KERRY Education and Training Board (ETB) is calling on the Government to commit to tackling inequalities in the education sector by supporting the priorities laid out in the #SupportYourLocalETB campaign.

Representatives from Kerry ETB met with members of the Oireachtas at a briefing event in Buswells Hotel, Dublin, last week where they expressed their concerns.

The event marked the official launch of the #SupportYourLocalETB campaign and was organised byEducation and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the representative body of 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide.

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The four priorities outlined in the #SupportYourLocalETB campaign that ETBI and its members are calling for government support on include:

• Increase the number and profile of Community National Schools nationwide;

• Increase in the Deputy Principal allocation in ETB post-primary schools with DEIS designation;

• Increase in funding for Further Education and Training (FET) so that funds reflect the proportion of learners, and ring-fence €600m in funding for the FET Colleges of the Future project, due to commence in 2028;

• Restore funding for youth work to pre-austerity levels and ensure pay parity for youth workers.

Launching the campaign at Buswells Hotel, last week, ETBI General Secretary Paddy Lavelle told invited TDs: “The 16 ETBs across Ireland provide education and training opportunities for over 450,000 people. We do this through running primary and post-primary schools, and providing Further Education and Training opportunities, including apprenticeships. We are also heavily involved in youth work.”

“Kerry ETB and all ETBs nationwide offer excellent, equality-based, inclusive educational opportunities to learners of all ages. We are proud to support Ireland’s diverse population of learners – and have a proven track record of doing so. We are delighted to launch our #SupportYourLocalETB campaign and our political priorities for the coming year. We are calling on the Government to commit to supporting our work.

“TDs can also raise these issues at local and national levels of Government, and ensure these priorities are included in their party’s manifesto for the next General Election”, Mr Lavelle said.

ETBI’s priorities for the next year are available to read here: https://we.tl/t-H9JS5oMXiJ

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THE ribbon has been cut, marking the official opening of Kerry Education and Training Board’s (Kerry ETB) refurbished O’Connell Further Education and Training Centre in Cahersiveen.

The event, attended by Kerry ETB management, staff, Board members, dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the local community, highlights an exciting expansion of education and training facilities for the area.

The refurbishment is a testament to the progressive vision of Kerry ETB, which has an array of enhancements designed to elevate accessibility, functionality, availability of new courses, and overall experience for learners.

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Among the notable features of the revitalised centre is the extension housing a new, fully wheelchair-accessible reception area, emphasising inclusivity from the very threshold.

A significant addition to the centre is the construction of a hairdressing salon facility, introducing the first practical traineeship in hairdressing on the Iveragh Peninsula.

This development not only diversifies education and training offerings but also responds to the demands of evolving industries, providing learners with invaluable hands-on experience.

Kerry ETB Chairperson, Jim Finucane, praises this initiative, noting, “The incorporation of vocational training aligns perfectly with our commitment to equipping learners with skills that resonate in the job market, further advancing our vision of being an innovative leader in the design and delivery of quality-assured education and training opportunities in Kerry. This updated rural centre and its new course offerings are pivotal steps towards realising our mission of promoting lifelong and life-wide learning, ensuring equal access to education and training opportunities for all individuals in Kerry.”

Practical improvements extend to the infrastructure, with new flooring installed throughout and an upgraded heating system embracing efficiency and sustainability, as well as safety enhancements. The new roadway entrance facilitates smoother vehicular access, complemented by dedicated pedestrian pathways, a measure aimed at safeguarding all visitors.

In acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the refurbishment, Owen O’Donnell extends sincere appreciation to Kerry ETB Board Member, Cllr Norma Moriarty, for her support and commitment since this project came to light in 2019.

“Her dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in translating our collective vision for excellence in learning into reality,” he expresses, underlining the pivotal role Cllr Moriarty plays in promoting positive change.

To explore the range of courses on offer, individuals can visit FETCH courses and search for courses in Cahersiveen. Alternatively, they can reach out to the centre directly by calling 066-9472414.

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LYREACROMPANE Primary School has announced its transition to become Kerry Education and Training Board’s (Kerry ETB’s) fourth Community National School (CNS).

This decision marks a shift from its previous Catholic ethos to a multidenominational one, aimed at offering greater inclusivity and choice to families within the community and wider area.

Principal Eilish Lyons expressed the motivation behind this transition, stating, “Locally, there was a lot of support for it. Many of our families have different religions, and we wanted to offer choice to everyone. We are a changing Ireland.”

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Eilish emphasised the collaborative nature of the decision-making process, highlighting the involvement of parents and the board of management as well as the Kerry Diocese.

While the curriculum remains unchanged, the introduction of the Goodness Me Goodness You Programme reflects a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

“We currently have children that do not take part in our religion classes, they do other work, and now they will be fully included in our school day,” said Eilish.

“The primary school curriculum is the same as all other schools but the Goodness Me Goodness You which is the 30 minute per day patrons programme enables the holistic development of the child, supporting them to grow and flourish as active participants in their learning and in their communities.”

The teaching methodologies will also see a shift towards greater emphasis on philosophy and critical thinking.

Ann O’Dwyer, Director of School, Youth, and Music at Kerry ETB, mentioned the importance of nurturing these skills from an early age.

“A community national school aims to facilitate pupils’ thinking and debating skills and to facilitate their understanding of their own ideas and those of others,” she explained.

“Philosophy helps children to reflect and think deeply about their place in their community, society, and globally.”

Meetings with parents and community gatherings provided avenues for voicing opinions and concerns. Regarding staffing and leadership, the transition will involve support and training from Kerry ETB for current staff.

While there will be no changes to the school’s facilities, the long-term vision is to develop the school further, potentially extending services such as a bus route from a local town if there are 10 or more pupils who would use the service.

There will be increased choice and new learning opportunities for pupils, both academically and socially. Measures will be in place to support students who have strong ties to the Catholic tradition of the school, including supporting Communion and Confirmation preparation after school.

“It is wonderful place to receive a first class primary education, in beautiful quiet surroundings on the banks of the Smearlagh River and its adjoining Woodlands,” added Ann.

If you would like to enquire about places in the school feel free to contact the Principal Eilish Lyons on (068) 48233 or email lyreschool@gmail.com.

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KERRY ETB learners attended at a special event in Thomond Park on Thursday which honoured ETB Alumni and award ETB Bursaries.

Part of ETB Week, it was a showcase of achievements and a testament to Kerry ETB’s unwavering dedication to shaping the education and training in Kerry and nationwide.

Through a series of events this week, ranging from live radio shows to national awards ceremonies, Kerry ETB highlighted the transformative impact it has on individuals’ lives and the wider community.

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Brian Votta, an alumni nominee, was honoured at the national event for his journey from Kerry ETB to University College Cork.

Brian said; “Only by studying in Kerry College and achieving a major award was I offered a place on this programme.”

Shauna O’Keeffe of Castleisland Community College was winner of the Media and Communications Bursary.

Shauna’s innovative app, “Bright Minds,” that she developed with her friend and fellow student David Peskett aims to tackle classroom anxiety through a mobile application.

Shauna O’Keeffe’s enthusiastic call to action resonates with the spirit of innovation and collaboration fostered by Kerry ETB: “Let’s keep pushing forward and making a difference together!”

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KERRY ETB hosted a Schools Ethos Showcase in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí on Tuesday as part of ETBI Week 2024.

The ethos of ETB schools, Post Primary and Community National Schools is underpinned by five core values — Care, Respect, Community, Equality and Excellence in Education.

The showcase allowed schools the opportunity to visually display the ethos of their schools, through digital media, art works, posters and lots of other visually striking media.

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One of the student presenters, Mantas Bendzius a 5th year student in Killarney Community College described ethos as being “the immeasurable and unquantifiable feel that makes our schools, a place where all in our school community feel safe and cared for, respected and listened to, valued and treated with equality”.

All schools created excellent displays, highlighting the work of the school staff, students and parents.

Many activities and initiatives which are taking place in schools were highlighted as having a positive impact on student’s school experience, these included, School House Systems, Ireland’s first Sun Safe School, Student Support Teams, Universal Design for Learning and the important work undertaken by Student Councils.

Ann O’Dwyer, Kerry Director of Schools, Youth and Music, thanked all the students and school staff for their fantastic displays, highlighting the importance of student voice and leadership in schools. Scroll down for photos…

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KERRY Education and Training Board has launched Ireland’s first cross-sectoral collaboration between Primary, Post Primary, and Further Education with Trinity College School of Education.

On Monday, the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, officially launched the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Research Project at Kerry College Clash Campus.

The project, spearheaded by Jean Reale, a PhD research candidate with Trinity College School of Education and Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB), aims to implement UDL across the educational journeys of all learners in Ireland, irrespective of their academic ability.

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This two-year study marks the first cross-sectoral collaboration between primary, post primary, and further education and training (FET) in Ireland to look at implementing Universal Design for Learning.

Launching the project Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD, said; “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for enhancing student experiences by placing the student voice at the centre of the learning environment.  UDL takes a proactive approach to learning environments ensuring that students learn in ways that are best suited to their individual needs.

“I would like to congratulate Jean Reale, the PhD research candidate with Trinity College School of Education, and Kerry ETB for their outstanding work in this field.”

“The Universal Design for Learning framework provides pathways to meet the challenges in teaching and learning environments while capitalising on the diverse talents of students.

“It promotes the development of expert learners who can assess their own needs, monitor their progress, and sustain their interests and effort during learning tasks,” said Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools Youth and Music.

Designed and developed by Jean Reale in collaboration with Jeremy Wrenn, 28 teaching staff, and senior management from across Kerry ETB, UDL brings numerous benefits to the student, learners, and educators, within Kerry ETB.

It ensures increased access and participation, fosters improved learning outcomes, reduces stigma by acknowledging unique needs, and enhances student engagement by tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences and interests.

Speaking about the project, the Principal of Kerry College Stephen Goulding, expressed; “The Universal Design for Learning Champions Project in Kerry ETB is a ground-breaking initiative that seeks to capture the lived experience of teachers and management in implementing UDL. It aims to empower educators while maintaining high expectations for all learners.”

The project’s outcomes will consist of an implementation roadmap document based on the study’s data and findings, to be rolled out across Kerry ETB and made available nationally to schools and colleges under a creative commons license.

Additionally, support materials will be made available to primary and post primary schools to facilitate planning for UDL as part of the school self-evaluation process and the Looking at Our Schools (LAOS) Quality Framework.

These materials will be developed to aid the establishment of a UDL School Flag program, assisting primary and post-primary schools in implementing UDL principles and promoting student agency in their learning.

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KERRY Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) invited students from two of their post-primary schools in to give a presentation to the Board Members at last week meeting.

The students from Coláiste na Ríochta in Listowel and Coláiste Gleann Lí in Tralee gave a presentation about how the Ethos Framework benefits their lives dally in school.

Student Ayo Alausa from Coláiste na Ríochta said, “This was a great opportunity to talk about how the ethos shapes our school experience and creates an environment that we belong in and a community we belong to.”

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Kerry ETB schools are state, co-educational, multi-denominational schools underpinned by the core values and ethos of excellence in education, care, equality, community and respect.

The framework applies to the 3 Community National Schools and 8 Post- Primary Schools in Kerry under the patronage of Kerry ETB., Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools Youth and Music at Kerry ETB, said; “This ethos unites our school communities across Kerry, and ensures that we achieve the highest standard of education for all our students in an inclusive environment.

“This framework recognises our shared values and acknowledges the standards of good practice our schools already embody. It also allows us to reflect on areas with potential for improvement or new practices within our school community.”

Kerry ETB’s Ethos Coordinator, Pat O’Sullivan, stated; “This was a great experience for the pupils to come into Kerry ETB Head Office and present to the staff and Board Members. The students presented a clear understanding of the ethos underpinning everyday life in our schools, both inside and outside the classroom and its impact on the broader school community.”

To find out more about Kerry ETB schools go to: www.kerryetb.ie/schools-youth-music/

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Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) are participating in the celebrations for the anniversary of the establishment of the Education and Training Board nationally in 2013.

The week-long event celebrates the growth and development of the sector. Kerry ETB, employing over 1300 staff, provides education and opportunities for over 15,000 learners annually from their 37 locations in the county, including primary, post-primary and further education and training.

The inaugural ETB Week (27th February to 3rd March) will culminate in ETB Day on Thursday, 2nd March and will see Kerry ETB and other education and training boards around the country host events across their schools, offices and centres.

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The first ETB Excellence Awards in Croke Park will take place on 2nd March and will be hosted by RTE’s Ray Kennedy.

Kerry ETB are shortlisted for two awards on the day. The Bright Mind app has been shortlisted for the Equality Award.

The app was developed by 2 transition-year students from Castleisland Community College. Under the Excellence in Education category, the Universal Design Learning (UDL) Project has been shortlisted. UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn, including Students with Disabilities.

Complementing the national activities, Kerry ETB has a range of ETB Week events planned locally, including the Radio Kerry’s Talkabout show with Deirdre Walsh on Monday, 27th February.

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Students will launch the ETBI Patrons’ Framework on Ethos to Kerry ETB Board members on Tuesday, addressing how the Patrons Framework benefits their daily lives in school.

There will be various activities across Kerry ETB schools during the week, including an ethos treasure hunt, art competitions and quizzes.

To complete the week on Friday, ETB Day staff coffee mornings, in aid of BUMBLEance, are being organised at local schools, centres, campuses and offices.

In welcoming the week’s events, Cllr Jim Finucane, Chairperson of Kerry ETB, said; “Kerry ETB was established 10 years ago this year to provide education, training and youth work services across the county. We have since grown and currently provide education to over 15,000 annual learners, with the scope of our services expanded significantly. We now have 3 community national schools, 8 post-primary schools, 5 Kerry College Campuses, 5 further education and training centres and a very extensive range of youth, further education and training centres and community education services across the county.”

Kerry ETB CEO Colm McEvoy added, “ETB Week, led by ETBI, gives us all a chance to reflect on the development of the organisation over the past ten years. The provision of our education and training opportunities is very important. As a county-based organisation, we fully recognise the potential of our provision to enrich and change lives, create opportunities for people, and enhance our communities.

“We look forward to continuing our journey into the future. Creating and promoting 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 to meet their personal, social, cultural, economic and civic needs.”

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THE National Apprenticeship Awards 2022 were held in the Brandon Hotel in Tralee on Friday, by Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) in conjunction with Limerick and Clare Education Board (Limerick and Clare ETB).

The National Apprenticeship Awards recognise the achievements of apprentices who have completed four years of study and are now driving new career standards of leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving in their sectors.

Over 140 apprentices and their families gathered to mark this momentous occasion, along with representatives from Kerry ETB, Limerick and Clare ETB, the National Apprenticeship Office, and a guest speaker.

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The guest speaker on the day was Brian O’Keeffe, who previously qualified as a Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting Apprentice.

He completed his apprenticeship in what was the Kerry ETB Training Centre, now home to the state-of-the-art Kerry College Monavalley Campus. Currently, Brian is currently CEO of SOMEX Innovation employing 10 staff.

Colm McEvoy, CEO at Kerry ETB, said; “We are delighted to host the National Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony in Country Kerry this year. Today we recognise the tremendous achievements of many apprentices who have completed their training in various disciplines and whose skills are valuable across multiple sectors of the economy.

Kerry ETB and Limerick and Claire ETB provide an array of apprenticeship programmes that offer a wide range of rewarding career paths. National apprenticeships are part of the National Framework of Qualifications and are valued in the national and international labour markets.

To find out more about the range of apprenticeships available across Ireland, visit www.apprenticeship.ie or contact your local ETB. Scroll down for photos…

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KERRY Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) welcomed Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education, to officially open Scoil an Ghleanna Community National School (CNS) on Friday.

Scoil an Ghleanna, located near Ballinskelligs, transferred from Catholic to multidenominational patronage in 2019, becoming Kerry ETB’s second Community National School.

Uniquely Scoil an Ghleanna then also became Ireland’s first Gaeltacht-based Community National School.

To celebrate the occasion, school staff, parents, community representatives, Kerry ETB board members, staff, and local councillors joined the pupils of Scoil an Ghleanna for an official opening ceremony.

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Norma Foley T.D. Minister for Education performed the official opening and addressed the event. Minister Foley said: “I am delighted to mark this historic occasion of the official opening of Scoil an Ghleanna Community National School as the country’s first Gaeltacht community national school. I am acutely aware of the proud tradition and importance that this school has in the Glen.

“Community national schools are an integral part of our education system, and it is heartening to see so many from the local community here today. I want to congratulate Principal Sorcha Ní Chatháin on this momentous day.”

Scoil an Ghleanna school principal Sorcha Ní Chatháin and the Cathaoirleach of their Board of Management, retired primary school inspector Pádraig Ó Donnabháin welcomed the gathering.

Scoil an Ghleanna is the only multidenominational school in the area providing a choice in education for parents. Families can also avail of school transport from across the district.

Principal Sorcha Ní Chatháin added, “We, in Scoil an Ghleanna, are proud to be a Gaeltacht Community National School under the patronage of Kerry Education and Training Board. We are a vibrant and energetic school, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible education to our pupils. The members of our school community have shown great determination in supporting us, thus ensuring that the strong history of education in The Glen continues into the future. Ní neart go cur le chéile!”.

Ann O’Dywer, the Director of Schools, Youth, and Music at Kerry ETB, stated, “Scoil and Ghleanna is a unique primary school. It is the only state multidenominational primary school in the Iveragh Peninsula. The patron of the school is Kerry ETB, and it is also the only Gaeltacht Community National School (CNS) in Ireland. CNS schools are publicly-accountable schools that strive to provide high-quality education for every child. They give equal opportunities to all children in the communities they serve”.

CEO Colm McEvoy expressed his gratitude to the local community adding; “The continued development of the Community National School model in Co. Kerry is very important for Kerry ETB. Since its establishment in 2019 Scoil an Ghleanna Community National School has made great progress.  I wish to thank, in particular, the Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne, Fr Nicholas Flynn, Diocesan Administrator, and Fr Patsy Lynch Parish Priest for all their work and cooperation with the transfer of patronage to Kerry ETB in 2019. We wish the school continued success in the years ahead as we look forward to the expansion of the Community National School model across the county”.

MINISTER Simon Harris TD, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science visited Kerry College of Further Education and Training (FET) Campuses, in Monavalley Tralee and Listowel on Monday and announced a very significant investment of funding under the FET Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund for the College.

Monday’s announcement of over €8.6m for these two projects is part of the first tranche of capital investments under this fund, with 13 projects being funded nationally.

The investment will see a new apprenticeship training building established at the site of the Kerry College Monavalley Campus and will facilitate the expansion of carpentry, joinery, electrical and pre-apprenticeship courses as well as providing additional car parking spaces on site.

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In Listowel, funding will oversee the upgrade and extension of a building purchased by KETB last year at Listowel Business Development Centre, enabling the relocation of FET provision from the post-primary school.

Kerry College of Further Education and Training was established in September 2019 when Kerry ETB integrated the former training centre and post-leaving certificate college into a single college structure.

This investment will provide new modern facilities for FET staff and learners in both Tralee and Listowel that have traditionally been provided from a building in Listowel shared with Coláiste Na Ríochta post-primary school and rented premises in Tralee.

In making this announcement Minister Harris stated; “Today is an important day in my department’s commitment to supporting and enhancing capital infrastructure in the further education and training sector across the country and in particular here in Kerry.

“Both of Kerry ETB’s proposed projects under the SIUF are included in the 1st phase of projects to be advanced under the initiative. This is a testimony to Kerry ETB’s strategic vision and commitment to advancing the development of the FET College of the future concept.”

In welcoming this announcement today an Cathaoirleach of Kerry ETB, Cllr. Jim Finucane thanked Minister Harris for visiting Tralee and Listowel to make the announcements.

“This funding is very significant and supports Kerry ETB in its vision of ensuring that the learners of Kerry have access to further education and training opportunities locally. In our ETB Strategy Statement 2018-2022 we emphasised the need to enhance the working and learning environment for staff and learners and this investment announcement is another milestone in working towards achieving this objective,” stated Cllr. Finucane.

Owen O’Donnell, Director of Further Education and Training, added; “I am delighted with the investment for the acquisition and development of our Kerry College Campus in Tralee and Listowel. This investment will provide modern cutting edge facilities for our learners and apprentices in Tralee and Listowel.

“These new facilities will form part of the fully integrated Kerry College FET Campus infrastructure and will assist the growth of education and training in Tralee and the North Kerry area. Many future learners and apprentices from across the country will benefit from these new facilities as will the local and regional economy”.

The Investment announced for the Listowel Campus will provide funding for the refurbishment and expansion of the Building at Clieveragh Business Park, Listowel purchased by the ETB in 2021.

The Principal at Kerry College Listowel Campus Stephen Goulding in welcoming this investment said; “This is a historic day for the staff and learners in the Kerry College Listowel Campus.  The expansion of our new campus is an exciting and strategic development for further education and training in the local area. Providing a comprehensive suite of full and part-time programmes to support the development of FET options and pathways from local schools, and upskilling options for all, so the needs of all learners are met.”

Campus Manager Con O’Sullivan stated; “Kerry College Monavalley Campus has a long and established tradition of delivering apprenticeship training in Kerry. Today’s announcement by the Minister will further enhance our training capacity and increase the campus profile from a national context. We view this investment announcement today as a vote of confidence in the work we do at Kerry College and we look forward to the completion of these works as we plan for continued development of this Campus”