School Secretaries’ Professional Development Day

Date: Wednesday 26th November from 10-3PM

Location: Wexford Education Support Centre

Cos: €40 per person. This cost is normally covered by Boards of Management.

 Light lunch will be provided on the day.

Efficiency, Integrity & Connection — Strengthening the Heart of School Administration

School secretaries play a pivotal role in the smooth running of a school, yet they often have little dedicated professional development tailored to their specific challenges.  “Efficiency, Integrity & Connection — Strengthening the Heart of School Administration” is a CPD course designed to help School Secretaries develop and enhance their ability to co-ordinate and manage daily tasks through the highs and lows of busy days, build a supportive peer network and share best practices.

The day will include:-

Interactive Discussion: The evolving nature of the role  “A day in the life — what makes it work?” including confidentiality, professionalism, handling sensitive issues, boundaries, and the school secretary as a communication hub.

Digital Skills & MIS (Management Information Systems): Exploring updates and common features of the school’s MIS, efficient digital filing, calendar tools, and cybersecurity awareness.

Data Protection: Safe data handling, consent, email protocols, managing staff/student data, and confidentiality challenges.

Communication, Integrity & Professional Presence: Exploring efficient and tactful communication, managing difficult conversations, and maintaining integrity under pressure.

Collaboration & Team Strengthening: Focus on teamwork within the school — how secretaries support staff cohesion and student wellbeing indirectly.

You will take part in practical, hands-on ideas in a session designed around sharing best practice, personal experiences and ideas.

Participants should bring a device to allow engagement with practical elements throughout the day.