Time Management for Teaching Principals IPPN Conference 2011

Introduction ISM Office Systems Managing Paper Communication Scenarios and discussion in groups Extra Hour Multi-Grade Teaching Q&A

Micheál Rea Walterstown NS, Cobh, Co. Cork 135 children, 5 mainstream teachers, 2 RT/LST, 1 SNA, 1 P/T secretary, 1 P/T caretaker and 1 shared teacher to cover Admin Days. Rural school but about half children from Cobh. Teaching 33 5 th and 6 th class pupils.

Principal Deputy Principal 1 Special Duties Teacher Should have a second post

SEN – assessments, NEPS, SENO etc Roll Book and NEWB reporting Promoting good attendance Daily meetings and consultation Role in positive staff relations Sammy Stamps (Credit Union Saving) Swimming Shared Reading Curriculum area ISM meetings – formal and informal

Curriculum area Green Schools School Tours Book lists School photos ISM meetings – formal and informal

Discover Science Sports – Hurling, football, soccer, athletics, etc Chess IT – management of 15 laptops, digital projectors, IWB, website and troubleshooting Irish dancing Concert and music shows

ConsultPrioritiseCommunicateMotivateEvaluate

“If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got” “Do it Now” I regard school as an service provider and as such aim to exceed expectations. “You get out what you put in”

Office – who uses the office and for what Principal’s Office – what is it used for? Secretary – represents the school - protects Principal - good communication with Principal - work on their own initiative within school policy.

Filing – Confidential (BOM mins etc) - Not Confidential (circulars etc) - Books, publications ( Leadership+ etc) - Up-coming meetings - PIMS - SEN - Treasurer - OLCS

Laptop Files on laptop including contacts Diary Mobile phone Mobile internet device

A system I understand and that will work without me A place for every piece of paper Cut down on paper where possible Post – categorise, delegate, recycle! - important and urgent - important and not urgent - not important - try to deal with it on my terms

Staff – staffroom whiteboard - pigeon holes - mobile phone Board of Management – /text reminders etc - agenda etc - Meetings every six weeks

Parents: Teachers bring classes to gate each evening Monthly newsletter Notes home Website Notices in office window Secretary Principal Green Schools Newsletter by children Text a parent

DES want black and white We work in between black and white – in the grey areas. Scenarios – Activity 1.

Class Administration HR Management School Family Self Scenarios – Activity 2 (questions on sheet)

Additional Time One hour per week – 36 hours per year 183 days to be protected Supervision before/after school Blocks of 1,2 or 3 hours or up to 2 full days Separate from existing P/T meeting and Staff Meeting arrangements Advertise use of extra hours to parents and community

Possible Activities: - school planning - continuous professional development - induction - pre and post school supervision - policy development - staff meetings - nationally planned in-service - school arranged in-service Group discussion

Curriculum Overload Difficult class mixes Early Finishers SEN Corrections Maturity levels of class groups Group Discussion

Crayon: to colour every day bright Ear Plugs: for when the noise gets too loud Marbles: to replace those you might lose from time to time. Paper Clip: for when you need help holding things together Peanuts: to remind you to be a little bit nutty from time to time Rubber band: to remind you to be a little bit flexible Chocolate: to give you a burst of energy