Summer Lunch
Meeting, Thursday, 16th June 2016
Dunraven Arms
Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick.
AGENDA
a.
Welcome
b.
Paul Byrne, President NAPD
c.
Conference 2016 – Galway
d.
Updates from NAPD Executive on current issues & developments
e.
Discussion
f.
Annual General Meeting – Wednesday, 21st September
2016 – Woodlands House Hotel (Lunch at 12.45pm)
g.
Acknowledgement of Colleagues who are retiring
h.
Appreciation
i.
AOB
A
lunch meeting for members of NAPD Region 6 took place in the picturesque and charming
village of Adare, at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, on Thursday, 14th June 2016. The attendance was excellent with almost
thirty (30) NAPD Members coming together to discuss challenges and issues, but
also meeting to bid farewell to valued and highly regarded colleagues who are
retiring this year. Chairperson, Donncha
O'Treasaigh welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Members for their
support throughout the year. Donncha
referred to the difficult year school leaders had to endure with
ever-increasing work-load commitments and endless uncertainty regarding Junior
Cycle reform, Croke Park Hours and Garda Vetting changes.
Donncha
recommended that Members confirm that they have booked their places for NAPD
Conference 2016 as there is significantly more interest in the event given the
numbers of new Members who have been appointed to school leadership roles in
recent years. He also encouraged Members
to make an effort to ensure that both the principal and deputy principal can attend
the conference. He stated that schools
where this occurs get the maximum benefit from the inspirational talks and
ideas which NAPD Conferences are renowned for.
Region
6 was delighted to welcome NAPD President, Mr. Paul Byrne to the meeting. Paul spoke at length to the group and
appealed to colleagues to ensure that we all put our own well-being and health
first, as he is hearing accounts from all over the country that principals and
deputy principals are experiencing considerable burn-out and stress related
illness.
Paul
praised Region 6 for its active and vibrant level of activity to support people
in this busy role. He reminded Members
of the importance of NAPD Conference and all of the impressive supports that
are available through NAPD.
The
group received a very comprehensive and relevant report from NAPD executive
member, Mary Jones relating to the topics and issues which are currently
presenting challenges to school leadership and the operation of schools.
The
contribution and commitment of three longstanding NAPD members, who have chosen
to retire, were acknowledged at the meeting.
Mr.
Tom Prendergast, Principal of Sexton Street CBS, Limerick spoke warmly and in
great admiration of Ms. Elizabeth Quinn, former Deputy Principal of Sexton
Street CBS, Limerick. Tom gave a very
impressive account of Elizabeth’s professionalism, dedication and hard-work as
a teacher in the school, where she taught French, and later-on, as an highly
effective deputy principal. Elizabeth
thanked Tom and all of NAPD Region 6 for their support down through the
years. She praised the Association for
its outstanding work in supporting colleagues.
Mr.
Padraig Flanagan, Principal of Castletroy College paid a touching tribute to
both of the deputy principals of Castletroy College who are retiring, Ms.
Esther Griffin and Ms. Joan McGarry Moore.
Padraig explained how both deputy principals’ friendship and highly
commendable service to their school supported his work as he assumed the
position of principal five years ago.
Padraig expressed his admiration and fondness for both Esther and Joan
and thanked them, in a very emotional and poignant way, for their enthusiasm
and commitment to the Castletroy College community.
Both
Esther and Joan spoke about their love of the roles they fulfilled and the
enjoyment they got from working in school-life.
In particular, they expressed tremendous praise and compliments to NAPD
and the exceptional support and collegiality both experienced while working in
school management.
Donncha
O'Treasaigh articulated his sincere gratitude to both Esther and Joan for the
exemplary work they did as officers of NAPD Region 6 throughout his time as
Chairperson. Donncha described how Esther
had been a wonderful Treasurer in Region 6 and that she played a pivotal role
in the planning of several Meitheal events for the enjoyment and benefit of colleagues. He stated that their work in Region 6 was
without doubt – highly distinguished.
Donncha
thanked Joan for her work as Secretary of Region 6 for a number of years and
informed everyone present, that the accounts of Region 6 events were always of
the highest and most efficient of standards.
Donncha
expressed the thanks of NAPD Director, Mr. Clive Byrne to both Esther and Joan
for their work in the Region.
NAPD
President, Mr. Paul Byrne made presentations to each of the retirees at the end
of the meeting.
Donncha
O'Treasaigh informed Members that the date for the Annual General Meeting would
be – Wednesday, 21st September 2016, in the Woodlands House Hotel (Lunch at
12.45pm).
Donncha
Ó Treasaigh thanked all of the officers of the sub-committee for their
tremendous support and efforts in planning an excellent year of activities, at
regional level. In particular, he praised Ms. Elizabeth Cregan, Treasurer, for
all of the exemplary work she carried out in preparation of the events that
took place during the year.
Mr. Paul Byrne, President of NAPD presenting a gift to Ms.
Elizabeth Quinn, former Deputy Principal of Sexton Street, CBS, Limerick on
behalf of NAPD Region 6.
Mr. Paul Byrne, President of NAPD presenting a gift to Ms.
Joan McGarry Moore, former Deputy Principal of Castletroy College, Co. Limerick
on behalf of NAPD Region 6.
Mr. Paul Byrne, President of NAPD presenting a gift to Ms.
Esther Griffin, former Deputy Principal of Castletroy College, Co. Limerick on
behalf of NAPD Region 6.
Please refer to NAPD
Region 6 Blog for all the latest news and updates for Members
Chairperson: Mr. Donncha O Treasaigh, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Meal Sior Anraí, Luimneach.
Secretary: Mr. Sean Twomey, Coláiste Iosaif, Kilmallock, Co Limerick.
Treasurer: Ms. Elizabeth Cregan, Desmond College, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick.
