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May 2016

Colleagues

Welcome to the latest edition of our News-letter. It is a great privilege for me to com-municate with you in my role as the newly elected President of the Association.

Since 2009, the Irish education system has experienced unprecedented cutbacks which have impacted on virtually every area of provision.

The economic outlook has improvedsignificantly and as a result, the expectationof enhanced services and funding acrossall Departments of Government is high.

In order to capitalise on this, the education sector has to make its voice heard.At a PDA Meeting with the Department of Education, it was stated that there was only one ‘pot’ of money in the Department and that any restoration of pay would impact on what was left to deliver extra services etc. School budgets have been cut dramatically since the onset of the economic crisis, re-sulting in a serious underfunding at school level. The cuts experienced in our sector, ETB schools in particular, would appear to be greater than in ACCS and JMB schools.The PDA has raised this with the ETBI with a view to getting the inequity sorted. To

date little progress has been made, but we will continue to advocate for changes to address this issue.Over the last seven years of austerity the same issues have arisen as areas of serious concern to Principals and Deputy Principals, namely:

• Workload of Principals and Deputy Principals• Restoration of ex quota Guidance Counselling• Middle management structures

The workload of the Principal and Deputy Principal continues to increase year on year. PDA has brought this to the attention of the TUI and asked for representation in relation to same at all fora to highlight the need for extra resources.

Meetings are taking place as a result of motions at the TUI Conference in relation to the adoption of a joint middle manage-ment position between the TUI and ASTI.I have attended one such meeting and will report back to Executive when a draftdocument is available.

ETBI is changing its structure to in response to its changing role. A Principals’ Forum has been established with a nominated Principal from each ETB. I, myself, have been nominated by Laois/Offaly ETB and am looking forward to the first meeting. Hopefully, it will provide Principals with an opportunity to raise areas of concern with ETBI, who in turn can progress these with the Department of Education and Skills.

The PDA will continue to meet with ETBI to progress other issues of concern pertaining to members etc.

The implementation of the new Junior Cycle will be a priority for school leaders over the next number of years. Principals haveexpressed concerns in relation to how the CPD can be managed at school level – namely providing substitute cover for subject teachers. This is proving very difficult where a number of teachers are involved and the situation will worsen when more subjects come on stream.

The TUI have stated categorically that the introduction of the new course should not increase the workload of any of its members – including principals. At this stage, it would be obvious to me that the workload of the Principal and Deputy Principal hasincreased and will continue to increase as a result of this new programme.An implementation body has been set up to monitor every aspect of the programme– including any increase in workload. The PDA, at its Executive Meeting in January, reported these concerns to Assistant General Secretary, Colm Kelly, and Vice President, Joanne Irwin, who in turn will raise same at the appropriate forum.

We need constant feedback from Principals and Deputy Principals so that this committee is well informed in all its discussions with Department of Education and Skills.

There are many other areas that will occupy our time and efforts over next few years. Please be assured that if you have any issues that need to be raised, then in the first instance, please bring them to the attention of your Executive member, who in turn will refer to the appropriate person for intervention.

Good luck with the rest of the school year.

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The CarltonShearwater Hotelin Ballinasloe____________

PDA CONFERENCE 2016November 16, 17 &18

November 2016

Gerry ConnollyPDA PresidentT: 046-9731573

[email protected] Community College

Sr. Senan AvenueEdenderry, Co. Offaly.

Adrian PowerPDA Vice President

T: [email protected]

Bridgetown CollegeBridgetown, Co. Wexford

Brian Ó MaoilchiaráinPDA Past President

T: [email protected]

Coláiste an EachreidhCoiléar Bán, Baile Atha an Rí

Co. na Gaillimhe.

Roger Geagan,PDA Secretary, T:O57-9331231

[email protected] Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa

Clara, Co. Offaly.

Stephen GouldingPDA TreasurerT: 068-21023

[email protected] na Riochta,

Co. Kerry

PDA Officers 2016

Cavan & MonaghanETB

Martha Williamson HunterBeech Hill College, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan. T: 047 - 81200 F: 047 - 84926Email: [email protected]

DonegalETB

Alan Thompson, Principal,Finn Valley College.T: 074 [email protected]

Dublin &Dun Laoghaire ETB

Austin Fennessy, Riversdale Community CollegeBlanchardstownDublin 15T: 0872344890 [email protected]

Galway &RoscommonETB

Eileen Delaney, Arch Bishop McHale College, Tuam,Co. Galway.T: [email protected]

Kildare &WicklowETB

Gerry Miller, Deputy Principal,St. Conleth’s CommunityCollege, Newbridge,Co. Kildare.T: 045 [email protected]

Limerick & ClareETB

Vivienne Hogan,Deputy Principal,Thomond CommunityCollege, Moylish, Limerick.T: [email protected]

Mayo, Sligo & LeitrimETB

Michael Murphy, PrincpalWestport College of FurtherEducation, Westport, Co. Mayo.T: [email protected]

Waterford &WexfordETB

Sandra O’Toole,Deputy Principal,Bunclody Vocational CollegeIrish Street, Bunclody,Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.M: 087 [email protected]

CorkETB

Mr. Gerry Kelly, PrincipalSt. Colmans CC, Middleton,Co. Cork.T: 021 4631696 / 021 [email protected]

KerryETB

Stephen GouldingPrincipal, Colaiste na Riochta,Listowel CC, Co. Kerry.T: 068 [email protected]

Kilkenny & CarlowETB

John O’Sullivan, Principal, Borris, Vocational School,Borris, Co. Carlow. T: 059 [email protected]

Longford &WestmeathETB

Mick O’Rourke,Deputy Principal, Templemichael College,Longford.T: 0863366007 [email protected]

TipperaryETB

Peter Creedon,Principal, Coláiste DúnIascaigh, Chair, Co. Tipperary.T: [email protected]

TUI Liaison Officer

Denis MagnerTullamore College, Tullamore,Co. Offaly.M: 087 [email protected]

PDA Area Representatives 2016

www.PDA.ie

Website: www.PDA.ie Website: www.PDA.ie

newsletter set up PDA 2016.indd 1 18/05/2016 17:14

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The origins of PDA as we know it today can be traced back to the late 1960s. The inaugural meeting to establish a representative association for Principals in the VEC sector took place in Athlone in late 1969. At the time all teaching staff in the VEC sector were represented by the Vocational Teachers’ Association (VTA), now the TUI. The Executive of VTA were represented at the Athlone meeting by Kevin McCarthy.

Maurice Roche, Killorglin Technical School was appointed as the Chairman of this new Headmasters’ Association. Further work continued over the next few years leading to a Convention in Athlone in January 1971 where the first Constitution was ratified. The association’s name was finalised and the Association of Principals of Vocational Schools came into being.

The relationship of the association with VTA was clarified in the Annual Report of the VTA Congress 1971 and the Executive Committee of the

new association was constituted as a sub-committee of the Executive of the Vocational Teachers Association. The early days of APVS saw it working with VTA to seek to make progress on issues such as secretarial support, matters relating to a new senior cycle and seeking that the universities would offer full recognition to technology subjects for progression to Degree courses.

The introduction of Community Colleges gave rise to the need for a change of name and the Association of Principals of Vocational Schools (APVS) became the association of Principals of Vocational Schools and Community Colleges (APVSCC).Given the evolving nature of school leadership there was a growing recognition that Deputy Principals should have the opportunity to be members. The matter was considered by the APVSCC Executive and Annual Conference and discussions followed with the Executive of TUI.A motion to TUI Congress to facilitate the development was not

reached. The Executive of TUI later took a decision to approve of the inclusion of Deputy Principals and the subsequent TUI Congress adopted the Annual Report which included this decision. This very significant development gave rise to a further name change and so the Principals and Deputy Principals Association (PDA) was formed.

This short historical note is based on a more a substantial article by Sean McCarthy printed in the PDA Conference Booklet 2014.

Why Join PDASchool leadership is frequently challenging and demanding and PDA at regional and national level is there to offer you advice and support if required. We encourage you to attend regional meetings and annual National Conference. In doing so you will build valuable contacts right across the ETB sector and discover that there are common problems and issues. The opportunity to build networks and discuss and share ideas will greatly support your work in school leadership.

The National Executive is composed of representatives from all ETBs and issues of concern are considered at each Executive meeting. The national officers of PDA hold regular meetings with TUI, ETBI and with other relevant bodies from time to time. This access allows PDA to bring our policies and concerns to a national stage. Not all issues are easily resolved but we have a track record over time of making considerable progress on matters that impact in a major way on Principals and Deputies throughout our sector.

Our Annual Conference held in mid November each year is the policy making forum and members have the opportunity to contribute to debates on matters of concern submitted as resolutions from each region. The Conference has a very strong educational and professional development focus with workshops and presentations from speakers with expertise in key areas directly related to teaching, learning and educational leadership.

Exhibitors at the conference include suppliers and agencies ranging from the education support services to providers of initial teacher education. The schedule also includes a social dimension with extensive opportunities for networking.

PDA offers formal and informal support to members and towards this end names and contact details of support officers are included on page 6 of this newsletter. Where necessary a support officer will travel to your region to meet with you to discuss an issue of concern and provide advice and support.

Coiste Eagraithe na Comhdhála Conference Organising Committee Back Row: Pádraig Kelly, Frank Chambers, Ann Marie Carroll, Brian O’Maoilchiaráin, Breda Barrett, Shane Mc Clearn, Ciaran Folan, Brian Melia, Peadar O’ Sé (Rúnaí), Sean Connolly, Mattie Kilroy. Front Row: Bríd Ní Dhonncha. Eileen Delaney (Chairperson), Micheál O’ Cúláin, Áine Bhreathnach (Cisteori), Stiofán O’ Cualáin, Geraldine Gibbons, John Cleary, Alan Mongey, Mairéad Ní Fhátharta.

PDA- a brief historical note

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pda areas

Restructured P.D.A. RegionsThe re-structure of the organisation of Principals and Deputy Principals (Cumann Príomhoidí agus Príomhoidí Tánaisteacha) has

units now in each of the sixteen Educational and Training Board areas. Each E.T.B will be represented on the National Executive of

P.D.A. This E.T.B structure will allow for a calendar of meetings to be developed locally and at National level to give a strong voice

to P.D.A. at both levels. Retired Members



Dr. Mark Fennell is an educational consultant and facilitator. A former secondary school Principal and Regional C o o r d i n a t o r with the School D e v e l o p m e n t Planning Initiative, tutor on initial teacher education programmes and lecturer in TCD he addressed the theme ‘Leading learning in Ireland’. He discussed in depth the Impact, Barriers and Vision for learning in our schools. In his discussion on Leading Curriculum Innovation he emphasised the two decisions about the nature of teaching and learning that matter now :• An integrated understanding of the teachers’ toolkit• Purposed engagement with assessment for learning

John West-Burnham works as an independent teacher, writer and consultant in leadership d e v e l o p m e n t and is also Professor of E d u c a t i o n a l L e a d e r s h i p at St. Mary’s U n i v e r s i t y C o l l e g e , Tw i c k e n h a m . John worked in schools, further and adult education for fifteen years before moving into higher education. He is currently Visiting Professor of Educational Leadership at Queens University, Belfast and the University of Bristol and author of Managing Quality in Schools; Rethinking Educational Leadership. John’s presentation addressed the theme of Leading future-focused education and learning for all: issues, insights and implications.” He examined

the topic under the following important and relevant themes Marketization, Deregulation, shrinking the public sector, Reducing public expenditure, Managerialism and Performativity .

John asked the question as to how do we talk about the future and offered the following scenarios : are we in denial, do we conduct utopian conversations, are we building scenarios are we developing strategic horizons, are we becoming evidence based and what is “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Peter Drucker)

David Ruddy is Principal of Talbot Senior School in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. He qualified as a barrister and lecturer on the legal modules on the Masters in Educational L e a d e r s h i p programmes in Marino Institute of Education, and Trinity College. He also lectures on programmes for professional bodies such as the Law Society and the PDST. David led a discussion on the legal details of the Mandatory Policies in post primary schools . He emphasised the recent Admissions to School Bill 2015 and its implications referring to the Restrictive policies giving preferential treatment to pupils of parents who attended the school abolished (STOKES case), the waiting lists & upfront voluntary contributions prohibited and the two or more schools can be directed to operate common policy.

Finn Ó Murchú taught in Carrigaline Community School, Co. Cork before joining the inspectorate in 2004.Finn is a senior inspector with the DES who is seconded to co-ordninate the new Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership (PDEL) in UCC 2015/16. Before this appointment, he worked with the policy

sections of the DES as relates to Teacher Education and Special Education. His address to conference explored the theme of Learning together with particular reference to Leading the school house and/or leading the work of the school house? ( Jimmy Spillane). Exploring Barrie Bennett’s Concepts of Co-operative learning, Skill- Framing Questions, Tactics and the Strategy of Johnsons’ five basic elements of effective group work.

Sharon Todd is Professor of Education at Maynooth University. Her research is committed to pursuing social justice in, through and for education. Placing e d u c a t i o n a l practice, policy and curriculum at the centre of her work, Prof Todd’s research is situated within the field of philosophy of education. Topics include the political and ethical aspects of education, interculturalism and diversity issues, and the importance of educational relationships for pedagogical practice. At the PDA conference Prof. Todd explored the topic of Leading Together Here and Now: Educational Leadership as a Relational Practice. The major ideas elaborated on included : that ‘future-focused’ leadership needs to attend to relationships in the present, that relationships are central to developing ethically sensitive leadership practices (including relationships to colleagues, students, parents, community) and that leadership supports the greater public in encouraging equality, openness to diversity and social justice.

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Junior Cycle Update

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President’s Speech Extract

Schools are complex organisations with multiple clients. The students, our primary clients, are those to whom we provide the service of education, their parents too are clients - as we serve their children, and the tax payer is also a client of ours, hence the quality assurance which is one aspect of the Inspectorate’s brief. Serving so many demanding clients as we endeavour to deliver a multitude of programmes while implementing increasingly numerous initiatives and all the while providing pastoral care to our students is indeed a significant challenge. Despite being hugely under resourced, we continue to meet the challenge out of loyalty to those whom we serve, but Delegates, this position is evidently unsustainable - I need only reference the fact that the attrition rate in our profession was never as high- @70% retirement at senior leadership level since 2010. Now that out nation once again boasts one of the most buoyant economies in the EU we, serving principals and deputies, will not have recourse to the retirement incentives (somewhat cynical, Hobson’s choice scenario) of many of our recently retired colleagues. I call today, as I did when I first addressed you four years ago, that the various principal and deputy principal organisations, their respective managerial bodies and the two teacher unions present a joint case for a redefined role of school leaders!

ReformPDA welcomes the agreement negotiated between TUI and the minister allowing for a new approach to Junior cycle. PDA was always clear about the necessity for change and equally assertive that adequate resourcing be provided for the smooth implementation of the reformed programme. The establishment of the Apprenticeship Council and its subsequent announcement to develop 25 new apprenticeships, the vast majority of which are expected to be ready in 2016, is good news indeed. This development should have a direct positive effect on the choices school leavers make and initiate a renewed approach to second

and further level education. It may assist in dispelling the national obsession of attending college straight after school and challenge the government and the DES to raise awareness among students, parents and the public in general about the needs of the Irish and global labour markets. Many of us have seen presentations and read reports with telling statistics about future employment trends - figures that reveal that in a decade’s time, if current trends prevail, that there will be a billion graduates globally but only 300 million jobs requiring graduate qualification! That even in high tech economies 50% of the workforce will require medium level skills! That currently in Ireland there are only 26 apprenticeships as compared to over 300 in Germany! This narrative must be shared with society in general. As our recent past highlights, good ideas very often collide with cultural norms and consequently fail.

‘An sob in áit na scuaibe’You might recall that on her appointment, Minister Jan O’Sullivan, was briefed by her officals that ‘some education cuts have pushed the system to the brink’ and that the “degree of loss of the posts in many second-level schools has had a significant impact on the leadership of those schools” rendering the current position as “unsustainable”. Last June PDA met with senior department officials. When asked to prioritise the area most needing of immediate support, PDA unambiguously and categorically requested support for school leaders. The ex-quota deputy principal allowance announced is most welcome indeed as it gives a pro-rata alleviation to all 374 schools involved or 250 whole-time-equivalence in teacher numbers. PDA takes the minister at her word that she will address schools in excess of 500 pupils by appointing 2nd and 3rd deputies. PDA believe that we had gone beneath a reducing minimum which had our schools and centres at the brink. Undoubtedly, the minister has taken the first small steps in attempting to bring our schools back from the edge, but many quick steps must follow to ensure a sound footing for the changes ahead.

PDA welcomes the establishment of the Centre for School Leadership (CSL) as a support for current, newly appointed and aspiring principals and deputies. In welcoming the establishment of CSL, PDA acknowledges the work already done in this area, initially by LDS, and subsequently by the PDST.

Let me preface my concluding remarks by saying that we, ETB principals are unique in the Irish education context, our inclusion as centres in an ETB scheme mean that we jointly share human and fiscal resources. As ETB principals, de facto, we are a readymade team of education leaders whose strength lies in our inherent ability to cooperate. Roosevelt is quoted to have said that,

Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.

Delegates and friends, we all know that neither individuals nor very small groups can be fully self-sufficient, this is precisely why cooperation at every level is necessary, both for survival and success.

PDA Executive Meeting 12 March 2016

On Saturday 12 March 2016 Dr. Padraig Kirk Director of CPD with JCT and Carol Sadlier Deputy Director JCT attended the PDA executive meeting in the Aisling Hotel Dublin. They gave an update on recent developments regarding arrangements for the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle.

Dr. Kirk noted that the implementation was taking place in difficult conditions. He outlined how in line with Circular Letter 0024/2016, the model of CPD is going to change from September 2016. Schools may close for up to three days, one whole school CPD day for JCT, one to cater for subject specific CPD and the third day

may be used for ‘professional activity time’. Schools will close on a cluster basis of approximately 12 schools to facilitate subject specific CPD for teachers of English, Science and Business. This will, it is hoped, alleviate many of the difficulties and disruption experienced to date trying to organise substitute cover.

School leaders will be able to avail of workshops for timetabling the Junior Cycle and there was some discussion around potential timetabling difficulties. JCT will be recruiting for new teacher secondments shortly for both part-time and full time positions. These secondments will allow CPD to start one year in advance of introduction of each subject.

Carol Sadlier gave an over-view of the assessment process including the SLAR meetings, CBAs and Assessment Tasks. It was emphasised that the CBAs should not be compared to any high stakes examinations as they are a snapshot of learning at a particular moment in time.

The interaction between the JCT personnel and the executive of the PDA proved very useful and informative where the explanatory presentations included open frank discussion and where concerns of Principals and Deputy Principals in the ETB sector were aired and emphasised. Further issues raised at the meeting will be taken back to relevant bodies and in particular to the JCT implementation committee.

PDA Support Personnel

Speakers to Conference 2015

P.D.A. Support Personnel: The Executive of the PDA have selected the following experienced former Principals as support officers to members. Members who need support or advice on such issues as Trade Union affairs, Critical Incidents, Bullying, Employment or Employer difficulties are welcome to make contact with any of the support personnel in the strictest confidence.

Tom Hughes - CorkM: 087 2203556E: [email protected]

Michael Daly - CarlowM: 086-4075203E: [email protected]

Mattie Kilroy - GalwayM: 087 6335479E: [email protected]



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Conference in Session

Conference 2015 Conference 2015

GRETB: Geraldine Ní Chualáin Colaiste na Coiribe, Bríd Ní Dhonnacha and Mary Ann Ni Chonghaile (Coláiste Ghobnait)

Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim: Michael Murphy, Conor O’Reilly,Anita Gallagher, Brian Jennings & John Killeen

Guests: Mary Nihill (CSL), Brian O’Maoilchiarán (Past President) Tomás O’Ruairc, Paul Byrne (President NAPD), Maire Ni Bhroite (Assistand Director, NAPD)

Fiona Ní Chnáimhsí and Alan Thompson DETB, John Cleary Merlin College GRETB

Galway & Maynooth: Brian Melia Galway Community College, David Leahy CE GRETB; Áine Bhreathnach Coláiste Naomh Fheichín, Brian Ó Maoilchiaráin, Peadar Ó Sé Coláiste Cholm Cille, Prof. Sharon Todd NUIM, Seán Connolly Coláiste Bhríde Loughrea

Olivia Kennedy KCETB, Ashley Whelan GTI, Brian Ó Maoilchiaráin, Diane Birnie Lucan Community College and Alison Ward GT

GRETB Principals Ciarán Folan, Pádraig Kelly and DP Iggy Clarke

Cork: Denis Healy, Kevin White, Gearoid O’Sullivan, Sheila Curley, Paul Murphy & Gerry Kelly

GTI Principal Geraldine Gibbons (centre) and Deputies Alison Ward and Ashley Whelan pictured with Brian Ó Maoilchiaráin and Tomás Mac Pháidín EO

Longford Westmeath: Roger Geagan, Denis Magner, Miriam Hickey & Gerry Connolly

Dublin: Mary Friel, Jacqueline Noonan & Cathy Jones

Carlow Kilkenny: Nigel Quirke Bold,Cathnia O’Murchu, Markita Mulvey, Bernard Mulchrone, David Ford, Pairaig O’Cheallaigh

Mick O’Rourke, Padraig Kelly, Geraldine Gibbons,& Michael O’Culain

Wicklow Kildare and JMB Maura Murphy Gerry Millar, & Linda Dunne

Wexford: Adrian Power & Peter Nagle



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