Declan Clarke - Acting TARA Co-ordinator

Declan Clarke comes to Co Louth VEC as part of the redeployment scheme and takes up position for the year 2011/2012 as acting director of the TARA education centre. Declan worked previously with the DES, visiting teachers service and prior to that held the position of STTC centre director in Co Meath VEC for many years. We welcome Declan to Co Louth VEC and on behalf of both the staff and students we wish him well in his new position.

Mary Connolly - New Co-ordinator, VTOS Dundalk

Mary Connolly, who worked as director of the TARA education Centre for Travellers for 24 years, has taken up a new position as Coordinator of the VTOS centre in Dundalk. Mary has worked as Director and teacher in TARA; in addition Mary acted as a representative for Co Louth VEC on many county based committees whose focus was the Travelling community in Louth. In her work Mary promoted the principles of equality of opportunity, Diversity and heightening awareness of the Travelling community to a broader population. Through Mary’s work as Director, the adult students in the centre were encouraged and facilitated to become involved in many interagency and cross border programmes and activities. Through Mary’s vision many women from the Travelling community have gained tremendous personal growth and development alongside educational attainments which are of personal gain to the student, but which also encourages and supports younger members of extended families to see what is possible and thus be encouraged to stay engaged in education.

We wish Mary well in her new posting to which we know she brings a wealth of senior management expertise and an optimism which transcends all problems, a “why not ?” attitude which can but be an inspiration to the VTOS students in the Dundalk centre over the coming years.

VEC launches its new In2Gr8 initiative

Co. Louth VEC has developed a new classroom based initiative aimed at promoting the development of literacy and numeracy skills among students. The initiative, called In2Gr8, will be piloted in St. Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda from the start of the new academic year, but the VEC plans to roll it out to all of its post-primary schools over the coming years.

In the most recently reported PISA (The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment) data, the literacy ranking of Irish 15-year-olds fell from 5th in 2000 to 17th in 2009, the sharpest decline among 39 countries surveyed, while in the mathematics/ numeracy ranking, Ireland fell from 16th to 26th over the same period. Speaking about this new initiative, Dr. Pádraig Kirk, CEO of Co. Louth VEC said that “it is clear that something more than the normal now needs to be done in schools to ensure that students leave with essential literacy and numeracy skills for life; this new initiative by the VEC will help to accentuate the development of these fundamental skills in every aspect of the teaching and learning process”.

Literacy involves speaking and listening, reading and understanding, writing and using technology to communicate and handle information. Numeracy involves the calculation and application of numbers and the interpretation and presentation of numerical results.

The initiative was developed in-house by two VEC teachers, Fiona O’Murchu and Colleen Hardy and has attracted great interest from the Department of Education and Skills. Fiona is based at the Community Training Centre in Drogheda, while Colleen is based at the VECs Youthreach centre in Dundalk.

The In2Gr8 initiative is subject focussed and will provide learners with a range of contextual literacy and numeracy in a non-intrusive way as they progress through the curriculum. The initiative provides continuous reinforcement of key skills for learners and will help to eliminate the ad hoc approach to integrating literacy and numeracy currently widespread in classrooms. The initiative is being piloted in Junior Cycle Geography and CSPE lessons this year and both Fiona and Colleen will be working closely with all of the relevant teachers in St. Oliver’s Community College.

Dr. Kirk added that “the initiative has been extremely well planned and we are looking forward to its implementation. This project is another example of the VEC responding to the challenges facing our society; literacy and numeracy are important for every citizen, worker, family member and community”.

Co. Louth VEC also offers a confidential literacy service for adults in both Dundalk and Drogheda.

EU support for new VEC inclusion and diversity in schools project

Louth VEC has recently secured EU funding to run a new cross border inclusion and diversity in schools project. The VEC was awarded the funding under the EU’s Comenius Regio Partnership programme - a programme managed by Leargas, the National Agency for the Lifelong Learning Programme.

Comenius Regio Partnerships promote joint cooperation activities between local and regional education authorities across Europe. The partnerships give educational authorities, in cooperation with schools and other education partners, the opportunity to work collaboratively on topics of mutual interest.

The VEC project, entitled 'Together Towards Inclusion in Post-Primary Schools', will be a cross-border project involving the Inclusion and Diversity Service of the North Eastern Education and Library Board of Northern Ireland, the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin and Co. Louth VEC post-primary schools.

The project aims to create inclusive practices in education that will recognise the growing social, cultural and linguistic diversity in schools and museums. The project will help to better connect schools and museums to students' experiences, interests, values and cultural identity.

Dr. Pádraig Kirk, CEO of Co. Louth VEC, explained that, "the project is quite unique in that it proactively champions a whole school approach to diversity, while simultaneously tackling sectarianism and racism issues. The project will be the first of its kind in the country to be implemented on a cross-border basis involving all the education partners working collaboratively to promote awareness and understanding of diversity – school management, teachers, parents, students and the local community".

Co. Louth VEC recognises the significant opportunity that this project affords for collaborative relations to be developed between the various institutions on both sides of the border, to enhance peoples skills, and to develop the capacity of schools, museums and other educators to support migrant learners.

Opening of DIFE Extension

The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairí Quinn TD, officially opened a new €900,000.00 extension at Drogheda Institute of Further Education on Monday, 16 May 2011.The 590 sq/m extension has an ICT laboratory, two lecture rooms, two dedicated rooms for Fashion & Interior Design, a career guidance office, a storeroom and a toilet block. Drogheda Institute of Further Education has a current enrolment of 948 students and has a staffing complement of 50.

The Minister commended Co. Louth VEC on its vision and forward thinking in its decision to establish a dedicated centre of Further Education in the town of Drogheda. "The impressive doubling of student numbers, from 467 to 948, since 2004 is evidence that your decision was the correct one" he said. "This success is also due, in no small part, to the professionalism and commitment of your staff".

The large gathering at the event, which was made up of invited guests, staff and students, also heard from Cllr. Anthony Donohoe, Chairperson of Co. Louth VEC, the CEO of Co. Louth Dr. Pádraig Kirk, and College Principal, Mr. David McDonnell.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr. David McDonnell, said that "this was a very proud day for DIFE; the new extension now allows us to consolidate quality teaching and learning at the Twenties site, it provides exciting new opportunities for staff and students alike and demonstrates the commitment of Co. Louth VEC at meeting the educational needs of the people of Drogheda and its surrounding area".

Minister Quinn said that "through access to a quality education students will have the opportunity to acquire both the professional competencies and personal skills to enable them to adapt to the new challenges of today's changing economy."

The new extension has been operating for the last number of months. Co. Louth VEC is currently liaising with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to the building of a new dedicated PLC college in Drogheda which would see DIFE move to a new site with the current building being utilised as a second-level school.

Louth VEC Host Asia Europe Conference

Co. Louth VEC has announced the line up of speakers it has secured to address an international conference that it is hosting this November. The will take place in the Crowne Plaza hotel in Dundalk from 07 to 11 November 2011. The AEC-NET is a project of the Asia Europe Foundation based in Singapore, and the conference is being hosted by Co. Louth VEC in collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills.

The Conference has taken place annually since 2001 and gathers together post-primary and third-level educators who take a keen interest in fostering collaborations among their students through innovative and interactive collaborative online learning and inter-cultural exchanges. The conference alternates between a European and Asian country each year with previous conferences being held in Denmark, Malaysia, Greece and China. Last year’s conference was held in Gurgaon in India.

The conference will be officially opened on 7th November by the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairí Quinn, T.D., and the programme includes key educationalists from both Ireland and abroad. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Apps in Asian and European Classrooms: Unleashing Educational Creativity’ and among those scheduled to address the conference include Dr. Airan Berg, artistic Director for the Performing Arts based in Linz, Austria and Professor Karine Oganisjana from the Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art at the University of Latvia. Inputs will also be provided by Dr. Harold Hislop, Chief Inspector of Schools with the Department of Education and Skills, Ms. Brigid McManus, Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills and Dr. Ciarán McCormack, Creative Manager in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dun Laoghaire.

Dr. Pádraig Kirk, CEO of Co. Louth VEC, said he “was delighted with the line up of high profile speakers that have committed their attendance at the conference. These speakers hold key positions in the world of education, their inputs at the conference are eagerly awaited". Dr. Kirk added that "the conference will have well over 100 delegates flying in from all parts of the world and it will place Ireland, Co. Louth and our VEC firmly on the international education map”.

The VEC intends to showcase the Irish education system and Co. Louth during the conference. Delegates will visit schools and education centres during the week, as well as a number of local cultural/heritage sites. Some of the events planned so far include a welcome concert at the Black Box theatre in DkIT, a visit to Drogheda Institute of Education and an excursion to Carlingford.
“We will be working hard to ensure that the conference is a successful one and look forward to welcoming our friends from across Asia and Europe to Co. Louth in November” said Dr. Kirk.

Una Kirk - New Deputy Principal St. Oliver's Community College

Ms. Úna Kirk has been appointed to the post of Deputy Principal at St. Oliver's Community College in Drogheda. Úna replaces Mr. John Halpin who was recently promoted to the position of principal at the school. Mr. Dan Toole steps down as school principal at the end of August. St. Oliver's has two Deputy Principal positions, Ms. Mary Donaghy also serves as Deputy Principal.

Úna joins the staff of St. Oliver's Community College from Scoil Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer where she has taught English and Irish since 1991. Úna has been assistant principal and year head at Scoil Uí Mhuirí since 2007 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Higher Diploma in Education from UCD, as well as a Masters Degree in Education where she specialised in the coordination and implementation of Social, Personal and Health Education in post-primary schools.

Úna is currently the staff representative on the Committee of Co. Louth VEC and also sits on the steering committee of the new Music Generation Louth initiative which commences in September.

Gemma Murray - Coordinator Music Generation (Louth)

Ms. Gemma Murray has been appointed to the position of Coordinator, Music Generation (Louth). This is a new position for the county and Ms. Murray will be based at the VEC head office at Chapel St., Dundalk. The appointment was made possible after the Louth Music Education Partnership, which is being led by Co. Louth VEC, made a successful application for funding to Music Generation (Ireland’s National Music Education Programme) to establish a formal programme of vocal and instrumental tuition services in Co. Louth. Ms. Murray will take up the position at the start of September.
Gemma joins the staff of Co. Louth VEC from the National Chamber Choir of Ireland where she is currently serving as its acting CEO. Gemma has worked in the area of arts administration and management for nearly 20 years, previously holding several key positions within the music sector in Ireland, both north and south. Gemma also has vast experience in both instrumental teaching and in the delivery of musicianship classes.

Karen Patton - Deputy Principal O'Fiaich College

Ms. Karen Patton has been appointed to the position of Deputy Principal at O'Fiaich College in Dundalk. Karen takes over from the outgoing deputy principal Mr. Patrick Daly who retires at the end of August 2011.
Karen first joined the staff of Co. Louth VEC in 1995 teaching Art, Craft and Design and Social Personal and Health Education in O’Fiaich College, Dundalk. In her early years at the college Karen was involved in establishing the highly successful post-Leaving Certificate Art and Design exhibition which continues annually to this day. Karen also coordinated a PLC Art and Design course at the college and in 2008 was promoted to a middle management post with responsibility for the coordination and development of the school's Transition Year programme.

Fiona Kindlon - New Principal Scoil Ui Mhuiri

Ms. Fiona Kindlon has been appointed to the position of Principal at Scoil Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer, Co. Louth. Fiona takes over from the outgoing principal Ms. Bríd Rocks who retires at the end of August 2011.
Fiona joins the staff of Scoil Uí Mhuirí from Ardee Community School where she has taught Business subjects, Mathematics and ICT. Fiona started teaching in Ardee Community School in 1994, but between 2002 and 2010 she was on secondment from her teaching role to the post of Regional Development Officer with the Department of Education and Skills Professional Development Service for Teachers.
Fiona worked with management teams and staff in approximately 300 schools across the country in this role, and for the past year was directly responsible for the coordination of Co. Louth VEC’s programme of teacher professional development. Fiona’s research areas of expertise include teacher professional development, school self-evaluation, student work experience placements and enterprise education.

John Halpin - New Principal SOCC

Mr. John Halpin has been appointed to the position of Principal at St. Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda. John takes over from the outgoing principal Mr. Dan Toole who retires at the end of August 2011.

John first joined the staff of Co. Louth VEC in 1989 teaching Metalwork and Engineering in O’Fiaich College, Dundalk and in 1990 moved to St. Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda. In 2001 he was promoted to the position of assistant principal at the school with responsibility for a range of areas including year head, school timetabling and purchasing officer. John was appointed as acting deputy principal in the school for the 2008/2009 school year, and in September 2009 was appointed to the position of deputy principal in a permanent capacity.

John brings a wealth of experience to the post including extensive classroom teaching experience, as well as state examinations and educational management experience.

WSE - MLL Scoil Ui Mhuiri

A phone call at the beginning of February informed us that Scoil Uí Mhuirí had been selected for inclusion in the programme of Whole School Evaluation – Management, Leadership and Learning. Two inspectors – one lead and one support – would carry out the in-school evaluation in the week commencing March 7th 2011 with preliminary meetings the previous week. This meant that we would have inspectors into our school the week immediately after the Feb mid- term break.

As a number of the teaching staff, including the principal, were accompanying students on a ski trip to the USA during this mid-term break, the pressure was on to have everything in place. The question in the staff room was “would the principal go on the ski trip or not?” It was taken as a sign that we could all be confident that everything was as it should be when it became clear that the principal was not giving up her place on the ski trip!

In the week before mid-term, soft copies of school documentation were e mailed to the lead inspector and hard copies of whatever couldn’t be sent by e mail were posted. Fortunately, we were reasonably well in control with regard to school planning and all the required documents were to hand. The list of these required documents as well as all the practices and procedures involved in all aspects of a WSE – MLL can be found in the publication “A Guide to Whole School Evaluation – Management, Leadership and Learning in Post-Primary Schools” available on the DES website. It might be a good idea to have all this documentation in a file box so that when that phone call comes there is no difficulty!

Further to this the principal has a detailed information form to fill out and a fairly major presentation to compile and deliver to the inspectors on behalf of the Board of Management. This is done at a specially convened Board meeting at which the chairperson and members are questioned following the delivery of the presentation.

There is no doubt that the announcement of any kind of an inspection raises tensions in the schools and a WSE – MLL gave everyone some cause for anxiety. The main reason for this is the fact that the inspectors may visit any learning area in the school and the list of classes to be visited is only posted in the staffroom on the morning of the visits. No prior notice is given to the principal who gets a chance to view the list a few minutes beforehand and then only to verify that the teachers are present and the classes are taking place. The inspectors are entitled to visit any class, no matter whether the teacher is teaching the inspector’s own subject specialism or not. Everyone therefore is expecting to be “caught” and the atmosphere support and collegiality in the staffroom and around the school was palpable. One of our teachers called the list of targeted teachers “the List of the Dead”, much to everyone’s amusement. Although there were those anxious moments, there was almost a sense of disappointment if one’s name wasn’t there, as all the preparation had been done!

The inspectors are evaluating the quality of teaching and the quality of learning in the classrooms and they do this by observing the class, by looking at how engaged the students are, by interacting with the students and by checking journals and copies. They assess how well prepared both teachers and students are for the lessons. The inspectors visited a total of 21 lessons over the two days and in some cases stayed for double classes. They gave some feedback to all the teachers visited and in all cases the teachers felt affirmed for their efforts.
In general, the feedback focussed on Learning outcomes, attention to the development of subject specific vocabulary, the display of Key Words, use of ICT, student engagement and the relationships between teacher and students.

In between class visits the inspectors locked themselves away to examine other planning documents including Subject Dept and Programme planning. They were quite meticulous in their evaluation of all the documentation and had a few very specific queries.

The other main features of the inspection were the administration of questionnaires to all second and fifth year students and to their parents, focused team meetings including a parent focus group, a student focus group, Care and Guidance team, education support group as well as middle management groups. No feedback is given to the principal on any of the issues raised until the inspectors write up their initial report and return a few weeks later to deliver this in three separate meetings to the principal and deputy principal, to the whole staff and finally to the Board of Management.

Following the feedback sessions, we in Scoil Uí Mhuirí were very happy that the inspectors had been very fair in their evaluations and that we had been treated with respect and in a very professional manner. We were well affirmed by their comments and have no difficulties with the recommendations which refer in the main to easily rectified issues. These include having another look at our Enrolment and Admissions Policy, earlier involvement of the parents of students identified for the JCSP class, the composition of our Student Council as well as some timetabling issues.

That phone call will always raise the tension and anxiety levels in the school, but overall our experience was very positive and we were hugely supported by our CEO, by the staff in head office, by our sister schools in the scheme and by each other. If your school is next , please feel free to call us – we’ll be delighted to help in any way!

Bríd Rocks

Principal, Scoil Ui Mhuiri

2010 Annual Report Published

The 2010 Annual Report of Co. Louth Vocational Education Committee (CLVEC) was approved by the Committee at its April meeting. This report sets out the key activities and developments of CLVEC during 2010. It includes reports from individual schools, institutes and centres. These reports provide a flavour of the type of activity and the broad range of services that our organisation provides to a very diverse group of learners and service users. This document also reports on corporate governance, finance and human resources and serves as a key aspect of our accountability mechanism to the Minister for Education and Skills.

It is clear from the Annual Report that 2010 was an extremely successful and productive year for our organisation. The number of people seeking and accessing the schools and programmes of CLVEC expanded over the past year with increases in participation rates at all levels. During 2010, CLVEC provided education and related services to 2,441 students at post-primary level, 1,618 students at post-leaving certificate level, with 8,152 learners participating in adult and continuing education programmes and services.

As an organisation that continues to improve its services in order to respond to changing needs, Co. Louth VEC engaged in a number of key developments during 2010. Significant among these was the development and launch of the 2010-2015 Education Plan, providing CLVEC with a road map for the years ahead. Other developments during 2010 included further improvements and extensions to schools, institutes and centres, in order to modernise facilities and cater for the growing number of learners. The support and development of staff in the delivery of high quality learning experiences was supported by a greatly enhanced Continuing Professional Development service and the introduction of self-evaluation for a number of subject departments in schools.

The further development of part-time evening classes and the Traveller Integration Project are examples of how CLVEC responds in a timely fashion to changing needs in terms of the services it provides. New ventures included the exploratory work carried out in relation to the proposed establishment of a Gaelcholáiste by CLVEC, as well as the exciting possibilities associated with the innovative Music Education Partnership.

In the report, the CEO Dr. Pádraig Kirk and the Chairperson of CLVEC Cllr. Anthony Donohoe acknowledged the hard work, dedication and professionalism of staff in the provision of high quality services and stated that, despite cutbacks to resources, CLVEC staff continue to provide an excellent, responsive and innovative service to the people of Co. Louth and its hinterland. Cllr. Donohue expressed his gratitude to Cllr. Oliver Tully, who stepped down as Chairperson of CLVEC in 2010, having held the position for six years. Also acknowledged was the support and advice of the Committee and subcommittees, board members, parents associations and local partners.

Music Education Partnership Approved

On 5th May 2011- Music Generation, the U2 and Ireland Funds supported National Music Education Programme, announced that Louth, Mayo and Sligo have been selected for participation in the first round of the programme.

Tony Ó Dálaigh, Chairman of Music Generation stated, “These three counties rose straight to the top when an independent panel examined the proposals from around the country..."

This success is going to be of great benefit to young people across the county, enabling Louth MEP to to provide an accessible, county-wide programme of vocal and instrumental tuition for children and young people from pre-school up to 18 years. The funding provided by Music Generation will facilitate the establishment of a comprehensive three year programme encompassing all genres of music including rock, pop, jazz, traditional, classical and music technology.

Summer Works Scheme 2011

The Minister for Education, Mr. Ruairí Quinn T.D., recently announced an allocation of €41.2m for the annual Summer Works Scheme programme for 2011.

Bush Post Primary School was successful in its application under the scheme as the emphasis this year was on gas, electrical and mechanical projects.

The project at Bush, which will commence shortly, will involve the replacement of main switchgear and distribution boards, rewiring of school, upgrade of ESB metering and switchgear, replacement of linear switch start fluorescent fittings, installation of emergency lighting and final exits, provision of data caballing which will comply with all mandatory legislation.

The project, when complete, will greatly improve the facilities at the school and significantly enhance the ICT infrastructure, enabling high quality ICT access in every classroom for both teachers and students alike.

ABCD Project

Co.Louth VEC have initiated an ABCD Project which aims to support emerging and existing minority groups within whom sectarianism and racism could present challenges to their development and that of their community. It is organised through Louth VECs PEACE III Project is supported by the European Union's PEACE III Programme and part financed by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan as awarded by Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership.

The ABCD Project will build on the previous links established under the Louth VEC PEACE III Programme with the Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian, Muslim, African, Polish communities in Co.Louth and aims to have 20 participants within the 2 month time frame from March to May 2011.

The Project uses an ‘Asset Based Community Development’ (ABCD) to build bridges between ethnic minority groups and indigenous communities in Louth. This specific capacity building training is supplemented with English classes on cultural awareness. The capacity-building of the target groups working along with the indigenous communities so that they feel both empowered and capable of establishing future sustainable peace building approaches in their communities.

ABCD training adopts a positive approach to capacity building moving away from what communities need (needs analysis) to what assets and skills (asset development) they have at present. ABCD has a proven track record in building stronger more inclusive communities. It was developed with great success in Chicago and supported by Michelle Obama among others.

Its great appeal lies in its emphasis on the local capacity to bring about such change based on the strengths of groups who are all too often viewed as deficient and needy. This programme instead starts from the premise that the participants are change makers of today who can make significant contributions to local society. They are stakeholders in producing their well being and the well being of the communities around them. The purpose of this programme is therefore to create the enabling environment and tool necessary to bring these principles into action.
Co. Louth VEC believes this innovation training programme will make a substantial impact to sustainable peace in Co.Louth.

Louth VEC Summer Dance School

Co. Louth VEC will hold Dance Summer Schools to take place this July in both Dundalk and Drogheda. Members of the highly successful Dublin based hip-hop and break dance group, Raw Edge, have agreed to lead the two dance summer schools for the VEC. Raw Edge whose TV credits include Got to Dance (SKY1), The All Ireland Talent Show (RTE) and Ballet Chancers (RTE), will be in St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda from July 18th to 22nd and in O’Fiaich College, Dundalk from July 25th to 29th.

The summer schools are aimed at both primary and post-primary children and aim to allow young people to explore their own creativity and expression through music, dance and movement without having to keep strictly to a particular dance style. There will be two class groups in each dance school; one for young children up to 12 years, and another for teenagers. The dance schools are open to all young people interested in modern dance, and to those interested in fine tuning their dancing skills. The summer schools will focus on the creative process, as opposed to final performance, so ensuring that all participants enjoy a successful learning experience and have great fun.

This is the second year running that Co. Louth VEC has established summer schools in its different premises across the county. Last year Bush Post-primary School played host to a very successful Summer Music School. Co. Louth VEC plans to proceed with the Bush Summer Music School this year also with planning for the event already well underway.

Self- Evaluation for Schools

Six subject departments across three of Co. Louth VEC’s post-primary schools arecurrently engaging in a self-evaluation process. Each department is facilitated to examinethe work of the department, identify best practice and to explore how teaching andlearning can be further improved. At the start of the process teachers completed a self-evaluation questionnaire in relation to their own teaching and made recommendationsfor the further professional development of the department.

A tailor made package oftraining and support is being delivered to each department over the current academic year. Teachers are being facilitated to engage in professional dialogue as a department and are being encouraged to implement improvements in the classroom. Several themes are being explored by the various departments including active teaching and learning methodologies, assessment for learning approaches, promotion of subjects inschools and integrating ICT into teaching and learning. The feedback from the teachers involved has been very positive. The process is being facilitated by Fiona Kindlon (PDA CLVEC), Shivaun O’Brien (EDO) and Della Meade (PDST Associate Trainer). The six departments involved in the self-evaluation process are listed below:

O'Fiaich College, Dundalk: 8 teachers from the Gaeilge and Modern Languages Departments.
Scoil Ui Mhuiri, Dunleer: 9 teachers from the Technology Subjects and Modern Languages Departments.
St. Oliver's Community College, Drogheda: 9 teachers from the Geography and Home Economics Departments.

Louth VEC establish Louth Music Education Partnership

Front Row: Oliver Tully, Chairman Louth VEC; Dr. Padraig Kirk, CEO Louth VEC; Sinead McDonnell, Bush PP

Back Row: Eibhlis Farrell, DkIT; Gemma Murray, Louth Contemporary Music Society; Eamonn Quinn, Louth MEP Secretary; Una Kirk, Louth VEC Committee Member

We hope….this programme will inspire Ireland ’s young musicians who might not otherwise get access to such valuable teaching..Bono

Music Network based in Dublin is committed to promoting, encouraging and funding the highest standards of music creation and performance throughout the island of Ireland . Since 2003, Music Network has campaigned for better music education provision in Ireland through the implementation of reports and two pilot Music Education Schemes, in Donegal and Dublin respectively.

In July 2009, U2 and the Ireland Funds pledged €7 million to implement a widespread music education project throughout Ireland on a phased basis between 2011 and 2015.

As a first step in applying for this funding, Louth VEC has recently established the Louth Music Education Partnership (MEP). The inaugural meeting of the steering committee of the new Louth Music Education Partnership (MEP) took place recently at the head office of Co. Louth VEC in Dundalk . The Louth MEP aims to foster a generation of children in Co. Louth who enjoy creating music by providing them with the opportunity to learn a musical instrument or to sing, and to carry on playing/singing into adulthood. The Louth MEP is established as a sub-committee of Co. Louth VEC with the VEC as the lead partner. The committee includes representatives of the VEC itself, representatives of the primary, post-primary and third level education sectors (DkIT) in the county, as well as representatives of the Arts Office of Louth County Council, Louth Music Contemporary Society and private enterprise.

The Louth Music Education Partnership Committee is currently preparing an application for funding to the National Music Education Partnership to provide an accessible county wide programme of vocal and instrumental tuition for children and young people from pre-school up to 18 years. If successful, the partnership will provide a comprehensive three year programme encompassing all genres of music including rock, pop, jazz, traditional, classical and music technology.

Speaking about the initiative the CEO of Co. Louth VEC, Dr. Pádraig Kirk said that “the plan is to provide an out-of-school countywide network of accessible vocal and music tuition classes for young people using VEC sites to bring music to the people of Co. Louth …… the VEC has up to nine different sites across the county that will be opening their doors to youth of all ages in the community who wish to avail of this tuition”. Dr. Kirk added that “figures from the Department of Education and Skills reveal that the numbers studying Music across the county is quite poor and the partnership aims to compensate for this in whatever way it can”. Dr. Kirk paid tribute to the different sectors that had come together to address this issue.

When up and running in 2011 it is envisaged that the music programme will incorporate all genres of music and include a mix of musicianship, singing and choir classes, one-off workshops and instrumental demonstrations, as well as group instrumental tuition to include instruments such as guitar, violin, flute, recorder and tin whistle. Ahead of the full implementation of the programme Co. Louth VEC has secured funding to enhance Music education provision in its own schools with all recently acquiring new suites of musical instruments and music technology.

For Further Information Contact:
Eamonn Quinn Louth MEP Secretary, Co. Louth VEC, Chapel St. , Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel.: 042-9334047, Fax.: 042 9339412 e-mail: eamonn.quinn@louthvec.ie

ICT funding boost for Co. Louth VEC schools and centres

The CEO Dr. Pádraig Kirk has welcomed the recent ICT infrastructure grants for schools and Youthreach Centres made available by the Department of Education and Skills. Under the programme all post-primary schools will receive funding to allow them to upgrade their computer systems and infrastructure. The Smart Schools initiative forms part of the Government’s implementation strategy of the recent Smart School = Smart Economy report, and the 2008 ICT Strategy Report.

In the case of Co. Louth VEC it will mean that Bush Post-primary School, O’Fiaich College, Scoil Uí Mhuirí, St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda Institute of Further Education and Dundalk and Drogheda Youthreach Centres are all set to have their computer technology systems significantly enhanced. Speaking about this extra funding the CEO said that “Co. Louth VEC schools are already well renowned for having moved with the times in terms of installing and making effective use of ICT in the teaching and learning process … these grants will now allow for our schools and centres to keep pushing ahead at implementing the most up-to-date technological innovations in education”.

The ICT infrastructure grant will allow for completion of the installation of teaching computers and digital projectors in all teaching and learning spaces within the scheme’s schools and Institutes of Further Education. Work is already well underway in some of the schools in this respect, and it is expected that all schools/centres will have the new technology installed by Easter 2011. Co. Louth VEC will also be prioritising the use of ICT in the teaching of Mathematics, Science and other core and optional subject areas across the curriculum. New computer technology has recently been introduced into the teaching of Science across the scheme’s schools, for example, while the introduction of music technology to enhance the teaching of Junior and Leaving Certificate Music is also planned.

The grants will also allow schools/centres to acquire a bank of innovative technologies for use in classrooms such as interactive whiteboards, visualisers, mobile multi-media stations, interactive digital projectors, laptop computers and i-technology/touch screen devices. The VEC also intends to expand on its current level of software resources right across all subject areas on the curriculum.

The CEO concluded by saying that “the outcome of all these developments will be e-enabled and e-ready schools/centres that provide every opportunity for the full integration of ICT in the teaching and learning process. To assist teaching staff in meeting this challenge it is intended to place a focus on the integration of ICT in teaching and learning in future teacher CPD courses organised by Co. Louth VEC”.

Tara Education Centre

Currently, Tara Education Centre caters for eighteen adult Traveller women ranging in age from twenty three to seventy years. The programme on offer this year includes Fetac Level 3 in Communications, Computers, Preparation for Work, Arts & Crafts, Personal Development, Consumer Awareness, Horticulture and Physical Education. The Fetac Textiles module is offered at Fetac Level 3, 4 and 5. Learning Support is also provided in Literacy and Numeracy.

Closure of Tara Education Centre

The recent budget of 7th December 2010 stated that all Senior Traveller Education Centres will close by June 2012. Adult Traveller learners will be catered for under the Back to Education Initiative. Travellers will be prioritised under this initiative. Additional places are not specified.

Research Project

The Director of Tara Education Centre was commissioned by Co Louth VEC to carry out a piece of research as to how best Co Louth VEC can support the integration of Travellers into its further and adult education programmes and services. Funding for this research was secured from the Equality Authority – Mainstreaming Equality Unit. This research is now complete. An Action Plan has been drawn up by Co Louth VEC adult education service providers and a Traveller Integration Working Group (TIWG) has been set up to progress the integration of Travellers into Co Louth VEC’s further and adult education provision over the coming years.

“All of Us” - Ceiliúradh Sinn Le Chéile

Schools from throughout counties Louth, Armagh and Down will be converging on the DkIT campus on Wednesday, 16 March, in one of the biggest ever cross-border celebrations of culture and diversity in this region. Primary and secondary schools, as well as community organisations, will participate in a wide ranging programme of music, dance, exhibitions, food tastings and other activities throughout the campus, organised by Co. Louth Vocational Education Committee (VEC) and the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). The formal partnership of the two educational Institutions symbolises the key role that education plays in accommodating ethnic and minority groups in the life-long learning process.

An International Food Fair, at which free tastings of over 15 different national foods will be available, will be organised by the students in the Hospitality Section of DkIT Outside the entrance to the main Whitaker Building, a colourful exhibition of Irish Traveller culture will be staged, organised by Co Louth VEC’s Tara Education Centre. Schoolchildren will be able to go inside a traditional Travellers’ wagon and a small Traveller tent, while a Traveller tinsmith will provide exhibitions and demonstrations of the tinsmith’s traditional handiwork. In addition, a series of creative workshops for preschool children will be held throughout the day.

A free concert will be held at lunchtime, with music being provided by most of the ethnic groups in County Louth. Dance workshops will run throughout the day, providing young people with the opportunity to try some of the traditional –and modern-dances from other countries, and ending in a free- for- all Walls of Limerick set to finish off the day.

Exhibition stands by over 20 organisations will provide useful information on issues of diversity, ethnicity and multiculturalism. And while the emphasis of the day is on fun and participation, the event will send out a strong, serious message that ethnic minority groups are particularly welcome in both institutions. The day will be a celebration of the major contribution they make to the academic and social communities in Louth.

Dr Pádraig Kirk, the VEC’s Chief Executive Officer, has urged schools to avail of the opportunities for educational, personal and social development which the event offers young people; “The organisers have carefully planned a colourful and exciting programme which will sustain the interest of young people, open their minds to the rich diversity of our community and provide them with opportunities to enrich learning in subjects such as history, geography, music, arts, crafts and home economic and other aspects of the curriculum from early childhood through to the senior cycle. Pupils will benefit enormously from the experience, and will get an opportunity to experience a day on the campus of one of Ireland's leading third level institutions, here in the heart of Co Louth. Every pupil in the county should get the opportunity to participate in this colourful event.”

For further information on the event, contact;
tommyfegan@gmail.com

New Extensions

Work will commence in the coming weeks on classroom extension projects in two of the Committee’s schools. Staff, students and parents of both St. Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda and Scoil Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer will be pleased that the overcrowding will be somewhat alleviated by these new buildings.

The plans for a 6 classroom extension for St. Oliver’s were recently approved by Drogheda Borough Council and Louth County Council have approved of a 4 classroom extension at Scoil Uí Mhuirí. The “turning of the sod” ceremony will take place in each school shortly and work will commence as soon as possible thereafter.

It is hoped that the extensions will be ready for the commencement of the 2011/2012 school year.

Staff Retirements 2010

We wish all the very best and a long and happy retirement to all our staff who retired from the scheme in 2010. Full listing below:

• Mr. Pat O’Hare, a caretaker in Head Office, Chapel Street, retired on 13th January 2010.
  Mr. O’Hare had commenced working in the scheme in 1993 in what was then known as Dundalk RTC (DKIT). In 1995 Pat moved to the Chapel Street complex of the VEC in Dundalk.
• Ms. Aoife MhicRaghnaill, a teacher in St. Oliver’s Community College, to retired on 31st August 2010.
  Ms. MhicRaghnaill commenced teaching in the scheme in 1972 as a teacher of Science & Mathematics. She was appointed to an ‘A’ Post of Responsibility in 1982 and in 2008 she was seconded to the State Examination Commission.
• Ms. Mary O’Hare, a teacher in O’Fiaich College, retired on 27th August 2010.
  Ms. O’Hare commenced teaching in the scheme in 1977 as a teacher of Commerce with Shorthand and Typing.
• Ms. Monica Mackin, a teacher in O’Fiaich College, retired on 31st August 2010.
  Ms. Mackin commenced teaching in the scheme in April 2003 as a teacher of Complementary Medicine.
• Mr. Edward Martin, a teacher in O’Fiaich College, retired on 1st October 2010.
  Mr. Martin commenced teaching in the scheme in September 1979 as a teacher of English and Geography.
• Ms. Brigid Smyth, a teacher in O’Fiaich College, retired on 28th October 2010.
  Ms. Smyth commenced teaching in the scheme in September 1972 as a teacher of Irish, English and French.
• Mr. Patrick Murphy, a teacher in St. Oliver’s Community College, retired on 30th November 2010.
  Mr. Murphy had commenced teaching in the scheme in September 1975 as a teacher of Maths and English. He was awarded a Special Duties Post in 1980.
• Mr. Michael O’Shea, a teacher in St. Oliver’s Community College, retired on 30th November 2010.
  Mr. O’Shea commenced teaching in the scheme in September 1978 as a teacher of Religion and History. He was awarded a Special Duties Post in 1981 and in 1997 he was awarded an Assistant Principal post.
• Mr Patrick Mulligan, a teacher in St Oliver’s Community College retired on 3rd December.
  Mr Mulligan commenced teaching with Town of Drogheda VEC in 1977 on a temporary whole time basis. He was made permanent in 1978. He was awarded a Special Duties Post in 1983.
• Mr. Michael Matthews, a teacher in Bush Post Primary School, retired on 30th December 2010.
  Mr. Matthews commenced teaching in the scheme in September 1971 as a teacher of Mathematics and Geography.
• Ms. Kathleen Brennan, a teacher in St. Laurence’s Community College, retired on 30th December 2010.
  Ms. Brennan commenced teaching in the scheme in October 1992 as a teacher of Commerce.