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The importance of Religious Education (RE) in Irish secondary schools is a topic that is often debated. A common argument put forward in opposition to giving class time to the subject is that the other core subjects are deemed more important; and therefore, should merit more time. This argument is perhaps particularly prevalent in schools…

Why is it that people eagerly countdown the days to that long-awaited holiday from work? Or for students, why is the summertime such a sacred and revered space in their lives? There could be many answers, but I think that at the heart of it is this – we are anticipating peace and contentment in…

A recent survey of Irish adults revealed that 53% view their school days as the best years of their lives.[1] Whether you would agree or not, it’s evident that our experiences during those formative years leave a lasting impact. Reflecting on my own time in secondary school, I recognise numerous lessons that have stayed with…

“Limits are a necessary partner in the creative act as well as in the crafting of a successful life. What matters is the ability to look around and accurately recognize what is working for you and what is working against you, adjusting to the realities of the situation and mining the potential of the limits…

It is a chilly, grey morning in February in Athlone. Teachers arrive slowly from all around Ireland to meet here in the middle of the country, in the middle of the school year. For some the commute took a couple of hours, for others it was only a few minutes. Regardless, once we all arrive,…

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” – Jesus (Matthew 11:28) It’s 4 p.m. on a Wednesday. The bell has rung, the students have left, and you finally let out a sigh of relief. But just as you start to relax, your mind races through the…