The spirit of innovation and the pursuit of excellence in education took center stage on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, as teachers, educators, and educational enthusiasts from across the nation gathered at the Holy Family Schools in Portlaoise for Féilte, the National Teaching Council Conference. This annual event is a celebration of teaching and learning, an opportunity for educators to share ideas, experiences, and best practices, and a platform to explore the latest trends in education. This year, the conference's theme, ‘Creativity in Action,"‘sparked inspiration and ignited conversations that will shape the future of education in Ireland. 

Kinsale Community School's Impressive Presence 

One of the highlights of Féilte 2023 was the active participation of Kinsale Community School. Our school was proud to have five dedicated members of staff representing us at this prestigious conference, where they shared their expertise, experiences, and passion for education with attendees from all corners of the country. 

1. 'The Journey of Rang Realta' 

Joyce Normoyle and Lydia Minihane, two of our esteemed educators, presented a captivating showcase stand on ‘The Journey of Rang Realta.’ Rang Realta is a class that was established in our school in September 2022, designed to cater to the unique needs of students with moderate learning difficulties. Their presentation delved into the innovative methods, tools, and strategies employed in creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for these students. The dedication and care that Joyce and Lydia have poured into this endeavor were palpable, and their presentation was met with admiration and enthusiasm from attendees. 

2. 'Pride in Education: Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools' 

Roy Sheehan and Janet Forrest, two other members of our exceptional teaching team, delivered an eye-opening showcase stand on ‘Pride in Education: Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools.’ Their presentation shed light on the importance of fostering an inclusive and accepting educational environment for all students. Roy and Janet's commitment to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and promoting understanding and empathy among their peers left a lasting impact on everyone who attended their Féilte stand.  

3. 'EAL: English as an Additional Language and the Ukrainian Experience' 

Evan Kearns, another distinguished member of our staff, facilitated a thought-provoking workshop on ‘English as an Additional Language and the Ukrainian Experience.’ In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, Evan's session highlighted the importance of effective English language support for students who are not native speakers. He also shared personal insights into the effort and commitment that Evan and many more of our colleagues have put into ensuring that our Ukrainian students have felt safe, comfortable and supported in our school since they began with us. Evan demonstrated how education can play a vital role in helping newcomers integrate into their new communities. 

Féilte 2023: A Platform for Learning and Inspiration 

Féilte 2023 proved once again to be an invaluable platform for educators to come together, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from the dedication and creativity of their peers. The conference's theme, ‘Creativity in Action,’ served as a reminder that education is a dynamic and ever-evolving field where innovation and ingenuity can flourish. 

As we reflect on the success of our representatives from Kinsale Community School at Féilte 2023, we are reminded of the incredible passion and dedication that our educators bring to their classrooms every day. Their commitment to providing the best possible educational experiences for our students is truly commendable, and their participation in this conference exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning and professional development that is so integral to our school's mission. 

Féilte 2023 was not just a conference; it was a celebration of the art and science of teaching, a testament to the power of creativity in education, and a reminder of the limitless potential that lies within our classrooms. As we move forward, we are inspired by the ideas and insights shared at this year's conference, and we look forward to implementing these innovative approaches in our own school community to create an even brighter future for our students. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Joyce Normoyle, Lydia Minihane, Roy Sheehan, Janet Forrest, and Evan Kearns for their outstanding contributions to Féilte 2023 and their unwavering commitment to excellence in education. We are proud to have such dedicated educators as part of our Kinsale Community School family.