Summer 2018 | Page 3

C.E. Address

Welcome Message from Chief Executive

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our learners the very best of luck as they undertake various examinations and assessments, etc across all of our thirteen schools and 24 Further Education and Training centres. This is a challenging time in that regard but I hope that the work and effort put in will be recognised through the outcomes of those various exams.

The past year has seen many interesting initiatives and developments across WWETB. We have a very innovative and dynamic staff and great credit is due to all in this regard.

One important positive performance indicator is that our learner numbers continue to increase across our schools and centres and we now cater for well over 20,000 learners supported by more than 1,600 staff. We have to continue to evolve and be responsive to our community to continue to the meet the ever-changing education and training needs of modern society

Some highlights of the past few months outside of the normal day-to-day excellence within WWETB includes the following:

• The first ever WWETB Strategy Statement was adopted and approved by the Board of WWETB at its meeting on May 8th. This plan will form the basis of a work programme for WWETB over the next five years setting out clear targets to be achieved. It also sets outs vision and mission statements, core values, strategic goals, priorities and actions. The process of preparing this Strategy Statement has taken almost a year of consultation both within and without WWETB and will be a very strong statement of our culture as a new organisation and our desire to serve the community in which we work across our schools, centres, offices and programmes. We very much appreciate all the feedback that staff, members and external stakeholders gave us during this process. The Strategy Statement will be formally launched at the July WWETB Board meeting.

• Production of the inaugural Pobal Ceoil-In Harmony concert in the National Opera House in March. This event highlighted and showcased the musical talents of over 400 students across all twelve WWETB post primary schools and 130 staff across schools, centres, offices, etc. It was a fantastic and uplifting event and one of which all involved should be very proud.