Is cllis aLhais dom a chur in ill! duit go bhfuil Lloma Phrfomhoidi Bunscoile Eireann saolaithe chun freastal ar ar riachtanaisi phroifisillnta mar Phrfomhoidf. Ta tacaiocht agus forbairt proifisillnta mar bhun aidhmeanna an chumainn. Failtfm rom hat, b6thar seo l1a foghlama a shilll lamh ar laimh led'comhleacaithe. There is <1 growing aW<1reness among Primary Princip<1ls of the need to invest in our own professional development. The role of the Princip<11 continues to change and develop in response to societal, legislative and educational changes. All the indications are that the pace of such unprecedented change and development will continue, thereby creating a greater demand for quality professional development. The formation of both professional support groups and inform<11 locdl networks has been one of the most effective ways of providing professional development. Groups such <1S these promote the transfer of good practice and seek to identify the professional needs of Principals. Networking is about sharing, learning, coll<1boration, communication and support. The White Paper "Ch<1Tting our Education Future" (1995) suggested that the creation of networks of Principals had the potential to become <1n important means of providing professional development for Principals. The Report of the Working Group on the Role of the Primary School Principal which arrived in schools recently, acknowledges that "informal networks of Principals already exist" and considers that "this type of informal structure should be encouraged and facilitated to foster a culture of support within local nehvorks of Principals." The Irish Primary Principals' Nehvork is a new national organisation 'v'hich will seek to fostel~ co-ordinate and develop, in <1 structured mannel~ a culture of profession<11 support <1nd profession<11 development for Primary Principals. We would hope, through consultation and partnership, to actively inform and influence those who make policy decisions concerning Primmy Education and especially in relation to our role as Principal Teachers. In undertaking a challenge of such magnitude, we are most heartened and grateful for the support we received from the former Minister for Education and Science, Mr. Micheal Martin, and his officials in The Department of Education and Science. We have met with all the relevant partners 111 educ<1tion and we are greatly encouraged by their goodwill and support. Is iontach an ni a leitheid cheile go rabhaimid!
S20
de thacaioct in am <1n riachtanais. Ar scath a
Jim Hayes, President IPPN
---ilT
IPPN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
1.
What is I.P.P.N? IPPN is a new national structure, which, in practical co-operation with the Department of Education and Science and with the goodwill of all the partners in primary education, will help to foster nationally a culture of professional support and development for Primary Principals.
2. a)
How will I.P.P.N. be sbuctured? Local Professional Support Groups, (normally 10-15 members) operating through the Education Centres. I.P.P.N. guidelines will be made available to the Centres. Regional Networks ofI.P.PN. where Principals can ti1keinitiatives and primary responsibility for their professional and personal development on a larger scale. National Network as a national voice for Principals facilitating input and feedback of ideas from Regional Networks and Local Professional Support Groups.
b) c)
3.
Are there many Local Professional support groups aheady in existence? The latest information from an I.P.P.N. survey is that there are approximately 40 groups throughout the country operating through Education Centres.
4.
Are there any Regional Networks in existence? • There are two Regional Networks in existence at present. • Primary Principals' Network (Eastern Region) which has organised two very successful Ni1tional Conferences in Dublin and will be hosting their 3rd Conference in Malahide on February 25th and 26th. • Cork rrimilIy Principals Network (CPPN) is a Regional Network with a paid up membership of i1pproximately 150 Primi1ry Principals. They have been very successful and creative in organising their own ongoing professional development. cr.p.N. organised three Primary Principal Conferences in 1994, 1995 i1nd 1996 and a one-day Regional Seminar in 1999. Members of both Networks were ministerial nominees on th group, which drew up the Report of the Working Group on the Role of the Primary Principal. CP.P.N. has been consulted regularly by the Department of Education i1nd Science on issues relating to Principals such as Whole School Evaluation.
5.
What are the views of the other partners in Education about LP.P.N? I.P.P. has held meetings with all the relevant partners in Education. The feedback was very positive and encouraging and helped reassure the Interim Committee thi1t there was a widespread interest in having a national organisation to foster a culture of professional support and development for the Primary Principals.
6.
What does I.P.P.N. offer Principals? 1) National recognition of the importance of the Role of Primary Principals.
2) A National Co-ordinator for I.P.P.N.
3) Access to funding from the Department of Education and Science.
4) A structure for professional development.
5) Ongoing support especially for ne"'''ly appointed Principals.
6) A national voice for Principals on professional matters.
7) Guidelines for setting up Local Professional Support Groups and Regional Netvvorks.
8) A draft constitution.
The National In'[~~o~-;ittee of IPNN wishes to acknowledge the. supp~rt of the Dep~rtment of:Edqcation & Science/lCD.U. . -. -...... -:-"'. j
"
"
....
-
In the past 6 years they have: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Recognised IPPN as a National Organisation for the professional development of Principals. Funded secondment of a Principal to be National Director of IPPN. Funded £30,000 start up grant for IPPN Funded 6 conferences (National) Funded Regional Seminars for Principals. Funded all CP.P.N. Inservice. Funded preparatory IPPN Meetings Funded Principal Support Groups through Education Centres.
J.P.P.N. would like to acknowledge the support of the following Education Centres: Cork; Dublin West; Kildare; Portlaoise; Galway; Waterford and looks forward to working with all Education Centres in the future.
AIMS OF I.P.P.N.
~
Membership: Membership will be open to all Principals of recognised Primary Schools. • To promote initial and continuing professional and personal development of Primary Principals, so that we will, with the support of Boards of Management, staff and parents provide the best possible education for our primary school children. • To encourage and facilitate the formation of Professiol/al StlJlJlorl Grollp Networks, with local, regional and national dimensions. • To actively inform and influence through consultation and partnership those who make policy decisions concerning Primary Education and especially in relation to our role as Principal Teachers. • To seek representation for Primary Principals on all relevant local and national bodies statutory and non statutory.. • To promote and avail of all assistance financial and otherwise from the Department of Education and Science, In Career Development Unit of the Department of Education and Science, I.N.T.O., Education Centres and any other relevant bodies. • To avail of opportunities to contribute to local and national debates on Primary Education, especially in relation to our role as Principal Teachers. • To be actively involved in developing an All-Ireland, European and International dimension for I.P.P.N. and for our schools. • To promote and facilitate the health and safety of Primary School Principals
COMHGHAIRDEACHAS 24th January, 2000
25th January, 2000
Dear Mr Hayes,
~:: ~;~I~~~e:rimaryPrincipals Federationcongratulates you on the formation of your professional
organl~~o::o~~~~a~
p rincipals in Ireland. As a kindred grohu In ·,ng years Our P . h o u in t e com . delighted to interact Wit t: the rofessional support of organisation 's dedicated d p believe that global Principals in our country, :~iS d::lopment. For the past connections are a Vital part In b f ICP and have found this tWO years we have been a mem er 0 to be a very worthwhile organisation. Best wishes for your launch and for the future.
It was with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we at the ICP I d f h cr· f hi· . earne 0 t e
I
eatlon 0 t e nsh Primary Principals Network (IPPN) F now th ICP h . . Or severa years .' e as Included amongst its membership organsiations with primary level constituencies, in some cases exclusively so It· I import r d · IS extreme y ant. or e ucators at the primary level to have a vehicle to ,·oin
together In order to furth d
er a vance opportunities for professional d eve Iopment The ICP co I d . ngratu ates an strongly Supports the creation of the IPPN. To date, the ICP has the pleasure of counting NAPD of Ireland amongst its members, and looks forward to the possibility of welcoming IPPN in the future.
:~
closing, may I again offer a healthy congratulations and best wishes to ,PN: ItS members, and its officers, fl"Om the International Confederation of PIlnclpals
Nola Hambleton Immediate Past President International co-ordinator
Go n-eiri leat' Sincerely,
NZPF
January, 2000
Randall ~ackson. Executive Secretary, International Confederation of Principals
~s preSident of the National Ass:o:c:ia~ti~o:n~o:f~p~r:in~c:iP=a~'s~a~nd:~::::========~==:::::;;;;::==~ eputy Principals (N.AP.D.), I congratulate you on the launch of your new association and I wish you every success 'n the future. The Irish Primary Principals Network will enhance and broaden the spirit of partnership which already eXists and we look forward to working in close co operation with you in the future, Go raibh toradh thar barr ar bhur gcul·d saothar amach anseo.
Shay Bannon President, NAPD.
L/(lll m Pit r(ornhoid( BlIlIscoile Eireml/1
Regional Meetings R gional Meetings will be organised during th coming 111 nlh, throughout the country. Principals will be invited to attend a me ting of their h ice. D tes and venues will be publi,hed as soon a full arrang ments ha re b en made. Further information about lPPN will be given at these meetings outlirting i s local, regional and national structure, its draft cc nstitution, finance, membership aJld other relevant issues.
Proposed Timetable February 2000 • Publication of first IPPN Newsletter • Official launch of IPPN
March - June 2000 • Regional meetings • Appointment and secondment of a N<ltioTlal Director for IPPN. • EstabIishnlent of a ITlembership belse throughout the country. • Formation of professional support groups and regional networks. • Publication and issue of further newsletters.
I.P.P.N. Interim Committee Jim Hayes (President) Raymond King (Secretary) Moira Lynch (Minute Secretary) Una MacNamara (Membership Secretary) Tomas O'Slatara (Public Relations Officer) Sean O'Dfomasaigh' (Treasurer) ide Nf Dhubhain (Treasurer) George Barry Gear6idrn Nf Bhaoill Isbeal Brennan Noeleen Brennan Ciaran Boland Ann Byrne Sr. Chanel Canny Sr. Geraldine Costello Margaret Condon Sean Cottrell Colm Cregan Susan Doody Larry Fleming Eileen Flynn Pat Kavanagh Aine Lawlor Anne McDonagh Pat Maller Paul Murphy Virginia O'Mahoney Frank O'Meara Breda Rice David Ruddy (B.L.) Ciaran Sugrue Maurice Whelan Damien White Damien White
Scoil Oilibheir, Ballyvolane, Cork. Scoil na Mainistreach, Oldtown Rd., Celbridge, Kildare. Toorphelim N.S. Moate, Co. Westmeath. St. Vincent de Paul GNS, Griffith Ave, Dublin 9. S.N. na Grainsi, Cluain Meala, Co Thiobraid Arann. Scoil Mhichil na mBuachailif. Ath Troim, Co na Mf. Gaelscoil Mhachainn, Charraig Dhubh, Corcaigh. Ballymacarbry Central N.S., Newtown, Waterford Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Kilkenny N.,S., Comer Rd., Kilkenny. St. Kevin's N.S, Sallynoggin, Co Dublin. Scoil Barra Naofa, Monkstown, Co. Cork. Wandesford N.S, Castlecomer, Kilkenny. Presentation Primary School, Tuam, Co. Galway. Convent of Mercy, Tuam, Co. Galway. St. Michael's N.S. Dominican, Ballyfermot, Dublin. Glounthaune N.S, Glounthaune, Co. Cork. St. John's GNS, Cathedral Place, Limerick. Presentation Primary School, Teremure, Dublin 6. Ballinamere N.S., Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Scoil Eoin Ph6il, Leixlip, Co Kildare. Our Lady of Fatima N.S., Barnstown, Wexford. Scoil Nano Nagle, Bawnogue, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. St. Colmcille's GNS, Swords, Co. Dublin. Youghalarra N.S. Newtown, Co. Tipperary St. Oliver Plunkett's N.S., Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Scoil Chaitriona Sm. Renmore, Co Galway. Clocha Rince N.S., Moyvalley, Co. Kildare. Loreto Primary School, Gorey, Co. Wexford Talbot S.N.S. Bawnogue, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. St. Patrick's College. Drumcondra. Dublin 9. Moycullen N.S., Moycullen, Co. Galway Scoil Shinchill, Killeigh, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. St Joseph's N.S., Corville, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.