Chief Executive's address - Innovation and the Future
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www.lwetb.ie NEWSLETTER December 2018
Chief Executive’s address
Innovation and the learning of the future. You can also
Future see how our Youth Services Unit is
embracing a much wider remit in
There is a lot of talk about the future relation to the development of youth
right now. And I am not just talking services in both counties. And finally
about Brexit, although this has our Further Education and Training
featured highly on the media agenda (FET) section has agreed a three year
over the past number of months. Strategic Performance Agreement
Dr Christy Duffy But there is a lot of conversation with SOLAS as we prepare to
Chief Executive, about innovation and where we are upskill the people of Longford and
LWETB going as an economy and a society Westmeath for the jobs of the future.
in Ireland. The government recently
launched Future Jobs as the new As we come towards the year end
reality of near full employment hits I would like to thank all of our staff
the streets and we try to strategically in LWETB for your commitment
place ourselves as a country within and innovation in your daily work
a new global digital reality. which impacts so keenly on the
lives of so many people. I hope
And what has all this talk about you all have a good break over
innovation and the future got to do the holidays and look forward to
with LWETB? I would say everything, another year working together in
because education and training LWETB as we embrace innovation
are key to developing the Ireland and prepare for the future.
of the future. And you can see in
this newsletter how this innovation,
which is one of our core values
in LWETB as outlined in our five
year Strategy Statement, is running
through the great work we are
currently undertaking. You will see
how so many of our students at As we approach the end of
second level are succeeding at the 2018 we would like to take this
highest level as we congratulate opportunity to thank all LWETB staff
them on the wonderful scholarships for their hard work and continued
they have achieved. You will see dedication throughout the year.
how our schools are piloting the
introduction of Office 365 into the We wish you and all your
classroom and the school and how families a very Happy Christmas
that will shape the teaching and and a peaceful New Year.
Bríomhar | Ilchineálach | Nuálach
Dynamic | Diverse | Innovative
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Annual LWETB Academic Excellence Awards
The annual ETB Academic Awards
Ceremony was held on the 7th
September in Bloomfield House
Hotel, Mullingar. Leaving Certificate
Students from LWETB schools
were accompanied by family and
friends to honour and celebrate
their success. Awards were
presented by Dr. Christy Duffy who
praised the students and schools
on their achievements and wished
them well for their futures.
Students receiving their Academic Awards pictured with Dr.
Christy Duffy CE LWETB and Liz Lavery Director of Schools.
Developing Leaders of the Future
This year has seen outstanding
achievement in the Academic field.
Students have received entrance
scholarships based on their
outstanding Leaving Cert results
to universities across the country.
Congratulations to Ruairí Trimble
past pupil of Lanesboro Community
College who was presented with an
Entrance Scholarship award from UCD. Fiona Molloy and Louise Egan were recently presented with scholarships to NUIG.
2 | December Newsletter 2018
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Danielle Madden and Annie Sheehan were presented Catherine Costello has been awarded an entrance
with entrance scholarships recently to UCD. scholarship to Trinity College. Catherine also
won a right of residence in Trinity Hall (as a
Annie also won the Barra O’Brien memorial fresher in charge of Irish students) based on her
scholarship (Tormeys) for a student studying law. outstanding Leaving Certificate result in Irish.
Sean Horan has been presented with an Ericsson Bursary. The Bursary, worth €1,000 a year along with paid
summer internship was awarded to Sean based on his excellent Higher Level Math and Applied Math results.
December Newsletter 2018 | 3
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Leadership and Management in Post seniority. Calculation of Seniority
for competitions in 2018/2019
Primary Schools – A Look Ahead! means that Human Resources
will have the important task of
An information evening was minimum of three years teaching checking and verifying service
held on the new leadership service recognised by DES/ETB calculations of all applicants, and
and management structures for incremental credit purposes. with posts to be filled in all our
for post-primary schools on post-primary schools, attendees
the Monday, October 1st in Assistant Principal II: fully registered were told that this will lengthen
the Mullingar Park Hotel. with the Teaching Council; have the process for all concerned. For
a minimum of one years teaching those who do apply for a post, it
Director of Schools, Ms Liz Lavery, service recognised by DES/ETB is expected to be at least three to
spoke about the new leadership for incremental credit purposes. four weeks after the closing date
and management structures and before they receive notification
what they mean for our schools A dedicated email address for these from HR about the next step
in Longford and Westmeath ETB. competitions has been created and
Ms Lavery told the attendees that this is: aprecruitment@lwetb.ie. In the scheduling of interviews,
this was an important time of LWETB will be cognisant of the
change and the new leadership Staff were reminded that forms needs of students, and the HR
and management structures should be fully completed. Sections department ask that candidates
would shape the future of our that are not applicable should have should not request a change
schools. She acknowledged the n/a inserted in them. Unsigned of time unless it is absolutely
considerable amount of work forms cannot be accepted. Any necessary. The outcome of
staff had done in relation to supporting documentation must be interviews will be communicated
identifying the needs and priorities received prior to the closing date. to candidates within two
of schools and thanked staff for weeks of the interview.
their input into the process so far. Ms Lavery spoke about the
importance of understanding The evening closed with Liz
Ms Martina Hughes from Human the competencies of: leading Lavery stating the importance
Resources presented details of in learning and teaching, of the new structures in our
the process and its duration. managing an organisation, schools as we look to the
leading school development, future and wishing all potential
Attendees were informed and developing leadership candidates the best of luck.
that the qualification capacity when completing
requirements for Assistant the application form, and also If for some reason you were unable
Principal competitions are: during the interview process. to attend the evening, a copy of the
presentation can be obtained by
Assistant Principal I: Fully registered An important piece of the emailing: aprecruitment@lwetb.ie
with the Teaching Council; have a process is the calculation of
4 | December Newsletter 2018
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Embracing ICT for a Brighter Future in Education
ETB. The Further Education part Office 365 services include
of the Intranet is almost complete many very useful applications
and further CPD will be provided for teachers and we hope that in
for staff as it is made available. the near future everybody will be
Over the past year introductory Youthreach services have been the able to use these tools as part of
training for Office 365 has been first to receive this training and all their work with the help of our
provided for all Further Education 4 centres have a private site for ongoing CPD program. Email and
and Administrative staff at LWETB. their staff as well as an area for all OneDrive have been the focus
This introductory training has Youthreach staff to collaborate. of our initial training with an
included Outlook, OneDrive, introduction to OneNote which is
and OneNote. This professional Intranet facilities will soon be proving very popular with teachers
development initiative is part of provided for all schools, with for sharing and collaborating with
a wider strategy to maximise the Columba College staff Intranet colleagues and students. Other
use of cloud computing services already in place. School intranets services in Office 365 include
across the whole ETB for secure are setup to the schools own Microsoft Teams, Microsoft
data storage, and to bring the requirements and can include Forms, and Microsoft Sway
benefits of more digital learning a Virtual Staffroom, Subject and (PowerPoint alternative) which will
resources to all our learners. Program planning sites as well as be included in future training.
sites for SEN, Wellness and SSE.
In the next phase in this plan an
ETB wide intranet is being created
in Office 365 SharePoint with
facilities for each service area to
collaborate online and network
with other colleagues across the
December Newsletter 2018 | 5
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Promoting Excellence in Teaching potential and more importantly
with minimal disruption. As an
and Learning through ICT iPad school Microsoft 365 fits
seamlessly onto our devices and
me and my classroom? Microsoft there are no compatibility issues
365, is an application available what so ever. So how do the various
to all ETB staff, consisting of applications impact my job?
This academic year Columba
College was selected to pilot Outlook, One Drive, One Note, One Drive is a cloud based storage
Microsoft 365 in Education. As SharePoint and your usual system, which allows me to back
Principal and former English applications of Word, PowerPoint, up all my work, notes, plans etc.
teacher and JCSP coordinator Excel etc. As a teacher we use many However, it also allows collaboration
within our school, I feel Microsoft of these applications on a daily among staff, as folders within One
365 is changing the way that basis. What makes this so different? Drive can be shared with members
Columba College operates. of staff. This permits subject
Not until training was provided departments to set up shared notes
There are numerous benefits to and I began to use the various folders with all members of the
utilising Microsoft 365 to its full applications in relation to each department. This can be added to
potential within a school setting. other did I realise the potential over the years eventually building
of how Microsoft 365 can: up a comprehensive collection of
1. It increases productivity readily accessible notes. This is an
across the whole 1. Streamline the administrative invaluable resource to all teachers
school environment. duties of teachers especially with the introduction of
2. Improves communication 2. Enhance the quality of the new Junior Cycle curriculum
and provides better teaching and learning across a number of subjects. One
connections between within our classrooms Drive also provides teachers with the
students and staff. 3. Promote collaboration within opportunity to share documents and
3. It promotes collaboration small groups or committees work on them collaboratively. For
and teamwork. 4. Promote collaboration on example, teachers can work together
4. t is accessible, anywhere a whole school level. on formulating in-house exams
and anytime on any device. in their own time using a shared
It is the first technology and working document within One Drive.
These are benefits and buzzwords online application that will have
we constantly hear as teachers, a direct influence on my practice One Note is essentially
however what does that mean for and classroom, with maximum a Digital Binder,
created by the class
teacher for their
class. It links with Class Notebook,
an individual digital binder for the
students. Being an avid user of
google sites within my classroom in
the past, One Note runs on the same
idea, while being GDPR compliant.
Within English, I have set up a digital
class binder for my 5th year higher
level English class. This binder
contains different sections e.g.
paper breakdowns, Hamlet notes,
Ballymahon Community College have recently commenced Comparative notes etc. Any notes I
their Office365 pilot programme within the school. upload to the One Note is available
6 | December Newsletter 2018
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
year. The final section of the staff
area is the Programmes and Teams
section. This section allows for
committees, coordinators and teams
to work together, plan together
and share information together.
It is this section that has truly
streamlined my administrative duties
as a coordinator within Columba
College, it has allowed me to work
closely with the JCSP Committee,
to easily make available to teachers
resources and information relevant
Columba College, Killucan was selected to pilot Microsoft365 in education.
to the efficient implementation of
JCSP across the whole school.
for the students to see on their Class Within the staff information area
Notebook. Students can submit of SharePoint, whole school It is early days within the pilot, and
work through their Class Notebook documents and policies are readily I do not claim to know everything
that only I as a teacher can see. The available at the click of a button. All there is to know about the
digital binder also allows teachers to SEN documents relevant to staff are programme. As a teacher sometimes
provide various types of notes e.g. together in a folder, allowing ease when faced with a new challenge
PowerPoint, Word, Images, Audio of access which in turn will inform we can be overwhelmed by the
and Video to appeal to all learners our practice within our classroom. buzzwords and question how this
within the classroom, while also Within the Subject Department will benefit me as a professional,
allowing the teacher to differentiate Area of SharePoint, all subject both outside and within my
work for pupils. One Note also departments have a folder for their classroom and how do I go about
allows teachers to receive student subject department plans, schemes the practical implementation of
feedback, and to self-evaluate the of work, assessment tasks etc. it? Three months in, I am utilising
progress of my pupils, whether that This allows for collaboration, and Microsoft 365 more and more
be through the assignments that ensuring that the subject department each week. It is having a direct
they upload, or through providing folders are a work in progress among influence on my classroom and on
the pupils with surveys etc. One all staff, which can be modified or the whole school. It ensures we
Note allows students to become tweaked at any time throughout are maximizing our potential as a
more autonomous in their learning. the school year and not a physical school and more importantly it is
folder that is opened a few times a doing so with minimal disruption.
SharePoint was an application
that I had never used before and
it is possibly the most impressive
aspect of Microsoft 365, which has
the potential to revolutionise how
Columba College operates on an
administrative level. As a teacher,
having your subject folder up to
date, having ease of access to SEN
documents and knowing your
school policies are all an important
part of completing your job.
SharePoint makes all this extremely
accessible. SharePoint is essentially
an internal internet for your school.
December Newsletter 2018 | 7
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Musical awards at Ardscoil Phádraig
Gaelfhíseán na Bliana to produce and record a video
Our Gaeilge and Music featuring a song as Gaeilge. Over
departments collaborated recently 300 schools participated in the
in entering the Gaelfhíseán na competition with one winning entry
Bliana national video competition selected in each county. We were
as part of Bliain na Gaeilge. delighted to have been chosen as
Conradh na Gaeilge invited schools the Longford winner, winning a
prize of €1000 for our school. Seán
Ó Murchadha visted the school
recently to congratulate students
and present them with their prize.
listened to influential speakers
Zeminar including Pat Divilly and Paul
Pupil Voice representatives enjoyed Mannion and took part in fun
a trip to ‘Zeminar: A Life-Changing activities, all geared towards
Day for Generation Z’ in the RDS investing in the development and
recently. They attended workshops, well-being of young people.
Life after the Leaving Cert in Athlone
Community College
On Thursday 18th of October on the day. He addressed the
Athlone Community College audience, offering solid advice to
held a careers event - ‘Life after all on the best way to approach
the Leaving Cert’. Students embarking on their career.
had the opportunity to discuss
career options with people who Past students, parents, local
work in their areas of interest. employers, local organisations
Many outstanding companies and colleges provided students
and organisations gave up their and their parents with valuable
free time in order to inspire insights into their respective
the young students. Mr. Ciaran offerings. The information received
Mullooly, Midlands Correspondent will be of great benefit to both
for RTE was the special guest students and parents alike.
Ballymahon study
Earth and Space
2nd year students, who are
currently studying Earth and Space,
commenced Science Week with
trip to Athlone cinema to see “First
Man”, the story of Neill Armstrong
and his journey to the moon.
8 | December Newsletter 2018
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
U16 All Ireland Public Speaking Success at
Winner Castlepollard Community College
Third year Castlepollard Castlepollard Community College 5th Year students enjoyed a successful
Community College student, night at the recent Mullingar Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition
Jack Buckley had a busy summer which took place in the Bloomfield House Hotel recently. Megan D’arcy,
on the pitch and putt courses Kerry Cassidy, Rebecca O’Keeffe and Sian McLaverty addressed a range
of Ireland as he went in search of issues put forward by the Soroptimist group with great success.
of All-Ireland glory. Jack’s
search came to a happy end The Soroptimist Competition is one of the most highly regarded
recently as he clinched the U16 Public Speaking Competitions in Ireland and is dedicated to
All-Ireland title in Kilbeggan. the empowerment of the young female voice in Ireland.
Congratulations to Kerry Cassidy as she was chosen by the
Soroptimist judges to represent the Mullingar Branch at the
Regional Finals in Athlone on the 19th of January.
New Autism
Unit opened at
Columba College
In September 2018 Columba Our four competitors pictured with the Soroptimist
College celebrated the opening Organisers and Principal Mary Coyle
of their new education facility
to create a more inclusive
environment to support the diverse
needs of our student population.
Tír Na Réaltaí is beautifully
designed to welcome all students.
The new facility caters for pupils
aged from 12 – 18 years and
contains a number of features.
These include a specially adapted
classroom, fully equipped with the
latest IT technology and reading
square together with a kitchen
and a multisensory room. The
facility offers fulltime teaching
together with SNA support.
December Newsletter 2018 | 9
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Introducing Camogie in Columba College, Killucan
Our new Junior Camogie team enjoying their first blitz in Banagher, Offaly.
We would like to wish them all the best going forward.
Students enjoy “La Dolce Vita”
2018 saw 50 students and five teachers from
Lanesboro Community College embark
on a four-day Continental Tour to Italy,
encompassing Venice, Verona and Lake Garda.
First stop was Milan where lunch was enjoyed in this
picturesque Roman town dominated by a fantastic
medieval castle, followed by a scenic boat trip of Lake
Garda. The clear, bottomless water of Lake Garda was
jaw dropping as we zoomed by castles, mountains
and catamarans on our luxurious speedboats.
Next stop, Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo
and Juliet. The highlights included the Roman arena
(a Roman Amphitheatre dating back to the year 30 biggest and best theme parks containing six
AD) and Juliet’s house where we all got a chance rollercoasters, 32 rides and many shows. That evening
to stand on Juliet’s balcony and declare our love! we attended a medieval banquet where we feasted
on an entire chicken each, using our bare hands
Day Two was Venice, the city of water. As Venice and enjoyed a spectacular jousting tournament.
has no roads we had to take a Vaparetto (water taxi)
into the city. Some of the famous sights included the Our final day saw us ascend to a height of 1800
Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square metres in a 360-degree cable car journey to reach
and St Mark’s Basilica (where we saw the tomb of St the top of Monte Baldo. Here we were struck with
Mark who wrote the gospels). We were taken through fabulous views of the Alps and Lake Garda.
the magnificent Venetian canals by local Gondoliers,
allowing us to experience Venice from the water. After four educational and fun-filled days all
teachers and students returned home to Ireland
On day three we visited Gardaland, one of Europe’s tired, happy and full of stories and memories.
10 | December Newsletter 2018Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Comhairle na nÓg Annual Youth Conference
Mullingar Community College,
Beauty Therapy students had
a great day helping out at the
Comhairle na nÓg event in
the Bloomfield House Hotel.
A massive well done to all the
organisers on a superb event.
New Developments in St. Anthony’s
As usual there have been further starting to creak at the joints!
developments in St Anthony’s
since the last article. Over the Recently a new sign, in common
summer the IT system was with all the other LWETB schools,
completely replaced with the was erected outside St Anthony’s.
installation of 13 new desktop This will help promote the image
PCs running Windows 10. The of the school in the town, as well
broadband was upgraded to as in helping people find us!
100MBs and all computers in the
school now print from a central Preparations for Christmas are
copier/printer. All classrooms already underway with cakes
now have new data projectors being baked by the students ‘Learning should take place in a climate
which greatly add to teaching and and orders being taken for founded on the collective well-being
learning. It is a major improvement the school dinner to be held of school, community and society’
to the facilities in the school as on the last week of term. A Framework for Junior Cycle (DES, 2012)
our existing IT equipment was
December Newsletter 2018 | 11Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
LWETB Shaping the Future of FET with of these sectoral targets. Strategic
Planning relates to the development
Strategy Performance Agreement of a strategic planning performance
agreement between SOLAS and
As set out in the SOLAS Corporate Department of Education and Skills. LWETB. The process was supported
Plan 2017 to 2019, national sectoral Each Education and Training Board through the provision of a strategic
targets for Further Education and (ETB) is requested to propose how performance agreement template.
Training (FET) were agreed with the it will contribute to the achievement This is a high level document
12 | December Newsletter 2018Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
which reflects the FET ambitions, Strategic Performance Agreements. linked to resource allocations.
strategies and plans of each ETB, This is an opportunity to do a
and indicates how LWETB will national FET Sector launch which will Next Steps: The 2019
contribute to the achievement of focus on the key national outcomes Planning Process
the national FET sectoral goals. as well as being an occasion for
LWETB to promote its activities. The planning process for next
The development of strategic year is now underway with a
performance agreements between Overview of the Strategic number of significant January
SOLAS and all the ETBs in 2018 Planning System and April 2019 deadlines. To
marks an important milestone in The agreements have provided a comply with the requirements
the development of a strategic, means to harness policy, strategies, of our strategic performance
integrated and outcome-focused targets, labour market insight and a agreements LWETB must follow
further education and training continuing process of programme the Planning and Funding Process.
system. These agreements linked evaluation and improvement to The diagrammatic representation
the unique context and profile set out a clear direction for ETB has been provided here provides
of each ETB to a set of strategic development from which annual an overview of the annual process
priorities and commitments to plans can then flow and be which LWETB is now engaged.
deliver on both the overall FET
strategy 2014-2019 and other
FET relevant policies, strategies
and initiatives. Our strategic
performance agreement sets out
plans for LWETB’s contribution
to six core national FET sector
targets, agreed between SOLAS
and the Minister for Education
and Skills within the SOLAS
Corporate Plan, to be delivered
over the period 2018-2020.
LWETB was requested to undertake
both the three-year strategic
planning performance process and
detailed 2018 specific planning over
the same time period. To date the
process has been undertaken and
completed. The process involved:
• Preparing a three
strategic performance
agreement between the
LWETB and SOLAS
• Preparing a 2018 plan
and funding request for
agreement with SOLAS
• Preparing outline plans
for 2019 and 2020.
Currently LWETB is working with
SOLAS on the publishing of its
December Newsletter 2018 | 13Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Tourism in Longford This course awards 390
CAO points and is eligible
With many students and parents for the SUSI grant.
still fretting over course and
career choices, it is well worth On the back of Center Parcs
pointing them towards the and Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden
Tourism with Business Level Heartlands campaign, tourism
5 course at Longford College is set to be one of the main
of Further Education. employers in the region. Technology. With the rising cost
of student accommodation, it
With Center Parcs Longford Students who complete level certainly makes sense to start
Forest due to open next summer, 5 can seek employment or a degree locally in Longford
this is an excellent course use the 390 CAO points for College of Further Education.
option for anybody keen to further college entry. They are still accepting places for
work in the hospitality area. a number of courses and other
Alternatively, they can progress options include Business Levels 5
to the level 6 course and gain & 6 / Payroll & Clerical Level 5 .
direct entry into year 2 of the
Hospitality degree or the Business To enrol or for more detail go
degree in Athlone Institute of to www.longfordcfe.com
Longfordcfe welcome Mr Jim Bird, New Career
School of Health Sciences, University Opportunities
of Southampton presentation, a short film about Home Instead manager, Mary
Southampton University and then Costello, held an information
On Monday 19th November 2018 had a question and answer session. session in the FEC, Clonown
the Department of Nursing and The students who attended the talk Road, Athlone. Attendees heard
Healthcare in Longford College of found it to be extremely helpful about employment opportunities
Further Education was absolutely and a worthwhile visit. They gained within the company. There was
delighted to welcome Mr Jim a valuable insight into the life of great interest in the session and a
Bird (Lecturer, Senior Admissions a student nurse in Southampton training course will be happening
Tutor, Practice Visitor and Deputy University and we would like in January for people who wish to
Programme Lead) from the School to thank Mr Bird for his visit. pursue a career in this field. LWETB
of Health Sciences, University of will work in collaboration with
Southampton. Mr Bird spent 2 hours Home Instead to run this training.
with our students discussing the
process of applying to study Nursing
at the University of Southampton.
He was very engaging as he didn’t
just talk about the applications and
admissions process, he also spoke
about his experiences of Nursing
and some of the Students who are Nessa Griffin, nursing coordinator
already studying at Southampton LCFE, Mr Jim Bird, Lecturer
who are very inspirational. Mr University of Southampton, Maura
Bird showed us a power point Casey PLC Co-ordinator LCFE.
14 | December Newsletter 2018Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Longford Courses for the Future attending classes in Longford,
Lanesboro, Ballymahon, Granard
Adult Learning Longford had Rugby Club on 12 December. and Edgeworthstown. Courses
a busy autumn with students are generally for four to six hours
returning for courses and new Skills for Work courses are aimed per week and can start at different
students signing up for courses in at adults who are employed, either times subject to demand.
basic education. There are general as employees or self-employed.
courses in Communications, These are short courses, usually 28 Family Learning also offers
Childcare, Computer Skills, Basic or 35 hours and can be uncertified English classes for parents are
Reading, Writing, Spelling and or lead to QQI certification at levels who have children attending DEIS
Maths. There has been such a 2 or 3. Presently, seven courses designated schools. The focus
demand for a new course in Health are taking place under the Skills is on parents supporting their
& Safety Awareness in Granard that for Work Programme. These children at school, engaging with
two courses have commenced. courses include farmers, employees the school and education and
of a nursing home, transport promoting a positive experience
A group of students from Longford company and self-employed. of the education system as well
attended the Aontas Further These courses are tailored to as learning English language.
Education Learners Forum in the needs of the workplace so Other recent courses for
Athlone on 18 October and had subjects covered range from parents in the schools include
a very enjoyable day there. basic IT communications for Mindfulness, Family budgeting,
farmers, the writing of an incident Crafts and Helping your children
Almost 400 students achieved and other work reports and with Maths homework.
QQI certification in October spreadsheets for work accounts.
and their hard work and For further information on part-
achievements will be celebrated There is a continued high demand time courses in Basic Education
at our annual Presentation of for English language courses and in Longford Contact Frances
QQI certificates in Longford there are almost 250 students Stephenson at 043 3345609.
Student Forum FET courses in LWETB. Some
of these comments included:
On the 18th of October last the
Shamrock Lodge, Athlone was • “Good to hear other people’s
host to The AONTAS Learner share their experiences of adult experiences and ideas”
Forum Regional Meeting. 74 learning and voice their opinions • “I enjoyed the chance to
adult learners attended the in relation to current FET provision voice my opinion and views”
event - six students from the from a learner perspective. • “ I liked being able to
Mullingar VTOS programme. All communicate with
students involved were delighted There was very positive feedback different people”
to be given the opportunity to received from students attending
Team Building at Boda Borg
While the work load continues Key recently. It was a very
Longford VTOS still had time interesting experience to
for staff and learners to enjoy say the least!!! A great team
a trip to Boda Borg at Lough building exercise for all.
December Newsletter 2018 | 15Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Athlone VTOS Annual Trip New approaches
Athlone VTOS recently took
in VTOS Longford
their annual trip to Dublin to
visit some cultural sites. Longford VTOS recommenced this
year at the end of August. This year
The students visited Collins saw a change in our structure after
Barracks to view the Celtic art our yearly review. Learners will
at the National Design centre now be able to complete a Level
as well as looking at the role 4 Employability Skills (4M0857)
of women artists pre 1916. in year one with the option to
progress to either Information
The group then walked through Processing (5M2067) or Business
Phoenix Park and on to Trinity Administration (5M2468) in
College taking in the architectural sights before proceeding to year two. We are also offering
The National Gallery where Information Processing (5M2067) or
the students were particularly Business Administration (5M2468)
interested in the Portrait exhibition as an option to be completed
as well as the European Masters’ within one year as learners can
exhibition. Our art students gain entry straight to year two
found this trip very helpful and depending on their experience.
hopefully they have picked up
some tips from the masters!! The first month for year two was
dedicated to sampling modules
and they have now selected
which award they wish to go
Guest Speakers visit Mullingar VTOS forward for. They are currently
on work placement every Friday
As part of College Awareness University - Options for mature which will give them invaluable
Week Mullingar VTOS organized Students at NUI Maynooth. experience in the workplace
a series of guest speakers to and add to their skills set.
visit the centre and promote the Liz Glennon, LWETB FET
benefits of going to college to Guidance Service – CAO In the first week of September
learners engaged in our full- Workshop for Adult Learners we welcomed our new intake of
time and part time courses. returning to College. first years who are just beginning
College Awareness Week is a on a new and exciting journey in
national campaign which aims Theresa Ryan, Access Officer, AIT their lives. They have established
to promote the benefits of Athlone gave a presentation to themselves as a cohesive group
going to college and to help learners wishing to access third working well together and enjoying
students of all ages to become level courses in AIT Athlone. the benefits of adult education.
college ready. Awareness
Week is available on www.
collegeaware.ie. The following
guest speakers visited the
Happy Retirement
centre during the course of the
week, and met with learners Longford VTOS would like to
in the centre giving advice on acknowledge Audrey Callinan who
how to prepare for college. retired this year after many years
of dedicated service to Longford
Emer Sheerin, Maynooth VTOS and wish her all the best.
16 | December Newsletter 2018Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Recruitment both impressed and encouraged where immersive theatre meets
by the level of information history. Teelings Whiskey Distillery
Information Day and range of jobs offered. is also on the itinerary. Locally we
plan to visit Knights & Conquests
BTEI Longford Tourism students, This opportunity, certainly gave in Granard, Co. Longford, recently
from our Granard and Ballymahon an impetus to the learners’ opened as a new visitor attraction.
centres, received a warm welcome determination to complete the Some students hope to gain
at the Center Parcs Recruitment QQI level 4 Tourism programme placement here for Work Practice.
Information Day, held in Longford and to progress to the QQI Future tour guides in the making!
Rugby Club, on Friday 12th October. level 5 in Tourism and Business.
After that, Center Parcs!
Significant links had been forged
with General Manager Darragh In addition, we were recorded
Feighery, who kindly met with for a vox-pop with Newstalk’s
our students and prospective Henry McKean which aired that
employees, earlier in the year. As evening and our picture featured
a result, we were in opportunistic in the Irish Independent and the
Pictured are some of our students,
mode at the information day. Longford Leader newspapers.
from Left to Right: Eileen Donnelly
BTEI Co-ordinator; Minister Heather
Center Parcs staff were on hand Before year end, the Tourism Humphries; Minister Kevin (Boxer)
to detail potential employment students will visit The Vaults Live, Moran; Gladys Dunne; Desislava
opportunities and students were Dublin’s newest visitor attraction, Andreeva and Karolina Novak.
Guidance Pilot
you have anything you would like
included in the FYI email alert please
Staff Autism
Project email John at jdoherty@lwetb.ie. Awareness
The service has had a busy few The service is currently leading a
Training Day
months continuing to provide a pilot project in conjunction with the Autism awareness training for staff
quality, professional and informed National Adult Literacy Association took place in November which
guidance counselling and (NALA) whereby guidance and was very well attended from across
information service. John the counselling is offered to participants the ETB. It is recommended that
Guidance Information Officer has on their distance learning such training be extended to tutors
started sending a “FYI email” to all co- programme. This is the first time and instructors. Following from
ordinators across the ETB highlighting such a service has been offered to this we are hoping to arrange
upcoming events, national and local their students and the feedback going further training events for staff.
initiatives and LWETB occasions forward has been extremely positive.
which are of interest and worth Staff from the service attended a
noting for our programmes. If One of our clients and current BTEI number of events, Longford Business
student, Emanuel Konimyan, was Expo, Centre Parcs recruitment
featured in the RTE production “This and information day, the Next
Crowded House” which was aired Step event in Longford and the
on Wednesday 31st of October RAPID inter-agency information
2018. The episode is on the RTE events in Mullingar and Athlone.
player and showcases the value
in further education. It is great to
Our Guidance Team L-R: Liz Glennon, see the positivity portrayed by the
Fiona Murphy, John Doherty, presenter Brendan Courtney in
Caroline Cornally, Patricia Reilly. returning to education as an adult.
December Newsletter 2018 | 17Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Celebrating 30 years of Youthreach
2018 / 2019 is a very exciting year The Large Hall next door provided a
for Youthreach as the programme “creative” space. The area was split
is 30 years old! In celebration in two - one half of the room was
of our 30 Year Anniversary, the a performance area with a stage
NAYC hosted a One-Of-A-Kind and bleachers and seating for 580.
national Youthreach event in This stage had a schedule of events
the National Sports Campus to include music performances
(NSC) in Blanchardstown. This from learners from a number of
event brought together learners centres, some invited performers
and staff and invited guests as well as some key-note speakers
from all over the country. and an amazing play. The other
half of the hall was an exhibition
The Sports Arena was filled with space of stakeholders relevant
sporting events - a combination of to our young people. This area PLC Colleges, BIMM, Irish Cancer
lots of different activities designed was divided into three zones to Society, RSA, National Dairy Council,
to give a taster to all learners. These include: Progression, Health & safefood, and Microsoft. There were
included everything from Rugby, Well-being and Centre Showcases. two MCs, Evanne Ní Chuilinn and
Volleyball, hockey and gymnastics 2FM’s Emma Power which really
to dodgeball and tug of war! There Upstairs included a number of rooms brought the whole event together
was a 360-degree stage in the which played host to workshops and kept everyone engaged.
middle of the arena which was used for our learners. Exhibitors and
for special guest presentations as workshops included partners It was a fantastic day of celebration
well as the fantastic Rory’s Stories, and stakeholders such as ESF, for our young people rooted
Zumba and other entertainers GAISCE, SpunOut, NYCI, YSI, SOLAS in sport, activity, fun and a real
to create a great atmosphere. Apprenticeships, AONTAS, Léargas, focus on health and wellbeing!
18 | December Newsletter 2018Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Contemporary Issues in Mental Health Week
Ballymahon Youthreach At Ballymahon Youthreach Caroline organized our
Mental Health Week where students were encouraged
Ballymahon Youthreach introduced Contemporary to explore ways to reduce their stress levels and
Issues into its timetable this autumn. These classes build up their resilience. A 5k walk of both students
have been based on “theme weeks” which are based and staff formed a central part of the week. She held
on national/international events and/or student physical exercise competitions including skipathon,
suggestions. The first week was based on Animal isometric squat and the plank. We held a digital detox
Rights. The students researched animal cruelty, day where students and staff avoided using phones
endangered animals and the effects of human and computers for the day. A guest speaker came
activity on our wildlife. To follow on the awareness in to talk to the students about their mental health.
campaign, students made a trip to the zoo where Group discussions, art projects, posters, pyjama day
they further explored animals they had researched. and board games formed part of the week as well.
YRFest and Delvin Youthreach
Delvin Youthreach were people and 600 adults in the
delighted to be part of the YRFest Sport Ireland National Sports
celebrations which was organised Campus in Blanchardstown. The We did the long jump and hang
by NAYC celebrating the 30th Minister for Education and Skills, tough challenge. The atmosphere
anniversary of the start of the Minister Joe McHugh spoke about and student engagement was
Youthreach Programme in 1998. seeing the importance of young amazing. We were delighted
Delvin Youthreach was the first learners for the future economy. to be in attendance.
Youthreach centre in Westmeath.
We opened our doors officially as We really took in everything A great day all around and a
Youthreach in 1991 having been the event had to offer. We even nice chance to catch up with
a Fás programme since 1989. managed to get three students our colleagues from around the
up on stage with Rory stories country. Let the pictures tell their
We joined over 1,500 other young (much to everyone’s delight) own stories. #WeAreYouthreach
December Newsletter 2018 | 19Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board Mini Competition in Kilbeggan Youthreach This year our Level 5 students Christmas eve for children opened their mini company thereafter. They are being sold and have been at work in for €29.99 and below is a sneak Santa’s workshop. They are peek of what is to come. Anyone in the process of producing wishes to order a box please 25 Christmas Eve boxes to message our page. Thank You. create some magical memories for children. The boxes are handmade and include Reindeer Food, Hot Chocolate, a blackboard so children can leave a message for Santa and of course Santa can reply, colouring pages, crayons and a Christmas Eve Checklist. Parents can add to the box with pyjamas, DVDS etc, they can be personalised also. The box can be used every Defibrillator funding Summer 2017 the students of Kilbeggan Youthreach raised €1200 for a defibrillator for the Midland Gateway Industrial Estate by organising a concert, BBQ event within the centre. From the 26th November ALL students are going to be trained and certified in CPR and defib lifesaving skills. We are currently in the process of purchasing the defib and are working with the local community in order to ensure that the defib is placed in the appropriate location within the industrial estate 20 | December Newsletter 2018
Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Soccer Success
At This year’s YRFest Longford
Youthreach were given special
recognition by FAI CE Mr. John
Delaney for the emphasis placed on
football as an integral part of our
curriculum, our football matches
played abroad and our success in
various tournaments throughout
our time in Longford town.
All Ireland
Champions
Longford Youthreach are also
the All-Ireland Youthreach
Gaelic Football Champions
of the inaugural tournament
held in the Mayo GAA Centre
of Excellence in June.
We refurbished our I.T. Room during the midterm break and we are really pleased with the way it has been reconfigured
Youthreach is part supported by the Irish government and the European Social Fund as
part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020
December Newsletter 2018 | 21Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Youth Work in LWETB – Leading,
Advancing and Expanding
As the only body with a statutory Regional Drug and Alcohol
responsibility to support Youth Work Taskforce (MRDATF) and the HSE,
in Ireland, LWETB is driving the of the community-based under-18
development of new and increased drug and alcohol prevention and
services for young people across treatment support service in the
Longford and Westmeath. We region. This success is the result
welcome this responsibility and of our ever increasing engagement
have a dedicated unit assigned with with the Department of Children and
carrying out this important duty. Youth Affairs (DCYA) and the DoH
The Youth Services Unit is led by (through the MRDATF). These close
our Youth Officer, Maria Fox, who working relationships are grounded
has been with LWETB since 2007 in the principles of co-design,
(originally with Co Westmeath VEC). collaboration, needs/evidence based is committed to meeting our
Maria manages and co-ordinates and innovative approaches to youth responsibilities in addressing and
the Unit and is supported by Martine work. In 2018 we will administer contributing to a better lived
Lynch, our Youth Support Officer. €500,000 in funding (an increase experience for all our young people.
of approximately 5%), serving over The Unit will continue to lead in the
In response to needs identified 3,500 young people in 6 professional design and delivery of services by
by the Youth Officer and in (staff led) projects. We also provide highlighting needs and gaps where
collaboration with external grants to support the work of 35 they exist, making applications
stakeholders, additional funding is voluntary youth clubs like Foróige and overseeing implementation.
constantly being secured by LWETB and the Scouts across the two We will work in partnership and
for expanded youth services to counties where 360 committed adult collaboration with government
meet the needs of young people leaders provide weekly youth work departments, our LWETB partners
in both Longford and Westmeath. activities to 1,400 young people. and beyond to address current
This follows the successful and future youth service needs
reconfiguration of the Department of As an educational methodology and and welcome new ideas and
Health (DoH) funded services in 2017 approach the work of the Unit is innovations that will support
culminating with the establishment, fully integrated in the ETB structure, our services to young people.
in conjunction with the Midland under the Schools Directorate
while also working collaboratively If you would like to hear more
across both the Further Education about the work of the Unit or
and Training (FET) and Organisation make suggestions regarding our
Support and Development (OSD) 5-year Youth Work Plan which
Units. We ensure that youth is currently being developed, we
work services are provided in a would love to hear from you.
planned and considered manner,
and recognising the needs of the Maria Fox can be contacted
communities and the young people at mfox@lwetb.ie and
they serve. We also make sure directly on 086 3839451
that the necessary standards of
accountability, good youth work Martine Lynch is at mlynch@
practice and governance are in place lwetb.ie 044 9348389
in these groups and organisations.
The LWETB Youth Services Unit
22 | December Newsletter 2018Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Longford Autism Foróige Club
Longford Autism Foróige Club is now in its second
year. The group meet every Saturday in the Attic House
and was established to meet the needs of young
people with Autism, to give them a place to meet, to
be comfortable, and enjoy a youth club setting whilst
getting the opportunity to mix with other groups.
Our group has grown from strength to strength in the last
two years, from just six members at the start to 15 members
today supported by a few volunteers and their parents.
In the last year the club entered the Aldi Foróige Citizenship
awards, where our project “to help Bethany House and
the Homeless” was recognised at the national event
as “One to watch” into the future which was a major
accomplishment for our enthusiastic members. We raised
much needed funds for the charities through baking and
selling cakes/breads at the Flancare car boot sale.
Longford Autism Foróige Club is now looking forward to
planning our Xmas outings we will be heading, Funtasia
Water Park and lots of cinema and bowling trips. We are also
continuing with our Keep Fit programme with Longford Fitness.
So on behalf of all at Longford Autism Foróige Club
Thank You for all your support over the last two years.
Beetroot at Backstage Youth Theatre
“Backstage Youth Theatre (BYT)
in association with Backstage
Theatre Canal Studio productions
performed a new play Beetroot
in late September 2018. The play
was devised with members of BYT
and written by Lucy Montague
Moffat with the help of LWETB
funding. The production involved
24 members of the group both
on and off stage. The play was
directed by Helene Montague and
choreographed by Anica Louw of
Shawbrook Dance. This was the
fourth production we have done in
association with Backstage Theatre.”
December Newsletter 2018 | 23Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Youth Exchange
A group of young girls from
Athlone Youth and Community
Project are currently taking part
in a Youth Exchange Programme.
The nine girls aged 16-20
years are from Battery Heights,
Woodlands Grove and Willow
Park in Athlone. For eight of these
young people this is their first
exchange and a completely new
and very exciting experience. This
trilateral exchange entitled WE women in different countries Italian lunch and did some
Media is made up of young people and cultures, gender imbalance, shopping. It was a fantastic week
from Ireland, Italy and the UK. expectations of women in the that the group will never forget.
home and in society, the changing
The first leg of the Exchange took role of women and the portrayal The second part of this project
place from 11th to the 18th of of women in the media. takes place from the 2nd to the
August 2018. The group travelled 8th of January 2019. This time the
to Sermugnano, Italy to take part Through group work, games, Irish group will host the Italian and
in a week long programme of activities and social events the UK groups in Esker Youth Village
activities, trips and workshops girls really got to know each in Athenry. Here we will reconnect
focusing on the theme “Women other, learned about the different with each other, explore the
in the Media”. Over the course cultures of each country and built impact and changes that part one
of the week the girls took part friendships with each other over has brought about, introduce our
in many workshops using a the course of the week. They visitors to the Irish culture and visit
range of creative methodologies travelled to the beautiful ancient our local town of Athlone as well
to explore a range of related city of Viterbo where they explored as the cultural city of Galway. We
topics such as the treatment of the historic sites, had a beautiful look forward to further exploration
of the theme, more interesting
and sometimes challenging
discussion and lots and lots of fun
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