County Donegal Education Support Centre - Week 45 Newsletter (02/11/26 to 08/11/2026)

Week 45 2026 - Weekly Event Newsletter

(02/11/26 to 08/11/26)

‍Dear Principal/Teacher,

Included below is a summary of all CPD events for the upcoming week beginning 2nd November 2026 aswell as some other highlights in November 2026 and beyond.

You can also review all of these CPD events in either the Primary or Post Primary courses section of the centre website.

Here is a summary of some other great events/initiatives your school may be interested in:

• NCSE Events - Details of any upcoming NCSE Teacher Professional Training can be found here.
• Oide Events - Details of any upcoming Oide Teacher Professional Training and how to register can be found here.

News Feature of the Week

Taiscéalaí - 3D Printing and Sustainability for Primary Schools (Irish Manufacturing Research - IMR)

Empowering teachers and students to explore 3D printing and sustainability through hands-on, curriculum-aligned learning!

The Challenge

Primary school teachers often lack access to tools, resources, and training to introduce cutting-edge manufacturing technologies like 3D printing into their classrooms. Without support, students may miss early opportunities to engage with STEM concepts in a hands-on, meaningful way.

The Solution

IMR, in collaboration with I-Form, Creative Spark, and Inspire3D, co-designed a Teacher’s Guide and Student Workbook aligned with the Irish primary school curriculum. Teachers from participating schools receive in-person training in 3D printing and digital design, a fully set-up 3D printer for use during the programme, and ongoing technical mentorship. Students will also be invited to take part in a national Sustainability Challenge and a showcase event to present their projects.

The Results

• Teacher empowerment: 2nd–6th class teachers will be trained and equipped with classroom-ready resources. 
• Technology access: Each participating school will receive a fully supported 3D printer (valued at €2,000+) for use during their participation in the programme. 
• Student engagement: Pupils will learn to design and print objects while considering sustainability and environmental impact. 
• National reach: A celebration event will showcase projects, foster collaboration and pride among participating schools.

What’s Next - Register your school's interest

Please complete this expression of interest form to register your school's interest in participating in this programme.

Latest Surveys

• Primary School Principal Survey for PhD Study at UCD - My name is Jet Klokgieters, and I am looking for Irish primary school principals who are interested in being interviewed for my PhD study at UCD. For my PhD, under the supervision of Dr. Elizabeth Farries and Dr. Michał Wieczorek, I am looking at factors that influence the uptake of Educational Technologies in primary schools. This study will contribute to scientific research and potential policy changes, and it might be insightful for your own decision-making process about Edtech uptake. If you are interested in being interviewed, if you know someone who might be interested in being interviewed, or if you would like to get more information about my PhD, please reach out to me at jet.klokgieters@ucdconnect.ie. Participation in my interviews will be highly appreciated!