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Men’s Health Week 2019

Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 11/06/2019.
Tags: ParentingMen’s Health Week 2019


Minister for Health Simon Harris TD and Minister for Health Promotion, Catherine Byrne TD, today (Monday) welcomed the start of Men’s Health Week 2019.


Co-ordinated by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, and running from Monday 10th June to Sunday 16th June (Father’s Day), the week aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems, support men and boys to live healthier lives, and encourage them to seek help or treatment ... click to read full post & comments


Grant support scheme for asylum seekers for 2019/20

Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 05/06/2019.
Tags: Teachers ParentingGrant support scheme for asylum seekers for 2019/20


The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. together with the Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D. today (04 June, 2019) announced a grant support scheme for asylum seekers in third level education will continue for 2019/20.

The Pilot Student Support Scheme, which was introduced in 2015, will be open for ... click to read full post & comments


Bereaved students to be allowed alternative Leaving Cert sittings

Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 31/05/2019.
Tags: Teachers ParentingBereaved students to be allowed alternative Leaving Cert sittings


Pilot scheme will allow bereaved students to sit alternative Leaving Cert paper in July

Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. today (Friday 31 May) announced new provisions allowing Leaving Certificate students who suffer a close family bereavement during the state examinations in June to sit alternative papers in July.

Under the new approach a special alternative sitting of examinations is to be made available to bereaved students, if [end into]required.

The decision has been taken by Minister McHugh after he requested a review in January into how students are supported in the wake of the death of a close family member during the state examinations.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) examined the scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE) which provides assistance to candidates with special needs in state examinations. The interim measures are being announced today on a pilot basis and represent an important enhancement to the existing provisions.

Minister McHugh said: “I called for the review of this issue after hearing the compelling interview of Rhona Butler with Ryan Tubridy several months ago. I want to thank Rhona again for highlighting this issue and demonstrating how we should look after and support students who have suffered a loss.

“The death of a loved one is a deeply traumatic event for any young person, which will only be compounded if it occurs in the midst of exams.

“The Leaving Certificate plays a hugely important role in our education system and in the progression of our young people. We have a duty to take reasonable measures to support young people who suffer loss at such an important time for them. My hope is that the new initiative will go a small way to easing the burden and stress of bereavement and giving students space to focus on their family.”

In reviewing the provision made for students who suffer trauma and adversity at the time of the examination, the SEC considered provision for those who are necessarily absent from some of their examinations following the death of a close relative at the time of the examinations.

The main details of the pilot scheme for 2019, informed by the recommendations, are as follows:

  • Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) candidates who are absent from some of their examinations as a consequence of the death of a close relative at the time of the examinations will be allowed sit an alternative paper in those subjects in early July.

  • The scheme will allow for a student to be absent from exams for a three-day period during the June written state examination timetable.


  • The three day period will commence from the date of the death of a close relative up to and including the day after the funeral. These three days do not need to be consecutive.


  • The three day period is intended to allow bereaved candidates time free from Leaving Certificate examinations to prepare for and attend the funeral of their loved one.


  • The measures will apply in cases where the death of the close relative occurs during exam time, or in the two days prior to the exams commencing on 5th June.


  • The scheme defines a close relative as a father, step-father, mother, step-mother, legal guardian, brother, step-brother, half-brother, sister, step-sister, half-sister, grandfather or grandmother.


  • The scheme will also provide for the death of a son or daughter, wife or husband or civil partner of a Leaving Certificate candidate.


  • The alternative sittings will take place over five days - Monday 8th July - Friday 12th July, 2019. The exam centre will be in Athlone this year.


  • The scheme is being introduced on an interim and pilot basis. It will be reviewed following the 2019 Leaving Certificate.


  • A student who suffers a bereavement and who wishes to take particular exams during the alternative July sittings cannot also sit those same exams during the original June sittings.


  • The results from the alternative Leaving Certificate examinations will be available at the same time as the main examination results, on 13th August in 2019.


  • The SEC will continue to provide the same supports to candidates suffering trauma and adversity during their examinations as in previous years.


    • Source: Education.ie



    ... click to read full post & comments


    Almost 800 New SNA Posts for September 2019

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 27/05/2019.
    Tags: Teachers ParentingAlmost 800 New SNA Posts for September 2019


    The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. today (Monday 27 May) announced almost 800 new special needs assistant posts will be allocated to schools from September.

    And as the need for more additional supports in schools is confirmed in the early weeks of the school year, up to 130 ... click to read full post & comments(3)


    Online Leaving Cert Marking 2019

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 14/05/2019.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersOnline Leaving Cert Marking 2019


    Online marking for some Leaving Cert subjects is to be introduced this year, in a bid to make the process more accurate and faster. The SEC started a ... click to read full post & comments


    RSA 15th Annual Seatbelt Sheriff and Hi-Glo Silver Awards

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 09/05/2019.
    Tags: Teachers ParentingRSA 15th Annual Seatbelt Sheriff and Hi-Glo Silver Awards


    Two Hundred and thirty first and second class school children attended the Road Safety Authority’s annual Seatbelt Sheriff and Hi-Glo Silver Awards today in Dublin Castle to celebrate the winners of the competition.

    One of the most energetic road safety events of the year, the ... click to read full post & comments


    New project to teach Irish through other subjects

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 23/04/2019.
    Tags: Parenting Education And Politics TeachersNew project to teach Irish through other subjects


    Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. has today, 23 April, announced a new project to support the learning of Irish through PE and other subjects.

    The three-year pilot, using the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach, will be developed in two phases. It will be open to 22 ... click to read full post & comments


    Can schools ban parents from taking photos

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 18/04/2019.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersCan schools ban parents from taking photos


    The Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) has issued some guidelines in response to the large number of questions it receives from parents around whether it is ok to take photos at school communions, award ceremonies and sports events or whether GDPR prevents this. The kinds of ... click to read full post & comments


    July Provision Closing Date approaches

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 17/04/2019.
    Tags: ParentingJuly Provision Closing Date approaches


    July Education Programme


    The scheme provides funding for an extended school year for children with a ... click to read full post & comments(13)


    Dublin Learning City Festival 8th to 12th April

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 08/04/2019.
    Tags: ParentingDublin Learning City Festival 8th to 12th April


    The Dublin Learning City Festival which will take place across Dublin from today, Monday 8th to Friday 12th April. The Festival is an ... click to read full post & comments


    Secondary students encouraged to eat less meat -

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 04/04/2019.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersSecondary students encouraged to eat less meat -


    The Irish Independent is reporting today on the response of the Irish Farmers Association to a Resource Pack made available to ... click to read full post & comments


    Views sought on managing crisis student behaviour in schools

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 02/04/2019.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersViews sought on managing crisis student behaviour in schools


    The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. today (2nd April) invited contributions and views from the general public including schools, parents, young people and services working with young people on the use of physical intervention in the prevention and management of crisis student behaviour in ... click to read full post & comments


    New School Inclusion Model Trial announced

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 27/03/2019.
    Tags: Education And Politics ParentingNew School Inclusion Model Trial announced


    The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. today announced the trialling of the School Inclusion Model – a new model of support for students with special educational and additional care needs.

    The School Inclusion Model, supported by €4.75m funding allocated in Budget 2019, aims to build schools’ capacity to include children with additional needs and to ... click to read full post & comments


    Two New Primary Schools for South Dublin

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 22/02/2019.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersTwo New Primary Schools for South Dublin


    The Minister for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D., today welcomed the announcement of the patronage of two new primary schools in ... click to read full post & comments


    Patronage of 12 New Primary Schools announced

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 21/02/2019.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersPatronage of 12 New Primary Schools announced


    The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. today announced the patronage of 12 new primary schools to be established in 2019.

    In all cases, the Minister accepted the ... click to read full post & comments


    Mobile phone ownership at young age can affect academic outcomes

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 16/01/2019.
    Tags: Parenting Mobile phone ownership at young age can affect academic outcomes


    Children who owned a mobile phone at age 9 performed less well in tests at age 13, according to new ESRI research funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Commission on Communications Regulation (ComReg).

    The research uses data from ... click to read full post & comments(1)


    Consultation on exemptions from Irish in schools

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 11/01/2019.
    Tags: Education And Politics Teachers ParentingConsultation on exemptions from Irish in schools


    Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. has announced that record numbers of submissions from the public have been received to the consultation on exemptions from the study of Irish in schools.

    Over 2,100 responses had been submitted to the ... click to read full post & comments(1)


    Leaving Cert Timetable extended by 2 days

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 20/12/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersLeaving Cert Timetable extended by 2 days


    The Leaving Cert written exam timetable has been extended by two days for 2019. The exams start as usual on Wednesday after the June Bank Holiday - Wednesday 5th June but now extend into a fourth week with the two extra days beng Monday 24 June and Tuesday June 25th with seven exam subjects being held over those two days.

    According to the ... click to read full post & comments(2)


    Leaving Cert causing burnout and stress

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 17/12/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersLeaving Cert causing burnout and stress


    New research by the ESRI highlights the concerns that leaving cert students have about their time in senior cycle around academic stress and having ... click to read full post & comments


    Feeder Schools Lists published for 2018

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 04/12/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersFeeder Schools Lists published for 2018


    The college progression data or information on ‘feeder schools’ to third level for autumn 2018 is available today on Schooldays.ie providing school-by-school information on which students have progressed to which colleges this year.

    To view the information on your school for the last nine years on Schooldays.ie, visit ... click to read full post & comments


    Government launches new early years scheme

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 19/11/2018.
    Tags: ParentingGovernment launches new early years scheme


    The Government has unveiled ‘First 5’, Ireland’s first ever cross-Departmental strategy to support babies, young children and their families. ... click to read full post & comments


    Changes to Post-graduate Entry Process for Primary Teaching

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 13/11/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersChanges to Post-graduate Entry Process for Primary Teaching


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh T.D. today announced a plan to have one oral Irish examination for students seeking to gain entry to post graduate programmes for primary teaching run by ... click to read full post & comments


    Free Reading App for students with Disabilities

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 06/11/2018.
    Tags: ParentingFree Reading App for students with Disabilities


    On October 18th the NCBI welcomed the launch of the EasyReader App designed by Assistive Technology Specialists, Dolphin Computer Access in collaboration with NCBI Library Access Services.

    The EasyReader App brings together the ... click to read full post & comments


    Patronage of 4 New Post-primary Schools Announced

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 01/11/2018.
    Tags: Education And Politics Parenting TechersPatronage of 4 New Post-primary Schools Announced


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh T.D., today announced the patronage of the four new post-primary schools to be established in 2019. In all cases, the Minister accepted the ... click to read full post & comments


    Update on WBS Issues from the Department

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 31/10/2018.
    Tags: Teachers ParentingUpdate on WBS Issues from the Department


    Further Update from Dept of Education on evening of 31st Oct 18

    The Department of Education issued a further update on 31/10 18 on the latest situation on assessments: 'The summary position, on the basis of all assessments completed to date, is:

    11 schools cleared to ... click to read full post & comments


    Changes to Bus Routes 111, 184, 185

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 18/10/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersChanges to Bus Routes 111, 184, 185

    Letter to schools

    Letter to Schools from Go-Ahead Ireland re changes to Bus Routes in Your Area

    On Sunday 21st October 2018, Go-Ahead Ireland takes over the operation of the following South County Dublin/Wicklow bus routes; 111, 184, 185

    These routes are ones your pupils, teachers and parents will be familiar with which is why ... click to read full post & comments


    Budget 2019 Education Update

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 09/10/2018.
    Tags: Education And Politics Teachers ParentingBudget 2019 Education Update


    Education budget will increase by €674 million to €10.8 billion in 2019, a 6.7% increase 

    Budget-2019-Education-Update

  • Over 1,300 additional posts in schools will be funded including ... click to read full post & comments


    'Baptism barrier' on school admissions lifted

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 03/10/2018.
    Tags: Teachers Parenting'Baptism barrier' on school admissions lifted


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, is due to sign a Commencement Order today which will enact sections of the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018.

    As part of the process, the Minister will amend the Equal Status Act 2000 which will remove the ... click to read full post & comments


    Junior Cert Results are Out!

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 12/09/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersJunior Cert Results are Out!


    Over 62,000 students across the country will be receiving their Junior Certificate Results today - an increase of 1.5% on last year. Most students will have their results given to them by their schools during the day while the results will also be available online from ... click to read full post & comments(1)


    Increase in Foreign Language Assistants in Secondary Schools

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 23/08/2018.
    Tags: Education And Politics Parenting TeachersIncrease in Foreign Language Assistants in Secondary Schools


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, T.D. has announced a 25% increase in the number of Foreign Language Assistants, bringing the total number available to schools from this September to 140. These additional Foreign Language Assistants are being provided to schools to ... click to read full post & comments(2)


    CAO Offers are out

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 20/08/2018.
    Tags: ParentingCAO Offers are out


    First round CAO offers have been issued to more than 50,700 applicants this morning. There is a 3.6% drop in the number of applications from this year’s Leaving Certificate with the fall in CAO applications partly explained by a decline in the numbers taking the Leaving Certificate in 2018

    This year, while points have risen for more than 40% of options, around half of all courses have experienced a points drop. In general, points have ... click to read full post & comments


    Leaving Cert Results 2018 are out!

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 15/08/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersLeaving Cert Results 2018 are out!


    57,000+ students will receive their Leaving Certificate results today. Results will be available from schools from 9am or online on the State Examinations Commission website from midday.

    This year marks the second year of the new grading system where numerical grades have replaced the old alphabetical system. Six ... click to read full post & comments


    Leaving Cert Fails to Prepare Students For Uni

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 08/08/2018.
    Tags: Education And Politics Teachers ParentingLeaving Cert Fails to Prepare Students For Uni


    The Leaving Certificate programme is failing to adequately prepare students for university studies, according to new research published today by the Institute of Education at Dublin City University.

    In a survey of over 300 first-year DCU students across a ... click to read full post & comments


    New grandparents payment scheme proposed

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 02/08/2018.
    Tags: ParentingNew grandparents payment scheme proposed


    In a new payment scheme proposed by Independent Ministers in Budget negotiations, Grandparents who aid in childcare would be paid ... click to read full post & comments(4)


    Contractor appointed to complete schools

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 25/06/2018.
    Tags: Education And Politics Parenting TeachersContractor appointed to complete schools


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D., today (25th of June 2018) welcomed the confirmation from DIF and the Project Lenders that arrangements are being put in place for the appointment of a replacement contractor to:

  • Facilitate the completion of the three most advanced schools - Loreto College, Wexford; Coláiste Raithín, Bray, and ... click to read full post & comments


    Parents Invited to Choose School Patronage

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 25/06/2018.
    Tags: Parenting Education And PoliticsParents Invited to Choose School Patronage


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, T.D., has invited parents in four areas to express their preference in relation to the patronage of four post-primary schools to be established in 2019.

    Parents are invited to express their patronage preferences using the Department’s new ... click to read full post & comments


    New School to Champion Self-Directed Learning

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 19/06/2018.
    Tags: Parenting Education And PoliticsNew School to Champion Self-Directed Learning


    A school with a very different approach to education for children aged 5-18 is set to open in Sligo this September.

    According to one of the school's founders, Maura Duignan, the Sligo Sudbury School aims to provide a democratic educational ... click to read full post & comments


    Childrens' Best Interests Failed by Public Bodies

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 13/06/2018.
    Tags: ParentingChildrens' Best Interests Failed by Public Bodies


    The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has today expressed concern about the failure of public bodies to adequately consider the best interest of children in the delivery of services and policy decisions.

    Launching the ... click to read full post & comments


    Minister welcomes SNA Scheme Review

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 30/05/2018.
    Tags: Educaiton And Politics Teachers ParentingMinister welcomes SNA Scheme Review


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Richard Bruton T.D., today (30th May 2018), welcomed a Review into the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Scheme by the ... click to read full post & comments


    Minister to increase Multi and Non-Denominational Schools

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 28/05/2018.
    Tags: Parenting Education And PoliticsMinister to increase Multi and Non-Denominational Schools


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T. D. today (Monday, 28th of May) announced that surveys of parents of pre-school children in 16 areas across the country are ... click to read full post & comments


    Schools required to consult parents on use of smart phones

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 21/05/2018.
    Tags: Parenting TeachersSchools required to consult parents on use of smart phones


    The Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton T.D. today (21st May) published a circular requiring all schools to consult parents, teachers and students on the use of smart phones and ... click to read full post & comments(1)


    Specialised Therapists for Schools

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 14/05/2018.
    Tags: Education And Politics Teachers ParentingSpecialised Therapists for Schools


    The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Richard Bruton T.D., the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone T.D., and the Minister for Health, Mr. Simon Harris T.D. today (14th May, 2018) launched the first ever project to provide in-school and pre-school therapy services. The project will be ... click to read full post & comments


    Baptism barrier in schools to be lifted

    Posted by SchoolDays Newshound, on 09/05/2018.
    Tags: Education And Politics Teachers ParentingBaptism barrier in schools to be lifted


    Amendment to Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 on the role of religion in school admissions approved by government

    Oversubscribed primary schools will not be allowed discriminate on the basis of religion, minority religions protected

    The Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton T.D. has today (Wednesday, 9th of May 2018) published ... click to read full post & comments


    Sugar Drink Tax may Fund Fight against Childhood Obesity

    Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 04/05/2018.
    Tags: Parenting Sugar Drink Tax may Fund Fight against Childhood Obesity


    The sugar sweetened drinks tax, which will lead to price increases on some fizzy drinks, came into force in Ireland on Tuesday, May 1st.

    The Irish Heart Foundation has reiterated calls for a portion of the proceeds to be ringfenced to fund measures to prevent childhood obesity ... click to read full post & comments