch is the most widely circulated that the information contained in this inclusion of an advertisement does not imply Kenny, Aida González Email:­ [email protected] education magazine in Ireland. Articles publication is up to date and correct, no any form of recommendation. While every Advertising:­ Mary Bird Smyth, Karen Francis Website: www.into.ie/m.into.ie published in InTouch are also available on our responsibility will be taken by the Irish effort is made to ensure the reliability of Design:­ David Cooke If you no longer wish to receive InTouch website www.into.ie National Teachers’ Organisation for any error advertisers, the INTO cannot accept liability Photography:­ Moya Nolan, Shutterstock please contact [email protected]. The views expressed in this journal are which might occur. for the quality of goods and services offered.

INTOUCH 3 MarCH 2019 CONTENTS

25 Retirements Retirement functions around the branches 26 InFocus InTouch profiles the Conditions of Employment team 27 Teachers’ Musical Society TMS stage Evita 29 Incredible Edibles An Post/INTO Scéal Eile competition 30 Forbairt leadership programme Mellon Educate Mellon Educate are looking for volunteers to join their Teaching Blitz 41 Cumann na mBunscol

31 sChool Tour sPECial 37 Staying safe on farms 31 Alma Jordan shares advice for your school trip to the farm. KEEPing inTouCh Primary pupils hold 38 School tour tips demonstration for climate action 3 Editorial Top tips to make the most of your school tour #NoMorePlasticPaddy 7 Connect with INTO nEwsdEsK 10 Things you should know 21 Child protection and lifE safeguarding inspections 43 Travel Re-vetting of teachers inTo nEws Ciara McNally shares the must-see Vere Foster medal winners attractions of Abu Dhabi ) 9 Brexit concerns raised in 45 Recipes Brussels 23 School libraries survey School milk jingle winners Pancakes with a difference Consultation on School and traditional Irish scones Completion Programme Dolly Parton shares books in 23 Tallaght 10 European Court of Justice case Payment of substitute teachers 13 Vere Foster collection A collection of Vere Foster memorabilia has gone on display in INTO Head Office Long-serving officers in District 6 honoured 14 Reproductive health survey INTO summer learning programme 15 Special education conference Minister visits District 3 17 INTO 150 events 19 Benefits Discover benefits available to members with their Membership Plus card 20 Global citizenship schools #NoMorePlasticPaddy campaign

INTOUCH 4 MarCH 2019 March 2019 27

62 Comhar Linn lComhar Linn Crossword l December Prize winners 63 Scoilnet Panel

finishing TouChEs 61 Noticeboard Upcoming events 55 43

TEaChing MaTTErs

47 Maps in the Classroom 58 Irish resources Using Ordnance Survey Ireland maps to COGG share lesson ideas for two Michael enhance the geography curriculum Morpurgo books available as Gaeilge 48 Enhancing social and 59 Reviews communication skills of pupils on the autism spectrum Research-based guidance 51 Art and mindfulness Sample lessons from online course 53 53 Under the Howthorn Tree Helen Hallissey shares drama ideas based on the best-selling book 54 LGBT+ inclusive books for World Book Day The INTO LGBT+ Teachers Group share their top books for different age groups. 57 Celebrating Lady Nelson Michelle O’Connor looks the first female owner of a Grand National winner. 51 INTOUCH 5 MarCH 2019 Keeping­in­touch

Stay informed

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

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

Brexit concerns raised in School tour ideas. INTO Learning summer 1Brussels. Page 9 5From page 31 8programme. Page 14 Latest on substitute Teachers’ Musical Social and 2pay issues. Page 10 6 Society are staging 9communication skills #NoMorePlasticPaddy Evita. Page 27 for pupils with ASDs. 3campaign. Page 20 LGBT+ inclusive books Page 48 INTO at European 7for World Book Day. INTO/AnPost Scéal 4Court on pay equality. Page 54 10 Eile competition. Page 10 Page 29

INTOUCH 7 MarCH 2019 INTO News

1 e Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … who’s who, what’s new, and what’s happening 2 Members raise Brexit concerns

On 20 February 2019, the INTO President, depart the EU without a deal. for staffing these positions, it’s imperative Joe Killeen and the INTO Northern Ireland that additional barriers not be created Chair, Paddy McAllister, met with senior Crossing the border which will only affect schools’ ability to parliamentarians and stakeholders in INTO is aware of teachers who cross the provide quality teachers day in, day out. Brussels to raise members’ concerns on a border every day to take up teaching roles no-deal Brexit. Among the concerns they in both the Republic or Ireland and INTO’s response raised were: Northern Ireland. In a recent freedom of INTO President, Joe Killeen said, “With the information request to the General increasingly haphazard approach being Mutual recognition of professional Teaching Council for Northern Ireland taken to Brexit by the UK Government, qualifications (GTCNI), the INTO discovered that their and the very real possibility that the UK Currently, a teacher who has obtained current list contains members who list their might depart the EU without a deal, our qualified teacher status in an European address as being in the Republic of Ireland. members deserve guarantees that their Union (EU) member state in compliance jobs will be protected. Whether training in with EU Directives is eligible to be Supply crisis one jurisdiction and working in another, registered in another member state Schools in both the Republic of Ireland and or commuting across the border daily, we subject to certain conditions. It remains to Northern Ireland continue to notify the are concerned that teachers are being be seen how this mutual recognition will INTO of their ongoing struggle to secure overlooked. Today in Brussels, we have be facilitated should the United Kingdom substitute teachers. At such a critical time taken our concerns to senior decision makers and MEPs.” David­Geary,­INTO­Head The INTOs Northern Ireland Chair, of­Communications; Paddy McAllister said, “As a trade union Emer­Deane,­Brexit­Lead that operates across the island of Ireland, Staffer­at­the­Permanent we are concerned that a no-deal Brexit Representation­of would leave some of our members Ireland­to­the­EU,­Paddy without protection. Those members McAllister,­INTO crossing the border each day to teach in Northern­Ireland­Chair, schools in both jurisdictions, play a critical Joe­Killeen,­INTO role in our society and deserve clarity on President their roles. In meetings with senior voices in Brussels today we have demanded that teachers receive this clarity from both the UK and Dublin governments.”

school Completion Programme The­INTO­recently­met­with­principals and­school­representatives­to­explore the­experiences­of­schools­in­relation to­the­School­Completion­Programme. Meetings­were­held­in­Cork,­Donegal, Dublin­and­Galway. Pictured­left­are­attendees­from­the Cork­meeting­with­John­Driscoll,­INTO CEC­District­12.

INTOUCH 9 MarCH 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ Pay Equality: Fight Goes on Despite European Court Ruling

The INTO fundamentally disagreed with the judgement of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in its recent case, but won’t be stopped in pursuit of pay equality. The INTO supported members Tomás Horgan and Claire Keegan in their claim before the European Court of Justice seeking redress, on age discrimination grounds, for the unilateral decision of the government to cut new entrant pay. Questions were referred to the ECJ from the Irish Labour Court, following previous hearings. The claim to the Labour Court is that the 10 per cent salary cut and scale reversion imposed on new entrant teachers, such as the claimants, from January 2011, represents indirect discrimination on age grounds. The response of the ECJ to the questions unconnected” to age. The change had not posed to it by the Irish Labour Court is a therefore constituted indirect New entrant = young teacher bitter disappointment. The Court chose discrimination on age grounds. The state’s own statistics show that well not to hold an oral hearing where Tomás INTO views this finding as narrow and not over 70 per cent of new entrants to and Claire could have set out their specific having regard to the reality that most primary teaching in 2011 were 25 years of case and been represented. teachers are of a particular age on age or under. To impose a salary cut on recruitment. This European ruling now goes these entrants means in reality that Court finding and INTO response before the Labour Court. INTO continues to younger teachers were paid less than In its ruling of 14 February, the ECJ stated pursue the remaining aspects of pay older teachers had been, a disadvantage that the date of recruitment was the key equality and the CEC acknowledges the which across the career could result in a factor in determining starting pay and that contribution of Tomás Horgan and Claire substantial differential in career earnings. this was a “neutral factor, manifestly Keegan to this battle over many years. Substitute pay

INTO is aware that a when teachers are absent. number of substitute The INTO contacted the members were affected by DES ahead of payday on a technical problem in the Thursday, 21 February. They Department of Education advised that, for most and Skills (DES), arising teachers affected, the issue from the PAYE has been solved and modernisation project. We refunds have been issued. understand from the DES However, there are some that some substitutes were teachers who will have an “ceased” by the DES payroll unrelated tax issue, perhaps and this resulted in them arising from dual being overtaxed. INTO employment. These contacted the DES seeking teachers should contact clarifications for our Revenue directly to ensure members, and assurances the correct allocation of that the matter would be their tax credits. People in resolved quickly. involved are among our most vulnerable receipt of maternity or illness benefit INTO acknowledges the size and members, who are dependent on casual may also be in this situation and should complexity of the DES payroll, but this work, and who are ensuring that there contact Revenue directly if they have a should not have happened. The teachers are qualified teachers in classrooms taxation issue.

INTOUCH 10 MarCH 2019 INTO­news Vere Foster Exhibition Opened at INTO Head Office

Vere Foster was INTO’s founding president and a noted philanthropist in nineteenth- century Ireland. Subject of at least three biographical works, the 200th anniversary of Foster’s birth occurs in April 2019.

Varied memorabilia An exhibit of Vere Foster memorabilia has recently been opened in the reception area of INTO head office (Vere Foster House) in Dublin. This was made possible mainly through the work of retired INTO member Bart Bambury in collecting Foster memorabilia over the years. The display represents a selection of what has been assembled but it is broadly representative of Vere Foster’s life and involvement in education. Included are both handwriting and drawing copybooks for use in schools (Vere Foster published almost 200 separate copybook titles), a ‘hat’ inkwell of a type he had produced specifically for schoolchildren, a book written by Foster, a letter to his niece in INTO­Deputy­General­Secretary/General­Treasurer­Noel­Ward,­Bart­Bambury,­General­Secretary the year of his death, and a prize Sheila­Nunan­and­President­Joe­Killeen­at­the­opening­of­the­Vere­Foster­Exhibition.­ certificate for the schools’ handwriting competitions which he organised. Foster medal, which is presented annually buildings. The letter (of 1872) is signed by, to outstanding students in teacher among others, the GAA founder-member Thanks from Ennis Teachers’ education institutions. Included in one of Michael Cusack. Cusack was then Association the biographies is a letter from Ennis principal teacher of Lough Cutra NS, INTO has added to the display a number National Teachers’ Association to Foster in where current INTO President Joe Killeen of biographies and a copy of the Vere gratitude for his work in improving school is now principal.

district 6 officers honoured

Presentation­by­Joe Kileen,­INTO­President 2018/19;­to­Michael Gallagher,­PDC;­and Paddy­Forde,­District Treasurer­and­National Accounts­Committee; from­District­6­on­their retirement­having­each served­for­over­22­years on­District

INTOUCH 13 sepTeMber 2015 Nuacht­CMÉ INTO Summer Programme 2019 scoil samhraidh an ghaeilge: Cumarsáid, Comhluadar & Craic %#$&

The Scoil Samhraidh An Ghaeilge: agus bíonn deis iontach ag gach Cumarsáid, Comhluadar & Craic set múinteoir cumarsáid & comhrá a in the stunning environs of Dun dhéanamh.” Chaoin will run from Monday, 1 to Friday, 5 July. This summer school “Is cúrsa fé leith an chúrsa seo. Tá caters for all levels of Gaeilge ard chaighdeán ag baint leis. competency and uses fun, creative, Tugann na teagascóirí grá agus communicative approaches to meas don Ghaeilge do na language enhancement. The múinteoirí. Togha!” programme includes a day boat trip to the Blasket Islands as well as “Díreach mar atá.. bhí an organised evening entertainment. amhranaíocht ar fheabhas... bhí na Previous participants in this course teagascóirí thar bharr ar fad... fair have shared the following feedback. play dóibh ... beidh mé ar ais!!!”

“Tá an cúrsa in mholta cheanna féin The course will be open for mar tá éagsúlacht ábhair gach lá bookings from the end of April. reduced programme for 2019

INTO Learning is running a smaller summer programme this year. The programme will consist of eight INTO Learning online courses and one Scoil Samhraidh.

The online courses will run for a three week period from Monday, 1 July to Monday, July 22.

This reduced programme will afford INTO Learning the capacity to offer members an enhanced Autumn Programme of short courses and stand alone modules.

Member survey on reproductive health related matters

Since the introduction of the new sick difficulties and draft a member survey return it as soon as possible. leave scheme that reduced the number to gather evidence of how members of self-certified sick leave days, the and their partners/spouses are The CEC has submitted a motion to INTO Equality Committee has noted a managing such difficulties and how INTO Congress 2019 seeking a growing number of motions to INTO they might be better supported. Reproductive Health Related Leave Congresses from members Scheme for teachers. It is intended that experiencing difficulties managing This survey was sent out to all the evidence garnered in this member reproductive health related matters members with an email address on our survey will inform the motion, should it that fall outside our sick leave and membership database before the be debated at Congress. To enable pregnancy related sick leave schemes. February mid-term with a return date members engage with the issues of Monday, 11 March. If you received arising from this survey, the Equality Therefore, the Committee established a this survey and have not yet returned Committee will hold a lunchtime event small sub-committee to discuss such it, we would ask that you would at Congress in Galway.

INTOUCH 14 MarCH 2019 INTO­news Special Education Conference

The INTO’s Special Education Conference will take place in Cork on Saturday, 9 March. The theme of the conference is ‘Inclusion – a continuum of support’ and delegates will have the opportunity to discuss developments in supports of special education and the challenges for the future.

Keynote speakers Conference app The keynote speakers for the conference Delegates to the special education will be Finn Ó Murchú, Head of School conference should download the INTO (post-primary), in the Thurles Campus of conference app. The app will allow Mary Immaculate College, and Katherine delegates to view the conference agenda, O’Leary, a passionate activist for the find their way to the conference venue, rights, independence, dignity and view press releases and speeches, connect equality of people with disabilities, who with friends and receive reminders of key teaches home economics to pupils with events and news alerts during the event. intellectual disabilities in Our Lady of The app is available to download free for Good Counsel School, Ballincollig. both Apple and Android devices. Keynote­speakers­Finn­Ó­Murchú­and­Katherine­O’Leary

Minister meets with district 3

The Minister for Education and L-R:­INTO­President­Joe Skils, Joe McHugh, attended Killeen,­INTO­General District 3’s recent meeting of the Secretary­Designate Irish National Teachers’ John­Boyle,­Minister­for Organisation in Harvey’s Point, Education­and­Skills­Joe Donegal Town. District 3 were McHugh,­District­3 honoured to have current INTO Equality­Committee President, Joe Killeen, and newly Representative­Doreen appointed General Secretary Sheridan­Kennedy. designate, John Boyle – a proud Donegal man, in attendance with Minister McHugh. Delegates to District include primary teachers from both Donegal and Leitrim, as well as local National Committee representatives.

Delegates­to­District­3 with­Minister­Joe McHugh,­General Secretary­Designate John­Boyle­and President­Joe­Killeen­

INTOUCH 15 sepTeMber 2015 INTO­news INTO 150 celebrations To commemorate INTO 150, a range of events was organised throughout the country during 2018 dundrum branch

Back­row­left­to­right:­Mairéad Sheehy,­Maria­O’Donoghue,­Patrick Carroll,­Seán­Hennessey,­Marian Anderson,­Sylvia­White,­Eimhin O’Meara,­Katie­Ryan,­Jennifer­Kileen, Margaret­O’Brien,­Sinéad­Ryan­and Helen­O’Brien.­ Front­row­left­to­right:­Anne­Dalton, Olivia­Ryan,­Kevin­Moran,­Donnacha­Ó Duibhir,­Kevin­O’Reilly.­

dublin south branch

Dublin South County Branch hosted an tour of the National Folklore Collection in really appreciated this gift and that the event to celebrate the 150th anniversary the Arts department. A fitting conclusion branch chose to acknowledge their past of the INTO. All retired members who to the event was the presentation of the commitments to the union. taught in South Dublin were invited to an Kindling the Flame book which documents event in UCD on 23 November 2018. The the 150 years of the INTO to the retirees. centre piece of the event was a guided All the retired teachers in attendance

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INTOUCH 19 MarCH 2019 Nuacht­CMÉ #NoMorePlasticPaddy

Irish Primary Schools are taking local and unique primary school action for the effective green action during the run-up entire country and join the international to St Patrick’s Day 2019 by introducing movement against single use plastics! school policies to end unnecessary single- Global Citizenship School asks you to use plastics. check out the #NoMorePlasticPaddy Classes can watch short videos such as poster in this month’s InTouch for more ‘Single Use Plastics’ on this link: details on how real, local, primary- https://bit.ly/2SfLFyp school-appropriate and effective Following class based ‘#NoMorePlastic actions can be taken, and how Paddy’ discussions and creative work such children, school staffs and wider as drawing pictures, making posters or communities can be inspired to composing poems, schools are become better neighbours and encouraged to bring in policies to phase genuine global citizens of our out, or minimise, unnecessary single-use troubled planet. InTouch will publish plastics in the school. Upload a photo of some of the uploaded photos in a your class/school actions on Friday, 15 future edition and watch out for March to social media using updates on the lead up to this day of #NoMorePlasticPaddy as part of a action on the INTO e-newsletter and national campaign. Let’s make this a social media accounts.

Primary pupils call for climate action

“What do we want? Climate action. When hand-made banners, with the slogans governments across the world. She told do we want it? Now.” ‘There’s no Planet B’ and ‘Save our Planet’. reporters that “what they really want is for This was the chant of hundreds of Many politicians from Dáil Eireann the Government to take climate action primary pupils as they “demonstrated” came out to support the demo. Climate seriously and change their policies outside the Dáil on the morning of protection campaigner Duncan Stewart around climate change”. Wednesday, 13 February. The event was also addressed the gathering, INTO and the Global Citizenship School organised by sixth-class students from congratulating them on their action and attended the event to show genuine Donabate/Portrane Educate Together, Co concern for the future of the planet. One support for the actions of the pupils and Dublin with support from their teachers. of the organisers, INTO member, Jenny their teachers in highlighting the serious Along with the pupils from other schools Stanley from Donabate/Portrane ETNS need for action on sustainable in Co. Dublin like Balbriggan ETNS and Our said that the children were inspired by development goal 13. We encourage all Lady of Consolation in Donnycarney they Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg and schools to see how they can take part in chanted and made their own individual the thousands of other children across climate protection and join the Global opinions known in short megaphone Europe who had demonstrated earlier in Citizenship School sponsored speeches to the crowd. They waved their the month about the lack of action by #NoMorePlasticPaddy action for 15 March.

INTOUCH 20 MarCH 2019 INTO­news Child Protection Safeguarding Inspections

On 21 January 2019 Harold Hislop, Chief Protection and Safeguarding Inspections – reiterated its concerns on behalf of Inspector, wrote to all principals and 7 January 2019 outlining the 10 checks principals and teachers in that these chairpersons of boards of management and over 60 sub-checks. proposed inspections by the DES are due advising that Minister for Education and to take place in a vacuum of adequate Skills, Joe McHugh TD, had approved the In response to the Chief Inspector’s letter, training and supports for school commencement of the Child Protection Sheila Nunan, General Secretary issued a personnel, including the complete and Safeguarding Inspections in schools press release calling the new child absence of any whole-school face-to-face with effect from 1 February 2019. The protection inspection model training. The INTO continues to engage Inspectorate also issued A Guide to Child unnecessarily bureaucratic. The INTO with the DES on this matter. Re-vetting of registered teachers who hold the Central Garda Vetting Unit Letter

In early March the Teaching Council they will not be able to renew registration foreseeable future should apply for a contacted over 4000 teachers whose and will lapse from the register which vetting disclosure in the normal manner registration date is July 2019 to invite means they cannot receive a state-funded as per Circular 0031/2016 . These typically them to re-apply for a new National salary. Teachers are advised to wait until are teachers who intend to sub on career Vetting Bureau disclosure via the online they are contacted by the Teaching break, job-share in another school etc. system. Teachers who receive a re-vetting Council and requested to apply for re- notice are advised to complete both vetting. However, any teacher who holds Registered teachers can check their stages of the vetting application process a GCVU vetting letter and requires a vetting status by logging on to the My within the timeframe given. If a teacher vetting disclosure for the purpose of Registration section of the Teaching does not complete the vetting process, changing school/employer in the Council website www.teachingcouncil.ie.

Vere foster medal winners Pictured­is­Louise­Gillespie;­Maeve McCafferty,­INTO­Official;­Ann­Lundie­and­Rev Prof­Anne­Lodge,­Director,­The­Church­of Ireland­Centre,­DCU;­at­the­presentation­of Vere­Foster­medals­to­two­outstanding­CICE legacy­BEd­graduates.

INTOUCH 21 MarCH 2019 INTO­news School libraries survey Milk jingle winners The Moo Crew School Milk Jingle Dublin. University College Dublin, in competition, now in its second year, was • Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Carlow. collaboration with Children’s Book Ireland created to raise awareness of the benefits • Dublin South City ETNS, Dublin 8. (CBI) and School Library Association in the of the School Milk Scheme. • St Patrick’s National School in Trim, Co Republic of Ireland (SLARI) are conducting National schools participating the Meath. a country-wide survey about school School Milk Scheme were invited to write a • Togher National School in Dunmanway, libraries. poem, jingle, song or limerick about why Co Cork. Given the limited data that currently they love school milk. The prize for the best The overall exists on school libraries, they are looking jingle was free school milk for the 2019/20 winner was for help from schools and teachers to school year for all pupils in the school, a St Patrick’s NS, build a complete picture of the level of Moo Crew Dairy Day in the school and a Trim, Co Meath. provision of school libraries in Ireland. sports equipment voucher valued at They want to know the answers to €1,000. The seven finalist won a sports questions such as; how many schools equipment voucher valued at €500 each. have a school library? What kinds of materials are available? And what would The finalist schools were: schools like to achieve with the school • Tullyallen NS, Drogheda, Co Louth. library? The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes • Gaelscoil an Chuilinn, Tyrellstown, Baile to complete and you can find it at Átha Cliath 15. https://bit.ly/2E5seTX. • Portlaw NS, Portlaw, Waterford. • Bernadette’s Senior NS, Clondalkin, Co dolly Parton gifts books to children in Tallaght

Dolly Parton’s charity, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) in books and the seeds planted in a community can grow across works with local partners to gift books to young children across the world.” the world and is now making new books available free to all Parents can register their children at the Childhood children aged 0–5 living in Dublin 24. Development Initiative (CDI) website at https://bit.ly/2XhILx6. Launching the project, Dolly Parton said “You can never get Once signed up, the child will receive a free high-quality book to enough books into the hands of young children. I know there are keep every month until they are five. It is available to all children children in Ireland with their own dreams – the dream of in each household and siblings will get different age-appropriate becoming a doctor, an inventor, or a teacher. Who knows, maybe books. If successful, CDI will look to expand the project beyond a writer, or singer. The seeds of these dreams can often be found Dublin 24.

INTOUCH 23 MarCH 2019 INTO­news

Pictures from branch and district Retirements functions to honour retiring members

Mallow Back­row­left­to­right:­Caitríona McCarthy,­Branch­Secretary;­Mary O’Sullivan,­Reena­O’Sullivan, Susan­O’Keeffe,­Pat­O’Sullivan, Branch­Chairperson;­Joe­Killeen, INTO­President;­John­Kelly, Hannah­Twomey,­Anne­Dennehy, Sheila­Crowley,­ Margaret­Geary. Front­row­left­to­right:­Anne Maria­Bourke,­ Mary­O’Brien,­Mary­Magner,­CEC Rep;­Eileen­Bourke,­Sheila Collins.

Tipperary Town Back­row­left­to­right:­Elaine Hennessy,­Dorothy­Coughlan, Yvonne­Enright,­Brendan­Horan, CEC­Rep;­ Liz­Hyland,­Mary­Devlin,­Pat Enright,­and­ Roisin­Power­Reilly,­Branch Secretary.­ Front­row­left­to­right:­Noreen Higgins,­Branch­Chairperson; Mary­Carr­and­Margaret­Baileys.

Kells Aileach Back­row­left­to­right:­Liam­Thorpe,­Pamela­Strong,­Mary­Monnelly­and­Bríd Back­row­left­to­right:­Aine­McGinley,­CEC­Rep;­Joe­Killeen, McGowan.­Front­row­left­to­right:­Maureen­Fanning,­Ann­Collins,­Carmel INTO­President;­Roisin­Walsh,­Chairperson;­and­Kevin­Doherty, O’Brien­and­Carmel­Browne,­CEC­Rep. Secretary.­Front­row­left­to­right:­Pauline­Edwards,­James Missing­from­photograph:­Patricia­McCabe,­Deirdre­O’Boyle­and­Elizabeth Doherty,­former­treasurer­of­District­3;­and­ Smith. Marie­Gill.­

INTOUCH 25 MarCH 2019 InFocus Behind the scenes in Head Office Conditions of Employment Section

The Conditions of Employment (CoE) section is led by Deirdre O’Connor, Assistant General Secretary, supported by an experienced and dedicated team in dealing with queries on a wide range of topics including maternity leave, sick leave, panel and staffing, salary, and pensions. The primary activity in Conditions of Employment is the representation and support of members with their terms and conditions of employment, either negotiated with the DES or through legislation. Advice and assistance is provided to individual members through the INTO Queryline, the INTO website, social media and other INTO communication channels. Conditions of Employment also oversees the operation of the approved financial benefits for members, such as the Salary Protection Scheme and health insurance comparison service. Front­row­(left­to­right):­Eimear­Allen,­Deirdre­O’Connor,­John­O’Brien­and­Niamh­Cooper.­ Two national committees are Back­row­(left­to­right):­Ashling­Lynch,­Rachel­Dowd,­Sheila­Murphy,­Aoife­Mullen­­and­Eileen­O’Donnell. supported by staff in CoE, the Equality Committee and the Principals & Deputy 2015 (612 queries in 2015, compared to 875 endeavour to respond to all members’ Principals Committee. Up to six in 2018), which is mirrored by the queries as speedily as possible and retirement planning seminars are held increased uptake of job sharing in primary usually within 24 hours of receiving the annually, and participation in other INTO schools. Maternity leave still remains the query. On occasion, however, and in seminars are run and/or supported by topic with the largest volume of queries particular when experiencing a spike in staff from CoE. Lastly, all the INTO Global annually, followed closely by sick leave the number of incoming queries, some Solidarity work is co-ordinated from and salary/allowances (see graph). members may experience a delay in within Conditions of Employment. getting an initial response. Please be Commitment to members assured all queries are logged on the INTO Queryline The Conditions of Employment team is Queryline system and every member will The INTO telephone Queryline had been dedicated to giving the best service receive, at least, three call backs, to ensure dealing with an average of between 325 possible to all members and will every effort is made to make contact. and 375 new-query phone calls per week in addition to email queries. From September 2018, the section implemented Conditions­of­Employment a new policy, whereby all emails received query­topics­2018 to Conditions of Employment are recorded through the query management system. While this has led to an increase in query totals from that date to the end of 2018, this change means that the true level of queries coming to CoE will be captured into the future. That said, in the first eight months of 2018 alone, the Queryline experienced a 12% increase in phone-call queries compared to the same period in 2017, from 9,455 to 10,565. January was the busiest month of 2018, with 1,997 calls received, including 509 queries relating to job sharing and career break, both of which schemes have a 1 February deadline. The Queryline saw a 43% rise in job share queries from January to August 2018 compared with the same period in

INTOUCH 26 MarCH 2019 Newsdesk

The Teachers’ Musical Society’s new show …

After the success of last year’s production of the hysterical and fabulous T he Producers , the Teachers’ Musical Society have decided to go in a completely different direction with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic Evita . The show opens on Tuesday, 2 April and runs nightly until Saturday, 6 April. Teachers’ MS are delighted to be back once again in St Patrick’s College where they staged their first show in 2000 and they cannot wait to stage this iconic musical. Evita charts the young and ambitious Eva Peron’s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentina between 1934-1952, the Tony- winning musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33. The events in Evita’s life are presented in song and commented on by the show’s Evita narrator, Che. Well-known numbers from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s to have an award-winning production Best Actress and Best Musical Director musical masterpiece include ‘Don’t Cry for team this year – Pat McElwain, Director; categories. The Teachers’ Musical Society Me Argentina’, ‘Oh What a Circus’, ‘Buenos Dermot O’Callaghan, Musical Director; has also been nominated and won many Aires’ and ‘Another Suitcase in Another and Serena Salmon, Choreographer – all other AIMS awards for the productions of Hall’. of whom are very familiar faces to the Michael Collins – a Musical Drama , All The Teachers’ Musical Society feel TMS. Shook Up and 42nd Stree t. privileged to be staging this show in 2019 The society is now 19 years in existence Evita opens with a preview night on – as it would have been Eva Peron’s 100th and has established itself as one of the Tuesday, 2 April and runs nightly at 8pm birthday on 3 May. leading musical societies in the country. until Saturday, 6 April in DCU St Patrick’s The cast of the Teachers’ Musical Society is Their most recent production, The Campus, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. made up primarily of primary and Producers was very successful and was Tickets are €17 opening night and €20 all secondary teachers and, over time, the nominated at AIMS for Best Chorus, Best other nights. For tickets log on to group has grown into one of the leading Comedian and Best Stage Manager – www.eventbrite.ie or email musical societies in Ireland. It has won winning each of these categories on the [email protected] numerous awards at the Waterford night! The 2017 production of Sweeney For more information follow us on International Festival of Light Opera as Todd saw nominations for Best Actor and Facebook: Teachers’ Musical Society well as from the Association of Irish Actress, Best Musical Director and Best Instagram: teachersmusical Musical Societies (AIMS). TMS is delighted Overall Show with TMS winning in the Twitter: @Teachers_MS

Photographer: Rob­Kennedy, Makeup:­Ali Murphy, Costumes: Andrew­Reddy, Poster­Design: Alan­Duffy.

INTOUCH 27 MarCH 2019 Newsdesk Ready, steady ... grow! The ‘Incredible Edibles’

Agri Aware, the Irish agri-food educational body have this week launched their healthy eating programme Incredible Edibles with the help of the Minister of State for Health Promotion, Catherine Byrne TD. The project aims to educate and empower children with knowledge of the full farm to fork journey with schools receiving a free kit containing all the must-have tools to start their very own school garden. Pictured­left­to­right:­Niamh The importance of empowering Arthurs,­Jeni­Meade,­Úna­Sheahan, students through food education has never Alma­Quinn,­Deirdre­O’Shea,­Ms been of more paramount with recent Conaty­and­John­Boyle,­INTO figures from Safe Food indicating that one General­Secretary­Designate;­with in four children are obese or overweight. second­class­pupils­from­St­Louise Speaking at the launch, Minister Byrne De­Marillac­Primary­School, said, “The Incredible Edibles programme Ballyfermot,­Dublin. brings the important subject of healthy eating into the classroom in a practical eat and what it means to have a healthy, The project now in its eleventh year will and enjoyable way, teaching children balanced diet. see over 1,500 primary schools across about food and nutrition and showing Teachers guide their students through Ireland learn to grow, sow and cook a them how to grow and enjoy their own five curriculum-linked interactive tasks to whole host of seasonal Irish fruit, fruit and vegetables.” complete throughout the academic year. vegetables and herbs. The Incredible Edibles programme These tasks are designed to connect Registration is now open for the 2019 builds on this objective and is a great way students with their new gardens and the Incredible Edibles project. Visit www. of nurturing a child’s interest in what they healthy food that they are producing. incredibleedibles.ie to register today!

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INTOUCH 29 MarCH 2019 Ócáidí­nuachta Forbairt leadership programme

Forbairt is a programme for a school PDST Advisor (optional) and a final and learning in their school. leadership team, comprising of the showcase event for all three leaders. This programme provides a unique principal, deputy principal and one In addition to this, school teams are professional development opportunity teacher leader*. It is constructed on an clustered together regionally. These for the principal, deputy principal and a action learning model and is designed to clusters meet on two occasions in an teacher leader to work together as a support school leaders to develop their Action Learning Community model (ALC). senior leadership team. own leadership capacity and explore In this way, schools are exposed to *Teacher leader need not necessarily be leadership in their own school context. perspectives and insights into how other a post holder. Smaller schools without a Between September 2019 and May schools achieve different solutions teacher leader are not precluded from 2020, the programme will consist of an towards enhancing learning for pupils. applying for the programme. Introductory session for all three leaders, The ALC meeting provides a safe Applications can be made through the two residentials (two-day) for the environment to ask questions, seek following url. https://bit.ly/2SgLyCX principal and deputy, two professional answers, gain support and develop development days for teacher leaders, thinking. two single professional development An action learning project is a key days for the principal and deputy, two component of the Forbairt programme Action Learning Community Meetings for and provides a framework for school all three leaders, a school visit from a leaders to plan for and enhance teaching Mellon Educate Teaching Blitz

The Mellon Educate Teaching Blitz enters I volunteered in Sobambisana PS with what an incredible experience it was. its third year and we are looking for 1200 children. Class sizes were about 50 Over the two weeks not only did we teach enthusiastic teachers to join us in children to a class. During the school day I the children, we played with them, mentoring, modelling and supporting our worked with grade three modelling good hugged them, laughed with them and we South African colleagues this July. The teaching practices. I taught lessons in all cried for them. These children despite all aim of the blitz is to help improve the subjects and towards the end of the two the hardship in their lives were such a joy education for some of the world’s poorest weeks we arranged a sports day for all to be around. They never complain and children. Here, volunteer Denise Dunne classes. boy do they love to sing and dance! I shares her experience; Our teacher workshops after school learned so much about life from them Last summer I spent two weeks focused mainly on teaching literacy, and I feel I took away just as much from volunteering in the township of Khayelitsha, positive behaviour management and having met them as they did us! Capetown, South Africa with Mellon teacher wellbeing. These were areas that Read more about Denise’s experience Educate. It was an incredible experience the teachers themselves felt they needed on her blog; https://bit.ly/2Vc16tC and one I’ll always cherish. I would advice and to improve on. If you are interested in joining us this definitely recommend it to any teacher. It’s honestly very hard to put into words year, please see https://bit.ly/2Sk9lC9.

INTOUCH 30 MarCH 2019 Newsdesk Farm­safety­tips­for­your­school­visit If you are planning a visit to a local farm this year use it as an opportunity to bring the ever important message of farm safety from your classroom to the home.

Left­to­right:­Eamon­Delany,­Graham­Minogue,­Head­of­Agri,­Zurich­Insurance­and­Alma­Jordan,­Founder­AgriKids.

Before the visit mentions common traits and only go with an adult, keep back from Find out exactly what your class already behaviours that indicate how that machinery and wearing hi-vis clothing. knows about the topic of farm safety: animal is feeling – aggressive, passive, • What dangers could there be on a farm scared or inquisitive. As well as the safety aspect you can also and how can we keep safe? • Talk about zoonoses and discuss the talk about: • Create a ‘farm safety checklist’ and importance of handwashing during the • what animals will be on the farm; encourage the children to create the visit and before the children have lunch • why these animals are important on checklist items. or eat snacks. farms; • If it is an older class, nominate two or • what enterprises are typical on a farm, more children to be ‘safety officers’ on After the visit eg. dairy, cereals, vegetables and meat. the day and work with them to create • Download the classroom activities on and sustain safety awareness and agrikids.ie such as the ‘spot the dangers’ Useful sites to visit practice. or ‘animal behaviour’ worksheets to test www.agrikids.ie what safety tips the children have www.agriaware.ie During the visit learnt and can now identify. www.zoonoses.ie • Use worksheets that ask the children to • For children living in rural areas, as part identify certain items on the farm. of their homework ask them to list ALMA JORDAN, Founder AgriKids. • Ask the guide or farmer to talk about three farm safety tips that they will AgriKids is a farm safety educational platform for the animals on the farm and to follow when they next visit a farm. Eg. children.

Subject Strand Strand Unit SPHE Myself Safety and protection.

INTOUCH 37 MarCH 2019 Ócáidí­nuachta School Tour Top Tips School tour season is almost upon us and we’ve put together a short guide to making your trip enjoyable for both pupils and staff.

Book early: To avoid sure you bring it along, but it is also Packed lunch: Suitable food and disappointment, an early booking worth including contact numbers and drinks are key to ensure that is essential. Once you have this addresses of pupils’ parents or everybody can keep up with the completed, you can then focus on other guardians. adventures of the day. practicalities. Pupil to teacher ratio: have fun: Although school tours Plenty of notice: Sufficient The number of adults can at times be a little extra notice of the tour allows all accompanying your class should be work, remember, they are for all involved to plan ahead and be ready for decided at a local level, adequate for the to enjoy, both pupils and the big day. age and size of the class and staff. Permission slips: Each pupil any special educational should receive a consent form to needs. be completed and returned to school. dress wisely: This should be retained in-line with your While a sunny school’s data retention policy. day is always preferred, safety first: As with all activities, ensure all involved have safety is paramount. A first aid kit outfits fit for purpose, available to hand can take care of any for any possible minor accidents. showers that may Class list: Your class list can be a blow your way. quick way to take roll call, so make

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INTOUCH 38 MarCH 2019 Newsdesk Excitement for the Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol Award

Many teachers will look forward to attending year’s awards are the best ever in terms of this year’s Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol variety and quality of entries. “INTO generously awards which will take place on Friday, 8 March sponsored a category highlighting the in the Sligo Park Hotel. contribution INTO members have made to “The Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol Cumann na mBunscol to mark the INTO 150 Awards are an opportunity to showcase the celebrations”, she says. “the INTO and Cumann amazing variety and quality of work that na mBunscol have worked harmoniously teachers across the country do in promoting together for years”. Gaelic Games”, says Bernadette Ryan, A new award this year is the ‘Cur chun chinn Cathaoirleach of Cumann na mBunscol. na Gaeilge’ which is being presented at the Bernadette will have mixed emotions as she ceremony to mark Bliain na Gaeilge in 2018. retires from Coiste Náisiúnta after five years as The closing date for entries for the 2019 Cathaoirleach and a decade in total on awards was Wednesday, 9 January and the National Committee. Being the principal of Holy adjudicators worked hard sifting through Family NS in Tubbercurry, she believes that this entries in the various categories. Shortlisted projects for the Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol Awards

Pat Trainer hall of Fame County Publication: Cur chun cinn an Chultúir Small School of the Year: Award: l An Mhí Ghaelaigh agus na gCluichí l Kilbehenny NS, Luimneach l announced on the night. l Corcaigh Gaelacha: l Roan St Patrick’s PS, l Luimneach l Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Tir Eoghain Public Relations: Maigh Eo l St Joseph’s NS, l Corcaigh Promotion of Gaelic Games l Gaelscoil na bhFál, Aontroim Tipperary Town, l Áth Cliath and Culture (schools): Tiobraid Arann. l Fear Manach l Herbertstown NS, The INTO 150th Anniversary: l Ard Mhacha Luimneach l Kilcoole PS Cill Mhantáin: Large School of the Year: l Ciarraí l Kilcoole PS, Fermanagh l Kilcoole PS, Cill Mhantáin l Port Láirge Cill Mhantáin l Cumann na mBunscol: St l St Teresa’s NS, l St Mary’s Parish PS, Joseph’s NS, Ballybrown, An Longfort An Lú Luimneach. l Creevy NS, Dún na nGall. A dream come true for Orla

Gerry O Meara, the co-ordinator of the INTO GAA Mini Sevens is very well known in both the INTO and Cumann na mBunscol. Gerry recalls ‘I have received many letters over the past few months recalling their great day in Croke Park. They sum up for me what the Mini Sevens means to so many people. I received this lovely letter from a young Limerick girl Órla Ryan, who played in Croke Park on 19 August on All Ireland Final Day. “To Gerry, Thanks so much for organizing the Mini Sevens in Croke Park on All Ireland Hurling Final Day. It was beyond my wildest dreams to play for Limerick in Croke Park on the day Limerick won the All Ireland in 45 years. I will never forget the amazing day I had on the 19 August. Thanks for looking after me and Órla­Ryan­picured­with­John especially for organizing all the photos and for Horan,­GAA­President­ sending them on to us. Up Limerick!”

JOe LyONs, PRO, Coiste Náisiúnta, Cumann na mBunscol.

INTOUCH 41 MarCH 2019 Life

/ Tips on health, wellness, travel and finance 0 Abu Dhabi m

The Middle East has never been so smart casual dress code makes this a o c . k

accessible and while you may not be special occasion so don’t arrive wearing c o t s

looking to relocate you shouldn’t cross shorts as you risk being turned away. You incredibly impressive place of worship, is r e t t

the UAE off your holiday destination list. It can stay here too with rooms starting free to enter and open to visitors from u h S ­

is the definition of opulence and from about €470. Buttons, am I right? 9am–10pm daily except Friday mornings , e u

extravagance and home to some of the when it is open just for worshippers. They q s Off-road tours have abayas (light, full length, dress o

world’s most expensive hotels and M ­ d

architecture projects. One must-do experience is a desert safari. garments) for women to wear in the n a r G Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and The wide range of activities on one of changing rooms downstairs and men ­ d e

a calmer, more traditional city in these off road tours has something for shouldn’t wear shorts. The stunning art, y a Z ­

comparison to the frenetic, high life of everyone. There are incredible dune and colourful stained glass windows, cool h k i

Dubai. Yes, there are incredible resorts sunset views for the photographer in you. white marble walls and spectacular e h and you don’t have to stay there to The thrill seeker gets dune driving, dune columns make for a memorable visual S experience them (afternoon tea in the bashing and optional quad bike hire to feast. Jumeriah is a must). Of course there are exercise their adrenaline muscles. If you malls to suit every budget from the are craving a culture fix the Arabic tea Wadi Adventure exclusive Galleria including brands like served in a traditional desert camp under Wadi Adventure, (in Al Ain, situated about Dolce and Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and the stars complete with shisha, BBQ 1hr and 40min drive outside of Abu Michael Kors to more mid-range pocket dinner and belly dancing show should Dhabi) the region’s only man-made white pleasers like Marina and Yas malls with satiate you. Plus, there are camels. All water rafting, kayaking and surf facility. Pandora, Zara, Bershka, American Eagle from 175dhms or about €42. Entrance fees cost about €15/65dhms for and Bath and Body Works. But, it’s not all adults and €10/45dhms, for kids. This gets tans and tiaras over there. There is a Yas Island you entry to the pool and beach areas but myriad of adventures waiting to fill your Yas Island has so much to offer with add on activities like kayaking, wake schedule so check out this must do list. stunning, fun-filled beaches and adults- boarding are extra. If you are more of a only beach clubs, an extensive mall and land lubber there is an airpark with an Souks Ferrari world (entry to the Ferrari theme aerial obstacle course, zip lining and wall- If you don’t fancy shopping in the regular park for an adult ticket costs €70/295dhms). climbing activities as well. stores why not pay a visit to the souks. There’s so much to do for all ages so a day A souk means a marketplace and here is well worth the splurge. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital dhows (ships) used to arrive from India A 45min drive outside Abu Dhabi is the and farther afield with goods to be Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. A hospital offloaded and haggled over. For a more Even big kids deserve a day at a theme may not be the first thing on your list authentic feel visit the Souk Al Zaferana in park and Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi when you go on holidays but this place Al Ain (about a 2 hour drive outside the is one of the biggest indoor theme parks teaches you about the cultural city) which features a section exclusively in the world. Cool off in the Flintstones significance of falcons in the area and for women staffed by female shoppers. river adventure (What’s the difference how these prized birds are cared for. Costs between Dubai and Abu Dhabi? People in run €45–55 for adults, kids over 10, €16 Emirates Palace Dubai don’t like The Flintstones but and for kids 5–9 and under 5s are free. See how the other half lives at the luxury people in Abu Dhabi do!) or how about You can get direct flights from Dublin five star Emirates Palace. This golden hotel The Jetsons Cosmic Orbiter? Find Scooby to Abu Dhabi with Etihad and in about 8 took 20k workers three years at a cost of Doo, Taz, Batman, Superman, The Justice hours find yourself in the sandbox $3billion to complete. Where else could you League and more for about €70/295dhms playground, ready to explore. get edible gold on desserts and cocktails, per adult and €55/230dhms for kids. see a grand central dome that’s 72.6m high CiARA MC NALLy teaches in greystones, Co and enjoy the calming influence of the Grand Mosque Wicklow. For more detailed itineraries and Havana Cuban bar (voted one of the best I highly recommend visiting the Sheikh information check out her website cigar bars in the world) under one roof? The Zayed Mosque during your visit. This www.mysuitcasediaries.org.

INTOUCH 43 MarCH 2019 %ULJKW QHZ ERRNV IURP

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7KH 2·%ULHQ 3UHVV /WG  7HUHQXUH 5G (DVW 5DWKJDU 'XEOLQ  ' +' ,UHODQG 7    )    ( ERRNV#REULHQLH : ZZZREULHQLH 7KH2%ULHQ3UHVV #2%ULHQ3UHVV WKHREULHQSUHVV 7KH2%ULHQ3UHVV Teaching­matters Traditional treats

March is a Irish scones busy month for us at Foodoppi This­is­one­of­the­easiest­recipes­to­bake.­We HQ as we have two big love­nothing­more­then­treating­ourselves­to­a food celebrations Pancake warm­fresh­scone­straight­from­the­oven.­We Tuesday and St Patrick’s day. always­make­enough­to­share­as­the­best­way We love pancakes and as a nation to­eat­scones­is­the­same­day­they­were­made. are very fond of scones so we thought Makes­12. for this month we would share these recipes with you. Ingredients

l 455g­self­raising­flour l 115g­butter­ – cut­into­cubes Salmon and spinach pancakes l 55g­caster­sugar­ l 2­large­eggs This­pancake­recipe­was­given­to­us­by­Ray­D’Arcy.­ 2 Add­the­milk,­water,­salt­and­oil­and­stir l 120mls­whole­milk It­is­his­Dad’s­famous­pancake­recipe.­We­like­it together.­You­should­now­have­a­lovely­light because­it’s­light­and­makes­super­thin­crêpe­style batter.­Leave­it­stand­for­half­an­hour.­ Method pancakes.­Pancakes­aren’t­just­for­dessert!­We 3 Heat­a­medium­non-stick­frying­pan­over­a­high 1 Preheat­oven­to­180°C.­ choose­to­go­against­tradition­and­filled­them heat­and­then­lower­heat­to­medium.­Using­a 2 Put­the­flour,­sugar­and­butter­into­a­bowl. with­smoked­salmon­and­spinach.­Great­for­lunch piece­of­kitchen­paper­wipe­the­pan­with­some Rub­together­with­your­finger­tips­until­they on­the­go. sunflower­oil.­Pour­a­ladleful­of­the­pancake resemble­breadcrumbs.­You­can­also­do­this batter­into­the­pan in­a­food­processor­which­is­much­faster. Ingredients and­swirl­to­cover­the Whizz­for­about­10­seconds. l 1­½­cups/200g­plain­flour base.­Cook­for­about 3 Make­a­well­in­the­middle.­Crack­an­egg­and l 1­large­egg one­min,­then­flip­or lightly­beat­it.­Pour­it­into­the­well­and­then l 1­½­cups/375mls­whole­milk turn­over­with­a add­in­the­milk.­Use­a­fork­to­bring­the­mix l ½­cup/125mls­water palette­knife­or­fish to­a­soft­dough.­ l Pinch­of­salt­ slice.­Cook­for­30 l 1­tablespoon­of­sunflower­oil seconds­more, remove­and­place­on Filling greaseproof­paper. l 200g­smoked­salmon Repeat­until­you’ve­used­up­all­the­batter,­then l 50g­baby­spinach­leaves set­aside.­ l 1­lime­–­juiced 4 In­a­bowl­mix­together­the­lime­juice­and­créme l 6­tablespoons­créme­fraîche fraîche.­Cut­the­smoked­salmon­into­thin­strips. Then­on­each­pancake­add­stripes­of­smoked Method salmon,­drizzle­with­créme­fraîche­dressing­and 4 Turn­out­onto­a­lightly­floured­surface­and 1 To­make­the­pancake­mixture,­sieve­the­flour sprinkle­spinach­leaves­on­top.­Then­roll­up­the pat­down­with­your­hand­or­roll­out­with­a into­a­bowl­and­add­the­egg.­Mix­together­until pancake.­These­can­be­left­whole­or­cut­into­bite rolling­pin.­Then­use­a­round­cutter­or­knife they­are­like­bread­crumbs. size­pieces. to­cut­into­12­scones­.­Dab­a­little­milk­on­top of­each­scones­and­place­onto­a­baking­tray.­ 5 Bake­in­a­preheated­oven­for­20 –25­minutes Foodoppi is a creative educational platform which ireland’s premier children’s cookery school at the until­golden­brown.­Then­remove­from­the takes an extraordinary approach to food and steM Cliff at Lyons a few years ago. oven­and­allow­to­cool­on­a­wire­rack.­Then education that has proven to be an LOuise LeNNO x is a top chef and eat­with­butter­and­jam. effective way to foster positive food broadcaster on tV and radio relationships with food while here in ireland and has a Tips exciting children about learning background in nutrition l There­are­lots­of­different­ingredients­to­the and gaining steM skills. and children’s food basic­scone­recipe.­Try­adding­in­dry­fruit, AisLiNg LARKiN has a degree in media production. frozen­berries­or­chopped­apple. education from trinity, spent 10 Aisling and l You­can­make­the­scones­savoury­by years working in a Deis school in Louise joined leaving­out­the­sugar­and­adding­in inner city Dublin, has a first class forces a few grated­cheese,­chopped­onions,­chopped Msc in Food Product Design and years ago and olives,­pesto­or­cooked­bacon.­ Culinary innovation and set up created Foodoppi.

INTOUCH 45 MarCH 2019 Teaching matters

/ Articles and opinions on primary teaching, with tips and ideas for the classroom 0 Using maps in the classroom

“I’ve always been fascinated by maps and • An elevation profile tool that enables children like using it and have asked to cartography. A map tells you where the pupil to view a profile of the use it again after using it the first time.” you’ve been, where you are, and where elevation height along a route between you’re going — in a sense it’s three tenses two or more points. Three suggested starter activities in one.” (Film director Peter Greenaway in • A swipe and spotlight widget that The maps and tools available on Scoilnet in Film Comment, May/June 1990) allows pupils to compare two maps Maps can be effectively used for any class Maps are intriguing. Most people have, that are stacked on top of each other. from first/second upwards so the following at some stage or other, spent a lot of time ideas could be adjusted accordingly: staring at maps. A map can tell you about Developing effective practice • Zoom in to your local area (note scale) several features or characteristics at once Learning about maps and map work and use the map switcher to move and can convey information with a few should be active, practical and involve between the OSi map and the aerial simple images and very few words. regular map use. Maps can be a resource photo. What features can be seen? View Scoilnet continues to license Ordnance for most topics across the SESE geography the discovery map and see how local Survey Ireland (OSi) maps and makes them curriculum and can also be used for history features are represented. available free to schools and teachers while the skills developed will also build • Use the map switcher to compare your through the maps.scoilnet.ie website. numeracy adeptness – but the scope for locality and how it has changed over While the service was originally developed use across the curriculum is really endless! time. The Cassini six inch map (1930s), to support the post-primary geography Mark Boggins, a teacher at Holy Family The Historic six inch map (1829-1842) curriculum, more and more primary NS in Rathcoole, features in a support and both are only available when teachers are now using the OSi maps to video created by PDST Technology in viewed at 1:10,000. How have humans engage pupils in understanding both the Education to show how he uses Scoilnet altered the landscape? Use the swipe natural and the human environment of Maps in his classroom. In the video, the and spotlight widget at the bottom of their locality – the sense of place and maps activity is one of five different station the interface for maximum impact. space as prescribed in the curriculum. activities – some paper-based, some • Use the draw and measure widget The OSi Map Viewer available through technology-based – which all support the measure the distance from the school Scoilnet had a re-design last year and the development of mapping concepts and to a local landmark. Compare different interface, while more modern looking, geographical investigation skills. The routes. contains a number of features designed lesson integrates numeracy as well as The OSi maps are openly available specifically for classroom use: other curricular areas, like history, English within the schools broadband network • A choice of six different maps, and even religion. His concluding remarks and teachers can access remotely by including a basic OS map, aerial maps, should convince other teachers about the using a Scoilnet account. A teachers’ zone discovery maps, historical maps from worth of engaging with Scoilnet Maps. contains lesson plans and worksheets. the mid-19th and 20th centuries. “To me anything in the classroom that www.maps.scoilnet.ie • A draw and measure tool to allow can draw their attention immediately is a pupils to measure distances or area. great tool. Through experience I find the PAtRiCK COFFey, PDst technology in education

Left:­Discovery Map­of­Wexford town­and­area. Discovery­maps were­originally designed­for tourist­and leisure activities.

Right:­Historical map­of­Wexford town­dating from­the­1830s.

INTOUCH 47 MarCH 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc Enhancing social and communication A classroom perspective

Introduction Pupils on the Autism Spectrum (AS) Patrick will engage in at exhibit difficulties in social and least five reciprocal communication skills. We, as teachers, exchanges with a peer based on a single topic have a responsibility to plan and on two out of three implement effective social and break times in the week communication interventions to enable using a visual prompt these pupils to reach their full potential. However there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to enhancing pupils’ social and communication skills. Having worked as a special class teacher for six years, I will attempt to document an evidence based method to social and communication interventions which has proved effective in my teaching of pupils on the AS. During my time as a special class teacher, I implemented Westwood’s (2015) five-step approach to social skills programmes. This article will outline each of the individual steps in this model from a practical classroom perspective. The following intervention programme, along Fig­1­Sample­breakdown­of­intervention­targets­ with a holistic approach to supporting pupils on the AS, is documented in (see Figure 1) to increase its likelihood of develop social and communication skills greater detail in Egan (2018). success. for pupils on the AS. It is essential that teachers consider the pupil’s unique Assess to identify present levels of Plan intervention that is intensive and learning profile when selecting performance long-term in nature to teach the skill appropriate social and communication It is important to use a variety of One of the challenges I faced as a special strategies. This, in turn, enhances their assessment techniques to gain a class teacher was the implementation of potential to engage in appropriate social comprehensive account of pupils’ social interventions over extensive time periods and communication behaviours. and communication skill levels. This can due to classroom demands. However be achieved through the implementation successful social interventions are Promote maintenance and of multiple assessment methods across a generally intensive and long-term in generalisation and transfer of new range of settings and informants. During nature with an average time frame of skills into functional daily living my time as a special class teacher, I twelve weeks and a minimum of three Many social and communication frequently utilised both qualitative (e.g. weekly sessions. This is an important interventions fail to account for parent and pupil interviews) and factor to consider when devising an generalisation effects. Pupils on the AS quantitative (e.g. time-interval sampling intervention plan in order to maximise can find it very difficult to transfer and social skills checklists) assessment the opportunity for social success. learning across contexts. As a result it is measures. The use of these techniques Furthermore, it is essential to select imperative that we, as teachers, formulate facilitate the identification of pupils’ appropriate intervention strategies as a generalisation plan, from the outset of priority social and communication needs. part of a balanced approach between the intervention to its completion to explicit teaching and opportunities for promote the demonstration of target Define and target the precise skills to practice. Direct instruction can be behaviour across a variety of settings. This be taught facilitated through the use of individual can be achieved through the Multiple Smart, Specific, Measurable, lessons and strategies including social participation of relevant school personnel Achievable, Realistic, Timed and stories. Practice opportunities can be (special education teachers, mainstream Adjustable (SMARTA) targets need to provided through the implementation of teachers, inclusion support assistants) be devised following the identification intervention methods such as visual and classmates. In addition the of pupils’ performance levels in the scripts and social skills groups. A sample involvement of parents, setting of priority areas of need. It is important that of these supports is illustrated in Figure 2 homework and teaching of skills across these goals are condensed into however it is important to note that these natural settings further maximise manageable weekly objectives for the are only a selection of the many generalisation effects. duration of the intervention programme evidence-based strategies available to Furthermore, teachers need to plan for

INTOUCH 48 MarCH 2019 Teaching­matters skills of pupils on the autism spectrum

The use of social skills groups not only Social stories are compact, stages/throughout the entire process. provides explicit teaching of social and personalised stories that help pupils to This may include involvement of the communication skills but also offers read, interpret and respond to social pupil in taking photographs of their pupils the opportunity to practice scenarios. It is essential that these environment, typing of stories and learned skills in a naturalistic setting stories are individualised to the pupil adding the pupil’s audio to stories. amongst peers. Teachers need to equip and their unique learning profile. In the pupils with the appropriate skills and past, I have created stories in both print Visual scripts are textual or pictorial necessary supports to engage in social and digital format. Digital Social Stories cues which support pupils on the AS interactions with their peers. This can be in particular readily facilitate extensive during conversations. Scripts can range achieved through the pre-teaching of pupil involvement at certain from a single word, picture or phrase, to content during individual sessions a collection of phrases. As a result, they before practicing target skills as part of can be easily tailored to each pupil’s social skills groups. unique learning profile to maximise their learning potential. Visual Scripts not only prepare pupils for social interactions but also offer support to pupils throughout social exchanges.

Fig­2­Sample­social­and­communication­intervention­strategies

the fading of intervention supports and Monitor progress of such There is no universal approach to prompts to ensure successful maintenance and generalisation supporting pupils’ social and generalisation. This requires intense Based on my experience as a special class communication skills. Consequently it is teacher observation in order to teacher, I have found improvements essential that we, as teachers, develop adequately meet and adapt to pupils’ made during interventions may diminish and implement adequate interventions evolving needs. Prompts need to be upon their completion. As a result it is based on pupils’ individual learning gradually reduced from visual to verbal important to plan for the assessment of profiles thus enabling them to reach their methods based upon successful long-term gains in order to gather an unique potential. demonstration of target behaviour account of the intervention’s success and throughout the intervention programme. its long-term impact on pupils’ social and References It is important that this process is communication skills. This information Egan, M., 2018. Effective Teaching Strategies individualised and adapted to the pupil’s can be collected through assessment to Promote Successful Learning . individual needs. Figure 3 outlines a measures, identical to those employed in In Ring, E., Daly, P. and Wall, E. (Eds.). sample prompt fading procedure which I step one of this approach, to allow Autism from the Inside Out: A Handbook for have implemented in the classroom. sufficient comparisons to be made Parents, Early Pupilhood, Primary, Post- between pre-and post-intervention Primary and Special School Settings . social and communication skill Oxford: Peter Lang. levels. Westwood, P., 2015. Commonsense Methods for Pupils with Special Educational Conclusion Needs. 7th ed. London: Routledge. This article outlines an evidence based approach to social Ms Christina O'Keeffe is a special Class teacher in and scoil an Athar tadhg, Carrignavar, Co Cork and a communication PhD research scholar in the field of Autism at the interventions for school of inclusive and special education, ioe, DCu. Fig­3­Sample­prompt­fading­process pupils on the AS which I found Dr Margaret egan is a lecturer in inclusive and effective as a special class teacher. special education in MiC.

INTOUCH 49 MarCH 2019 Teaching­matters Integrating art and mindfulness

Most primary teachers are familiar with juggling an overloaded curriculum. The addition of mindfulness is enough to cause extra stress. So, all the better if mindfulness can be integrated (really integrated) with another subject … such as art. A new online course called Integrating Art and Mindfulness (I AM) does just that. The course includes 60 mindfulness/art lesson plans. Try out these two with your class and feel the stress melt away. The overarching learning outcome for these lesson plans is that the children learn how to calm themselves, and the value of doing so.

Children’s zendalas Strand: paint and colour Lesson: zendala – festivals Materials needed: piece of paper for each child; circular plates, paper plates, or photocopies of a circle; pencil/ markers; paints. Method: Each child gets a piece of paper. could paint the symbols straight away, negative thoughts, that’s fine (that’s great They draw around the circular plate, or without drawing first. Play meditative in fact!). Guide them to breathe in use the paper plate (or use the photocopy music while the children are creating their through their nose, push out their tummy. of a circle). As a class/group or individual zendala. They might also think of an They should hold their breath for a count they decide on their symbols for the affirmation such as I AM CALM while of three, then breathe out through their various festivals. What will represent e.g: creating their art. mouth and feel their tummy go back to its Hallowe’en, Christmas, Easter, Diwali the normal position. If they do have a festival of light, Ramadan etc? E.g. Children’s abstract clay images negative thought they can breathe it in, Hallowe’en could be represented by Strand: clay then release it by breathing out. Now it’s witches’ hats, pumpkins, apples etc. Lesson: breath work and creating abstract gone. They continue with the breath work Christmas could be trees, stars, presents, clay shapes for about ten breaths. Now they’re ready Santa etc. The children draw their symbols Materials needed: clay, playdough or to mould their clay into any shape they either beside their circle or on another plasticine. feel inclined to make. It can be a purely piece of paper. They divide their circle into Method: Each child should get a handful abstract shape. Show them some abstract four (or five or six sections if they have of clay. Make sure they are sitting clay images if you feel they’re unsure of more categories of symbols). Divide the comfortably with as much peace and how to start (insert ‘abstract clay shapes’ circle with a squiggle or s shape (not quiet as possible. Ask the children if they into a search engine and you’ll find straight lines you don’t want to end up have a negative/bad thought. It might be images). Let the children just get used to with a pizza!). The children draw their something that happened that morning, the feel of the clay first. There’s no right or symbols onto each section of the circle, in the yard etc. They don’t have to tell you, wrong. Let them respond naturally; they and then paint them. Alternatively, they just recall it. If they don’t have any can create any shape (or shapes) that feels right for them. They can close their eyes if they wish. You might like to play some meditative or classical music while they create. Ask the children about their shape and how they felt when creating it. When the clay is dry, the children could paint their shape. You could take a photo of each creation and display them or each child could insert the photo into an art journal.

Children’s­zendalas­and­abstract DeiRDRe WHeLAN, the i AM online course can be clay­image booked at the education Centre, tralee.

INTOUCH 51 MarCH 2019 Teaching­matters Under e Hawthorn Tree Under The Hawthorn Tree is an internationally acclaimed children’s novel, tenderly written by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna. It has been Ireland’s top-selling children’s book and a classic for young readers since its first publication in 1990. Helen Hallissey shares some drama ideas based on the novel.

Summary respectfully probe her intentions e.g. did Ireland in the 1840s is ravaged by famine she provoke the three children into their caused by blight that destroyed the perilous journey? Then, someone calls for potato crop. Eily, Peggy and Michael are her incarceration in the workhouse, three children separated from their sparking a dispute. parents. They must fend for themselves. In dread of starving and being sent to the The Crowds on the Road workhouse, the three siblings embark The whole class creates a tableau of across inhospitable terrain to find their crowds on the road. Pairs or threes grand-aunts. The children face many prepare and share an improvisation as if challenges and show remarkable stepping out of the tableau, to bring ‘alive’ endurance, loyalty and courage. In the their scene. end, they reach their destination and find Include dialogue that reveals where their grand-aunts. they are going to and where they have come from. Some might be on their way March Workshops to the workhouse: others to the soup The Association for Drama in Education kitchen; others to join men breaking Ireland (ADEI) will host two workshops on stones on the road; others might have Under The Hawthorn Tree in March. The just been evicted and are unsure of where first is on Monday, 25 March at Cork they are going. In a subsequent lesson, Education Support Centre www.cesc.ie. same pairs and threes create a still image The second will take place in Marino of their family one year later. Institute of Education on Saturday, 20 March. For bookings or further ‘Let there be no trouble. These goods are information please contact: Workshop sold and paid for.’ (p. 103) [email protected]. Workshops will These words are spoken by one of six be facilitated by Helen Hallissey (ADEI), participants will soldiers, guarding grain on a cart at the Elaine Clotworthy (Marino Institute of harbour in Ballycarbery. This crucial scene Education & ADEI) and Fionn Woodhouse engage in a series of (read chapter 10) captures much of the (Dept of Theatre, UCC). tragic ironies of Irish-grown grain being 10 drama activities sent abroad during the Famine. Mark this The Workshops telling moment by creating a Participants will engage in a series of 10 based on the novel performance piece. drama activities based on the novel. Four 1. Students collectively devise a reader’s of these 10 moments include: theatre script that can be read at taken a turn for the worst … assembly or to another class (fourth to At The Bog (read pages 16 – 20) sixth). Students take on a role e.g. Eily, Peggy, Send Mary Kate to the Workhouse? 2. Students use this reader’s theatre script Michael or one of the following people Students find references to Mary Kate in as the basis for an enactment to an enjoying their day at the bog: the footers, the first few chapters. Teacher or student invited audience, outdoors and/or the cutters, the stackers, the tea women in role as Mary Kate sits on the classroom indoors. Incorporate props, basic or children running about playing games floor, absorbed in organising her ‘potions’, costumes, slow motion and with the turf. Include Moses the Donkey. oblivious to students (seated in a circle instrumental music such as The Fields of Brief a few to ignore and others to around her) who are in role as concerned Athenry . respond to what happens next: the neighbours and friends of Peggy’s mother of Eily, Michael and Peggy parents. Some are sympathetic, others HeLeN HALLissey, the Association for Drama in comes calling to say that Brigid has unsympathetic towards Mary Kate. They education ireland (ADei)

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

INTOUCH 53 MarCH 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc World Book Day with a

Stories are powerful. We use them all the time in recurring objective within this is to recognise that not all teaching; not only for English but also to integrate with families are the same. Outlined below are a selection of other subject areas. A well-chosen book can teach many books that will meet objectives in the language things at the same time. A key area of the SPHE curriculum but also act as positive representation of curriculum is the strand ‘Myself and My Family’ and a LGBT+ characters in a gentle and age-appropriate way. Junior and senior infants

King and King Kings’ story continues in all along and This beautiful fairy tale tells the King and King and Family. embarks upon story of a Queen who wants her his pièce de son to marry so he can become Written and illustrated by résistance – a King and she can retire. None of Linda de Haan and stern huge blue sky. the princesses he meets catch Nijland. Penguin Random This story can his eye, that is until Princess House, 2003. isBN act as a Madeleine arrives with her 9781582460611. 32pp. Cost: metaphor for all brother Prince Lee. It is love at €16.79. children being first sight and the two princes get true to married in a very special wedding and Red: A Crayon’s Story themselves but especially lends itself to become known as King and King. Poor Red can’t do anything that he is introducing issues about gender in a With beautiful collage-style meant to. He can’t draw fire engines or simple and child-friendly way. It’s an illustrations, this story captures attention strawberries or red traffic lights. One day, excellent stimulus for rich and engaging immediately and classes really enjoy the he meets a new friend who asks him to drama lessons and the clever illustrations unexpected ending. It can be a useful draw a blue ocean. He’s not sure about it will help improve visual literacy. tool, not only for positive LGBT+ but agrees to try. Success! He goes on to representation, but also as a stimulus for draw bluebells, blue jeans and a blue Written and illustrated by Michael Hall. Harper discussion about the stereotypes that whale. With that, he Collins Publishers,2015. isBN 9780062252098. children may see in books and films. The realises he was blue 40pp. Cost: €17.99. 1st and 2nd class

The Great Big Book of Families different ways. any child, but one Families come in all shapes and sizes and Perhaps there’s one who can change this book takes a look at all the different that looks like yours?’ into any shape kinds. The tone is set The book offers a they can imagine. The early on as the book realistic depiction of only problem is they can’t decide what to begins: ‘Once upon family life and even includes gentle be: A bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting a time most references to negative family experiences star? A boy or a girl? Regardless, they find families in books like homelessness, unemployment and comfort in the loving arms of their mother. looked like this – not being able to afford a holiday. The The rhythm of the lyrical text guides One daddy, one book is a beautiful starting point for any the children through a powerful story of mummy, one little lesson on family diversity. The book is finding your place in a new environment boy, one little girl, one versatile and could be read through in as Miu Lan struggles to make friends with dog and one cat. But in one sitting or dissected by delving deeper their new schoolmates. The book is a real life, into one of the double page spreads in beautiful allegory about accepting families detail. A must for all classrooms in the difference in others and in yourself. Aside come junior end of the school! from the obvious links to SPHE and in all gender identity, it could also act as a sorts of Written by Mary Hoffman and illustrated by Ros stimulus for an imaginative Visual Art shapes Asquith. Penguin Random House, 2011. isBN lesson wherein the children portray and 9781847805874. 40pp. Cost: €13.99. different forms that Miu Lan could take or sizes. a drama lesson on the playground In this interactions portrayed in the book. book From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish are a lot of in the Sea Written by Kai Cheng thom and illustrated by Kai families In the magical time between night and day, yun Ching and Wai-yant Li. Arsenal Pulp Press, living in Miu Lan is born. However, they’re not just 2017. isBN 9781551527093. 40pp. Cost: €16.99.

INTOUCH 54 MarCH 2019 Teaching­matters difference To­celebrate­World­Book­Day­on­7­March,­the­INTO LGBT+­Teachers’­Group­share­their recommendations­for­LGBT+­inclusive­books 3rd and 4th class The Popularity Papers 5th and The Popularity Papers is a seven book (to date) series charting the adventures of 6th class two best friends, Lydia and Julie as they face the ups and downs of school, family and growing up. The story is drawn in The Misadventures of the entering a relationship journal format with the two girls writing Family Fletcher with another woman and recording their experiences from Meet the Fletchers! A family towards the end of the their own perspectives. of four boys, two dads and story and his Grandy The book is a wonderful addition to any one neighbour who just preferring to use library as it is visually striking, humorous might ruin everything. alternative gender and incorporates positive Each of the Fletcher pronouns. These representation of same-sex brothers however are incidental headed families, without this are finding parts of the book, the being the focus of the story. their plans for success real story is the Book four touches on the issues veering off in goings-on in Felix’s one of her fathers has with his unexpected and life as he faces the own family not truly accepting sometimes disastrous prospect of the him for who he is. directions. At home, procedure. their miserable new Written and illustrated by Amy neighbour complains Written and illustrated ignatow. Cost: €9.79. about everything. The by Lisa Bunker. Penguin boys learn through hard Random House, 2018. and often hilarious isBN 9780425288504. 10,000 Dresses lessons that sometimes 288pp. Cost: €8.99. Every night, Bailey dreams what you least expect is about magical dresses: dresses made of what you come to care crystals and rainbows, dresses made of about the most. flowers, dresses made of windows… A really well-written and gripping book Unfortunately, when Bailey’s awake, no about a family – who just happens to one wants to hear about these beautiful have two dads. The story of the Fletchers dreams. Quite the contrary: “You’re a continues in The Family Fletcher Takes Rock BOY!” – Mother and Father tell Bailey. “You Island. Dana Alison Levy has also written a shouldn’t be thinking about dresses at all.” story around a family with two mothers Then Bailey meets Laurel, an older girl called This Would Make A Good Story who is touched and inspired by Bailey’s Someday . imagination and courage. Written and illustrated by Dana Alison Levy. In friendship, Penguin Random House, 2015. isBN the two of 9780385376525. 288p. Cost: €15.99. them begin making Felix Yz dresses This book is Felix’s secret blog, together. a chronicle of the days leading And Bailey’s up to a risky procedure to undo the dreams effects of a disastrous science come true! experiment. It charts his times with family, run-ins with the school bully and Written by anxiety about his crush. While the crux of Marcus ewert the story is on Felix’s journey, the book and illustrated by Rex Ray. seven stories Press, also acts as positive representation of 2008. isBN 9781583228500. 32pp. Cost: €18.19. LGBT+ characters with his mother

INTOUCH 55 MarCH 2019 Teaching­matters

International Women’s Day

Celebrating Lady Nelson Glasnevin’s link to the Grand National

International Women’s Day is celebrated the walls of Glasnevin Cemetery; women on the day was 100 to 8 and Ally Sloper on 8 March and the English Grand such as Hannah Sheehy Skeffington, finished the race two lengths ahead. National will take place in Aintree on 6 Rosie Hackett, Delia Larkin, plus many According to a contemporary of the April. This month’s article connects these others. They sought to improve women’s Nelsons, Lady Nelson donated her prize two events and also explores their links to rights, the living conditions of families money from the Grand National to the Glasnevin Cemetery. and to broaden the role of women in Red Cross and stated that, ‘it was not only International Women’s Day brings the society. There are, of course, countless a pleasure to give it but also her duty’. The work and achievements of women to the other women buried within the cemetery excitement of the race must have fore and draws attention to ongoing who also took steps to broaden the provided momentary relief for many from issues surrounding the rights and role of traditional role of women. the ongoing tumult of the First World War. women globally. The event has its origins In 1915, the English Grand National was in the labour movement in America; in won by a horse named Ally Sloper. The 1908 15,000 women took to the streets of thoroughbred was the first English Grand New York City and marched for improved National winner to be owned by a woman labour conditions and voting rights. The and the woman in question was Lady To­date­no­female­jockey­has first actual Women’s Day took place in Margaret Nelson from Westmeath. several countries in Europe in 1911. It has A description of the race at Aintree in won­the­Aintree­Grand­National been celebrated on 8 March since 1913, 1915, taken from the back of a series of and during the First World War was used cards included in John Player cigarette –­we­will­have­to­wait­to­see as a vehicle to campaign against the war packets, provides a vivid sense of the and to promote women’s suffrage. In 1975 chase as it developed. ‘Ally Sloper, only six what­happens­in­April­... the United Nations marked this event and years old, blundered badly at the Canal two years later asked member states to fence first time round, but Anthony (the Lady Margaret Nelson died of pneumonia declare 8 March as the UN day for jockey, Mr. Jack Anthony, would go on to on 6 April 1932, aged 75, and was buried in women’s rights and global peace. win the Grand National at Aintree a total the family plot at Glasnevin Cemetery. Several of Ireland’s leading suffragettes, of three times) got him over the next This year’s Grand National will take place labour activists, social campaigners and fence, and from that point the horse on her 87th anniversary. To date no female politicians are laid to rest within never made a mistake’. The starting price female jockey has won the Aintree Grand National – we will have to wait to see what happens in April ...

MiCHeLLe O’CONNOR, education Officer and teacher Liaison at glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Finglas Road, Dublin 11. to find out how a tour can be tailored to include such interesting narratives as the one above – please contact the education Department at glasnevin Cemetery Museum. at glasnevincemetery.ie, tel: 01 8826550, email: [email protected]. We also run ‘Women’s tours’ for schools throughout the year.

INTOUCH 57 MarCH 2019 Cúrsaí­teagaisc

Michael Morpurgo

Tá Michael Morpugo ar dhuine de na scribhneoirí is ansa le daoine óga. Is feidir dhá leabhar dá chuid atá aistrithe go Gaeilge a íoslódáil saor in aisce ar shuíomh https://bit.ly/2GHd8Hp

sé an fhírinne a nochtadh luath nó mall. Leanann an scéal a thuismitheoirí mar phríosúnaigh cogaidh Ghiúdacha agus iachall orthu ceol Mozart a sheinm dá naimhde a fhad is a bhí Giúdaigh eile á marú. Cathain a thiocfaidh uair na cinniúna?

Úsáid sa Rang • Féach ar chlúdach an leabhair agus scríobh síos an chéad rud a ritheann leat faoin teideal agus faoin bpictiúr. An meallann siad an léitheoir? Conas? • Pléigh an blurba atá ar chúl an leabhair. • Déan tuar maidir le cad a tharlóidh sa chéad chuid den scéal. • Tá laochra i ngach leabhar. Liostaigh na dea-tréithe atá ag na laochra sa scéal seo. • Smaoinigh ar roinnt seanfhocal, ansin cinn Toro! Toro! ar na seanfhocail a thabharfadh • Cuireann Tá saol sona suaimhneach ag Antonio, comhairle do charachtar ar bith sa léaráidí cumhachtacha Michael buachaill óg atá ina chónaí ar fheirm a scéal. Foreman go mór leis na scéalta. thuismitheoirí in Andalucia na Spáinne. • Samhlaigh gur iriseóir thú agus go Roghnaigh léaráid ar bith agus bain Tagann deireadh leis an saol sin nuair a bhfuil tú chun agallamh a chur ar úsáid as aidiachtaí chun cur síos a thuigeann sé go bhfuil a bhullán, darb charachtar ón scéal. Scríobh liosta dhéanamh air. ainm Paco, le cur chuig fáinne na dtarbh. ceisteanna a chuirfidh tú ar an • Bí i do bhleachtaire, faigh eolas faoin Cad is féidir le hAntonio a dhéanamh? Tá gcarachtar nuair a bhuailfidh tú leo. scríbhneoir Michael Murpurgo agus plean cróga aige, Paco a shaoradh, ach • Scríobh alt nuachta faoi eachtra a thárla roinn an t-eolas sin leis an rang. An beidh misneach as cuimse de dhíth air sa scéal. Smaoinigh ar cheannteideal bhfuil leabhair eile de chuid an údair lena phlean a chur i gcrích – mar 1936 atá tarraingteach a mheallfaidh léitheoirí. léite ag na páistí? ann agus tá Cogadh Cathartha ag titim • Roghnaigh míreanna ón scéal agus • Scríobh léirmheas ar an leabhar. amach ar fud mhachairí na Spáinne... déan iad a léiriú mar dhráma nó mar • Úsaid an ríomhaire chun breis eolais a sheiftiú. fháil faoin Dara Cogadh Domhanda nó An Cheist Faoi Mozart • Scríobh dialann an phríomhcharachtair faoi Chogadh Cathartha na Spáinne. Nuair a chuirtear Lesley, tuairisceoir óg, roimh príomhimeachtaí an scéil, lena • Tarraing léarscáil agus taispeáin na chun na Veinéise le hagallamh a chur ar linn agus ina ndiaidh háiteanna atá luaite sa scéal ar an veidhleadóir iomráiteach, deirtear léi gur • Scríobh litir chuig léiritheoir scannán ag léarscáil féidir ceist ar bith a chur ar Paolo Levi déanamh cur síos ar an scéal, ar an • Cruthaigh Cárta Aitheantais do faoina shaol, ach nach féidir léi ar ór ná ar suíomh, ar na carachtair, ar an bplota charachtar ón scéal. airgead ceist Mozart a chur ag am ar bith. agus ar na cúiseanna gur doigh leat gur Tuigeann Paolo féin, áfach, go gcaithfidh chóir scannán a dhéanamh den scéal. MáiRe NiC AN RÍ, Oifigeach Bunscoile, COgg.

INTOUCH 58 MarCH 2019 Teaching­matters Reviews autism in a turtle shell! Just Trade, Just Connections: a Teaching resource about africa

Just Trade, Just Connections: A Teaching Resource about Tony is an adorable four year old turtle These books could be read as a Africa is a living with autism. He is blessed with bedtime story for families familiar with teaching empathetic and patient parents who are ASD for four year olds and older. Equally resource always consistent and prepared with they would make an invaluable about Africa strategies that help Tony cope better in educational tool for teachers to explore suitable for challenging social situations. the challenges faced by children living the senior There are nine books in this cleverly with autism in daily life – school, classroom. It written series that seamlessly weave playground, getting a haircut and trying teaches visual day plans first, then schedules, new food etc. and what interventions to children routines, rewards etc into each story. A use to alleviate these difficulties. I think about the sense of familiarity is sprinkled every staffroom should have them, even wider world and develops in them a throughout each book – rhyming just to browse and to remind us all that sense of global citizenship. couplets, endearing illustrations and of what we take for granted can be quite This resource is made up of four course the happy endings culminating daunting in the world of ASD. units which include structured lesson with an Obama-esque type slogan, “Yes Published by Tony the Turtle Books. plans with cross curricular links, and he can!” ISBN: 978-1-78280-229-7, 978-1-78280-227- background information for the Tony’s sensory issues and anxieties are 3, 978-1-78280-228-0, 978-1-78808-122-1, teacher. It includes a variety of tenderly described by insightful author 978-1-78280-445-1, 978-1-78280-444-4, 978- different teaching methodologies and experienced ASD tutor, Valerie 1-78808-124-5, 978-1-78280-443-7, such as talk and discussion, small Sheehan, and accurately portrayed by 978-1-78808-032-3. Cost €39.95 for a set of group work and research based illustrator Susan Meaney. While mostly a three books, €69.95 for a set of six books inquiry. Active learning is at the core gentle little turtle, agitated Tony can and €94.95 for a set of nine books from of this resource. shout, flap his hands about, throw things www.tonytheturtle.com. Prices include Just Connections challenges the and be very fussy (Mum understands how postage and packaging. idea of stereotypes and provides for Tony’s mind works; issues with food is one active discussions in the classroom. It of his quirks!). Reviewed by MARgO O’DOWD, Killarney, Co Kerry. encourages both children and teachers to go beyond the surface shamrock shakes and chocolate cakes! and delve deeper into their own belief systems. I would recommend this resource to any fifth or sixth class From author Seamus Ó Conaill comes this the story as it shows that issues can be teacher. adventurous, humorous tale. Beautifully resolved with teamwork Just Trade, Just illustrated by Daniele Archimede, it tells and that being Connections: A Teaching the story of Spuds the leprechaun, his pot irrationally sad or angry Resource about Africa is a of gold, wife, a mouse and two goldcrest will never help. This collaboration between birds, Bonnie and Tyler. Together they try book is suitable for Marino Institute of to solve the mystery of Spuds’ missing pot children aged three to Education and Proudly of gold. eight years old. Made in Africa. The pack can A message is repeated numerous times Gill Books. ISBN: be downloaded from throughout the book, ‘Things aren’t 978-0-7171-8377-7. www.mie.ie/en/Research/. always what they seem. Treasure doesn’t Cost: €8.99. always gleam’. All the anger and sadness Reviewed by teRRi O’DONOVAN, Spuds endures throughout the story, is Reviewed by CALuM Clonee, Co Meath. resolved through teamwork and patience. AgNeW, Duleek, Co This book would help children connect to Meath.

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

Teachers’ Retreat Science Day for teachers Irish Primary PE c Teachers Association The Association of Catholi The 2019 annual conference of the 5 – 7 The Irish Primary is organising a retreat from Irish Science Teachers Association PE Association conference will t April 2019 in Co Tipperary. (ISTA) will have a full day of talks and ake place on the Grow Saturday, 9 Marc Talks will include: Teaching hands-on sessions for primary h 2019 in The ocation of Watershed, Kil in Love programme, the V teachers on Saturday, 13 April 2019 kenny. Details of nges of registration are the teacher and the Challe at St Patrick’s College/DCU available on oday. www.irishprima being a Catholic teacher t Drumcondra, for those who wish to rype.com. me! It promises to All primary teachers welco develop the teaching of science in be a great day of CPD in PE for p More information at: their school or choose science as a rimary teachers! www.actireland.ie topic for School Self Evaluation. Sessions on ‘Working like Scientists’, ‘LEGO in science education’, and ‘Creativity and integrating Art with Science’ and more. For more Volunteer Abroad information visit www. ith CARI Interested in volunteering abroad Volunteer w taconference.com/primary-science is for 2-3 months or longer? VIDES Do you live in the Dublin area and might be the answer for you. have a few hours to offer? VIDES Ireland is part of an CARI are recruiting volunteers for International Volunteering Child and Family Accompaniment in Organisation of the Salesian Sisters the Rotunda Sexual Assault School Library Survey which promotes voluntary service Treatment Unit (SATU). abroad, working with young people Full training will be provided. University College Dublin, in and women on Salesian Missons in tact Grace Jordan with any collaboration with Children’s Book Con Africa and other are 08529 or Ireland (CBI) and School Library as worldwide. queries by phoning (01) 83 Vo Assoc lunteers’ work may involve – emailing [email protected]. iation in the Republic of assisting with classes, aiding literacy en night Tuesday, 12 March Ireland (SLARI) are doing a survey , Op youth engagement, r Room, on school libraries. You can managing clubs, 2019 at 6.30 pm in the Pilla refur partic bishment and building etc. Rotunda Hospital. ipate at www.surveymonkey. VIDES provides training e! com/r/SchoolLibrariesIreland prior to All are welcom departure. Volunteers are required to cover only the cost of their travel and personal expenses. VIDES provides accommodation. Enquiries to Kindling the Flame [email protected] “Kindling The Flame: 150 Years of the INTO”: chronicles and marks the life of the INTO since its formal beginnings in 1868. It is a major contribution to the INTO 150 celebrations. Reviews have described the book, written by Carysfort ,.-. Niamh Puirséil as “accessible and fluent”, “a Calling all Carysfort graduates of fascinating history” and “a marvellous read”. 1979. Reunion planned for 19 There are a limited number of books to October 2019, Tullamore Court purchase from INTO Head Office, the cost is Hotel. Expressions of interest to 9. Contact Georgina Glackin at 01 8047745. €19.9 [email protected]

INTOUCH 61 MarCH 2019 Nótaí­deiridh

Two pages with Comhar Linn prizewinners, Crossword, resources for the classroom … from training courses to helpful hints and useful links

WINNERS OF DECEMBER DRAW 1/02

CAR – TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID CASH €1,000.00 Anne-Marie Lalor, Fiachra Sheridan St. Raphael’s N.S., Dominican Convent, Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan, Kylemore Road, Dublin 10 Muirtheimhne Mór, Dún Dealgan, Co. Lú. CASH €2,000.00 Michelle Ryan Angela Mulrooney St. Patrick’s GNS, Cambridge Road, Foxford, Co. Mayo Dublin 4. Jerry Coakley The­December­2018­car­winner­Anne-Marie­Lalor,­St. Ballyheeda N.S., Ballinhassig, Co. Cork. Winner details withheld by consent Raphael’s­NS. Comhar Linn vCrossword no196

A draw for 2 x €100 will be made from all correct entries. simply complete the crossword and send it to ‘intouch Crossword’, iNtO, 35 Parnell square, Dublin 1, before Friday 29th March 2019. Photocopied crosswords are not accepted.

1 2345 678ACROss DOWN 1. How­Mag­imparts­with­such­expediency! 1. Alexander,­the­poetic­pontiff­ (4) 9 (10) 2. One­takes­to­Saturn­a­confused­space 6. Send­on­the­ball­ – not­with­honours­(4) traveller­ (9) 10 11 10­&­19a.­Completely­stop­having­a­strange 3. House­of­Roman­construction­ (5) pendant­out­(3,2,3,2) 4. Hauled­along­to­get­married­ (5) 11. Gee,­warmth­can­produce­this­cereal 5. Appear­to­find­a­diocese­grand­ (4) product­(5,4) 7. Kipling­wolf­seen­in­the­lakelands­ (5) 12 13 14 15 12. Get­a­communist­address­from­Mr­A 8. “...­and­add­the­halfpence­to­the­pence­...”. (in­code)­(7) What's­that?­(3,2,5) 16 17 15. It­provides­support­for­one’s­workmates 9. Stowed­away­an­outhouse­under­the (5) street ( 7) 18 19 20 17. Must­you­take­hours­to­start­writing­a 13. Lie­next­to­a­broken­tuba­ (4) legend?­(4) 14. Red­male­providing­a­green­stone­ (7) 21 22 18­&­33a.­What's­passed­through­the 16. Upset­the­male­nun,­Tom­–­how­massive­is generations­regarding­the­care­of­the that?­(10) 23 24 mouth?­(4,9) 20. Make­sure­the­message­is­received­that­one 19. See­10­across. will­take­the­car­back­to­the­house­ (5,4) 25 21. Began­with­actor­Edward­(7) 21. Mathematical­groups­feel­poorly­when­you 23. Release­one's­relative­when­she­loses­the embark­ (4,3) 26 27 28 29 30 head­(5) 22. Is­it­cheese,­or­is­that­just­made­up?­(4) 24. Bird­of­prey­controlled­by­string?­(4) 27. Honour­earned­by­one­part­of­the­hospital? 31 32 25. Narrate,­Rossini­hero­(4) (5) 26. Tests­that­the­hatchet­is­returned­with­the 29­&­32d.­It's­gas,­energy­is­needed­to­rewrite­a 33 34 manuscript­(5) Bronte­classic ( 5,4) 28. May­they­be­sued­for­as­the­beastly 30. Getting­some­tarragon,­you'll­find,­is­a female­gets­older?­(7) pain!­(5) 33. See­18­across. 31. Jetty­that's­ripe­for­reconstruction­ (4) 35 36 34. Our­do­might­smell!­(5) 32. See­29­down 35. A­chap­takes­a­character­to­find­a female­(4) NaMe: 36. Betsy­and­Perry­reconfigured­the aDDress: clergyman's­residence­(10)

gordius – in touch Crossword No. 195 Jan/Feb 2019 solution To read the Crossword Competition Terms & Conditions and INTO’s Data privacy Notice Across 1. Jack Horner 6. Wind 10. Noise 11. Donatello 12. Messier 15. Torah 18. Road 19. Log on 21. Infancy 23. Skein please visit www.into.ie/rOI/benefits/Competitions 24. Oval 26. Rumba 28. Smoking 33. Better off 34. Roomy 35. Spot 36. Binary star Down 1. Jane Eyre 2. Crime wave 3. Heeds 4. Ridge 5. Erne 7. Idler 8. Door handle 9. Stately home 13. Ivan 4. Relaxes 16. Proscribes 20. Giving out 21. Inhaler 22. Coco 27. Metro 29. Mafia 30. Kerry 31. Hopi 32. Dyer

gordius – intouch No. 195 winners will be announced in the next InTouch issue.

INTOUCH 62 MarCH 2019 Finishing­touches

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

The­most­clicked­resources­at­the­start­of­this CBi recommended read –March month. 1 tHe WeBWise PRiMARy PROgRAMMe Granuaile: e www.webwise.ie/teachers/ webwiseprimaryprogramme/ Pirate Queen Programme for primary school teachers who wish to introduce internet safety into SPHE. Written­by­John­Burke­and­illustrated­by­Fatti­Burke. sCOiL MOCHuA, CeLBRiDge, AN t-eARRACH CO KiLDARe 2 Gill­Books,­2018.­ISBN­9780717183500.­32pp.­Cost:­€12.99. www.scoilnet.ie/search/resource/entity/show/ www.scoilmochua.com Lre/643/ Scoil Mochua’s website is well This is the first book of the Little Library collection, Leabhar labhartha as Gaeilge do Ranganna designed, easy to navigate and introducing readers to notable and fascinating figures Naíonáin – Rang 2. of Irish history. Gráinne is kept up to date. It reflects the O’Malley, or Granuaile inclusive and friendly spirit of 3 CHiNese NeW yeAR WORKsHeet (meaning ‘Bald Gráinne’), was the school while showcasing www.primaryresources.co.uk/re/pdfs/ the daring, unconventional the hard work of pupils, chinesenewyear.pdf daughter of a sea captain teachers and parents. Includes three worksheets with varying difficulty. (Eoghan O’Malley) who ONes TO waTCH 4 MyseLFie AND tHe WiDeR WORLD became the fierce pirate queen www.webwise.ie/teachers/my-selfie/ of Mayo. Five hundred years yOuR PLAN yOuR PLANet SPHE resource developed to engage 5th and 6th ago, Gráinne bravely fought class. and defended her castles from sPReAg AN gHAeiLge Le sPRAOi her family’s many enemies. 5 www.scoilnet.ie/index.php?id=1224 John and Fatti Burke, the award-winning creators of A collection of resources to teach Irish through fun Irelandopedia and Foclóiropedia , bring the story of this games and activities. formidable and rebellious woman to young readers in https://yourplanyourplanet.sustaina this wonderfully informative and beautifully illustrated bility.google 6 VALeNtiNe's DAy book. We learn of all Granuaile’s adventures, including Learn simple tips from Google www.scoilnet.ie/primary/theme-pages/ how she prevented the death of her father at the hands and the California Academy of events/valentines/ of a vicious pirate, bravely defended her husband’s Sciences to leave the earth in A collection of over 60 resources to help teach lands and rescued the drowning Hugh de Lacy. better shape. under the theme Valentine's Day. A timeline of Granuaile’s life and a ‘Did you Know’ 7 MAtHs is FuN – FRACtiONs section are included, which tell readers of the Pirate FiCHeALL www.mathsisfun.com/fractions-menu.html Queen’s continuing fame and presence in Ireland www.ficheall.ie Introduces fractions in an easy to follow way. making it a great addition to any classroom shelf. Look Ficheall is a teacher-led ÉADAÍ – CáRtAÍ tAisPeáNtAis out for the next in the series Brian Boru: Warrior King. organisation which aims to 8 www.scoilnet.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/ Non-fiction, (Ages 5–7). promote the playing of chess in Irish primary schools using a Labhairt-eadai.pdf Cártaí foclóra a bhaineann le héadaí. Is féidir iad CBI is the national children’s books organisation of Ireland. 3-stage approach: participate, seo phriontáil chun taispeántas a dhéanamh.. For further information and more reviews, represent and compete. visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie 9 ANCieNt egyPt tHeMePAge tAste AtLAs www.scoilnet.ie/primary/theme-pages/ InTouch competitions and draws www.tasteatlas.com history/ancient-egypt/ Discover local ingredients, Scoilnet themepage with activities, games and From time to time, the iNtO runs competitions and draws for members via traditional dishes and reading material on this ancient civilisation. intouch, our e-newsletter, website or social media. Only essential data authentic restaurants with BiA – sCOiLNet tHeMePAge required for the running of the competition is requested from members. the Taste Atlas. Use the map to 10 www.scoilnet.ie/go-to-primary/theme-pages/ data collected is deleted once winners have been selected. zoom in on a country or irish/bia/ the full name and county of prize winners is published by the iNtO. By location and find out about Choose from various topics within theme of ‘Bia’. entering the competition, it is assumed consent is given by members for the food from that area. publication of these details. For more information on t&Cs for competitions visit the Benefits section of the iNtO website.

INTOUCH 63 MarCH 2019