CHIEF EXECUTIVE
WELCOME MESSAGE
I am delighted that the theme of Edition 9 of KWETB's E-magazine is INCLUSION. Inclusive education and service is at the very core of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. In fact when I consider the work of Kildare VEC and Wicklow VEC, prior to the ETB, we have well over 100 years of experience in each County.
Throughout history, the VEC’s were often the only education provider that was truly inclusive and educated all in our localities including the most advantaged and disadvantaged in whatever context.
Inclusion can mean many things. In KWETB Primary, Post Primary, Adult Education and Training it means providing equality of access to an education and training service that can offer a quality education experience and qualifications to all our students regardless of ability, religion or socio economic background.
KWETB staff always strive to ensure that our schools and centres attract a profile of student that is a mirror image of the societies in which we live. To respond to the needs of our society, we strive through innovation and quality to be the first choice education provider, and that all students and trainees receive an excellent education. When I look at the year on year growth of our students and trainee numbers and profiles, I know that we are fulfilling this brief.
This year alone, due to growth in student numbers, we have recruited over 100 new post primary teachers and have placed over 100 people on our tutor panels for Further Education and Training and Music Generation. I welcome all our new teachers and tutors. I want to thank all those who worked on the recruitment of these staff and those who made contributions at our post primary teachers induction day on the 12th of October. I know that similar inductions will be delivered over the coming months for our Further Education and Training staff. I want to sincerely acknowledge and thank our 2016 retirees for their hard work, contribution and the positive legacies they have left. KWETB retirees are acknowledged on page 18. Go raibh míle, míle maith agaibh.
Still on staff matters I wish to confirm the appointment of Rory O’ Toole to the post of Director of Schools on the 1st September 2016. Rory previously held the position of Principal of Scoil Chonglais in Baltinglass and Acting Education Officer in KWETB. I am also delighted to announce Caitriona Murphy, as our new Director of Further Education and Training (FET). Caitriona currently works for SOLAS and will take up position on the 7th November 2016.