­Issue­No­153 June­2015 ISSN­1393-4813­(Print) ISSN­2009-6887­(Online)

“A school is nothing if it is not a place of laughter and song”

Bryan MacMahon Keeping in Touch Interactive dialogue with members, and key news items

geNeral­Secretary’S­cOmmeNt

INTO president Emma Dineen chatting with school leaders at an INTO seminar in Tullamore last month

Valuing our teachers

s this edition of InTouch goes to print talks on the pride that teachers take in achieving the best for income recovery for public servants are under- children. Away in the Labour Relations Commission. In Irish teachers are among the best in the world. this recession primary teachers along with other Drawn from the best performing school leavers, they members of the public service had their income are well-trained, teach 20 per cent longer than the reduced through the pension related deduction, pay EU average in classes that are, on average, a fifth cuts, loss of allowances as well as through increased bigger than in other EU countries. taxes and charges imposed on all citizens. It is widely acknowledged that decent salaries and e INTO consistently pursued every opportunity working conditions attract the best candidates into available to have teachers’ incomes restored and sought teaching and retain them in the profession. Yet the unwinding of the legislation used to reduce incomes. primary teachers in Ireland earn 80 per cent of It is therefore welcome that a process to unwind the similarly qualified graduates. legislation and restore incomes is underway. It’s time to restore incomes so that primary teachers Despite reductions in income, teachers have given are paid their worth. everything of themselves during hard times. e Teacher morale is an essential ingredient of educa- dedication to all aspects of their pupils’ education tion success. A teaching workforce that is properly and welfare is without question. resourced, rewarded appropriately and that has is edition celebrates aspects of that commitment opportunities for promotion will ensure the very best such as the dedication of primary teachers to sports, outcomes for children. music, the visual arts and the creativity of handwriting. It is essential that government recognises and rewards

InTouch June 2015  ontents

Emma Dineen, Keeping InTouch INTO News President pictured with Dr Seán 3 Editorial In the News Creamer, Valuing our teachers 13 • New appointments in founder of Head Office National What you need to • Public v private sector pay Children’s know 15 • Support for Nepal Choir 7 • Tribute to Dr Michael • Inspection of schools pg 7 and Moroney, former 16 • INTO activist elected cover INTO Treasurer chair of ICTU Youth • National Children’s Choir Committee • Election results – INTO INTO member’s diary on Education Committee the way to schools • 10 things you should know • Comhar Linn draw 9 • Letters – INTO survey winners on teacher stress and 17 • Re-opening of schools – workload 2015/16 10 • Want to work in Head • Garda vetting - new Office? Vacancy for circular issued Senior Official • INTO visits colleges of • INTO officers’ training education • Information leaflet for Let us know what you think. new graduates published Draw for €50 voucher for letter 18 • An Post/INTO writers each month. Keep up- Handwriting Competition to-date via Twitter, website winners e-newsletter or RSS feed 19 Membership Plus Your • Your member benefit diary is programme – check out on the the latest offers way pg 16 21 ICT in Schools • INTO submission to Oireachtas Committee on ICT in primary schools

An Post/INTO Handwriting Competition winners pg 18 22 Tributes Pic: Maxwell Photography • Remembering deceased INTO members

circulated education magazine in Ireland. InTouch General Editor: Sheila Nunan 23 Solidarity Articles published in InTouch are also available Editor: Peter Mullan on our website www.into.ie • Global Campaign for Assistant Editor: Lori Kealy e views expressed in this journal are those Education Editorial Assistants: Yvonne Kenny, Niamh of the individual authors and are not necessarily Corduff, Aoife Carton • INTO attends Dóchas endorsed by the INTO. Advertising: Mary Bird Smyth, Aoife Carton conference While every care has been taken to ensure Design: David Cooke that the information contained in this Photography: Moya Nolan, Shutterstock publication is up to date and correct, no 24 Retirements Correspondence to: e Editor, InTouch, responsibility will be taken by the Irish National INTO Head Office, Vere Foster House, • Pictures from retirement Teachers’ Organisation for any error which 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 functions held around might occur. Telephone: 01 804 7700 e school garden pg 56 Except where the Irish National Teachers’ the country. Fax: 01 872 2462 Organisation has formally negotiated LoCall: 1850 708 708 agreements as part of its services to members, Email: [email protected] Website: www.into.ie/m.into.ie inclusion of an advertisement does not imply InTouch is published by the Irish National any form of recommendation. While every Teachers’ Organisation and effort is made to ensure the reliability of distributed to members and educational advertisers, the INTO cannot accept liability for institutions. InTouch is the most widely the quality of goods and services offered.

 InTouch June 2015 Primary School Athletics pg45 June 2015

INTO Advice Newsdesk Teaching Matters Finishing Touches

27 School Leadership 35 Fixed Term 43 FÍS Film Project 61 Noticeboard • Principals’ and Deputy Contracts Cormac Cahill on how to Upcoming events Principals’ Conference • Good news for fixed term get involved and make 2015 teachers movies 62 Comhar Linn • PDST courses for school Crossword leaders 36 INTO Learning 45 Primary School Plus design resources, free • Book an INTO face to face Athletics school tours and an SPHE 28 Managing your or online summer course 86 years and still evolving resource you can download money and expanding says • Your rights regarding 38 Cumann na mBunscol Anthony O’Flynn 63 Scoilnet Panel faulty goods • Schools visit Croke Park Plus visit WW1 Exhibition • Mini Sevens launched 46 New Arts Portal in the National Library 29 From College to Launched and Kilfinane pupils take Classroom 39 Exploding the Myths Digital resources of arts part in a biodiversity field • Interview tips • NERI lays bare a number and education practice trip. of economic myths 30 Planning School 48 Pursuing the dream Building Project? 40 Awards Maebh Harrison is • Checking for asbestos • Showing Racism the Red studying to become a Card primary teacher 31 Understanding your • Bahraini teachers Payslip awarded prize for trade 49 Something old, • PRSI and USC deductions union rights something new… • European award for Blue Fiona Garvey on children’s Star teachers literature 41 The Teaching Council 51 Travel Tips • Consultation on CPD Nancy Cogan has an • Renewing registration adventure on the trans • Plus... the DES announces siberian railway Book a summer course with pilot of new model for INTO Learning pg 36 allocating resource 52 Visual Arts teachers Michael O’Reilly on evaluating your own art lessons 56 SESE Tips School gardening notes Arts portal launched pg 46 for June. e final arti- (Picture: Music Generation) cle in a series from Paddy Madden. 58 Irish Resources Tips from COGG Evaluating your own Competitions 59 Reviews art lessons pg 52 Your chance to win Music, history and number a luxury family break at the ninjas! Sheraton Athlone Hotel – for details on how to Tips for interviews pg 29 enter see page 26 Win tickets to Ed Sheeran concert courtesy of Membership Plus page 19

InTouch June 2015  Keeping InTouch Michael Moroney

On 28 April Dr Michael Moroney, retired general both to individual members and to the whole treasurer/deputy general secretary of the INTO, membership. He provided special support to passed away. the foundation of the Separated Teachers’ Michael had a long and distinguished record Support Group. He was a skilled negotiator and of involvement in the INTO from his earliest days led on pensions and salary talks and on several as a teacher in his native Waterford. During the conciliation and arbitration issues, securing 12 years Michael served as principal in Clashmore many improvements. NS, Co Waterford, he served first as secretary of He completed an MLitt thesis in 2002, The the INTO Dungarvan Branch and later as vice Remuneration of National Teachers, !$#! - !% chairperson and chairperson of the Waterford followed by a PhD thesis in 2005, National County Committee. Teachers’ Salaries and Pensions !%#! - " . In 1968 he became the first executive officer of Michael attended his final INTO Congress in the INTO and secretary to the first education Ennis this year. committee. The INTO was represented at his funeral by Following his election in 1978 he served as Emma Dineen, President; Sheila Nunan, General general treasurer/deputy general secretary Secretary and Noel Ward, Deputy General Secretary/ until his retirement in 1997. During his time in General Treasurer. The service was also attended Head Office he provided a committed service by many of Michael’s former INTO colleagues. 30 years ‘Glory Glory Hallelujah’ with the National Children’s Choir

In May and June, more than 8,000 fourth, fifth and sixth classes in primary Mairéad Déiseach and Anne Purcell. primary school children in all parts of schools all over the country who learn is year’s repertoire will include the country performed as members of and perform a common repertoire in songs by Brendan Graham, Shaun the National Children’s Choir in venues their schools. Every child in a Davey, Bernard Sexton and Mícheál all over Ireland. participating class is affiliated to the Mac Eoin. e choir was founded 30 years ago in choir – it is neither selective nor e National Children’s Choir is a 1985 by Dr Seán Creamer as Ireland’s specialist. Every child who learns the voluntary organisation run by dedicated contribution to European Music Year repertoire performs in a regional teachers and retired teachers. and has run ever since. concert with other local schools. Our cover picture this month pays During that time over 120,000 A representative number of children tribute to the extraordinary voluntary children have enjoyed the experience of from each school will perform in the work of primary teachers in the arts. singing with the National Children's National Concert Hall on a number of is edition also features the huge Choir. nights this month under the baton of contribution that teachers make to the e choir is formed by children from musical directors Órla Gillan, world of children’s sport.

10 tHingS you should know Elections

Sign up for an INTO summer course Important reminders re Teaching Results of elections to INTO Education 1this year. Pages 36,37. 6 Council registration. Page 41. Committee District­7:­Dolores Killian, Athlone/Moate. Union support for victims of Launch of the Arts in Education 2 earthquake in Nepal. Page 15. 7portal, a new resource for teachers. District­8:­Alice O’Donnell, Cualann. Page 46. Important vetting news for new District­10:­Celia Walsh, New Ross. 3teachers or teachers changing jobs. School leadership– conference and Page 17. 8courses. Page 27. District­16:­Paul Moroney, Mallow.

Progress on CIDs for members. Welcome changes to inspection in e full list of representatives on all national 4Page 35 9schools. Page 15. committees is published in the INTO member’s diary and is available online at More information on understanding Are you getting value from your www.into.ie/ROI/AboutINTO/Committees/ 5your payslip. Page 31 10 Membership Plus card? Page 19.

InTouch June 2015  Keeping InTouch

etters Stay informed teacher stress and workload survey

Dear Editor, Dear Editor,

e INTO Survey on Teacher Stress and e working group established to Workload concluded that 90% of teachers progress the Congress resolution took full Check our website www.into.ie said that teaching has become much more account of the resolution when designing stressful, demanding, challenging and hectic. the questionnaire on workload. Professor However, as the author of the Congress Mark Morgan was commissioned to work motion that led to the above survey, I was with the group, which met on a number shocked to see that a key measure sug- of occasions, to design and analyse the gested in the motion to reduce workload results. e survey took into account a was largely ignored and that work over- range of issues related to workload and load was not actually a central focus of work-related stress such as expectations, this survey as envisaged by the branch curricular change, demands of planning that submitted the motion. and policy issues. Subscribe to the INTO enewsletter e whole purpose of the survey, as An interim report was prepared for into.newsweaver.ie envisaged by our branch, was not just to Congress, a summary of which was determine to what extent increasing carried in InTouch. e full report will be workload was the main cause of the available later this year. e issues con- increasingly stressful nature of the job, tributing most to making teaching more but also, as expressed in the wording of challenging were requirements for docu- the motion passed by Congress, “to mentation relating to policies and prac- explore in the context of this research tices, making provision for individual whether, given the ever-increasing per- differences and demands made on schools Get news on the move at our mobile formance demands for the planning and to solve problems of concern in society. website m.into.ie teaching of all curricular subjects, the Questions were included in the survey time has come for a radical change in the on the issue of curriculum and planning number of subjects a primary teacher is and are reported in the interim report. expected to assume responsibility for”. However, further work on curriculum, I am also alarmed at the narrowing of including the issue of overload is being the focus that sees increasing ‘workload’ addressed by the INTO Education Com- slimmed down in the InTouch report to mittee in preparation for the Consultative concerns about more ‘documentation’. Conference on Education next November Workload stress has increased due to on the theme of curriculum. Focus groups tell us what numerous other factors and systemic are taking place this term and a question- you think … demands and is not just limited to more naire will issue in the autumn. A review detailed documentation requirements. A of the Primary School Curriculum 1999 lot of these very concrete stressors from will also take place over the next few years. excessive expectations to assaults on e INTO is committed to continuing its Have you something to say about teachers (increasingly common) were policy of consulting with members re- an article you have read in not picked up on. garding curriculum policy development. InTouch, or is there an issue on Joe Duffy Deirbhile NicCraith which you want to communicate Blanchardstown Branch Director of Education and Research, INTO with others? Email [email protected] or write to the Editor, InTouch, INTO, Vere Foster House, 35 Parnell Sq, Dublin 1. Presidential Dinner Mark all such communications ‘for publication’ and give a District XII INTO invites you to the contact telephone number and your INTO membership number intO Presidential Dinner 2015 for verification. to celebrate the election of Emma Dineen as President of the INTO Long letters may be edited. Venue: Inchydoney Lodge and Spa Hotel, Clonakilty, Co Cork, Authors of letters published will have their names entered for a Date: Saturday, 10 October 201 draw for a €50 voucher each Ticket information from Kathleen Lowney (Secretary, Organising Committee) month. Last month’s winner was Mobile: 08 68989 Email: [email protected] Niall Crofton from Birr.

InTouch June 2015 9 I dteagmháil

Vacancy for intO Senior Official Permanent position in INTO Head Office, Dublin

Provide Safeguard Promote Unite & Regulate Promote Member & Improve Education Organise Relations Equality Services Conditions Standards

General job description e successful applicant will be part of a dynamic team in Head Office committed to achieving the INTO’s objectives. While initial duties will be in the Legal and Industrial Relation Section, flexibility is a key requirement and the capacity to work across all sections of the office is essential.

Key requirements and competencies e successful applicant will have: l A strong academic background and a minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience. l A comprehensive knowledge of the INTO to drive the delivery of INTO key priorities. l A thorough understanding of current issues in education and industrial relations. l Experience and expertise in negotiating and handling complex legal and industrial relations issues. l Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills and an ability to build, maintain and influence a wide range of stakeholders. l High standards of research, policy development and project management skills. l A commitment to promote at individual and team level the delivery of quality services to members. l A results driven approach with evidence of being innovative, energetic and flexible in advancing strategy. l A valid full driving licence. A detailed job description is available on request by email from [email protected]. Letter of application (maximum 2 pages) and curriculum vitae, together with the names and contact details of two referees, should be submitted by email only to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 10 June 2015.

e INTO is the largest teachers’ union in Ireland representing 0,000 members in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Officers’ training seminar

All newly appointed branch officers were invited to the INTO Learning Centre last month for training to support them in their new roles.

Pictured are a number of officers developing their ICT skills under the watchful eyes of the INTO ICT team of Fidelma Heston, Merrilyn Campbell and Selina Campbell.

10 InTouch June 2015 INTO News e Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … who’s who, what’s new, and what’s happening

New appointments in Head Office

Deirbhile Nic Craith Deirdre O’Connor

Deirbhile Nic Craith has been Deirdre O’Connor has been appointed as INTO director appointed as assistant general of education and research at secretary in the Conditions of assistant general secretary Employment Section. Since her level. appointment to Head Office Deirbhile taught in St At- in 2002, she has worked in tracta’s JNS, Dublin 16, prior various areas of the Organisa- to being appointed director of tion, including Special Educa- Gaelscoileanna in 1988. She tion, Professional Development was appointed as an official and Trade Union Training. in the Education Section of She served as equality officer Head Office in 1992 and is from 2010 to 201. secretary to the INTO Education Deirdre currently works in Committee. She also previously the Legal, Industrial Relations served as equality officer. and Leadership Section and Deirbhile represents the the Standing Committee of also co-ordinates the work of 1999 to 2002. INTO on many external Heads of Education and the INTO Principals’ and Deirdre holds an MSc in education bodies including Teacher Unions and SCoTENs. Deputy Principals’ Committee. Education Management (UUJ, the Council of the NCCA, An In addition to her B.Ed, she she taught in St Mary’s BNS, 2002) and a Diploma in Chomhairle um Oideachas holds a Masters and PhD in Monaghan, for 1 years and Employment Law (Law Society, Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta, education from UCD. worked with the PCSP from 2011). Public v private sector pay

e Central Statistics Office (CSO) National Employment Survey 2009 premium is in negative territory by regularly compares public and private and 2010 Data has thrown up some now, something likely to be confirmed sector pay. Despite warnings about interesting facts. when updated information is provided simplistic overall comparisons, the CSO e study showed that in 2009 the by the CSO later this year. figures usually give rise to claims of a public sector enjoyed a pay premium of e current study, a welcome change significant public sector premium (the 11.9 per cent. By 2010 the pension levy from simplistic claims about pay levels additional amount public sector workers and pay cuts had reduced this to 1. per in both sectors, does show that: earn above private sector workers). cent. l Males earn more in the private sector At best this is a result of back of the To produce this figure the CSO than males in the public sector. envelope, lazy analysis that compares report delves into details like job types, l Women earn more in the public average private sector pay and average age, length of service, size of workplace sector than in the private sector. public sector pay. At worst it is deliberate and educational qualifications. l Lower paid public servants are better manipulation of the data to exaggerate a Since the time of this study, pay cuts paid than counterparts in the private public service premium for a particular for those earning more than €6,000, sector. purpose. pay reductions such as the loss of l Higher paid public servants are paid A recent and very detailed report allowances and increment freezes have less than counterparts in the private from the CSO Specific Analysis of the depressed public service pay further. sector. Public/Private Sector Pay Differential for It is likely that the public sector

InTouch June 2015 1 INTO News Support for Nepal

Irish teachers moved quickly to offer support to Nepal after two major earth- quakes rocked the country last month. Entire villages lie in ruin and the lives of many are changed forever. Sixty-two teachers and support staff lost their lives, more lost friends and families and many are without homes. A combination of damaged schools being placed off limits and schools being used as shelters left nearly a million students without classes to attend. Yet these challenges have not weakened the resolve of the people. Members of teacher unions and confed- erations agreed to donate five days’ salary, equalling six million dollars, to the prime minister’s disaster relief fund. And, in addi- tion, they donated another day’s pay to help their colleagues in need. Irish teachers and teacher unions have moved to help Nepalese colleagues on their long road to recovery. Over €20,000 has been donated thus far by the four do so at: www.goalglobal.org or Dipack Dhakal, Samjhana Kc, (natives teacher unions and Club na Múinteoirí to www.idonate.ie/nepalrelieffund of Nepal and employees of Club na Múin- relief efforts in Nepal. Pictured above are (l to r:) Mike Jen- teoirí and INTO) Sheila Nunan, General Members wishing to make a financial nings, General Secretary, IFUT, Annette Secretary, INTO, and Pat King, General contribution to relief efforts in Nepal can Dolan, Deputy General Secretary, TUI, Secretary, ASTI. Inspection of schools

A number of changes to aspects of inspec- Code of Practice for the Inspectorate l Work co-operatively and fairly with tion in schools have been announced by A revised Code of Practice for the Inspec- the education partners and relevant the Inspectorate. ese changes follow torate has been formulated replacing the statutory bodies. consultations with the INTO. 2002 version. e code applies to the l Be open about evaluation models, full range of inspectors’ evaluation and activities, criteria and priorities. Procedure for Review of Inspections advisory work, including their work and l Recognise and acknowledge effective on Schools and Teachers under Sec- conduct when evaluating and reporting work, progress and achievement. tion 8: (>) of the Education Act (8>>=) on the work of schools, the work of l Ensure that all communications, oral While acknowledging that the majority of individual teachers and the implementation and written, are clear. school inspections are carried out suc- of curricular programmes and regulations. l Promote professional dialogue. cessfully a teacher may be dissatisfied e new code states that the work of l Seek and consider the views of the with the professional work of inspectors inspectors is to be underpinned by four education partners and others when or a report. Section 1(9) of the Education key principles: designing and developing inspection Act provides for an appeal. l A focus on learners. models and processes. l e scope of this appeal process has l Development and improvement. l Promote trust in working relationships been extended to encompass the l Respectful engagement. with others. conduct of inspectors during the l Responsibility and accountability. course of their work. Inspection feedback l e revised procedures also provide Each of these is elaborated upon. For Members’ views on school inspection are for a new final and external appeal example, respectful engagement commits welcome. If you have recently experienced stage. is will give teachers recourse inspectors to: an inspection in your classroom/school to an appeal to an independent, l Work co-operatively and fairly with and would like to communicate your external, appeal process. students, teachers, school leaders, views to the INTO, you can fill out an Both of these long standing demands of boards of management, parents, Inspection Feedback Form on the INTO the INTO will be included in the revised patrons and trustees in a spirit of website. All information provided will be procedures operative from 1 September 201. mutual respect. treated as confidential.

InTouch June 2015 1 Nuacht CMÉ New chairperson for ICTU Youth Committee

Teresa Walsh, an INTO activist, is the e committee will work on a broad incoming chairperson of the ICTU Youth range of areas relevant to young people in Committee. She was elected unopposed the workplace. Proliferation of zero hour to the position last month. contracts and precarious work are clear e ICTU Youth Committee is the issues for young people. Plans include national policy and campaigning group co-ordinating an effective organising for young members of the trade union campaign targeting young workers which movement in Ireland. e committee is includes education and awareness raising, made up of young trade union representa- seeking the views of young people and tives from all ICTU affiliated trade unions workers directly and building and and has recently been reconstituted for strengthening alliances with organisations the 201-201 term. e committee leads which advocate for youth. the development of Congress youth poli- As ICTU Youth representative on the cy, highlighting key areas of concern for Board of the National Youth Council of and importance for all young people. e Ireland, Teresa said that it is clear that ICTU Youth Committee is a vehicle for young people face particular issues which the voices of young teachers to be heard need to be addressed. ‘’Pay, job security in collaboration with other trade unions. Teresa Walsh, incoming chairperson of and career progression are key issues for Teresa said that INTO is playing an ICTU Youth Committee young people, now more than ever.’’ e important role in identifying issues specific ICTU Youth Committee will continue to to young teachers. She said with the are finding it extremely hard to earn a work and campaign for a positive and se- increased cost of living, young teachers decent wage. cure future for all young people in Ireland.

e INTO diary for 2015/16 [email protected] on the new INTO will post to schools in June. design are welcome. e diary has a new format New members will receive Member’s this year which has been their diary with their new developed following feedback member’s pack once their Diary from members. Comments to application has been processed.

Comhar Linn draw winners

Weekends­for­two­in­Jury’s­Inn Michael Bohane, Glasheen, Cork. James McCauley, Swords, Co Dublin.

Winners of April Draw car:­toyota­auris Siobhán O’Driscoll, Cahermore New Central School, Cahermore, Beara, Co Cork.

Anna McSweeney (March 2015 car cash­€1,500 winner) being congratulated by Brendan Vivienne Bryan, Holy Spirit BNS, Kelly, Comhar Linn and her school Sillogue Road, Ballymun, Dublin 11. principal Damian Irwin. Sinéad Flannery (February 2015 car Weekends­for­two­in­Jury’s­Inn winner), SN Caitríona Sóis, Renmore, Winners of March draw Rosemarie Heaney, SN Corr Lorgan, Galway. car:­toyota­auris Cabhán, Co Cavan. Anna McSweeney, Glounthaune Mixed Nora M. Ní Loinsigh, Gaelscoil Bhreifne, NS, Glounthaune, Co Cork. Halla na nGasóga, Bóthar an Iarnróid, cash­€1,500 An Cabhán. Harry Canning, SN Naomh Pádraig, Castlebar, Co Mayo.

16 InTouch June 2015 INTO News Important note Garda on the opening of schools for the 2015-2016 school year vetting New job or new school Schools normally re-open for the new August, and will not have to return for in September? … school year in the week that 1 September the 1/2/ day(s) in August. occurs. However, many schools re-open then read closely and in the last few days of August. is year 2. Will the replacement teacher be paid act by 31 July 1 September falls on a Tuesday but some for these days as well as the teacher schools will re-open in the week prior who is retiring? to this e.g. a school might re-open on The Department of Education ursday (2 August) or Friday (28 August) If the replacement teacher begins on and Skills recently issued Circular of the previous week. If a school does re- 2/28 or 1 August, this teacher’s 0026/15 outlining new garda vetting open on 2 August there are a number of contract commences from 1 September requirements. This circular is in line things that the school must be mindful of: and salary is paid from this date – on with the National Vetting Bureau the basis that the teacher will only work (Children and Vulnerable Persons) 1. If there is a teacher retiring in the 18 days and be paid for the full school Act 2012. school on 31 August – does that teacher year for the 201/2016 school year. The circular makes advance prepa- have to be in school on ursday 27, ration for new vetting requirements: Friday 28, and Monday 31 August? 3. I have a fixed-term contract up to 31 August. I have been asked to do i) in case the new legislation is No. Circular 11/200 outlines the substitute work in my own school commenced prior to 1 September following scenario which applies in this (or any other school) for 27 and 28 2015; and case: August. Will I be paid if I do the ii) to ensure that teachers affected substitute work for those two days? (see below) will have vetting A teacher retiring at the end of the applications processed by that school year whose school re-opens on No. As you are being paid on a fixed- date. 2/28 and 0 August, is considered to term contract until 1 August you will have completed service to retirement, not be paid for substitute work on those the­vast­majority­of­teachers­are­ having worked 18 days in that school two days. You cannot be paid twice for not­affected­by­the­DeS­deadline­of­ year. is teacher will be paid to 1 the same two days. 31­July­2015­as­they­will­be­returning to­their­current­employment.

The Minister for Justice and Visits to colleges of education Equality has not yet signed the commencement order for this Act INTO representatives recently importance of joining the INTO and but may do so prior to the start of completed a round of information useful information on starting out on the new school year. In the event that inputs for final year students in the your teaching career. the Act is commenced there will be colleges of education. Information was Further information for newly significant changes in relation to given on conditions of employment, qualified teachers is available from the vetting requirements for new guidance for new teachers, the dedicated section on the INTO website. employees who start employment or enter into new contracts after the Act is commenced. It will not immediately concern a teacher not Leaflet for new graduates moving employment. the­circular­is­an­important­one­for The INTO has produced an information leaflet for teachers­starting­their­first­jobs­or new graduates from the colleges of education. moving­school­next­September/or­ The leaflet covers a range of issues relevant to in­the­autumn. newly qualified teachers, including employment prospects, salary, tips regarding applying for Circular 0026/2015 should be studied jobs and attending interviews, and information by teachers who may be affected. on conditions of service. Then, they should take appropriate action by applying via the Teaching The leaflet has been distributed to the colleges Council for Vetting Declarations – as of education and is also available for download applications received prior to and by from the ‘New Teachers’ section of the INTO 31 July 2015 will be prioritised. website.

InTouch June 2015 1 Nuacht CMÉ 65,000 put pen to paper

e national winners of the 201 An Donal Connell, Post/INTO Handwriting Competition Chief Executive, An Awards took centre stage at the GPO, on Post, and Emma 1 May. Dineen, INTO e nationwide schools’ competition President, present challenged school children of all ages to Lianda McGuire test their handwriting skills. Over 6,000 with her winner’s children from all over Ireland met the certificate. challenge, making the handwriting competition a huge success. e tens of thousands of entries received prove that teachers, parents and children understand the importance of clear and legible hand- writing in education, working and every- day life. Congratulating the winners, their teachers and families at the awards, Donal Connell, An Post Chief Executive, said: “Whether it’s jotting down a to-do list, writing a birthday card, taking down a phone message or filling out a form at the children and their teachers.” Runners up post office …handwriting is a vital part of l Rory Hannigan, Junior Infants, St our daily lives. Supporting the skill of Laurence’s NS, Co Kildare, (Category 1). handwriting for school children is a great 978< winners l Arthur Hearns, 1st class, Ballon NS, Co fit for An Post. We deliver 2. million let- l Lianda McGuire, Senior Infants, Carlow, (Category 1). ters every day and very often a child’s first Scoil na Mainistreach, Co Clare, l Rósín Carroll, rd class, St Brigid’s NS, handwritten letter, their letter to Santa, is (Category 1). Co Wexford, (Category 2). delivered by An Post.” l Cara Ruxton, 1st class, St Peter’s NS, l Maeve Doherty, 6th class, Scoil Cholm- Also on hand to present awards, Emma Dublin , (Category 1). cille, Co Donegal, (Category ). Dineen, INTO President said: “is l Daniel Robinson, th class, Scoil competition shows the art and skill of Mhuire, Co Tipperary, (Category 2). handwriting is flourishing in Ireland. e l Karl Negrillo, th class, St Clare’s PS, 5We deliver 2.5 million letters INTO has a long association with the Dublin 6W, (Category ). teaching of handwriting. Our first presi- l Evan Brazil, Phoenix Park Special every day and very often a dent, Vere Foster, developed copybooks School, Dublin 8, (Special Category). to improve handwriting. is competition l Niamh Barry, St John of God NS, child’s first handwritten is a wonderful celebration of the work of Waterford City, (Special Category). letter, their letter to Santa, is delivered by An Post6

Jim Larkin celebrating with Handwriting Competition winners outside the GPO Pics: Maxwell Photography

18 InTouch June 2015 INTO News

BeNefItS Membership Plus – your member benefit programme –

Membership Plus is the member benefit programme for INTO Great days out offers available with your members. From eating out to shopping, days out to golf, Membership Plus Card ... hotels to big high street names, there is something for every- As summer quickly approaches, we bring you some of the fantastic days out one with significant savings in a short space of time. offers you can enjoy with your family. From bowling to soft play, museums to Over 00 offers have been farms, cinemas to racing, your Membership Plus card brings you savings of up to added this year alone so ensure 50%. Visit the Membership Plus website for details on these offers and many more. you have activated your card to view the full range of offers, be kept up to date with new Aillwee Cave 2 for 1 Ballyvaughan, Co Clare offers throughout the year, Aqua Dome 20% discount Tralee, Co Kerry enter fantastic competitions Chuckies Play Zone 2 for 1 Wilton, Co Cork and much more. City Bowl 25% discount Oranmore, Co Galway To activate your card, Copper Coast Mini Farm 20% discount Fenor, Co Waterford simply go to Crag Cave 2 for 1 Castleisland, Co Kerry www.membershipplus.ie Donegal Ice Skating 2 for 1 Donegal, Co Donegal teachers. Eclipse Cinemas 2 for 1 Lifford, Co Donegal Fun Factory 25% discount Naas, Co Kildare Glendeer Pet Farm 25% discount Athlone, C0 Westmeath Win tickets Guinness Storehouse 20% discount Dublin 8 Irish Greyhound Board 2 for 1 Countrywide to see Irish National Stud 2 for 1 Kildare, Co Kildare Loughwell Farm Play 2 for 1 Moycullen, Co Galway Ed Sheeran Monkeys Paradise Soft Play 2 for 1 Tralee, Co Kerry at Croke Park Movie Junction Drive In Special Offer Carrightwohill, Co Cork National Sea Life Centre 2 for 1 Bray, Co Wicklow Red Mountain Open Farm 2 for 1 Drogheda, Co Louth Membership Plus has a fan- Stonebrook Pet Farm 25% discount Kildare, Co Kildare tastic competition where you The Jameson Experience 10% discount Midleton, Co Cork could win a pair of tickets to The National Wax Museum Plus 2 for 1 Dublin 2 see Ed Sheeran at Croke Park Viking Splash Tours Special Offer Dublin 2 on Friday 24 July. For more Waterford & Suir Valley Railway 20% discount Kilmeadan, Co Waterford details and to enter this great competition, visit www.membershipplus.ie/ teachers before 30 June!

New offers are added each week so make sure you visit the Membership Plus website regulary to see what’s new www.membershipplus.ie/teachers

To view the full range of offers, see new Have you offers as they are added throughout the year, enter competitions and much registered your more, ensure you have activated your Membership Plus card. INTO Please ensure you have registered your card by going to www.membershipplus.ie/ Membership teachers. If you have previously registered, simply login and you will be prompted to Plus Card for enter your new card number. If you have not received your 201-2016 2014-2016? INTO Membership Plus Card, please email [email protected].

InTouch June 2015 19 INTO News Ten point plan for ICT in primary schools

Last month the INTO was asked to make a submission to the Oireachtas Committee on education and social protection on the use of ICT in primary schools. e pres- entation was made by Peter Mullan, 5Inadequate Assistant General Secretary and Robbie O’Leary, Principal, Sacred Heart SNS, broadband and Killinarden, Tallaght. e INTO began by criticising an large class sizes uneven, haphazard and unstructured approach to ICT by a succession of – two key areas governments over the last 20 years. Significant obstacles impeding the where widespread adoption and development of digital approaches were outlined. ese significant include the underfunding of primary education, the fact that boards cannot plan improvements effectively towards the provision, expan- sion and maintenance of digital resources are required6 and the moratorium on promotion. Inadequate broadband and large class sizes were two key areas where significant improvements are required.

Ten point plan broadband to primary schools. All  Develop digital content to support the e INTO concluded its presentation schools need a high speed and reliable Irish primary school curriculum that by proposing to the committee a ten network that extends to all areas of meets the diverse needs of pupils in point plan to support the use of ICTs in the school. All computers should be Irish primary schools. primary schools. networked facilitating access to online 8 Prioritise and develop a wide range of 1 Provide primary schools with sufficient and locally based server resources. formal ICT CPD opportunities for financial resources to invest in up-to-  As an immediate measure, provide teachers. Recognise and support date technology infrastructure ensuring schools that have achieved DSoD status informal structures that facilitate that all learning areas have access to a with high speed broadband immediately teachers to collaborate in their range of ICT equipment as well as to allow them continue to develop professional learning. provision for the incorporation of and act as ‘beacon schools’ in their 9 Prioritise and encourage schools in students’ mobile devices. localities from which other schools can the use of ICT resources and assistive 2 Support schools to develop plans for the learn. technologies to facilitate the inclusion phased integration of digital resources at 6 Prioritise the re-establishment of of pupils with special needs. the earliest possible opportunity. middle management posts in primary 10Support teachers to enable them  Adopt an integrated approach to schools to facilitate a coordinated to provide learning opportunities procurement that takes full account of approach to the integrated develop- that support cross-curricular learning the operating costs of ICT equipment ment of technology usage across the approaches, student directed learning, and technical support provision. curriculum, in all classrooms, in every collaborative, discovery-based learning  Prioritise the provision of high speed school. activities.

Changes to pupil record keeping 2015/16

e DES has announced changes to the need to maintain the Clárleabhar. native to the Leabhar Tinrimh way in which schools keep pupil records In addition schools may: Laethúil. (Clárleabhar, Leabhar Rolla and Leabhar l use an electronic system to record More detailed information in Tinrimh Laethúil). pupils attendance in place of the relation to these changes is outlined Primary schools that have put their Leabhar Rolla. in the relevant circular effective from pupil enrolment data on POD no longer l use that electronic system as an alter- the 2015/2016 school year.

InTouch June 2015 21 Nuacht CMÉ

trIButeS

Ronan Clarke

It was with great sadness that we learned from all around the world, Canada to the his pupils that marked him out as an of the untimely death of our dear colleague Far East and indeed Africa, he would exceptional teacher. At all times, he Ronan on 29 May 201 after an 11 month always say that he was happier behind the showed such kindness and care and would battle with cancer. camera. go beyond the call of duty to ensure he Ronan joined the staff of As a colleague in Breaffy school got to the bottom of social, educational Breaffy NS, Ballina, in September for seven years, no task was too and personal issues. 200 after having had a distin- big for Ronan to take on. He was Ronan was diagnosed with cancer the guished career in RTE presenting responsible for setting up our day before the summer holidays in June Ear to the Ground for 10 years. school website in 200, working 201 and had a very difficult 11 months up He was also involved as a producer tirelessly after school to ensure to his death on 29 May 201 but, through- of Breaking Ball among other that no stone was left unturned in out all this time, he showed great courage programmes. Despite the numerous design and maintenance. He was and dignity, even in his darkest moments. awards received during this period, a sports coach of the highest We in Breaffy will cherish his memory including the John Healy Young calibre, equally at home coaching and will forever remember a truly special Journalist of the Year award, he spoke Gaelic and basketball. He proudly colleague. very little about his time with RTE. is in captained his beloved Killala to the Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam usual dílis. many ways typified Ronan, a most modest Connacht Junior title in 2006. and unassuming man who despite pre- Ronan was a dedicated and talented From the staff of Breaffy NS, Ballina, Co senting some fantastic documentaries teacher but it was his great duty of care to Mayo.

Mary White

Mary White was born on 27 May in 1959 in of these qualities. Eight years later at her can flourish given the right circumstances the parish of Ratoath, Co Meath. She first funeral these same girls turned out and nourishment. She was pas- worked in Crumlin, in Our Lady’s Hospital in force to honour her. She had sionate about this ideal and was de- for Sick Children for 25 years. Her first steps made a deep impression on them termined that it would infuse her into the world of teaching were when she and they were sincerely grateful. career as a teacher. did a Montessori course. Over the next As a colleague, you could not While coming to teaching rela- number of years she went on to secure her but be touched by the gentle way tively late, it was wonderful to see qualifications as a primary school teacher. she went about all her work. her come into her own as a full- She came to teach in John Scottus NS in Mary brought a wealth of talents fledged teacher, able to tackle any 2003 where she took on 22 junior infant girls. to the table as a teacher; beautiful situation or challenge that was It was in this setting that I got to know some calligraphy, knitting skills and a presented to her. of Mary’s great qualities. Kindness, artistry unique feel for the natural world We all shall surely miss her. and dedication were deep in her psyche. and its beauty. No matter what the chal- Over the four years that she taught this lenges, she adhered to the ethos of John Mary Telford, Principal, John Scottus class of girls, they received the full benefit Scottus that every child’s inherent perfection School, Ballsbridge, Dublin

Olivia Clinton

On 1 January, 201 our friend, colleague care. She wanted the very best for every treasured memories. and teacher was taken from us in a terrible child she had ever taught – it’s a cliché, Since her untimely and very sudden accident while out walking her but she would always go the extra death we have all shared our own particular daughter Éabha in Balbriggan, Co mile for everybody. Olivia loved stories of Olivia, many of them full of Dublin. We, as a school commu- the children she taught and was humour and laughter. Not a day goes nity, were numbed and devastated in turn loved by them. by in our school that her name isn’t by this heart-breaking news. As a friend and colleague she mentioned. However, we will mostly Olivia studied in St Patrick’s was extremely generous, thoughtful remember the quiet and gentle way she College and graduated in 200. and considerate. ere were often went about her work in school, never She joined our staff in St Colm- times you’d find a gift on your demanding but always ready to do a cilles BNS, Swords, on 1 September table acknowledging even the favour or give a helping hand. of that year. As a teacher, Olivia simplest act of friendship. Olivia Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. was kind and hardworking and had a wonderful sense of humour. looked after each child with the utmost Her beautiful smile is one of our most From the staff of St Colmcilles BNS.

22 InTouch June 2015 INTO News

SOlIDarIty

Martina Hughes global Campaign for Education Irish conference discusses goals for the coming 15 years e first thing you noticed about Martina was her smile. Martina always smiled. Greeting each pupil each morning with a cheery “and how are you today?” or surprising one of us, her friends, with a well- chosen and thoughtful gift, Martina smiled. She also laughed… a lot! Even now we miss her infectious giggle in the staffroom. She was the perfect teacher. Children in her class, or “my boys” as she called them, enjoyed her smile while e CEO of the Global Partnership for Pictured at the conference, hosted by the receiving the love and warmth Education, Alice Albright, and Nicolás Lord Mayor of Dublin in the Mansion that Martina bestowed on Richards of Education International were House, were: Tom O’Connor, TUI; Pat King, everyone she met. She was in Dublin recently. ASTI; Sheila Nunan, INTO; Patrick Empey, gentle, thoughtful, kind, ey spoke at a conference on how Irish Aid; Alice Albright, GPE; Christy considerate, caring and teachers and unions, along with Irish Burke, Lord Mayor of Dublin; Nicolás compassionate and the boys in NGOs could work together to get the Richards, EI; Mike Jennings, IFUT; Emma her class reflected all of these most for education internationally. Dineen, INTO; and Philip Irwin, ASTI. qualities back to her. When Martina heard she was seriously ill she took comfort in her deep faith, her great friends and her beloved INTO attends Dóchas AGM family. She made new friends in Crocus and e Sage and Annual Conference 2015 Garden where she received and, in turn, gave so much e INTO attended the AGM and support. Annual Conference of Dóchas for the In hospital she would take first time as an Associate Member of time to ask the nurses “and Dóchas. e INTO has been a long- how are you today?” at was time supporter of the work of Dóchas, just who she was. She couldn’t the umbrella organisation for Irish stop caring. She couldn’t stop development NGOs such as Trócaire smiling. and Concern. In the new role as On 2 March 201 we lost associate member, the INTO hopes to Martina, she has left a gap in develop closer links with the NGO our lives that will never be sector to compliment the trade union filled campaign work, teacher volunteering ese few words could never and the new learning aspect of the do justice to the person Martina INTO Global Solidarity Network. was. ey mark her passing but acknowledge that she was Right: Rosena Jordan, INTO Vice beyond words and we were President represented the INTO at the privileged to have known her. Dóchas conference in May. She is pictured with Hans Zomer, Director, e staff of St Mary’s Boys’ Dóchas. School, Monaghan.

InTouch June 2015 2 Nuacht CMÉ

retIremeNtS

Pictures from branch and district functions to honour retiring members

Limerick City Ballina

Retirees 2013–14. Back row, L toR: John Joe Kirrane, Enniscrone NS; Marietta Kilcullen, Breafy NS; Mary Robinson, Creevagh NS; Marie Loftus, Scoil Íosa and Christy O’Connell, Killeenduff NS. ird row, L to R: Joan Corry, Scoil Íosa; Regina McGarrity, St Dympna’s SS; Martha O’Shaughnessy, Cooneal NS and June West, Newtownwhite NS. Back row, L to R: Michael O’Sullivan, Branch Chairman; Mary Second row, L to R: Patricia Barrett, Mountpalmer NS; Cora McDonnell, Croom NS; Lucy Sheehy, Donoughmore NS; Tom Farrell, Richmond NS; Rosaleen O’Malley, Leaffoney NS; Kevin O’Sullivan, former INTO AGS; Ann Hogan, Donoughmore NS; Rowland, Rathbane NS; Mary O’Malley, Crossmolina NS; Mary Síle Killeen, Mary Queen of Ireland GNS, Caherdavin; Ted Healy, Killala NS and Breda Holleran, Foxford NS. O’Mahony, Galvone NS; Tracie Tobin, INTO Equality Front row, L to R: Pat Stenson, CEC; Michelle Bonner, Branch Committee. Secretary, Sean Rowley, former INTO president; Geraldine Durkan, Front row: Marian Vallelly, An Mhodh Scoil; Noelle Holland, Branch Chairperson and Vincent Duffy, District Secretary. Monaleen NS; Margaret Bernard, former CEC Rep, Seán Absent from photo: Anita Morrisey, Killeenduff NS; Billy Varley, McMahon, President 2014/15; Paula Keane, Croom NS and Sr Kilglass NS; Mairéad Granahan, Scoil Íosa and Brendan Betty Baker, Salesian PS. McIlvanna, Carn NS.

Cork City South East Navan

Back row, L to R: Aidan Buckley, Branch Organiser; Ian Horgan, Front row, L to R: Antoinette Noone, Jim Hoey, Seán McMahon, Branch Secretary; John Driscoll, CEC; Padraig Keating, Paddy President 2014/15, Mick Forry and Marian Sheehan. O’Neill, Aidan Fahy, Albert Woods and Regina Kiely. Back row, L to R: Cliodhna Horan, Organiser; Aine O’Toole, Front row, L to R: Nora Fitzgerald, Marie O’Riordan, Michelle Secretary; Miriam Coogan, Kathleen Meade, Mary Dorgan, Cashman, Emma Dineen, President; Sr Pauline Casey and Maria Rogers; Bryan O’Reilly, former CEC rep and Rosemary Dorothy Verplanck. Fahey, Branch Committee.

2 InTouch June 2015 INTO News

retIremeNtS

Cahir Tullow Pictured L to R: Joe McKeown, CEC and retirees, Eileen McNabb, Paddy McInerney and Bernie Kearney.

West Mayo Fiona Ryan, Cathaoirleach; Seán McMahon, President 2014/15; Nioclas Ó Duinnín, Ballyporeen NS; Helen Russell, Burncourt NS; Michael Heffernan, New Inn BNS; Martina Donoghue, Rúnaí and Brendan Horan, CEC. Absent on the night: Pat O’Callaghan, Burncourt NS. Ballybay

Front row, L to R: Maureen Smith, Newport NS; Daphne McGrath, Scoil Phadraig, Westport; Stiofan O’Morain, Principal, Scoil Phadraig, Westport and Caitriona Kelly, e Quay NS, Westport. Back row, L to R: Pat Stenson, CEC; Brid Chambers, Chairperson, Michael Carney, Treasurer and Tony Varley, Secretary, West Mayo. Absent from photo: Rosarie Tiernan, Scoil Phadraig and Mary Gibbons, St Brid NS, Castlebar. Pic: Frank Dolan Dingle Back row, L to R: Adrian Kelly, Chairperson; Maggie Mc Quillan, Doohamlet NS; Lisa Greenan, Dympna Cudden, Martina McElroy and Imelda Howell, Latnamard NS. Front row, L to R: Catherine Flanagan, Secretary; Rosena Jordan, Vice President; Angela Murray, retired, Latnamard NS and May O’Donoghue, Latnamard NS.

West Clare Present were, back row, L to R: Noel Considine, Branch Vice-Chair; Gerardine Mc Mahon, Chair; Brid Hanrahan, Chun tosaigh ar chlé: Eibhlín Uí hUallacháin, Scoil Cheann Trá; Runaí. Front row, L to Seán Ó Catháin, Scoil Chaitlín Naofa, Cill Mhic a’ Domhnaigh R: Margaret Donnelly, agus Máire Uí Mhurchú, SN an Clocháin. Cooraclare NS; Sean Chun deirigh ar Chlé: Máire Ní Mhaoileoin, (Cathaoirleach), McMahon, President Scoil Dhún Chaoin; Seanachán Mac Gearailt (Rúnaí), Scoil an 2014/15 and Maire Ghleanna agus Margaret Bernard, former CEC rep. Falsey, Kilmihil NS. Photo: Manuela Dei Grandi

InTouch June 2015 2 INTO Advice

INTO advice for members on issues of importance

ScHOOl­leaDerSHIP PDST school leadership programmes 2015/16

Forbairt (principal and deputy Misneach 978; 978< (newly appointed acting deputy principals. Tanáiste aims principal) principals or acting principals) to develop the skills necessary for deputy Forbairt is a capacity building programme Misneach is a two-year programme for principals to approach their role with for school leadership teams (experienced newly appointed or acting principals. confidence and to lead high quality principals with their deputy principal). is programme will assist you in your teaching and learning in their school. It focuses on developing high quality early days of principalship and support is course explores the role of the leadership and on identifying and building you in your development as a school deputy principal, helping to build the leadership capacities needed to leader in your own school. e capacity to lead learning, while also respond to the challenges and complexities programme consists of four two day focusing on the interpersonal dimension of school life. residential learning blocks, two residential of their leadership role that deputy e Forbairt programme consists of blocks taking place in Year 1 of the principals engage in. is course is free a series of seven seminar days (two programme with the remaining two and is recognised by the DES for EPV residential blocks, each lasting two days, residential blocks taking place in Year 2. purposes. It will run from 1- July in the and three single day seminars). e Further regionalised support workshops following venues: programme also includes three locally are also offered with priority placing for based evening clusters with other school Misneach participants. l Limerick EC. l Carrick on Shannon EC leaders on the programme. ese profes- All modules are rooted in the core l Clare EC. l Laois EC sional learning communities (Action dimensions of leadership; e self as l Blackrock EC. l Kildare EC Learning Groups) use an action-oriented, leader, leading teaching and learning, l tralee EC. l Mayo EC collaborative learning approach. Inherent leading people, leading the community, l navan EC. l Waterford tC to the programme is a school-based leading the school as an organisation project, chosen by each school and and leading change. For further information on the relevant to its own needs, which focuses programmes and to reserve your place on the development of leadership skills. Tánaiste 978;- 978< (deputy please contact Linda Hogan, PDST Full substitution cover is available to principals) School Leadership administrator by deputy principals with four days substitu- Tánaiste is a leadership summer course email to [email protected] or by tion cover available to teaching principals. designed specifically for deputy principals/ phone at 0656845520.

Principals’ and Deputy Principals’ Consultative Conference 2015

the 2015 Principals’ and Deputy Principals’ district officers (district cathaoirleach and the format of the conference will be a Biennial Consultative Conference will take district secretary), who may also attend in combination of discussion groups, workshops place on Friday, 2 and Saturday, 3 October in their respective roles. the closing date for and keynote speakers, which will consider the newpark Hotel, Kilkenny. online registration of delegates is tuesday, issues relevant to principals and deputy intO district secretaries may currently 30 June, 2015. principals, including in-school management. register conference delegates online. All the conference opening session will Up to date information will be uploaded to the delegates are nominated at principal fora commence at 3 p.m. on Friday 2 October and intO website www.into.ie as it becomes meetings with the exception of two conclude on Saturday 3 October at 1 pm. available.

InTouch June 2015 2 INTO Advice Managing your money The eighth in a series of articles from consumerhelp.ie Faulty goods –what are your rights?

Most of us have at some stage experienced the frustration of buying something, bring- ing it home only to find there’s a problem. It may have been a major fault, such as a new washing machine that doesn’t spin or empty or it may have been a minor fault, such as a scratch. Remember that when you buy an item, it must be as described, fit for the intended purpose and of satisfactory quality. As long as the fault was not pointed out to you before you bought the product, then you have options. e Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have set out these options for you, starting with the four Rs: paid for it, if you can live with the out if the manufacturer will offer a repair l Repair: If you discover a fault with a fault. or replacement but remember your product that you bought, you’re contract is with the seller and it is up to entitled to have the item repaired or Act quickly them to put things right for you. Also, you replaced free of charge as long as you As soon as you notice a fault with some- still have rights under consumer law even didn’t cause the damage. If the fault thing that you bought return it to the if you don’t have a guarantee or a occurs within the first six months of seller as quickly as you can. When you warranty. owning the item, it is accepted that the buy something, your contract is with the fault was there when you bought it. seller so it is up to them to fix it. Avoid Unhappy with what the seller is l Replacement: If you discover a fault delaying as you may only be able to get a offering you? within a reasonable timeframe, the repair or replacement, instead of the If you don’t have a guarantee or warranty seller may replace the product rather refund that you may have been entitled and you have gone back to the seller with than repair it if it seems like repairing to. Bring proof of purchase with you your faulty product and the retailer is not it would be too costly or if it can’t be such as a receipt or a copy of your debit willing to sort out your problem, you repaired. For example, if you bought a or credit card statement. should write a letter of complaint to piece of furniture and it is structurally them. ere are complaint template faulty it may make more sense for the Do you have a guarantee or letters on www.consumerhelp.ie to help seller to just replace it. If you opt for a warranty? you. If the company has a Facebook or replacement, it should be the same as Did you get a guarantee or warranty with Twitter presence you could also contact the item you bought, or of similar the item you bought and, if so, what terms them there and outline the issue. quality and price. were attached? A guarantee is an agree- Remember, you have other options l Refund: If you bought something and ment from the manufacturer confirming such as the small claims procedure or it doesn’t work from the outset, then that they will repair or replace an item if seek a chargeback if you are unhappy you are entitled to reject the goods something goes wrong within a certain with the retailer’s offer. and get a refund from the retailer. amount of time after you buy it. If you are l Reduction in price: If the item has buying electrical goods, a shop may offer Visit the Competition and Consumer Protection been repaired or replaced and it is still you a warranty. is is like an insurance Commission website, www.consumerhelp.ie, not working correctly, you could look policy – it covers the product beyond the for expert information and useful tools on to have a reduction in the price you manufacturer’s guarantee period. Find consumer rights and personal finance.

28 InTouch June 2015 INTO Advice From college to classroom Recruitment – let’s make it easier for everyone

Since the recession hit, recent TP info and how soon you can be graduates and principals spend their at the school on a coloured card. summers wading through the sea of l Bring a copy of your Garda job applications. irty unused pass- Vetting and Statutory Declaration port size photos and three folders (which has to be signed by a solici- full of photocopied references in my tor), along with your Teaching attic serve as a reminder of the two Council Registration when calling summers spent applying for jobs. In into a principal. 2010, when I first started my search, l Be professional in all your dealings 90 out of my 9 applications had to either by phone, text or in person be posted. By 2012, most applications with the school. were accepted via email. Hence the l Bring your information with you – unused photos and photocopies –a PPSN, bank details etc. Even if you big improvement for my carbon are already in the system as you footprint and my pocket! may be covering for a different Here are some hints that I picked reason e.g. INTO/Education up along the way: centre training (payment not from DES). Application l At the end of your day’s subbing l Read carefully the requirements don't leave the school too early – stated on the advertisement (the 5Competition is intense you never know when the princi- majority should be requested by pal may realise they need a sub for email). but don’t lose heart. the next day. l Whether emailed or posted, l Ensure you leave notes for the applications are rejected if they do Don’t be shy about absent class teacher and correct not follow requirements. all work – you want to leave a l Only include relevant work experi- asking for feedback. good impression. ence – teaching, voluntary work e.g Vincent de Paul/CASA. Don’t You have no idea Don’t miss out on pay undersell yourself – if you spent a l Track every day you work and year subbing outline briefly the how close you came note the school’s roll number kinds of settings in which you have before you leave. gained experience – DEIS, special to getting the job6 l Keep your payslips to make sure school, multigrade, SEN etc. that you are paid for all days l Make sure your referees are worked and are on the correct contactable. If you have subbed in point of the scale. is affects your a school and would like a principal to l Be ready for the Irish question in the panel rights. be your referee ask them before the interview. Even fluent Irish speakers summer. You will need mobile find it difficult to change over from Stay informed numbers as schools may be closed. English to Irish and impress. Rehearse l Read circulars about Panels even l Make sure you have absolutely no for this at home. though they may not apply to you yet. spelling or grammar mistakes. l Competition is intense but don’t lose A working choice you make now may Always get someone to check your heart. Don’t be shy about asking for affect your panel rights down the road. application for you. feedback. You have no idea how close l Go to your local INTO meetings. l Check the school website for back- you came to getting the job. If you are subbing ask an INTO ground and school initiatives – could representative where the nearest one you help get a green flag? Does the Tips for substitute and temporary is – you are always welcome! Most school have a choir/sports teams? teachers principals are members of the INTO Could you add to existing ones or l Register with INTO SubSearch and will be impressed that you are start one? (subsearch.into.ie) and IPPN text-a- taking an interest in wider educational l Demonstrate a knowledge and under- sub. issues. standing of the ethos of the school l Visit schools with your CV during the e.g. strands of the Educate Together last week of August. Principals are Written by Emer Dowling with curriculum or religious observances likely to be in their office. Ideally have contributions from Áine Dillon and in a denominational school. an A page with contact details, basic Sylvia O’Halloran (District 15).

InTouch June 2015 29 INTO Advice Planning a building project? Make sure to check for asbestos containing material (ACM)

Asbestos is the name for a group of nat- urally occurring mineral fibres which are strong and both heat and chemically resistant. Due to these properties, as- bestos was commonly used in the past 5 Where a school has a as insulation and fire proofing as well as a component in other building materi- specific asbestos issue, it als. It is a hazardous material and is clas- sified as a Class 1 carcinogen. can apply under the In 1999 the Department of Education and Skills (DES) commissioned the Emergency Works Office of Public Works (OPW) to undertake a survey of all schools to Programme for funding6 ascertain the position relating to asbestos containing materials (ACMs). Every school authority was issued with a written report of the results of this survey outlining the location of asbestos materials, if any, in their school. is report should be on the school’s health and safety file. Schools that were identified as having a level of asbestos that was deemed to be a health and safety issue had the asbestos removed. If ACM is present it should be available on the DES website at Where the asbestos was deemed not to removed under the umbrella of the www.education.ie (School Building and pose a risk it was left in situ. main works contract, where the main Design/Building Works/Remediation e risk associated with exposure to contractor subcontracts asbestos Programmes). asbestos relates to the possibility that removal early in the construction. the fibres within the ACM can become Any ACM that remains in the premises Post asbestos removal released into the air and are then should be labelled clearly as ACM and e asbestos removal works are com- inhaled. As long as asbestos is in good its location should be clearly marked plete when the packaged asbestos waste condition, and there is no disturbance on the plans of the building and the has been satisfactorily transported to a or damage to the ACM, it will not pose information placed on the school’s safe disposal site and the asbestos con- a risk to health as fibres will not be health and safety file so that if, in the sultants are satisfied and issue a final released. future, maintenance or refurbishment clearance certificate. Prior to the commencement of any work is performed those involved will is is also the time to update the building/demolition/refurbishment know that there are ACM in the school’s safety statement with the inclu- works it is essential that, once appoint- building. sion of the revised school asbestos regis- ed, the project supervisor design process e DES, in conjunction with the ter. is is crucial information that may (PSDP) and project consultant (as a first OPW and the Health and Safety Author- be necessary for ongoing maintenance step in the design process) review the ity (HSA) have put guidelines Duties and future building works. school’s health and safety file to estab- and Guidance for Boards of Manage- lish the position relating to any health ment on dealing with Asbestos Contain- More information at: and safety issues such as the presence of ing Materials before, during and after • www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Ser- ACM. e board of management must School Refurbishment, Demolitions and vices/Building-Works/Remediation-Pro- obtain written confirmation that the Building Works Projects in place for grammes/#sthash.BEQXcGVW.dpuf PSDP and consultant are aware of the school management authorities and • www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/As- contents of the school’s health and safe- their consultants on how these materials bestos/ ty file and the school’s asbestos register. should be dealt with. is information is • www.opw.ie/en/asbestos

School authorities must ensure that only approved asbestos removal contractors are used for the removal and disposal of asbestos material, if required, from their schools during any building or refurbishment project. Under no circumstance should an unapproved contractor be used. A list of competent asbestos contractors and technical advisers as well as further guidelines are available on www.education.ie

0 InTouch June 2015 INTO Advice Understanding your payslip Pay Related Social Insurance and Universal Social Charge

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In this the second in our series of Welfare Certificate to the Payroll on your payslip was introduced on 1 articles on Understanding Your Payslip Section of the Department of Education January 2011 and replaced two existing we continue to concentrate on the and Skills via their school or directly levies, the income levy and the health compulsory deductions from salary with themselves. e MC1 form which is levy. e USC is applied to your gross specific focus on the taxation measures usually available from your GP or income. Some exemptions to paying of Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) consultant should be returned without the USC may apply. ese include: and Universal Social Charge (USC). It is delay to comply with PRSI regulations. l an income that does not exceed recommended that this article is read An undue delay could result in salary €12,012 in a given year; with a copy of your payslip issued in 201. deductions to compensate the DES for l all payments from the Department the PRSI refund which the Department of Social Protection. Employee’s PRSI cannot access in the absence of the In Budget 201, USC rates and PRSI is a contribution that employ- thresholds were revised and these ers and employees (over 16 and un- are listed below. der 66) make to the national social insurance and training fund. PRSI Annual % is applied to an employee’s gross first €12,012 of earnings 1.5% earnings. ere are two main class- €12,013 to €17,576 3.5% es and rates of PRSI which are ap- €17,577 to €70,044 7% plicable to teachers. Teachers who €70,045 to €100,000 8% entered service prior to 6 April Above €100,000 8% for PAYE earners 199 pay PRSI at the class D rate which is currently 0.9%. After that Calculating your USC liability date teachers who have entered or On a payslip, the teacher earns re-entered service pay PRSI at the €2,66.1 per fortnight. Class A rate of %. A PRSI contri- 1.5% on the first €460 of earnings €6.90 bution week is each successive pe- 3.5% on the next €213 of earnings €7.45 riod of seven consecutive days starting on 1 January each year. 7% on the balance over €673. is year the contribution week (The balance remaining is €1693.31)€118.53 starts on a ursday and ends on a total USC charge €132.88 Wednesday. Your payslip shows the class and number of weeks that Overpayments of PRSI and USC you are making contributions for. If you think that you have over- e benefits which apply to the paid PRSI and USC then you contribution classes are outlined can apply for a review to ascertain below. if you are due a refund. In relation to PRSI refunds, employees who Benefits Class A Class D earned less than €26,000 in a Jobseekers benefit 4 given year (as per P60) and Illness benefit 4 earned more than €00 in any one Maternity benefit 4 week may be entitled to a refund Adoptive benefit 4 of the health levy as part of their Health and safety benefit 4 paperwork completed by the teacher. PRSI deductions. ere is a four year Invalidity pension 4 e MC2 form must be submitted for window in which to make a claim for a Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving all absences after the initial refund. Civil Partner’s pension 44 notification.Whilst illness benefit is USC is deducted on a cumulative Guardian’s payment 44 taxable, it is not subject to PRSI and basis which means your deductions are State pension (contributory) 4 USC. spread out evenly over the year. If you Treatment benefit 4 feel that you have overpaid USC then Occupational injuries benefit 44 Universal Social Charge you should apply to Revenue for a Carer’s benefit 44 is compulsory deduction also shown review.

Class A and Illness Benefit For more information about: After a period of six days of sick leave PRSI – log on to www.welfare.ie teachers who pay Class A PRSI are USC – log on to www.revenue.ie required to submit an MC1 Social

InTouch June 2015 1 Advertorial Values, Money and

Our Lady Immaculate School SNS, Darndale was the first of the iPads has helped the lessons become more interactive school in Ireland to use Experian’s free online teaching resource, and has increased the level of enjoyment amongst the children. Values, Money and Me, designed to help primary school pupils explore both practical and emotional issues around managing Derry Amphlett, Principal of Our Lady Immaculate SNS, money. Values, Money and Me was successfully piloted by the comments: school and, now one year on from the official launch in May 201, the school continues to use the online resource as the focus “Values, Money and Me is a fantastic vehicle for primary of its financial education lessons. learning. Putting financial education in the context of the local community is not just a way to make children and young Values, Money and Me is designed to resemble a children’s people relate to the subject, but a great way of pulling the storybook and explores key issues, such as earning money, community closer together. We really welcome Experian's budgeting and saving, through a range of engaging activities, dedication to work in this area. Our teachers and pupils have based on a series of interactive stories. e children and found the resource very valuable, enjoyable and informative.” teachers of Our Lady Immaculate were instrumental in developing the online resource at a time when children are Incorporating the resource into primary school education taking on financial responsibilities at an increasingly at Our Lady Immaculate has established it as a pioneer in Ireland young age. and has generated a vast amount of interest in the surrounding area. With the help of Northside Partnership In February, Experian donated ten iPads to the school to and Experian, Our Lady Immaculate will continue to further support its drive to engage and enthuse pupils in support and promote the programme, helping roll it out to online learning, particularly about money. e introduction schools, not only in Dublin, but throughout Ireland.

A free, online financial education resource

Values Money and Me is a free online teaching resource, here in Ireland. The interactive site is designed to give young children a head start in life by helping develop their financial knowledge, as well as their attitudes and values towards money.

Developed with teachers and aimed at Primary School cycle. e programme will support the Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE) curriculum while linking to the Dept of Education Literacy & Numeracy Strategy.

Interactive picture-books Values, Money and Me is set in a fictitious community called Pride Place and facilitates character-led learning based on the lives of the people who live there and the scenarios they encounter. e lessons are based around eight interactive picture-books. Simple to use, these explore key issues such as earning money, budgeting and saving, through a range of engaging activities.

2 InTouch June 2015 Advertorial Me

Free resources Free lesson plans Free bookmarks Free downloads Free built in evaluations Free worksheets

A completely free resource the site includes through to understanding what everything required for a productive lesson their parents’ taxes pay for, with your class from lesson plans through to Values, Money and Me brings to interactive games and quizzes. life for children the world of money and how it affects them Fact sheets, quizzes and games and others – and, importantly, e resource includes a wide range of supporting how they can take materials, including fact sheets, quizzes, exercises and responsibility for managing games all designed to engage the children and bring money. the content to life. Each story provides the starting point for delivering Working together between two and four lessons, exploring the issues Values, Money and Me faced by the characters. includes a section to help Following a successful launch in the UK, it has been parents and carers support awarded a Quality Mark by pfeg, the UK’s leading the children’s learning at finance education charity. home. e resource can be used online and offline and is fully adaptable to fit the needs of pupils of all abilities. Next steps 1. Try it out: www.valuesmoneyandme.ie Practical and ethical dilemmas 2. Contact us to arrange a demo,training or more Values, Money and Me introduces children to the information: [email protected] world of money through a range of tasks, plans and 3. View a short film of Values, Money and Me being dilemmas faced by the residents of Pride Place. From used in the classroom: saving up for a pet, to supporting a school charity, facebook.com/valuesmoneyandme

Launched in Ireland 2014, following a successful pilot with 3rd to 6th class students at Our Lady Immaculate Senior School, Darndale, Dublin 17. For questions or to enquire about how to implement into your classroom, please call or email us: [email protected] Experian, Newenham House, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Dublin 17 Values, Money & Me has been created by Experian's Corporate Responsibility team. Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft. Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2014, was US$4.8 billion. Experian employs approximately 16,000 people in 39 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil. For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com Newsdesk News from the world of education and trade unionism, at home and abroad

Good news for fixed-term teachers

Improved Access to CIDs from career break/secondment cannot be year, a second interview is not mandatory e DES has recently published Circular refused a CID on that ground. (Note: e where a teacher commencing his/her 23/2015 which sets out improved access to Ward recommendations do not cover third or more years of employment with Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CIDs) teachers covering for other categories of the same school in September 2015. for fixed-term teachers. ese improve- absence such as job-sharing) ments arise from a report of an expert Ward further recommends that where Status of a CID contract group established under the Haddington a teacher on career break/secondment (Recommendation E) Road Agreement. e chairperson of the e Ward Report clarifies “that a teacher expert group was Peter Ward, Senior employed on a CID holds an employment Counsel, and the report is commonly status which is equal to that of a permanent referred to as e Ward Report. e teacher and I recommend that confirma- recommendations of The Ward Report tion of this status be notified to the entire have been accepted by the Minister for school community”. Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan. e Ward Report makes 12 recommen- Is the benefit of the Ward dations in all, some for implementation at Recommendations confined to the start of the next school year (2015/16) teachers covering career break/ and others for implementation in the secondment absences? mid to longer term following further In relation to teachers who are specifically consultation. engaged to cover for a teacher absence on approved leave, Ward confers a benefit e following is a summary of the key 5…a teacher only to those teachers currently covering recommendations: these two categories of absence. However, employed on a CID holds there are other fixed-term teachers who Qualifying period (minimum service are not covering for approved absences requirement) (Recommendation2) an employment status but are deployed in resource/EAL, etc. A number of conditions must be met in Teachers in such posts who meet the order to be eligible for a CID. e first is which is equal to that of other criteria may also benefit from Ward that a teacher must have a minimum period Recommendation 1, i.e. the reduction in of employment in the same school. Ward a permanent teacher6 the qualification period to be eligible for a recommends a reduction in the qualifying CID as outlined above. period to a period of employment in excess of two years. (e current provision is a returns to a school, the teacher granted Further information requirement for a minimum period of the CID should be placed on the main Please be aware that this summary is a employment in excess of three years) redeployment panel. very simplified account of the main recommendations contained in e Ward Treatment of career break and Requirement for interview Report. Circular 23/2015 is a detailed and secondment absences (Recommendation 3) complex circular which should be examined (Recommendation 4) Ward also recommends a change in rela- carefully. It also sets out the other condi- Under the existing procedures, even tion to the number of interviews required. tions that apply and emphasises that a though a teacher may have met the service e recommendation is that at the end of board should have prior approval from requirement, a teacher would be refused a the first year of a fixed-term contract, a the DES before awarding a CID. Where a CID on the basis that s/he is covering for a second recruitment process should take board wishes to seek such clarification teacher on approved leave of absence. place if the position is to continue for a from the DES, it can use an application Ward has recommended that covering for further year. (Currently, it is open to a form available on the DES website. a career break/secondment absence should board to retain a teacher for a second year Teachers are also encouraged to examine no longer be the basis for refusing a CID, without further interview. is practice a number of case studies available on the i.e. from the school year 2015/16 onwards, will cease.) ere is a clarification in the INTO website which illustrate the Ward a teacher covering for an absence arising circular that in this particular transition Recommendations in action.

InTouch June 2014 35 Register now for an www.intolearning.ie

INTO Learning is delighted to offer new module on oral language through play courses for members this summer. provides strategies for teachers.

Along with tried and tested courses, this Moving from Mainstream to LSRT will summer there will be a mix of face to provide the theory and practice to support face courses, blended courses on school teachers. Videos will support good practice leadership and a huge variety of online and the course will provide opportunities courses covering a range of topics, from for discussion and debate through the ICT, to courses on early childhood, literacy, online forum. numeracy, behaviour, SEN, multiclass, leadership and mindfulness. All INTO For those who want to work on equality courses are designed and delivered for and global issues in the classroom the teachers by teachers. online course with the clever title Equal Eyes will be very useful. is course has an additional section to support schools Online courses in relation to a new programme called Learning through Play is new this The Global Citizenship School. summer. is online course examines the theory and role of play, explores e excellent INTO online course on methodologies and looks at Aistear, the Positive Behaviour has been further updated with recent and relevant sugges- tions for good practice in this area.

e popular online Maths course will be available again this year. is course has great examples of good practice and focuses on the area of problem solving.

e two ICT courses which are supported by PDST are proving very popular again this year. e course which deals with ICT and SEN is now closed as it is fully subscribed. e second course Beyond DBDB is filling up quickly!

School leadership courses e team of experts in educational issues, conditions of employment and legal and industrial relations in INTO Head Office will be on hand in the INTO Learning Centre, 38 Parnell Square, on 1–3 July (inclusive) to facilitate the face to face element of the blended course entitled 5All INTO courses are designed and Supporting School Leaders. is will provide opportunities for existing and delivered for teachers by teachers 6 aspiring school leaders to engage in discussion and debate around the relevant issues in these areas.

36 InTouch June 2014 INTO summer course

For newly appointed principals, the CEOL Ireland is providing residential face to face element of the eight separate courses this blended course will be held in the summer one for each class Tullamore Court Hotel on 19–21 August. level. Among the topics to be covered are school self evaluation and the relationship with the Inspectorate; working with the Face to face board of management; appointing staff; courses staff relations; organisation of special needs; relationships with the school Dr Jacqueline Fallon, community and taking care of yourself. CICE, Rathmines, will lead a team of facilitators e multiclass course will have videos presenting a course on added to the content, sharing good practice Planning and Implementing for members teaching in multigrade class- a Play Based Curriculum in rooms. A principal of a two teacher St Colmcille’s NS, Knocklyon. school will share her experience. Outdoor play will be explored as will teaching maths and literacy skills e INTO online course Key Skills in through play; a particular emphasis will Good School Leadership was really be on the development of oral language popular with existing and aspiring school and incorporating play into the school leaders last year. e course has been plan. e course will demonstrate how updated to take into account the changes curricular areas can be integrated through e Write to Read course is being held in which have taken place during this year. play. Participants are promised an exciting, the newly built Scoil Mhuire in Barntown, fulfilling week full of new ideas and Wexford. As we go to print there are only methodologies to enhance the infant four places left on this course. Our partners experience. INTO Learning collaborates with a e Modhscoil in Limerick is the venue number of providers on excellent online e ever popular annual Comarsaid, for another Gaeilge course which promises courses. Comhluadar agus Craic will once again to engage, entertain and enlighten be available to members in the Blasket participants in relation to Comhrá, Ceol Marino Institute of Education provides Centre, Dun Chaoin. e course promises agus Craic as its title suggests. e course three courses. Two in the area of junior to be, as its title suggests, fun! Registration facilitator is committed to providing a education Literacy in the Junior Classes will be online through the INTO Learning great week for all and his passion is and Teaching and Learning in the Early website this year which is a change from infectious! Registration for this course is Childhood Setting and the third is previous years. e course co-ordinators, through INTO Learning. Innovative Assessment in Literacy and Nuala and Sean, will be able to answer Numeracy. questions in relation to the course for Information and registration for all courses would be participants. is available on www.intolearning.ie. Outside the Box Resources presents a course Managing Behaviour – Stop, Think, Do! and SALF: Self Assessment Further details and registration and Learning Folders and a new course Autism – Inclusion in Mainstream. See www.intolearning.ie

A new collaboration with Mindfulness All INTO Learning online courses provide a pdf version of each module. Matters will provide an online course Developing Mindfulness and Wellbeing Most INTO Learning modules are smart technology compatible. in Primary School Children.

InTouch June 2014 3 Ócáidí Nuachta

Cumann na mBunscol A day to Remember in Croke Park!

Croke Park has seen many memorable Kerry/ Dublin clashes over the years but a Glenbeigh NS in visit to Croke Park for two primary schools Croke Park with from those counties will be remembered Uachtaran Aogán forever by the 60 children who were Ó Fearghail and guests at GAA Headquarters on 29 May. Brendan De La Glenbeigh NS from Co Kerry and Dublin Harpe of school Gaelscoil Cluain Dolcáin were winners Cornmarket. in the Best School category at the Cumann na mBunscol Awards, sponsored by Cornmarket Group Financial Services. Glenbeigh NS were winners in the Small School category while Gaelscoil Cluain Dolcáin were adjudged Best School in the Large School category. Incidentally, Glenbeigh NS teacher Mary Jo Coffey is no stranger to Croke Park as Muintir she is the holder of no less than TEN All Gaelscoil Ireland medals in the colours of the Kerry Chluain ladies footballers. Dolcain le The day began with a tour of the GAA Uachtaran Museum. The children and their teachers Aogán were met on arrival by Pat McGivern, Ó Fearghail development officer with An Coiste Náisiúnta of Cumann na mBunscol. After their visit to the museum, both groups enjoyed lunch in Croke Park where they were joined by GAA president, Aogán Ó Fearghail, Group Financial Services. “It is only fitting Kenny and Pat Fogarty, long-time stalwarts a primary school principal himself. that these two schools should be rewarded of Cumann na mBunscol Átha Cliath, Pat “We are delighted that the children had for their efforts to promote Gaelic games Culhane, National Child Games develop- such a wonderful day,” said Brendan De La for both boys and girls.” ment coordinator and Sligo all-star foot- Harpe from the sponsors Cornmarket Others present at Croke Park were Tadhg baller Charlie Harrison.

Launch of INTO Mini Sevens

Since the first signs of a stretch in the Gerry O’Meara, Rúnaí afternoons (why wait until the evening?), Cumann na mBunscol Laighin; young players throughout the length and Tim O’Byrne, Leas-Rúnaí an breadth of the country have been enjoying Coiste Náisiúnta; Seán the INTO Mini Sevens in boys and girls McMahon, INTO President football, hurling and camogie. For three 2014/15; Pat Culhane, GAA decades, these competitions have been National Child Games enjoyed by generations of children and Development Coordinator; their popularity shows no sign of waning. Tomás Ó hAiniféin, Leas- What other sport offers children the Uachtarán, Cumann na opportunity to play in Croke Park in mBunscol and Edward O August and September in front of packed Riordan, Cathaoirleach, Coiste houses, sharing the stage with the top Laighin, with two young players teams in hurling and football? from Doora NS, Co Clare. Many top players treasure their first taste of the Croke Park experience. Free Niamh Mulcahy, a primary teacher, thanked all the teachers involved in scoring forward Ollie Murphy of Meath, played in the Mini Sevens in 2001. Paul Cumann na mBunscol who work so hard Kerry’s Paul Galvin, Limerick’s Niall Galvin played hurling, his first love, when to ensure the success of this unique Moran and Declan O’Sullivan of Kerry are he lined out in the Mini Sevens. concept and thanked especially the many just some of the legends of the game who INTO president 201/15 Seán Mc Dublin-based teachers who assist played in the INTO Mini Sevens in Croke Mahon launched the 2015 INTO Mini throughout the summer to ensure the Park. Limerick All Star camogie star Sevens at Annual Congress in Ennis. He smooth running of the games.

38 InTouch June 2014 Newsdesk NERI explodes the myths

Recently, Tom Healy, director of the Nevin Institute laid bare a number of economic myths that are regularly repeated and often not challenged in public debate.

Ireland has the most progressive tax system in the world is statement neglects two important things: l It measures tax that would be paid without a range of tax reliefs which tend to be availed off by higher-income households l It neglects the actual tax paid by low- income households in VAT, excise duty and other taxes on consumption. It is true, that better off earners pay proportionately more income tax. But this is counter-balanced by consumption taxes which take up more of poorer households spending and income. e evidence that Ireland has a sharply Fig. 1 progressive overall tax system is simply Source: OECD Tax not there. Benefit Modeller Income taxes along with taxes in general are higher in Ireland than elsewhere Whatever way it’s measured Ireland is certainly not above average compared to The reasons for our recent economic Year EU28 Gov Spending ROI Gov Spending European Union member states (fig. 1). calamities included out-of-control 2004 46.7 33.3 is point is illustrated by this example of public spending 2005 46.7 33.5 a single person on the average wage. e problem in Europe was not run-away 2006 46.2 34.1 public spending. e biggest casualties 2007 45.5 36.0 Tax cuts are good for economic activity (Greece apart) in 2009-2010 included Spain 2008 47.0 42.0 is is one of those statements that are and Ireland which were well within EU 2009 51.0 47.6 made with confidence as if the literature fiscal rules before 2008. A property boom, 2010 49.9 66.1 on the tax cuts is clear cut. Far from it. lax regulation, capital flows to the periphery 2011 48.5 46.1 e evidence is under-whelming. of the EU from the core all helped to 2012 48.9 42.2 Moreover, the evidence points, historically magnify the post-Lehman crash in 2008. 2013 48.5 40.5 to countries with high levels of taxation Fig 2 and high levels of productivity as well as The key to competitiveness is (i) low public services and industrial innovation. wage costs and (ii) keeping corporate taxes low taxes low (some would say too low) has Public spending in Ireland is high helped to encourage foreign direct e evidence does not stack up that keeping investment (FDI). But many other factors Fig 2 shows this assertion doesn not hold wage low is a success factor nowadays in also matter including skills, infrastructure, up. Note Ireland’s public spending 2009-11 most European countries. Ireland’s recovery political stability and a long-term strategy included bank recapitalisation. in 2012-201 had more to do with what was for the Irish economy. happening in pharma, IT and other areas of The DBBF-DBCE fiscal correction placed the multinational sector than what was The full text of this article and supporting links to enormous tax burdens on people; it is happening to wages in these sectors. data can be found on www.nerinstitute.net/blog/ time for some pay-back True, a policy of keeping corporate 2015/04/25/these-truths-we-hold-to-be- selfevident/ e crisis saw increases in the amount of taxes paid by all households. But the over- all adjustment was more severe on public The Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) is a research organisation with a vision of the achievement services. Ireland’s overall tax take is lower of a better, fairer society. It aims to contribute the creation of an economy that works for society. It is than in other countries. We get what we supported by a number of unions affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions including the INTO. pay for in terms of social services.

InTouch June 2015 39 Ócáidí Nuachta Primary school wins national award Bahrain Teachers’ Caherline NS ‘Shows Racism the Red Card’ Association awarded significant international prize

Leaders of the Bahrain Teachers’ Associa- tion (BTA) were awarded an international prize for trade union rights. The 2015 Arthur Svensson prize was presented to the association’s leaders for their efforts to promote and strengthen trade unions and trade union rights in Bahrain. The BTA plays a key role in the struggle for inde- pendent democratic unions. The award provides recognition of the work that the Photo: Clodagh Kilcoyne prize winners do, in countries where union work is all too often dangerous. The prize Caherline NS, Co Limerick won the primary e pupils learned that they can actually money amounts to NOK 500,000 or school category of the Show Racism the make a difference in promoting equality approximately €58,000. Red Card Creative Competition awards and fairness by means of their video, The association’s president, Mahdi Abu with their anti-racism video. which was a creative mix of art, song and Dheeb, and vice president, Jalila al-Salman e project was co-ordinated and performance. See the video at were nominated for the prize by Education planned by Bridget Lambert who worked www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDfosxhlkDI International (EI) and other affiliated with the pupils and other staff members Further information about Show Racism education unions worldwide. The two to create the award winning video. the Red Card at www.theredcard.ie. leaders were arrested and tortured in prison for their involvement in the move- ment. The vice president has since been Blue Star Programme teachers win major released but Mahdi Abu Dheeb is still in prison despite deteriorating health. European award Ms al-Salman said the prize would help increase awareness of the BTA’s effort in Bahrain. Following their nomination by MEP Sean and activities. Details were given in the EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen Kelly, hundreds of Irish primary teachers September 2014 issue of InTouch and many congratulated the BTA’s win saying the who were involved with the Blue Star Pro- schools got involved. prize represents “a tremendous encour- gramme were joint winners of the presti- Included in the photo below, taken at agement for the thousands of Bahraini gious European Citizen’s Prize.’ This prize is the presentation of the European Citizens’ teachers who still believe in a future where given in recognition of exceptional Prize medal in February, are the pupils of trade union rights and quality education achievements in promoting better mutual Askeaton SNS, Co Limerick, Suzanne for all would be a welcome reality”. understanding and closer integration O’Keeffe, Blue Star teacher coordinator Source: www.ei-ie.org/en/news between citizens of the member states. and Seán Kelly, MEP. The Blue Star Programme is an education initiative which aims to foster better Further information at www.european- knowledge and understanding of the movement.ie/press-release-irish-blue-star- European Union through classroom projects teachers-win-major-european-award

Jalila al-Salman (above) and Mahdi Abu Dheeb

0 InTouch June 2015 Newsdesk

i UPDATES FROM THE TEACHING COUNCIL

CPD consultation with teachers Registration with

e Teaching Council would like to ceived valuable feedback from conditions thank all those teachers who took teachers that will be of great help to the time to engage in the first phase us in drafting the framework. The Council is currently actively of consultation on a national frame- e Council welcomes further contacting the teachers whose work for CPD (continuing profes- viewpoints and encourages all conditions are due to expire this sional development) and share their teachers to continue to engage as year. In February 2015, the Council views with us. Over 3,000 teachers the framework is developed. Once wrote to teachers with the condition contributed to the consultation. drafted, the framework will be of History and Structure indicating is means that the Council has re- published for further consultation. the date of the next scheduled examination. The Council will be writing to teachers with conditions of Induction, Post-Qualification Renewing registration during the summer Employment (PQE) and Droichead during May. holiday period Teachers who have received such a letter from the Teaching Council in e Teaching Council would like to during the holiday period teachers are relation to conditions are advised to remind teachers to be aware of their advised to attend to registration re- act upon it. It is important that to renewal date and to renew their regis- newal before departure on holidays. address conditions within the tration as it falls due. About 21,000 Renewal due dates can be checked specified time. teachers will be due to renew their through the registered teacher login Teachers who have already registration with the Council during facility on the Teaching Council’s addressed a condition in full, should the summer months. e Council is website at www.teachingcouncil.ie. send relevant documents to the legally obliged to remove a teacher A teacher wishing to renew in Teaching Council. Details about the from the Register should renewal not advance of receipt of renewal notice required documents may be found occur and this has serious implica- can contact the Council by phone on the Registration Conditions page tions for pay. and a member of staff will assist with of www.teachingcouncil.ie. Further If registration falls due for renewal renewal in advance. queries can be emailed to [email protected].

Registration following a leave of absence or Contacting the Council

career break Tel: 01 651 900 or 1890 22 22 (lo- cal). Monday to Friday between 09.00 Teachers who are planning to take to teaching service. and 1.00. Queries may also be sent by a leave of absence or a career break A teacher whose registration email to [email protected] are advised not to allow their lapses and who wishes to return to registration to lapse during that the Register will need to re-apply for period. According to DES Circular registration at least four months in CL 10/2011, a teacher must be advance. This means that a standard registered in order to be deemed registration application form and eligible for a career break and Garda Vetting Form must be must be registered prior to returning completed in all cases.

Pilot of new model for allocating resource teachers

e DES has announced that a pilot of a reduction in their resource teaching and disadvantaged communities is the new model for allocating resource allocation during the pilot. being used in order to ensure that as teachers to schools will be put in place for l Schools which are due to gain alloca- full a range of schools as possible is rep- September 2015. tions based on their profile under the resented. e main features of the pilot will be: new model will receive these increases. l Schools will be invited to participate in l Approximately 50 schools (30 primary l A representative selection of schools, the pilot project and participation will schools and 20 post primary schools) including large and small, primary and be on a voluntary basis. will participate in the pilot project. post primary schools from both rural More information under Latest News on l No participating school will experience and urban settings in both advantaged INTO website at www.into.ie/ROI

InTouch June 2015 1 Teaching matters Articles and opinions on primary teaching, with tips and ideas for the classroom

Getting involved with FÍS Carrigaline create an award winning film

I have been a fan of the FÍS Film Project Creator app and we used this to publish for many years. Last November I had the his comic to the iTunes store. Book pleasure of taking the children in the ASD Creator is our favourite app and has Unit I work in to the FÍS Film Festival helped my class become internationally Awards Ceremony at the Helix eatre in published authors. eir books have Dublin. On the day we shared the overall been downloaded 1,180 times in 19 differ- prize, e Aileen McKeogh Award for ent countries. All our books can be Outstanding Achievement in Film Mak- found by simply searching for my name ing with Behy National School from Co (Cormac Cahill) in the iTunes Store. Mayo. Our movie was about an evil cow We then used the comic as a story- named Dr Cowton who is intent on turn- board and produced a film script based ing every living thing in the universe into on it. We used an app for Apple cows using his newly developed weapon, Mac/PC called Reflector which allowed the Cow Ray. us to mirror the iPad screen onto our For us winning was great but it was the computer. is allowed us to record process we undertook to create the movie what they were doing on the iPad. that was the the most beneficial aspect. It en the kids went to play, acting out was a process that involved the creation scenes from the movie which we of a comic and a book as well as a movie. recorded. From here we exported our e Apple iPad was our tool of choice recorded clips to iMovie again and this and almost all of the steps taken to create time added voiceovers, music and and our final project were undertaken on this a few special effects and we had a device. And we didn’t need an iPad full of movie. apps to do this. In fact we used just five From start to finish the project real- simple apps to create our story, Minecraft, ly became a group effort with the chil- Comic Life, Book Creator, iMovie and for dren re-writing the script when we some fun an app called Action Movie FX. realised we had made the movie too We are huge fans of Minecraft in my long, to building and decorating the class. It is essentially digital lego where scenes. e original story had to be the children can imagine and build just adapted as it was too much to tell in about anything they want. We have used five minutes. e editing process it to do everything from re-building the helped the children to work out seven wonders of the world to using it in which elements of the story had to maths for volume, area and perimeter. It be kept and those we could leave out. has also been used in science and geography I would highly recommend taking lessons. But occasionally one of the chil- part in FÍS. From creating videos of dren will find a use for Minecraft that I social trips to showcasing our work, didn’t see coming. In this instance it was video is a regular feature of our one of the children using it to tell a story. classroom. Getting involved in the An idea for a story had been on his FÍS Project is a great first step. Once mind but he found it difficult to write it. you have gotten involved you will He wanted something a little more visual. find uses for video in almost every He began building in Minecraft and then lesson you teach. Stills from ‘Power Out’, Carrigaline began acting out his story, taking screen- Find out more and view winning Educate Together National School’s shots along the way. ese screenshots films at www.fisfilmproject.ie. award winning entry. were then brought into an app for creat- e hero Steve arrives to confront ing comics called Comic Life. From here CKLI?A C?EFHH, Carrigaline Dr Cowton, inventor of the he created a comic that was 65 pages long. Educate Together NS, Carrigaline, destructive Cow Ray His comic was then brought into the Book Co Cork.

InTouch June 2015 3 Teaching Matters Eighty six years of primary school athletics

The Primary School Athletics, held in Morton Stadium Santry every year at the end of May, is a branch of Cumann na mBunscol and has been running for 86 years. From humble beginnings on grass tracks with little, if any photographic evidence of the winners and competitors, to an event that now takes the better part of a year to organise, the games continue to evolve and expand. Almost 300 schools take part in the games with close on 7,000 athletes attend- ing over the seven days it takes to hold the event. Two thousand medals and dozens of trophies are awarded. Many great athletes have graced the tracks that have served as a stage from Less visible, are the countless teachers which great careers in sport were who work all year preparing the children launched: Jim and Brian Stynes, David for the games. Battling an overburdened Gillick, Paul Cullen, Michelle Carroll, Eamon timetable and very limited resources, they Coughlan and many, many more. But the work tirelessly and voluntarily, to help the primary schools athletics does not serve teams reach their potential. The week in only elite athletes. Santry is a ‘feelgood’ one if ever there was Five years ago a race for children with one. The enthusiasm of the children is special needs was introduced to give a palpable; the support of the parents chance to boys and girls who might not exudes pride in both the school and their get a chance to hear parental roars of offspring. encouragement from the stands of Morton Last year a school banner competition was Stadium or Croke Park. Medals are awarded introduced in order to include any pupils to all these athletes and the medal who might not have made the final team but presentation is every bit as emotional as could demonstrate their artistic prowess in one would find on an Olympic podium. designing and painting a banner for the It might come as a slight shock to learn parade of schools on their competing day. that it was not until 1974 that girls were At the end of each years’ games the com- allowed to compete. Over 40 years on, mittee looks at what might be improved every male athlete entered in the games upon and what needs to be changed. As a now has an opposite female number, giving result the games have grown exponentially the games a 50/50 ratio of girls and boys. from their inception in an era where children Thanks to the coming of the digital had a much smaller role in society. age, there is now a huge collection of Today the games are the highlight of the photographs that are taken every year sporting calendar for some schools and and posted to the web. For the past six space awaits any school wishing to include years video clips from all events of the it in theirs. games have been recorded and set to music which can also be seen on the AJNEKJR O’FHRJJ, St Joseph’s NS, website. Terenure, Dublin. Photos: Mark Monahan

InTouch June 2015 5 Cúrsaí Teagaisc Arts in Education portal

A major step forward for the arts in education in Submissions for the portal will be invited on Ireland took place in Dublin Castle on 19 May with an ongoing basis and templates and guidelines the launch of the National Arts in Education have been drawn up to help those who wish to Online Portal. The establishment of the portal was make a submission. a major objective in the Arts in Education Charter. The aim is to make the portal the key The portal www.artsineducation.ie will build a national digital resource of arts and education community of practice within arts and education. practice in Ireland. It will provide a space where both artists and Quality of content will be a key guiding teachers can be supported and inspired. It will criterion. When in operation, the portal will be a platform through which good collaboration provide an unprecedented opportunity for young practice in arts in education and arts education people throughout the country to engage pro- will be supported, developed and enhanced. ductively with arts-in-education in Ireland.

At the launch

“Arts in Education practice enriches Approximately 00 people attended the the lives of all those involved, from launch, comprising current and former children and young people to artists ministers, policy makers, school man- and teachers. e arts are particularly agers and leaders, teachers, artists, arts or- powerful in nurturing and developing ganisations, local authority arts officers, our minds and imaginations. I am de- curriculum specialists lighted to support today’s launch. e and academics. Interested? portal will be the key national digital resource for arts and education prac- Contact details e closing date tice in Ireland.” Portal website: for the next round www.artsineducation.ie of submissions is Jan O’Sullivan, Minister for Education 15 September and Skills. Twitter: @ArtsEdPortal_ie Facebook: AiEPortal 2015. Email: [email protected]

“e Charter is a landmark attempt at co-operative policy endeavour for the arts in education. e portal demonstrates the key principles of good collaborative practice and provides an unprecedented opportunity for young people throughout the country to engage productively with arts in education.” Professor John Coolahan, Chair of Arts Michael O’Reilly, a regular contributor Charter Implementation Group. to InTouch and Anna Davitt, Foras na Gaeilge

Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership is currently the Editor of the Arts in Education Portal. Based in County Sligo, Kids’ Own is a national children’s arts organisation and publishing house. Its ethos is about supporting every child’s individual creative expression and developing a culture that values the arts in the lives of all children and young people. Kids’ Own Team: Orla Kenny, Jo Holmwood, Emma Eager.

Finger lines. Image courtesy of Kids’ Own Sean Gallagher, Ciara O’Donnell and Patrick Coffey, PDST, at the launch.

6 InTouch June 2015 Teaching Matters

Room CE is a well established and tions, findings and develop- renowned arts education programme ments, or even drop in ad hoc on with three key elements: any given day to see what the l A student run art studio. artist is working on. l A student management committee. The studio compliments the l An artist in residence. formal curriculum and is most importantly a space for children Following research into international to explore, discover and make art Room 13 projects, the Room 13 Fingal in a safe and supportive child- Partnership was formed. The partnership centred environment. Cut and drawing. Image courtesy of Helen Barry wanted to establish art studios in primary schools in Fingal to provide children, For more information on teachers and artists with a space to Room 13 contact JOHFC CH?LGC, exchange creative ideas, skills and expe- Youth and Education Arts Officer, rience. In Room 13, children are encour- Fingal County Council, Grove aged to take the lead, be creative and Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 think for themselves. or email julie.clarke@fingal.ie Upholding the child-centred ethos of Room 13 International is most important. The studio itself is a space where stu- dents, teachers and the artist(s) can work alongside one another during break times, and other scheduled times throughout the day sharing investiga- Full concentration. Image courtesy of Helen Barry

What the teachers say We consider ourselves privileged to one strand of the art curriculum at a paint on the floor or desks! They can have such a space within our school time as it is easier to manage art sup- spend as much time as they want on a where pupils can go and ‘make art’ in a plies. This also means that the children project. In this way they are exploring very different way to the classroom en- tend to have to finish their art in a limit- all of the strands of the curriculum on vironment. ed space of time before moving on to a their own terms, often mixing and The pupils absolutely love Room 13. new strand. blending media. They are less con- Scoil Bhríde is a primary school and, With Room 13, the art supplies are cerned with getting things ‘wrong’ and therefore, operates within certain con- ready and waiting for the children. They work more confidently and intuitively. straints. As a staff, we were curious know where to find everything they SFJT?B TKKICR, fifth class teacher, about how the somewhat informal ap- need and where to put them when they Scoil Bhride Cáilini, Tyrrelstown Edu- proach of Room 13 would work out. It are finished. They’re not afraid to get cate Together NS. has been interesting and uplifting to see that the pupils, in particular the senior pupils, have adopted a respectful atti- tude to the studio. Rather than taking advantage of the freedom offered within the studio and wasting the opportunity afforded to them, they have embraced this and used this in the spirit with which it was intended. They experiment, ex- plore and enjoy the process rather than focusing solely on the end product.

RCJCC MKL?J, Visual Arts Co-ordi- nator in Scoil Bhride Cáilini. As a class teacher, you try to encourage children to be as creative as possible. However, in a classroom setting this is not always feasible as, firstly, there are the time constraints of setting up the classroom for art and tidying up after- wards. Secondly, in the classroom it is generally more practical to focus on Unless otherwise stated, pictures are courtesy of Maxwells Photography. Maxwells of courtesy are pictures stated, otherwise Unless

InTouch June 2015  Cúrsaí Teagaisc

Pursuing my dream … to become a primary school teacher Maeve pictured at her graduation in 2012

I am originally from a rural village called enjoyed my undergraduate studies in Irish outset to study again so soon after Spanish Point in Co Clare, near Miltown and Politics, I went on to undertake a completing my Masters in Politics, Malbay, on the route that is now known Master of Arts (MA) in Politics in the however I just knew this course would be as e Wild Atlantic Way. I am the right for me. I am finally where I want to be, youngest in a family of four girls, two of pursuing my dream to become a primary whom are qualified primary school teachers. 5I love working with children teacher. I am now a confident young Both my father and mother have always woman with plenty of experience on my been strong role models in my life, each and have always jumped at back; I know I can do this. coming from caring professions in teach- I believe I have a lot to offer in primary ing and nursing respectively. I, like most any opportunity to do so 6 education; with the combination of my children I think, considered the career background in Irish, my interest in music paths my mother and father chose. For University of Limerick. At long last, I am and a range of outdoor activities. Having me, nursing was never a suitable option now in a comfortable and happy position, grown up in the home of the annual due to my squeamish nature at the sight ready to take on the demands of the traditional music school Willie Clancy of blood. Teaching, however, always inter- primary teaching course. Summer School, I started tin whistle and ested me. I love working with children While I thoroughly enjoyed my studies fiddle classes at a very young age and and have always jumped at any opportunity in Politics, gaining a broad perspective of continue to play both instruments today. to do so. I did some babysitting and political theory and practice during my I am an athletic person. As a child and au-pairing in my teenage years and later MA, primary school teaching never left adolescent I did water safety, played foot- worked as a cúntóir (teaching assistant) my mind. Now, at 23 years of age I have ball with my local team in Miltown Malbay for a summer course in an Irish College in plenty of motivation and enthusiasm for and did a lot of horse-riding. I now run a Co na Gaillimhe. few days a week in order to keep fit and Having attended a rural Gaelscoil at maintain a healthy lifestyle. primary level, Scoil Iosef Naofa Mágh in 5I am very grateful and proud So now that I’ve paid my fees, started Lahinch, my passion for the Irish language my course I’m on the road to fulfilling my began young. I had intended to apply for to have this opportunity to ambition to become a primary teacher. primary school teaching in Mary Immac- My plan for the coming two years is to ulate College when I was in my final year join the reputable teaching work hard, study and ensure that I main- of secondary school, but my age stopped tain a balanced lifestyle. It is my hope that me. I believed I was too young to start my profession in Ireland 6 the coming two years will teach me more training to become a teacher at the age of about education, about myself as a 1. Time was on my side so I decided it study. Having gained a great deal of life trainee teacher and about the career would be in my best interest to gain some experience and academic skill, I decided ahead of me. I am very grateful and proud life experience before embarking on my to just bite the bullet and apply for a post to have this opportunity to join the desired career. I thought Irish would be graduate course in primary education. I reputable teaching profession in Ireland. the best subject for me to take in my am happy to say I am finally fulfilling my I am sure there will be challenges along undergraduate degree, as it is very impor- dream in becoming a primary teacher. this road but I am confident I will tant in education in Ireland. I applied for a Having observed two of my sisters get through it. Is maith an scéalaí an Bachelor of Arts in Irish and Politics in undertake the primary teaching course, I aimsir! University College Cork; little did I know feel as though I know what to expect and, I would become enthralled in my studies thankfully, I have their support and guid- M?C@E H?LLFMKJ is studying to become of political science. Having thoroughly ance. I must admit I was nervous in the a primary teacher.

8 InTouch June 2015 Teaching Matters Something old, something new ...

A number of years ago, 25 to be exact, I In those days, I used to describe myself liberating him to embark on a varied had my first article published in what was as a ‘born again’ in relation to children’s course of adventures, bringing him to then An Múinteoir entitled ‘Fiction in the literature: I had read voraciously as a child many exotic faraway places and even to Classroom: An Aesthetic Approach’. I had and then stopped reading for pleasure in outer space. sent my draft off by post (pre electronic secondary school, only to rediscover my Back to e Demon Dentist and the mail) in the hope that an edited version ‘inner child’ at undergraduate level when 21st century. I hope I will be forgiven for might appear in some future edition. I I did a ‘ped op’ (pedagogical option) in vilifying every dentist in the country – it was taken by surprise – and chuffed – to Children’s Literature. e term reincarna- has been worth it (from my point of view see it printed in full in the following issue. tion is probably more apt now because at least) to see my class revel in the gory e icing on the cake was that I was paid of the ongoing cycle of my experience, details of how a new dentist in town, Miss generously for it, which I never expected. continuing to rediscover the joy of reading Root, terrorises the children by leaving In those days, if you were approached to aloud to successive classes and embracing something horrible under each pillow submit an article for a journal such as the authors who are currently popular. instead of the customary coin donated by Oideas, it was considered reward enough is year we read e Demon Dentist by the tooth fairy. ese ‘gifts’ – a bat’s wing, to see your name in print; it was, after all, David Walliams, which reminded me very snake, an old toenail – are reminiscent of an honour and privilege to be asked in the much of Roald Dahl’s style of writing. e the ‘Double, double, toil and trouble’ first place, as we thought. characters tend to be one-dimensional, stirred up by the witches in Macbeth; In that article, I stated that reading which is not necessarily a criticism. Having Miss Root even has her own ‘familiar’, a aloud was the cornerstone of my approach the characters clearly delineated as good cat named ‘Fang’. to fiction in the classroom. I am now in or bad from the outset simplifies matters is year so far we’ve read extracts from my 30th year of teaching and my some- for young children. e shades of grey (a the various Judy Moody books by Megan what chequered career has brought me phrase which I now dread using!) in terms McDonald and other books in their entirety: back full circle to the classroom, second of character can be teased out at a later Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary, e class in fact. I have variously been an NCCA stage. In the eighties, Dahl was criticised Worst Witch by Jill Murphy, George Speaks Primary English committee member, for this over-simplification by the ‘purists’ by Dick King-Smith, and Ten In a Bed by charged with the task of revising the ‘New in children’s literature circles. His characters Allan Ahlberg. We’ve enjoyed picture Curriculum’ (193), a facilitator ‘rolling tended to gravitate towards distinct poles: books by Shirley Hughes and Tony Ross, out’ that revised curriculum in 1999-2000, the benevolent adult such as Miss Honey short stories such as e King of Ireland’s a classroom teacher of various class levels in Matilda on the one hand contrasting Son by Brendan Behan (illustrated by P.J. and a learning support/resource teacher. with Miss Trunchbull, the horrific head- Lynch) and e Selfish Giant by Oscar I would love to be able to say that the mistress, on the other. Francesca Simon’s Wilde – and many more that for me never aforementioned article was the first of Horrid Henry series employs an easy means lose their appeal. My most recent reading many to be published, but life got in the of differentiating between characters; the project began on World Book Day with way of further academia. Experiencing likes of Moody Margaret and Rude Ralph Harry Potter: this generation of muggle children’s books through the eyes of my simply declare their hands at the outset by children were not reared alongside the two children (now 13 and 19) was as much wearing their hearts on their fictional gradual unfolding of J.K. Rowling’s magical as I could undertake for some of those sleeves, as it were. It’s always interesting to saga but deserve nonetheless the chance years and, of course, trying to bring chil- see how to enter the hallowed halls and moving dren and books together in the context of parents are portrayed – just as Matilda’s staircases of Hogwarts. mainstream and learning and Henry’s are found to be lacking, Enid e ‘something old’ in the title refers support/resource Blyton in a generation much further back not just to the time-honoured gems of teaching. (dare I say my own?) used the technique children’s literature but also to the mediator of banishing the parents quite early in between those books and the child, that is the narrative so that the children could the ‘someone old’ who after nearly 30 get on with the business of having years teaching can be safely described as adventures. Uncle Quentin was a dis- ‘an elder lemon’. is elder lemon – tant character, as was the Professor in having been squeezed by many years of C.S. Lewis’ e Lion, the Witch and the educational cutbacks, not to mention pay Wardrobe. More recently, the parents cuts – still thankfully retains enough zest of Barnaby Brocket in John Boyne’s e to read aloud to my class every day. Long Terrible ing that Happened to Barn- may that last... aby Brocket heartlessly abandon him to the fate of floating up into FFKJ? G?LPCR, Scoil Bhride Eglantine, the atmosphere, thereby Cork. 5This generation of muggle children were not reared alongside the gradual unfolding of J.K. Rowling’s magical saga but deserve nonetheless the chance to enter the hallowed halls and moving staircases of Hogwarts 6

InTouch June 2015 9 Teaching Matters A once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the trans Siberian railway

I felt five years old again, in Mrs Deery’s were taken to the junior infants, trying desperately to middle of nowhere, remember the sound for each letter, where we stayed in tentatively blending them together and yurts, rode ponies, and proud as punch when they turned into met the local nomads. something that resembled a recognisable We returned to our train word. But then again, I don’t think phonics and trundled on. Once we crossed had taken off in the junior infants of my the border into Russia, everything youth, pretty sure that we learned our changed. The train was stopped outside of words by sight. Regardless, it was thrilling Ulan-Ude so that a body could be moved to hurtle through Siberia, stopping for ten off the tracks (just hurled into the ditch minutes at a station, and decoding the from what we saw). It was 6 June, and the Cyrillic alphabet to figure out where we 5Slap bang in the middle of first warm day in eastern Russia. Women were (usually with barely a minute left to and small girls were walking around in appreciate our named location!) Ulaan Bataar, we found a bikinis. Men wore as little as possible. The trans-Siberian railway was always a Some were mad enough to swim in Lake bit of an idyllic fantasy for me. Imagine the Beatles memorial6 Baikal, even though the water was barely thrill of spending two weeks, cooped up above freezing. People were wearing in a cabin, watching the vast expanse of So we found ourselves in Beijing, joining shell-suits and scrunchies, 1987 eat your Russia pass by, moving through timezones a motley crew, for a three week train journey heart out! and doing your bit for your carbon foot- through the Siberian Steppe. It was the It took five days, of non-stop travel to print! I made it through my leaving cert start of June, and coming from Europe we reach Moscow. There was a boiling water year – not by drinking and going out like a met tour groups full of drunken, loud, tap on each carriage, and let’s just say – I normal person – but by reading Lonely gap-year students. We were a more haven’t eaten a pot noodle since. The Planet guides and fantasising about the cultured lot. culinary highlight was when I learned to journeys I would take. In fact, the ‘unseen Our group of six consisted of myself and ask for an omelette and coffee in Russian, piece’ on my leaving cert paper, was an himself (Irish, finishing a year’s travelling), a and was served just that in the dining car! article about the trans-Siberian! I was a girl from Sydney with her Texan boyfriend So luxurious! Moscow was warm and sunny, very happy camper. So, in 2009, when buy- (they had plans to return to Shanghai to with the locals drinking beer out on the ing my round-the-world ticket, I left a big college, were well able to talk themselves streets. In St Petersburg we visited the art huge gap between Hong Kong and Helsinki. out of trouble, but had split up by the time galleries (top tip: jump the HUGE queues Foolish you might ask? Not knowing if I we made it to Europe), a 21 year old from and get in for free using the USIT teacher might be able to afford said train ticket, Melbourne (who bought a watermelon in card at the Hermitage), and saw a teenage and not in possession of a Russian (Chinese China and spent two weeks trying to eat it girl with a baby brown bear on a leash. or Mongolian) visa? Foolish indeed! with a spoon); and a theatre student from Crossing the border into Estonia was Well, with a bit of a loan from my better New York (who was just… a New Yorker). both thrilling and deflating. After all our half, I did buy that ticket. And let me tell Together we had very little need of the hard work, fighting for visas and fretting you, it’s pretty difficult to get your hands provided tour guides, who couldn’t figure about stamps, we were back home in on a Russian visa whilst travelling around out how a bunch of foreigners were happy Europe with little more than a cursory Southeast Asia. The friendly Mongolian to take in the sights of Beijing alone. glance towards our passports. Our year off embassy in Vietnam was more than happy Our next stop was in Mongolia and, after was coming to a close. The big adventure to put a pretty visa in our passports five months travelling in Southeast Asia, was over. The trans-Siberian may not (probably delighted that anyone was Mongolia was everything we could have have been as idyllic and exotic as I had going to visit Mongolia). The Chinese hoped for and more! Slap bang in the expected but it had been once-in-a-life- didn’t make it too difficult to get theirs, but middle of Ulaan Bataar, we found a Beatles time adventure. It changed my perception the Russians were another story. Do they memorial. In the ‘state department store’ I of the world, and when I’m old and even want tourists, I wonder? We found found mousse and hair colour (Asians have grey(er) I will think fondly of all those pot- ourselves holding tickets (worth €5,000) straight hair, and I had taken to wearing a noodles. I hope! but no Russian visas. With lots of begging hat to cover the grey!) Our tour guide and cajoling in Hong Kong, access was spoke impeccable English that he had N?JAR CKD?J, B Ed, MA Children’s granted at the last minute. My poor blood learned from watching DVDs. We could Literature. Scoil Bhríde JNS, Donaghmede, pressure still hasn’t recovered. almost smell Europe getting closer! We Dublin 13.

InTouch June 2015 51 Cúrsaí Teagaisc Self assessment Evaluating your own

When I was asked a number of years ago to which is then displayed with some of the Does this activity summarise the aims and objectives of the photographs/used as the basis for a digital l Develop understanding of the elements? visual arts curriculum into a number of presentation. Yes n No n overall outcomes that could be used by a l Introduce/explore materials/techniques? teacher both to evaluate the effectiveness Does this activity Yes n No n of his/her own work, and also to assess the l Develop understanding of the elements? l Emphasise process? Yes n No n art produced by the children, the following Yes n No n l Give time for looking/responding? list emerged. In this era of self assessment l Introduce/explore materials/techniques? Yes n No n this might be very useful to teachers and Yes n No n might also be adapted to evaluating both l Emphasise process? Yes n No n music and drama lessons. l Give time for looking/responding? Firstly, I felt that any good art activity Yes n No n planned for any class should provide the children with the opportunity to become familiar with the elements of art. Secondly, a good art class should either introduce 5 This list … might be very new materials and/or techniques to children or give them the opportunity to useful to teachers and practice with familiar ones. Thirdly, an art experience should allow children to be might also be adapted to Lesson scenario three creative, to explore their own ideas, to be Homage to Calder the designers of their own work and to evaluating both music and A sixth class are looking at the work of engage in art that is process based. Lastly American sculptor, Alexander Calder. A the experience must provide children with drama lessons6 discussion is held on the materials he used an opportunity to be a critic, to look at and to create his famous mobiles. The class has respond to their own art and to begin to already researched the artist on the inter- familiarise themselves with the work of net and some images of his work have artists. been printed out. The teacher divides the In this article I would like to describe four class into cooperative groups and asks art lessons and experiences to you and ask each group to plan for the construction of a you to assess each of them using the four mobile listing the materials they will need outcomes listed above as evaluation and creating a drawing or sketch of the pro- criteria. posal. Each group is given a week to pre- pare, collect materials and edit designs. The following week each group begins work to complete their mobile. The completed mo- biles are suspended from the ceiling of the Lesson scenario two school hall and parents and other classes Elements dress up day are invited to see the mobile exhibition. In a third class the children are looking at Each group is asked to produce a group the topic of clothes as part of their work in piece of writing for exhibition also. SESE. The teacher holds a circle time discussion on the topic of favourite Does this activity clothes. She asks the children to come to l Develop understanding of the elements? Lesson scenario one school on the following day wearing Yes n No n Walk in the park clothes chosen from their own collections l Introduce/explore materials/techniques? In autumn a senior infant class teacher that show different colours, textures, Yes n No n takes a class to the local park. They look at shapes, lines, patterns, etc. The next day l Emphasise process? Yes n No n and talk about the falling and fallen leaves there is class discussion when each child is l Give time for looking/responding? and have great fun kicking through the asked to describe the clothes being worn Yes n No n piles of colourful leaves. A digital camera is and to say which elements of art can be used to record the trip. The class collect seen in them. The class holds a fashion Lesson scenario four some leaves to bring back to classroom. show. As a follow up activity the children Introducing impressed print Back in class they talk about the various are asked to work in pairs and each child is A fourth class is being introduced to the colours that they can see and sort the asked to create a drawing of his/her technique of impressed printing. The leaves into various piles based on shape, partner wearing their special clothes and teacher checks that the children remember texture, colour and type. The teacher then to focus on showing the elements that can how to use familiar materials such as print- works as a scribe with the class to compose be seen. These are then displayed and ing inks and rollers and introduces the new a short written account about the trip discussed. material of polystyrene sheeting. She pro-

52 InTouch June 2015 Teaching Matters Self assessment Evaluating your own art lessons

ceeds to give a also possible to demonstration of use the same how to create four general out- marks and lines come state- on the poly ments as the blocks, how to basis for an ink them up effective assess- and then ment tool to be create a print. used in assess- The children are ing the art of the asked to create children, the an interesting de- products pro- sign and to then duced as a result of transfer this design process to the block by simply l Does the child drawing with a pencil. demonstrate an Each child is understanding of the allowed time during the elements of art in his/her work? following week to work at the l Does the work of the child printing station to create a num- demonstrate mastery of particular ber of prints using his/her block. Lat- skills and techniques? er they are asked to write their own ver- l Does the work of the child demonstrate sion of the instruction for this technique in a confidence in using his/her own designs their art journals. and ideas? l Can the child look at and talk about his/her own Does this activity The third activity begins with looking at work and the work of others with surety? l Develop understanding of the elements? and responding to the work of a famous Yes n No n artist. The elements of art will be discussed l Introduce/explore materials/techniques? not only when looking at this work but Yes n No n also while planning the group mobiles, l Emphasise process? Yes n No n during their making, exhibition and l Give time for looking/responding? display. A wide variety of construction Yes n No n materials, tools, skills and techniques would be explored during the actual construction What did you think? of the mobiles and again there is a focus The first scenario obviously ranks very highly on the children designing and building What you see above is a simple assessment in relation to the first criterion of developing mobiles that are a result of group process. tool based on this list of general outcome awareness of the elements. There is oppor- The final activity is an example of a lesson statements. Descriptors such as ‘confident’ tunity throughout to discuss shapes, colours, that begins with a focus on the children can be added to the table if you wish or it textures, lines and patterns. There are learning to use new materials and skills. could remain simply a visual record with opportunities to look and respond – to Note the important fact that the teacher marks made on a personal sliding scale. both the visual environment and to a visual demonstrates the technique only and does Avoid using descriptors such as ‘good’, record. Are there materials and techniques not demonstrate the product i.e. she does ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ as these do not apply in visual here? There are if we include the camera and not demonstrate an actual image. There is arts and are often value judgements based if the idea that writing about an art experience also an obvious focus on looking/responding on the teacher’s personal taste. is a skill. And not all art experiences have to with the use of art journals involved. The involve the making of art but you might children are encouraged to create their e author, MFAE?CH O’RCFHHR, follow up the activity by asking each child own designs to use with the new technique has been working with PDST/ to make a drawing of their experience – thus so there is an obvious focus on process NCTE over the past year on new providing an opportunity to explore draw- and the elements of art will be naturally visual arts content for Scoilnet and ing tools. explored by the children as they create on updating the I am An Artist The second scenario is specifically designed their art prints. website. e updated web site is to explore the elements of art. Again the To self assess therefore, write the letters now online, with a new Twitter feature at materials and techniques of drawing are ESPC where E = Elements, S = Skills, P = www.iamanartist.ie and the project will be being explored and there is a focus on Process and C = Critic, at the end of your featured at Feilte 2015 this September. He process in that no sample drawings are lesson preparation notes and if you can hopes to see you there. provided. There are opportunities to look at place a tick against each letter to indicate and respond to both fashion items and to that your lesson included this outcome, the resulting display of drawings. you have cracked it with visual arts. It is

InTouch June 2015 53 Cúrsaí Teagaisc School gardening notes for June Nótaí Garraíodóireachta Scoile do Mhí An Mheithimh

It's a time for harvesting vegetables in the Diary school garden, a time for salad and The cornfield meadow looks stunning – potato parties and a time for a patchwork quilt of blues, reds, mauves,rley, ensuring that the beds have colourful yellows and whites. Bearded ears of ba plants in them over the summer a sober and welcome contrast amongst the riot of colour. Children fascinated with bee- New potatoes lines on corncockle petals. Cornfield A constant coming and going of meadow honeybees, bumble bees and hoverflies. of The wildflower meadow, a wavy eyeful contrast and colour, bee-buzz and butterfly bob. Clumps of ox-eye daisy stand out startlingly bold among the muted grass plumes. Mary spotted a glistening frog in the damp lush undergrowth.

Ox eye daisies Cookery General Make summer fruit All my previous InTouch smoothies. See www.

articles are now available growingschools.org.uk/ Strawberries on www.schoolearthed.ie/ Small tortoiseshell Resources/Downloads/ intouch-pdfs.html on buddleia GrowingSchools_ as well as on the INTO YearPlanner.pdf website Teachers Junior Eat the mange tout peas as the pods Second Pull up the scallions and wash. Chop up infants emerge. When the plants are exhausted the green parts and the white bulbs and dig them up and cut them into small add to a salad. pieces for the compost bin. Third Dig up the new potatoes and wash Senior Shell the peas as they mature and throw thoroughly. Bring to the boil in lightly infants the empty pods into the compost. When salted water. Simmer for about 10 the plants are exhausted chop them up minutes and eat. and put them in the compost bin. Fourth Pull up the carrots and wash thoroughly. First Pull up the beetroots and wash. Cut the Eat them raw. stem to c.2.5 cm. To prevent it ‘bleeding’ Fifth Get the children to predict which growing Mange tout peas don't trim the root or cut off the stem medium yielded the best results. Dig up completely. Peel off the skin and shred the potatoes and weigh the amount in into pieces which can be eaten raw in a each bag. Make a chart of the results and salad or dipped in yoghurt. See display. Wash, cook and eat. www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Beetroot Sixth Pull the lettuce leaves and wash. Serve in a salad. St Mary’s Blessington in June

Living things l See: www.heritagecouncil.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/Publications/Education/ Wildlife_in_Schools.pdf for a list of plants and animals suitable for each class.

56 InTouch June 2015 Teaching Matters

Literacy/Litearthacht l Salad/Sailéad: A dish of raw vegetables ‘oinniún glas’ air uaireanta. Itear na l A wildflower served with small pieces of food such duilleoga agus an bheilb agus iad amh. meadow/Cluain de as cheese, ham, egg etc. It's usually l Cornfield meadow/Cluain ghort arbhair: bhláthanna scéine: A served with a dressing. Mias de ghlasraí A flowery meadow consisting of meadow consisting amha curtha i láthair le píosaí beaga de annuals such as cornflowers, poppies of a mixture of bhia – cáis, liamhás, uibheacha agus and corn marigolds. Móinéar/Cluain perennial grasses and araile. De ghnáth cuirtear blastán air. faoi bhláthanna a bhfuil wildflowers.Móinéar a l Scallion/Scailliún: A small onion which is bliantóga éagsúla bhfuil meascán d’fhéara ilbhliantúla sometimes called a green onion. (gormáin, poipíní, agus de bhláthanna scéine ag fás ann. Both the leaves and bulb are buíáin agus araile) ina Buíochas do Marie Whelton (MIE) eaten raw. Oinniún beag a dtugtar measc. don aistriúchán Cornflower

Poppy

Summer holidays It's important to have plants growing in the beds over the summer so that they won't be covered in weeds when the school opens in September. Rake the beds and sow with annuals such as Nasturtium, Calendula, Clarkia, Nigella and Candytuft. Also plant sunflowers. See www.schoolearthed.ie/ paddys-school-garden/ video-sep-sow- annuals.html

Paddy Madden lectures on SESE in MIE. He will be organising the third annual mini-school gardening conference in MIE on 26 September 2015. Two other mini-conferences will take place on the same date in the Organic Centre, Rossinver and Gortbrack Organic Farm, Tralee. is is Paddy’s last article on school gardening for InTouch. We would like to sincerely thank him for his contribution of nature and school gardening articles since September 2010. We know they have been very popular with our readers.

InTouch June 2015 5 Cúrsaí Teagaisc An Léitheoireacht Réimse leabhar nua

Béirín na Picnice rud nach n-oibríonn thábhachtach den phróiseas é múnlú Scéal gleoite do pháistí óga sna ranganna go maith i gcónaí. Sa na léitheoireachta ag an múinteoir. sóisearacha is ea Béirín na Picnice le scéal Sprioc Lá Beidh na páistí ag léamh an tsleachta Treasa Ní Ailpín, le maisiúcháin deasa ag nuair a fhaigheann céanna os íseal in éineacht leis an múin- Dómhnal Ó Bric. Tá deifir ar Bhéirín. Barra amach trí teoir – tacaíonn an taoiléitheoireachta Caithfidh sé dul chuig Picnic na mBéiríní. thimpiste go bhfuil le tuiscint an pháiste ar ábhar an scéil. Níl a fhios aige grúpa sceimh- l Lig do na páistí focail, nathanna conas a rachaidh litheoirí ar tí cainte nó frásaí nach dtuigeann siad sé ann. Ach gníomh uafásach a nó atá spéisiúil a bhreacadh síos ina tagann a chara, chur i gcrích, leabhair scríbhneoireachta phearsanta. Bláthnaid Eala, socraíonn sé féin l Tabhair achoimre ó bhéal ar an sliocht i gcabhair air. agus a chara, atá léite. As go brách leo Lára, go gcaithfidh l Déan forbairt ar na straitéisí tuisceana, ag eitilt trasna siad na fir a stopadh. Níl duine ar bith ag súil thapa, spléachadh, léitheoireacht an locha. Tá iarraidh a bheith mór le Rónán sa scéal leathan, grinnléitheoireacht, féin-cheistiú dlúthdhiosca Galánta ach tagann athrú ar chúrsaí nuair agus araile. leis an leabhar a bhaineann sé triail as lóis iarbhearrtha. l Lig do na páistí tuar a dhéanamh maidir agus an scéal Tá moltaí maidir leis na leabhair seo a le céard a tharlóidh sa chéad chuid eile á léamh ag úsáid sa rang san ábhar tacaíochta a den scéal. MacDara Ó Conaola. Tá an scéal le ghabhann leo ar shuíomh www.futafata.ie fáil i bhfoirm Leabhar Mór chomh maith. Samplaí gníomhaíochtaí An Cúigear Cróga iarléitheoireachta Úsáid sa Rang Is cuimhin linn ar fad an tsraith úrscéalta l Is iriseoir thú. Cuir agallamh ar l Pléigh clúdach an leabhair, déan ‘e Famous Five’ a scríobh an t-údar charachtar sa scéal. Réitigh na ceisteanna réamhthuar, cuir ceist ar na páistí cad Béarla Enid Blyton. Cur síos ar eachtraí a chuirfidh tú ar an gcarachtar sin is dóigh leo a tharlóidh sa scéal. cúigear páistí a bhí sna úrscéalta seo. Bhuel roimh ré agus leag béim ar chruinneas l Tar éis an scéal a léamh, imir cluiche ag anois tá insint ar a gcuid eachtraíochta ar na teanga. Is féidir le do chara na ceis- iarraidh ar na páistí an scéal a athinsint fáil i nGaeilge, a bhuíochas sin do na teanna a fhreagairt. i gciorcal le cabhair na bpictiúr. craoltóirí Máirín Ní Ghadhra agus l Scríobh léirmheas ar an leabhar. l Úsáidtear na nathanna ‘Fan nóiméad’, Gormfhlaith Ní uairisg, atá tar éis An l Obair dhialainne. Is carachtar sa scéal ‘Níl am agam’ agus ‘Caithfidh mé deifir Cúigear Cróga a bhaisteadh ar an mbuíon tú. Scríobh i do dhialann na heachtraí a dhéanamh’ arís is arís eile sa scéal. chéanna. agus na mothúcháin a bhí agat. Bain úsáid as na nathanna seo agus l Is tusa an príomh-charachtar sa scéal. ‘Déan deifir’ go neamhfhoirmiúil le linn Úsáid sa rang Scríobh do dhírbheathaisnéis. ghnáthchaint an lae sa rang chun na l Is fiú leabhar scríbhneoireachta l Smaointí eile: Teo-ionad, pointí nathanna seo a dhaingniú i gcaint na pearsanta a bheith ag gach páiste inar gramadaí agus poncaíochta a chíoradh, bpáistí. féidir leo a gcuid smaointe faoin úrscéal cuntas/tuairisc a scríobh. l Seinn an dlúthdhiosca agus iarr ar a bhreacadh síos de réir mar atá an pháistí a bosa a bhualadh nuair a t-úrscéal á léamh. Beart de cheithre leabhar atá sa tsraith An chloiseann siad focail ar leith ar nós l Déan plé ar theideal, clúdach tosaigh Cúigear Cróga, feiliúnach don aoisghrúpa Béirín/trasna/deifir/cleití. agus an blurba ar chúl an leabhair. 8–11 agus tá siad ar fáil ag www.cic.ie agus l Can Amhrán na Picnice ón scéal leis na l Pléigh tuairimí na bpáistí maidir le ó shiopaí leabhar. páistí, cuir véarsaí sa bhreis leis an hábhar an leabhair. amhrán. l Déan plé ar an údar agus ar leabhair eile l Iarr ar pháistí liosta a scríobh de bhia a de chuid an údair sin atá léite ag na bheadh le hithe ag picnic. páistí. l Léigh an téacs go soiléir ar luas agus Leabhair do Léitheoirí Drogallacha ar rithim nádúrtha na cainte. Is cuid Tá leabhair do léitheoirí drogallacha ar fáil ó Futa Fata, atá oiriúnach do léitheoirí ó 8-13 bliana. In An Pictiúr Mór tá Joe go hiontach ag an ealaín agus tá cumhacht ar leith aige mar go Curtha le chéile ag bhfaigheann sé a Bríd Ní Dhonnchadha bhfuil uaidh má agus Máire Nic an Rí tharraingíonn sé é … faoi choimirce COGG.

58 InTouch June 2015 Teaching Matters Reviews Music workbooks – beautifully presented

Music is Fun is a new set of guidebooks teacher introduce music literacy by expand on the for music teachers and musicians. It is clapping a simple rhythm pattern from a curriculum and written by Sr Karol O’Connell, of Kylemore selection of known objects comprising, any existing Abbey and a native of Midleton, Cork. Sr for example, ‘cat’ (single beat) and ‘kitten’ schemes in Karol has taught music for many years (two half beats), dog/puppy etc. Sr Karol’s place. and holds a Masters degree in Kodály workbooks depict single beats and half Workbooks Three and Four are also Music Pedagogy. e series comprises a beats with large and small objects – for now available. For more information teacher guidebook and pupil workbooks. example, a large candle for a single beat check out the Music Is Fun website Workbook One is aimed at the infant and a small candle for two half beats. (www.music-is-fun.com). classes and is an introduction to rhythm, Perhaps in a future edition these pictures Published by Kylemore Abbey Books. pitch, melody and composition. Work- could be revised to bring them in line Prices: book Two looks at inner hearing and sight with the suggestion in the curriculum – Music is Fun! Teachers’ guidebook – €22.99 singing and is suggested for first class. a single syllable word for one beat (cat) Music is Fun! Workbook one – €.95 e series, which is based on the Kodály and a two syllable word for two half Music is Fun! Workbook two – €6.95. Concept of Music Education, is beautifully beats (kitten). Sr Karol’s series would be presented and laid out. a useful addition to any school resource Reviewed by OLH? RRJD, Glasheen BNS, e curriculum suggests that the library to enhance music education and to Cork. A vivid novel on 1916 for senior classes Nurney Brian Gallagher has written a We are given a very vivid account of the lives of fast-moving realistic historical ordinary people in Dublin. Through the character Number novel which takes the reader of Gerry, for example, we catch a glimpse of the on a journey from Dublin in abject poverty which was widespread at the time. Ninjas July 1915 to the aftermath of Many other issues are examined, e.g. the class the Easter Rising. The two divisions in Dublin a century ago, the role of Sixth class pupils in Scoil Bhride main characters are Emer, women in the workplace and the attitude of Nurney are taking part in the whose father is involved in nationalists to their fellow countrymen who Junior Entrepreneur Programme the Irish Volunteers, and Jack chose to fight on the side of Britain in the Great (JEP), a not for profit programme Madigan who is the son of a War. The story has a very realistic conclusion. The for primary schools. They have policeman. When the story opens the two reader learns what happened to the children as developed a maths app called children are friends and play with each other they move into adult life and the events of 1916 Nurney Number Ninjas. It is suit- regularly. However, when Emer saves Jack from gradually fade into history. This book would be able for all ages and all levels. drowning, the friendship becomes much ideal for the senior classes as an introduction to Find out if you have what it takes stronger. Later on as Dublin is engulfed in flames, the Easter Rising. to become a Number Ninja! NNN is we see how Jack calls upon Emer to help his The O’Brien Press. ISBN 978-1-84717-631-8. Price available on the app store for father from almost certain death, even though €7.99 (paperback) €1.99 and will soon be available such an action would normally run counter to on Android. every conviction which she holds dear. Reviewed by D?J FFJJ?J, Hibernia College. Derry 1698 – the inside story

Behind the Walls is a historical fiction novel, set who are caught up in the battle. ey end in the city of Derry in the year 1689. e book, up helping to close the city gates against the written by Nicola Pierce, focuses on the approaching Catholic army. historical period of the Siege of Derry. e siege is book hooked me in from the first page involved a pre-emptive lockdown of and I think it would be very suitable for the city gates and a violent defensive fifth and sixth class. ough the action which lasted from 18 April to protagonists are male, I think female 28 July 1689, during the Williamite readers would also enjoy this univer- War in Ireland. sally relevant piece of historical fiction. However, this novel is more than a e O’Brien Press. ISBN 98-1- mere history book or a retell. It is a 81-66-2. Price €8.99 (paperback). well written and lively story about two teenage boys from the Protes- Reviewed by RKSS LCQFM, Portlaoise tant religion, Daniel and Robert, Educate Together NS.

InTouch June 2015 59 Finishing Touches Resources for teachers, noticeboard of upcoming events and the Comhar Linn Crossword

Copy Date Conamara Summer School IATSE Conference Inishbofin: An island Irish Association of Teachers Copy you wish to have experience. in Special Education considered for publication in Approved inservice for teachers, 6 to IATSE Conference 2015 the September issue of InTouch 10 July 2015. ‘Our School Community – should arrive in Head Office by Promoting Resilience and Wellbeing’ 10 August 2015. Contact Leo Hallissey: 12 and 13 June 2015 email [email protected] All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Phone: 085 115629 Dublin Web: www.ceecc.org See: www.iatse.ie or contact: Research Study [email protected] BuLLyING IN THE TEACHING PROFESSION Book Wanted Reunions A qualitative study on Orby Colouring Book for workplace bullying is being Sustainable Living St Patrick’s College undertaken by an INTO member, Drumcondra, class of 1990, entitled ‘Bullying in the teaching Cost of book and postage 25 year reunion to be held in profession; Teachers’ experience will gladly be paid. October. Further details to follow. following a complaint’. The study Please contact Contact [email protected] if will look at the experience of cathym29@gmail.com you wish to help out. teachers who have encountered this or 086 86629 phenomenon and sought to resolve Mary Immaculate College issues through the complaints Alumni reunion. procedure or otherwise. Save the date: Saturday, The researcher is seeking to INTO STSG 26 September 2015 at 1.30 p.m. MIC. interview teachers who are, or who is reunion is aimed at graduates of have been, subjected to or witnessed INTO/STSG Separated the years 1950, 55, 60, 65, 0, 5, 80, bullying behaviour. Participants are Teachers’ Support Group 85, 90, 95, 2000 and 2005. guaranteed anonymity and no names Next event: A great opportunity to meet up with or identifying details will be used as Tour of the Patrick Kavanagh old friends and reacquaint yourself part of this project. Centre, Iniskeen, Co Monaghan. with the college. The study hopes to contribute to Date: Saturday, 13 June. the evolving discourse and seeks to Time: Bus leaves Dublin at 12 noon. Further information and to RSVP improve the process of addressing Tel: 061 86 Email: complaints. While the study seeks to There will also be a meeting in the [email protected] examine the testimonies of teachers Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone, who have made complaints or sought at 11 a.m. on 12 September. to address issues, contact from Separated, divorced, widowed, lone teachers who, for one reason or parents from INTO, ASTI, TUI and IFUT another have decided not to formally welcome. Annual subscription: €20. head Office complain, would also be particularly For further information contact: Summer Closure welcomed. Chairperson, Trudy Carroll Miller: If you have experienced bullying 0044-7931609315/042-9383670 INTO Head Office will close behaviour at school and are willing to or for summer vacation at 5 p.m. participate in this research project, Secretary, Iseult Bourke at on Friday, 2 July and reopen at please make direct contact with the 085-2394661/5162069 9 a.m. on Monday, 10 August, 2015. author at [email protected].

InTouch June 2015 61 Nótaí Deiridh

Two pages of resources for the classroom, from school tours to helpful hints and useful links Free STEM The Future of SPHE Resources:

Young The SPHE publication The Future of SPHE: Designers’ Problems and Possibilities covers Tool Kit health promotion in Irish Design 2015 has developed a schools, democracy, series of free STEM learning resources circle time, safefood, suitable for second to sixth class, the bullying, relationships Young Designers’ Tool Kit aims to and sexuality education, inspire curiosity about design; encourag- Free school tours and design activities social and emotional ing children to think about how things Irish Design 2015 offers free school tours development, work and how we use them. Explore the of their exhibitions in the Design Hub breakfast clubs, meditation, SPHE and design of everyday objects through inves- Dublin Castle and at National Craft the interactive whiteboard and tigative activities of analysing, observing Gallery, Kilkenny – integrating curricula supporting pupils with EBD. and discussing together with creative strands of visual art, SESE and maths The publication is free to download problem-solving activities of designing, within fun and stimulating learning from the SPHE network at inventing, adapting and constructing. environments. http://sphenetwork.ie. Download from: Visit or www.irishdesign2015.ie/design- Hard copies are available from www.learncraftdesign.com/learn/ hub www.nationalcraftgallery.ie or con- [email protected] primary-resources tact [email protected] for €10 (incl p&p).

, Comhar Linn Crossword NO 164 A draw for 2 x £100 will be made from all correct entries. Simply complete the crossword and send it to InTouch, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, before Friday 21st August

123 4 5 6 7Across Down 1. There's many an article in the container. (3) 1. Cowardly raptor? (7,4) 3. Inlet in West Cork that should be twinned 2. Vertical fall that the vine does, with Pearl Harbour? (11) perhaps. (8) 89 8. Steadfastly maintain that its sin is 3. you can ring a sister from the desert misinterpreted. (6) here. (5) 9. This icy cleft might be responsible for Eve's 4. It made one laugh to see that a sucker was scar. (8) in front. (7) 10 11 12 10. Great credit earned for part of one's sudoku 5. There's chaos in the part of the lush Avoca dossier. (5) valley. (5) 13 14 11. Immobilise a crustacean quietly. (5) 6. Make Virginia ship a novice to a feudal 13. Game to determine the movement of type. (6) bishops, amongst others. (5) 7. The name she left behind - somewhere in 15 16 17 15. Aware that he (Edward) gets loud near a Ballyneety. (3) college by the Shannon. (7) 12. Final comment on how the bullet divides 18 16. It's a gemstone for a fairy, Dorothy. (7) one's hair? (7,4) 20. Nitrogen in part of the ship makes one 13. A bird's utterance has provided many with 19 20 show respect. (5) a fortune. (5) 21. Near the outskirts of Killimer, find sick little 14. The time it takes to write letters. (5) 21 22 23 sea-creatures. (5) 17. Tie fiend up for certain. (8) 23. Departing from how things are underfoot, 18. A suitable beverage for a cowboy? (4,3) of course. (5) 19. Indicate that a sling is required. (6) 24 25 24. Most of old Istanbul is unchanging. (8) 22. Ignited about this much. (5) 25. African warrior groups, hot to be 23. Cajun stew made with some chewing-gum mischievous. (6) (boiled). (5) 26. It's mathematically significant, given a 24. Many go up to find part of the machine. (3) 26 27 Togo/Ireland exchange. (6,5) 27. Consume the last of the flesh. (3) NAME: Gordius - Comhar Linn In Touch No. 163 Down 1. Academician 2. Burgundy 3. Shell ADDRESS: April/May 2015 Solutions 4. Sharpen 5. Grieg 6. Acuity 7. Hoe 12. Pass the Across 1. Alb 3. Seismograph 8. Airmen 9. Atti- salt 13. Crass 14. Tonne 17. Crocuses 18. Litotes tude 10. Equal 11. Get up 13. Cleft 15. Crystal 19. Reveal 22. Eased 23. Bland 24. Rum 16. Insects 20. Spike 21. Niece 23. Boche Winners of Crossword no. ! will be 24. Rheostat 25. Nausea 26. Maladjusted 27. Sit announced in the next InTouch issue

62 InTouch June 2015 Finishing Touches

… and your Comhar Linn Crossword!

New module added to World War I No 52 exhibition at National The most viewed resources on Scoilnet Library of in the first two weeks of May Ireland 1 The Irish Famine irishpotatofamine.org/flash.html Interactive tour of the famine in Ireland. A new module entitled ‘Desperate Times, Desperate Measures’, which examines Ireland’s ongoing experience of World War I 2 handwriting Practise during 1915, has been added to the exhibition ‘World War Ireland: handwritingpractice.net Exploring the Irish Experience’ at the National Library of Ireland Create quick and effective handwriting worksheets. (NLI). The update includes engaging graphics, original objects and 3 Bia film, which tell the story of a year in which extreme means were Our Lady’s Clonskeagh scoilnet.ie/uploads/resources/ employed in an effort to break the stalemate and bring the war ourladysclonskeagh.ie 11778/11409.pdf to an end. The focus is on two major events which impacted on Very up-to-date site with information GnIomhachtaI eAgsUla dirithe ar an thEama seo. Irish lives overseas and at home: the Gallipoli Campaign and the across all aspects of the school. Nice Cén sort aimsire atá ann? sinking of the Lusitania. Number Knowledge feature! 4 ncte.ie/upload/scoilnet/cen_sagha The exhibition ‘World War Ireland: Exploring the Irish Experi- s_aimsire ence’ was launched in November 2014. Since then, nearly 18,000 Ones to watch Leabhar Labhartha do Ranganna Naíonáin – Rang 2. visitors have explored the exhibition’s letters, diaries, newspa- pers, photographs, leaflets and posters from the NLI’s collections. 5 An Aimsir A short but powerful documentary which accompanies the nicurriculum.org.uk/microsite/pl new module can be viewed at www.nli.ie/wwI. /irish/whatever_the_weather/ word_bank Pictiúir idirghníomhacha faoin aimsir. Biodiversity field trip for 6 The Sinking of the Lusitania eyewitnesstohistory.com/ Kilfinane students Mini Basketball Videos snpwwi2.htm basketballireland.ie Short page of notes and small images on the Navigate to the schools’ section for sinking of the liner. EF video tutorials on the skills and 7 Toontastic techniques. itunes.apple.com/ie/app/ toontastic/id404693282?mt=8 Songs in Irish Colourful app that allows children to make their songsinirish.com own cartoons. Extensive list of Irish traditional songs with lyrics. 8 Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer resources.teachnet.ie/anolan/2006 How Much do you Know Life and times of one of Ireland’s greatest explorers. about your Nuts Bia Blasta scoilnet.ie/search/resource/entity/ 9 show/Lre/13402 digitaldialects.com/Irish/Food.htm Students from Kilfinane NS gathered along the banks Explores almonds, cashews and Léigh an focal agus aimsigh an bia ceart ar an mbord. of the River Loobagh in Limerick recently as part of hazelnuts. 10 Inside Art a new environmental education initiative being eduweb.com/insideart/index.html administered by Limerick City & County Council. Interactive exploration of famous artists. StreamScapes Loobagh is aimed at promoting the aquatic and biodiversity resources of the River Loobagh Catchment in south County Limerick. e initiative is backed up by a dedicated local environmental booklet which is being distributed to communities in the Loobagh catchment area.

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