We have commenced the process of developing a 5 year WWETB Statement of Strategy. While there is a statutory obligation on us to produce such a document, which will require a short turnaround in terms of consultation, approval by the Board of WWETB, etc I want to assure everyone that this will be a living, breathing and evolving process over the course of the 5 years. Another important feature of this is that WWETB, for the first time, will develop Mission and Vision Statements and a set of values/behaviours that will ensure that a culture will continue to evolve to ensure we grow as a top quality provider of education, training and youth services. Thanks to all who have already contributed and be assured that the consultation process will be as wide and broad as it can be in this regard.
One particular piece of work that exemplifies our responsiveness, not just to the local or national scene but to the international refugee crisis, is the work being accomplished at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) in Clonea, Co. Waterford. Our staff provide education to refugees based in the EROC at Primary, Post primary and Further Education and Training (FET) levels. We are now commencing extending long term English Language support and other classes for refugees who have left the EROC and are based in several locations across both counties. I want to pay tribute to all our staff who work so hard to provide this invaluable service.
We continue to work on our communication and staff support processes. For example, a Staff Event held recently in New Ross and attended in the main by over 120 managerial and non-teaching staff, is part of the process of staff development and cohesiveness across the organisation as staff get to know and consider all the various pieces of the WWETB ‘jigsaw’ that welded together can produce such great outcomes for our learners.
In addition, recent events such as those organised around ‘Retirement Planning’ for staff and a ‘Staff Retirement Ceremony’ are part of the support process for all staff. We are very encouraged also by the great response and enthusiasm of our teachers for the development work around the ‘Magenta Principles’ being facilitated by the well-known education expert, Mike Hughes, and supervised by our Education Department.
Can I take the opportunity again to thank all our staff (approximately 1,500), Board and various Committee members and external partners who work so hard to make WWETB an organisation to whom over 20,000 learners per annum are either entrusted by their parents/guardians or, as adults, entrust themselves.