Director's Report March 2015
Transcript of Director's Report March 2015
20
CEC Staff present on the visit of Mr. Sean McMahon (President INTO), Ka-
ren O Loughlin, Mary O’Donoghue, Clara Carr, Sean McMahon (President
INTO 2015) Pat Hanrahan, Linda Hogan, Evelyn Murray
Local Schools Inspector and former Chairman of Clare
MC, Gerry Kearney and Sharon Dilger (Principal Holy
Family Junior School) at the 2014 Write a Book
1
DIRECTOR'S REPORT PERIOD 1ST JANUARY 2014 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2014
AGM 2015
March 9th
7.30 pm
CLARE EDUCATION CENTRE
2
CONTENTS
Page
Introduction 2
Personnel 3
Management Committee 4
Education Partners 5
Building & Maintenance, Footfall 6
CPD -Courses, PDST TiE 7
Incredible Years, Project Maths, CFSS 8
Accelerated Reader 9
NIPT, Aistear 10
Write a Book, Scríobh Leabhar 11
LSP, Primary Science 12
ASF, Ocean Safety, Literacy Lift-Off 13
Explorers Marine, Primary Debating 13
PDST - Sch Lead, LCA, TY, MR 14-15
Other CEC Activities 16
Cuimhneamh an Chláir 17
Appendix 1—Courses 18-19
INTRODUCTION 2014 has been a very good year in Clare Education Centre (CEC). Facilities have been further improved
and numbers attending course in the centre are up again. I would like to thank sincerely all who have con-
tributed in any way to this positive outcome. The Teacher Education Section (TES) are always helpful and
I would like thank Principal Officer Eddie Ward and all the staff for the ongoing support.. We were par-
ticularly delighted that Clare Education Centre was chosen as the national base for the new Centre for
School Leadership (CSL) which will be developed from 2015 onwards.
Looking forward to 2015, I think we can be positive because of our much enhanced Centre facilities. As a
result of the initiative of our Management Committee both in 2013 and 2014, the facilities have been much
improved. Both Seminar Room facilities, catering, car parking and most recently office space provision
have been expanded. We are now in a very good position to cater for several large groups. Car parking
space is beginning to become an issue and this is something that will need to be monitored. Many of the
other tenants on the site have increased their workforce and parking space is a real issue.
I wish to pay particular thanks to the members of our Management Committee and especially to our Chair-
man Tom Clohessy, Treasurer Nuala Kennedy and Vice Chairperson Michael Browne who continue to
support both the staff and myself. With some uncertainty around secondment this year, the support was
more appreciated than ever. This group also formed the Building Sub-committee and met on many occa-
sions over the past year to oversee the front office refurbishment.
Lastly, but by no means least, a very special word of thanks to all of the staff members of the Centre for
their courtesy to all teachers and visitors to the Centre and for their diligence in ensuring that the Centre
worked efficiently and productively throughout the year. Evelyn, together with other staff, has streamlined
our booking system and links effectively with caretaking staff in making sure the arrangements for courses
are efficient. Her effective use of ICT for communication has been very successful and continues to be de-
veloped. Lara has worked most efficiently in ensuring that all our financial reporting is up to date and ac-
curate. Linda, Karen, Clara. have coped extremely well with the many changes to the support service and
continue to give an excellent service to the various team leaders and PDST as well as contributing to the
work of the Centre. Mary assists Lara with payments and also ensures that the JIS scheme is funded and
accounted for in a proper manner. Margaret and Lediane ensure that the centre is always ready for cus-
tomers and in good order at all times.
As we approach the AGM, we are all saddened by death of Ann Barrett. Ann was a valued and dedicat-
ed staff member of Clare Education Centre for many years, until her retirement in 2011. May she rest in
peace.
Pat Hanrahan -Director (March 9 2015)
19
Local Courses 2014
Title of Course
Participants Courses
Primary Post/Prim Total
Accelerated Reader 19 4 23 1
Aistear 35 0 35 2
Art 35 0 35 3
Assist 8 12 20 1
Bua na Cainte 13 0 13 1
Coaching for Effective School Leadership 15 11 26 2
Conflict Management 4 6 10 1
Crafted 16 0 16 3
Debating 8 0 8 1
Dyslexia 61 4 65 3
Dyspraxia 9 1 10 1
FETAC OFA 18 2 20 3
Global Schoolroom 5 5 10 1
Guidance Counsellors 0 11 11 2
Handling Artifacts 2 0 2 1
ILSA Resource Workshop 26 0 26 2
Incredible Years 22 0 22 1
Infant Education Resource Group 10 0 10 2
Irish Maths Teachers Association 0 16 16 1
KNAN Academy 9 0 9 1
Limerick & Clare Research Conference 38 19 57 1
Literacy Lift Off 33 0 33 2
LSP 0 5 5 1
Manual Handling 9 4 13 2
Mata sa Rang - Module 1 81 0 81 4
Mata sa Rang Tutor Training 8 0 8 1
Maths Eyes 5 0 5 1
MHAI 0 8 8 1
Misneach Local 21 0 21 3
Movement & Drawing for Learning Difficulties 66 1 67 4
NEPS-Fostering Attachment Workshop 9 0 9 1
PDST - support courses 29 0 29 5
Primary Science 37 0 37 2
Promoting Healthy Schools 14 0 14 1
Resourcing Resource Teachers 17 0 17 1
Retirement Advice 18 11 29 1
SALF 25 0 25 2
School Completion Project 14 20 34 2
School-wide Numeracy 0 5 5 2
Scriobh Leabhar 12 0 12 1
SNA Assist: Accessing Literacy and Maths 207 38 245 14
Spanish Survival 24 1 25 2
STAR Workshop 24 4 28 1
Thinking & Talking about Picture Books 9 0 9 1
Work-Life Balance, Enneagram & Mindfulness 171 22 193 13
Write-a-Book 100 0 100 1
Writing Genres using First Steps 18 0 18 1
Total Spring/Autumn 1,304 210 1,514 104
Summer Courses
Aistear 25 0 25 1
Ait bheo 15 0 15 1
Guiding Comprehension - Teaching for Meaning 24 0 24 1
Interventions and Programmes to Improve Literacy and Numera-
cy 17 0 17 1
Moving to Learn and Learning to Move Through Physical Educa-
tion 21 0 21 1
Primary Science: A practical guide for the classroom 10 0 10 1
Promoting a whole-school environment, supportive of pupil learn-
ing 26 0 26 1
Post Primary SNA 0 38 38 3
Test 2r 5 0 5 1
The Year Round Organic School Garden 14 0 14 1
Total Spring/Autumn 157 38 195 12
Total 2014 1,461 248 1,709 116
Total 2013 1,459 221 1,680 97
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APPENDIX 1
ICT Courses 2014
Participants Courses
Local ICT Courses Primary Post/Prim Total
Maths Technology 0 13 13 1
Using Tablet Technology 32 0 32 3
Using ICT strategies from the Australian Classroom 13 0 13 1
ICT in SEN 27 1 28 2
Information Technology Course for School Secretaries 9 2 11 1
ICT Project - sharing best ICT practices 7 0 7 1
Moodle 0 5 5 1
ICT Admin System for schools 22 0 22 2
Wordpress 8 1 9 1
Using ICT to Develop Problem Solving 10 0 10 1
Maths Tips and Tricks 6 0 6 1
Classroom Management using ICT 11 0 11 1
Digital Photography 5 0 5 1
Robotics using LEGO 12 0 12 1
Introduction to Online Maths Resources 20 2 22 2
Total Local ICT Spring/Autumn 182 24 206 20
Summer Course - ICT and the Flipped Classroom 19 0 19 1
Total Local ICT 201 24 225 21
National ICT Courses
An introduction to Scratch in the Classroom 19 0 19 2
Problem solving in Maths using ICT resources 10 4 14 1
Active Learning Methodologies 9 20 29 2
Finding and Selecting Information 10 11 21 2
Active Learning using Tablet Devices 0 12 12 1
Total National ICT Spring/Autumn 48 47 95 8
National ICT Summer
Using Scratch to Develop Numeracy 14 0 14 1
Using Tablets and Online Tools for Literacy and Numeracy 88 0 88 5
Active Learning in Literacy and Numeracy 52 0 52 3
The Reading and Writing Process using ICT 100 0 100 5
Fís: Film making process to promote Literacy 15 0 15 1
Total National ICT Summer 269 0 269 15
Total National ICT 317 47 364 23
Total ICT Courses 2014 518 71 589 44
Total ICT Courses 2013 516 72 588 39
3
PERSONNEL
The names and functions of personnel working in and through Clare Education Centre are outlined below.
Pat Hanrahan Director
Evelyn Murray Office Manager
Lara Doris Finance Manager
Linda Hogan Administrator
Clara Carr Administrator
Karen O’Loughlin Administrator
Mary O’Donoghue Bookkeeper JIS /CEC Administrator
Margaret Conway Caretaker (JIS)
Lediane Da Silva Fernandes Caretaker
Other Personnel using Centre Administrative Services
Mary O’Donoghue ERCC FÁS: JIS
Joan McDonald and Gerry Kerwin NCSE
Mary Kierse Dallas TUSLA
Tomás Mac Conmara Cuimhneamh an Chláir
Harry Freeman LCA
Noreen O’Loughlin Mata sa Rang
Anthony Kilcoyne School Leadership
Catherine Sweeney ILSA Library
Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN)
Ennis Schools Completion Project (ESCP)
External Agencies using CEC
In 2014 facilities and support was provided for external agencies. The main users of the facilities were:
Accord
Cenit College
Clare Local Development Company
College Of Progressive Education
Cuimhneamh an Chláir
Garda Central Vetting Unit
Hartley People
Midwest Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum
NCSE
NUI Galway
Local Enterprise Office
Pery Square Business College
Revenue
Samaritans
School of Philosophy & Economics
Social Welfare
TUSLA
University College Cork
The centre offers laminating, binding and photocopying services to schools at DES rates. The facilities of
the Centre were also made available to an increasing number of school Boards of Management to conduct
interviews, at no charge.
4
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Management Committee for Clare Education Centre is as detailed below.
Finance Committee
Centre Opening Hours
OOFFICEFFICE AAPPOINTEDPPOINTED
CHAIRPERSON Tom Clohessy
V. CHAIRPERSON Michael Browne
TREASURER Nuala Kennedy
COMMITTEE Syl Barrett
COMMITTEE Laura Cullen Ryan
COMMITTEE Fiona De Buitléir
COMMITTEE Sharon Dilger
COMMITTEE Kieran Kennedy
COMMITTEE David McMahon
COMMITTEE Rory McGann
COMMITTEE Ray McInerney
COMMITTEE Ann McMahon
COMMITTEE Áine Meehan
COMMITTEE Aideen O’Mahony
COMMITTEE Noreen O’Loughlin
Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Saturday Variable upon request
CHAIRPERSON Tom Clohessy
TREASURER Nuala Kennedy
DIRECTOR Pat Hanrahan
17
Cuimhneamh and Chláir - Annual Report 2014
Cuimhneamh and Chláir went from strength to strength in 2015 and we would like to once again thank the
Clare Education Centre for their ongoing support of our charity. The core aims and objectives of our organi-
sation were once again met as we continued to add to our archive and make this rich resource available to the
public in a range of formats. Private collections of oral history and other artefacts were also donated to the
group, a strong indicator of support from the local community in Clare and an appreciation of the high stand-
ards and ethics we adhere to. A key milestone in our group's history was the award of Charitable Status
(CHY20976) from the Revenue Commissioners. This involved
significant work and dedication on behalf of the Executive Com-
mittee and also key volunteers who kindly donated their expertise.
We completed the final drawdown of LEADER funding from
Clare Local Development Company. Our group has consistently
shown that we adhere to the highest standards of financial trans-
parency and successfully completed all drawdowns in full compli-
ance with the rigorous financial rules set out by the National
LEADER companies. The final use of these monies went towards
the production of 3 interactive audio walls showcasing 55 clips (above) from our archive across eight catego-
ries. The units have been donated free of charge by Cuimhneamh an Chláir to the County Museum, Bunratty
Folk Park and Aillwee Caves. We were delighted to have some of our interviewees with us at the launch.
Below is a selection of our achievements in 2014:
Our reputation as community leaders in the area of oral history collection has been recognised by two third
level institutions. Firstly we were contacted in relation to a Civic Epistemologies Project taking place in
Waterford Institute of Technology. Here we advised on techniques for oral history collection, interviewee
consent and making material available to the public. Next we arranged to host 19 students from James
Madison University (Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA) in Summer 2015. The students will work exclusively
with Cuimhneamh an Chláir to help develop mechanisms whereby we can increase community access to
our archive. In return we will expose the students to the rich heritage (both in terms of oral history and
built/natural heritage) that Clare has to offer.
We aided David McCarthy and Ennis CDP (Community Development Project) to develop a project around
Traveller Heritage and Oral History which was launched in Glór. We are continuing to work on this part-
nership to ensure the rich oral heritage of the local Travel-
ling Community is preserved for future generations.
We continued to get as much material out into the public do-
main as possible either through local media, schools or the
hugely successful "Come here til I tell ya!" series of public
events we have developed.
A dedicated subcommittee focussed on fundraising in 2014
with the hugely successful development of the Miles of
Memories walk in the Burren (pictured right) and county-
wide church gate collections.
16
EUROPEAN PROJECTS
STAYON Project STAYON (STrategies And systems to reduce YOung people’s Non-completion of upper secondary vocational
education) Project continued in 2014 with a Course / Conference in Ennis during Oct. The project is an inter-
vention with students at Second Level to address school dropout. Ennis Community College has been centrally
involved with a special input from the School Completion Programme. I thank John Cooke (Principal), Aine
Meehan, Catherine O Donnell and Denis O’ Rourke in particular for their assistance. The Conference
brought over 40 delegates to Ennis to discuss this issue which continues to be an EU priority. The final event and
reporting will take place in Norway during 2015.
RECIPE Project (Regional Education Centres in Pedagogical Europe) The RECIPE project which looks at the influence of Regional Education Centres on schools continued during
2014 with a meeting in Portugal. This project gets great support from Rory McGann (MC Member and Lecturer
in Mary Immaculate) Eamon Curley ( Scoil na Maighdine Muite) and John Griffin (Scoil Chriost Ri). Rory is
spearheading the use of Lego in the Primary School through Mary Immaculate and the Centre works with Rory
to develop an appropriate classroom strategy using Lego. Teachers were get training in the use of Lego and stu-
dent teachers were assigned to the different schools. I sincerely thank Rory and Mary Immaculate for this new
initiative.
CLARE AND LIMERICK EDUCATION CENTRES RESEARCH CONFERENCE
“The Clare and Limerick Education Centres’ Fourth Education Research Conference was held at the Clare Education
Centre, Government Offices, Kilrush Road Ennis on Saturday last 1st March. The for Proceedings were set under way
on schedule by 9.15 a.m. by Mr. Pat Hanrahan, Director of Clare Education Centre. Mr. Hanrahan extended a warm
welcome to the researchers and all in attendance. In his opening address he emphasised the importance of ongoing edu-
cation research especially at micro level to inform best practice and he assured all practitioners in education one of his
unwavering support in the pursuit of excellence through ongoing rigorous research at micro and macro levels.
Clare was well represented at this year’s conference by Kilmaley woman Dr. Noreen O’Loughlin, of Mary Immaculate
College, Limerick with a paper on Implementing a Primary Maths Intervention: Some insights into the complexities of
teacher learning. Ms. Ruth Morrissey-Casey from Kildysart, teaches in Kilmihil Community School and is currently a
PhD Candidate at the University of Limerick shared her insights on Looking from the inside out: Exploring Students’
Perspectives on the Irish Language.
Ms. Brid Kennedy from Quin and teaching in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis addressed a current area of interest in edu-
cation with her paper on A Study of Motivation Factors for Irish Teachers while Sarah Blackwell from Ennistymon and
teacher in a primary teacher in St. Flannan’s National School, Inagh completed the Clare line-up with her research find-
ings An Investigation of Pupils and Teachers at The Point of Transition From Primary to Post-Primary School: Current
Issues in the Teaching and Learning of Science that highlighted issues arising among pupils and teachers in the transi-
tion from primary to post-primary science education in Ireland.
The curtain was brought down on this year’s conference with an inspirational Keynote Address by Prof. Jim Deegan
Head of the Graduate School, Research and Graduate School, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick with his presentation
on Going Public with Teacher. Professor Deegan’s Keynote Address was most inspiring and a fitting climax to the
day’s proceedings. Once again the honour of closing the event was given to the conference coordinator, Limerick based,
Doonaha man Dr. Kevin Haugh who thanked the researchers for sharing their research with all who attended the confer-
ence. He complimented each and everyone involved for their commitment to the pursuit of excellence in their profes-
sion through their engagement in ongoing rigorous research in education. He also thanked Mr. Brendan Kelly of the IN-
TO Comhar Linn Credit Union for his support and complimented Mr. Conor Holmes of Outside the Box Learning Re-
sources, Naas Co. Kildare for is efforts to have the conference journal published and available at the conference on Sat-
urday. He concluded by thanking all who attended and had a special word of thanks for Dr. Joe O’ Connell, Director of
Limerick Education Centre and Mr. Pat Hanrahan together with the management committees of both education centres
for their unwavering support for the event and in the process making it an outstanding success and a landmark event in
the annual education conference calendar.
NUI MAYNOOTH COUNSELLING SKILLS COURSE
In October 2012, CEC began running the NUI Maynooth Counselling Skills Course. This course is open to any-
one who wishes to develop effective counselling skills and enhance their own personal development. It is a very
successful partnership and is currently running for the third year for 2014/15.
5
EDUCATION PARTNERS
Clare Education Centre works with many organisations and agencies in attempting to support teachers and
schools. Listed below are some of these groups. I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and dedica-
tion of all those listed and indeed others who may work with us occasionally.
National Programmes
Career Guidance Counsellors
Circus & Fairground Support Service (CFSS)
Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT)
Mental Health Awareness Initiative (MHAI)
National Induction programme for Teachers (NIPT)
Professional Service Development for Teachers (PDST)
Project Maths
Special Education Support Service (SESS)
External Education Partners
ATECI
An Chigireacht
Clare County Library
Clare Primary & Post Primary schools principals and deputies
Clare Sports Partnership
Crafts Council of Ireland
European Partners
Health & Safety Authority (HSA)
Health Service Executive (HSE)
Irish Learning Support Organisation (ILSA)
Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO)
Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN)
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
(Aistear)
NUI Maynooth
Léargas
Renaissance Learning - Accelerated Reader
Riches of Clare Museum
School Completion Programme - Clare
Sherkin Island Marine Research Station
STAYON Course 2014
Colleagues from Norway at the
“Market Place” in Temple gate during
the STAYON Course in October.
Teachers from the different participat-
ing countries brought samples of their
native food and drink!
Siobhan Griffin & Emer Hegarty
represented Kilrush Community
School at the Learning School
Project in Charleville
Pat Hanrahan presents the
Learning Schools Plaque to Ann
O’Brien from Kilkee Community
School
6
BUILDING & MAINTENANCE
During the year all necessary repairs were carried out and the building was maintained to a high standard.
Our caretaking staff work hard to ensure that the level of cleanliness in the building is of a high standard.
All the staff have been especially busy at times during the year with regard to catering for large numbers. A
special word of thanks to Margaret, Diane and more recently Derek Maddox for this excellent work.
As said in the introduction the improvement and expansion of the centre has had a very significant effect.
Many teachers and visitors complement the staff and me personally on the facility. We have seen an in-
crease in the use of the facilities, as detailed in the Centre Attendance Records below. The challenge ahead
is to at least maintain current “footfall” numbers and hopefully increase this over time. All profit made
from rental etc goes back into new initiatives and further improvements to the building. We have just com-
pleted new floors to the toilets and we are currently looking at the “flat roof” part of the building.
Centre Attendance Records
By Month 2014 2013 January 2,423 1,689
February 2,655 1,936
March 2,677 1,936
April 1,415 1,887
May 1,881 2,162
June 1,161 1,120
July 3,276 2,304
August 1,134 769
September 1,942 1,577
October 2,890 2,727
November 2,616 2,574
December 1,304 1,549
Total 25,374 22,230
By Activity 2014 2013 National Programme/PDST 2,210 2,594
PDST Technology in Education (TiE) 1,955 1,634
NDP - Local & NIPT 4,828 4,742
External Education & Training 12,774 10,562
Tutors, Other Events & Meetings 3,607 2,698
Total 25,374 22,230
Extension of Main Office 2014 New dining area 2013/14
15
Transition Year (TY) We are delighted to be hosting Transition Year Support in Clare Education Centre. Transition Year is offered
in over 600 schools and 80% of students participate in it. We offer support through school support, refresher
days, workshops and national seminars.
One of our major events will be coming up shortly. The PDST Get up and Go Transition Year Minicompany
Competition will be held in 8 venues with over 1,400 students attending representing 6,000 students.We also
support agencies in linking Transition Year to guidelines. Caroline McHale is the Team Leader and Karen
O’Loughlin is the Administrator.
Clara Carr has been a great backup for all programmes and provided cover or additional help as required at
particularly busy times.
Maths Recovery & Mata sa Rang Maths Recovery (MR) is a numeracy programme which was available only to
DEIS Urban Band 1 & 2 schools. Since Sept 1st 2010 its administrative base is in
CEC. Unfortunately during 2014 the programme has not run as in previous years.
However, in response to demand from other schools, both rural DEIS and non-
DEIS schools, Mata sa Rang, a classroom approach to MR was developed by
Noreen O’Loughlin, MR Ireland and delivered nationwide by MR teachers through the Education Centre
Network. MR teachers in every centre were trained to be tutors in the programme. Clare Education Centre has
been instrumental in achieving this and Clare EC admin staff, particularly Linda Hogan, have given outstand-
ing support in administering the programme. To date, in excess of 1000 schools nationwide have availed of
this training.
Noreen O Loughlin who was the PDST National Co – Ordinator for MR, has returned to her post as Lecturer
in Mary Immaculate College but continues to support Mata sa Rang through the Education Centre Network.
We sincerely thank Noreen for her work with us and we hope that this can continue in the future.
Mata sa Rang Participating Schools
Module 1 - 63 schools
Annagh Clonigulane Flagmount Newmarket-on Fergus
Ballina Clonlara Inagh O'Callaghan's Mills
Ballyea Clooney Inch Querrin
Ballynacally Clouna Kildysart Quin
Barefield Connolly Killaloe Boys Raheenwood Steiner
Bodyke Cooraclare Kilmurry Ruan
Boston Coore Kilnaboy Shannon - Gaelscoil
Bridgetown Corofin Kilnamona Shannon - St Conaires
Broadford Cratloe Kilrush - Gaelscoil Shannon - St Tolas
Caherea Doonbeg Knockerra Shannon - St. Aidan's
Cahermurphy Ennis - CBS Lahinch Shannon - St. Senan's
Carrig Ennis - Gaelscoil Lakyle Shragh
Carrigaholt Ennis - Holy Family Lissycasey Sixmilebridge
Clarecastle Ennis National Miltown Malbay Tuamgraney
Clohanes Ennis - Scoil Chríost Rí Mol an Oige Steiner Tulla
Clondrinagh Ennistymon Moyasta
Module 2 - 34 schools
Ballina Connolly Ennis National Querrin
Ballyvaughan Cooraclare Killaloe Convent Quin
Barefield Coore Kilmurry Raheen Wood Steiner
Bodyke Cratloe Kilnaboy Shannon - St. Conaire's
Broadford & Kilbane Crusheen Kilnamona Shannon - St. Tola's
Caherea Doora Kilrush - Gaelscoil Shragh
Cahermurphy Ennis - CBS Knockerra NS Tulla
Carron Ennis - Gaelscoil Mól an Óige Steiner
Clohanes Ennis - Scoil Chríost Rí Newmarket-on Fergus
14
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
FOR TEACHERS (PDST) Since Sept 1st 2010 most National Programmes have been brought un-
der one umbrella group, titled PDST. CEC is designated the national ad-
ministration centre for four programmes– School Leadership, Maths Re-
covery, Leaving Cert Applied and Transition Year. While budgets and general activity are declining national-
ly, the continuation of these programmes in the Centre has been very welcome. During 2014 we also had some
activity from the Local PDST team especially a top class ICT input from the ICT team which included MJ
Malone and David McMahon. We are also very grateful to Mick O’ Riordan, Anne O’ Brien, Dympna O’
Byrne and Micheal Mac Donnacha for taking on a variety of projects with CEC.
School Leadership All PDST School Leadership Programmes aims to respond to the challenging and complex environment in
which they operate. Anthony Kilkoyne is the team leader and Linda Hogan administers the programme. De-
spite cutbacks and retirements of full time members, the team continues to deliver courses to school leaders of
a very high quality. The difficulties surrounding the secondment of Principals to the support service is an im-
portant issue for School Leadership. Most people in the system agree that seconded principals are essential to
the development of the service, however the Dept. of Finance have refused payment of appropriate allowances
to new entrants. This issue will be addressed in 2015 with the formation of the CSL (Centre for School
Leadership).
Tóraíocht Post Graduate Diploma in
Educational Leadership
PDST works in partnership with NUI Maynooth to
provide a course leading to the award of a post gradu-
ate diploma in educational leadership (Level 9, 60
credits). The programme was launched in September
2008 and has been delivered nationwide during the last
five years. There are almost 1000 graduates of the
course currently in the Irish school system. CEC had
not hosted the course since 2009/10 and we were de-
lighted to be chosen to host for 2013/14. The high uptake of 59 participants for 2013/14 ensured that we were
chosen to host for 2014/15 with 29 participants.
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two year practical Leaving Certificate programme with a strong voca-
tional focus. It places particular emphasis on preparation for the world of work and life-long learning. Clare
Education Centre continues to administer the support of The Leaving Certificate Applied programme to 354
schools and centres. This has been a particularly busy year as per
the attached table. The September in-service programme ran a
total of 34 courses with a total of 778 participants. An extensive
programme of evening workshops was also offered on various as-
pects of the programme. Over 50 schools have had support visits
and 10 schools have indicated they will be introducing the pro-
gramme next year. This is a significant rise. The centre continues
to support teachers of the programme through a telephone help
line and through email. A comprehensive website offers further
support. Karen O'Loughlin is the administrator and works with
Harry Freeman who runs the programme as part of his PDST
brief.
Leadership Programme
Number of Courses
2014
Participants
2014
Forbairt Post-Primary 22 341
Forbairt Primary 54 865
Misneach Post-Primary 10 283
Misneach Primary 54 1,032
Tánaiste Post-Primary 7 311
Tánaiste Primary (5 days) 7 92
Tóraíocht (centres) 10 503
Total 164 3,427
Leaving Certificate Applied Inservice
2014
Jan-Jun 2014
Number of
Workshops
Total parti-
cants
Task Evening Workshops 15 85
Coordinators Workshops 2 37
Aug-Dec 2014
One Day Inservice Workshops 34 778
Task Evening Workshops 15 111
Local Facilitator/Associate
Planning & Development 1 17
67 1,028
7
CPD - COURSES
The main function of the Centre is to provide support and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to
teachers and schools through courses and access to advice and the various national programmes. Precise data
is forwarded to Teacher Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education and Skills for statistical
purposes. Summary details of Local and PDST Technology in Education courses are set out in Appendix 1
attached.
The level of national in-service during the school day, at both primary and post-primary, has declined con-
siderably in recent years. Only a small number of Programmes now run during school hours - ,School Lead-
ership, Project Maths, SESS, SPHE, SSE, Literacy & Numeracy Link Teachers and a small number of oth-
ers on an occasional basis. Many CPD courses now take place after school hours. It is a worrying trend and
is expected to continue during the coming year. This puts considerable pressure on the Centre to bring in
other business in order to continue to provide a proper service. Unfortunately, due to industrial action the
JCT programme hasn’t taken off during 2014. We can expect increased activity from Post Primary over the
next few years, once agreement has been reached between the DES and Unions.
CEC is continuously trying to use technology to improve communication with teachers and now uses an
online course booking facility (due for further update soon) and communicates with all schools by email. All
teachers on our mailing list receive email communications of upcoming courses. Our website is continuously
updated and we are now using Facebook and Twitter to communicate with the education community.
The following pages highlight some of the many courses/initiatives supported by CEC in 2014.
PDST Technology in Education (TiE) (formerly NCTE)
With regard to PDST Technology in Education courses, I would like
to acknowledge the work of all our tutors and schools. Great pro-
gress has been made in developing ICT in Clare schools. In particu-
lar I would like to acknowledge the trojan work done by Tony Kelly
(formerly Ennis N.S. ) in supporting the smaller rural schools. His
dedication and enthusiasm is much appreciated.
We have re-structured and added new material to our ICT Resources
section on our website. We believe the new layout by subject/strand
etc. will help Primary teachers in particular access the relevant re-
source more easily. Many thanks to David McMahon (Sc. Chriost
Ri and PDST) for great work on this project. Also to MJ Malone
(Clarecastle N.S. & PDST ) and Rory McGann (Mary Immaculate
College) for their on-going support and expertise in general.
During 2014 we initiated a new LEGO in education with 8 schools.
This project was funded through assistance from PDST, Engineers
Ireland and our local course budget. Rory McGann (Mary Immacu-
late College) was the tutor to a very enthusiastic audience. The pro-
ject continues and will be showcased in 2015.
Schools participating : Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire – Newmarket on Fer-
gus, Connolly N.S , St. Conaire’s N.S ,Shannon, ,Scoil Chriost Rí, Querrin
N.S, St. Tola’s N.S, Shannon, Bodyke N.S, Ennis N.S
Eamon Curley (Scoil na Maighdine
Muire Newmarket) & John Griffin
(Scoil Chriost Rí ) at LEGO Centre in
Denmark
8
Incredible Years
Incredible Years (IY) is an international evidence-based programme that promotes children’s emotional/social
competencies and reduces aggressive and non-compliant behaviours.
IY Clare is an interagency initiative working since 2004 to address the social, emotional and behavioural
needs of children. NEPS psychologists and IY trained leaders, Gabriella Greene and Richard Egan, are
currently facilitating the Teacher Classroom Management (TCM) programme in CEC.
The aims of the TCM program are: to emphasise the importance of building positive relationships with stu-
dents and parents; to promote teacher competencies and strengthens home-school connections; to develop pro-
active teaching strategies; to manage inappropriate classroom behaviours; to emphasise effective classroom
management skills and to promote the effective use of incentives for difficult behaviour problems.
Participating schools:
Project Maths Project Maths has been one of the most interesting and successful recent initiatives at Post Primary Level. An
excellent full-time team and part-time facilitators have been assembled. Attendances have been good for thye
most part but a change in strategy and industrial unrest had let to a slight decline late in 2014.We are particu-
larly fortunate in Clare Education Centre to have the excellent Gary Ryan from Limerick as our main full
time person. Tom Clohessy (Rice College) and Sean Murphy (Ennistimon CBS) have also been excellent in
leading the evening courses. Recently Tony Hayes (Tutor) did a Saturday workshop which had almost 20
teachers. Great credit is due to the Post Primary Maths teachers for the very professional way they have up-
skilled themselves in this new programme which has been very challenging at times. The programme is ad-
ministered from Drumcondra Education Centre and delivered through the Education Centre network.
Bodyke Kilrush - Gaelscoil Shannon - St. Aidan's
Ennistymon Knockanean Shannon - St. Senan's
Holy Family Sr. Mol an Oige Steiner Sixmilebridge
Inch Raheen Wood Steiner
Killaloe Boy's Ruan
David Mcmahon (Scoil Chriost Rí & PDST) Gerry Kearney (School Inspector) Pat Han-
rahan (CEC) MJ Malone (Principal Lisdoonvarna NS) at the ICT Booklet Launch
13
HSA Ocean Safety Competition In excess of 20 Primary Schools took part in this
competition. Ocean Safety is an important issue in
Clare and we were delighted with the interest. The
local winners were: Bodyke NS, Ennis National, Scoil Chríost Rí and Toonagh NS.
Literacy Lift-Off
Literacy Lift Off is an intervention that gives children lots of opportunities to read books at their own level
of competency and gradually lift the complexity of what they can do in both reading and writing. The pro-
gramme helps teachers improve their teaching of Literacy. Miriam Lowe, Bríd O’Connor, Críona Smyth
and Karen Riordan are the CEC facilitators of this very successful programme. The Centre is most grateful
to all the facilitators for their excellent work.
Primary Debating Competition
Primary Debating Ireland have set up the All Ireland Primary
Debating Competition, a project that Senator David Norris has
become Honorary Patron of. The objective is to enrich the chil-
dren's cognitive and language abilities not to mention encouraging
confidence . This was the second year that Primary Debating took
place in Clare Education Centre. There were 6 participating schools:
Cahermurphy, Kilkishen, Kilkee, Kilrush, Holy Family Senior, New-
market-on-Fergus The winners were Scoil Realt Na Mara, Kilkee.
Active School Flag - Presentations 2014
The Department of Education and Skills recognises schools that strive to achieve a physical educated and physically active school
community by awarding them the Active School Flag (ASF). Presentations were made in January and September 2014 to the fol-
lowing schools:
Ballina Holy Family Senior Quilty
Barefield N.S Kilfenora Ruan
Buranne Kilrush Shannon - Gaelscoil
Clarecastle Knockanean Shannon - St. Conaire's
Corofin Lahinch Shannon - St. John's
Crusheen Moy Sixmilebridge
Ennis - Scoil Chríost Rí Mullagh Tuamgraney
Ennis - St. Anne's School Newmarket-on-Fergus Tubber
Ennis National School O'Callaghan's Mills Tulla
Holy Family Junior Ogonnolloe
Explorers Marine Education Programme The Explorers Marine Education Programme has been designed to introduce primary school students to Ire-
land’s marine environment using activities and lessons based around a range of curriculum strands and strand
units. The following 13 schools participated in the programme in 2014:
Carrigaholt Moveen
Carron Moy
Clohanbeg New Quay
Doolin Querrin
Fanore Rockmount
Knockerra Scoil Réalt na Mara
Liscannor
Ocean safety
winners 2014
getting their
prizes
Scoil Realt na Mara. Kilkee were
the Clare Primary Debating Win-
ners. School Principal , Eleanor
Corry with winning pupils and
Pat
12
The Learning Schools Project
LSP - 4 is a DES initiative at Post Primary Level in Clare, Limerick, Cork
& Kerry. Schools are invited to evaluate their own school and establish ar-
eas that may need attention. Each school involved establishes a “school
project team” and this group meets in CEC a number of times during the
year. It also involves a number of school visits from the PDST and Educa-
tion Centre Director. The programme has a clear pattern - commencing
with each school examining their needs through data gathering and analy-
sis, then taking appropriate actions and finally evaluating the initiative. A
short report is issued by each school at the end of the school year. A show-
case event was held in Sept 2014 in Charleville in order that schools have
an opportunity to share experiences and resources. Two Clare Post Primary
Schools participated in this project in the 2013-14 school year and have
worked extremely diligently. I believe this type of initiative will become
more common at both Primary and Post Primary Level. Schools were pre-
sented with a commemorative plaque at the Ag Foghlaim le Cheile event in
Charleville. Clare Schools in LSP - 4: Kilkee Community School, & Kil-
rush Community School.
Primary Science Fair
Clare Education Centre held its annual Science Fair for Clare Primary schools in the Auburn Lodge Hotel in
February 2014. In excess of 200 pupils participated from Primary schools across the county. The evening was
the culmination of a series of evening workshops delivered in Clare Education Centre by well-known Primary
Science expert Michael Browne. Michael, who is a Crusheen native, is the author of a range of Science books
for the Primary school curriculum and has worked closely with Clare Education Centre for a number of years.
The teachers from the participating schools attended 5 evening workshops during the term in preparation for
the Science Fair. Schools looked at all aspects of the science curriculum and devised suitable experiments to
demonstrate the various concepts. The emphasis was very much on the practical and "learning by doing". On
the night, parents were invited and the pupils demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the subject
to their parents, teachers and all who attended.
Thanks to all teachers and schools for their enthusiasm and hard work. Much of the work was done outside
normal school hours and that teacher's deserved great credit in this regard, especially in these challenging
times. Their professionalism and interest in their pupils was most noteworthy. Thanks also to the parents in
the schools for their support and interest. We acknowledge the assistance of the Dept. of Education and Skills
in making the project possible. All participating schools were presented with a framed memento for their par-
ticipation and pupils were presented with a certificate of achievement. Thirteen schools participated on the
night:
Mark O Dea, Kilrush Community School receives
the Learning School Plaque
Donal O hAneifein (Principal) with pupils
from Gaelscoil Mhichíl Cíosog.
Bodyke Stonehall
Boher Moy
Crusheen Newmarket-on-Fergus
Gaelscoil Mhichil Cíosóg Quin
Inagh Shannon - St. Senan's
Killaloe Boys Shannon - St. Conaire's
Kilmaley
9
Accelerated Reader
The Accelerated Reader Programme operated out of Clare Education Centre, in conjunction with Renaissance Learning,
continues to expand. Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computerised reading management program developed by Judi and
Terry Paul, co-founders of Renaissance Learning. The program was introduced to school systems in 1986 as a tool to
help teachers efficiently manage literature-based reading and is currently used in more than half the schools in the U.S.
(Paul, 2003:1). Accelerated Reader focuses on a database of thousands of books ranging in reading levels from one to
twelve. It provides teachers with specific data on student’s reading levels and their understanding of what they have read.
Paul (2003:7) reveals that “because it is computerised, it reduces teachers’ paperwork while providing the information
needed to guide and monitor student reading practise”. The Accelerated Reader program consists of a software package
which is internet based that corresponds to books and the program has self-administered reading tests that the students
use in the classroom to earn points. Clare Education Centre co-ordinates the Accelerated Reader training programme which significantly reduces the cost for
schools. There has been great interest in the programme with fifty-three schools now taking part, including five second-
ary schools:
Gearóid Roughan who has published a Thesis entitled The Effect of the Accelerated Reader Program on the Reading
Achievement and Attitudes of a Senior Class has provided most of the training in Clare Education Centre. Aideen O Ma-
hony (Principal Clohanes NS) has joined the AR team in 2014. Both Gearoid and Aideen have been a huge support to
schools and I would like to sincerely thank them for that.
Primary Schools
Annagh Crusheen Liscannor
Ballina Ennis - Holy Family Sr. Lissycasey
Ballycar Ennis - Scoil Chriost Rí Moveen
Ballyvaughan Ennis National Moy
Barefield Feakle Mullagh
Bodyke Flagmount Newmarket-on Fergus
Broadford Rockmount O'Callaghan's Mills
Carrigaholt Inagh Quin
Clarecastle Inch Ruan
Clohanes Kilkee Scariff
Clonlara Kilkishen Shannon - Gaelscoil Donncha Rua
Clonmoney Kilmaley Shannon - St Tolas
Clooney Kilmurry Shannon - St. Senan's
Corofin Kilmurry McMahon Sixmilebridge
Cranny Lahinch Stonehall
Cratloe Lakyle Tulla
Secondary schools
St Caimins Shannon Ennis Community College St Josephs Tulla
Kilrush Community College Scariff Community College
Pupils attending Write a Book 2014 David McMahon & Ger Coughlan working
on the ICT Summer Courses 2014
10
National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT)
This initiative commenced in 2010 as two separate programmes. Each programme was specifically targeted at
either newly qualified primary or post primary teachers. In 2011 these programmes were combined. The pro-
gramme aims to support the induction of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) into the teaching profession in pri-
mary schools in Ireland. The main objective of induction is towards promoting the professional development
of NQTs by way of systematic support in their first year of teaching, thus laying the foundations for subse-
quent professional growth and development. A key characteristic of the programme is access by the NQT to a
mentor at school level or in a neighbouring school. Mentors are experienced teachers who are fully probated,
have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience and have undertaken professional training for the role. It is
widely acknowledged that building strong professional learning communities through programmes such as the
Induction Programme will benefit schools as learning organisations in the long-term. Mary Burke and Billy
Redmond are the NCO’s and the service has been delivered by local facilitators. While the programme is ex-
cellent, the lack of employment for teachers means that many of those attending are not teaching. 2014 has
been particularly disappointing in this regard. There is also a tendency for young teachers to migrate towards
the large population centres as teaching jobs in Clare are particularly scarce. It is unfortunate that this wonder-
ful programme has come on stream at a time of such high teacher unemployment. Hopefully this can be ad-
dressed as we move forward.
Our current facilitators are :
Primary—Sineád Ginnane, Bríd O’Connor, Karen Riordan, Seónaidh Ni Shíomóin, Ciara O’Connell,
Críona Smyth
Post-Primary—Laura Cullen-Ryan, Caroline Roche and Philomena Hooban The Centre is most grateful to
all the facilitators for their excellent work.
Aistear—Infant Programme
In October 2009, the NCCA published Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. Aistear is for
all children from birth to six years. It is the outcome of extensive research, consultation, planning, and devel-
opment by the NCCA in partnership with the early childhood sector and the Education Centre Network.
Aistear can be used in the range of early childhood settings including children's own homes, childminding
settings, full and part-time daycare settings, sessional services and infant classes in primary schools. High-
lighting the fact that children learn many different things at the same time, the Framework uses four inter-
connected themes to describe the content of children's learning and development: Well-being, Identity and
Belonging, Communicating, and Exploring and Thinking. Aistear highlights the critical role of play, rela-
tionships and language for young children's learning. CEC have 2 trained facilitators for the programme
which has been well supported locally both after school and for the Summer Course which was held in Clar-
ecastle N.S. in 2014.
The local facilitators are Emer Healy and Niamh Finlay and I would like to thank both for their excellent
work. Recently Niamh Quinn and Martina O Grady have commenced tutor training .
RECIPE Project.
Portugese Teachers Graca, Joao and Claudia
are members of the RECIPE Commenius Pro-
ject. They have proven to be excellent col-
leagues and will be at the RECIPE meeting in
Clare during 2015.
11
Write-A-Book
Scríobh Leabhar
Pupils from County Clare gathered on Wednesday May 7th in the Clare
Education Centre to receive their awards for the annual Scríobh Leabhar
project. They were among the 1000s of primary school pupils through-
out the island of Ireland who were inspired again this year to use their
creative skills and compose, design and publish their very own book in
Irish as part of Foras na Gaeilge’s Scríobh Leabhar project.
Dónal Ó Loinsigh of an Clár as Gaeilge was on hand at the presentation
to present medals and certificates to the winning pupils. In all, over 450
children participated in the project in the Clare area and there were 40
award winners. Since its launch in the 2006/2007 school year, more
than 26,000 pupils have participated in the Scríobh Leabhar project. As
part of this initiative, children not only write their own books, but they
also have the opportunity to read and discuss stories written by children
in other schools. Teachers also have a central role in Scríobh Leabhar and they are offered in-service courses
to help them support the pupils with their efforts.
Ballyea Cranny Killaloe Convent Kilkee
Ballyvaughan Cratloe Kilmurry Shragh
Bansha Cross Kilnamona Sixmilebridge
Barefield Doolin Kilshanny Kilbaha
Bodyke Doonbeg Knockanean Shannon - St Tolas
Bridgetown Doora Labasheeda Shannon - St. Aidan's
Burrane Drumdigus Lakyle Shannon - St. Senan's
Cahermurphy Ennis - CBS Lahinch Inagh
Carrigaholt Ennis Educate Together Lissycasey Tuamgraney
Carron Ennis National Moveen Tubber
Clohanbeg Flagmount Querrin Tulla
Clonmoney Kilrush Rockmount Tullycrine
Clooney Kilrush - Gaelscoil Corofin
Cooraclare Kilkishen Newmarket-on-Fergus
The "Write a Book Competition " for Primary School pupils which was organized by Clare Education Centre
was held recently in the Auburn Lodge. This is the 20th consecutive year of this event. In excess of 2000 pu-
pils entered the competition and on the night prizes were presented to 209 winners from all parts of Clare.
Prizes were sponsored by O’Mahony's Book Shop Ennis and arrangements were spearheaded by Evelyn
Murray from Clare Education Centre with Clara O Shea and Linda Hogan assisting. Sharon Dilger (Principal
Holy Family Junior School, Ennis) welcomed all the young authors and thanked them and their teachers for
all the work required in producing so many fine pieces of writing. School inspector Gerry
Kearney encouraged teachers and pupils to continue to work on their writing skills and acknowledged the
positive role "Write a Book" has played in developing the writing process in Clare schools.
We were delighted with the huge response to the competition and hope to have a review of the event with the
intention of improving and streamlining it further. Thanks to all the schools involved, MC - Sharon Dilger ,
School Inspector Gerry Kearney, the staff of Clare Education Centre and also the organizing committee on
the night - Joan McNamara (Knockanean NS), Fiona de Buitleir (Ennis NS) Sally O Neill (Principal St.
Senan's Shannon) and Sinead Ginnane. (Principal Lissycasey NS). There were 54 participating schools:
Joan McNamara
(Knockanean & Fiona De
Buitleir (Ennis NS )at
Write a Book 2014 in the
Auburn Lodge
Mary Keane (Principal Car-
rigaholt NS) Donal O Loinsigh
and Pat Hanrahan at presenta-
tions