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

18

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