Schools ‘don’t have facilities’ to offer PE for Leaving Cert

Irish Independent Wednesday 13th December 2017

Many schools don’t have the gym facilities or equipment to offer the new Leaving Certificate subject in physical education (PE), principals have warned.

The Government will have to provide funding to ensure equitable access to the subject for all pupils, according to National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) director Clive Byrne.

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Teacher shortage in capital blamed on housing crisis

Irish Independent Saturday 21 October 2017 

Second-level schools in Dublin are being particularly badly hit by teacher shortages because of the housing crisis across the city.

There is a general lack of qualified teachers in a wide range of subjects, including Irish, home economics, and maths.

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In my opinion: Peace at last – but other goals to reach

Irish Independent Tuesday 5 September 2017

This year in particular, our education system has shown itself to be diverse and inclusive, as well as amenable and even eager to change.

Coming from a fast-paced enterprise background, Education Minister Richard Bruton’s results-oriented approach to policy is shaking up the established order. Of course, his targets will put pressure on teachers and schools: his department’s Action Plan for Education, which aims to make Ireland’s education and training system the best in Europe by 2026, will require a long-term commitment of energy and enthusiasm.

Read More:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/in-my-opinion-peace-at-last-but-other-goals-to-reach-36104605.html

Principals issue Leaving Cert pupils with their last minute exam tips

Irish Examiner Tuesday 6 June 2017

120,000 pupils will begin their leaving cert exams in over 5,000 examination centres tomorrow and the message to all of them from the people who have overseen their education is “keep things in perspective.

Issuing his organisation’s last minute advice Clive Byrne, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), said above all else it was important that students kept things in perspective. Read More

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/principals-issue-leaving-cert-pupils-with-their-last-minute-exam-tips-792559.html

Teacher unions’ stand-off is damaging the education system

Irish Examiner Tuesday 9 May 2017

Recently, secondary teachers from the ASTI and TUI unions met at two separate conferences to discuss the state of Ireland’s post-primary education system and to outline their demands and vision for the immediate future.

One particular issue dominated both: guaranteed pay parity for new teachers. Because of austerity-era pay cuts, newly qualified teachers hired from 2011 are paid less than their more established counterparts.

Read More:

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/teacher-unions-stand-off-is-damaging-the-education-system-1.3075806