Kilkenny Education Centre’s Primary, Post Primary and PDSTTiE Autumn Webinars Schedule 2020 is now live on our website!

To view our Primary and Post Primary Autumn Webinars Schedule 2020 please click here.

To view our PDSTTiE Autumn Webinars Schedule 2020 please click here.

Booking is essential and online only so be sure to book your place/s early to avoid disappointment! 

Induction Workshop Programme

As you are aware, a number of Induction workshops became available online during Term 3 2019-20. That online suite continues to be available to NQTs who require them throughout the Term ahead (2020-21) via the NIPT online learning platform. Unfortunately, face-to-face workshops will not run in Term 1 2020-21 as the Induction workshops will be entirely online for this Term.

Two new online workshops will be added to the suite mid-way through this Term:

• Teacher Professionalism and Well-Being, NIPTWS01 (Cross-Sectoral)
• Múineadh na Gaeilge, NIPTWS12 (Primary)

Droichead, Cluster Meeting 1

As in previous years, NQTs must apply for Droichead via the ‘My Registration’ portal on the Teaching Council website and receive a confirmation email from the Teaching Council before registering for Cluster Meeting 1. Cluster Meeting 1 will be available online only during Term 1 2020. It is anticipated that this provision will begin during early October via the NIPT online learning platform. NIPT will monitor the completion of Cluster Meeting 1 during this time. The NIPT website will be updated when this becomes available and the Teaching Council will publish the date on which applications for the Droichead process will open.

A delivery of some very special books arrived in Primary schools last month!

For 2020, the Bookville Festival has been re-imagined into a free book packed with fun, exciting and interactive activities, based on some of the best contemporary children’s authors and illustrators.

Featuring Horrible Histories, Helena Duggan's A Place Called Perfect, Cartoon Saloon's newest animation WolfWalkers, and, as Gaeilge, Patricia Forde's Ar Strae and Sadhbh Devlin's Beag Bídeach...and many more.

Designed for 5 to 12 year olds, and based around the Primary Curriculum, Bookville in a Book is ideal for use in a classroom setting for group or individual activities. 

Bookville in a Book - a welcome treat!

Bookville is brought to you by the Kilkenny Library Service and the Kilkenny Arts Office.

A number of useful presentations for teachers, parents and SNAs have been developed over the last number of weeks by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), in partnership with Kilkenny Education Centre. The COVID-19 pandemic and the responses to it have radically changed society and the education landscape.

These presentations have been developed to assist, inform and guide adults who are in contact with children who are transitioning from Primary to Post Primary school, but they will also be useful for parents and teachers of all children and young people who are returning to school following the COVID-19 school closures from March to September 2020.

Schools may find it useful to share these links with parents, teachers, SNAs and all other stakeholders in school communities. Information and knowledge will help ease the return to school for our young people.

Preparing and Supporting Students with ASD During COVID-19 Times

Presented by a NEPS Psychologist, this presentation deals with the issue of transition in uncertain times and preparing and supporting students with ASD for the move to Post Primary school during the time of COVID-19.

Adolescence and Developmental Changes

This presentation is a collaboration between the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and Kilkenny Education Centre. It gives a psychological perspective on adolescence and developmental changes that coincide with the transition to Post Primary school.

Practical Approaches to Good Nutrition

This presentation, delivered by a CAMHS Senior Dietitian, explores factors which affect dietary choices.

What to Expect - Supporting Your Child

This presentation, by HSE Social Care Workers, explores preparing for the school move to Post Primary school, supporting your child's education, school and friendships.

Information, Tips and Strategies for Self-Regulation and Organisation

Presented by a CAMHS Senior Occupational Therapist, this presentation covers the themes of Self-Regulation and Organisation, and how you can help your child to make school more manageable.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Teachers

This presentation is offered by the Carlow/Kilkenny NEPS Team as part of their program of supports for school communities in the context of COVID-19.

Department of Education and Skills Resources

Wellbeing for Schools

The Department of Education and Skills have recently made a Wellbeing webinar for Primary schools and a Wellbeing webinar for Post Primary schools available on their website. There is also a Wellbeing Toolkit for both Primary and Post Primary schools available, which are comprised of a combination of NEPS-developed materials and information collated from other acknowledged sources, that promote natural resilience for all and recovery for those with additional educational needs.

Back to School Advice to Parents

The Department of Education and Skills also have various videos on back to school advice on their website for parents of both Primary and Post Primary school students.