Strong Tipperary influence at national teaching conference

The IPPN/Irish Primary Principals Network held their annual conference recently in Killarney with a strong Tipperary input. This was the IPPNs 23rd annual conference.

The conference had a special Tipperary connection this year.

Louise Tobin, Principal of St. Joseph’s Primary, Tipperary Town is the president of this national organisation representing over 6,400 school leaders, both principals and deputy principals.

The theme of this year’s IPPN Conference was Leading With Purpose and it looked at the ever-changing role of school leaders seeking a return to the basics of leading teaching and learning.

Another Tipperary connection was that the wonderful and acclaimed choir at St Josephs Primary in Tipperary Town opened the Conference, under the direction of choir director Helen Colbert, from Rosegreen.

The choir are four times winners of the Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas and have sung with the RTE Concert Orchestra on several occasions.

The pupils from 5th and 6th class in St. Josephs sang three songs and gave a truly amazing and flawless performance, to an audience of over 900 school principals.

There were over 50 Tipperary principals in attendance at the conference and a special Tipperary reception on Wednesday evening was held to mark Louise’s presidency and the great Tipperary connections.

President Louise Tobin addressed the conference on Friday morning highlighting the current issues in primary education. The Secretary General at the Department of Education, Bernie McNally responded to Louise’s speech, outlining the Department of Education’s plans to support school leaders.

The conference ended on Friday afternoon and was described as the best yet, with a super line up of speakers and a huge Expo showcasing the best in educational suppliers and resources.

Louise Tobin said she was thrilled with her first conference as president and is already looking forward to conference 2024.

Louise Tobin said that she is really enjoying her presidential role, attending meetings, travelling to conferences at home and abroad, engaging with members and supporting the great work of school leaders in our primary schools.