The West Cork orientation session for recently appointed teachers in primary schools under the patronage of the Bishop of Cork and Ross was held on Thursday 25th September at the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery.
The teachers met with Bishop Fintan Gavin, Regina O’Sullivan (Diocesan Education Secretariat) and Mary Anne Collins (Coordinator for Faith Formation in Primary Schools).
Bishop Fintan thanked the teachers for their important work in schools and emphasised his wish to connect with teachers and support them in their work. The unique challenges and opportunities of multi-grade teaching were acknowledged and the availability of the Grow in Love Teaching Schemes for Multi-Class Situations was welcomed by teachers. The teachers also had the chance to review the differentiated resources for the 2nd class Grow in Love programme which will help teachers to prepare pupils for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Regina O’Sullivan (Diocesan Education Secretariat), Stephanie Cannon (Bandon Primary School), Jenny Byrne (Dreeny NS), Mary Anne Collins (Coordinator for Faith Formation in Primary Schools), Rachel Crowley, Kate-Anne Fenton (Bunscoil Fachtna), Bishop Fintan Gavin, Jess Henry (Bandon Primary School), Micheál Ó Duinnín (Scoil Mhuire agus Bharra), Erin Leahy (Clogagh NS), Bríd Hartnett (Knockavilla NS), Oran Mullally (Knockavilla NS)
Attendees at the session for the recently appointed primary school teachers in Rosscarbery
The teachers learned about the role of the patron and the supports offered by the diocese, including: Celebrating Mass for the beginning of the school year in West Cork and the city, support for teaching the Grow in Love programme, day of reflection for teachers, Confirmation retreats with NET Ministries, Christmas video message from Bishop Fintan.
Teachers reported that they found the session to be enjoyable and informative.
