iapce is very pleased that the report lays so much stress on the quality of relationships within the school. Foe years now, research has been showing that the classroom climate established by the teacher has a major effect on students attitudes and motivation towards learning. This climate is one that is purposeful, task-orientated, relaxed, warm, and supportive and has a sense of order. Analyses of the skills involved in creating a positive classroom climate show that the climate derives from the values that are implicit and pervade the lesson - that is, that students and their learning are of immense importance.

This is the reason for the existence of iapce. for the past three years we have been privileged to walk the path of change with many schools throughout the country. Those schools are keen to institutionalise their systems of relationships, thereby publicly acknowledging, in their timetables and practices, that the welfare of the young people in their care is paramount.

Our personnel have now visited schools in every county in the Republic and most parts of Northern Ireland. It has been very heartening for us to tap into the huge amount of good will for which the Irish teachers are so well known, and to help in channelling that generosity towards creating secure and happy learning environments for our young people.

Aidan O'Reilly, Editor