Newport, Co. Mayo

Phone 098-41442

E-Mail newportmayo.ias@eircom.net

Policy on Taking EPV (Course) Days

Where a teacher has, during the school year, attended a professional development course approved by DES, personal leave may be taken subject to Board of Management approval, on the basis of three days for attendance at a five-day course.
The teacher initially applies in person to the Principal for a course day. When permission is granted, the teacher notifies others of their booking of the EPV day by writing it into the school diary in the staff-room, giving at least one week’s notice, if possible.
It is our school policy that no more than one teacher at a time takes a course day, unless in exceptionable circumstances. If available on the day, the Principal teaches the class during the teacher’s absence. By so doing, it provides continuous instruction for the class, provides an opportunity for the Principal to remain involved in day-to-day teaching in classrooms, and prevents disruption for other classes. On days where the Principal is not available to the class, school work will have been organised beforehand by the class teacher for the pupils to complete on the day, the pupils will be divided into small groups and sent to other classes by the Principal or Deputy Principal.