Gaeilge
As we approach Christmas 2024 my message to our ETB communities is one of gratitude. Across our Schools, Centres and Administrative Offices throughout the county you have contributed in such a meaningful way to the work of Donegal ETB during 2024 and your dedication to our values is clear for all to see.
As I visited our schools and centres throughout the year I was constantly struck by the passion and commitment of staff for their local area and for the wonderful service they provide. Each and every staff member has their part to play and our service to the communities, including our new communities, of Co Donegal could and would not happen without this dedication to our values of Excellence, Quality, Care, Community and Respect.
Our three pillars, led by our Directors; Ciaran O’Brien (Further Education and Training (FET)), Andy McGovern (Organisation Support and Development (OSD)) and Dr Martin Gormley (Schools) do an outstanding job leading staff within their areas. I congratulate, on behalf of everyone, all three on their considerable achievements during 2024.
It is impossible to mention every wonderful achievement within our organisation because they happen each day in large and small ways but I would like to give you a flavour of some of the cross-organisation work which has been ongoing during 2024.
A priority for us all is climate change and our Climate, Energy and Sustainability Steering Group has been implementing positive change in all our schools and centres. We have provided support and training for key staff members, including caretakers and have strengthened the Green Team provision across all schools and centres. Our schools now have their PV panels installed and we are preparing applications for FET funding in this area. Our Climate Action Roadmap has been completed and actions are under way.
We are a Gaeltacht county and are very proud of our contribution to the Irish language. Our Coiste Gaeilge meets regularly to discuss the promotion of Gaeilge across our organisation. This year Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille and Gairmscoil Chú Uladh attained recognition in the Scéim Aitheantais Scoileanna Gaeltachta and we congratulate both schools. Cólaiste Eoghain in Buncrana formally known as Coláiste Chineál Eoghain has updated its name along with a new crest and uniform and we wish them well. Members of the Coiste contribute to national discussions on the teaching of Irish and play a part locally also helping to organise events and classes at our Administrative Offices in Letterkenny.
As an organisation we strive to live our values in all that we do and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group has been assisting in this regard. We collaborated with Think Equality Donegal in relation to training groups of staff on our Public Sector Duty and have started the process of implementing the Duty by looking at a number of policies and procedures across our organisaton.
Collaboration is a key lynchpin for Donegal ETB and the list is long and varied of those organisations with which we work to improve our county and region. Donegal ETB is one of the four publicly funded tertiary institutions in the region which makes up the North West Tertiary Cluster. Ulster University hosted a joint conference between the Centre for Cross Border Studies and the North West Tertiary Education Cluster in May, the focus of which was very much around the future and what desirable transformation could be achieved for our city region.
A further look at my diary reveals the official opening of a new extension at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Óileán Árainn Mhór and the new modular building extension at Errigal College, both in May. A plethora of events for ETB Week in March which included the highly successful Debating Competition, this year won by Crana College. DMEP performances, the highlight of which is the annual Christmas Concert with the Donegal Youth Orchestra, FET and Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremonies, the continued success of our Retired Staff Association and the important work done by our Wellbeing teams in each school and centre.
Following the local elections in June, our new Board was formed with a number of newly appointed members joining members who have previously served. Members have been receiving induction and training and we are delighted that our members bring such a wide and varied range of skills to the Board table.
Our outgoing Chairperson, Cllr Donal Coyle was recently re-elected, and I would like to wish him and our new Deputy Chairperson, Mr Geoffrey Browne, every best wish as they undertake their roles for the coming year. We thank and commend Cllr Coyle for his work during 2024 and also acknowledge Cllr Rena Donaghey the outgoing Deputy Chair.
I wish to remember all those who are sadly no longer with us and extend my sincere sympathy to all who have been bereaved during 2024. Christmas is always a difficult time for those who mourn loved ones but keeping their memory alive is so very important for all.
A new year is just around the corner and with it brings a chance to reflect and look forward but most of all I wish good health for you and your families and loved ones. Please enjoy a safe and peaceful break over Christmas and the New Year. We look forward with hope to 2025 and the continuation of our work on behalf of the people of Donegal.