On 5th and 6th March, Educate Together primary and second-level principals gathered once again in Galway for two days of collaboration, innovation, and courageous conversations at our annual principals’ conference.
Held under the theme “Leading with Ethos through Changing Times,” the conference explored what it means to lead equality-based schools through a rapidly shifting landscape. The central question was clear: how do we ensure we do not loosen our ethos during these times, but instead lean into it?
As always, our leaders engaged in thought-provoking discussions, shared best practices, and made meaningful connections—with warm chats continuing well into the night!
Day One: Setting the Tone
The first day kicked off with a powerful and inspiring address from Dermot Stanley, Principal of Canalway Educate Together NS. Dermot spoke candidly about his experience of leading a school under siege, offering profound insights into the challenges of leadership during times of social and inner conflict.
This was followed by an engaging workshopping session, where attendees grappled with key ethos questions that schools are facing in these changing times.
Dr Inez Heenan Wilson then joined us to share her findings on transformational leadership and how it can sustain whole-school ethos. Her research provided a valuable framework for leaders looking to embed their school’s principles deeply into everyday practice.
Primary and second-level principals later split into groups to workshop the key issues currently facing their respective schools. The day concluded with a networking reception and dinner, where the conversations from the afternoon continued long into the evening.
Day Two: Deepening the Dialogue
The second day built on the momentum of the first. Emer Nowlan, Educate Together CEO, opened with an update on the evolving landscape of equality-based education, setting the stage for the day’s discussions.
A particularly powerful session followed: a Q&A with Lydia McCarthy, Head of Education & Development, and Zak Moradi, titled ‘Nobody chooses to become a refugee – leading a welcoming ethos’. In an inspiring conversation, Zak outlined his remarkable journey from childhood in a refugee camp to his significant role in the Irish community, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose.
The conference closed with a reflective session, encouraging school leaders to consider their own learnings from the two days and how they would bring these insights back to their schools.
A Conference of Connection & Growth
As always, what made this event truly special was the collective energy in the room—principals learning from each other, challenging assumptions, and leaving with renewed inspiration.
The conversations sparked here will undoubtedly ripple through schools nationwide, strengthening Educate Together’s mission.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors—Sherpa Kids, Vaughtec Promethean, and ExamRevision—for their invaluable support in making this conference possible.
And a huge thanks also to our principals who assisted with planning this year’s conference. Here’s to continuing the conversation—and the inspiring leadership—in 2026 and beyond!
What Our Attendees Had to Say
“It’s a lovely event, always informative—you come away with fresh thinking. A chance to connect with fellow principals and bounce ideas.”
— Principal
“I attend the conference to link in with colleagues from across the network. It’s a reminder of the challenges that we’re all facing; without attending such an event, it can seem that we’re on our own in dealing with many of them.”
— Principal
“I always like to meet everybody and get an ethos and inspiration boost!”
— Principal
