September 2015 3
We will be opening 3 new schools in September, Naas Community College, Celbridge Community School (in partnership with Educate Together) and for the first time in County Wicklow a Community National School in Greystones. Go n-éirí an bóthar libh.
We are completing two significant building projects in St. Conleths Community College in Newbridge and the second is a complete rebuild of the Community College in Arklow. The Arklow school will be renamed Glenart College from the commencement of this academic year. (See architectural drawings above)
All those in Corporate Services are acknowledged for their hard work in this regard and the schools for managing to deliver education during times of significant disruption. The rewards will be great.
The Further Education Team and Management are involved in several employment generation projects, on a national level, such as Retail Horticulture, Hospitality, and Introduction to Construction Skills. A new Maintenance Technician Programme designed by FIT (see www.fit.ie) in conjunction with employer INTEL delivered in collaboration with Kildare and Wicklow ETB was launched this summer. This is a
fantastic initiative and backed by a prestigious employer in INTEL, we wish to continue this cooperative work with employers into the future.
A customer service skills course will commence shortly In cooperation with the Department of Social Protection under the Momentum Programme and KWETB. This is a direct response to employers needs in the community.
There are many other exciting employment generation projects in the pipeline which we will share with you once proper planning and approvals are achieved.
I am placing a lot of focus this year on Youth Projects and the strengthening of our partnerships with local community development groups and initiatives. In addition we will be supporting the further development of the Outdoor Education Centre Services and the Music Generation Project in partnership with Wicklow County Council and the Department of Education and Skills.