ATHE Autumn Branch Meetings 2026 Our autumn branch meetings will take place over the coming months, offering an opportunity to meet fellow Home Economics teachers, share ideas and discuss teaching and learning. Confirmed meeting details are listed below. Further dates, venues and topics will be added as they are confirmed and shared on our social media. ATHE Branch Network: Green areas represent established branches, while orange areas indicate where we are currently seeking Branch Representatives. Carlow–Kilkenny Branch Meeting Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026 Time: 7:00–9:00 pm Venue: St. Laserian’s Special School, Dublin Road, Carlow, R93 N704 Main topic: 2028 Leaving Certificate Home Economics Food Studies Assignments The meeting will focus on the 2028 Food Studies Assignments, with practical advice on completing and submitting the digital coursework journals. We will also discuss applying for furniture and equipment for the Home Economics room, Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes, and inclusive education. Mayo–Galway Branch Meeting Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026 Time: 7:00–9:00 pm Venue: Mayo Education Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Further details on the meeting programme will be shared when confirmed. Laois–Offaly–Kildare & Westmeath–Roscommon–Longford Combined Branch Meeting Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026 Time: 7:00–9:00 pm Venue: Athlone Education Centre Main topics: Guest Speaker and Leaving Certificate Home Economics Journals 1 and 2 Meeting Programme: 7:00–8:00 pm: Guest speaker Cathriona Hodgins, Nutritionist. 8:00–9:00 pm: Collaborative group work and discussion on Leaving Certificate Home Economics Journals 1 and 2. Please bring a laptop or other suitable device to participate in the group work. Combined Branch Meeting This meeting will bring together teachers from the Laois–Offaly–Kildare and Westmeath–Roscommon–Longford branch areas. As Branch Representatives have not yet been appointed for these areas, ATHE has organised a combined meeting to ensure teachers have an opportunity to connect, collaborate and participate in local professional learning. We hope that teachers attending the meeting will consider coming forward as Branch Representatives to help establish and develop the local branch network. The role is open to all members, including newly qualified teachers, and can be shared between colleagues. We look forward to welcoming Home Economics teachers from across both regions. Wexford–Wicklow Branch Meeting Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 Time: 6:00–8:00 pm Venue: Gorey Educate Together, Fort Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 A7V7 Main topic: Leaving Certificate Home Economics Food Studies Journal Assignments The meeting will focus on discussion of the Food Studies Journal Assignments. Members are advised to bring a device. Cork–Kerry Branch Meeting Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 Time: 6:30–8:30 pm Venue: Cork Education Centre Main topic: Leaving Certificate Home Economics Journal The meeting will focus on the Leaving Certificate Home Economics Journal. Please bring a device with you. Limerick–Clare Branch Meeting Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 Time: 7:00–9:00 pm Venue: Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick Further details on the meeting programme will be shared when confirmed. Louth–Meath Branch Meeting Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026 Time: 6:00–8:00 pm Venue: Darnley Lodge Hotel, Athboy, Co. Meath Main topic: 2028 Leaving Certificate Home Economics Food Studies Journal Assignments The meeting will focus on discussion of the 2028 Food Studies Journal Assignments. Cavan–Monaghan Branch Meeting Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026 Time: 6:00–8:00 pm Venue: Backyard Arts and Cultural Centre, H12 W5D4 Main topic: 2028 Leaving Certificate Home Economics Food Studies Journal Assignments The meeting will focus on discussion of the 2028 Food Studies Journal Assignments. Please bring a device with you. Dublin Branch Meeting Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026 Time: 7:00–9:00 pm Venue: Greystones Community College, Charlesland, A63 W8P7 Further details on the meeting programme will be shared when confirmed. Call for Branch Representatives ATHE is committed to strengthening its branch network and ensuring that Home Economics teachers throughout Ireland have opportunities to connect, collaborate and engage in professional learning at a local level. We have revised our branch structure to provide coverage across as much of the country as possible. We recognise that some branches cover large geographical areas, and we are happy to establish separate county branches where teachers are willing to take on the role of Branch Representative. We are currently seeking Branch Representatives for the following areas: Laois–Offaly–Kildare As representatives have not yet come forward for these areas, a combined branch meeting has been arranged in Athlone on Thursday, 5 November 2026. We hope this meeting will provide an opportunity to bring teachers together and encourage interested members to become involved in supporting their local branch. What does being a Branch Representative involve? Branch Representatives play an important role in connecting local Home Economics teachers with the wider ATHE community. The role includes: Helping to organise and coordinate local branch meetings. Encouraging collaboration and the sharing of teaching ideas and resources. Bringing the views, experiences and suggestions of local members to ATHE. Supporting communication between members and the National Executive. The workload is manageable, and the role can be shared with a colleague. We particularly encourage newer teachers to consider becoming involved, as it is an excellent opportunity to build professional connections and contribute to the Home Economics teaching community. If you are interested in becoming a Branch Representative, would like to share the role with a colleague, or simply want to find out more, please contact us. Email: president@athe.ie We look forward to continuing to strengthen the ATHE branch network and supporting Home Economics teachers across Ireland.