Leadership Pathway - Years 6+ School Leaders

REAL – Reflective, Empowered, AUTHENTIC Leadership

Presenters: Regina O’Sullivan & Enda McGorman

This Leadership Pathway provides an opportunity to engage once again with other school leaders who have faced many challenges, particularly over the past two years, with the focus being on one’s authenticity as a school leader, while reflecting on one’s leadership and finding empowerment to move forward in changing times. You will be asked to consider to continue building capacity and empowering others through evaluating the mission, culture and values of the school community in this changing world.

REGINA O’SULLIVAN

Regina has over 20 years’ experience as a primary school principal, with particular knowledge of the DEIS context.

Regina worked throughout her career in Mayfield on the north-side of Cork City. During this time, she was involved with the successful amalgamation of two schools and she continues to support other schools during the amalgamation process.

Since retiring last year (2021), Regina has joined the Leadership Support team at IPPN. She is also involved as a facilitator with the CSL Middle Leadership Project. Through her involvement with Group Mentoring, Regina has facilitated several groups of Principals. Currently Regina is involved with the IPPN Local Support Group Project.

Regina has also facilitated workshops with Trauma Responsive Education.

ENDA McGORMAN

Enda McGorman, is the principal of Mary, Mother of Hope National School, Littlepace, Dublin 15. He hails from Monaghan, and graduated from St. Patrick’s College of Education in Drumcondra in 1994. After graduating, he studied psychology with the Open University. He worked as a teacher in the Holy Spirit Boys National School in Ballymun from 1995 to 2001, firstly as a mainstream class teacher and then as Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator.

In 2001, Enda was appointed as principal of Mary, Mother of Hope National School in Littlepace, Dublin 15. This was a new school, on a greenfield site in a rapidly growing urban development on the outskirts of Dublin. He has remained in that role since 2001, and has seen the school and the surrounding community undergo dramatic change. Approximately 50% of the pupils in the school are from newcomer backgrounds.

In addition to his work as school principal, Enda has worked on several leadership programmes including Misneach for newly appointed principals, the Forbairt and Tánaiste programmes for experienced school leaders. He is also an associate with the Centre for School Leadership (CSL). Enda is currently chairperson of the Dublin County Network of the IPPN.

He has a keen interest in intercultural issues, integration and supporting students and families from socially disadvantaged communities. In 2007, he conducted research on the challenges of inter-culturalism and co-authored a report Intercultural Education, Primary Challenges in Dublin 15.

He co-authored a Chapter in Leading and Managing Schools, titled New Schools for a New Century.

Most recently, he has written on how schools can support children and families through homelessness. He has also been active in supporting school leaders in responding to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Seminars

INTRODUCTION

IPPN Conference Seminars are 90-minute sessions, which allow time for discussion and Q&A. On Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, there are concurrent seminars as follows:

Back to the Future- Reconnecting partnerships with your parents is the “lightening rod” to better futures for the children in your school! - Áine Lynch and Leah O’Toole

Dignity and Respect at Work - Rúairí Ó Céilleachair

Empowerment and Restoration in the Aftermath… - Jacinta Kitt (Thursday only)

Financial Support and Guidance for School Principals – FSSU - Joe Conlon

Limiting Your School’s Liability-Essential law for the School Leader - David Ruddy

Reduce Your Risk! Managing Behaviours of Concern - Siobhan Allen and Aisling Power

Sobering truths and delightful opportunities-leading through relationships - Joe O’Connell (Friday only)

Technology Infrastructure and Technical Support in Primary schools - Tom Lonergan and Deirdre Redmond

The Key to Collaborative Leadership - Anna Mai Rooney and Finbarr Hurley

Update on Recent and Upcoming Policies and Operations - Mary McGrath

The Additional School Accommodation Scheme & Capital Programme of Delivery - Cathal McDonagh and Stefan Mathews