Principals, Deputy Principals, and Student Support Team professionals from across the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB), along with representatives from external support organisations, gathered at The Inn at Dromoland on Thursday for the ETB’s highly successful annual Student Support Team Conference.
This year’s event, themed “Working Systemically with Teenagers,” was headlined by renowned psychotherapist and author Dr. Richard Hogan, who delivered an engaging and practical keynote address.
Richard Hogan is a Family Psychotherapist, best-selling author, and Irish Examiner columnist, known for his progressive approaches to mental health and parenting. He is also Clinical Director of the Therapy Institute and a regular contributor to Irish media, including RTÉ and Virgin Media, offering expert insights on mental health, education, and inclusion.
Bringing together guidance counsellors, pastoral care teams, and support staff from across the ETB’s network, the conference provided a vital day of professional development, connection, and shared strategy.
Dr. Hogan, known for his practical and down-to-earth approach, drew on his extensive clinical and educational experience to offer real-world strategies for educators navigating the complex challenges facing today’s youth.
The theme, “Working Systemically with Teenagers,” encouraged participants to look beyond the individual student and consider the wider systems of family, school, and community that influence behaviour and well-being. Attendees praised the session for its sharp focus on real-life issues in schools.
Key learnings highlighted by participants included:
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Practical Strategies: Attendees left with “pages of notes” and tangible advice for managing student anxiety, addressing school avoidance, and supporting positive mental health.
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A Shift in Perspective: The core principle that “all behaviour is a form of communication” was a central takeaway, helping staff reframe difficult situations and “talk to the issue, not the student.” “Labels don’t predict the future—they write it.”
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Validation and Confidence: Many staff described the day as “reassuring” and “validating,” giving them “reinforced confidence” in their existing practice and a “renewed energy” for their roles.
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Navigating Difficult Conversations: The session provided practical examples of how to engage with both students and parents on sensitive topics, such as the importance of “parents being by their child’s side, but not on their side.”
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Educator Well-being: The conference also tackled the critical issue of teacher burnout, reinforcing the message that “it’s okay to be okay” and providing strategies for self-care.
Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive. One attendee noted, “Dr. Richard Hogan is so practical and gets what is happening in schools.” Another praised the “realistic, honest, and relatable examples which relate to our roles,”calling the day “inspiring.”
The event not only delivered high-calibre training but also served as a valuable opportunity for staff from across the ETB to network, exchange best practices, and strengthen professional connections within the Student Support Team community.
Donncha O’Treasaigh, Director of Schools and Youth at Limerick and Clare ETB, commended the success of the event. “We are thrilled to provide our dedicated Student Support Teams with this calibre of professional development. Dr. Hogan’s practical insights on ‘Working Systemically’ have equipped our staff with renewed confidence and invaluable tools. When we support our staff, we are ensuring the very best support for every student in our care.”
He also praised the Schools Division Support Communications teams for their exemplary organisation of the conference.
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