­Issue­No­183 December­2018 ISSN­1393-4813­(Print) ISSN­2009-6887­(Online) Keeping InTouch

9 Interactive dialogue with members, and key news items 0

Strength in unity

Well, if anyone said my last autumn with the INTO would junctures, fought for a profession we can all be proud of. I be quiet, they were wrong. want to thank Noel Ward, Deputy General Secretary, in Our recent ballot on new entrant pay demonstrated the particular for his vision and stewardship of INTO 150. Every solidarity we have in this union. We always stand by and morning staff at head office walk past a plaque unveiled by stand up for each other. It’s beholden on all of us to play our President Michael D. Higgins which reminds us of our part, work together now as one and meet the challenges journey and the battles still to come. which lie ahead. 2018 was a year which saw the union engage widely with Along with the union leadership, we are currently our membership. From our 150th Congress, to nationwide consulting with our members nationwide. It’s important we seminars and training, to special conferences for activists. listen to all views as we consider what comes next. I want to thank you, the membership, for a year of strong Our annual Education Conference, which took place in engagement and input. e union is only as strong as our Athlone last month, was a triumph. INTO at its best. membership and you have proven this year we are well Members sharing their expertise and insights, perspectives equipped to take on the challenges which lie ahead. I hope from leading luminaries in the profession and a chance to you enjoy the well-earned Christmas break with family and network and connect. friends. As 2018 draws to a close, we can reflect on a significant I wish all members a peaceful Christmas and a happy year for the union. We paid tribute to our 150th anniversary new year. with a series of events which showcased the proud story of our beginning, our history of positive change for our members and the profession and the leaders who, at various

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

INTOUCH 3 DeCember 2018 CONTENTS

23 Photograph from our past INTO General Secretary is honoured at a World Conference in 1984 Curragh and Athlone/Moate celebrate INTO 150 25 Strategic Review of INTO Learning 26 INTO Head Office staff receive academic awards Find information on GDPR 27 Benefits for INTO members

29 Teaching your class about Fairtrade Global Citizenship Schools project 30 InFocus INTO profiles the Membership, Finance, IT and Office Management section

15 INTO ADVICE 31 10 things to know about the KEEPING INTOUCH 15 INTO Education Conference supplementary panel 2018 Key information you should know before 3 Editorial Five pages of reports and pictures from the sending your application Strength in unity INTO Education Conference in Athlone 7 10 things you should know 16 Winners of the INTO bursary TRIBUTES Connect with INTO awards INTO’s Christmas Charity Awards presented at the INTO Education 33 Tributes Conference INTO members pay tribute to their deceased colleagues 20 Congress 2019 INTO NEWS Key information on Congress 2019, 9 Outcome of ballot on PSSA including how delegates are chosen and NEWSDESK how to write motions INTO meeting with IPPN 32 InTouch Digital Edition 22 Vere Foster medal winners 10 Flat-rate expenses Photos from the presentation ceremonies Teachers should claim for previous four years Supplementary panel Updated Leadership and Management Circular Change to threshold for second APII post 20 12 LGBT+ Inclusive Staffroom Poster 13 Inaugural meeting of Primary Education Forum Schedule for election of general secretary 17 INTO Subscription INTO is moving to a percentage-based subscription Job-share and temporary reassignment registers now open

INTOUCH 4 DeCember 2018 December 2018

LIFE 39 Staying safe online Protecting yourself from online blackmailing 40 Delicious dishes for December 41 Discover Oslo Aisling Hestor gives tips on visiting Oslo on a budget 42 Money matters Your guide to gift and inheritance tax

16 FINISHING TOUCHES 39 School Self Evaluation (SSE) 61 Noticeboard Hugh Lynn wins PRO of the year Resources to support schools with SSE 40 Upcoming events 36 Cumann na mBunscol Win copies of The Summer of Lily and Esme audiobook 62 ComharLinn draw Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol and crossword Win a break awards 2019 open for entries 38 30 years after the closure of in the Ho Carysfort 63 Scoilnet panel dson Bay 37 Teaching Council going digital hotel. Photographs from the commemorative Plus CBI recommended See Re-vetting process continues read for December competition event on page 24 53 TEACHING MATTERS 43 Artificial intelligence (AI) Using Scratch and AI in the classroom 44 The Gingerbread Man A classroom drama and cross-curricular ideas 46 Christmas gingerbread Recipe for gingerbread cookies 47 Glasnevin Cemetery Christmas reflections 56 49 Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) Sheila Murphy shares her experiences with this learning strategy 54 Díospóireacht ag 44 50 Digital Learning Framework Institúid Oideachais An evaluation of the Digital Learning Marino Framework Trial 56 Constructing 52 The Kenyan Child Foundation a Christmas Village Ciara McCarrick shares how the charity is Art idea for fourth to supporting pupils in Kenya sixth class 53 Secret Educator 58 Cluichí boird A teaching principal juggles teaching and don Nollaig learning with the many management 59 Reviews demands of a school 43

INTOUCH 5 DeCember 2018 INTO News

5 e Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … who’s who, what’s new, and what’s happening 6 INTO members reject proposed agreement on new entrant pay

Last month, members of the INTO voted to reject a proposal on process was put to the entire membership of the INTO by way of ‘new entrant’ salary scale issues by a margin of 53% to 47%. a ballot. Following a motion at INTO’s Easter Congress 2018, the trade This vote demonstrates the commitment of our membership union had entered into negotiations with the Department of to secure pay equality. The proposed agreement left several new Public Expenditure and Reform on issues pertaining to the pay entrant cohorts from 2011 onwards paid less than their scale for post-2011 entrants to the profession. The talks had taken colleagues and the membership has sought to stand in unity place in the context of a March 2018 report on salary scales with their colleagues in demanding full restoration. which established that such talks would focus on the length of The INTO’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has been the scale and excluded discussions on initial placement on the engaged in a national consultation with our members ahead of scale and the payment of allowances. The outcome of this further action. INTO and IPPN to join forces to deliver for teaching principals

INTO met with the Irish Primary Principals' productive discussions on reducing currently supporting a Department of Network (IPPN) on Monday 19 November workload, promoting clusters for Education and Skills ‘cluster’ model to discuss a number of issues of mutual leadership and management days, whereby a number of schools with interest and concern. INTO president Joe staffing and supply panels. It was agreed teaching principals may pool their days to Killeen and Deirdre O’Connor (INTO), to convene a further meeting on hire one teacher to cover all posts. This is alongside Paraic Clerkin, Pat Goff and workload between INTO, IPPN and the advantageous to all parties involved, David Ruddy (IPPN) agreed to work Catholic Primary School Management including pupils who benefit from together to deliver for teaching principals. Association (CPSMA). continuity of the same teacher covering The group has agreed to adopt the term INTO recognises that teaching for their class teacher. However, the INTO ‘leadership and management days’ principals are over-burdened and over- remains committed, along with key instead of ‘release days/time’ as it more stretched with an ever-increasing stakeholders, to delivering a minimum of accurately reflects the scope of work administrative workload in addition to one leadership and management day per undertaken on such days. There were also their teaching duties. The INTO is week for teaching principals.

INTOUCH 7 DeCember 2018 Keeping­in­touch Stay informed

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

In lieu of sending Christmas cards this with the Irish Hospice Foundation, was ensure required therapeutic supports year, the INTO will donate €2,000 to the launched on 5 January 2018, on what are made available for individuals charity Rosabel’s Rooms. would have been Rosabel’s second impacted by child loss. Rosabel’s Rooms was established by birthday. parents Suzanne McClean and Gary The project will facilitate the Monroe in memory of their beloved development of family-friendly daughter Rosabel Monroe, who died bereavement suites in hospital suddenly and unexpectedly in April emergency rooms around Ireland, 2017, aged sixteen months. facilitate direct financial support to Rosabel’s Rooms, in collaboration families when a child dies and work to things you should know

Everything you need to General Secretary Spotlight on 1know about 5ballots should be 8challenges facing supplementary panel returned by 17 December. teaching principals in our rights. Page 13 Page 13 new ‘Secret Educator’ INTO members reject Recommendations column. Page 53 2PSSA. Page 9 6from the strategic Available supports for Lower threshold for review of INTO’s Learning 9School Self Evaluation. 3appointing to a second section. Page 25 Page 35 APII post. Page 10 Teaching Council Classroom activitires Report on the INTO’s 7getting in touch with 10based on The 4 Education Conference. teachers that need to be Gingerbread Man. Pages Page 15 re-vetted. Page 37 44-45

INTOUCH 9 DeCember 2018 Nuacht­CMÉ Government u-turn on flat-rate tax expense allowance

Members may have noted media the INTO was represented at an Irish now confirmed that Revenue will not coverage in late November of the Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) make any change as regards flat-rate Revenue Commissioners’ review of flat- meeting with Revenue in September. expenses until, at earliest, January 2020. rate expenses for several categories of Subsequently, a further, more detailed Members should be aware that worker, including teachers. e flat-rate submission was sent to Revenue by the INTO has, since early this year, expenses claimable by full-time primary INTO on 25 October. e CEC thanks researched and drafted two submissions teachers have stood at €518 per annum those members who assisted with to Revenue about this, taken (€608 for principal teachers) for a research into teachers’ out of pocket professional advice about the system, number of years. is amount is expenses related to their work, as part of participated in one meeting with additional to the deduction claimable in preparation of the INTO submission. Revenue and sought a further one respect of the yearly registration fee to specifically on our concerns, and been the Teaching Council. Revenue decisions deferred active in the ICTU effort to protect e INTO was contacted by Revenue Prior to the coverage in November, a flat-rate expenses allowances. early in 2018 about its review of the meeting between the INTO and e INTO understands that where a expense allowance system. A joint Revenue was in the process of being person has not claimed their teacher’s submission (with the other teacher arranged. e CEC was concerned about flat-rate tax expenses they are entitled to unions) was made to Revenue in Revenue’s proposal to abolish flat-rate do so for the previous four years, so that February of this year. Correspondence expenses and also their approach in this the deadline to claim for 2014 is followed over subsequent months and matter. e Minister for Finance has December 31 of this year.

Supplementary panel Closing date is 21 December 2018

The Department of Education and Skills (DES) has fixed-term positions in schools. published circular 78/2018 which sets out arrangements To be eligible for the 2019/20 supplementary panel for access to the supplementary redeployment panels for teachers have to have met in full all outstanding the 2019/20 school year. The supplementary panel is for conditions/satisfied all shortfalls in respect of registration eligible registered primary teachers in fixed-term/ with the Teaching Council by 21 December 2018. temporary positions including substitute positions and Completed forms must be received in the DES on or part-time positions in recognised primary schools. before 21 December 2018. The supplementary panel is used for appointments to Late applications will not be considered for inclusion on full-time permanent teaching posts in primary schools these panels. The INTO advises all members to retain where these posts are not otherwise required for the proof of postage. redeployment of surplus permanent and CID-holding teachers. The supplementary panel is not used to fill (See page 31 for more detailed information)

Lower threshold to appoint second Assistant Principal II (APII)

DES has published circular 70/2018 at which a second Assistant Principal through retirement. This was a key Leadership and Management in Primary (APII) post can be appointed from 15 demand from INTO negotiators following Schools . This circular is a revision of authorised posts to 11 authorised posts. the partial restoration of posts in 2017. circular 63/2017 This means that 11, 12, 13 and 14 teachers INTO continues to demand the full schools that have only one APII post can restoration of the leadership posts. Main changes now appoint a second APII. Other changes are clarifications of The principal change in the circular This change retains 250 posts in the issues which emerged in the relates to an adjustment to the thresholds system which would have been lost implementation of circular 63/2017.

INTOUCH 10 DeCember 2018

INTO­news Primary Education Forum INTO tells Department that pace of reform is leading to overload in schools

On Monday 19 November, INTO attended the inaugural meeting provided an opportunity for the stakeholders to contribute to its of the Primary Education Forum, convened by the Department preparation. The department noted that a key focus over the of Education and Skills (DES) in response to INTO concerns about coming period would be the consolidation of reforms and the workload of primary teachers, including principals. These embedding of implementation. There was also a short input concerns are shared by the Irish Primary Principals' Network from DES on special education issues. (IPPN) and the management bodies of primary schools, who The input from the INTO at the meeting was constructive but were also in attendance. clear – The pace of reform at primary level is moving too fast and At the outset, the DES acknowledged the issue of fatigue with constant change without proper support is causing work innovation and change in the primary school system and stated overload issues for teachers, principals and school management. that the forum was an ideal way to try and deal with these issues. The stakeholders welcomed the opportunity to participate in the The DES also outlined that they were in the process of preparing forum and confirmed their commitment to ensuring that it made a strategy statement for the new minister, and that the forum a real difference to workload in primary schools.

Election of General Secretary – Schedule

Due to the upcoming retirement of Sheila Nunan in 2019, the CEC has initiated procedures for the election of a General Secretary. ree candidates have applied and been 17 18 sufficiently nominated for the position and their election statements and lists of nominating December December branches were published in a special issue of InTouch in November. e InTouch Election Special was designed to provide you with all the 2018 2018 information you need to know about the three candidates seeking election for the position of General Secretary and details on how the ballot will be conducted. Close of A new general secretary needs a strong member The count mandate. It is crucial that each and every member uses their vote to choose the new leader poll and of our union. e INTO is proud to openly choose its leader in a fair and open ballot of the Monday declaration entire membership. 17 December at Candidates 5.00 p.m. of result

John­Boyle Alison­Gilliland Deirdre­O’Connor

INTOUCH 13 DeCember 2018 Nuacht­CMÉ Move to a percentage-based INTO membership subscription

SubStitute teacherS and other Special in a single payment even if the member other flat rate memberShip SubScriptionS categorieS has not had an income, the full annual Teachers with reduced pay – half pay or As outlined in previous editions of rate applying regardless of the remaining TRR – due to lengthy illness currently InTouch , the INTO is moving to a period in a school year or how frequently have a full INTO subscription deducted percentage-based membership a members is working, and membership from each pay cheque. In order to subscription from 1 January 2019. The rate needs to be renewed each year. recognise their situation, our membership will be 0.75% of scale salary plus academic While substitute members with section refunds part of the subscription to allowances (excluding responsibility substantial work periods may pay more these members. This process is time allowances) capped at 0.75% of point 11 of under the new model, several factors consuming on all sides and operates on a the post-2010 pay scale. mitigate this. First, new joiners will be delayed timeframe. With a percentage Details of the cap and examples of given a period of free membership; this system, a member’s subscription reflects the operation of the revised system were year, first time joiners on 1 September their actual earnings, and ends the need carried in the November InTouch have four months free. The CEC will look for applications and refunds. (page 14). at extending this for future years. Second, At present, some members pay on a substitute members have no upfront Summary and review different flat-rate basis. The largest such payment and pay a subscription only The change from 1 January 2019 will leave category is that of substitute teacher when they work. Third, there will be no very limited categories of membership on members, but also includes teachers need for annual re-joining of the INTO. a flat-rate basis and each of these will be on half pay or TRR due to long-term And fourth, the CEC has decided not to examined to broadly reflect the general illness. apply the 0.75% to the separately-paid 0.75% subscription rate with cap, as holiday pay of substitute teacher detailed in November’s InTouch . SubStitute teacher memberS members which will reduce their The CEC has asked the Deputy General Currently, substitute teachers pay a flat- subscription below 0.7% of salary. Secretary/General Treasurer to report to it rate subscription of €85, with this Overall, if two members each work for on the percentage-based subscription discounted to €25 for newer joiners. This 100 days – one in a substitute and the following its operation in the first half of amount has to be paid upfront and other in a fixed-term capacity – their 2019, and again at the end of its first year covers membership to the end of the INTO subscription will be calculated of operation. The new structure will then school year in which it is paid. similarly, reflecting their similar earnings be reviewed in the light of these reports, The disadvantages of the current and their equivalent access to INTO with this review being presented to INTO system include the need to pay upfront services. Annual Congress.

Want to job-share or apply for temporary reassignment

Would you like to put your name on the amend or remove your details from the INTO job-share register or the temporary register at any time please email reassignment register? [email protected] INTO members can avail of the benefit The job-sharing scheme is outlined in of the free job-share and temporary Chapter 9 of Terms & Conditions of reassignment online registers available in Employment for Registered Teachers in the Members’ Area of the INTO website. Recognised Primary and Post Primary The purpose of these registers is to Schools (www.into.ie/ROI/InfoforTeachers/ facilitate teachers making contact with Staffing/Downloads/Chapter9_JobSharin If this is your first time potential partners for job-share/ gScheme.pdf) and the temporary logging in to the INTO temporary reassignment. reassignment scheme is detailed in Members’ Area you will The registers will be updated on a Circular 12/2018 (www.into.ie/ROI/ need to create an regular basis right up to the closing date InfoforTeachers/Circulars/Circulars2018/ for applications of 1 February for cl0012_2018.pdf). account by clicking on job-share and 1 March 2019 for temporary the ‘New User’ link on reassignment. Please note that the INTO has no role in the homepage of Details will not be accepted by phone matching or approving job-sharing or www.into.ie or by email but if you would like to temporary reassignment arrangements.

INTOUCH 14 DeCember 2018 Education­Conference INTO Education Conference Athlone 

The annual INTO Consultative Conference on Education took place this year in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 November. The topic for the conference was The Teaching Profession – 150 years on. INTO president, Joe Killeen, welcomed the 400 delegates and guests. He reflected briefly on some of the changes that have taken place in the teaching profession in the last 150 years and highlighted the importance of opportunities, such as the education conference, to meet with other members of the profession for dialogue and discussion. Siobhán Lynskey, Cathaoirleach of the Education Committee, outlined the work Joe­Killeen,­INTO­President;­Sheila­Nunan,­INTO­General­Secretary,­Dr­Deirbhile­Nic­Craith,­INTO­Director­of of the committee and stressed the Education­and­Research;­and­keynote­speaker,­Andy­Hargreaves. importance of consulting teachers on changes to curriculum or policy. She Education and Research, gave a snapshot the Saturday keynote address was given shared some findings from the of the life and work of teachers during the by Dr Kathleen Horgan, a member of the committee’s interviews with teachers. last 150 years and looked at the place of Faculty of Education at Mary immaculate “While we interviewed across a wide teacher professionalism today. College. Dr Horgan used the metaphor of cohort of teachers, broadly speaking, the Andy Hargreaves, a world-renowned a pearl to highlight the transformations same themes were coming through ... we expert in educational change and that learning in Ireland has undergone as are being seen as the ‘cure all’ for all of leadership, provided the keynote speech a result of challenges and adaptation. All society’s problems.” on Friday. of the speeches are available to view Dr Deirbhile Nic Craith, INTO Assistant On Saturday morning, delegates online at the INTO Vimeo page at General Secretary and Director of attended their choice of workshops and https://vimeo.com/user2970954

KeyNOTe aDDress by aNDy Hargreaves the into was honoured to systems, departments and have professor andy bureaucracy, with less hargreaves address the standardisation, less annual consultative regulation, and less micro- conference on education to management. however, it mark the 150th anniversary also means less autonomy of the organisation. from each other, and more professor hargreaves was open collaboration with based for many years in the each other. he argued that Siobhán­Lynskey,­Cathaoirleach­of­the­Education lynch School of education this approach is better for Committee in boston college and has both pupils and teachers, as written extensively on matters of relevance to pupils learn more and teachers are more motivated teacher professionalism. in his inspirational address as they learn from each other. he spoke of the need to delegates, he spoke of teacher collaboration and for solidarity and solidity – solidarity of collaborative professionalism, drawing on his most relationships and solidity of what we do. he recent book Collaborative Professionalism: when acknowledged that collaboration is difficult for teaching together means learning for all. he also some, as to collaborate teachers need a sense of spoke about professional autonomy and who they are. professional development and learning. professor hargreaves’ presentation was he referred to teacher autonomy as being a thought-proving, inspirational and left delegates collective autonomy – autonomy teachers give to with much to think about in relation to where the each other as they work collaboratively and share teaching profession should be in the 21st century. expertise. collective autonomy for teachers means watch professor hargreaves’ keynote more autonomy from school management, schools presentation in full at https://vimeo.com/301270345 Keynote­speaker,­Dr­Kathleen­Horgan

INTOUCH 15 DeCember 2018 Education­Conference INTO Bursary winners

The INTO awards five bursary awards every Over 90 applications were received, and year for research that is carried out by they were all sent to an outside, independent members in the field of education studies. assessor for consideration. The winners, This year, to mark the 150th anniversary of pictured below, were presented with their the founding of the INTO, the bursaries awards by General Secretary Sheila Nunan, were €3,000 to each winner. during the annual Education Conference.

Maria­Dervan,­a­special­class­teacher­St­Michael’s­Infant­School,­Limerick,­who­is Ronan­Gubbins,­acting­principal­teacher­in­St­Cillian’s­NS,­Bluebell,­Dublin­and studying­at­Mary­Immaculate­College,­towards­a­Doctorate­on­‘Language­policy working­towards­a­Doctorate­in­DCU­on­‘Developing­a­culture­of­educational and­practice’. excellence­in­an­urban­DEIS­Band­1­primary­school’.

Grace­Hogan,­a­class­teacher­in­Grange­NS,­Clonmel,­Co­Tipperary,­and­studying Tess­Hughes,­a­class­teacher­in­St­Joseph’s­NS,­Dundalk,­Co­Louth,­and­studying­at for­a­Masters­in­UCC,­on­‘Primary­teachers­and­music­composition­in­the­primary the­University­of­Dundee,­towards­a­Doctorate­on­‘Can­mindfulness­in­breakfast classroom­–­How­effective­is­our­practice?’’ clubs­bolster­learning­and­enhance­wellbeing­in­primary,­secondary­and­third level­education­across­Europe?’

Not pictured is Shane Bowe, a class teacher in Bunscoil Lughaidh exploration of primary school pupils’ experience of intergroup Naofa, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, who is studying at contact in cross-community shared education projects in Queen’s University, Belfast, towards a Doctorate on ’An Northern Ireland’.

INTOUCH 16 DeCember 2018 Education­Conference Workshops

All delegates got the opportunity to sign Knockcarra NS. Jackie Curley, (NCCA) up for two workshops during the • The inclusive classroom. Dr Emer Ring, conference. These included: (MIC) • The stages of teacher development. • Self-care: building resilience in the Veronica Behan, (NIPT) teaching profession. Dr Ann Caulfield • The primary language curriculum: (Mindfulness Matters) what’s the big idea? Conall Ó Breacháin • Technology and the primary school and Lisa Dhoinnléibhe, (PDST) teacher. Ciara Reilly (PDST) • Teachmeet/Researchmeet. Maeve • From junk art to mudcakes: Aistear at McCafferty, (INTO)

INTO General Secretary Debate On Friday evening, the three candidates for General Secretary took part in a live debate. The debate was chaired by Joe Killeen, INTO President, and can be watched back at https://vimeo.com/301269817

INTOUCH 17 DeCember 2018 Education­Conference Snapshots from the conference

all speeches from the into consultative conference on education can be viewed on the into’s vimeo page on https://vimeo.com/ user2970954

INTOUCH 18 DeCember 2018 Education­Conference

INTOUCH 19 DeCember 2018 Nuacht­CMÉ INTO Congress 2019 INTO Annual Congress 2019 will be held in the The Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway, from Monday 22 April to

Congress is the governing body of the first 129 members in the branch with an INTO and, each year, decides the work additional delegate for each additional 65 programme for the CEC and officials of members or part thereof. the union for the coming year. The business of the INTO is governed An elected committee called the by the Organisation’s Rules and Standing Orders Committee (SOC) Constitution . This is available in the prepares the Congress agenda from Members’ Area of the INTO website. motions submitted by INTO branches and districts in the form of order papers listing Would you like to be a delegate to the business of Congress and motions for Annual Congress? discussion. Find out how by attending your branch The INTO president presides over AGM in January. Check with your staff Congress. representative for the date of your AGM (dates are also published on the INTO Who attends INTO Congress? website). Delegates nominated by INTO branches. Who can submit motions to Three delegates from each district Congress? committee. Any member is entitled to submit a Members and incoming members of motion to their branch for discussion at the Central Executive Committee. Joe­Killeen,­INTO­President,­will­deliver­his the AGM. Motions passed by branches are Members and incoming members of president’s­address­on­the­first­day­of­Annual sent forward for placement on the the Benefit Funds Committee. Congress­2019.­His­address­will­cover­issues­of agenda for Congress. Members and incoming members of concern­to­members. the Education Committee, Equality What do motions for Congress look Committee and Principals’ and Deputy Congress *(), is a Rules Congress. like? Principals’ Committee. A Rules Congress is held every + A motion is a proposition submitted for Members of the SOC. years. During Congress *(),, discussion and vote. Two delegates from the Northern amendments and addenda to It must ask Congress to declare an Committee. Rules are taken, in addition to opinion or call for a course of action – Two delegates from the Accounts or both. ordinary motions. Committee. Motions should be designed to promote the aims and objects of the What is on the agenda? Organisation as set out in Rule 3. Annual Congress debates motions All motions must be clear and submitted by branches, districts or the unambiguous in meaning and intention CEC. It also considers reports from various and must be worded accordingly. committees of the INTO including the All motions must be capable of CEC, Benefit Funds Committee, Northern implementation. Committee, Education Committee, Each motion should be brief and concise Equality Committee, Principals’ and and should not contain argument. Deputy Principals’ Committee and Each motion should deal with one Accounts Committee. topic only. These reports are published online in the Members’ Area of the INTO website. Sample motion Some motions to Congress are The following is a motion which was discussed in public session which is open passed at a previous Congress and is an to delegates and invited guests. These are example of a well-worded motion: also webcasted live on the INTO website. Congress deplores the totally Other motions are discussed in private by inadequate funding of primary education accredited delegates only. and calls on the CEC to demand that: Noel­Ward,­Deputy­General­Secretary/General a. the reductions made over the past Delegates to Congress Treasurer,­will­deliver­the­Financial­Report­to years to the school capitation grant be The number of delegates a branch may Congress­2019.­This­report,­which­includes­details­of restored in full immediately; send to Congress is laid down by Rule 10 the­financial­performance­of­the­Organisation­in b. the minor works grant and the summer of the INTO Rules and Constitution . 2018,­is­given­on­Day­1­during­private­session. works scheme be fully reinstated on the Branches may send two delegates for the calendar of grants; INTOUCH 20 DeCember 2017 INTO­news

Wednesday 24 April 2019

Standing­Orders­Committee­will­meet­prior­to­Congress­2019­to­finalise­the­agenda­and­prioritise­motions­for Sheila­Nunan,­General­Secretary,­will­respond­to­the discussion­by­delegates. ministers­for­education­on­Day­2­of­Annual­Congress. c. every school receives a reasonable publicity for the Organisation. On Day 2, Congress starts at 9 a.m. and budget to provide for the maintenance, The degree of urgency attending to a finishes no later than 4.30 p.m. During the repair and replacement of school ICT particular motion. first part of this day the ministers for equipment and that high speed The extent to which a particular motion education, or their representatives, broadband be made available to all will further the objectives of the address Congress and the INTO general primary schools. Organisation. secretary responds. Motions are debated and reports delivered for the rest of the How priority is determined for items Congress timetable time. on the final agenda What happens at Congress is decided by Congress opens at 9 a.m. on Day 3 and The SOC has regard to the following when Rule 13 of the INTO Rules and Constitution. the closing session begins at 2.00 p.m. determining priority for the final agenda: On Day 1, Congress runs from 2 p.m. to The agenda for Day 3 includes motions in The consensus among the general 8 p.m. at the latest. The business on the private and public session as decided by membership in relation to the priority first day includes the president’s speech Standing Orders Committee. At the end issues in any particular year. and a response on behalf of the invited of Congress the next president of the The consensus among the SOC in guests. During this time Congress also INTO takes up office. relation to the priority issues, and the considers financial reports and motions motions which will result in the greatest including auditor’s report and statement Keep up to date with congress 2019 info via the degree of favourable and advantageous of accounts. into website and social media.

Checking­the­Congress­agenda.­The­agenda­is­available­in­printed format­and­on­the­INTO­Conference­App. Delegates­vote­on­motions­discussed­at­Congress.

INTOUCH 21 DeCember 2017 Nuacht­CMÉ St Patrick’s College – DCU Vere Foster medal winners

From­L­to­R:­Dr­Margaret­Leahy,­Florence­Sherry­being­presented­with­the­Vere­Foster­medal­by Feargal­Brougham,­INTO­Vice­President,­and­Dr­Padraig­O’Duibhir.­Florence­obtained­the­highest marks­in­Teaching­Practice­and­Curriculum­Areas­of­Education­over­the­two-year­PME­(Primary) programme.

The­INTO­Vere­Foster­medal­winner­was­Alice­Kelly,­who­obtained­the­highest­marks­in­Teaching Practice­and­Curriculum­Areas­of­Education­over­the­18­months­of­the­Postgraduate­Diploma­in Education­(Primary).­From­L­to­R:­Dr­Catherine­Furlong,­Feargal­Brougham,­INTO­Vice­President, presenting­Alice­Kelly­with­the­Vere­Foster­medal,­and­Dr­Padraig­O’Duibhir. Mary Immaculate College

Below:­Kelly­Ryan,­Lisnagry,­Co­Limerick,­who was­awarded­the­Vere­Foster­medal­at­the recent­MIC­conferring­ceremonies.­She­is pictured­here­receiving­her­medal­from­Joe Killeen,­INTO­President. Photo:­Liam­Burke,­Press­22.

Above:­Pictured­at­the­recent­MIC­conferring ceremonies­was­Alisha­Heffernan,­from Ballyphehane,­Cork,­who­was­awarded­the Vere­Foster­medal,­presented­by­the­INTO­to the­graduate­who­is­awarded­first­place­in Teaching­P­ractice.­Alisha­is­pictured­with­Joe Killeen,­INTO­President.­Photo:­Liam­Burke, Press­22.­

INTOUCH 22 DeCember 2017 INTO­news Photograph from our past into general Secretary honoured at world conference Eight presidents, two general secretaries and a deputy general secretary attend

e year is 1984, the place Ayr in Scotland. A large INTO delegation is attending the World Confederation of Organisations of the Teaching Profession (WCOTP). (INTO was then an affiliate of WCOTP, the equivalent organisation today being EI – Education International). In this photograph are eight persons who have served as INTO president, two general secretaries and a deputy general secretary. e person honoured with an award of FEIS (Fellowship of the Education Institute of Scotland) is the late Gerry Quigley, fifth from left, then INTO general secretary. Each of these, with the exceptions of Carr, Quigley and Moroney, have held the office of INTO president. In the intervening 34 years, Bruton, Connolly, Quigley and Moroney have died. Receiving his honorary FEIS, Gerry Photographed,­(L­to­R),­are­Jimmy­Collins­(Cork),­Eddie­Bruton­(Westmeath),­John­Carr­(later­General­Secretary),­John Quigley called for teacher unity and the Joe­Connolly­(Dublin),­Gerry­Quigley,­Michael­Moroney­(Deputy­General­Secretary),­Róisín­Carabine­(Belfast),­ promotion of the highest standards of Des­Rainey­(Derry),­Morgan­O’Connell­(Galway),­Michael­Drew­(Clare)­and­Michael­McGarry­(Mayo) professionalism. “We should”, he said, “encourage our members to abandon trade union co-operation”. Soon after his Quigley was also awarded an honorary divisive policies and we should engage in retirement in 1991, having been replaced degree (Doctor of Laws) by NUI positive programmes of professional and as general secretary by Joe O’Toole, Gerry Maynooth.

Curragh and Athlone/Moate Branches celebrate INTO >?=

Abigail­Duggan­receiving­a­framed­copy­of­her­photo from­the­Curragh­chairperson­Barry­Morrissey District­7,­Athlone/Moate­branch,­in­their­150­celebrations­in­May

The Curragh branch organised a was Abigail Duggan for her Abigail is pictured receiving her prize photography competition to celebrate representation of the ‘Lily Whites’. In from the Curragh chairperson Barry INTO 150. The theme of the competition second place was John Molloy and Eileen Morrissey – €150 and a framed copy of was ‘Kildare’. The first place prize winner O’Keeffe received the third place prize. her photo.

INTOUCH 23 DeCember 2018 INTO­news INTO Learning – Strategic Review

Supporting members’ professionalism is a key element of the INTO’s work. We carry out both an advocacy role for members with regard to teacher professional development and have been involved in the direct provision of professional development for teachers since 1995. The INTO Learning section is responsible for provision of member professional development. Its approach is underpinned by the active involvement of teachers on- the-ground to design and facilitate its professional development (PD). INTO Learning undertook a strategic sTraTegIC revIew reCOmmeNDaTIONs INClUDeD review earlier this year. Fiona Dunne, a teacher and experienced professional • anticipate teacher and school designers to allow support for activity to support and development facilitator was commissioned needs and harness internal their own pd; enhance teacher to work alongside INTO senior official with resources to respond in a • identify and prioritise a professionalism and teacher responsibility for INTO Learning, Alison timely manner; number of key live issues for engagement and activism Gilliland, to carry out the review. This • consider an into learning more informal accessible within into structures; review included conversations with key ‘loyalty programme’, with e.g. webinar/ • develop into ‘policy’ stakeholders in INTO Learning – course new members free or face-time live development, statement for teacher pd; and designers and facilitators, course subsidised , discounts for e.g. child protection, • lobby deS for changes to epv collaborators, CEC representatives, INTO repeat customers, membership maternity leave entitlement, approval to include approval officials, staff and an online member to subsidise pd etc; how your union works; for term time pd, and award survey. Questions relating to INTO • consider an annual seminar for • discuss the role of into bearing post graduate courses Learning’s key strengths, challenges and tutors and programme learning pd as a core union such as masters. issues were explored and a series of recommendations suggested. fees from the INTO; teaching practice and pedagogy related); Key strengths • how PD might better be utilised during Members’ comments included: The key strengths of INTO Learning Croke Park hours. “As a relatively new teacher, I feel I am evidenced included the: Members’ comments included: relatively up to date with relevant practices, • high quality of INTO PD provision; methodologies etc. I personally have a great • view that the INTO was a trusted “I definitely do think that if EPV days were interest in learning more and progressing provider of PD; credited for CPD courses throughout the my career. However, I feel I don’t know an • independence of INTO PD provision; year it would encourage more teachers to awful lot about the actual system-posts of • reach and accessibility of INTO PD participate.” seniority, theory of policy development, provision; and “INTO CPD in trade union issues and legal entitlements etc. I would love if some • credibility among members and key involvement would be very beneficial and face to face session or online tutorials or stakeholders of INTO PD provision. would train up the legions of young something were created to inform us more One stakeholder commented that: teachers who got involved recently. It would about these kind of things.” be great if we could complete these courses “I've done an online summer course with the “We try to preserve the teachers’ during term time with a module a week to INTO before and found it to be professionalism, their judgment and put in practice immediately what we are professionally planned and organised. Just autonomy and it’s difficult at times because learning and provide feedback from actual by looking at the range of summer courses I think teachers over the last 20 years have experience.” available from the INTO, you can see that been so conditioned to implement as per CPD provision is important for the INTO.” “Using the branch meetings in conjunction the circular rather than professionally with CPD is a good idea.” interpret it and apply to their own Key challenges classroom.” The key challenges of INTO Learning Key issues evidenced included: Key issues emerging included: Recommendations • meeting the diversity of needs; • maintaining PD quality; The report from the strategic review and • competition with other providers; • supporting INTO Learning capacity; the recommendations made are currently • the need to continuously innovate; • giving voice and opportunity for under consideration by the INTO Learning • providing timely PD to support member engagement; Committee. A plan will be drawn up to members implementing reform; • providing timely support for live issues provide a timeline for the development of • funding – members showed a (i.e. new circulars, legislation, DES INTO Learning in light of the suggestions preference for more subsidised course initiatives including those that are not in the review.

INTOUCH 25 DeCember 2018 Nuacht­CMÉ Students of the year

Síne Friel, an official in the Communications team, was awarded the Gladys McNevin Trophy at her graduation from the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) Diploma in Public Relations course.

The Gladys McNevin Trophy is presented annually to the graduate who achieves the highest overall mark in the PRII Diploma. Pictured with Síne are Martina Byrne, Chief Executive of the PRII and Cian Audrey Cullen, Administrative Officer in the INTO Connaughton, PRII President. Legal, Industrial Relations and Leadership team, was awarded the Arthur Cox Foundation Prize for Photo: Paul Sherwood Photography, www.sherwood.ie the Diploma in Education Law (Post Graduate) at the Law Society, Diploma Centre recently.

Audrey is pictured at the conferral ceremony with Michael Carrigan, Arthur Cox Foundation Board.

Need information on GDPR?

e INTO's legal team produced a useful question and answer guide on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for members which was published as a pull-out in the September issue of InTouch .

Read the Q&A guide www.into.ie/ ROI/InfoforTeachers/ GDPR/Downloads/GDPRSupplement.pdf

More information on GDPR is available at www.into.ie/ROI/InfoforTeachers/GDPR/

INTOUCH 26 DeCember 2018 INTO­news Your Christmas gift guide from Membership Plus

Struggling with gift ideas for Christmas this year? Don’t worry, here at Membership Plus we have a huge range of savings on gifts from jewellery and fashion to toys, homewares and even theatre tickets!

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INTOUCH 27 DeCember 2018 INTO­news Fairtrade as a Global Citizenship Schools project From local to global citizenship The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are an ambitious set of 17 overarching global goals to combat poverty and achieve sustainable development. They were adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015.

Global citizenship education can be on/resources/exploring-fair-trade can help consumers make sustainable viewed ultimately as education for • www.traidcraftschools.co.uk/teaching- choices that ensure farmers are paid a fair change; it is rooted in the values of resources price, which will enhance their ability to fairness, justice, sustainability and human • www.fairtraderesource.org/learn- practice sustainable farming practices. rights. It is a perfect match for schools up/teaching-tools/ seeking to do a `real-life project`. Fairtrade is a very recognisable icon. The What can our school/community do Fairtrade Mark is the most recognised next? Why teach about Fairtrade? ethical label globally, trusted by eight out Become a Fairtrade school. Go to It begins with food (always a good starting of ten consumers. www.fairtradeireland.ie for lessons and point, especially for young children). Lessons about Fairtrade can be used as resources on how to do this. Children can identify the foods with the stand-alone lessons or as foundation Fairtrade logo. They can conduct surveys on lessons to explore other global issues Here are four ideas supermarkets which stock Fairtrade goods. including those of justice, sustainability, • Teach lessons on Fairtrade. It is a concept which is readily human rights and equality. • Bake/cook with your class using understandable; farmers get a fair price Fairtrade bananas/chocolate/spices. for their goods. All children understand How does Fairtrade fit in with the • Host a bakery competition or an art the concepts of fairness and unfairness. Global Goals? competition in your school/community. It is not a charity model, it is about They represent a powerful opportunity to • Create art using bananas. solidarity with farmers in other parts of the improve the lives of the 1.3 billion small world. Many resources from other NGOs scale farmers and agricultural workers have a fundraising or charity aspect to their upon whom the world depends to work. This is not the case with Fairtrade. produce our food and protect our planet. It lends itself to a cross-curricular The overarching sustainable approach and the skills and knowledge development goal (SDG), Goal 1 – to end acquired can be transferred to other poverty in all its forms everywhere – is subjects including Maths, SPHE, SESE, central to Fairtrade's mission. religious and ethical education, music, Goal 5 – gender equality – can reduce drama, art agus Gaeilge. the number of hungry people in the Participate in Fairtrade fortnight 2019 There are lots of resources available for world by 150 million. Fairtrade is aiming to Fairtrade Fortnight will run from 25 teaching it including those available on focus its efforts on building the capacity February to 10 March. What will you do? the following websites of women to participate equally in For further information join the mailing • www.fairtrade.ie/get-involved/fairtrade agriculture, earn a fair wage and list at [email protected] -schools/ ultimately generate the resources to Fair play to you! • https://schools.fairtrade.org.uk/ diversify their income and opportunities. • www.oxfam.org.uk/education/resource Goal 12 – sustainable consumption and paula galvin , global citizenship Schools s/explore-fairtrade production – is about both environmental Steering committee chairperson, clondalkin • www.trocaire.org/getinvolved/educati and economic sustainability. Labelling fairtrade town

INTOUCH 29 DeCember 2018 InFocus Behind the scenes in Head Office Membership, Finance, IT and Office Management Section

The Membership, Finance, IT and Office Management section is led by Noel Ward, Deputy General Secretary/General Treasurer. There are staff across a number of roles in this section including our accountant/senior official, administrative officers, executive officers and clerical officers in each of the main areas, the section is also supported by our caretaker and housekeeping staff.

Membership The INTO Membership Section is central to the functioning of our Organisation and has three main inter-linked areas of activity. Front­row­(l­to­r):­Merrilyn­Campbell,­Georgina­Glackin,­Carmel­Cunningham,­Linda­Johnston­and Firstly, it deals with a large volume of Helen­Byrne.­Second­row­(l­to­r):­Terri­Boland,­Gráinne­Cleary,­Gráinne­Lynch,­Karen­O’Brien,­and­Réiltín­Bowes. telephone and electronic queries from Back­row­(l­to­r):­Patricia­McCarthy,­Noel­Ward,­Laura­Crowley,­Elaine­Daly,­Vivienne­Coyle,­Fidelma­Heston individual teachers. Many of these queries and­Mick­Toner.­Not­pictured:­Val­Cleary. are from teachers who are joining the INTO and who need support and requires joint sanction by the Central Information Technology (IT) assistance with the initial process. Queries Executive Committee (CEC) and Benefit The INTO IT team’s responsibilities cover a from members in relation to their Funds Committee (BFC). wide range of areas from support for the membership status, category or eligibility The deputy general secretary/general membership database and email system for INTO services are dealt with in this treasurer is responsible for keeping to maintaining IT equipment such as section and the section liaises with the accounts and presenting a financial printers, phones, computers and laptops. DES payroll division about the deduction statement at INTO Annual Congress. The They also oversee the infrastructure and of INTO membership subscriptions. reports and financial statements for network that provides the technical Secondly, the section supports the work Congress are audited externally by backbone of the INTO. of branch and district officers by providing Mazars. For INTO officers, including the CEC, IT advice about their branch membership. Gráinne Cleary, INTO Accountant, is section staff travel around the country to This information is significant as, it also the INTO Data Protection Officer to provide IT training at new officer and determines the number of delegates a (DPO). The INTO DPO’s role is to ensure autumn training sessions each year. branch is entitled to send to Annual compliance around, and raise awareness Outside of these sessions the IT section Congress and other organisation events as in, the area of data protection rights and provides technical support over the they arise. The quarterly distribution of responsibilities for INTO members, phone to branch and district officers. funds from Head Office to branches and committees and employees. districts, based on their membership, is Other activities also administered by this section. Reception This section is also involved in the Our third key area is supporting Head Reception is one of the busiest sections organisation of Annual Congress and Office activities that require membership within INTO Head Office. Our two full- national conferences, lobby training events statistics. Examples would be the monthly time receptionists, Patricia McCarthy and and other events such as health and safety mailing of 37,000 copies of InTouch Terri Boland are the first point of contact training, mortgage and tax advisory magazine to 3,200 schools, the mailing of with our members. Our reception staff information seminars. It also co-ordinates diaries, surveys to random samples of meet and greet all visitors to the office, the project of appointing and inducting members and the Eolas . Issuing and answer the very large volume of daily interns to Head Office and has played a validating the correct number of ballot telephone calls, deal with all email major role in organising the national papers for INTO ballots and elections is queries to [email protected] and manage all INTO 150 commemorative events. also an important aspect of the role. incoming and outgoing post. Other key parts of the running of Head Reception responds to the large Office, which form part of this section Finance number of telephone calls received each include office caretaking, and servicing in The day to day management of INTO day and directs them to the relevant areas such as security and fire safety. funds is undertaken in this section. The section within the INTO. There are on Office manager Val Cleary is part of the INTO has a series of internal controls for average 1,500 telephone calls per week. team as are our housekeeping staff who sign off on invoices and claims, while Calls for the INTO QueryLine are logged are particularly busy when INTO specific items of major expenditure must on the INTO Query Management System committees are in session at head office. be pre-approved by elected committees, where they are dealt with in rotation by All in all, this is a busy and varied e.g. funding of legal representation the relevant section in the office. section of our Head Office.

INTOUCH 30 DeCember 2018 INTO Advice

7 INTO advice for members on issues of importance 8 things you should know about the supplementary panel

The supplementary in the 2018 calendar year; and • Incremental credit for service abroad/ panel provides a (ii) on or before 31 December 2018 be on other non-teaching work. mechanism for the third or higher points of the teachers who have relevant teachers’ salary scale and be Part-time teachers are amassed temporary or contracted to the end of the school eligible to apply for the substitute service to access permanent year; supplementary panel, employment. (iii) if on point 4 or higher, there is no need and are required to to be contracted to the end of the meet the same The closing date for school year. eligibility criteria as set out above in point applications for the 2 above. However, the salary earnings supplementary panel Check that you are threshold for 2018 (€29,000 or €26,100 as is Friday, 21 December being paid at the appropriate) will be adjusted on a pro- 2018. correct point of the rata basis in respect of part-time teachers. incremental scale. Find out if you are The primary teacher For teachers who took eligible for the panel. incremental salary scale points are unpaid maternity Eligibility is based on available on the Department’s website /adoptive leave in 2018, your salary point. The www.education.ie/en/Education- the salary earnings date you commenced Staff/Information/Payroll-Financial-Inform thresholds will also be employment determines your salary scale ation/Salary-Scales. Teachers who are not adjusted on a case by case basis. and incremental point. being paid at the correct point of the scale Teachers appointed prior to 1 January should contact the DES Payroll Section to When applying for the 2011 must satisfy (i) below and either (ii) have this rectified immediately. Email DES supplementary panel, or (iii) below: at: [email protected] you agree to abide by (i) have been paid a gross salary of at least Don’t leave this to the last minute. the redeployment €29,000 (including allowances) in the arrangements as set 2018 calendar year; and Some service is not out in the circular. (ii) on or before 31 December 2018 be on counted for the the fourth or higher point of the purposes of A teacher will be relevant teachers’ salary scale (B.Ed) or determining access to regarded as eligible for fifth or higher point (postgraduate) the supplementary access to the and to be contracted from 21 panels. Service which is allowable for the supplementary panel if December to the end of the 2018/19 purpose of supplementary panel access is the only reason for not school year; service as a fully qualified teacher in a meeting the scale point criteria is due to (iii) if on point 5 (B.Ed) or point 6 post paid for by the Department of an increment freeze under the (postgraduate) there is no need to be Education and Skills excluding: Haddington Road Agreement. contracted to the end of the school • Previous permanent service – you must year. have earned three increments since the For further information Teachers appointed on or after 1 January date of resignation from the please see the INTO 2011 must: permanent post. website for circular (i) have been paid a gross salary of at least • Previous service as a post primary 78/2018 and frequently €26,100 (including allowances, if any) teacher. asked questions.

INTOUCH 31 DeCember 2018 INTO­advice digital edition

You can now read the digital edition of InTouch on your mobile device through the InTouch app or on your desktop computer via the INTO website. Follow these simple navigation instructions to enjoy your interactive digital InTouch .

Viewing InTouch Download­the­ InTouch app­by­searching­‘INTO­InTouch’­in­Google­Play­or­the­App­Store.­ Enter­the­username­and­password­(found­in­the­Members’­Area­of­the­INTO­website) on your mobile device within­the­app­to­unlock­the­current­and­back­issues­of­the­magazine.

Use the ‘Share’ ‘Tap here to view There­are­two­options­for­viewing­the button to share pages’ opens the magazine.­Replica­mode­replicates­the the article you current issue in printed­magazine.­Text­mode­shows­a are reading. Use ‘replica’ mode. simplified­text­version­of­the­article. the ‘Page View’ icon to switch to replica Throughout­the­magazine,­graphics­and­articles­link­to­videos, mode. documents­and­more­information­online.­To­view­active­links­on­a­page when­using­an­Apple­device,­zoom­in­on­the­page.­On­Android­devices, Choose from ‘Articles links­will­highlight­yellow­when­you­land­on­that­page. in this edition’ to view the text version Viewing InTouch in replica mode of an article. Viewing an article in text mode

Navigate through pages by swiping (Android devices). Use this Navigate menu to Use the through ➝ view the arrow to pages by Switch to a text version of list of return to using the the page you are viewing articles. scroll bar by pressing this button. Use the start of (Apple the ‘back’ button to return the issue. devices). to replica view.

Viewing InTouch on your desktop computer 1 5 Available at www.into.ie 1 View the current and back issues of InTouch and 4 Reading view search through allows you to previous issues. switch to the text version of the Easily navigate magazine. 2 2 through the magazine using 5 Use this menu these arrows. when in text mode 3 Share the to view and search magazine through through articles in social media or the magazine. email with friends who will enjoy it. 3 4

INTOUCH 32 DeCember 2018 INTO­news Tributes

gerry O’ sUllIvaN

Gerry O’Sullivan taught in Donnybrook both district and national level, as he put believed that “Being a Kerryman, is the BNS, Dublin, from 1975-1981. During this it himself “looking after our interests”. greatest gift that God can bestow on any period, he served as both deputy As a teacher, Gerry trained hundreds of man.” principal and principal. Upon moving to children in both hurling and football. As a Gerry was a warm, kind, humorous and Limerick, Gerry taught from proud Ballylongford man, his quick-witted man who was always in 1981-1990 in St Munchin’s natural preference was good form. He was a highly sociable CBS. After teaching for a year Gaelic football. He has been character who loved to chat with people in Scoil Mháthair Dé, Gerry described as “someone who of all ages. He had a story or an anecdote finally made his way to St has been at the centre of for absolutely every occasion. As a Nessan’s, Mungret, Co Cumann na mBunscol colleague and friend, Gerry could always Limerick. activities for several decades be relied upon to provide wise counsel During his 26 years of and whose input was always and sound, practical advice. He had a teaching in St Nessan’s, greatly valued… a key calming influence on all he met. Gerry Gerry immersed himself in member of the St Nessan’s was a philosopher at heart, who always two of his life’s passions – sports fraternity and part of looked for the positives in every situation. the INTO and Gaelic games. what has driven such a As we approach the first anniversary of He was very proud to be a successful culture at the Gerry’s untimely passing, his colleagues in member of the teaching profession and school for many years”. Gerry’s love of St Nessan’s still keenly feel his absence. was a staunch advocate for teachers’ football also led to him travelling the Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. rights. He devoted a large part of his time length of the country to watch the Kerry to his work as an elected INTO officer at football team. Like John B. Keane, Gerry the staff of St nessan’s nS, mungret, co limerick.

aIleeN sHIelDs (Née HefferNaN) the school community of dangan, Summerhill, co kind, considerate and generous spirit and lit up a She loved to travel and did so regularly with her meath, would like to mark the occasion of the room with her presence. She also had a can-do family, friends and work colleagues. passing of their dear friend, colleague and teacher attitude to everything and led aileen started a new chapter in her ms heffernan. aileen grew up always wanting to us in many school activities and life last halloween when she married teach and our school was blessed to have her on events, especially athletics and Kieran, and moved to north meath. our staff for more than 15 years. She taught our green flag work. Sadly her happiness and joy infants earlier in her career but really made her aileen was a dedicated, shuddered to a halt this spring. mark as an inspirational teacher of our hard-working teacher, who the rathmolyon and Summerhill communion classes. in later years she became a rarely or never missed a day. communities were stunned with brilliant leader of our Sen team. teaching, to her, was a joy and a sadness. aileen’s first grá working with children was to privilege. She was a no- ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. teach them singing and music. She taught many nonsense, common sense aileen, we miss you dearly. children to play tin whistle and her preparation of person with an outstanding wit school choirs was second to none. She had a very and sense of humour. Staff of dangan nS, dangan, co meath.

aNNe O’Keefe

When Anne O’Keeffe passed away we, in wayward student and always knew just Anne was like a sister to us all. She St Ita’s and St Joseph’s what to say to bring out the looked out for us and had the unique School, Tralee, lost not just a best in them. quality of being one of us while at the teacher – we lost a close Anne was a born same time carrying out her duties as friend, a dedicated and organiser, she was deputy principal. gifted educator, a wonderful committed to preparing our Anne was our religious co-ordinator and fair deputy principal, a students well for the and ensured our school was active fantastic organiser and a sacraments, school masses, during each religious occasion. She was loyal and committed sports and other events. She a woman of immense faith and it was community worker. never stopped trying to do this faith which helped her fight her Anne taught children with her best for our school. She illness for so long and so well. Anne special needs in our school spearheaded and embraced was a talented, wonderful, warm, for over 30 years. She tried to each new challenge and fun-loving, hard-working and dedicated give each student a positive adapted her teaching person. experience in her classroom through her according to the changing curriculum “Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.” praise and encouragement of their but, more importantly, according to the efforts. She had a special ‘grá’ for the needs of her pupils. Staff of St ita’s and St Joseph’s School, tralee.

INTOUCH 33 DeCember 2018 Newsdesk

{ News from the world of education and trade unionism, at home and abroad } Re-engaging with School Self-Evaluation

Following the removal of the INTO reading or writing) as the focus of their directive on non-cooperation with School SSE to coincide with the implementation Self-Evaluation (SSE) in February 2018, the of the Primary Language Curriculum DES published circular 16/2018 to clarify from junior infants to second class how schools should re-engage with during the 2018/19 school year. school self-evaluation. The circular, which A range of supports is amends circular 39/2016, requires schools available to schools as they to select one or two curricular areas or re-engage with the SSE aspects of teaching and learning to be process. The supports the focus for SSE between March 2018 and include: June 2020. This circular also allows for an • The SSE website: additional planning day in the school year www.schoolself- 2018/19 to assist the implementation of evaluation.ie has a the Primary Language Curriculum . growing number of Circular 16/2018 states that ‘school self- resources, including evaluation is a collaborative, inclusive, videos, webinars and reflective process of internal school articles. review. It is a way of working that involves • The DES has issued revised reflective enquiry leading to action for School Self-Evaluation improvement that is informed by Guidelines 2016-20 and Looking at evidence gathered within each school’s our School: A Quality Framework for unique context.’ The framework highlights Primary Schools . a six-step process to guide school self- • The SSE update: a twice yearly evaluation. newsletter focused exclusively on SSE process. To request a visit email An area of focus is something that is a available on the SSE website. [email protected]. priority for the school; it can be a • SSE advisory visits: inspectors are • The PDST also offers support to schools curriculum area or a generic aspect of available to provide SSE advisory visits as they engage in the SSE process teaching and learning. For example, many to schools. These visits are not through a request for general schools have selected an aspect of the evaluative and focus on supporting in-school support and at Primary Language Curriculum (e.g oral, schools to get the most from the SSE www.pdst.ie/SSEResources.

INTOUCH 35 DeCember 2018 Ócáidí­nuachta participation is the name of the game Cumann na mBunscol update

Shannonside, and was named at corner- gossip, advice or information of any kind. back on the PwC/GPA All Star Hurling In 2017, Cumann na mBunscol invited team in November. Shay Lawless, a lecturer in IT in Trinity He teaches in Raheenagh NS in West College, to its September General Limerick. Richie and colleague Micheal Meeting to advise on how to use Twitter, Reidy enjoyed success in a Cumann na Facebook and similar platforms to mBunscol competition in June 2018 when promote the work of Cumann na Raheenagh NS combined with mBunscol. It was a most instructive neighbours Ashford NS to win the blue session. Almost all county units now use riband of Limerick camogie, the Green Twitter to promote their activities and to and White Shield. disseminate information about games, There were two other primary teachers blitzes, quizzes or anything of interest to on the successful Limerick panel this year. teachers, parents and the wider public. Nickie Quaid, whose save from Séamus Kerry is the latest county to join Twitter. Harnedy in the epic All-Ireland semi-final Twitter is a great way to publicise our v Cork was named as ‘Sporting Moment activities. It enhances the public profile of of the Weekend’ by Sports Illustrated, teachers involved in Cumann na Sciath­na­Scol­flyer teaches in Patrickswell NS, while David mBunscol. It also provides up-to-the- Reidy is a teacher in Naas, Co Kildare. minute news of games and allows us to The mission statement of Cumann na communicate news of fixtures, mBunscol is ‘To make Gaelic games the 2019 Cornmarket Cumann na postponements and changes of venue at games of choice for Ireland’s primary mBunscol Awards short notice which is very useful in the school children’. If participation levels are Reminder: The closing date for the 2019 Irish weather! anything to go by, it looks as if Cumann Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol The number of schools using Twitter is na mBunscol is succeeding in its aim. Awards is Wednesday 9, January 2019. growing every week and there is great In Cork, Sciath na Scol ran football finals All details available on cross-fertilisation between schools for boys and girls over eight days in Páirc Ui www.cnmbnaisiunta.com/news/10045412 celebrating their participation in schools’ Chaoimh and Páirc Ui Rinn. Former Cork /cornmarket_awards2019. games and county Twitter pages. and Limerick hurling supremos were Sponsors place great importance on among the guests who presented trophies. Social m edia in Cumann na mBunscol social media. We urge schools and In Tipperary, the rúnaí of Cumann na Social media has transformed every counties to tag our sponsors mBunscol, Aodán Wrenn, reports that, for aspect of life. Anybody with a phone or a @AllianzIreland and use the hashtag the first time, Cumann na mBunscol was computer can become a commentator on #AllianzCnmb when posting on Twitter. given the use of Semple Stadium for its events as they happen. As teachers, we The Cumann na mBunscol Twitter page football finals. A total of 25 finals took are acutely aware of the pitfalls of social @cnambnaisiunta has over 1,500 place over two days in November. media for children and adults alike. followers. The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Áth However, for millions of people Cliath finals in Dublin are a landmark worldwide social media platforms such as Joe lyonS , pro, coiste náisiúnta, cumann na fixture by now with Croke Park playing Twitter and Facebook are sources of news, mbunscol. host to boys’ and girls’ finals. This year was no exception, 32 finals were played over two days and excitement reached fever pitch on the field and in the stands during a festival of football.

A year to remember for Richie Richie English has certainly had a year to remember. He was a vital member of the Limerick hurling team who brought the McCarthy Cup to

All­Star­Richie­English,­member of­the­Limerick­hurling­team­

INTOUCH 36 DeCember 2018 Newsdesk e Teaching Council moves to e-cards and e-receipting

The Teaching Council’s current practice teachers’ feedback requesting a move Registration’ section of the Council’s of issuing integrated plastic cards and towards a self-service mode of operating website, teachers can access, download hardcopy receipts is being replaced by giving teachers more control of their and print their e-cards, receipts and an easily accessible electronic card (e- information, the need to streamline the certificates of registration. The files can card) and electronic receipt (e-receipt). renewal processes by making it more be saved directly onto mobile devices The e-card will now contain the teacher’s cost neutral and consideration for the for easy, anytime access thereby giving name, registration number and renewal environment by reducing plastic usage. an enhanced service for all registered date. With effect from last month, the teachers. The Teaching Council have informed Council will issue e-cards and e-receipts Visit www.teachingcouncil.ie for more INTO that this has arisen as a result of only. By logging onto the ‘My information.

Re-vetting process Hugh is PRO of the year underway Congratulations­to Hugh­Lynn, e Teaching Council is in the process of Roscommon­INTO contacting teachers who have the GCVU vetting member,­who­was letter to inform them of the requirement to named­the­Gaelic obtain a vetting disclosure from the National Writers’­Association Vetting Bureau. PRO­of­the­Year­2018­at In early December, the Teaching Council an­awards­event­in intends to contact teachers who have a renewal Dublin­recently. date in April 2019 – approximately 1,000 Hugh­is­Roscommon teachers – to invite them to apply for a vetting GAA­Co­PRO­and­also disclosure. Teachers are advised to apply vice­chairperson­of promptly for re-vetting when contacted and District­6.­ requested by the Teaching Council in order for registration to be renewed. Photo­by Any teacher who has a GCVU vetting letter Piaras­Ó­Mídheach/ and who requires a vetting disclosure for the Sportsfile purpose of changing school/employers in the forseeable future should apply for a vetting disclosure in the normal manner as per Circular 31/2016. ese typically include teachers who intend to change school, sub on career break etc.

COMPETITION The Summer of Lily and Esme – three audio books to be won

Since it was first published over a free) or special offer of five sets for €60 quarter of a century ago, John Quinn’s (post free) from John Quinn, Stradbally children’s novel The Summer of Lily and North, Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 Esme has remained popular with XNV6. children and teachers and, in fact, has To mark the publication, John is never been out of print. It delights John offering three copies of the audiobook now, when visiting schools as a to readers of InTouch . children’s author to meet teachers who To be in with a chance to win a copy, say “Oh, that was my favourite book as a answer the following question: child!” The Summer of Lily and Esme was first Following a number of requests from published in teachers, John, a former teacher and a) 1991? b)2001? c)2011? INTO member, has now published the Email your answer to story as an audiobook, read by himself. [email protected] before 5 p.m. on The 4-CD box is available for €14 (post- 17 December. T&Cs apply.

INTOUCH 37 DeCember 2018 Ócáidí­nuachta Marking 30 years since Carysfort closed

Given current discussions around teacher Emeritus Áine Hyland, who taught in supply it is timely to mark the closure of Carysfort, gave a talk on the history of Carysfort College of Education 30 years ago. Carysfort College, in the auditorium of the At a commemoration event in the college, College, now the UCD Smurfit Graduate organised by Tony Gallagher and Jim School of Business. The event was attended Dempsey, both graduates of 1986, Professor by over 300 graduates, from 1954 to 1988.

Carysfort College Remembered edited­by Seamus­Mac­Gabhann was­launched­at­the event

Catherine­Byrne,­former­INTO­General­Treasurer;­Fiona­Poole,­former­INTO President­and­Mary­O’Sullivan

Rosena­Jordan,­former­INTO­President­and­Pat Crowe,­former­INTO­CEC­Rep

Maeve­Martin,­Christine­Reid,­Mary­O’Donnell­and­Fionnuala­Cahill

Cepta­Ball,­Christine­Reid,­Dr­Deirbhile­Nic­Craith,­INTO­Assistant­General Secretary­and­Jacqueline­Fallon­outside­the­Heaney­Room.­Seamus­Heaney Emer­Mangan,­Liam­Collins,­Nuala­Grealy­and­Carmel­Daly lectured­at­Carysfort­College

INTOUCH 38 DeCember 2018 Life

3 Tips on health, wellness, travel and finance 4 Protect yourself against online blackmailing ESET Ireland looks at the latest scam targeting Irish users, using their passwords as bait, mentioning adult websites and trying to extort large sums of money.

How to stay safe • Short passwords are bad. Long passphrases are good. “It is just so unfortunate. I'm aware These days 0.95 Bitcoin comes to about • Never re-use an old password login123 is your password. More €6,500 and the email ends with • Change your importantly, I know about your secret and instructions on where to transfer the passwords/passphrases I’ve evidence of this,” says an email funds to avoid having your periodically received by many Irish users in the past embarrassment exposed. • Ensure that every account you weeks. As the password mentioned is an have has a distinct actual password that may at some time So, how bad is it? password/passphrase be associated with the email of the No need to panic, it’s not as bad as it • Use two-factor authentication receiver, this certainly gets their attention. seems. Though the password they for added security Then the cybercriminal continues: “I mention is an actual password the user • Use a reliable password setup a malware on an adult video clips has or may have had in the past, it was manager site that while you were busy watching likely acquired in one of the many data video clips provided me with access to breaches in the last few years. Millions your screen and web camera.” Such things and millions of Twitter, eBay, Yahoo, cameras remotely and record what they can certainly be done, so the victim is Google, Microsoft and other passwords see, in the case of these latest emails, it is likely to be worried at this point. and emails were stolen. Closer to home, mostly a bluff, to get the victim to panic Now it’s time to push the punchline: Eircom was in the headlines over and act quickly. “The two choices are with the idea to potential hacks. This is how the So, be mindful of your passwords, keep ignore this letter, but I will definitely send cybercriminals are now making use of your web or mobile camera covered most your video recording to all of your what they acquired. of the time and avoid dodgy websites and contacts including relatives, co-workers, you should be able to safely ignore such etc., or simply pay me $2700.” Or in What about the ‘adult’ bit? emails. another example “… either disregard this Although various forms of sextortion are message (not recommended), or pay me nothing new and cybercriminals can urban Schrott , it Security and cybercrime 0.95 BTC to close this chapter for life.” sometimes activate laptop or mobile analyst, eSet ireland, www.eset.ie

INTOUCH 39 DeCember 2018 Saol

Tasty­dishes­for­December

We are starting to feel festive at Foodoppi HQ. During our recent visit to Scoil Mhuire in Horeswood, Campile, Co Wexford we cooked Thai beef salad and chocolate roulade for all the staff after they won the Foodoppi/InTouch competition. We wanted to share these recipes with all the INTO readers.

Dark Chocolate Roulade Another­all­time­favourite­is­our­chocolate roulade.­It­is­gluten­free­so­although­it­is deliciously­indulgent­it­is­surprising­light­to­eat as­there­is­no­flour­in­it.

Ingredients

l 115g­dark­chocolate­–­good­quality­ Thai Beef Salad cups l 115g­caster­sugar l 4­large­eggs If­you­are­trying­to­remain­poultry­free­until Method Christmas­day­here­this­Thai­beef­salad­will­liven 1 Mix­together­all­the­ingredients­for­the Filling and topping up­any­lunchbox.­Add­in­some­cooked­noodle­and marinade­in­a­bowl.­Then­place­the­steak­into l 250mls­double­cream­–­whipped you­have­a­meal­in­minutes. the­bowl,­cover­with­cling­film­and­allow­to l 75g­dark­chocolate­–­good­quality­melted marinate­for­at­least­1­hour­in­the­fridge. Ingredients Beef Marinade 2 Remove­the­beef­from­the­fridge­about­15 Method l 300g­sirloin­beef minutes­before­cooking­it.­Heat­a­non-stick 1 Heat­oven­to­190°C/fan­175°C­/gas­5.­Grease­a l 4­tablespoons­mirin frying­pan­on­high­when­it­is­hot­add­the­steak. large­swiss­roll­tin­and­line­the­base­and l 4­tablespoons­soy­sauce Cook­for­3­minutes­each­side­and­then­put­the sides­with­baking­parchment­or­baking l 2­cloves­garlic­ – crushed steak­onto­a­plate­and­wrap­in­tin­foil­set­aside paper. l 1­tablespoon­lemongrass­paste to­rest­for­at­least­10­minutes.­ 2 Break­the­chocolate­into­small­pieces.­Melt l 1­teaspoon­hot­chilli­sauce­–­or­add­more­to 3 Peel­and­grate­the­carrot.­Wash­the­cucumber the­chocolate­in­a­heatproof­bowl­over­a­pan extra­heat and­spring­onions.­Then­cut­the­cucumber­in of­simmering­water,­or­in­a­microwave­at l Seasoning half­and­thinly­slice­and­thinly­slice­the­spring 50%­power­for­1­minute,­stir­and­then­repeat onions.­Mix­together­in­a­bowl.­Then­fill­each until­chocolate­is­fully­melted.­ Ingredients Salad lettuce­leaf­with­some­salad. 3 Separate­the­eggs­carefully.­Avoid­any­egg l 6­baby­gem­lettuce­leaves­ – washed 4 Pour­the­marinade­into­a­small­saucepan­and yolk­and­egg­white­mixing­together.­ l 1­carrot cook­on­high­heat­until­its­thickened­and 4 In­a­large­mixing­bowl­whisk­the­caster­and l 1/2­cucumber reduced. egg­yolks­together­using­an­electric­hand l 4­spring 5 Cut­the­steak­into­thin­strips.­Spoon held­mixer­until­pale­in­colour.­Then­add­in onions­ the­beef­into­the­lettuce­cup­and the­melted­chocolate­and­mix­well. l 50g­pinenuts drizzle­the­marinade­on­top.­Sprinkle 5 In­a­clean­bowl­whisk­the­egg­whites­until toasted with­toasted­pinenuts­and­a­squeeze­of stiff.­Whisk­in­a­third­of­the­stiff­egg­whites l 1­lime fresh­lime. into­chocolate­mixture,­then­gently­fold­in the­remaining­egg­whites.­Pour­into­the lined­tin­and­bake­for­20-25­minutes­until firm­to­touch. 6 Once­ready,­remove­from­the­oven­and­place foodoppi is a creative educational platform which culinary innovation and set up ireland’s premier a­large­piece­of­baking­paper­over­the takes an extraordinary approach children’s cookery school at the roulade.­This­should­be­slightly­bigger­then to food and Stem education that cliff at lyons a few years ago. the­tin.­Then­put­a­dry­cloth­on­top.­When has proven to be an effective way louiSe lenno x is a top chef and the­roulade­it­is­completely­cook­put­a­flat to foster positive relationships food broadcaster on tv and radio tray­on­top­of­the­cloth­and­turn­the­roulade with food while exciting children here in ireland and has a up­side­down.­Remove­the­tray­and­peel­off about learning and gaining Stem background in nutrition the­baking­paper.­ skills. and children’s food 7 Spread­whipped­cream­over­the­roulade. aiSling larKin has a degree in media production. Roll­the­roulade­away­from­you­as­tightly education from trinity, spent 10 aisling and louise as­possible­using­the­baking­paper years working in a deiS school in joined forces a underneath­to­help.­Place­onto­a­large inner city dublin, has a first class few years ago and serving­plate­and­drizzle­with­melted m.Sc in food product design and created foodoppi. chocolate.

INTOUCH 40 DeCember 2018 Life

discover oslo … without breaking the bank

Karl­Johans­ Gate Oslo­Opera­House

The Capital of Norway, Oslo, isn’t really This museum is known for much, except for being centered around the excruciatingly expensive. Recently I was Fram ship, the strongest lucky enough to spend four days in Oslo, wooden ship ever built. and found that there are plenty of great It still holds the record things to do and see in this modern, for sailing farthest north bustling city without having to break and farthest south. open the piggy bank! Entry is 100NOK (€10 We flew from Dublin direct to Oslo with approx.). excavated from around Norway. Don’t Norwegian Air. Our hotel, The Comfort leave without catching the short Hotel Grand Central, was as the name 5. taKe a walK along aKer brygge animation, which is projected on the walls suggests, located at the Central Station, Aker Brygge, on the waterfront, is a of the museum every 25 minutes. Entry is which is the hub for all the bus, train, tram modern, car-free area. The long boulevard 100NOK (€10 approx.) and underground links. Here are my top is bustling with lots of restaurants and 10 things to do and see in Oslo. opportunities for al fresco dining, with 9. taKe a Stroll in frogner parK everything from seafood to Italian, to To get away from the hustle and bustle of 1. Stroll along Karl JohanS gate street food on offer. the city, take a stroll in the beautiful Karl Johans gate is the main street in Oslo Frogner park. Here you’ll also find the city centre. You can find night clubs, bars 6. eat your way around the mathallen food Vigeland sculpture park, which is full of 120 and cafés in between shops and hotels. hall of the most intriguing statues I have ever It’s a good place to start your trip, but Located in the Grünerlokka area of the seen. A naked boy crying, a naked man note that almost all shops are closed on city, the Mathallen food hall is situated in and woman holding each other, a naked Sundays. an old factory building in the industrial man battling babies … you get the idea! area. The food hall is big and airy with a 2. viSit the royal palace great variety of food from fresh seafood 10. enJoy a cocKtail at the 34 SKy bar If you continue to stroll down Karl Johans and burgers, to duck sandwiches and Finish off a day’s sightseeing with a gate you will reach the Royal Palace, reindeer salami. Bring your appetite! cocktail on the top of Oslo’s tallest home to HM King Harald V and HM building, the Radisson Plaza Blu hotel. Queen Sonja. It’s possible to walk right up 7. Scream at the munch muSeum There is a great view of the city from the to the castle entrance to watch the I’m sure many teachers, including bar so perfect to enjoy the sunset. changing of the guard, which takes place myself, have done an art I've discovered that once you can get daily at 1:30 p.m. My tip would be to lesson based around The over the prices, 50NOK (€5 approx.) stand to the far right hand side to get Scream by Edward Munch. coffees and 180NOK (€19 approx.) burgers the best view of all the action! At the Munch museum aside, Oslo is a great city to explore. you can see it in real life. My top tips to save a few Kroner are: 3. walK on the roof of the oSlo opera houSe Here you’ll find a large • Buy an Oslo pass from the Oslo Visitor The Oslo opera house is a beautiful collection of impressionist Centre or via the app. It allows contemporary building situated on the paintings and art works unlimited access to attractions and waterfront in central Oslo. Grab a coffee in from Norway’s most famous public transport. the beautiful foyer and stroll up to the artist. Entry is 100NOK (€10 • Purchase a day ticket for public roof to enjoy some great views of the city. approx.) transport for 90NOK (€9.50 approx.) • Join a free walking tour from 10 a.m. 4. viSit the fram muSeum 8. explore the viKing Ship muSeum each morning at the Tiger, outside Voted Norway’s best museum – I know, I know … another Central Station. the Fram museum tells the story museum, but the Norwegians do Maybe I’ve convinced you to consider of the world’s most famous museums so well! The Viking ship Oslo for your next break! polar exploration ships. museum was by far my favourite. Simply done, it shows a number of aiSling heSter teaches in galway. visit her travel Viking­ship­museum Viking ships which have been blog at www.lessonsontravel.wordpress.com. (Shutterstock.com)

INTOUCH 41 DeCember 2018 Saol Understanding gift and inheritance

“In this world nothing can be said to be Revenue consider the following as the recipient to calculate, declare and pay certain, except for death and taxes.” ‘normal payments’ and therefore may not over any due taxes. They must file a tax – Benjamin Franklin fall within the scope of CAT: return if the total value of gifts and In Ireland, we suffer from one of the • Free use of the family home inheritances received in one of the highest Capital Acquisition Tax (CAT) rates • Educational costs include free groups, A, B or C, since 5 December 1991 is in the world. CAT is a tax charged on accommodation for college more than 80% of the tax-free threshold individuals who have inherited or • ‘Reasonable’ wedding contributions for the relevant groups. received as a gift, any benefits in their • If you receive or inherit as a gift a benefit lifetime, over certain limits. Main exemptions and reliefs between 1 January and 31 August, you As property values increase, the limits l Spouses’ relief – any inheritance or gifts must file and pay any tax due on or and CAT rates are not increasing at the made between spouses are 100% before 31 October in that same year. same rate, bringing more gifts and exempt from CAT. • If you receive or inherit as a gift a inheritance into the tax bracket. In the l Annual gift exemption – you can gift benefit between 1 September and 31 most recent budget, the exemption limits anybody €3,000 per year free of CAT. December, you must file and pay any between parent to child was increased by This exemption is per person gifting i.e., tax due on or before 31 October in the 3.25%, yet the expected increase in both you and your spouse can gift your following year. property prices is over 12%. child €3,000 each per year free of CAT, Failure to pay and file on time could In 2008, a child could inherit €542,544 without affecting their thresholds. This result in interest, penalties and/or from a parent, and the balance was taxed does not apply to an inheritance. This surcharges. at 20%. However, now a child can inherit exemption can not carry over year on For some people effective financial up to €320,000 only from a parent, with year, use it or lose it. planning could reduce or eliminate a tax the balance now taxed at 33%. l Inheritance from a child – any liability. There is only one thing worse Although government have committed inheritance received from a deceased than having to pay tax you can’t avoid, (albeit very slowly) to increase the child which had been given to the child and that is paying tax which could have relevant thresholds as property prices as a gift by the parent could be exempt. been avoided. increase, there are many changes you can l Family home – a family home, could be make or reliefs available to reduce the left tax free through an inheritance Section 72 Policy amount of tax due, if any at all. provided the following conditions are If you effect a Section 72 Life Assurance met: policy, the proceeds of this policy, which Who and what is taxable? 1. It was the disponer’s principal private are exempt from CAT, can be used to pay A CAT liability may apply where: residence at date of death. a CAT liability. These policies are more • The beneficiary is Irish resident. 2. Has been the principal private expensive than mainstream life policies • The disponer (person gifting or leaving residence of the recipient for three but may be a good option once weighed a benefit) is Irish resident. years prior to date of inheritance and up against a potential CAT liability, which • The gift or inheritance consists of Irish will remain so for six years after. may avoid a family member having to property e.g. Irish property or land. 3. The recipient does not have an interest borrow or sell before they could afford The below thresholds set out the limits in any other residential property. their CAT bill. on all gifts and inheritances received 4. This exemption may also apply through since 5 December 1991, where CAT a gift where the recipient is a Tips becomes payable at 33%. ‘dependant relative’ i.e., over 65 years of • Explore the available exemptions and age or permanently incapacitated. reliefs to see if they apply to you. Group Relationship Threshold l Agricultural relief – the taxable value • Evaluate if a Section 72 policy would ASon/Daughter €320,000 on the transfer of any agricultural make financial sense for you. BBrother/Sister/Niece/€32,500 property can be reduced by 90% once • Commence gifting €3,000 per annum Nephew/Grandchild certain conditions are met. Two of the to your children now. C Any other €16,250 main conditions are: • Where a gift will result in a tax liability, 1. The gift or inheritance must be time this gift to allow for optimum time Example agricultural property. before tax is due, e.g., gift in • Mary received a taxable gift 2. The recipient must qualify to be treated September. from her father in 2005 €20,000 as a farmer. • Get professional advice. • Upon the death of her father l Business Relief – the taxable value on she inherits the following: the transfer of a business can be damian wilSon , itaS accounting. 1. Cash €50,000 reduced by 90% once certain tel: (01) 5397999 2. Family Home €300,000 conditions are met. itaS accounting provide tax and accountancy • Total benefits received €370,000 services to into members and can be contacted • Relevant group A threshold (€320,000) When and how should this be directly by visiting ww.itasaccounting.ie. • Taxable Amount (€50,000) declared to Revenue? rules and rates correct at date of publishing and l CAT Due @ 33% (€16,500) Remember, the responsibility is always on does not constitute advice.

INTOUCH 42 DeCember 2018 Teaching matters

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

Introducing artificial intelligence and machine learning through Scratch

In a 2016 report, the World Economic integrate AI and machine learning into hour long and pupils can pick from Forum stated that by one popular lessons and their school’s digital learning projects such as Make Me Happy (create a estimation “65% of children entering plan and there is a simple solution. Scratch character that smiles if you say nice things primary school today will ultimately end is a simple and fun coding tool that to it and cries if you insult it) or more up working in completely new job types teachers will already be familiar with and advanced ones like Headlines (train a that don’t yet exist.” While some may can be used to develop simple AI and computer to recognise headlines from argue that this statistic is a bit far-fetched machine learning programmes that pupils national newspapers). There are or over exaggerated, it can’t be denied will find challenging, engaging and explanations of the process of each step that future technologies will play a huge enjoyable. Building and developing AI and and what will happen in the next step. role in the workforce of tomorrow. One machine learning programmes through way that primary school teachers can Scratch helps pupils to develop the skills What next? prepare the pupils of the present for the of critical thinking, creativity, problem If you wish to include AI and machine jobs of the future is to introduce them to solving, groupwork and communication. learning or digital technologies in your the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) school’s digital learning plan, you can and machine learning. Where to begin consult DLPlanning.ie or contact your Trying to figure out where to begin nearest education centre for information AI in teaching and learning integrating AI and machine learning into on Digital Learning Framework seminars. AI and machine learning may sound like a school’s digital learning plan may feel If you are new to Scratch or want to foreign concepts to most educators like a mammoth task, however there are a brush up on your Scratch skills, the however the reality is that they are myriad of sites such as ‘Scratch for Learning’ course will be open already an integral part of our lives. If machinelearningforkids.co.uk that for enrolment at the end of January 2019 you’ve ever used Netflix, Google Maps or provide step-by-step instructions/lessons on teachercpd.ie eBay, chances are that those sites used AI for both teachers and pupils. The lessons and machine learning to deliver viewing have three stages of difficulty – beginner, dave o’mahony , project officer, Scoilnet. suggestions, the fastest route home or intermediate and advanced. The whole products you may like. process is accessible, intuitive and easy to Teachers may wonder how they can follow. Each lesson is approximately an

INTOUCH 43 DeCember 2018 Cúrsaí­teagaisc The Gingerbread Man >@ classroom activities suited to junior classes

THe gINgerbreaD maN – a Play fOr fIrsT, seCOND aND THIrD Classes CAST LIST x 33: Narrators x 9, Old woman, Old man, Ingredients x 9, Gingerbread Man, Dog, Cat, Chicken, Horse, Cow, Sheep, Goat, Farmer, Wife, Child(ren), Fox. Note 1: Play Truly Scrumptious from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, at the start and end of play. Note 2: Set: cottage on right of stage, road in centre and river on left (use sound effect of flowing river) .

Scene 1: The cottage Placing the tin into the oven. gingman : I’ve run away from an old narrator 1 : Once upon a time, there Waiting 15 minutes. woman, an old man, a dog, a cat and was a little old woman and a little gingman : Hey! It’s roasting in here. a chicken. Run, run as fast as you old man in a little old cottage. I’m expanding. can… old woman: If only we had a son! old woman : Did you say something? narrator 7 : e Gingerbread Man Ping! Let’s make a boy out of (Old man shakes his head). raced past a farmer (‘Scrumptious’) , gingerbread. all : Tick (x 15) Ding! his wife (‘Truly Scrumptious’) , their old man: Excellent idea! Here’s the old man : Oh look! He’s grown into a children (‘Truly, Truly Scrumptious’). recipe in this old cookbook. Gingerbread Man! farmer / wife / children : Mmm. the ingredients: We’re the narrator 4 : Out jumped the You are delicious. Slurp! Slurp! ingredients. (Emerging from behind a Gingerbread Man. gingman : I’ve run away from an old large cookbook) . I’m the flour. I’m the gingman: Hey! Are you going to eat woman, an old man, a dog, a cat, a baking soda … ginger … egg ... me! I’m out of here. (Starts to jog on chicken, a horse, a cow, a sheep and butter … brown sugar … golden the spot, sings). Run, run as fast as a goat. Run, run as fast… syrup … currants … molasses. you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the narrator 2 : And the baking begins. Gingerbread Man! (Sticks out his Scene 3: At the river (left of stage) (Ingredients dance to ‘Dance of the tongue each time). narrator 8 : He raced on and on Sugar Plum Fairy’) . Weighing (Old old man /woman : Please don’t run until he came to the flowing river. woman mimes). Measuring. Sifting. away, son! gingman : Oh, yikes! Stirring until the mixture is ready. fox : (Wearing sunglasses) . Hey! What’s (Ingredients disappear behind the Scene 2: The Gingerbread Man runs up, Dude? You wanna go across? large cookbook). away Just jump onto my tail. (To narrator 3 : Rolling (Centre stage. Jogs on spot. As each audience). Gingerbread? Awesom e! out the dough. animal enters and makes its sound, Slurp! Slurp! Cutting out he circles the Gingerbread Man – gingman : You might gobble me up! the giving the illusion of a chase in fox : Chill, Dude! I am your furry shape. a small space). friend. Jump onto my tail. Slurp! narrator 5 : e Slurp! Gingerbread Man raced past gingman : Help! Help! I’m getting wet. a dog (wuff), a cat (meow) fox : Chill, Dude! Climb onto my back. and a chicken (cluck). gingman : Help! Help! I’m getting wet. dog /cat / chicken : Mmm. fox : Chill, Dude! Climb onto my You look delicious. Slurp! head. And (to audience) into my Slurp! mouth. gingman : I’ve run away from narrator 9 : Stop right there. We an old woman and an old man! want a happy ending! Run, run as fast as you can …. old man /woman : Stop right there! narrator 6 : e Don’t you dare eat our son! Gingerbread Man raced fox : Busted! (Exits). past a horse (neigh) , a gingman : Mom! Dad! You saved me! cow (moo) , a sheep Let’s go home. (baa) and a goat narrators : And that’s our happy (meh heh heh) . ending to our story. horse /cow / all : Gingerbread biscuits – truly sheep /goat : scrumptious! And there’s some for Mmm. You smell everyone in the audience. (Distribute delicious. Slurp! Slurp! biscuits to audience).

INTOUCH 44 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters

seveN lITeraCy IDeas If you across the river without 1. How many words can you were the sinking? Children find in ‘Gingerbread Man’? predict, experiment and 2. Clap the syllables of each Gingerbread record results. character name. 3. Growing ginger! 3. Write the procedure for Man who Soak ginger root in making a disgusting warm water Gingerbread Man! would you run overnight. Fill a wide 4. Create character profiles plant pot with soil for the main characters. from and (ginger roots grow 5. Lost! Compile a profile of horizontally!) Ensure the lost Gingerbread Man. why? the eye bud is pointing 6. Treasure Hunt! Older upwards. Cover with 5- students write the clues and 10cm of soil. Water lightly. hide them around the school. Integrate with PE lesson. THree sPHe IDeas 7. Jump Up! Students jump up on 1. Character traits: Elicit the hearing certain words. character traits of the Gingerbread Man by discussing his responses and ONe vIsUal arTs IDea actions during various parts of the • Busy road collage: Cut lots of liquid to story. different textures and pictures from solid), water (ice cubes to liquid to 2. Run from whom: If you were the magazines to create a funky collage of steam). Try jelly – what do you Gingerbread Man who would you run the chase on the busy road (long piece discover. from and why? of wallpaper). Include a helicopter, fire 2. Float or sink! Fill a basin of water. Use 3. e moral of the story: Discuss brigade, lighthouse, ambulance, a variety of materials (clay, playdough, aspects of moral behaviour that headshots of the paparazzi, headshots paper, cardboard, plastic, cotton wool, emerge in the story. Compare these of famous bakers, famous long tin foil) to create Gingerbread Men. with similar stories. distance runners, local representatives Which ones will succeed in swimming all ‘in on the act’ i.e. watching the ONe mUsIC IDea sporting sensation of the year – the • Playlist: Create a playlist of songs chase of the Gingerbread Man! based on the theme of ‘Food’: Food Glorious Food, My Boy Lollipop, THree maTHs IDeas Banana Boat Song, Blueberry Hill, 1. Measuring 1: Measure out the Honey Honey, Oh my Darling ingredients in a Gingerbread Man Clementine, Tutti Frutti. Develop recipe. List in order of dry/wet. dance routines for each song. Build Students predict the measure of into a Flash Mob sequence, ready for ingredients for multiple orders e.g. for the next school cake sale. Yeah! a small birthday party (six times 100ml flour/ six times two eggs etc.), written by macroom arts circle members SinÉad for a school celebration, for a King’s twomey, marie-thereSe o’ callaghan, fiona birthday party. (Skip counting/ angland, tereSa downey and helen halliSSey. towards multiplication). facilitated by west cork education centre. 2. Measuring 2: How many Gingerbread Men does it take to go from the door to the teacher’s desk? etc. Gingerbread biscuits 3. Patterns: How many different Smartie patterns can you make using three – truly scrumptious! colours, red/ green/ blue? And there’s some for THree sCIeNCe IDeas 1. Materials and change: Explore the everyone in the effects of heating in a microwave and cooling e.g. on chocolate (solid to audience.

INTOUCH 45 DeCember 2018 Cúrsaí­teagaisc Christmas gingerbread

Thanks to teachers in Macroom Arts Circle come up with a number of classroom who arranged for Head Office to be baked activities for primary classes which are as a gingerbread cake as we end our INTO published on pages 44 and 45 of this issue. 150 celebrations this year. If you would like to try baking some To tie in with the gingerbread theme, Helen gingerbread shapes with your class, try the Hallissey and her fellow members have also following simple recipe. Gingerbread cookies Ingredients 350g /12oz plain flour 1 ½ tsp ground ginger 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 large egg 100g/ 4oz butter 175g/6oz light brown sugar 2 tablespoons Golden Syrup

Method • Preheat oven to 18 0˚ C/ 35 0˚ F/ Gas 4. • Grease the baking tray. • Sift the ginger and bicarbonate of soda into the bowl. • Use your fingertips to rub the chunks of butter into the flour until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Then, stir in the sugar. Members­of­Macroom­Arts­Circle:­Marie-Thérèse­O’Callaghan,­Saint­Joseph’s­PS,­Macroom,­Co­Cork;­Sinéad • Break the egg into a small bowl and Twomey,­Saint­Joseph’s­PS,­Macroom,­Co­Cork;­Helen­Hallissey,­Scoil­Mhuire,­Ballincollig,­Co­Cork­and­Teresa beat it with a fork. Add the syrup to the Downey,­Kilbarry­NS,­Macroom,­Co­Cork. egg and beat in. • Add the ‘eggy’ mixture to the flour and • Chill the cookie dough in the fridge for mix everything together until you have 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from a smooth dough. spreading in the oven. Bake in the oven • Sprinkle with flour and roll out to a at 18 0˚ C for 12 – 15 minutes. ¼ inch thick. Cut out, using • Be careful lifting from tray as cookies gingerbread men cutter or whatever are still fragile. Put on a cooling rack. shapes you like. Once cool, they’ll firm up. • Use spatula to lift the cookie dough • Leave to cool before you ice. onto the baking tray as the dough is • Enjoy! quite soft.

Thanks to Tracy Desmond-Bell, a parent from Scoil Mhuire in Ballincollig, who baked the wonderful gingerbread version of INTO Head Office featured on our cover this month. Tracy is a cake designer who can be contacted at [email protected] or visit www.traceofcakes.ie

INTOUCH 46 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters Poetry, nature and art – Christmas reflections at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

Moonless darkness stands between. and good-will, which are synonymous interest in Celtic artwork and design. Past, the Past, no more be seen! with the Christmas season. Brian O’Higgins from Co Meath (who But the Bethlehem-star may lead me often used the pen name Brian na To the sight of Him Who freed me s is the case throughout the Banban) was a revolutionary and a Sinn From the self that I have been. cemetery, the Jesuit plot is Féin politician who is buried in Make me pure, Lord: ou art holy; Asurrounded by a variety of trees. Glasnevin Cemetery. He joined the Make me meek, Lord: ou wert lowly; Some like the silver birch are Gaelic League in the early Now beginning, and alway: native to Ireland, whilst others 1900s and had written Now begin, on Christmas day. like the infamous giant sequoia poetry since an early age. (californian redwood) were He wrote songs and ballads, he poem above begins with a brought to Europe during the many of which were sense of confusion. e speaker Victorian era. Amongst these featured at feiseanna Tfaces a choice: he ‘stands between’ varieties stands the holly tree. throughout the country, paths which are shrouded in darkness Native to Ireland, holly trees and studied to secure his and a decision must be made. In the case cannot tolerate the extreme cold Teastas Timire Gaeilge, of the poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, or drought. e branches of the which allowed him to teach these lines refer to his own internal holly tree have been linked to Irish classes. He also religious debates and his decision to winter since pagan times. Druids in created many illustrations convert from Anglicanism to ancient Ireland revered it as a sacred to accompany his work and later Catholicism. He states that he found plant and often wore crowns of holly. It established a company to publish direction through the ‘Bethlehem-star’ was planted near homes for good luck greeting cards which showcased Celtic and in his case this conversion led to a and fertility and was used for decoration. design. Many examples of O’Higgins’ new ‘beginning’. Gerard Manley Hopkins With the arrival of Christianity to Christmas illustrations are housed in the was a Jesuit Priest who is famed amongst Ireland the connections between the National Library of Ireland. the Victorian poets for his use of imagery holly tree and Christmas were made. For and experimentation with rhythm and christians, the thorns of the branches michelle o’connor, education officer and sound. Originally from England, he and blood red of the berries were a teacher liaison at glasnevin cemetery museum, worked in UCD and was buried in the representation of Christ. With the finglas road, dublin 11. Jesuit plot at Glasnevin Cemetery in 1889. invention of the commercial Christmas to have a tour tailored to the interests of your In this poem, Christmas is presented as a card in England in the mid-1800s holly students please contact the education time for new beginnings. e closing branches were given prominence in department, glasnevin cemetery museum at tone is hopeful and there is a sense of design, print and festive publications. glasnevincemetery.ie, longevity in the peace that Hopkins has tel: 01 8826550, found; and so it began ‘on Christmas day’. uring the Gaelic revival of the email: education@ In a general sense Hopkins’ words nineteenth and twentieth glasnevintrust.ie capture the universal ideas of hope, peace Dcenturies there was a renewed to learn more.

INTOUCH 47 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters Peer Assisted Learning Strategies

In 2017, the Department of Education separate activities – partner reading, re- importance. The points sheets keep the unveiled their much-anticipated new tell, paragraph shrinking and prediction children focused and motivated. The model for allocating support teachers to relay. For each activity the children interchangeable reader/coach role schools which directs that students at or receive points which are tallied at the end enables both pupils to take on a tutoring below a STEN of four are entitled to of the week for recognition. role-something that more traditional receive additional support in literacy. The children are paired in groups of paired reading programmes don’t Supporting these students within their two and take on a reader/coaching role. necessarily allow for. primary classrooms and creating an Activity one, partner reading, involves the It was wonderful to see the children's atmosphere of inclusion are key more-able reader reading aloud for five self-esteem and confidence grow as they objectives of the new model. However, as minutes while the second reader listens read book after book, achieving success at a support teacher in a senior primary and coaches. The children then switch their own level. This intervention minimises school, I struggled to find a suitable roles and the second reader re-reads what the need for withdrawal, which can have reading intervention that was available to the first reader has read. After five a particular stigma in the senior classes, this age cohort as many interventions minutes the pair move onto re-tell, a two while targeting the most vulnerable were aimed at children in junior primary minute activity where the second reader children in an inclusive environment. classrooms and the training and re-tells what they have just read while In our school we undertook PALS as resources were unobtainable and being prompted by their partner. part of a team-teaching intervention with unsuitable for senior primary pupils. The third activity, paragraph shrinking, fifth class and we were delighted with the Arising out of this frustration, I decided lasts for five minutes. The children read a results which showed increased accuracy to undertake some action research into a paragraph/half a page at a time and then on standardised tests and increased self- peer-tutoring programme that had been explain the most important thing that confidence. Pupils of all abilities reported deemed successful in America – Peer happened in that section. The final enjoying PALS. Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) and I activity, prediction relay, is where the was really pleased with the results. children make a reasonable prediction Sheila murphy , tallaght branch. PALS takes approximately 35-40 mins about what might happen on the next per session. The lessons are very half page, then read on and assess did For more information on PALS see: structured and involve training the their prediction come true. https://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/frg/ children in the strategy over a 12 lesson Each activity helps develop the what-is-pals/ period. Once trained, PALS was children’s reading fluency and accuracy as The PALS online training course is available implemented over a 12 week period (one well as comprehension skills such as from CPD College at www.cpdcollege.com term). A PALS lesson consists of four predicting, inferencing and determining

Top tips for implementing PALS in your classroom 1. have a good selection of graded readers 3. designate a pair of children to keep a tally available – we used collins Big Cat of the team scores at the end of the week. readers – so children are not waiting 4. inform parents of the strategies being around for another pair to finish to get used so they can replicate them at home. onto their next book. 5. be consistent in your use of language 2. have folders with prompt sheets across all classroom activities e.g. “check laminated for each pair. it”, “that word is...” etc.

INTOUCH 49 DeCember 2018 Cúrsaí­teagaisc Evaluation of the Digital Learning

The Digital Learning Framework (DLF) is a primary level identified by an evaluation practice. tool designed to help schools to effectively of the DLF trial carried out by the • Over the course of the trial, the embed digital technologies in teaching, Educational Research Centre (ERC). effective practice index score increased learning and assessment. Adapted from The evaluation aimed to identify by an average of two points. This the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework strengths and challenges in the increase is statistically significant. for Teachers, it forms part of the national implementation of the DLF trial, and any The chart (Figure 1 below) summarises the Digital Strategy for Schools (2015-2020) – changes which occurred in schools as a changes in levels of practice in primary enhancing teaching, learning and result of participating. Information was schools over the course of the trial. assessment . The publication of the DLF in gathered from schools at the baseline September 2017 by the Department of (Phase 1; November-December 2017) and Challenges to implementation Education and Skills (DES) was followed towards the end of the trial (Phase 2; April- DLT liaison teachers were asked to rate by the release of additional resources to May 2018). For both phases of the how challenging a range of 10 issues were support its implementation, including research, data were collected using in implementing the DLF trial in their planning guidelines, a planning template questionnaires (administered to school. These issues were identified from and exemplar videos demonstrating principals/digital learning team liaisons, key themes emerging from the Phase 1 effective practice. 1 class teachers and PDST advisors) and focus group interviews. The DLF, whose structure is aligned to focus groups (involving the PDST advisors, The four issues most frequently rated as the DES’s Looking at Our School (LAOS) teachers and, in some cases, pupils). ‘highly challenging’ at primary level

Table­1­above:­Dimensions­and­domains­of the­Digital­Learning­Framework Figure­1­right:­Comparison­of­Phase­1 and­Phase­2­level­of­practice­ratings made­by­PDST­advisors:­primary­schools

framework , consists of two dimensions Changes as a result of implementing related to time and connectivity/reliability (teaching and learning; leadership and the DLF of Wi-Fi connection: management), each of which is divided The most frequently cited areas of change • Finding dedicated time for staff to into four domains (see Table 1 above). identified by Digital Learning Team (DLT) attend PDST visit meetings (rated as Each domain contains statements of liaisons and other school staff during the ‘highly challenging’ by 38% of effective and highly effective practice to trial period were: respondents). guide schools’ planning and development • Increased collaborative practice among • The overall timeline for the trial (rated with respect to use of digital staff. as ‘highly challenging’ by 25% of technologies. Schools generally focus on • Increased staff motivation and openness respondents). one domain, initially. to engage with digital technologies. • Finding dedicated time for staff to Between October 2017 and May 2018, 48 • Increased staff confidence to integrate implement the steps involved in the schools (26 primary schools, two special digital technologies into practice. programme (rated as ‘highly schools and 20 post-primary schools) • Enhancement of pupils’ interest and challenging’ by 21% of respondents). participated in a trial implementation of engagement in learning activities, and • Broadband connectivity/Wi-Fi the DLF. In this article, we use ‘primary a consequent increase in teachers’ connectivity or reliability (rated as schools’ to refer to the 26 primary schools motivation. ‘highly challenging’ by 21% of and two special schools that took part in In Phases 1 and 2 of the evaluation, respondents). the trial. Each school’s implementation PDST advisors rated schools’ levels of Respondents were also asked to describe was supported by one of seven advisors practice relating to digital technologies in a text response any challenges from PDST-Technology in Education using an eight-point scale based on the affecting the implementation of the DLF (PDST-TiE), who provided tailored advice statements of effective/highly effective programme in their schools. Generally, and guidance at each stage of the trial. practice contained in the DLF . these responses confirm the findings This article focuses on developments at • At Phase 1, over 90% of schools were rated above. In these text responses, just over www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/en/ at three or lower on the index, i.e. 14% of schools mentioned a lack of 1 Planning/Digital-Learning-Framework-and-Planning- almost all schools were rated as partly, technical support as a challenge to the Resources-Primary/ mostly, or all below levels of effective implementation of their DLF programme.

INTOUCH 50 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters Framework Trial

This issue was also raised in focus groups; information, practise routine procedures, a new website (www.dlplanning.ie), the cost of external, professional technical create knowledge, and collaborate with which contains all DLF resources, support was considered a barrier to peers. Pupils were less likely to use digital together with case studies from real engaging such services. Most schools technologies to work with data/ schools to illustrate the DLF in practice. reported that one or more members of spreadsheets, use social networks, The DES has established an expert group staff provide ad hoc technical support on collaborate with others from outside of to identify technical support solutions a voluntary basis, which was considered the school, create or use simulations, or that will meet schools’ varying needs. The unfair and unsustainable. submit homework. ERC will identify a sample of schools and Pupils who participated in focus groups track their progress in implementing the Supports for implementation (third – sixth class) demonstrated a critical DLF over the three years, from 2019-2021. The PDST advisors clearly emerged as the understanding of the role of digital most important source of support; technologies in education and in their Further information on the trial management and peer support among lives more generally, identifying several Schools that participated in the DLF trial teachers were considered secondary key benefits and limitations. attended a shared learning day in supports and were mentioned less October 2018 in Croke Park, Dublin. This frequently, although peer mentoring was National rollout event was organised by the PDST-TiE and felt to be very effective when it was The DES is planning to roll out the DLF in coincided with the publication of the mentioned. School staff emphasised the primary and post-primary schools over ERC’s final report on the evaluation of the importance of sustained support that is the next three years, using a combination (available at https://t.co/v5vpJ2zkVp). The appropriately tailored to each school’s of approaches. The PDST-TiE is delivering baseline report (published May 2018) is digital context. DLF seminars to school staff in education available at https://bit.ly/2PCJuEF. Our centres across the country from October sincere thanks to the school staff and Engagement of pupils 2018 to March 2019, as well as providing students who took part. According to teachers’ responses to items an optional online DLF course and a series asking about a range of learning activities of online webinars. Schools may also alice duggan , Jude coSgrove , gerry Shiel using digital technologies, pupils mainly apply for school-based support from a (erc) and margaret leahy (dcu institute of used digital technologies to find PDST advisor. The PDST-TiE has launched education) Pupils who participated in focus groups …demonstrated a critical understanding of the role of digital technologies in education

INTOUCH 51 DeCember 2018 Cúrsaí­teagaisc Furthering futures in rural Kenya

The Kenyan Child Foundation is a fully registered Irish charity providing free quality education to over 250 students in a remote area of Kenya. We believe that all children's development should be encouraged, regardless of where they live in the world. Following a visit to Makueni County, Kenya in Summer 2014, we decided to establish our foundation. Over the past four years, the Kenyan Child Foundation has constructed a 12 classroom primary school called St Patrick’s Primary School, that is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science in Kenya. The school is located in Kawese, a small townland 120 kilometres south of Nairobi, just off the Mombasa highway. In addition, we have brought a breakfast club, nutrition programme and gender equality initiative to the locality, by Kenya and Ireland as it took place in the providing meals for the pupils and middle of the rainy season, where bicycles for girls to attend school. considerable flooding had blocked the The Mombasa Highway is extremely road to the school and it was totally dangerous. Before the establishment of unreachable by car. Undeterred, the our charity, children as young as three Ambassador arrived to the school years old would cross this road to reach through the floods by ox and cart. The school, without any supervision, risking opening ceremony was a great their lives in the process. The pupils would celebration of the collaboration between wake at 4.00 a.m. and walk for as many as the people of Ireland and Kenya. four hours to arrive to school on time. This We are very grateful to everyone who Teachers­from­St­Patrick’s­BNS­Hollypark,­Dublin­with difficult journey made academic progress has fundraised and supported the Kenyan the­Irish­Ambassador­to­Kenya,­Dr­Vincent­O’Neill­at at school even more challenging, due to Child Foundation. Particular thanks to the the­Opening­Ceremony­of­St­Patrick’s the physical exhaustion and lack of sleep. INTO, who awarded the charity a solidarity The vision of the Kenyan Child grant in 2017. This grant has funded all the equality and clean water and sanitation. Foundation has become a reality, thanks school books and stationery needs for one These objectives will require an intensive to the generous support of the people of year for the 250 pupils at St Patrick’s. fundraising campaign until the end of Ireland. St Patrick’s Primary School, The future looks brighter for the pupils 2020 and will allow St. Patrick’s Primary Kawese is twinned with St Patrick’s Boys and the parents of St Patrick’s Primary school to go from strength to strength in National School, Hollypark, with whom School, Kawese. Nevertheless, the Kenyan the future. We look forward to it! we are very proud to share names. Child Foundation continues to fundraise, Through this partnership of fundraising mindful of the UN sustainable ciara mccarrick, founder of the Kenyan child and collaboration, we have enjoyed development goals, with clear targets for foundation (www.thekenyanchild.com) and a building relationships between the quality education, zero hunger, gender teacher at St patrick’s bnS, hollypark in dublin students in Ireland and Kenya. This summer, eight teachers from Hollypark travelled to Kawese, to visit the school and teach in partnership with the staff and students at St Patrick’s. This summer, we opened the third phase of St. Patrick’s Primary School with The Irish Ambassador to Kenya, Dr Vincent O’Neill in attendance. The Ambassador’s visit was marked by considerable media attention, both in Yard­games­in­Kawese,­Kenya The­Ambassador­travelling­to­the­school.­

INTOUCH 52 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters Secret educator Why parent/teacher meetings are tougher for teaching principals

It’s the second week back after Halloween and needs regular reminders to compile pupils? I need to get that checked and our annual parent/ teacher meeting reports. So far this year, due to a highly properly before one of the parents asks at is about to take place. Back in September demanding class, I have only taken one the parent teacher meeting. it seemed like a great time to host these admin day and two months later we are Yes, one admin day so far this year. And meetings following the short break. But no closer to getting the report in to the it is now November. Halloween’s now a distant memory and department to plead for funding. There are many reasons for this: the parents are on the way. 1. My class are demanding and any Alongside my weekly classroom Alongside my weekly break from routine upsets them planning and preparation for three greatly. Having a different substitute classes and of the endless corrections, I’m classroom planning teacher on various admin days really now preparing to meet with over 25 unsettles them. parents and discuss their children’s and preparation for 2. With three classes and a different welfare and education. Some of these substitute teacher, each admin day children have just arrived into the senior three classes and takes hours to prepare. classroom and they, along with their 3. An inspector can walk in at any time parents, are a bit daunted by the new of the endless and expect my class to be as well regime. Others are ready for secondary taught as a teacher who is not also school and their anxious parents worry corrections, I’m now running the school. about that transition. 4. Parents expect their child to get an This is all part and parcel of primary preparing to meet excellent quality of education. They school teaching, there is a plethora of don't like their child to arrive home valuable articles and books preparing with over 25 parents telling them their teacher wasn’t in teachers for these meetings. But there class and they had a new teacher isn’t a book to help teaching principals and discuss their again for the day. and the impossible juggling act we undertake in schools. children’s welfare If we had one release day per week I could: Being a teaching principal means 1. Plan properly for my class. I could have running a school, while at the same time and education. the same substitute teacher every striving to give the same level of teaching week on the same day and plan with support to the students in my class. The one admin day I took so far was for the teacher. Inevitably, issues crop up and I’m pulled the psychologist visit. I mentally go 2. I could properly engage in school in different directions. through the pupils that were assessed policies and development. Instead of This week, a leak in my middle that day. Was I supposed to send frantically editing and printing a classroom means managing my part-time something onto the special education template of a policy, I could read, caretaker to plug the leak and make the needs organiser? Did we discuss applying review and develop a policy with staff. classroom fit for purpose again. This for assistive technology for one of the 3. I could properly engage with the conversation starts on Sunday afternoon. children and families of the school. I You have to act quickly when these things could talk parents through their crop up. The situation could deteriorate concerns, especially parents of special quickly if I don’t. With the part-time needs pupils. I would have the time to caretaker not working when the plumber ring SENOs, psychologists etc, set up is available, I’m the caretaker for the meetings and look at how best to afternoon, supervising the plumber. support these pupils. Meanwhile we have a major building 4. I could somehow manage the role of project still ongoing. Relevant Contracts the teaching principal. Tax (RCT) has to be registered before the For now, it’s back to preparations for the builder can commence work. This dabble parent/teacher meetings and the hope into tax affairs is fascinating but that the two evenings go smoothly with unfortunately, time consuming. no leaks or other major disasters to avert. Another building project which needs to be commenced swiftly presents a Author’s­name­and­school­is­with­the­editor. major safety issue. Unfortunately, the Have­you­a­story­to­tell?­Email­[email protected] engineer we usually use is under pressure with­details­and­INTO­will­contact­you.

INTOUCH 53 DeCember 2018 Cúrsaí­teagaisc

Institiúid Oideachais Marino An Mháirt, 16 Deireadh Fómhair, 2018

huaire ag an Roinn Oideachais agus bhaineann le rogha, le héigeantas agus le An Cúlra Scileanna chun an Ghaeilge sna díolúine lárnach in aon phlé a bhaineann “Bhí an seomra ranga róbheag i gcónaí scoileanna a neartú. Tionscnamh a leis an múinteoir náisiúnta agus an don mhúinteoir náisiúnta.” d’fhéadfadh dul chun sochair go mór do Ghaeilge sa lá atá inniu ann? Fáilte romhaibh go léir go hInstitiuid bhunscoileanna Gaeltachta agus do Aon uair a phléitear staid na Gaeilge Oideachais Marino. Is mise Aodán Mac bhunscoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge is ea go sa tír, tarraingítear an córas oideachais Suibhne, Príomhléachtóir agus isteach sa scéal agus go hindíreach, mar Comhordaitheoir na Gaeilge san sin, chomh maith, an múinteoir Institiúid agus tá an-áthas orainn anseo i náisiúnta. Cé mhéad uair atá sé cloiste Marino ardán a chur ar fáil don Bhí an seomra againn á rá ag daoine gur chaith siad díospóireacht seo atá mar chuid de ceithre bliana déag ag foghlaim Gaeilge cheiliúradh 150 bliain Chumann ranga róbheag i ach fós nach bhfuil sé ar a gcumas páirt a Múinteoirí Éireann. ghlacadh i gcomhrá Gaeilge. Ina dhiaidh Iarradh ormsa um thráthnóna cuid gcónaí don sin is uile, deir 1.5 milliún duine sa den chúlra a bhaineann leis an múinteoir Phoblacht go bhfuil siad in ann Gaeilge a náisiúnta agus an Ghaeilge a rianú. Ní mhúinteoir labhairt agus úsáideann os cionn 80,000 bheidh deis agam dul isteach go mion sa duine sa Phoblacht an Ghaeilge go scéal. Fágfaidh mé é sin faoi dhaoine eile. náisiúnta laethúil lasmuigh den chóras oideachais. Céard atá sa chúlra mar sin, céard atá Tá an múinteoir náisiúnta lárnach i scéal ar an gcúlbhrat ina bhfuil an múinteoir na Gaeilge sa tír mar ghníomhaire an náisiúnta agus an Ghaeilge? Nuair a mbeidh Baitsiléir san Oideachas Trí Stáit – le lochtú nó le creidiúint a fhéachaimid ar an gcúlbhrat sin, is é an Mheán na Gaeilge ag tosú san institiúid thabhairt dó / di, cibé ceann acu a rud is feiceálaí a sheasann amach ná an seo, Institiúid Oideachais Marino i oireann duit féin. líon mór bunscoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge Meán Fómhair, 2019, an chéad chéim dá Ar an gcúlbhrat seo taobh thiar díom, atá sa tír, líon atá ag méadú in aghaidh leithéid i stair an Stáit. Ar an gcúlbhrat i chuirfinn isteach freisin íomhá den iris, na bliana, le 180 díobh ar fad ar an oileán gcoitinne, tá na bunscoileanna Lán- An Múinteoir Náisiúnta, iris Chumann i láthair na huaire. Tá na scoileanna sin Ghaeilge agus na bunscoileanna Múinteoirí Éireann. An chéad uair a ann mar thoradh ar an rogha, an rogha a Gaeltachta mar chuid de chóras chonaic mé féin an Múinteoir Náisiúnta dhéanann tuismitheoirí a bpáistí a chur oideachais níos leithne ina bhfuil an ná nuair a thagadh sé isteach sa teach. chuig na scoileanna sin agus na Ghaeilge éigeantach ach má tá an D’fhéach mé ar an Múinteoir Náisiúnta scoileanna sin a bhunú an chéad lá Ghaeilge éigeantach sa chóras i gcoitinne, cinnte ag an am sin, d’iompaigh mé cúpla riamh. Ar an gcúlbhrat freisin, tá na tá líon na ndaltaí atá ag lorg díolúine ón leathanach, bhíodh se lán d’ailt fhada ach bunscoileanna Gaeltachta – 125 díobh – nGaeilge ag méadú in aghaidh na bliana. níor léigh mé aon cheann de na hailt sin agus idirghabháil á déanamh i láthair na Ar chóir go mbeadh ceisteanna a riamh. Mar iris ní raibh an Múinteoir

INTOUCH 54 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters

Náisiúnta chomh tarraingteach in aon tosaigh Raidió Telefís Éireann – daoine sé sa Dáil nó ag an ArdFheis, is buntáiste chor le InTouch an lae inniu ina mbíonn cosúil le Liam Mac an Iomaire agus é roinnt múinteoirí náisiúnta le Gaeilge a pictiúir ag dul leis na hailt. Máire Uí Dhufaigh. Tráchtairí spóirt bheith sa phaca cártaí, chun a Tá an Múinteoir Náisiúnta, an iris, Ghaeilge ab ea na múinteoirí náisiúnta thaispeáint go bhfuil luach fós ag baint imithe le fada anois. An bhfuil an Mícheal Ó Muirecheartaigh agus Liam leis an nGaeilge – bíodh sé sin fimíneach múinteoir náisiúnta, an duine imithe Campbell agus sa lá atá inniu ann is uaireanta nó ná bíodh – agus má tá Aire chomh maith? Cinnte, tá an branda múinteoirí náisiúnta iad na tráchtairí Gaeltachta le ceapadh, an gá dul níos imithe. Dá mbeifeá i Coppers, an faide na an múinteoir náisiúnta? Nár ndéarfá gur múinteoir náisiúnta thú, nó Rúnaí Parlaiminte i Roinn na Gaeltachta gur N. T. (National Teacher) thú? An é Michael F. Kitt O.S., T.D. ó 1970 go bhfaigheann aon duine litir na laethanta Dá mbeifeá i 1973 agus nach raibh Donncha Ó seo leis na litreacha N.T. nó O.S. (is é sin, Gallchóir O.S., T.D. ina Aire Gaeltachta Oide Scoile) tar éis a n-ainm? Coppers, an ó 1977 go 1979? Cibé rud a thugaimid ar an múinteoir Dá bhrí sin, a lucht éisteachta, ná náisiúnta, “múinteoir bunscoile” nó ndéarfá gur bímis anocht inár gcuid cainteanna agus “primary teacher”, is ar an múinteoir inár bplé, agus sinn ag díriú ar an náisiúnta sa seomra ranga atá an múinteoir náisiúnta múinteoir náisiúnta agus ar an nGaeilge, fhreagracht fós Gaeilge a mhúineadh do ná bímis teoranta do thionchar an pháistí bunscoile na tíre. thú, nó gur N. T. mhúinteora náisiúnta sa seomra ranga. Ó thaobh na Gaeilge de, áfach, ní Bhí an seomra ranga róbheag i gcónaí raibh ról an mhúinteora náisiúnta (National Teacher) don mhúinteoir náisiúnta. Féachaimis ar teoranta riamh don seomra ranga. an múinteoir náisiúnta mar dhuine le ról Duine mór sa phobal ab ea an múinteoir thú? tábhachtach sa phobal áitiúil, i gcúrsaí náisiúnta, go háirithe faoin tuath. spóirt agus cultúir, i ndomhan na Urlabhraí pobail trí mheán na Gaeilge is polaitíochta agus ar an ardán mór i ea an múinteoir náisiúnta fós don spóirt, Mac Dara Mac Donncha agus gcoitinne, an t-ardán náisiúnta. Nuacht i nGaeilge ar an raidió nó ar an Cuán Ó Flatharta. Agus má bhíonn teilifís, nuair a bhíonn tuairim dhuine duine éigin á lorg ag TG4 nó ag Raidió aodán mac Suibhne áitiúil á lorg. Bíonn baint mhór ag an na Gaeltachta chun anailís a dhéanamh múinteoir náisiúnta – agus bhí i gcónaí ar chluiche, is fiú a fháil amach i gcónaí – le heagraíochtaí pobail, go háirithe an bhfuil aon mhúinteoir náisiúnta ar eagraíochtaí spóirt agus cultúir. Is iomaí fáil, mar shampla, iar-mhicléinn de Tráchtairí spóirt múinteoir náisiúnta, mar shampla, a bhí chuid na hInstitiúide seo, John Allen mar Uachtarán nó mar Ard-Rúnaí ar agus Síle Nic Coitir. Tugaim faoi deara i Ghaeilge ab ea na Chumann Lúthchleas Gael – Seán Ó Réamheolaire Institiúid Oideachais Síocháin, Liam Ó Maoilmhíchíl, Seán Marino don bhliain 2019 / 2020 agus múinteoirí Kelly, Pádraig Ó Fainín, Liam Ó Néill tagairt á déanamh do na roghanna a agus araile. Sa chlub áitiúil, is féidir brath bheidh ag an múinteoir mar chéimí, go náisiúnta Mícheal ar an múinteoir náisiúnta i gcónaí chun ndeirtear, “D’fhéadfadh céimithe obair an liosta foirne i nGaeilge a líonadh sna meáin chomh maith.” Sílim go Ó Muirecheartaigh isteach i gceart, chun fáilte i nGaeilge a léiríonn, ár bhfear a’ tí anocht, Páidí Ó chur roimh na baill chuig cruinniú cinn Lionáird, fírinne an ráitis sin. agus Liam bhliana an Chumainn, chun an t-altú Mar is eol dúinn, téann an-chuid roimh bhia a rá as Gaeilge ag an dinnéar múinteoirí náisiúnta leis an bpolaitíocht, Campbell agus sa bliantúil agus chun gach rath a ghuí ar Róisín Shortall T.D. a d’fhreastail ar an na baill don bhliain úr. Tá múinteoirí Institiúid seo, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, lá atá inniu ann is náisiúnta Chumann na mBunscol Átha Sean Kelly arís – an Feisire Eorpach, Cliath bródúil go bhfuil sé mar Finian McGrath T.D., John Wilson T.D – múinteoirí thraidisiún acu a gcuid cruinnithe a iarAire Oideachais, Enda Kenny – reáchtáil trí mheán na Gaeilge. Go iaraoiseach, Michael Noonan – náisiúnta iad na minic, is múinteoir náisiúnta a bhíonn iarAire Airgeadais agus araile. mar bhean a’ tí nó mar fhear a’ tí ag Múinteoirí náisiúnta ab ea iad ar fad. tráchtairí spóirt, comórtais damhsa agus amhránaíochta, D’fhéadfainn dul ar aghaidh agus ar mar shampla, na cinn de chuid aghaidh. Nuair a thit an tóin as an Mac Dara Mac Oireachtas na Gaeilge, agus is minic a Tíogar Ceilteach bhí sé le rá ag tráchtairí bhíonn múinteoir náisiúnta amháin ag eacnamaíochta: “Cén chaoi a bhféadfadh Donncha agus bronnadh duaise ar mhúinteoir an tír a bheith ina ceart agus í á rith ag náisiúnta eile. Múinteoirí náisiúnta ab ea múinteoirí náisiúnta?” Ó thaobh na Cuán Ó Flatharta. léitheoirí nuachta Gaeilge i laethanta Gaeilge de, ar an ardán náisiúnta, bíodh

INTOUCH 55 DeCember 2018 Cúrsaí­teagaisc Construct a Christmas

This project is ideally suited to pupils in What size are the houses? What shape are fourth to sixth class in any primary the rooftops? Do you notice any details school. Allow four or five weeks to around the windows? Look at the fancy complete the project and display the eaves in this house. Can you see how the Christmas village in a prominent place in chimneys are made? What kind of doors the school for all to see before the can you see? Are there any other details Christmas holidays. that catch your eye? Are there any Materials extensions? Porches? How are the windows made? Can you make a door that opens • Paper, pencils, scissors, masking tape and closes? (one or two rolls per group of four) • Small cardboard boxes for each pupil Pupil’s­sketch Using scissors and masking tape the (e.g. tea boxes, cereal boxes, cosmetic The teacher could show some samples pupils construct their buildings with boxes). of fairy tale buildings and ask questions small boxes, pieces of card and other • Card, newspaper, wallpaper paste/ to guide the process, for example: materials. They cut out windows and glue, yellow, red and orange tissue doors which can open and add a roof paper. and other details, for example, a porch, a • Papier mâché – In a basin mix chimney, an extension. Most wallpaper paste (which is suitable for importantly, they leave a hole in the classroom use) with water to achieve a base large enough to fit a small LED texture like honey. Christmas light through. • Strips of newsprint/newspaper. • LED Christmas tree lights (to light up Lessons two and three the buildings in the village). In the next lesson, the pupils add a layer of papier mâché strips to their building Lesson one to strengthen it. In the first art lesson, the teacher introduces the project to the pupils and explains that it will take a few weeks to complete. First the pupils sketch an idea for the fairy tale building they would like to construct.

Building­ready­for­papier­mâché Sample fairytale buildings Building covered­in papier Pupil’s­sketch mâché

INTOUCH 56 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters village

Dip newspaper strips (about 3 cm will light up the coloured windows in the wide) into paste. Lift and smooth onto whole village. the surface of the building. Cotton wool may be used to cover the After a week, in the third art lesson the light wires. Pupils could add figures, papier mâché will be dry enough to trees and vehicles made with plasticine paint. The pupils may be inspired by how and bits of foliage to their village scene. traditional fairy tale buildings are illustrated in books or they may wish to create a highly patterned paint effect. Look at the work of Hundertswasser to see beautiful patterns and colours. Coloured­tissue­in­windows

Pupils then arrange the buildings on a Plasticine­figures white cloth spread over small hills made of scrunched–up newspaper. A set of dr máire ni bhroin is assistant professor, LED Christmas lights, with one bulb , research convenor and coordinator of visual arts placed under the cavity in each building in the institute of education, dcu.

Pupils’­Christmas­village

Allow four or five weeks to complete the Lesson four project and display the Christmas village in a During the last art lesson, the pupils glue red, yellow or orange tissue paper to line prominent place in the school for all to see the insides of their windows.

INTOUCH 57 DeCember 2018 Cúrsaí­teagaisc

Cluichí Boird don Nollaig Is breá le páistí cluichí a imirt aimsir na Nollag agus iad ar saoire. Tá iliomad buntáistí ag baint le cluichí boird a imirt ar scoil chomh maith. Tugann cluichí boird deis do pháistí an Ghaeilge a úsáid i slí thaitneamhach lasmuigh den rang Gaeilge a fhad agus atá tascanna á gcomhlíonadh acu. Déantar forbairt ar scileanna sóisialta agus féinmheas na bpáistí agus iad ag comhoibriú agus i mbun plé le daoine eile.

na focail agus na habairtí atá ar na cártaí méid atá léirithe ar (ainmfhocal, briathra, aidiachtaí, na cártaí agus an seanfhocail) a chur in iúl agus a mhíniú bhrí a chur in iúl. gan úsáid a bhaint as na focail nó abairtí féin. Is gá seo a dhéanamh laistigh de Monopoly as nóiméad amháin chun pointí a bhuachan Gaeilge le haghaidh freagraí cearta. Níl cead ag Is féidir Dúshlán Staire páistí aisteoireacht nó frapaí a úsáid. Is gá taisteal Tá 250 ceist sa chluiche Dúshlán Staire ag dóibh focail agus abairtí eile a úsáid chun timpeall na cuimsiú imeachtaí tábhachtacha ó an bhrí a chur in iúl. hÉireann le áiteanna éagsúla ar fud na cruinne le níos Monopoly as mó ná 4,000 bliain. Tá imeachtaí staire Imeartas Focal Gaeilge agus tithe móra, óstáin agus faoi dhaoine, faoi thurais, litríocht, Leagan Gaeilge den chluiche Dingbats talamh a dhíol agus a cheannach. Sa eolaíocht agus eachtraíocht scríofa ar na atá sa chluiche Imeartas Focal : Tá 200 leagan ar leith seo de Monopoly téann cártaí. Is é an sprioc ná cinneadh a cárta le focail agus le habairtí, ach iad imreoirí ar thuras trí ghnéithe éagsúla de dhéanamh chun na himeachtaí a chur in athraithe, i bhfolach, casta agus le shaol na hÉireann chun na háiteanna is ord ceart ama gan féachaint ar na dátaí leathbhrí. Is é an sprioc atá ann ná go fearr leo a aimsiú, agus a n-impireachtaí atá luaite leo. Ar tharla imeacht amháin gcaithfidh imreoirí ciall a bhaint as an réadmhaoine féin a chruthú roimh imeacht eile nó ina dhiaidh? Sin í an cheist, roimh an am nó ina dhiaidh. Úsáid sa Rang • Cuir Club Cluichí Boird ar bun a bheidh ar siúl sa scoil 40-60 nóiméad, uair sa tseachtain. • Roghnaigh cluichí oiriúnacha do na haoisghrúpaí ar leith agus ullmhaigh sa rang roimh ré aon teanga nua atá riachtanach do na cluichí. • Roinn na páistí i ngrúpaí 4-6 ag cinntiú go n-oireann an cluiche d’aois, do Spraoi le Brí leibhéal cumais agus do leibhéal suime Tá sé phaca cártaí sa chluiche Spraoi le Brí na bpáistí. chun searáidí a imirt as Gaeilge. Is é an • Pléigh rialacha na gcluichí agus an sprioc atá ann ná an bhrí a bhaineann leis tábhacht a bhaineann le sealanna a ghlacadh, cloí le rialacha, éisteacht le tuairimí daoine eile, glanadh suas agus caitheamh go béasach le daoine eile. • Nuair a bheidh cluichí críochnaithe pléigh na straitéisí agus scileanna a d’úsáid páistí chun cluichí a bhuachan agus chun bheith rathúil. Déan machnamh ar conas na scileanna ar leith a bhaineann le cluichí ar leith a fhorbairt agus a fheabhsú. • Cuir béim ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le sult agus spraoi a bhaint as cluichí a imirt. Ar fáil: www.udar.ie

máire nic an rí , oifigeach bunscoile, cogg.

INTOUCH 58 DeCember 2018 Teaching­matters Reviews

Women blazing a trail

WRITTEN BY the renowned author Sarah this book will inspire, motivate and Webb and beautifully illustrated by enthral your eight –12 year olds. A perfect Lauren O’Neill, Blazing a Trail details the resource for SESE or SPHE. lives of some famous Irish heroines such O’Brien Press. ISBN: 978-1-78849-004-7. as Granuaile, Sonia O’Sullivan and Mary Price: €16.99. Robinson, as well as some perhaps less well-known luminaries, Dame Jocelyn Bell PROMPTED BY his seven year old Burnell, the astrophysicist and Dr daughter’s curiosity about women Kathleen Lynd, the doctor and nationalist. inventors, Owen O’Doherty, a Dublin Full page illustrations accompany the architect, has compiled an interesting biographies which are written with account of scientific discoveries by engaging immediacy and with some women from Eileen Gray’s Villa E –1027 to rubber and kitchens, as well as more lovely quotations from the women Virginia Apgar’s system for checking the complex ideas, such as nuclear fission, are themselves. health of newborn babies. detailed making it a suitable book for The women are from the worlds of Interspersed with inventing tips for 10 –12 year olds interested in finding out architecture, ballet, sport, technology, pupils and “ways of looking after your about the women behind the discoveries. fashion, film, politics and business so all own ideas”, Bright Sparks would be a O’Brien Press. ISBN: 978-1-78849-054-2. areas are represented. useful addition for the science shelf of Cost: €14.99. For all those who have ever longed to your class library. ‘be the change you want in the world ’, Everyday objects such as mouldable reviewed by paula galvin, clondalkin, dublin 22.

All things wild and wonderful

The Great Big Book of back garden as well as in mountains, Irish animals which could be integrated Irish Wildlife by rivers, forests and in the sea. It contains into an English reading lesson and would Juanita Browne is a everything you would want children to facilitate the use of a KWL chart. I beautifully know about Irish wildlife. especially loved the illustrations, cartoons illustrated book This book is suitable for children aged and photographs, as they added to the brimming with five – 12 years old and is the kind of book authenticity of the book. simple, interesting you would refer to season after season to This book is an ideal gift for children and meaningful investigate changes in nature. and would open their eyes to the natural facts about Irish Additionally, this book would be an world. wildlife. The book invaluable resource in any school and O’Brien Press. ISBN: 978-1-84717-915-9. is subdivided would enhance the teaching of Cost: €19.99. into seasons and geography (natural environments) and each section brings you through the science (living things) in all classes. It also reviewed by eimear mahony, loughrea, co key changes that occur in nature in your contains suitable information texts about gaway.

Léirmheas – Brighdín Carr A Teacher’s Life Cad é atá á dhéanamh ag Fia anois? Sraith taitneamh as na leabhair seo. Ceithre leabhair in this hilarious ghearrscéalta ag údar Brighdín Carr a atá scríofa go fóill ag Brighdín Carr sa sraith seo, collection of dhéanann cur síos ar eachtraí fhear beag rua, agus cinn eile fós le teacht. over 140 darb ainm Fia atá i gceist anseo. Leabhair dhá- Tá na scéalta a chló faoi láthair mar leabhair cartoons, colm theangacha atá ann, leagan Ghaeilge sa tosaigh mhóra freisin agus tá said ar fáil i Siopa Leabhair cuffe perfectly agus leagan Béarla ag cúl an leabhair. agus Hanna’s Bookshop i mBaile Átha Cliath. captures the Tá dlúthdhiosca i measc na leabhair agus ups and downs castar na scéalta mar amhráin álainn as Gaeilge léirmheas le paul maguire, mount merrion, co dublin. of life as a agus as Béarla ar an ndlúthdhiosca. Amharc teacher. amach do na leathanaigh i lár na leabhair, tá based on a popular deis iontach ann chun comhrá a facebook page, A Teacher’s Life is spreagadh sa seomra ranga nó sa bhaile. filled with funny observations of Scríobhadh na leabhair i nGaeilge Uladh, classroom antics, this book will have ach bheadh siad oiriúnach do dhaltaí you smiling in sympathy and Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoileanna ar fud na laughing out loud. tíre. Rang a haon nó rang a dó sna gill books. iSbn: 978-071718-086-8. Gaelscoileanna a bhfainfeadh sult agus cost: €9.99.

INTOUCH 59 DeCember 2018 Finishing Touches x Resources for teachers, noticeboard of upcoming events and the Comhar Linn Crossword x Noticeboard

Copy dates LGBT+ staffroom poster nsidered Reunion – CICE Copy you wish to have co English and Irish versions of the The Past Students’ Association of for publication in the LGBT+ staffroom poste, created by InTouch The Church of Ireland College of January/February issue of the INTO LGBT Teachers’ Group (see ce by Education will be holding their should arrive in Head Offi page 12) are available at annual conference in Hotel Kilkenny Monday 7 January 2019. www.into.ie/lgbt/EducationalResour rch 2019 from 8-10 March 2019 for all curren The deadline for the Ma ces t and past students of CIC DCU, CICE issue is 11 February. and CITC. Please email copy to The conference is a great [email protected] opportunity to catch up with old friends and learn some new things to take back to the classroom! It also incorporates the 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 year reunions isual arts resources . V For further information please he art An updated version of t contact [email protected] or ol.com is website artprimaryscho connect with us on Facebook: d now available free to teachers an PastStudents Cice primary school children.

Head Office Christmas Volunteers needed in closure Sri Lanka INTO Head Office will close at 5 p. Want m. to volunteer in Sri Lanka this on Friday, 21 December, 2018 and re Easter o - r summer break! Every year open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 2 teache rs from Ireland travel as part January, 2019. of a team to work in Sambodhi Home f or the Disabled in Sri Lanka, cre ating an unforgettable camp exp erience for the residents (old and young) that live there. Pre Kindling the Flame – 150 Years of the Irish -departure training will take place National Teachers’ Organisation via Skype and teachers will collaborate on p Kindling The Flame: 150 Years of the INTO chronicles and marks rojects together prior to and dur the life of the INTO since its formal beginnings in 1868. It is a ing their placements in Sri Lanka. major contribution to the INTO 150 celebrations. Expressions o Reviews have described the book, written by Niamh f interest can be sent to Nadia O’ Puirséil as “accessible and fluent”, “a fascinating history” and Shea at nadiaoshea@gm “a marvellous read”. ail.com For more info There are a limited number of books to purchase from rmation about this and other projec INTO Head Office, the cost is €19.99. Contact Georgina Glackin at ts, interested volunteers can v 01 8047745. The book is also available to purchase from www.amazon.ie, isit www.sambodhih www.dubraybooks.ie and though major booksellers such as Easons. ome.com

INTOUCH 61 DeCember 2018 Nótaí­deiridh

Two pages with Comhar Linn prizewinners, Crossword, resources for the classroom … from training courses to helpful hints and useful links Comhar Linn draw winners winners of September winners of october draw 2018 draw 2018

Car – Toyota Auris Car – Toyota Auris maura norris, navan, co Sarah moore, cloneyhurke nS meath. portarlington, co laois. September­car­winner: Maura­Norris,­Navan, Cash €1,000 Cash €1,000 Co­Meath fidelma o’neill, Kylemore, Julie Kelly, St vincent’s Special galway. School, lisnagry, co limerick. October­car­winner: Sarah­Moore, Sandra murphy, St clare’s nS, aine mcevoy, castletown nS, Cloneyhurke­NS, ballyjamesduff, co cavan. portlaoise, co laois. Portarlington, Co­Laois Kathy newell, Kimmage, geraldine Kelly, greystones, dublin 12. co wicklow. two €1,000 winners details two €1,000 winners details withheld by consent. withheld by consent. Comhar Linn Crossword no194

a draw for 2 x €100 will be made from all correct entries. Simply complete the crossword and send it to ‘intouch crossword’, into, 35 parnell Square, dublin 1, before friday 18th January 2019. photocopied crosswords are not accepted.

1 2 3 4 5 6 acroSS down 7 8 1. How­can­diets­cleanse­the­fancy­foods 1. It's­arid­on­the­edges­of­Derry.­(3) available­here?­(12) 2. Many­a­teacher­is­material­here.­(4) 9 10 7. Ring­Virginia­for­some­eggs.­(3) 3. Many­a­poem­is­written­in­cipher.­(4) 9. Some­of­that­saucy­anecdote­is­blue.­(4) 4. Being­the­Flower­of­the­English­South 11 10. A­Chinese­dumpling­is­not­very­bright West,­Mother­is­in­the­embrace­of­a when­presented­with­a­maths­problem! sailor.­(5) 12 13 14 (3,3) 5. From­what­we­hear,­it's­healthy.­(5)

15 16 17 11. Ancient­Peruvian­seen­in­California.­(4) 6. An­English­part­of­speech?­No,­a­French 14. Edgar­disrupted­the­class.­(5) one.­(4) 18 19 20 15. I­moan­back­at­her.­(5) 8. How­to­summon­magical­help?­Aye,­there's 16. One's­friend­in­France­finds­many the­rub.­(8,4) 21 22 surrounded­by­others.­(4) 9. Will­the­teller's­position­bid­to­make­a 18. Old­money­can­provide­for­part­of­one's negotiating­response?­(7,5) 23 education.­(5) 12. Tasteful­language!­(6) 21. In­Brunei,­Germans­find­an­Alpine 13. Layers­of­folk­who­would­have­us­in 24 25 peak.­(5) knots.­(5) 22. X's?­Regularly.­(5) 14. Dramatically,­he­kept­people­waiting.­(5) 26 27 28 23. Old­Nick­took­a­seat­next­to­a­cardinal.­(5) 17. A­French­word­I­have­reason­to­write.­(6) 24. Beasts­of­burden­love­to­kiss­cardinals!­(4) 19. Just­the­vessel­for­a­choppy­ocean.­(5) 29 30 31 32 25. Some­of­the­Medici­villains­can­be 20. Firebrand­found­in­parliament­or

33 34 35 polite.­(5) church.­(5) 26. Stone­found­at­the­entrance­to­a­field.­(5) 27. Acclaim­fifty­in­bloody­surroundings.­(5) 36 29. A­farmyard­bird­is­a­loud­bird.­(4) 28. With­the­bird,­an­additional­giant.­(5) 33. Behold­–­a­pair­of­articles­one­may­abhor. 30. Cry­a­little,­softly.­(4) 37 (6) 31. Her­letter­has­sage­meaning,­possibly.­(4) 34. Unusual­pear­harvest.­(4) 32. Might­a­character­36­across­being 36. Regret­identifying­a­French­street.­(3) faithful?­(4) Name: 37. Have­a­game­in­Great­Britain­initially­– 35. Melody­is­regularly­inspired.­(3) twelve­months­and­still­no­score­needed! sCHOOl aDDress: (7,2,3)

gordius – intouch no. 193 bumper Solutions and winners will be published in the next intouch issue. To read the Crossword Competition Terms & Conditions and INTO’s Data Privacy Policy please visit www.into.ie/rOI/benefits/Competitions winners of crossword no 192 are bróna Smyth, oranmore, co. galway and mary mcnamara, headford co. galway

INTOUCH 62 DeCember 2018 Finishing­touches

Each month Children’s Books Ireland recommends a book of the month for primary pupils cbi recommended read –December The­most­viewed­resources­during­a 10-day­period­in­November. 1 bia themepage e Great Irish scoilnet.ie/go-to-primary/theme-pages/ irish/bia­ Weather Book Appeals to multiple levels – lots of food-related topics. Written­by­Joanna­Donnelly­and­illustrated­by­Fushia­MacAree.­Gill exploration of world war one Books,­September­2018­(HBK)­91pp­€24.99.­ISBN­9780717180936­ 2 bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone­ Letters, diaries and newspaper cuttings. If you want to start a our lady of conSolation nS, bbc – world war 1 for primary conversation anywhere in donnycarney, dublin 3 bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25827997­ Ireland, bring up the www.olocschool.ie­ Includes sections on ‘my life; my country, my weather. If you want to go Easy to navigate layout, family – 100 years ago’. deeper than that, this is excellent use of colour and a the book to help. The photo slider containing images 4 reading comprehenSion worKSheetS Great Irish Weather Book is of daily life in the school. k5learning.com/reading-comprehension- a brilliant combination of worksheets style and substance, a ONes TO waTCH Printable worksheets to practise comprehension. beautifully illustrated, leonardo da vinci large format non-fiction 5 mos-org/leonardo­ book, jam packed with Looking at how visual arts and science work scientific information which will appeal to together. adults and children. It works on many levels, detailing the world of weather, the science behind 6 Sa bhaile aonad fhoghlama meteorology and tying it in to our history, making scoilnet.ie/uploads/resources/11797/11428.pdf­ things that might seem very complicated simple and Flashcards, questions, display cards and other activities. straightforward. It includes experiments which can be expe rimental carried out at home, and events such as the night of rigb.org/ExpeRimental 7 bbc – a day in the life the big wind, and the ash cloud, an approach that A site from The Royal Institute vimeo.com/21927963 grounds the science in practical, day-to-day experience. which contains a series of short A 10-year-old time-travelling boy, whizzes Everything is clearly explained and broken down films, making it fun, easy and off to the Stone Age. Two minute video. so that it’s easy to follow and understand. All in all cheap to do science experiments 8 interactive map of europe this is a gem of a book for the home, for the library at home or in school. and for the classroom. (Ages 7-9, 10-12+) yourchildlearns.com/mappuzzle/ europe-puzzle.html novel effect CBI is the national children’s books organisation of Ireland. Drag and Drop activity for European capitals noveleffect.com/for-educators­ and cities. For further information and more reviews, Free app that uses voice visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie recognition to play sound effects 9 Shape fractionS when stories are read aloud. scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L135/index.html Explores how to express fractions in different ways. (Requires Flash) InTouch competitions and draws the true Size thetruesize.com­ 10 leithinSí na heorpa from time to time, the into runs competitions and draws Web application that lets you toporopa.eu/ie/peninsulas_of_europe. for members via InTouch , our e-newsletter, website or drag-and-drop different html­ social media. only essential data required for the running countries on a world map and Interactive quiz about peninsulas. of the competition is requested from members. the data see how they shrink or grow on collected is deleted once winners have been selected. a standard Mercator Projection the full name and county of prize winners is published map. by the into. by entering the competition, it is assumed consent is given by members for publication of these details. for more information on t&cs for competitions visit the benefits section of the into website. .

INTOUCH 63 DeCember 2018