Education Convention Highlights Student and Staff Wellbeing

High-stakes examinations and curriculum pressures continue to be seen as major challenges to a positive school experience, according to a recent national poll of post-primary Principals and Deputy Principals from Ireland’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

The poll, which gathered responses from almost 200 school leaders, found that nearly all believe student needs have become more complex over the past five years, with three quarters feeling that the education system is not adapting quickly enough to meet those needs. While two thirds believe the current system serves most students fairly well, four in five reported that existing structures do not adequately support teacher and school leader wellbeing.

These findings were discussed at the ETBI Annual Conference of Principals and Deputy Principals, which brought together more than 300 school leaders to contribute to the National Conversation informing the Government’s upcoming Convention on Education. The Convention seeks input from educators, students, and parents on the future direction of Ireland’s education system.

Guest speakers included Ruth Griffin, Youth Services Manager ETBI, Sonya Naumova, Gaisce Youth Ambassador, Lisa Kavanagh, Youth Sector Specialist Department of Education and Youth and Donncha O’Treasaigh, Director of Schools, Limerick and Clare ETB.

Limerick and Clare ETB was well represented at the conference, held in Galway on 29 and 30 January. Delegates engaged with a wide range of topics shaping post-primary education, including artificial intelligence, school buildings and infrastructure, curriculum reform, the Irish language in schools, and links between schools and youth services.

Donncha O’Treasaigh, Director of Schools with Limerick and Clare ETB, chaired a panel discussion on Youth Work and schools, highlighting the important connections between schools and local youth services. The ETB’s active participation underscored its commitment to supporting both students and staff and ensuring their perspectives are included in the national conversation on education.

Limerick and Clare ETB welcomes opportunities for school leaders to contribute directly to shaping future policy and supports reforms that place student experience, inclusion, and staff wellbeing at the centre of educational development.