MINISTER for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley has today announced payment of €1,557,504 to provide primary school children in Kerry with free school books.
The scheme will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for all pupils in primary and special schools.
Thereafter the grant should be used to eliminate costs of related classroom resources such as pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, colouring pencils and whiteboard markers.
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As part of Budget 2023, Minister Foley secured over €50 million in a landmark decision to provide free schoolbooks to primary school pupils within the free education scheme from September 2023.
This free schoolbooks measure will eliminate the cost to families for all schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks at primary school, including special schools.
The free primary school books scheme will benefit more than 558,000 pupils in approximately 3,230 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools.
Minister Foley said: “Today schools in Kerry will receive over €1.5 million to provide free schoolbooks in all primary schools and special schools. This ground-breaking, permanent measure will ease some of the financial burden facing families with the back-to- school costs. The scheme will provide, at a minimum, free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for all pupils enrolled in primary and special schools in the 2023/24 school year. By providing our primary school children with free school books, we are enhancing their educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home.”
Mary Lucey of Career Ahead has some tips ahead of a challenging year for students preparing for third level education…
This year more than ever, college students need to prioritise their needs rather than their wants in relation to spending. Food, safe travel, electricity, phone credit – are essential in college.
Below are some tips that will help:
1. Regarding college accommodation, it may suit and be a lot less expensive to travel to/from daily or stay in a B&B/hotel for a night or two during the week based on timetables/number of online classes and college locations.
2. New college students tend to spend all their week’s budget before Wednesday and then are broke for the remainder of the week. Budget firstly for a month and then break this down to a weekly figure. A student will then know what they can afford to spend daily and should not exceed that amount. Closely monitor spending at beginning of the week.
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3. Ensure students get hold of their student card as soon as possible and use to avail of all student discounts offered.
4. Socialising is important to help make friends, become part of the college community, and settle in better.
However, it doesn’t mean just going to costly bars and night-clubs – it can be cooking a meal, having a house party, going outdoors, etc think outside the box.
5. When travelling home; check who has cars that live nearby and offer to contribute to fuel costs for a lift.
For public transport, purchase weekly/monthly return tickets. Book train tickets in advance to avail of any discounted prices. Download apps that allow you to accumulate points and get discounted prices.
6. Learn to cook two or three cheap and cheerful meals, a healthy meal can be made for as little as €1 if you shop wisely. Download apps for major supermarkets and brands to see weekly offers and build up reward points.
Bring a packed lunch to college, much cheaper than college canteens. Buy and fill a travel cup with coffee/tea rather than spending at least €3 per cup at coffee/tea outlets.
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7. For clothes, check out the amazing range and value available in pre-loved and charity shops – for nights out to work placement outfits – all will be covered at very little cost while benefiting charities and the environment.
8. For toiletries –– a bar of soap will do the same job as an expensive shower or bath gel. Purchase generic brands in place of overpriced branded goods.
9. If you need medical attention, most colleges have medical centre/medical personnel on-site which is free or offers reduced rates.
10. In relation to college books and notes etc maximise online availability rather than purchasing expensive books and printing off notes.
11. Students should get a part-time job – results in both financial and personal gain.
• For more advice see www.careerahead.ie , call 0879338941 or email marylucey@careerahead.ie
SINN Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has called for the retention of a classroom teacher in Ballyduff N.S.
Deputy Daly said the day of classroom sizes with 30 plus students has to end and he is calling on Minister Norma Foley and the Department of Education to intervene in Ballyduff National School’s efforts to retain five classroom teachers.
“Ballyduff N.S. missed the threshold by one pupil, having 107 enrolled in September 2021,” said Deputy Daly. “Covid had a clear effect on the reduced enrolment for 2021 with some parents electing to keep children in playschool an additional year due to lost time in an environment that is key to their development”
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“Some children with additional and complex needs missed speech and language and occupational therapy appointments for months, more than a year in some cases, and this is now presenting itself in the classroom. Many children simply did not have the resources at home to participate fully in remote learning during the pandemic.
“Some classes in Ballyduff NS will now be faced with a teacher to pupil ratio of 35:1, at a time when these students need more assistance than ever.
“The school will be included in the DEIS Rural Scheme from September 2022 on, which is an indication of the economic challenges the community is facing. It feels particularly harsh to remove a fifth teacher when the student needs are well documented,” he added.
“Additionally, a number of Ukrainian families have been offered accommodation in the area and some are looking at the school for their children.
“Average EU class sizes are 20 pupils to one teacher. Ireland’s average is 25 pupils to one teacher. I know of too many schools in Kerry with 30+ pupils to one teacher and now Ballyduff will have some classes with 35 pupils to a teacher. The Department must show some vision and a real will to address this problem for all schools.”
KERRY Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley has raised concerns about teacher allocations for the 2020/21 school year, given the current COVID-19 pandemic.
She’s calling for assurances that schools will be able to retain their current teacher numbers for the year ahead.
“I have been contacted by many schools across the county worried about teacher numbers for the 2020/21 academic year,” said Deputy Foley.
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“There are very real concerns that some of these schools could lose a teacher because of declining student numbers. However, given the current Coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions which will have to be implemented in the new school year, I am urging the Department to ensure that additional teacher places are allocated.
“While I accept that the teacher allocation process is independent, we now have a situation where staffing arrangements for the coming term were set out before the onset of COVID-19. We are hearing reports of the necessity of smaller class groups and difficulties around social distancing due to classroom size, all the while schools are losing teachers.
“This is simply not workable and shows a clear disconnect between the two positions. We need to ensure a safe environment for our children once classes resume, and under the current guidelines we will need more not fewer teachers. I am calling on the Minister and the Department to include additional places for teachers to reflect the current circumstances”.
Another issue raised by Deputy Foley concerns Non-Qualified Teachers (NQT). These teachers are required to complete a 60 day block of classroom teaching.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools on March 12th and the Teaching Council is now telling NQTs that they will have to apply for an extension to complete the required classroom teaching block.
“I think it’s unfair that trainee teachers, who have been fully contributing to school life through remote teaching over the past two months are having their work essentially ignored,” said Deputy Foley.
“I have raised this issue with the Minister for Education and welcome confirmation the Teaching Council will review the current situation. It is only fair that NQTs are recognised for their contribution to teaching and learning over the last number of months,” concluded Deputy Foley.
Billy Ryle says it was a case of relief at last for Junior Cert candidates as Minister McHugh abandoned his plan for token September exams…
Clarity has finally emerged for the 63,000 anxious Junior Cert candidates, who were in limbo since the official Junior Cert exam was cancelled on Good Friday and was set to be replaced with a school-based assessment next September.
There was a universal sigh of relief when the Minister for Education, Joe McHugh announced on Wednesday that the token back-up exam has been scrapped.
The Minister’s plan for the September assessment had been widely opposed as unworkable and valueless.
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A number of schools had already opted out of the Minister’s backup exam and were preparing to make their own in-house assessment arrangements for their Junior Cert students before the end of the current academic year.
It was highly likely that more schools would distance themselves from a meaningless and ill-conceived backup exam, which had no credibility or validity, thus leaving the Minister with egg on his face.
Minister McHugh has belatedly accepted that the young students have already suffered enough anxiety and stress this academic year without meaningless exams hanging over their heads during the long hot summer months.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) had already confirmed that it would not conduct, correct or certify the proposed September exams, thereby rendering them worthless and a complete waste of time and resources.
Regardless, the staging of these exams would still have caused a great deal of distress to thousands of mentally and emotionally drained young people.
The Minister has done the right thing by making a complete U-turn and aborting a doomed project before it caused any further confusion and stress.
By cancelling the September token exam Minister McHugh is allowing the young people to enjoy the summer free from exam anxiety so that they can return to school refreshed and ready for senior cycle.
All schools are now free, if they wish, to carry out their own assessment before the end of the current year. The schools will have total autonomy over the assessments they will undertake.
The Department of Education said that school-designed exams, tasks, projects, assignments, essay style questions, presentations or other tasks agreed at a local level will fulfil the definition of ‘assessment.’
At this late stage of the year and with the schools unlikely to reopen, any further ‘assessments’ will not be very comprehensive or over demanding on the students.
Each Junior Cert candidate will be now awarded a ‘certificate of completion’ by the Department of Education and Skills confirming her/his successful engagement with the three-year Junior Cycle.
This certificate will be particularly important for about 4,000 young people who normally drop out of formal education at the end of the three-year Junior Cycle.
Many of these students will apply for Craft Apprenticeships, for which a Junior Certificate is the minimum entry requirement. The candidates will also receive a written school report on their learning achievements in each subject, short courses and activities during the three-year Junior Cycle.
All’s well that ends well. If Minister McHugh had cancelled the Junior Cert exam on Good Friday and left it at that, he would have been applauded for a sensible decision based on sound health and safety advice.
Instead, he second guessed himself and walked headlong into a logistical nightmare of his own making. He put the young candidates and their parents through weeks of unnecessary stress and anxiety.
When leadership was required, he was marked absent. His end of term report will say he ‘could have done better.’
• Billy Ryle is a Career Guidance Counsellor and Educational Commentator
It’s time to decide whether to go ahead or to postpone, but not to cancel the State Exams says Guidance Counsellor Billy Ryle…
To be or not to be? That is the question being asked by over 125,000 anxious and stressed Leaving Cert (LC), Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) and Junior Cert (JC) state exam candidates.
Are the remaining practical exams going ahead on 27th April? Are the written exams going ahead on 3rd June? Are the exams being postponed to a later date? Are the exams being cancelled?
The oral and practical tests which were due to take place from 23rd March to 3rd April were already cancelled and full marks were awarded to all candidates.
From Monday 27th April to Friday 8th May, the timetable includes practical exams in Leaving Certificate Art Life Sketching, Engineering, Construction Studies, and Junior Cycle Metalwork.
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There are also final exams during May in LCVP Link Modules (Wednesday, 6th May), Leaving Certificate Applied ICT (Wednesday, 13th May) and Leaving Certificate Computer Science (Wednesday, 27th May).
Cancelling oral and practical components of the State Exams puts the integrity of the exams and the CAO college offers process at risk.
It would be fairer to postpone rather than cancel any exam components. If the health care specialists recommend that the exams should not go ahead in June, there will be adequate time in July to complete all written, practical and oral components of the Leaving Cert exam.
Candidates are unlikely to be travelling abroad this year and there won’t be a great deal of holiday work available. That option will end all the uncertainty, which candidates are faced with at present.
Even if the results of the Leaving Cert and the CAO college offers are issued a month later than usual, it will be worth it if every contingency step is transparent and fair to all candidates.
Normally, young people would be enjoying the Easter Holiday break before returning to school for the final term. But the times in which we live are abnormal and uncertain as the country battles the Coronavirus pandemic.
Schools remain closed for five weeks and students are studying at home. The situation is now very urgent for state exam candidates, who have missed vital weeks in school.
If schools don’t reopen on Monday, 20th April, they may remain closed until early May. In those circumstances, exam candidates can hardly be expected to be emotionally at ease or knowledge ready to sit these crucial exams, as scheduled in June.
After weeks of home study, exam candidates are feeling the pressure. They are finding it very difficult to maintain their focus and motivation.
They are suffering from cabin fever and an overload of virtual learning. Structured home study has become far more challenging with the country in lockdown and more family members house bound.
Outdoor physical exercise is confined to 2km from home and social interaction is limited.
The country is now in the second week of restrictive actions in the response to Covid-19. That period may be extended further depending on the advice of the health care specialists.
If that happens, it’s highly likely that schools will not reopen on Monday, 20th April. Over 125,000 exam candidates can no longer be left in limbo. It’s time for a decision on the state exams.
Checklist
• The State Examinations Commission (SEC) runs the second-level exams
• Schools are due to reopen on Monday, 20th April
• The remaining practical exams begin on Monday, 27th April
• The LCVP Link Modules written exam is on Wednesday, 6th May
• The Leaving Certificate Applied ICT exam is on Wednesday, 13th May
• The Leaving Certificate Computer Science exam is on Wednesday, 27th May
• The written exams are due to begin on Wednesday, 3rd June
• After weeks of isolated home study, exam candidates are anxious and stressed
• Candidates are suffering from cabin fever and an overload of virtual learning
• With more family members confined to home, it’s more difficult to study
• Firm decisions about state exams need to be taken by 20th April
• Are the remaining practical exams going ahead on Monday, 27th April?
• Are the written exams going ahead on Wednesday, 3rd June?
• Are the state exams being postponed to a later date?
• Are the state exams being cancelled?
• Exam timetables are available on www.examinations.ie
• Billy Ryle is a Career Guidance Counsellor/Educational Commentator
.Pictured at the recent launch of Teachers Inspire in Dublin were the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, and 4th Class pupils from St. Joseph’s National School, Donnybrook: Max Maples (far right) and Leannah McCarthy (second from left); and Katie O’Brien, a 2nd Year student from Loretto College, Swords. Photo Credit: Julien Behal
IS Kerry home to some of the most inspiring teachers in Ireland? A new national initiative, ‘Teachers Inspire’, is aiming to find out.
Teachers Inspire Ireland is an initiative of Dublin City University, focused on highlighting the enormous contribution made by teachers in Irish society.
It is now open for people in Kerry – and across the country – to share their personal stories of how a teacher transformed their lives and/or their community.
Stories can be submitted through the teachersinspire.ie website, and can be in either written or video format. The closing date for submissions is 30th June.
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After the closing date, a shortlist of the most compelling stories will be selected and profiled on the website.
The initiative will then culminate in the inaugural Teachers Inspire Ireland gala dinner on 27th September, at which teachers from across the country (one from each province) will be acknowledged and celebrated.
As he launched Teachers Inspire, Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, said: “Throughout Ireland, teachers go above and beyond to give their students the best possible learning experience. They not only teach, they motivate, encourage and inspire.”
The President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith, said: “Teachers Inspire wants to hear from Kerry people about teachers who have inspired excellence, passion, imagination, creativity, compassion and courage. We hope to see a strong response from people across the county who, I’m sure, have excellent stories to tell about the teachers who inspired them.”
MR Brendan Griffin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport launched the Kerry Education and Training Board’s Education and Training Strategy 2018-2022 at Kerry ETB’s Cappanalea Outdoor and Education Training Centre on Friday morning.
Kerry ETB was established on July 1st 2013 and the development of this strategy provided an opportunity to chart the strategic direction for Kerry ETB over the next five years.
The ETBs services includes primary, post primary and a wide range of further education and training programmes.
The mission of Kerry ETB is to create and promote the development of a lifelong learning society in Kerry, so that all who live there have access to the education and training required to fulfil their potential and meet their personal, social, cultural, economic and civic needs.
In developing this Strategy, the methodology adopted was designed to ensure extensive internal and external consultation including, ETB board members, learners, students, managers, staff, parents, industry and key community partners and agencies.
The Strategy emphasises the role of Kerry ETB in promoting a holistic education and training experience that spans the full spectrum of life-long learning.
Key to the development of the strategy was the commitment to the organisations core values of Respect, Quality, Inclusion, Equality and Learning.
The Strategy aims to promote a shared vision across all of Kerry ETB’s programmes, centres, colleges, schools and services.
This shared vision will help to ensure an integrated and seamless approach to the provision of education and training opportunities across the county.
The Strategy has identified nine Strategic Goals: –
1) Nationally and Internationally recognised and Quality Assured Programmes.
2) Quality Teaching and Learning.
3) Innovative Education and Training Responses.
4) Access and Progression.
5) Develop Productive Partnerships.
6) Stakeholder Engagement.
7) Effectiveness and Accountability in Governance and Leadership.
8) Marketing, Branding and Communication.
9) Enhancing the Working and Learning Environment.
Each strategic goal has a key number of associated actions. Progress with the implementation of the strategy will be measured annually by the implementation plans.
The successful implementation of the strategy will require a shared ownership across the organisation with each school, centre and programme utilising the strategic objective as the key drivers for their local planning and development.
The Chairperson of Kerry ETB, Cllr. Jim Finucane in welcoming the publication of the strategy stated: “I am delighted with the publication of the Kerry ETB Strategy Statement 2018-2022. The ETB is a key provider of education and training opportunities across county Kerry and the successful implementation of this strategy will ensure the continued successful development of the organisation over the next five years. I wish to thank the Chief Executive Officer, the Directors and all involved in the development of the Strategy Statement and I look forward to its implementation”.
The Chief Executive Office of Kerry ETB, Mr. Colm Mc Evoy stated: “I am confident that the strategic goals set out in the Strategy Statement are grounded in the organisations core values of Respect, Learning, Quality, Inclusion and Equality and set out a clear strategic path for their development until 2022. Kerry ETB is a large geographically dispersed organisation with over 1,100 staff, delivering education and training programmes from our twenty eight centres to over 15,000 students/learners annually. Our annual budget is in excess of €52 million making the ETB a key contributor the local economy. I look forward to working with the Board, the Directors, School and Centre Management and all the Staff in leading the implementation of the strategy over the next five year”
Ann O’Dwyer Director of Schools, Youth and Music stated that “Kerry ETB Primary and Post Primary schools, Youth Work and Music provision look forward to implementing this strategy over the next 5 years.
It is the ambition of all our schools to achieve the “highly effective school” standards of teaching and learning, school management and ICT integration as set out by the Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate in the “Looking at our Schools Quality Framework for Primary and Post Primary Schools.”
Kerry ETB schools are fully implementing the new Junior Cycle and will have commenced the implementation of the new Senior Cycle during the life of this strategy. We will also continue to prioritise the health and wellbeing of students through the full implementation of the DES Wellbeing Programme and also the ongoing development of the Student Support Teams. It is also envisaged that we will develop 3-4 additional Community National Schools in order to provide for diversity and inclusion in the primary sector.
Kerry ETB will also work with our partner Kerry County Council, schools and music bodies to establish Music Generation in Kerry over the coming years. It is our plan to support the continued development of both targeted and generic youth work programmes across the county, based on the needs identified in the recent youth work audit. Kerry ETB will support the improvement of the Irish language through our work the relevant agencies on the implementation of the various Irish Plans across the county as well as continuing to prioritise oral language acquisition on our 8 schools.”
The Kerry ETB Director of Further Education and Training, Mr Owen O Donnell stated: “Further Education and Training has gone through seismic change over the last few years with the creation of the Education and Training Boards. Kerry ETB aims to continue at the forefront of this change with the development of our Further Education and Training provision to offer the highest quality education and training opportunities possible to our learners and Industry in Kerry. The Strategic Goals outlined in the Kerry ETB 2018-2022 Strategy will act as a road map for the ongoing transformation of the Further Education and Training provision within Kerry. Kerry ETB has several projects in development for new apprenticeships and courses including the upgrading of facilities countywide. I look forward to working with our team in Kerry ETB in the implementation of this Strategic plan“
The Kerry ETB Director of Organisation Support & Development, Ms Maria Brennan stated: “This Strategy Statement was developed following an extensive consultation process with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The nine goals which will plot our course over the next five years are the product of numerous workshops, interviews and questionnaires. A planning and monitoring process will be put in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Strategy and ensure realisation of our goals. I look forward to the full implementation of the strategy and ensuring the continued development of Kerry ETB as a leader in Education and Training provision in Kerry”.
.Áine Ní Shúilleabháin from Tralee who is off to the US on a Fulbright Scholarship. Photo by Conor McCabe
A KERRY woman is one of nine students from NUI Galway to scoop the prestigious Fulbright Award.
US Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin O’Malley and Ireland’s Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, Seán Kyne TD, announced 39 new Fulbright Irish Awardees at the Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin recently.
Among the 39 awardees were nine winners from NUI Galway including Áine Ní Shúilleabháin from Ballyferriter.
Áine has completed a BA International in English and French, a Diploma in Irish, and an MA in Advanced Language Skills at NUI Galway. Áine, from has worked as an Irish teacher and translator and is currently employed in at a translation company. She will be a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at Idaho State University.
Since 1957, the Fulbright Awards are given annually by the Irish and U.S. governments and provide Irish students, scholars, and professionals with the opportunity to study, lecture, and research at top universities and institutions throughout the United States.
Kevin O’Malley, US Ambassador to Ireland, said: “I warmly congratulate the 2016-2017 cohort of Awardees. The Fulbright Awards are highly competitive, globally recognised, and associated with excellence and prestige, so this is a real accomplishment. We are proud to have such bright minds embarking on educational and cultural exchanges to the US, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of their studies and research when they return to Ireland.”
The next round of applications for Irish Fulbright Awardees will open on Wednesday, 31 August, 2016. Interested applicants from all disciplines are encouraged to visit the Fulbright Commission’s website www.fulbright.ie for more information. Applications for the 2017-2018 academic year will be due on Friday, 28 October, 2016.
The Minister for Development, Trade Promotion and North South Co-operation Seán Sherlock TD is calling on all primary school students to get involved in the 2016 Our World Irish Aid Awards. Picture: Clare Keogh
ALL Kerry primary school pupils from 3rd to 6th class are being called upon to take part in the 2016 Our World Irish Aid Awards.
The awards seek to help children in Ireland understand global development issues and Ireland’s role in fighting poverty worldwide.
Through the Awards, pupils learn about the lives of children in developing countries and the work of Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development.
Pupils then create projects to highlight the challenges facing poor communities in developing countries, and the progress being achieved by Ireland and other countries in the global effort to fight poverty.
Last year St. Ita’s & St. Joseph’s flew the flag for Tralee along with four other Kerry national schools, they were: Dromclough, Loughfouder, Scoil Naomh Eirc and Lyreacrompane who made it to the regional finals.
The theme for 2016 is ‘One World, One Future’.
It will ask pupils to imagine how their world might look in 2030, and enables them to learn about the new United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which seek to address the root causes of poverty worldwide.
“I encourage all Kerry schools to get involved in this great programme,” said Minister of State for Overseas Development Assistance, Trade Promotion and North South Cooperation, Sean Sherlock.
“The Our World Irish Aid Awards give pupils from all over Kerry a great opportunity to gain insight into the lives of children in the developing world and convey their understanding through projects which are both creative and educational,” he said.
All entries are assessed on their creativity, understanding of the theme, and their impact.
Projects that illustrate strengths across these three areas will receive an ‘Our World Irish Aid Award’ plaque at regional awards ceremonies in May.
The 12 top entries will win a place at the final awards ceremony in June, where they will receive trophies, with one outstanding project winning the overall ‘Our World Irish Aid Awards’ trophy.
The inaugural Our World Irish Aid Awards Teacher of the Year Award will also be introduced this year, where one teacher will be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Awards and be invited to act as an ambassador for the 2016-2017 programme.
Over 1,000 primary schools throughout Ireland participated in the Our World Irish Aid Awards in 2015. Registration for the 2016 Awards programme is now open and the deadline for entries is Friday, March 11th 2016.
.Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí has been included in the Schools Building Plan announced today.
NINE major school investment projects in Kerry have been given the green light by the new School Buildings Plan announced today and Tralee schools are among those to benefit.
CBS Primary School, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Listellick NS and Tralee Educate Together are the Tralee schools included in the plan.
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Welcoming the news, Kerry North/West Limerick Labour Deputy Arthur J Spring said: “I am extremely pleased that Kerry has featured so strongly in the much anticipated School Capital Plan today, and that Minister Jan O’Sullivan has prioritised a number of critical projects.
“Not only will the improvements to school buildings directly benefit our children by ensuring they are educated in modern surroundings, but it will also generate work for the local construction industry,” he said.
The Kerry nine schools included in the plan are as follows:
TRALEE and Kerry schools are being urged to apply for a share of the €40m available for the Summer Works Scheme next year.
The scheme funds small and medium scale building works such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof and window upgrades, and structural improvements.
Local Labour TD, Arthur J Spring is advising schools to submit their applications over the next two weeks, before the November 27th deadline.
He welcomed the announcement today by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, T.D.,that €28.5 million has been provided for the payment of a Minor Works grant to primary schools for the current school year and that €80 million has been allocated for a 2016 and 2017 multi-annual Summer Works Scheme for schools.
“I would like to urge local primary schools to apply to the latest Summer Works Scheme, the application process for which is now open,” he said.
“This is an incredibly important scheme which supports those schools who need to get minor but nonetheless urgent repairs carried out. Each school in Kerry can apply for one small scale project and will be responsible for the completion of those works. It also generates local construction work.”
“I’d encourage local schools to submit their applications as soon as possible before the deadline of November 27th. The process is now fully online and a dedicated helpline has been set up to assist schools who have queries about the process. Schools are also welcome to contact my office where someone would be happy to step them through the process,” he said.
.With Minister Jan O’Sullivan were on the far right principal of Kerry College Of Further Education, Brian Harkin and from the left, Norah O’Connor, Aaron O’Malley, Niall Carmody. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
TWO of the town’s centres of education received a visit from the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, on Thursday afternoon.
The Minister received a tour of the new extension of the building Kerry College of Further Education in Clash before heading to the new Kerry Education and Training Board office at the Centrepoint building.
To facilitate easier access by the public Kerry ETB moved to the town centre and now occupies some 13,000 square feet of the Lee Strand Co-operative building opposite the train station.
The Minister officially opened the new offices watched by Kerry ETB staff and guests.
The new set up accommodates all of the ETB’s administration departments, the Kerry Adult Guidance and Information Service and part of the Kerry ETB Training Centre course recruitment office.
Coláiste Gleann Lí first year students made a piece of art work especially for the Minister’s visit which they presented to her at the opening ceremony.
The piece, entitled ‘Coláiste Gleann Lí- new beginnings’ was crafted to show the growth of the school’s enrolment numbers over the past two years but also to reflect the school’s ethos where all students are respected equally and are recognised for their unique gifts and talents.
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.At the Kerry Education and Training Board official opening by Minister Jan O’Sullivan were, front from left: Colaiste Gleann Lí students, Sophie Morris and Gavin Mulvihill. Back: Maryanne Lowney, Cait Lynch, Laleye Denieo, Tiffany O’Brien, Michelle Hrachoviova, Donald Walsh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor..At the Kerry Education and Training Board official opening by Minister Jan O’Sullivan were, from left: Joanne Fitzgibbon, Bernie Walsh, Marianne Marshall, Olivia Lynch, Lisa Murphy, Helen O’Mahony and Martina Ronan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor..At the Kerry College of Further Education for the official opening by Minister Jan O’Sullivan were, from left; Maura Barrett, Sarah McCarthy, Rebecca O’Sullivan, Margaret Long, Rebecca Mulvihill, Ellie Golden, Katie O’Sullivan and Richard O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Kerry College of Further Education for the official opening by Minister Jan O’Sullivan were, from left: Nicola Carey, Simon Bowes and Bridget Sexton: Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Kerry College of Further Education for the official opening by minister Jan O’Sullivan were, Triona Mulcahy, Eileen Kennedy, Helen Brick and Mary Galvin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Kerry College of Further Education for the official opening by minister Jan O’Sullivan were, from left: Katelyn Lyons, Brid Doherty, Kevin Greensmith, Emma Murphy and Koko Rose Kouassi, Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Local representatives and education staff meet Minister Jan O’Sullivan on arrival at the Kerry College of Further Education. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Kerry Education and Training Board official opening by Minister Jan O’Sullivan were, from left: John Adams, Maaike Verhuizen, Mairead Brohan and Tim O’Connor. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Kerry Education and Training Board official opening by Minister Jan O’Sullivan were, from left: Hillary Scanlon, Jimmy Mulligan, Susan Walsh and Ita Lane. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Minister Jan O’Sullivan, cuts the ribbon at the new Kerry Education and Training Board offices at the Centrepoint building on the John Joe Sheehy road. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A STUDENT from Tralee is one of seven recipients of the 2015 Intel Shannon Women in Technology Scholarship programme.
Former Presentation Secondary School student, Ciara McEllistrim, who is a first year at NUI Galway, will benefit from a €3,000 award for each year of the degree, as well as the provision of an Intel mentor and the opportunity to complete summer internships at the Intel Shannon facility.
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.Ciara McEllistrim (left) is one of the winners of the Intel Women in Technology Scholarship Program, with Sophie Renshaw. Photo by Sean Curtin Fusionshooters.
At NUI Galway, Ciara, is studying Computer Science and Information Technology.
The scholarship programme hopes to increase awareness and encourage a new generation of high-achieving women to take up the challenge of a career in technology. It invites applications each year from girls completing Leaving Certificate and going on to begin 3rd level degree courses in science and technology.
Of the overall work force in technical roles at Intel Shannon, only 16% are women, though ten years ago when the company first started out in Shannon, the number was as low as 8%.
Click Here to apply for Women in Technology Scholarship Shannon
The full list of scholarship winners…
Eimear Fitzgerald, Ballinagarry, Co. Tipperary attending University of Limerick
Helena McGough, Athenry, Co. Galway attending NUI Galway
Louise Daly, Ennis, Co. Clare attending University of Limerick
Daire Ní Chatháin, Kilmaley, Co. Clare attending Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
Deirdre O’Connor, Tullamore, Co. Offaly attending NUI Galway
Ciara McEllistrim, Tralee, Co. Kerry attending NUI Galway
Lily Burke, Co. Galway attending University College Dublin
At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Dylan Doocy, Gerard Denis O’Connor, Jennifer Kissane, Melissa Sheehy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
HARD work came to fruition for IT Tralee Multimedia students who got a chance to showcase their final year projects in the North Campus on Thursday night.
14 multi disciplinary projects went on display by students who completed the BA Honours courses in, Interactive Multimedia, TV and Radio, Music Technology and Computing with Games Development.
“We try to replicate what the industry wants in the real life environment” said Mary Lucey of IT Tralee computing department.
Students with multi disciplines work in teams to produce the final year projects. The type of work on display ranged from instillations, to 3D modelling and mapping, films, gaming and animation.
An immersive installation based on projection mapping by Declan Cleary, Stephen Cloon, Hubert Kloskowski and Micheal Beckett was one of the real stand-outs on the night.
“The whole idea is that this event will showcase the work that the students do, it’s also giving potential students who want to study the program an idea of what they would be producing if they studied some of this program. It also allows industry to see the skill-set students are graduating with so they can get ideas on how these skills can be used in there particular industries as well” said Mary Lucey.
At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Maria Kennelly, Oliver Murphy, Mary Lucey, Bridget Crowley and Sean Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Declan Cleary, Stephen Cloon, Hubert Kloskowski and Micheal Beckett. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Aidan Prenderville, Eoin Murphy and Alan Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Alan O’Sullivan and Daniel Bannon. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Cillian Garvey, Peter Njihia, Paulie O’Brien and Dave Lyons. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Sam Breen, Orla Condon, Rhiannon McNulty and Sheila Begley. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Martin Benson, Daniel Sheehan, Sinead McNally, Christopher Quain and Stephen Mulcahy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the IT Tralee, Creative Media Final Year Project Exhibit were, from left: Laura Hickey, Daniel Sheehan and Denise Hickey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
CBS The Green teachers on strike earlier this year. From, left. Fionnuala English, Karen Tobin, Fionan Fitzgerald, Geraldine O’Dwyer, Nora Scanlon and Mairead Cahill. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
SECOND LEVEL teachers in Tralee and around the country are to hold a lunchtime protest outside their schools next Thursday, May 7.
Teachers are objecting proposals for Junior Cycle reform which they say will undermine standards, equity and fairness.
The protest is being organised by second-level teacher unions the ASTI and the TUI. Up to 27,000 second-level teachers all over the country will participate in the protest.
In the past six months, secondary school teachers have gone as far as to strike on two occasions, first in at the beginning of December, than again in January.
The dispute is centred around the main issue of teachers being asked to mark 40% of the course work of their students, but also about resources and years of cuts to education budgets.
Labour TD for North Kerry, Arthur Spring and Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan speak with children in Blennerville National School. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
MINISTER for Education, Jan O’Sullivan was in Tralee on Thursday and visited three schools with current and future construction projects on stream.
Accompanied by Kerry North/West Limerick Labour Deputy Arthur Spring, Minister O’Sullivan began her visit at Blennerville National School, where the new school building is progressing on time to meet the proposed opening for January 2016.
While there, she chatted with junior infants school children in prefabs at the back of the school. The Minister also met with the school board of management before moving on to see the building work currently being done on the new school.
Next stop was, Mercy Mounthawk, before moving onto Listellick National School.
Work is coming along nicely in Mercy Mounthawk on a €1.7 million project which will improve and develop facilities in the school.
Listellick has only recently obtained planing permission for a new school. The minister met with the board of management and staff who have worked continuously to progress the project.
The Minister concluded her visit with a meeting with The President of the Institute of Technology Tralee Oliver Murphy, to discuss future development plans for the campus and for a progress report on the Munster Technological University bid.
Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan, meets the Blennerville School Board of Management, from left: Anne Walsh, Louise Brassil (Deputy Principal), Mary Wallace, Arthur Spring (TD), Minister Jan O’Sullivan, Graham Spring (Cllr), Terry O’Sullivan (Principal), Fred Garvey, Brendan O’Donoghue, Maura O’Donnell and Gerry Dwyer. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan, with Blennerville National School students, Millie and Mark O’Brien. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan, speaking with principal of Blennerville National School, Terry O’Sullivan and Site Manager of the new Blennerville National School, John Long. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the turning of the sod for the new National School in Blennerville were, from left: Caoilinn Cullou, Terry O’Sullivan and Rory Daly. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
EIGHTEEN years is a hell of a long wait for work to begin on a new National School in Blennerville, but that day finally came on Monday morning.
“We’ve been waiting for this day an awful long time,” said principal of Blennerville National School, Terry O’Sullivan.
A brand new two storey school will be built on a site next to O’Shea’s Texaco in the village. Planned as a 60 week project, it is hoped pupils and staff will be in the new school by Christmas 2015.
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The new school will incorporate eight classrooms a PE hall and various administrative offices. It is expected that up to 100 people will be employed in the construction of the school between sub-contractors and the main contractors themselves, representing a boost for the construction industry in the Tralee area.
“The kids are so excited, the building site is in close proximity to the school so they can hear and see the diggers everyday. Parents are ecstatic because it was promised, then pulled by the last government in 2006,” said Terry O’Sullivan.
With the building of the new school, the old schoolhouse, which has stood since 1932, will be knocked to make way for a car-park. The new building will bring an end to the temporary prefabs that have been used to teach junior classes.
“It is a lovely building, but we have to knock it because that will be the only access to the new school,” said Terry.
At the official turning of the sod were Kerry TDs, Micheal Healy-Rae (Ind) and Minister Jimmy Deenihan (FG).
“They’ve been waiting so long for this school,” said Jimmy Deenihan TD. “It’s great for the teachers because they were working under difficult circumstances and from the pupils point of view, there will be a much better atmosphere around the place. This is also a good project to keep the contruction industry in the Tralee area – which has been hit very hard – ticking over,” said the Minister.
Turning the sod for the new National School to be built in Blennerville were, Rory Daly (Pupil Blennerville National School) Terry O’Sullivan (Principal Blennerville National School), Fred Garvey (Chairman of the board of Management) and Jimmy Deenihan TD. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the unveiling of new extension plans for Coláiste Gleann Lí were front row, from left: Mary Anne Lowney, pupil Aisha Hassan, Colm McEvoy (CEO Kerry ETB), pupil Paul McCarthy, Ann O’Dwyer (EO of Kerry ETB). Back row, from left: Ger Heaslip (Chairperson of Parents Council), Edward O’Neill (Buildings Officer, Kerry ETB), Stephen O’Sullivan (Architect), Jim Finucane (Mayor of Tralee), Richard Lawlor (Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí). Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
EXCITING new plans were unveiled by Kerry Education and Training Board on Monday, promising that Coláiste Gleann Lí Post Primary School will be extended, refurbished and upgraded, this summer.
The plans will be submitted for planning to Kerry County Council following the ETB monthly meeting this week and building works are scheduled to commence in early June, with an expected completion for students’ return in late August 2015.
In addition to these physical changes, Coláiste Gleann Lí will become an ICT school of the future and infrastructure to support this initiative will be installed as part of the plans.
It is intended to extend the school building to facilitate the development of an ICT/ Creative Arts Centre as well as a host of specialist classrooms ensuring that Coláiste Gleann Lí will become a market leader in the delivery of an innovative and creative ICT led education.
These plans mark the second phase of a two phased development process, part one of the ambitious project was completed last summer and saw the refurbishment of a cross section of specialist classrooms.
This latest plan ensures that, in tandem with the usual second level subjects offered in all schools, Coláiste Gleann Lí will be enabled to offer modern courses in ICT, Robotics and Programming to prepare students for highly sought after third level courses and careers in these areas.
Mr. Richard Lawlor, Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí welcomed the plans describing them as a vote of confidence in the modern and innovative teaching approaches adopted by his staff.
He welcomed the extension to the school describing it as highly necessary given the unprecedented increase in enrolments in recent times. “Last year’s enrolments were a staggering 200% increase on the previous year and our recent Open Day was an overwhelming success”.
In St Ita’s and St Joesph school to launch their fundraiser night in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on November 21 were, from left, front row: Grace Sheehan (Principal), Lia Lynch, Breda Quilligan, Nicole O’Sullivan, Daniel Diggins, Martina McElligott, Lindsey Dowling (Teacher). Back row: Dylan Hyde, Stephen Buckley, Conor Griffin and Luke Scollard. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
ST ITA’S AND ST JOSEPH’S are hosting a fundraising night in aid of vital new extension work which is currently ongoing in the school.
The fundraiser will take place in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, this Friday, November 21. Tickets are priced at €5 with children allowed to go in free.
St Ita’s and St Joesph’s School, Balloonagh, is a special school for children with mild general learning disabilities, but also caters for children with all types of disabilities and autism.
The extension work, contains two purpose built post-primary classes for children with autism is almost completed, but needs a push for it to begin servicing the needs of students in the school.
“Basically we’re trying to complete the work to a standard that the children require,” said principal of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s, Grace Sheehan.
“We have taken on the students who should be in the two new classes, so at the moment we’re functioning in the little corners of the school in short term classrooms,” said Grace.
“We’re finding it difficult to facilitate everyone under the same roof. When the extension work is completed we will be able to facilitate all the different types of services that are needed and also give children the rooms where they will be able to complete the different skills and tasks they need,” said Grace.
Money raised from the night will also go towards activities which are organised throughout the year, such as surfing and horse riding.
“A lot of students wouldn’t be able to afford those type of activities so we provide those resources for them,” she said.
If you want to contribute to this great cause call the school on 066-7125237.
Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, Clash, Mr Richard Lawlor, with students Luke Stack, Melanie Smith and Michael Lynch at the school looking forward to the Open Day this Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
COLÁISTE Gleann Lí is gearing up for its inaugural Open Day this Saturday, October 18 from 10am to 1pm.
The post primary school will display the new developments which have taken place to date on the campus in Clash.
The former Tralee Community College now no longer exists and instead two separate entities- Coláiste Gleann Lí, Post Primary School and Kerry College of Further Education- have replaced it.
This has resulted in a two phased upgrade of facilities and structures in Coláiste Gleann Lí. The first phase to physically separate the two colleges, refurbish specialist rooms and develop an astro turf pitch to the rear of the building, took place over the summer months and phase two is scheduled to occur next summer.
Phase two promises that the entire post primary school will be refurbished and upgraded. In addition to these physical changes, Kerry Education and Training Board has selected Coláiste Gleann Lí to become an ICT school of the future and infrastructure to support this selection will be installed this summer also.
The massive financial investment in the facilities on the campus is only one reason why enrolments and interest in the school has increased.
“The school is the only post primary school in Tralee that can offer the highest level of individual and personalised attention to students, ensuring that each student realises their full potential,” said Coláiste Gleann Lí Manager Richard Lawlor.
Mr Gerard Heaslip, member of the Parents’ Council, explained that he and his wife had chosen Coláiste Gleann Lí for their child as he had been attending a relatively small rural based primary school and they believed that he would be just a number in the larger post primary schools in Tralee.
“We are delighted we chose Coláiste a Gleann Lí,” said Mr Heaslip. “Our son is doing the same subjects as his older sisters did in another secondary school, a few years ago. At Coláiste Gleann Lí the teachers know and care about him as a person and can give him more attention due to the smaller class sizes. In short, our son is performing very well academically and he is happy there because it’s like a small close knit family, where everybody knows him”.
Richard Lawlor, Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, highlighted the school’s successes in recent Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examinations.
“Statistical data indicates that our students continue to perform to their full ability and potential at every level,” he said.
This point was supported by a number of past pupils who volunteered their support for the launch of the Open Day.
One such student was Brian Nammock, who took time out of his busy work schedule as RTÉ’s Regional Production Engineer for Munster, to offer his support for his old school.
Brian praised the staff and unique atmosphere. “The staff always had a way of making us feel at ease by treating students with care and respect and exploring what we were best at in order to ensure we followed our dreams in third level and beyond,” he said.
The message from the parents, students, former students, staff and management of Coláiste Gleann Lí is to call in on Saturday, October 18 between 10am and 1pm and experience the school for yourself.
At the launch of the Early Childhood programme were Emer Ring, Head of Department of Reflective Pedagogy and Early Childhood Studies, Mary Immaculate College; Deirdre Breatnach, Course Co-ordinator, Mary Immaculate College; Aisling Sharkey, Department of Social Sciences, IT Tralee; Dr Oliver Murphy, President, IT Tralee.
IT Tralee and Mary Immaculate College in Limerick have joined forces to deliver a BA Early Childhood Practice programme.
The new programme was launched at the IT Tralee on Saturday. The level 7 degree programme will be jointly delivered over four semesters by both the Faculty of Education at Mary Immaculate College(MIC) Limerick and the Department of Social Sciences at the Institute of Technology, Tralee.
The BA in Early Childhood Practice has been designed specifically to up-skill staff currently working in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) field, who have a level 6 qualification in childcare.
“The launch of the BA in Early Childhood Practice is a wonderful example of the collaborative work between IT, Tralee and Mary Immaculate College,” said Dr Oliver Murphy, President, IT, Tralee.
“The Institute is delighted to jointly deliver this programme which showcases both organisations blended learning formats, providing our learners with flexible and innovative routes to achieving a third-level qualification while also recognising their work, family and life commitments. I would like to wish the first cohort of students the very best of luck with the programme”.
Twenty-five students have registered on the programme, which will be delivered in a blended format with the greater part of the programme being delivered through an on-line format.
Students will attend IT, Tralee on six Saturdays in semester 1 for lectures and will receive weekly hour long live tutorials on Tuesday and some Thursday evenings. They will access further module content online.
The following semester, the students will attend Mary Immaculate College for Saturday lectures. The second year of the programme will be delivered in a similar manner. On successful completion, participants will be conferred with a University of Limerick Level 7 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Practice. (BA ECP).
THE Kerry ETB is holding an Education, Training and Opportunities fair tomorrow, Thursday, at the Brandon Hotel from 12 noon to 8pm.
This is a must-attend event for people looking for career opportunities and features some top speakers including; Jimmy Deenihan, TD, Minister of State for the Diaspora; Jack O’Connor: Kerry Minor Team Manager and former Kerry Senior Team Manager and Sean Gallagher, Entrepreneur and former Dragons Den investor.
As well as these talks, there will also be Skills Demonstrations in Culinary Arts; Health Care & Pre-Nursing; Beauty, Nails & Holistic Therapy; Hairdressing; Engineering; TV & Video Production; Sports & Recreation; Animal Care & Dog Grooming; Construction; Furniture Making; Art, Craft & Design and Music.
To book your place at one of the above workshops please contact Kerry ETB at (066) 7193900 or email: workshops@kerryetb.ie
For a full timetable of events for the day click here
OVER 20 students received their qualifications at the annual VTOS awards ceremony at the centre in Clash on Thursday night.
“Tonight is all about the VTOS programme and celebrating the achievements of the students here who got their results during the summer,” said Sharon Browne, Adult Education Officer at the Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB), who presented the awards.
The Vocational Educational and Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is designed for unemployed people over 21 and it’s a two year programme. Students can do the FETAC Level 4 or 5 course or the Leaving Cert.
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“Some of them will go straight into employment, some will go on to other courses. What’s also nice about tonight for the staff is that VTOS is 25 years old so they’re celebrating that, as well as celebrating the achievements of the students,” she said.
There was a special Student of the Year award also given on the night to Louis Begley, who declared that he was “surprised and dumbstruck” receive the honour.
“This is a very important calendar event for us. It’s a superb night and the fact that we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary makes it extra special,” said Mary Sheehy, Tralee VTOS co-ordinator.
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Imelda Cooke Daly, Fidelma Thornton and Noreen Ashe who completed their VTOS studies and attended the annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanVTOS graduates Sarah Raymond, Linda O’Brien, Declan Looney, Margaret Russell and Libby Enright the annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanCourse teachers Aileen Quigley, Donna O’Brien and Catherine O’Sullivan who attended the annual VTOS awards ceremony on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanVTOS staff, teachers Norma Breen, Ann Kennelly, Brid O’Connor, Ger Ferris and canteen lady, Ciss O’Connor at the annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanLeaving Cert students Holly O’Byrne, Anne Marie Murphy, Matt Fitzgerald and Padraig McMahon who attended the VTOS annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanFETAC Level 5 graduates Margaret Scanlon, John Moriarty and Kieran Hannon at the VTOS annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanFETAC Level 4 graduates, front from left; Kevin Griffin, Eddie Riordan, Declan Looney, Louis Begley, Sarah Raymond and Fidelma Thornton. Back from left; Imelda Cooke Daly, Noreen Ashe, Tim Slattery, Margaret Russell, Thomas Walsh, Linda O’Brien, Libby Enright and Tom Reidy, at the VTOS annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
PUPILS at Holy Family National School got to soak their teachers on Tuesday when staff took the Ice Bucket Challenge – and now the gauntlet had been thrown down to three more schools!
One lucky child from each senior class got the opportunity to dump a bucket of icy water over a teacher’s head at the end of the school day.
“As you can imagine there were plenty of volunteers,” said school principal Ed O’Brien.
“The whole thing came about because a number of the teachers had been nominated separately so we decided to do them all together,” Ed explained.
Children were encouraged to donate 50 cent each and all the teachers donated €5 for the ice bucket challenge in aid of Motor Neuron disease.
“We’re delighted to do it, Motor Neuron disease is particularly distressing so we’re happy to do our little bit and help the cause,” said Ed.
Instead of nominating individual people, the Holy Family participants decided to nominate three other schools in the Tralee area; Spa National School, Caherleaheen National School and CBS Primary School.
“Hopefully they’ll all join in because it’s a great cause” said Ed.
THURSDAY morning was a hive of activity in Moyderwell and Holy Family as the children settled into their first days at school.
“It all went very well in our two classes,” said Principal of Moyderwell, Moira Quinlan. “There were a few tears but they settled down quickly so it’s a god sign that they’ll adapt quickly and enjoy their journey in the school,” she said.
“We’ve about 40 new pupils – 20 in each class – two small groups, so it’s a great opportunity for them to get individual attention in classes,” said Ms Quinlan.
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Over in Holy Family, the children were settled down well with teacher Ms Phil Moriarty as they got together for the class photo.
“There was definitely a few tears at the start as there always is but they settled quickly,” said Principal of the school, Ed O’Brien.
“We have around 30 pupils starting. It’s good that it’s a short week at the start to get them settled and used to the new surroundings so we’re looking forward to having them in the years ahead,” said Mr O’Brien.
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Ms Moriarty’s junior infants class with Principal Ed O’Brien on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMs Sarah Daly’s junior infants class in Moyderwell on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMs Janeve Lyons junior infants class at Moyderwell Primary School on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Starting their first day of school at Scoil Eoin were, Zofin Sosnowka and Jaden Collins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
IT was an eventful day in Scoil Eoin on Thursday as almost 90 children made their in the doors for the first time – among them four sets of twins!
The new school year is just beginning at the Balloonagh primary school and with that comes new surroundings and of course, new friends.
Siobhan Daly’s baby infants class hummed to sound of children and parents arriving through the doors before 9am.
“It went great. They were all settled in by five-past-nine and the parents were out the door. There were one or two crying but that’s to be expected,” said Ms Daly later that morning.
There was a sense of nervousness in the air from both parents and kids alike, but overall the feeling was of happiness and pride.
Over in Fiona Sheehan’s class, children were getting to know each other.
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“It was great, the first few weeks are about settling them in, getting them used to their surroundings. There were no dramas today,” joked Ms Sheehan.
Her class hosts three sets of twins, Billy and Tara Cashman, Adam and Ryan Molloy and Eremie and Elisei Novac while Ms Daly’s has the Cotter twins, Oisin and Fionn.
There are 28 pupils in Jo O’Connor’s class and all were busy when we visited.
“Everyone was very settled. There were very few tears and everyone was happy after five minutes…including teacher!,” said Ms O’Connor.
A good start then for all.
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The four sets of twins who started school in Scoil Eoin on Thursday morning; Standing are Eremie and Elisei Novac, Adam and Ryan Molloy and Oisin and Fionn Cotter with seated, Billy and Tara Cashman. Photo by Dermot CreanMs Siobhan Daly’s junior infants class in Scoil Eoin on their first day in school. Photo by Dermot CreanMs Fiona Sheehan’s junior infants class in Scoil Eoin on their first day in school. Photo by Dermot CreanMs Jo O’Connor’s junior infants class in Scoil Eoin on their first day in school. Photo by Dermot CreanMalwina Jankowski and Emily Beqja in Scoil Eoin on their first day at school. Photo by Dermot CreanTwins Oisin and Fionn Cotter on their first day at school in Scoil Eoin on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanStarting her first day of school in Scoil Eoin was Ciara O’Shea. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Starting her first day of school was, Isabelle Cunchen with her older sister Jocelyn. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Starting their first day of school at Scoil Eoin were, Chloe O’Sullivan and Lucy Carey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Catherine Gibney Colund with her daughter Cara as she begins her first day of school at Scoil Eoin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Starting their first day of school at Scoil Eoin were, Ross Moriarty and Emma Hoolahan with Joanne Hoolahan and Noreen Dunne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.The three sets of twins in Ms Fiona Sheehan’s class who started school in Scoil Eoin on Thursday morning. Standing are Eremie and Elisei Novac, seated are Billy and Tara Cashman and sitting on ground is Adam and Ryan Molloy . Photo by Dermot Crean
IT was a special day for 22 boys and girls in Ballymacelligott this Wednesday when they took their first steps into the world of education.
Scoil Nuachabháil welcomed the 12 boys and 10 girls and they took to their new surroundings with ease.
“They settled in perfectly this morning, no problem at all,” said Principal, Michael Bolger. “Normally most of them go to a preschool together just down the road so they’ll all know each other. There’s more tears with the parents than the kids!” he said.
The school, like many on the outskirts of Tralee, is a growing one and while there is just four sixth class pupils this year, the numbers are growing with 134 children for this year. The school draws its attendance mainly from within a three mile radius, although there are a few pupils from Tralee there.
“We’ve been getting in 19 or 20 junior infants for the last two to three years so the numbers look promising for the future. There’s 25 in fifth class and the rest of the classes are around the 20s,” said Michael.
The school also has a good reputation for instilling a love of the Irish language in pupils.
“While we’re not a Gaelscoil, we would very much have an Irish ethos. We would talk to the children a lot as gaeilge so they would have a very good level of Irish when they leave the school. They’re almost at Gaelscoil level,” said the Principal.
With the school growing, so too is the need for extra facilities.
“We’re waiting on news on funding from the Department for an extension to provide new classrooms and we’re also hoping to build a new school hall to help improve the already fantastic reputation Ballymac has for sporting prowess,” said Michael.
The newcomers are entering into an exciting time for Scoil Nuachabháil.
The new junior infants class at Scoil Nuachabháil with teacher Jennifer Murphy (left) and resource teacher Laura O’Brien. Photo by Dermot Crean
MERCY Mounthawk and Brookfield College reverberated to the sound of nervous students receiving their Leaving Cert exam results on Wednesday morning, after months of hard work and anguish.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the results,” said Principal of Brookfield College, Elisha Dowling.
“One of our students got 625 points while we had five students with 600 or over. We had 23% of our students achieving over 500 points while 63% got over 400,” said Elisha.
“What was especially satisfying was seeing repeat students who were disappointed last year, bounding out the door with delight this time out,” he said.
Over in Mercy Mounthawk the story was the same with students expressing joy at the results. Principal John O’Roarke said some students had achieved over 600 points and many others got over 500, but he said they celebrated equally the success of Leaving Cert Applied students.
“I think it’s important to recognise the reality of choice today. Even if students achieved their first choice in college it’s vital that they assess whether that is the right choice to make, irrespective of what happens today. But it is a joyful time and it’s wonderful to share in that joy with them. All the hard work they put in has been rewarded,” he said.
Video (by Oscar Brophy) and Photos below…
Receiving their Leaving Cert results in Mercy Mounthawk were, from left: Fiona Burns and Claire Brennan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Receiving their Leaving Cert results in Brookfield College were, from left: Megan Banbry, Kelly Field, Niamh Hurley and Emma Murray. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Receiving their Leaving Cert results in Mercy Mounthawk were, Rachel Byrne and Mícheál Costello. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Receiving their Leaving Cert results in Mercy Mounthawk were, from left: Conor O’Mahony, Michael Grimes, Gavin Ryan and Kevin Shanahan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Receiving their Leaving Cert results in Mercy Mounthawk were, from left: Dylan Sheehy, Brian Lynch and David Kavanagh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Receiving their Leaving Cert results in Brookfield College were, from left: Bartley Horan, Tomas Kavanagh and Danial Horgan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Receiving their Leaving Cert results in Mercy Mounthawk were, from left: Fiachra O’Connor and Holseida Mucaj. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
As the Leaving Cert 2014 has now been completed we have noticed a large increase in calls from clients regarding the Higher Maintenance Grant, especially relating to the information required relating to PAYE and self employed persons income.
From the academic year 2012/2013, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), was nominated as the single national grant-awarding authority for all new student grant applications.
Applications must be made through the online application system, www.susi.ie, which opened recently.
In most cases the renewal will be dealt with through SUSI. However, if you obtained a grant in the previous year from the Education and Training Board or your local authority, these bodies will also processes your 2014/2015 application.
SUSI and Your Income Tax Return While most people will focus on the 1st October 2014 for their 31st December 2013 Income Tax Return, those intending on applying for a student grant through SUSI will need to prepare their Income Tax information much earlier, as this information will be required as part of the application.
The closing date for new applications for the 2014/2015 academic year is 1st August 2014. However, it must be noted that the closing date for those renewing an application is 13th June 2013.
While the SUSI process requires you to prepare your Income Tax Returns earlier than the filing deadline October 31, 2014, payment of your final liability will not be brought forward.
Eligibility Requirements Under SUSI SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time, third-level education in Ireland, along with funding for Irish students studying overseas in certain circumstances.
Support may be available to all types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education. Funding is offered on a means tested basis. Household income for the previous year (31st December 2013) will be taken into account when assessing grant applications.
All relevant gross household income is taken into consideration and SUSI liaises with various government departments such as the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners in order to verify the information supplied in support of applications.
The SUSI website www.susi.ie provides detailed information on all eligibility criteria, including an “Eligibility Reckoner”, which gives an approximate indication of possible eligibility for grant funding based on simplified criteria. The general eligibility requirements are as follows:
 Nationality
Residency
Approved Institutions and Courses
Means Test Based on Household Income
Income Details Required under SUSI The income taken into consideration under the SUSI application process will depend on your applicant class, as follows:
(a) Under 23 years assessed on your own income and that of your parents/guardians.
(b) Over 23 years dependent on whether or not you are living independently.
For the 2014/15 academic year, you will be assessed on household income for the period 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013. The application will take into consideration all sources of gross income for that year.
As outlined above, for self employed individuals, you will be required to have your income tax return prepared in order to complete the SUSI application process. Income for PAYE Workers In the case of employed individuals, i.e. those earning income through the PAYE system, your income details will be obtained from your PAYE/PRSI Form P.60, which you will have received from your employer.
Income for Self Employed Individuals as outlined above, the Pay and File tax deadline for self employed individuals imposed by the Revenue Commissioners for 2013 is 31st October 2014.
However, due to the SUSI application closing dates of 1st August 2014, or 13th June 2014 in the case of renewals, the information required for your Income Tax Return will be required to be prepared well in advance of the Revenue Commissioners deadline.
However, you are not required to submit your Income Tax Return until 31st October 2014. It is vital to complete the SUSI application as early as possible, as this will facilitate a more efficient processing and payment of any grant entitlements.
It is advised that you speak to your accountant in connection with the preparation of your Income Tax Return. Full details on the online application process are available at www.susi.ie First Consultation Free phone 066 7124439
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