pda executive officers · pearse college clogher road, crumlin, dublin 12. t: 01 4536661...

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President’s Message

A chara, thar ceann Chumann nabPríomhóidí agus na bPríomhóidíTánaisteacha gúim chuile ádh ort ag tús nascoil bliana seo. Colleagues and friends, itis a great privilege for me as President ofthe Principals’ and Deputy Principals’Association (PDA) to wish you continuedsuccess in your challenging role. Duringthe last year the pace of change has notabated, if anything it has accelerated.Consequently we have had to adapt tonew demands, expectations andconditions. PDA offers you a forum forexpressing your views and concerns withthe reassurance of a confidential supportservice on work related matters. I stronglyurge you, to attend your local PDAmeetings, to encourage newly appointedprincipals and deputy principals to join thePDA, and to attend PDA NationalConference in November.

At last year’s conference in Sligo, Dr. AnneLooney, CEO of the NCCA, addressedconference on the proposed new JuniorCycle Framework. Arising from delegates’concerns PDA worked proactively withNCCA to establish a partner network toaddress the implications of, andimplementation of the proposed reforms.PDA was enthused when formerpresident, Mick Daly, agreed to facilitatethe 11 selected schools in this PDAinitiative.

PDA is acutely aware of the verysignificant developments in recent monthswith regard to the terms and conditions

applying to staff in the Education &Training sectors as a result of nationalnegotiations. The Public Sector StabilityAgreement, 2013-2016(PSSA–“Haddington Road Agreement”)and the Financial Emergency Measures inthe Public Interest Act, 2013 (FEMPI 13)both of which came into effect on the 1stJuly 2013 have created uncertainty andconcern for the teaching profession. Theproposed Croke Park 2 deal, as you aware,was rejected and the Haddington RoadAgreement, at the time of writing, has notyet been voted on by the second levelteachers’ unions. Uncertainty is still theorder of the day, nonetheless, it is acommendable that schools have resumedwithout disruption to the students weserve.

The past few months have also been atime of great change in the vocationaleducation sector. The establishment of 16Education and Training Boards (ETB) onJuly 1st marked an historic event in Irisheducation. These new statutory educationauthorities, formed from the aggregationof Ireland’s 33 VECs and the integration ofthe 16 FÁS Training Centres will be thevehicles for the delivery of coordinatededucation and training programmes acrossIreland for decades to come. This is thestart of a process of integration which candeliver more efficient and effectiveeducation and training services to localcommunities in the context of greaternational coherence and oversight by boththe DES and SOLAS.

PDA recognises that the establishment ofthe ETB’s heralds the advent of atransformational era in the provision offurther education and will undoubtedly bea game changer for our Further EducationColleges. Education and Training BoardsIreland (ETBI) is the nationalrepresentative association for the 16 ETBs.As PDA President I sit on the ETBIStanding Council and the PDA officers andthe ETBI (formerly IVEA) hold regularmeetings exploring issues of concern to

both groups. The PDA will continue torepresent the views of principals anddeputy principals at every opportunity,particularly when new initiatives / policiesare announced.

The latest publication from the Minister forEducation and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, is adraft General Scheme for an Education(Admission to Schools) Bill, 2013 as wellas draft regulations for discussion ahead ofenacting legislation. The heads of bill,propose a new parent-friendly, equitableand consistent framework to regulateschool admissions policy for all 4,000primary and post-primary schools. Ifenacted, this framework will improveaccess to schools for all pupils and willensure there is consistency, fairness andtransparency in the admissions policies ofall schools. PDA welcomes discussion onthe matter and will, as part of theconsultative process, stress theimportance that the implementation of anynew enrolment policy will not unduly addto the burden of school principals.

During the past year PDA alsorepresented its members at consultationmeetings with the Teaching Council on theproposed enhanced model of inductionand probation for the next school year andbeyond. PDA recognises the significantchange which the enhanced modelrepresents to the traditional process ofinducting and probating newly qualifiedteachers. The new model of probation isbeing introduced on a pilot basis thisSeptember and will be refined, asappropriate, prior to full roll-out.

The PDA Annual Conference 2014 willtake place in from 13-15 November in theCastlecourt Hotel, Westport. Once againPDA has attracted impressive keynotespeakers – Professor Ciarán Sugrue,Shane Martin and Gearóid Ó Brádaigh.Additionally, PDA Conference offers youthe opportunity to meet and share viewswith colleagues. Táim ag súil go mór lebualadh leat ansin.

September 2013

Brian Ó Maoilchiaráin, PDA President.

PDA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Brian Ó MaoilchiaráinPDA PresidentT: 091-874590

colaisteaneachreidh@cogalvec.ieColáiste an Eachreidh,

Coiléar Bán, Baile Atha an Rí, Co. na Gaillimhe.

Mary FrielPDA Vice PresidentT: 01 8375712

mary.friel@macc.cdvec.ieMargaret Aylward CC

Thatch Road, Whitehall, Dublin.

Kevin WhytePDA Past PresidentT: 063-81422

mannixcollege@eircom.netMannix College,

Charleville, Co. Cork.

Stephen GouldingPDA TreasurerT: 068 21023 dp@listowelcc.ieListowel CC, Co Kerry.

Gerry ConnollyPDA SecretaryT: 046-9731573principal@oaklandscc.ie

Oaklands Community CollegeSr. Senan AvenueEdenderry, Co. Offaly.

PDA EXECUTIVE 2013Jacqueline Nunan, Principal

Pearse CollegeClogher Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12.

T: 01 4536661jacqueline.nunan@pearse.cdvec.ie

Michael Murphy, PrincipalWestport College of Further Education

Westport, Co. Mayomichaelmurphy@westportcfe.ie

T: 098-25241

Brian Melia, PrincipalGalway Community College,

GalwayT: 091755464

brian.melia@cgvec.ie

Adrian PowerBridgetown Vocational College

Co. WexfordT: 053 9135257

adrianjpower@yahoo.com

Nigel Quirke-Bolt, Deputy PrincipalCarlow Institute of Further Education,

Kilkenny Road, CarlowT: 059-9131187

nquirkebolt@carlowife.ie

Mr Michael Daly, Co-Optedmickdaly2@eircom.net

Mr Tom Hughes, Co-optedthughes313@gmail.com

Mr Mattie Kilroy,Co-optedmattie.kilroy@gmail.com

Denis Magner,Tullamore College, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

T:041 9837105 tuiarea3@tuimail.ie

Gerry Miller, Deputy PrincipalSt Conleth’s Community College

NewbridgeCo. KildareT: 045 431417

germiller@eircom.net

Eileen Mullaney, PrincipalColaiste Noamh Cormac,

Kilcormac, Co. OffalyT: 057 9135048

eileenmullaney22@gmail.com

Monica Clarke, Deputy PrincipalLongwood Vocational School,

Longwood, Co. Meath.T: 046 9555018

monica.clarke@stfintina.meathvec.ie

Ms Mary Finnegan-Burke, PrincipalColáiste Dún IascaighCahir, Co.Tipperary

T: 052-7442828info@colaisteduniascaigh.ie

Vivienne Hogan Deputy PrincipalColáiste Eoin,

Hacketstown, Carlow.T: 059 6471 198

vhogan@clarevec.ie

Tom Taylor, Deputy Principal,Sallynoggin College of Further Education

Pearse St., Sallynoggin, Co. Dublin.T: 01-2852997ttaylor@scfe.ie

Stephen Goulding, Deputy PrincipalListowel CC, Co Kerry

T: 068 21023dp@listowelcc.ie

Sean Wynne, Deputy PrincipalDrumshanbo Vocational School

Drumshanbo, Co. LeitrimT: 071-9641085info@allen.ie

Gerry Kelly. PrincipalSt. Colmans CC, Middleton, Co. Cork

T: 0214631696 / 0214632422stcolman@midletonvec.ie

AREA 1Carlow, Laois,

Kildare, Wicklow

AREA 2Offaly,

Roscommon,Longford,

Westmeath

AREA 3Monaghan,

Louth, Meath

AREA 4Kilkenny, South

Tipperary,Wexford,

Waterford City& County

AREA 5Carlow

AREA 6Dun Laoghaireand County

Dublin

AREA 7Kerry,

Co. Limerick

AREA 8Sligo, Leitrim,

Donegal

AREA 9Cork City &

County

AREA 10Dublin City

AREA 11Mayo

AREA 12Galway Ccity &

County

DEPUTYPRINCIPAL

DEPUTYPRINCIPAL

ADVISOR

ADVISOR

ADVISOR

TUILIAISONOFFICER

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Following the presentation by Dr AnneLooney, CEO of the NCCA, to the PDAannual Conference in November 2012 onthe proposed new Junior Cycle Framework,many concerns were expressed by thePrincipals and Deputy Principals attendingthe conference. The PDA suggested theestablishment of a network of smallvocational schools to consider the uniquechallenges that such schools will face in theimplementation of the framework.

At the invitation of PDA President Brian O’Maoilchiarain, Dr. Looney addressed thePDA area representatives at a meeting of thePDA executive and agreed to extend thenetwork model by establishing a PDA-NCCAnetwork. PDA discussed this initiative withTUI and a consensus emerged that a deficitof information existed regarding the impactof the proposals for change to the JuniorCycle in smaller schools/colleges i.e. schoolswith an enrolment in the current year of lessthan 250 mainstream students. The PDAagreed to administer the selection processfor the network and eleven schools/collegeswere invited, following an applicationprocess to form the network.

They are: Marino College, Dublin 3; CorranCollege, Co. Sligo; Listowel CC, Co. Kerry;Colaiste Naomh Cormac, Co. Offaly;Carrigallen VS, Co. Leitrim; Colaiste Eoin,Dublin 11; Templemichael College,Longford; Colaiste Daibheid, Cork;Roscommon CC, Ard Scoil Ciaran, Co.Offaly; Arch Bishop McHale College, Tuam,Co. Galway.

Michael Daly former Priomhoide of ColaisteEoin Hacketstown and a past President ofPDA was appointed network co-ordinator.

Participation in the network involvesexploring the challenges, opportunities andimplications for smaller schools in areas suchas Curriculum, Short Course Development,Assessment Approach, Timetabling,Planning, Resources, Management/Co-ordination/Operational Issues, etc. Theschools involved include in their work anexamination of the practicalities associatedwith the successful introduction of theframework (for students, parents, teachersand school management).

Prior to the start of the initiative schoolprincipals of the participating schoolsengaged in full consultation and discussionwith staff concerning their participation.

The eleven participating schools receivedsome funding from the NCCA to help coverthe costs of participation. The NCCA haveprovided relevant inputs to the meetings ofthe network to support its activity. Inaddition each school has appointed a linkteacher to liaise with the PDA appointed co-ordinator to the network who works closelywith the participating schools.

The eleven schools participating in thenetwork have committed themselves tosharing experiences and working together togather evidence of practice and bring asmuch clarity as possible to theimplementation issues. It is envisaged thatthe network will help to inform other TUI

members and Head Office as to theimplications for schools emanating from theproposed Junior Cycle Framework.

Three meetings of the network participantshave taken place with initial contributionsbeing made by PDA President Brian OMaoilchiarian, the officers of the PDA, theEducation/Research Officer of the TUI,Bernie Judge, NCCA personnel, ETB Ireland(formerly IVEA) education and executivepersonnel as well as the network co-ordinator, the link teachers of the school andtheir principals. Discussion has centredaround the following thus far:

• Developments in Curriculum,Assessment and Certification.

• Looking at what to do! Planning for thefuture in PDA Network schools.

• Getting started with programmeplanning, key skills and short courses.

• What needs to be done for 2014?• New first year programme in consultation

with the core team and staff.• Assessment and Moderation in the JC

Framework, Formative Assessment (AfL)initiative.

• Template of Key Skills across subjectplanning for all subjects.

• Schools sharing the load.• The challenges, concerns and queries for

PDA Network Schools re: theimplementation of the Framework egtime tabling, resources, CPD etc. and theexpected appropriate responses requiredfrom the DES and the NCCA.

It is envisaged that an interim report will bepresented at conference.

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SUPPORT FOR PRINCIPALSAND DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

During the early months of 2013 theTeaching Council engaged in a consultationprocess around induction and probationleading to the issue of a Policy Document inMay of this year. In this document theCouncil set out a reconceptualised model ofinduction and probation whereby inductionis seen as a process and probation refers tothe point when a Newly Qualified Teacher(NQT) has satisfied all of the conditionswhich were applied on initial registration.

The Teaching Council sees induction as avital stage in the teacher’s professionaljourney between initial teacher educationand fully independent practice as a qualifiedteacher. It is envisaged that during theinduction phase, the NQT will practise in asupportive environment with access to amentor, complete a programme of inductionworkshops and remain conditionallyregistered.

The Teaching Council document introducesthe term Droichead which refers to theperiod of professional practice which anNQT will be required to undertakefollowing initial registration.

A satisfactory engagement with Droicheadwill be attached to every NQT’s registrationas a condition. In order to fufil thisDroichead condition each NQT will berequired to :• engage in a period of school- based

induction• be confirmed by an experienced fellow

professional/s, following that process ashaving satisfied certain criteria and

• complete a minimum period of post-qualification practice, which may takeplace in one or more schools.

There are significant implications forschools, school leaders and teachers in thenewly conceptualised process. The TeachingCouncil paper outlines a possible significantrole for an experienced colleague or

colleagues in the NQT’s school whosefunction would be to ensure that theexperience is structured and supported andwill confirm to the Council that the NQT isready to progress to the next phase of thecontinuum of the teaching career. TheCouncil believes that the best approach isthe establishment of Professional SupportTeams (PSTs). It is suggested that the PSTwould be comprised of principals, mentorsand other experienced teachers each ofwhom might have distinct roles. The mentorwould support the NQT during theinduction phase while other members of thePST would work together to form a jointopinion and make a recommendation to theTeaching Council in relation to the NQTspractice. The document makes provision foranother possible model for confirmation ofsatisfactory engagement in Droichead by theprincipal, deputy principal or a nominatedexperienced colleague.

The process described by the Council hasmuch to recommend it on one level, whereit affords significant professionalopportunities for teachers, though it mustalso be recognised that in the Irish context itrepresents a major cultural shift in terms ofprofessional relationships in schools. Theuse of the term experienced teacher raisessome questions that may need some seriousconsideration given that many teachers whomight be deemed inexperienced by reasonof age might have an enormous contributionto make as a mentor or professional supportteam member, by virtue of holding aparticular skill set.

It goes without saying that significantprofessional development is an essentialpre-requisite for mentors and others wishingto engage in the PST process. In the currentclimate this clearly poses a challenge interms of resources and personnel. It must berecognised that the Irish Education system isstarting from a low base in terms of numbersof trained mentors for example.

The entire landscape of initial teachereducation is at present undergoing majorchange with the new Professional Diplomain Education (PDE) Programme for PostPrimary teachers. This will involve muchmore extensive school placements as well asscope to engage in a more in depth mannerwith research based and evidence basedteaching methodologies. An increasedemphasis on reflective practice, selfevaluation and co-operative learning willhopefully leave the NQT well placed to fit into the already high calibre teaching forcethat the country is fortunate to have.

PDA hopes that the new Induction andProbation process will complement the newtwo year PDE programme.

Given the nature of the existing proposals inrelation to induction and probation and thesuggested engagement of school staff, it isimperative that professional developmentopportunities are available which will allow acommon understanding of what constitutesbest classroom practice. The training of staffwill be crucially important in ensuring thatNQT’s will experience a quality assuredinduction as they embark on the initial phaseof their career.

As referred to earlier PDE programmes arecurrently being reviewed and developedand an extended re-conceptualised schoolplacement experience is envisaged. This willbuild on existing good practice whereby co-operating teachers have a supportive butnon-evaluative role. Just as in the inductionprocess school placement experiences willbe enhanced when there is a clearlyarticulated understanding of expectationsand a greater sharing of informationbetween the Teacher Training Colleges andco-operating schools.

For further information:www.teacherinduction.ie;www.teachingcouncil.ie; www.education.ie

RECONCEPTUALISING INDUCTION AND PROBATION

One of the major advantages of PDA membership is the access that itaffords members to a network of experienced Principals and DeputyPrincipals in Vocational Schools, Community Colleges, Colleges ofFurther Education and Gaelcholasti throughout the country.

In the first instance, support and advice is available at regional levelthrough your local area representative.

Each area representative has access to the National Executive of PDAand issues can be raised at regular meetings throughout the year.

If, for some reason, a member needs more immediate advice, thenhe/she can make contact with any of the officers, who in turn willarrange an appropriate contact.

NEW JUNIOR CERTIFICATE FRAMEWORKThe Management and Staff look forward towelcoming all members of the PDA

who will attend the PDA Conference 2013

Thur 14th & Fri 15th November.Shane Martin, Gearóid Ó Brádaigh andProfessor Ciaran Sugrue are speakers at

the conference.We have arranged very attractive rates of stay

for the conference.Twin/Double ¤45 B&B pps

Single ¤65 per roomTo make a reservation pleas contact

us on 098 55088 orEmail:info@castlecourthotel.ie www.cast lecourt . ie

JOIN PDA for €100 per year

Pay your subscription toyour Area representative or

Area treasurer beforeNovember 2013

Annual Conference – Wesport Co. Mayo