Waterford Education Support Centre

What a wondeful morning in the centre last week as we welcomed over 50 retired teachers for their annual end-of-year Summer gathering.

The hall was filled with warm conversations, laughter, shared memories and plenty of tea and cake. It was a joy to see old friendships rekindled and to celebrate the lasting connections built through a lifetime of education.

Wishing our retired teachers a happy & restful Summer .

🌱GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION 🌱
CPD SCHEDULE : September - December 2026

The ISSN works in collaboration with experts from across Ireland to bring you a dynamic CPD schedule that has been created in direct response to teachers’ needs. Our CPD sessions include up to date information, not found in textbooks and engaging activities for you and your students.

These CPD workshops are a collaboration between the Irish Schools Sustainability Network and Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI). We’re also very grateful to SSE Airtricity for their support in helping make these workshops possible.

The sessions are designed to make it easier for Irish teachers to access professional development in the areas of climate and sustainability - topics that are more important than ever in our schools and communities. This collaboration aims to support and inspire educators as we work together to integrate sustainability into the classroom and beyond. Participants receive a CPD certificate upon completion.

CURRENTLY ALL SESSIONS ARE RUNNING AS WEBINARS.
For more information or to REGISTER follow this link
👉https://www.issn.ie/cpdschedule

As another school year draws to a close, many teachers find themselves running on determination rather than energy.

The final weeks can be some of the busiest of the year - reports, assessments, transitions, graduations, celebrations, planning ahead, and trying to give students the best possible finish to their year.

At this stage, it can be helpful to remember:

◾Not everything needs to be perfect.

◾Prioritise what will make the greatest difference.

◾Celebrate progress, not just completion.

◾Take breaks when you can, even short ones.

◾Protect some energy for yourself, not just for everyone else.

Teaching is a profession built on giving - to students, colleagues, families and school communities. As the year comes to an end, it is worth asking:

➡️ What is one thing you can let go of before the summer, and one thing you want to carry forward?

The finish line is in sight. Be kind to yourself as you get there.

WEBINAR: Supporting a Child with a Serious Illness in your Primary Classroom
📆Tuesday 29th Sept @ 7- 8pm
REGISTER HERE ➡ https://tinyurl.com/angelacumminswebinar

This webinar is delivered by a primary teacher and a parent with lived experience of childhood cancer. It offers an honest and compassionate perspective on the challenges schools face, alongside practical guidance on how teachers and SNAs can adjust, adapt, and support a child and their family during treatment, on return to school, and in the period that follows.

Angela Cummins is a primary teacher with over 20 years’ experience working in DEIS Band 1 and special school settings. She currently teaches in a DEIS Band 1 primary school in Cherry Orchard and serves on the Board of Management. Angela holds a Master’s degree in Education from Maynooth University, a Master’s degree in Autism from Dublin City University, and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership. She guest lectures in Maynooth University and delivers professional learning webinars for Dublin West Education Centre. Angela is currently studying for a Doctorate in Education (EdD) at Dublin City University while teaching full time. She is also a volunteer with Barretstown in Ballymore Eustace.

➡This Autumn we are delighted to host Elaine King to facilitate a series of SSE Webinars for both Primary & post Primary Teachers:

1. SSE Without Overwhelm: A Teacher’s Role in Meaningful School Improvement - 28th Sept @ 7-8pm
REGISTER HERE➡ https://tinyurl.com/ssewithoutoverwhelm
2. LAOS 2022 in Action: Leading School Improvement With Clarity - 12th Oct @ 7-8pm
REGISTER HERE➡ https://tinyurl.com/sselaos2022
3. Strategic Vision Planning: Turning Purpose Into Measurable Progress - 16th Nov @ 7-8pm
REGISTER HERE➡ https://tinyurl.com/ssevisionplanning

Elaine is a Teaching Principal, Mentor with Oide, trained Leadership Coach, and Interview & Leadership Consultant. She works closely with principals, deputy principals, assistant principals and teachers across Ireland and holds a Master’s in Education and Special Needs. During this webinar series Elaine will bring over 20 years of experience in education, leadership and professional development.

More info on each webinar is on the accompanying slide.
We look forward to having you join.