New primary school Boards of Management took office on Sunday 1st December 2019 for a four year period and, on Tuesday 3rd December, at an early opportunity, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton, invited all the members of the boards to dinner at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Little Island, County Cork.  Afterwards he gave his now customary ‘Patron’s Briefing’ and delivered the first of the seven training sessions that boards are expected to undertake.

Education in Cork, Cloyne and Ross – Bishop Paul Colton’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

There was nearly a full turnout out of members of the boards of management.  The Bishop thanked everyone for making their experience, expertise, time and insights available voluntarily to the Diocese, and to the country,  to do this work.  The chairpersons for the period 2019-2023 were singled out for thanks, as were the principals of the schools, including four new principals.

Chairpersons of Boards of Management at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

School Principals at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

Welcoming everyone to the training session, the Bishop remarked that ‘it is just as sell that we can set the group photo of principals alongside that of chairpersons so that overall, our management leadership in the schools, has a gender balance!’

It was also an opportunity to introduce board members in person to Ms Susan Perrott who is responsible in Cork, Cloyne and Ross for education administration, as well as to Mr Billy Skuse who is secretary of the Diocesan Board of Education.

At the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork were (l-r) Ms Susan Perrott (Education administration in Cork, Cloyne and Ross), Dr Ken Fennelly, Bishop Colton, Ms Eimear Ryan, and Mr Billy Skuse (Secretary, Diocesan Board of Education)
Picture: Jim Coughlan

Everyone was especially pleased that Dr Ken Fennelly and Ms Eimear Ryan from the Board of Education of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland had travelled to Cork for the occasion.

Ms Eimear Ryan and Dr Ken Fennelly were welcomed enthusiastically at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

Many commented how useful it was to meet people person who ordinarily they only encounter by email or telephone.    Both were also available to answer questions and a number of ‘mini clinics’ ensued during the break and afterwards.  Bishop Colton thanked Dr Fennelly and Ms Ryan for the so many ways in which they support the education work in Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

BIshop Paul Colton with members of the Boards of Management in Cork, Cloyne and Ross at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan