10.05.2019
Emotional Intelligence and Internet Safety the Focus of Patron’s Day for Diocesan Schools
Primary school principals, clergy and members of boards of management from all over Dublin & Glendalough gathered in Liffey Valley yesterday (Thursday May 9) for the annual Patron’s Day conference.
Organised by the Diocesan Board of Education, this year’s conference focused on two themes. Dr Joe O’Connell spoke about building an emotionally intelligent school and Sinead Bartosik addressed the topic of internet safety.
The conference was opened by the Patron, Archbishop Michael Jackson. In welcoming principals, teachers members of boards of management and clergy, the Archbishop spoke of the importance of Patron’s Day in enabling new and established people to network.
Taking up the twin themes of the day: Emotional Intelligence and Internet Safety he spoke of the importance of understanding both in an age where information as an end in itself had become a dominant force.
He referred to the importance of an understanding of both of these for all associated with school life in shaping and sustaining a culture of teaching, learning and living.
Regarding patronage itself, Archbishop Jackson spoke of the way in which parents gave their children in loco parentis to the school. This brought with it a duty of care and a responsibility of safety. It also provided a tremendous opportunity to teachers to convey positive values of care for self and care for others to each generation of pupils.
He finished by wishing everyone what is best for the day ahead and by thanking the organisers for a relevant and imaginative programme.
