ONE OF THE UNTAPPED resources for primary schools in Ireland is a deep mother lode of dedicated talent just a few miles away in the homes and business locations of parents and former students--like Rachael Cooke standing tall at left. Those people, often willing to share their time and talent, normally sit beyond the school gates without any form of connection to their old school grounds. The closest some former students come to the alma mater is when youngsters ring around with raffle tickets, prize competitions or when the kids bag groceries for tips in the local supermarket. With a little thought, many Irish parents could follow the flow of their local primary schools. With a little effort, some school boards could ensure their names, events and needs became relevant news items on Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube and on discussion threads at Boards.ie. Some local newspapers will facilitate comment sections online that continue thoughts arising in letters to the editor. On the heels of a very successful Schools Conference in Tipperary Institute, I am trying to piece together an initiative that coalesces the energy so evident in the hallways of Tipperary Institute last weekend.
Sent mail2blog using Nokia E90 O2-Typepad service near Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland. Photo shot of Rachael Cooke interviewing Josie Fraser.
