| Image | Date | Headline | News Story | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 01/11/2024 | Mayo School Campaigns in Dáil | Mayo Educate Together school to take campaign to Dáil Éireann | Read Article |
 | 31/10/2024 | Catholic Schools Avoid SPHE | Catholic schools advised to not make use of SPHE textbooks | Read Article |
 | 31/10/2024 | Taoiseach on School Violence | ‘Harrowing viewing’: Taoiseach makes statement after survivors of violence in Irish schools speak out : Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris considers expanding the clerical sex abuse inquiry to include historic corporal punishment in schools after the RTÉ documentary highlighted survivors' traumatic experiences. | Read Article |
 | 31/10/2024 | Pizza vs. Nuggets: Democracy Wins | In this school’s election, it’s pizza vs. chicken nuggets, with democracy as the winner : Students at an Arizona tribal school vote between pizza and chicken nuggets to learn democracy, fostering civic engagement and understanding the importance of their voices. | Read Article |
 | 01/11/2024 | **Teacher Beats Student** | A teacher beat me black and blue because I didn't know what a noun was' : A teacher exposes widespread physical and sexual abuse in Ireland’s religious schools, revealing thousands of allegations, Church cover-ups, and lasting trauma for victims. | Read Article |
 | 01/11/2024 | Irish Gov Funds Youth | 10 youth climate projects to get share of almost €500,000 from Irish government : The Irish Government is awarding nearly €500,000 to ten youth groups for climate justice projects, empowering young people to address climate change initiatives. | Read Article |
 | 31/10/2024 | **Masked Gunman Threatens School** | Chilling moment masked ‘gunman’ stalks primary school sparking mass shooting fears – with teachers & kids in lockdown : In 2022, Ryan Brick approached a North Wales primary school masked with fake guns, causing mass shooting fears. He was arrested and given a suspended sentence. | Read Article |
 | 31/10/2024 | Snack Election: Democracy Wins | In this school’s election, it’s pizza vs. chicken nuggets, with democracy as the winner : Students at an Arizona tribal school vote between pizza and chicken nuggets to learn democracy, fostering civic engagement and understanding the importance of their voices in the community. | Read Article |
 | 30/10/2024 | **Secondary Pupils Question Gaelic** | Pupils get to secondary and think 'Why am I learning Gaelic?' : Gaelic Medium Education in Scotland faces a 60% drop from primary to secondary due to poor promotion of Gaelic’s value, student uncertainty, and limited career perceptions, according to experts. | Read Article |
 | 02/11/2024 | **Galway Schools Achieve Gaeltacht** | Galway delight on achieving official recognition as Gaeltacht Schools : Galway schools officially recognized as Gaeltacht Schools through the Recognition Scheme, receiving support to enhance Irish language education. Minister Norma Foley congratulated all achievers. | Read Article |
 | 03/11/2024 | Tusla Chief: No Referrals | No referrals over Kyran's school attendance - Tusla chief : Tusla’s chief executive confirmed no concerns were reported about Kyran Durnin’s school attendance from 2022-2024. An ongoing murder investigation into his disappearance continues. | Read Article |
 | 04/11/2024 | **Irish Education Declines** | Our Government aspires to boost education through Irish - yet student numbers have fallen for the first time in 50 years : Despite government efforts to promote Irish-medium education, student numbers have declined for the first time in 50 years. Experts recommend increasing schools and allowing parental choice to boost enrollment. | Read Article |
 | 06/11/2024 | €75K Education Settlement | €75,000 settlement over failure to provide suspended boy with special schooling for three years : The High Court approved a €75,000 settlement plus costs for a young man with special needs after authorities allegedly failed to provide his specialized education for three years. | Read Article |
 | 07/11/2024 | Australia Limits Under-16 Social Media | Australia plans social media ban for under-16s : Australia will legislate a ban on social media for under-16s to protect children's online safety. Critics argue it may be ineffective, advocating for stricter platform regulations instead. | Read Article |
 | 07/11/2024 | Foley Denies Misleading Dáil | Foley denies misleading Dáil over encounter with phone pouch company executive | Read Article |
 | 07/11/2024 | Foley Misleads Dáil | ‘No question’ of Norma Foley misleading Dáil over encounter with phone pouch company exec – minister’s department | Read Article |
 | 07/11/2024 | Irish Learning Declines | Learning outcomes slide for Irish pupils, report finds : Irish pupils' learning outcomes in maths and reading have declined, according to a UNESCO report. Overburdened principals lack the capacity to effectively lead teaching, reflecting global educational stagnation. | Read Article |
 | 08/11/2024 | Robots Aid School Reopening | The robots helping children go back to school : Wirral Council employs AV1 robots to support children with emotional needs, enhancing school attendance by 21% and lesson engagement by 42%. The robots facilitate emotional expression and gradual reintegration. | Read Article |
 | 09/11/2024 | Parents' Charity Stripped | National school parents’ group stripped of charity status after rows over state finance and representation : The National Parents Council Post Primary lost its charitable status and €250,000 annual funding after governance and financial misconduct issues, leading to its dissolution amid disputes with Education Minister Norma Foley. | Read Article |
 | 10/11/2024 | Fine Gael Rejects Ryanair | Fine Gael distances itself from Ryanair boss’s ‘derisory’ remarks about teachers : Fine Gael condemns Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary’s derogatory remarks about teachers during a campaign event, leading to widespread political and public criticism. | Read Article |
 | 10/11/2024 | **Taoiseach Rebukes O’Leary** | Taoiseach responds to Michael O’Leary ‘offensive’ teacher remarks at campaign event : Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized teachers at a campaign event, sparking condemnation from Taoiseach Simon Harris and other politicians who defended educators' essential role. | Read Article |
 | 10/11/2024 | **Flu Absences, Vaccine Low** | Flu is leading to school absences but uptake of vaccine low : Over half of Irish parents report school absences for children due to flu, with vaccine hesitancy rising to 53% mainly because of time constraints. | Read Article |
 | 11/11/2024 | Candidates Address Education Issues | Election candidates face lesson on key education issues | Read Article |
 | 11/11/2024 | Teachers Dominate Dáil | ‘Too many teachers in the Dáil’: Are they the most represented profession in the chamber? | Read Article |
 | 14/11/2024 | Teacher Bashing Shields Governments | Opinion: 'Teacher bashing' is a global phenomenon, absolving governments of their failed policies : Dr. Alan Gorman argues that global "teacher bashing" shifts blame from systemic education failures, undermines teacher morale, and hinders necessary reforms, benefiting political agendas. | Read Article |
 | 14/11/2024 | 4,600 Irish Teachers Abroad | More than 4,600 Irish teachers working abroad as schools at home struggle with staff shortages - study : Over 4,600 Irish teachers are working abroad amid severe domestic school staff shortages, especially in Dublin, prompting calls for incentives to retain and return educators. | Read Article |
 | 15/11/2024 | Teacher Shortage Funding | Calls for infrastructure fund to address teacher shortage : Irish primary principals advocate for an infrastructure fund to provide housing for teachers in urban areas. They attribute the teacher shortage, with over 4,600 abroad, to the ongoing housing crisis. | Read Article |
 | 16/11/2024 | Cork Schools Funding Woes | We have to go cap in hand to our parents association': Cork primary schools on funding woes : Cork primary schools struggle with funding as high utility bills consume capitation grants, leaving no money for educational resources. Principals must rely on parent fundraising due to insufficient government support. | Read Article |
 | 20/11/2024 | Minister Bombarded Over Plan | Education minister bombarded with emails from public over €9m phone-pouch plan | Read Article |
 | 20/11/2024 | Foley Calls Shortage 'Opportunity' | Norma Foley’s description of teacher shortage crisis as an ‘opportunity’ another tone deaf insult of teachers - Sorca Clarke | Read Article |
 | 21/11/2024 | Foley Defends Shortage Comments | Norma Foley defends teacher shortage 'opportunity' comments called 'disgraceful' by Mary Lou McDonald | Read Article |
 | 22/11/2024 | Parnell Square Trauma Endures | ‘The trauma is still very real’ – Parnell Square school students still in counselling after attack, reveals principal : A year after the Parnell Square school attack, many students and staff are still receiving counselling. Three children and a care worker were injured. | Read Article |
 | 25/11/2024 | Special Schools Await Therapies | Special schools still waiting for promised therapies : Five Irish special schools have not received promised in-school occupational and speech therapies over three months after announcement. Delays stem from recruitment issues, causing parent and school frustration. | Read Article |
 | 25/11/2024 | School Embraces Risky Play | ‘Parents were apprehensive’: the school where ‘risky’ play is on the timetable : Slane National School in Co Meath integrates risky outdoor play, such as tree climbing and scooter downhilling, to build students’ resilience and confidence, overcoming initial parental concerns. | Read Article |
 | 27/11/2024 | Forced Mainstreaming Harms | ‘Serious implications for vulnerable students’ - pupils with learning disabilities are ‘being forced into mainstream schools’ : New policy pressures mild special schools to integrate students with learning disabilities into mainstream settings, sparking concerns about capacity and adequate support for vulnerable learners. | Read Article |
 | 28/11/2024 | Australia Bans Social Media | Australia passes world-first social media ban for under-16s : Australia enacts the first global law banning social media for under-16s from late 2025, imposing fines on platforms that fail to enforce age restrictions to safeguard youth mental health. | Read Article |
 | 02/12/2024 | Teachers Quitting Over Workload | Wellbeing and workload concerns driving teachers to consider quitting : A DfE survey reveals one-third of teachers and leaders are considering leaving the profession within a year due to high workload, stress, and poor wellbeing. | Read Article |
 | 02/12/2024 | Disinformation Hinders Campaign | Norma Foley says disinformation made for difficult election campaign | Read Article |
 | 03/12/2024 | Next Education Minister | Who might be the next Minister for Education? : Simon Lewis examines likely Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael candidates for Ireland’s next Minister for Education, highlighting Patrick O’Donovan and Norma Foley as top contenders. | Read Article |
 | 04/12/2024 | Ireland Top Math Performers | Pupils in Ireland among top maths performers in Europe, global study finds : Ireland ranks seventh in secondary maths and tenth in science among 64 countries in the 2023 TIMSS study, excelling in Europe but facing a significant gender performance gap. | Read Article |
 | 02/12/2024 | Migrants Day Learning Resources | Dec. 18th Is International Migrants Day – Here Are Teaching & Learning Resources : Larry Ferlazzo highlights the UN-declared International Migrants Day on December 18th, offering educators various teaching and learning resources on migration and supporting immigrant students. | Read Article |
 | 04/12/2024 | AI Enhances Festival Teaching | 4 AI Prompts for Teaching Festivals in Primary School : Simon Lewis presents four AI prompts to aid primary teachers in planning festival lessons using conceptual enquiry, providing lesson plans and resources tailored for Educate Together schools in Ireland. | Read Article |
 | 05/12/2024 | Charter Supports Kerry Schools | Small Schools Charter to provide additional resources to Kerry | Read Article |
 | 05/12/2024 | Curriculum Adds Irish | Greater emphasis on Irish words in updated curriculum for babies and toddlers : Ireland updates its early childhood curriculum, Aistear, to emphasize using more Irish language with babies and toddlers, enhancing language confidence alongside creativity and STEM education. | Read Article |
 | 09/12/2024 | O’Leary's Teacher Stance | Was Michael O’Leary right about teachers after all? : Teachers are demoralized not by pay or migration, but by an oppressive schooling model emphasizing performance metrics, excessive workload, and lack of support, leading to burnout and exodus. | Read Article |
 | 09/12/2024 | Feeder Schools Highlight Inequality | What do feeder schools tell us about inequality? : Ireland’s feeder schools highlight educational inequality, as wealthier families afford extra tutoring that boosts third-level progression. Experts argue these lists reflect existing disparities, advocating for broader support. | Read Article |
 | 09/12/2024 | Traditional Gender Attitudes | Boys will be boys: why gender attitudes of today’s schoolchildren are remarkably traditional : A study of 4,000 Irish primary students finds traditional gender stereotypes persist, with girls linked to kindness and boys to strength and sports. Experts urge ongoing efforts to challenge these norms. | Read Article |
 | 10/12/2024 | HSE: Assess School Meals | School hot meals need evaluation, says HSE obesity lead : The HSE’s obesity lead urges evaluation of the school hot meals program, citing concerns that high-fat, ultra-processed foods are increasing obesity risks among children. | Read Article |
 | 10/12/2024 | Five New Special Schools | Further information over five new special schools : Five new special schools will open in Dublin, Cork, Monaghan, and Tipperary by September 2025 to meet the growing demand for education for children with complex special needs. | Read Article |
 | 09/12/2024 | School Meals Under Review | School hot meals need evaluation, says HSE obesity lead : The HSE’s obesity lead urges evaluation of the school hot food programme due to high-fat, ultra-processed foods contributing to obesity, highlighting concerns from educators and health experts. | Read Article |
 | 12/12/2024 | Seclusion Banned in Schools | Use of seclusion banned in schools for pupils with challenging behaviour : Irish schools are banned from using seclusion for pupils with challenging behavior. Physical restraint is only allowed in crisis situations posing immediate risks, according to new Department of Education guidelines. | Read Article |
 | 13/12/2024 | AI Breaks Down Circulars | Using AI to break down Department Circulars : Simon Lewis showcases using ChatGPT to summarize the Department of Education’s seclusion guidelines, highlighting AI’s effectiveness and limitations in understanding and analyzing educational policies. | Read Article |
 | 13/12/2024 | Santa's Patronage Lessons | What Santa can teach us about Patronage : The article examines how religious schools profess inclusivity but enforce dominant beliefs, using Santa Claus traditions to highlight patronage-driven exclusion and challenges in embracing diverse viewpoints. | Read Article |
 | 13/12/2024 | Seclusion Ban Criticized | Guidelines ending use of seclusion in schools criticised : A disability charity criticizes new school guidelines banning seclusion and limiting physical restraint, arguing they inadequately protect disabled children and fail to prevent abuse. | Read Article |
 | 15/12/2024 | Phones, Social Media Fuel Fights | How Student Phones and Social Media Are Fueling Fights in Schools : Student cellphones are escalating school violence by facilitating the recording and sharing of fights, complicating efforts to control aggression and increasing cyberbullying across U.S. schools. | Read Article |
 | 14/12/2024 | Israel-Palestine Education Initiative | ‘A whole new world opened up’: the radical project taking Israel-Palestine into schools : Parallel Histories, a UK charity, introduces Israel-Palestine conflict in schools through debates among diverse students, fostering empathy and balanced understanding of contentious histories. | Read Article |
 | 14/12/2024 | Religious Certification Limits Diversity | Is Religious Ed Cert a barrier to diversity in teaching? : A Muslim trainee teacher in Ireland faces limited job prospects in predominantly Catholic primary schools due to the requirement for a Catholic Religious Education Certificate, hindering workforce diversity. | Read Article |
 | 16/12/2024 | School Revises Religious Policy | Dublin school to review ethos statement over message telling parents students must attend all religious ceremonies : A Dublin school is reassessing its ethos after mandating all students attend religious ceremonies, with Education Equality arguing it violates children’s constitutional rights. | Read Article |
 | 17/12/2024 | Ireland Lags in Language | The Irish Times view on foreign language-learning in schools: Ireland is lagging behind : The Irish Times editorial criticizes Ireland's low foreign language proficiency among youth, flaws in current education strategies, and urges enhanced language teaching and resources in schools. | Read Article |
 | 17/12/2024 | Ireland's Traveller, Roma Bias | ‘High levels of prejudice’ against Travellers and Roma in Ireland, ESRI report finds : An ESRI report reveals high levels of prejudice against Travellers and Roma in Ireland, with women and those aged 16–20 showing greater tolerance than men and older individuals. | Read Article |
 | 19/12/2024 | **Schools Ban Smartphones** | Schools pledge to become smartphone-free : Four Worcestershire schools pledge to delay students receiving smartphones until Year 9 to reduce anxiety and promote healthier childhoods, supporting the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign. | Read Article |
 | 19/12/2024 | **School Attendance Permanently Fractured** | Ciara Kelly: School attendance has been 'fractured permanently' from pandemic lockdowns : A report reveals permanent declines in school attendance post-pandemic lockdowns, with over 25% of primary and 20% of secondary students missing 20+ days, notably in disadvantaged areas. | Read Article |
 | 19/12/2024 | Schools Go Smartphone-Free | Schools pledge to become smartphone-free : Four Worcestershire schools pledge to delay students getting smartphones until Year 9, addressing anxiety and social media issues. They support the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign and involve parents in the decision. | Read Article |
