DCU Institute of Education
DCU Institute of Education
Dr John White speaking at the 2026 DCU Changemaker Schools Network Conference.
Director of the DCU Changemaker Schools Network Dr John White opening the 2026 Conference.

DCU Changemaker Schools Conference: Promoting Wellbeing and Empathy in our Schools

Changemakers 2026
The annual DCU Changemaker Schools Network conference recently took place on the University’s St. Patrick’s campus. The event brought together students, teachers, and school representatives from across the country to explore the themes of empathy and wellbeing.

Student Voices and Network Growth

Students from Paradise Place ETNS in Dublin 7 opened the conference with an address examining “What it means to be a Changemaker.” They highlighted the positive impact that being part of the DCU Changemaker Schools Network (CSN) has for students and their wider communities.

The University also welcomed seven new schools into the network. In a milestone for the programme, the conference celebrated the award of Changemaker status to the first post-primary school, St Mary’s Secondary School, Glasnevin.

Keynote Addresses: Restorative Practice and SPHE

Kate O’Neill, Senior Leader for the Oide Primary Wellbeing Team, delivered the first keynote. She explored the power of restorative circles in fostering connection and belonging within the classroom, highlighting how circle practice nurtures inclusive learning environments where every voice is heard and valued.

Dr Seline Keating, Associate Professor in SPHE and Wellbeing at the DCU Institute of Education, gave the second keynote. Her address examined wellbeing through the lens of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), exploring resources to facilitate the delivery of vital content to students.

Collaborative Workshops

In the afternoon, attendees took part in workshops conducted by Kate O’Neill, Dr Seline Keating, and Dr Ashling Bourke. These sessions allowed space for participants to explore the conference themes more deeply and consider practical applications for their own school communities.

Dr John White, Director of the DCU Changemaker Schools Network, said:

“The topics of wellbeing and empathy are very much to the forefront of modern discourse about education. Our guest speakers and workshops gave us a host of exciting ideas and possibilities. The energy and enthusiasm of our network shows that work and wellbeing are closely related, especially when undertaken in a collaborative and spirited manner.”

For more information, visit the DCU Changemaker Schools Network website.

A wide view of toys on a desk at the DCU CSN Conference.