What is the Multi Disciplinary Team in Coláiste Íde

Coláiste Ide is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in education. In trying to achieve this, the overall welfare for learners will be promoted through fostering a positive environment where essential learning can be supported. To enhance this environment the college has established a Multidisciplinary Support Team as part of its Pastrol Care Programme. This team will work with learners, senior management and all teaching staff. The members of this team are:

• Sindy Fitzpatrick 
• Pearse Kieran
• Denise Ward 
• Patricia Lynch

The team will give support, put reasonable accommodations in place, provide information and advocate on behalf of learners. For ease of identification Multi-Disciplinary Team office doors have been painted pink. This will ensure that learners can clearly identify the teachers associated with the MDT.  The Study Skills Centre will act as a hub for all students who need learning support and nurturing. The college has converted Room 13 to form part of this hub. This information will be advised to learners at Induction. 

Meet the Team

Sindy Fitzpatrick
Study Skills Centre Coordinator
My role is to support learners during their educational journey to reach their full potential. I train learners using several resources including Assistive Technology and cover a range of topics including literacy, computer literacy, academic writing, organisational skills, critical thinking, research skills, presentation development skills, finding and evaluating information, and referencing. Each learner is assessed with a training plan (psychometric testing if required) to identify their support needs and the best technology suited to these requirements. I then work with this student on a regular basis over the academic year. I liaise with Class Teachers and Management to identify barriers to education for the learner and to develop plans to reach their educational goals. My office is in the Study Skills Centre.

Pearse Kieran
Student Counseller
As an experienced counsellor I can offer learners one-to-one sessions where they can talk through their problems and find solutions. I can also liaise with other staff and team members to help students reach their full potential. This is part of the multi-disciplinary skill base that is considered valuable to students, particularly in times of stress and difficulty. These sessions can help students find emotional balance and discover new ways of managing their own mental health on their educational journey. Ultimately these students will gain greater self-awareness and be significantly more likely to continue with their education plans.

Denise Ward
Guidance Counsellor
As Guidance Counsellor my role within the Multi-Disciplinary Team is to advise students so that they can make informed choices about their future in relation to employment, education, and training. I will provide one-to-one meetings with students and liaise with other team members to help and support students reach their full potential at Coláiste Ide. My office is located in the office section of the new building. 

Patricia Lynch
Retention and Liaison Officer
My role is to retain learners on programmes and to maximise the numbers who progress to the next stage of their academic or working life. I am in essence the learner welfare officer, with the learner wellbeing and success at the forefront of my aims. I will identify and track the performance and activity of specific cohorts of learners with at-risk potential, e.g., socially and economically disadvantaged, new entrants, disability registered, mature and international students. I will work with the learner to draw up a learner retention plan, identifying all aspects of the learner's life that impact on their retention. This will include identify at risk learners through attendance monitoring, assessment submission and Moodle. When required I also liaise with external organisations such as DEASP, Tusla, local Partnerships, Homeless services and in some instances family members. As part of MDT this information will be provided on a need-to-know basis to the other members of the team and relevant teachers. My office is located next to the Deputy Principals office in the main building.