Recently appointed primary school principals meet for diocesan event

Recently appointed primary school principals meet for diocesan event

Twenty recently appointed principals of primary schools throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross gathered in Cork International Hotel to meet as a group with Bishop Fintan as school patron.

Bishop Fintan assured the gathering of his support for them in their leadership and management role through the Diocesan Education Secretariat as well as in their role as faith leaders via the Diocesan Co-ordinator of Faith Formation in primary schools.  Bishop Fintan acknowledged that while school principals, staff members and Boards of Management face many challenges in a changing faith landscape in families, the Catholic ethos of schools centred on the Person of Jesus is even more needed than ever.

Ms. Susan O’Hanrahan, Diocesan Co-ordinator for Faith Formation in Primary Schools, outlined initiatives to support the faith formation of children as well as nourishing the faith lives of staff members including an upcoming Day of Reflection for teachers on Saturday 30th November in Mardyke House, the roll-out of a pilot programme for the introduction of Christian meditation in primary schools, the development of a pilot retreat for Confirmation candidates with NET Ministries, Bishop Fintan’s on-going pastoral visits to schools and her own on-going school visits to support teachers with the Grow In Love Programme.

Michelle Griffin (St Maries of the Isle), Sinead Elliffe (Scoil Padre Pio), Loise Hallissey (Summercove NS), Jan O'Sullivan (St Vincent's Convent School)Michelle Griffin (St Maries of the Isle), Sinead Elliffe (Scoil Padre Pio), Loise Hallissey (Summercove NS), Jan O'Sullivan (St Vincent's Convent School)

Ms. Regina O’Sullivan, Diocesan Co-ordinator for Primary Schools, outlined the role of the Diocesan Education Secretariat in providing support to Boards of Management as well as school management and leadership in their central governance and compliance requirements.

Fr. Michael Keohane, Diocesan Education Secretary, spoke about the role of the patron in primary schools as well as acceleration of school amalgamations and the establishment of special classes in schools as integral to their Catholic ethos.

The gathering concluded with a period of prayer guided by Bishop Fintan in the Ignatian ‘Examen’ method.  Singing and musical accompaniment was provided by Sarah Ryan Purcell and Roisín Kissane who both recently graduated as primary teachers.

Martina Barry (Scoil Barra), Susan O’Hanrahan (Diocese of Cork & Ross), Micheál Ó Draighneán (Gaelscoil Uí Riada), Emma Uí Riordáin (Cappabue NS)Martina Barry (Scoil Barra), Susan O’Hanrahan (Diocese of Cork & Ross), Micheál Ó Draighneán (Gaelscoil Uí Riada), Emma Uí Riordáin (Cappabue NS)

Bishop Fintan with Sarah Ryan Purcell and Roisín Kissane who provided the music for the eveningBishop Fintan with Sarah Ryan Purcell and Roisín Kissane who provided the music for the evening

Andy Concannon (Ovens NS), Kevin Mulcahy (Dromore NS) & Michael Lynch (Timoleague NS)Andy Concannon (Ovens NS), Kevin Mulcahy (Dromore NS) & Michael Lynch (Timoleague NS)