Seminars

Conflict is inevitable, Combat is Optional - A Toolkit for Managing Conflict

This seminar will explore

How conflict can escalate

How to manage oneself in facing difficult situations

Leading a proactive approach to communicating an understanding of conflict resolution with all stakeholders in the school community

Examining the school’s conflict resolution policies and how they can promote an understanding of how these policies can support a positive school climate

The rights and responsibilities of all

Donal Kerins

Inclusive Classrooms & Working with Behaviours of Concern

As classrooms evolve to reflect increasingly diverse and complex learner needs; school leaders are facing fresh challenges in supporting inclusive practice. This seminar will explore how school leaders can lead a cultural shift in understanding behaviour, moving away from a reactive stance towards a relational and trauma-informed approach. Together, we’ll examine practical strategies that create safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments where everyone feels seen, heard and understood. Participants will gain insight into how leadership can influence and support staff to develop the skills to respond confidently and compassionately to behaviours of concern, while also reflecting on their own daily interactions and long-term goals. 

Nuala Carroll

Leading the rollout of the primary curriculum framework

This seminar will focus on equipping schools with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement the PCF. It will foster school leaders' ability to lead these changes in their schools. It will provide strategies, insights and collaborative opportunities enabling leaders to navigate the complexities of embedding the PCF within their school contexts. 

Alan Sheehan

Carol Scott

Dyslexia Screening: From complexity to simplicity

This workshop will address three key issues in relation to supporting dyslexia in primary schools:

The importance of early and appropriate dyslexia screening
The importance of consistent evidence-based intervention
The importance of expertise within the staff group

The workshop will share case-studies of two students who have similar dyslexia profiles, but who have very different outcomes at the end of primary school. It will be proposed that the difference in outcomes is primarily based on what their school did in terms of the three aforementioned themes.

Maria Jones

Donald Ewing

Deputy PrincipalMeet

DPMeet 2026 is an opportunity to listen to your fellow deputy principals share practical ideas and personal insights into primary education and leadership, on a diverse range of topics. Each speaker will have 5-7 minutes to speak on their given topic, so attendees will leave with several examples of good practice that may be relevant to your school context.

Thursday

Coran Swayne, East Cork Community SS – Comhrá agus Coffee
Mags Moore, Beaumont Boys, Cork – School reluctance
Shane Dowd, Ballinlough NS, Roscommon – International Pupil Participation
Stephen Walsh, St Joseph's Primary, Tipperary Town – Shared Leadership
Eva Ní Mhairtín, Scoil Lorcáin, Baile na Manach – Ag dul ó scoil lán Béarla go Gaelscoil
Claire Brennan, Scoil Sheamais Naofa, Bearna, Galway – Student Council

Friday

Doreen McHale, Ravenswell Primary School in Bray – Reframing Perceptions – Working with PDA
Brian McNeice, St Kevins NS, Greystones, Wicklow – Speech and Language Class
Adele McKeon, St Patricks Loreto PS, Bray, Wicklow – Roots of Empathy
Karan O’Driscoll, Scoil Lios Teilic, Tralee – Nurture Rooms and School Dogs!
Liz Fitzgerald, St Patricks, Kilkenny – L1/L2 Junior Cycle and L1/L2 Senior Cycle journey
Kathryn Murphy, Holy Well NS, Carrigaline, Cork - Amalgamation

2026 Online Registration Sponsor