The annual general meeting of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) will begin in Killarney on Thursday.

This year's keynote speaker, former taoiseach Dr Garrett FitzGerald, will address the conference on values and ethics in the schooling system in Ireland. His address, entitled Vision and Values in 21st Century Ireland - what Ireland Needs from its Education System, is expected to concur with the view of many principals - that the Irish education system has been cut adrift in a rapidly changing society.

"We as principals are conscious of massive changes in Irish society," says NAPD president Mary McGlynn. "At times as principals we're not sure if the system is matching the changes. Furthermore, we would be concerned to see that the values we want to embody in education are clearly understood and expressed at all levels."

McGlynn describes a laissez-faire attitude in the system at the moment which is allowing schools to be buffeted by prevailing societal norms without a clear vision or direction for the system itself. It is hoped that the conference will provide a platform for principals and deputy principals to articulate their goals for education.

Other, more practical issues will also be covered, such as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in schools and the recent Report on Student Behaviour. The association will also raise current issues of concern including the erosion of teaching time, the managment of certificate exams, efforts to help disadvantaged schools and the implications of special-needs provision for school management.

Over the coming months, The Irish Times will be interviewing principals representing schools and colleges from across the country