NAPD Senior Cycle Survey
NAPD has broadly welcomed the publication of the NCCA advisory report on Senior Cycle Reform and the ministers expressed a vision for a student-centered senior cycle. As we prepare to begin negotiations on the implementation of the senior cycle it is vital for NAPD to represent the views of the membership.
I apologise that yet another survey is requested and your workload is immense, this survey will take 10 minutes and will really strengthen our position to influence the direction the senior cycle goes from this point.
A sub-committee of our national executive will commence preparation on Monday and will continue to put together the NAPD strategy to continue to influence this change and I ask that you complete this survey at your earliest convenience.
We are working to be ready for meetings with the stakeholders before the Easter break.
Many thanks
Paul Crone
Director,
NAPD
The time is now’ for senior cycle reform; NAPD Annual Conference
The time is now’ for senior cycle reform; NAPD Annual Conference
School leaders from Ireland’s 700 post primary schools gather virtually for Annual Conference today, ‘From Functioning to Flourishing’
- NAPD makes clear its intentions to seek progression of reform of senior cycle ahead of its Annual Conference today;
- Minister for Education Norma Foley set to join conference for ‘open discussion’ on the learnings from the pandemic and senior cycle reform;
Speaking ahead of today’s event, Paul Crone, Director, NAPD:
‘Our Annual Conference this week and its theme, ‘From Functioning to Flourishing’ will bring post primary school leaders together to consider the opportunities the pandemic has created for the enhancement of Irish education. Reform of the senior cycle is a key element of this, and we look forward to discussing this issue with Minister Foley later today.
‘The case for such reform has never been greater and the time for action is now. School leaders stand ready to implement senior cycle reform, progress that will improve the development and learning of our young people, and we urge the Minister to act with intent.’
The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), the representative body for Ireland’s post primary school leaders, will meet virtually today and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday, 20 and 21 October) for its Annual Conference. School leaders from Ireland’s 700 post primary schools are expected to join the event which will feature a panel discussion with Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and seminars from a host of education and leadership experts.
The conference will focus on the theme ‘From Functioning to Flourishing’ and will involve reflection and debate on the lessons learned for school communities during the Covid-19 pandemic and the opportunities these now present.
New appointments
Last week, the Association elected outgoing Vice President and Principal, Ramsgrange Community School, Co. Wexford, Rachel O’Connor, as its incoming President. The Waterford native holds a wealth of experience in education advocacy and leadership. She is set to address members tomorrow on her vision for Irish post primary education in the year ahead.
Outgoing President and Principal, Laurel Hill Secondary School, Co. Limerick, Michael Cregan will open the two-day event today. Both Presidents are set to outline the work achieved to date on senior cycle reform and the urgency required to progress this in the months ahead – both in their respective speeches and during a panel discussion with Minister Foley later today.
Student focused collaboration between education partners
The greatest outcome of this process, the student-focussed collaboration between all education partners, must be carried forward and repeated to now deliver broader, permanent reform of the senior cycle.
Research undertaken in 2018 by the NAPD found that 83% of students claimed that the Leaving Certificate examination in its traditional form was ‘not the best way to assess’ their educational achievement. In the same survey, 55% of parents were in favour of their children being assessed by their teacher and 65% of teachers were in favour of comprehensive reform of the Leaving Certificate. The reform agenda has gathered further momentum in light of the pandemic.
Speaking ahead of today’s event and on reform of the senior cycle, Rachel O’Connor, President, NAPD, said:
“Over the past 18 months, the post primary sector has demonstrated great adaptability to maintain and improve the quality of education for our students. Through such adaption, we have learned that it is possible for our excellent teachers to assess their students, that entry to third level must be decoupled from terminal exam results and most importantly, that students’ anxiety and stress were significantly reduced when they had options.
“At every stage during this process, students’ voices were heard and as we seek to progress reform of the senior cycle, the NAPD advocates strongly for students to continue to be given a stronger say in their learning and assessment.
“To this end, the pace at which such reform is occurring is concerning. While school leaders acknowledge that the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic continue to impact how we deliver education in Ireland and will likely do so for some time to come, there must now be resources directed towards senior cycle reform with urgency. We cannot allow another academic year to slip past without progress and delivery. The time for action is now.
“NAPD members stand ready to implement reform and look forward to hearing Minister Foley re-iterate her commitment and that of her Departmental colleagues later day.”
ENDS
For media queries and/ or to secure media access to the NAPD Annual Conference, contact 360:
Barry Murphy / barry@weare360.ie / 087 266 9878
Macdara Ó’Móráin / macdara@weare360.ie / 086 087 3387
ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Policy
FAO NAPD Members
The policy comes into effect on 1st November 2018 for fully paid up NAPD members. You can check your status on your personal profile when you log into the members section of the NAPD website.
For members who renew their membership after that date the policy comes into effect two (2) weeks after payment appears on your personal profile.
A review document will be published on the NAPD website shortly and I would ask you to please complete the form should you have occasion to use the services provided. This will enable NAPD to improve the effectiveness of this indemnity policy in meeting members’ needs.
In the normal course of events, when faced with a complex situation Principals and Deputy Principals seek advice from trusted colleagues, fellow NAPD members or NAPD Head Office, Management Bodies, Trustees, Chair (BOM) or their UNION and this policy is not intended to replace any of these avenues of support.
The purpose and scope of this insurance policy is to provide Indemnity for Legal Expenses incurred by NAPD members in the discharge of their professional responsibilities which are not covered by their Employers or Unions or where the Principal/Deputy Principal is not a member of a Union.
These are the key contact numbers:
LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE: Call 01 670 7474
COUNSELLING: Call 01 881 8047
Three documents below relating to the ARAG Policy
Cyber Bullying Booklet
As per the latest Newsletter, you can now download the Cyber Bullying document that was issued to all Conference Delegates in October.
The Summer Edition of the Leader Magazine out Now!!
Summer Edition of the Leader in all schools and online now!
Bloomsday marks the start of summer, as does the arrival in your letterbox of the summer edition of Leader Quarterly. We’ve combined the two, by featuring James Joyce on the back cover, in a collage from a Creative Engagement project. All in all, you’ll have twenty items of serious summer reading to peruse in Leader.
David Forde and Deirdre Hanamy report extensively on the FET Symposium, Towards the FET College of the Future, held on 2 April in Dublin. We cover the John Hattie Symposium and the Mike Hughes & Graham Powell workshops.
Leader pays close attention to the Legal Fees Indemnity Scheme, one of the newer services available to NAPD members. Paul Byrne looks at how middle management might be strengthened in our schools and looks to the expansion of NAPD to include Associate Members drawn from aspiring leaders, such as Assistant Principals.
We consider some schools that can claim our interest – St Andrews College, the Catholic school, the Rosses Community School – each for different compelling reasons.
Click here to download
NAPD Annual Conference 2019 – Registration Now Open!!
Colleagues, we have now opened up our registration for the NAPD Annual Conference, which this year will take place in The Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny.
Please see links below for both the Registration form and also for the accommodation form and details.
https://napdconference.wordpress.com/register/ or click here: Conference Forms 2019
https://napdconference.wordpress.com/accommodation/ or click here: Accommodation Form 2019
We are currently updating the schedule of events and our website www.napdconference.com.
If you have any queries please contact the NAPD Head Office.
Recruitment Opportunity: Deputy Director, NAPD
A recruitment opportunity has arisen within NAPD of a New Deputy Director (The Deputy Director will be appointed for five years on secondment) and we are currently inviting applications. Application forms and a full job description below.
The position of Deputy Director of NAPD is a key leadership position in the work of the Association.
Objects of the Association
The Memorandum of Association outlines the objectives for which NAPD is established:
(a) To provide a united voice nationally for Principals and Deputy Principals on issues of common concern.
(b) To promote the interests and welfare of Principals and Deputy Principals through:
- Ensuring that Principals and Deputy Principals are recognised as education partners and are represented as of right on all relevant local, regional and national bodies, both statutory and non- statutory.
- Ensuring that Principals and Deputy Principals are consulted on all relevant matters and, in particular, on new initiatives which impinge on their roles.
- Representing the views of Principals and Deputy Principals to the Department of Education and Skills and all other interested groups and relevant bodies.
- To show leadership in the formulation of educational policy.
- To promote the professional and personal development of Principals and Deputy Principals.
- To promote the development of adequate internal school management structures to enable the successful implementation of school policies.
- To provide support/advice for Principals and Deputy Principals through secretariat and administrative services.
- To provide appropriate and relevant training.
- To adopt a pro-active and dynamic approach to developing the international and European dimension in schools.
- To promote co-operation and reciprocal visits between members of NAPD and Principals and Deputy Principals within Ireland, Europe and the rest of the world.
- To encourage partnership between Principals and Deputy Principals in all second level schools.
Personal Qualities of the Deputy Director
The successful candidate for the position of Deputy Director will have:
- Excellent interpersonal negotiating and communication skills, including a capacity to deal with the media and a working knowledge of Irish
- A capacity to make sound judgements and take strategic decisions in the best interests of Principals and Deputy Principals
- Proven leadership, organisational and administrative ability (minimum 5 years experience)
- A capacity to be energised by an environment with a strong focus on policy.
- A thorough knowledge of the Irish education system and legislative frameworks
- The ability to use ICT effectively
Role of the Deputy Director
- To promote and develop the aims and objectives of NAPD
- To provide an information and advisory services for all members of NAPD
- To provide particular support for newly-appointed Principals and Deputy Principals
- To respond to the needs of Principals and Deputy Principals on an on-going basis and to develop policy papers where required
- To support the Presidents, Director and members of the National Executive in their respective roles
- To implement, in consultation with the Director, Executive decisions and report back to the National Executive.
- To carry out other duties as may be determined by the National Executive
- To liaise with the Department of Education and Skills, other Departments of state as necessary, all the Education Partners and all other relevant bodies, national and international
- To ensure that the aims and views of the Association are represented in all appropriate fora.
- To contribute to publications for members
- To enhance communications between members by supporting the regional structure of the Association
- To be available to all Committees of NAPD, including NAPD-Retired.
- To work with the Director in managing the National Office of the Association (located in Dublin)
- To work with the Director to manage the finances of the Association and prepare for an annual audit
- To seek sponsorship in co-operation with the Finance Committee
Interview: General Procedures
Shortlisting
Candidates may be shortlisted for interview based on the information submitted on the Application Form
Presentation
Candidates are invited to make a presentation on their vision for NAPD (maximum 10 minutes)
Interview Process
Anything submitted in the Application form or mentioned in the presentation may be discussed in more depth at the interview. (Please note: all relevant information should be submitted on the application form)
Interview Board
An Independent Interview Board consisting of 3 people shall be appointed. The President of NAPD will be present as an observer.
Appointment
The Deputy Director will be appointed for five years on secondment. This will include a probation period of one year.
Closing Date for Applications is Wednesday 12th December 2018 no later than 1:00pm. This recruitment advertisement can also be found on www.publicjobs.ie
ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Policy
FAO NAPD Members
The policy comes into effect on 1st November 2018 for fully paid up NAPD members. You can check your status on your personal profile when you log into the members section of the NAPD website.
For members who renew their membership after that date the policy comes into effect two (2) weeks after payment appears on your personal profile.
A review document will be published on the NAPD website shortly and I would ask you to please complete the form should you have occasion to use the services provided. This will enable NAPD to improve the effectiveness of this indemnity policy in meeting members’ needs.
In the normal course of events, when faced with a complex situation Principals and Deputy Principals seek advice from trusted colleagues, fellow NAPD members or NAPD Head Office, Management Bodies, Trustees, Chair (BOM) or their UNION and this policy is not intended to replace any of these avenues of support.
The purpose and scope of this insurance policy is to provide Indemnity for Legal Expenses incurred by NAPD members in the discharge of their professional responsibilities which are not covered by their Employers or Unions or where the Principal/Deputy Principal is not a member of a Union.
These are the key contact numbers:
LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE: Call 1850 670 747 (or 01 670 7474)
COUNSELLING: Call 1850 670 407 (or 01 881 8047)
Three documents below relating to the ARAG Policy