Deputy Principals Gather for a Day of Networking and Professional Development
On Thursday, 22nd January, Deputy Principals from primary and second-level Educate Together schools across the country met at the Ashling Hotel in Dublin. The forum, ‘Belonging Together: Leading Inclusion in Educate Together Schools’, provided a day of networking, professional dialogue and development.
Thomond Ní Ghoill, Deputy Principal of Malahide/Portmarnock ETSS, described it as “a fantastic day,” highlighting the value of meeting with fellow Deputy Principals.
Workshops on Inclusive Leadership
The day’s workshops focused on the opportunities and challenges of leading inclusive school environments. Dr. Anne Marie Kavanagh from the DCU Institute of Education facilitated a discussion on developing anti-racist and culturally responsive school communities. Kathleen Sweeney and Margaret Wright from the NCSE also presented the recently published RELATE guidelines, which support the inclusive practice central to Educate Together schools.
“I really enjoyed the DP Forum. The networking was my favourite part”.
– David Cole, Cork ETSS
The Value of Peer Support
A key outcome of the day was the opportunity for colleagues to connect, share experiences and offer mutual support. This was widely shared as a highlight by attendees.
Heather O’Doherty, Deputy Principal at Firhouse ETNS, said: “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to meet my colleagues. The main thing is realising I’m not alone in this role—there is a lot of support out there. There are a lot of people with the same challenges and experiences, and I have gotten so much help and information that I can take back to my school.”
The event provided a forum for both professional learning and strengthening the network that supports Deputy Principals within the Educate Together community.