Politicians faced pupils yesterday (10 April 2019) at Lagan College, Belfast, where they were questioned on key issues chosen by the young people. Timed to raise awareness of the local government elections in May and run exactly 21 years after the publication of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the event brought political representatives of five parties and the Chief Executive of the NI Local Government Association (NILGA) to meet around 50 students from years 11-14 at the school. (more…)

Press Release from Shimna Integrated College

On Monday 8th March, the whole Shimna Integrated Community came together for a musical 25th anniversary celebration. The concert featured some of the musical pieces that are happening in extra-curricular activities and exam classes, and also showcased the work of drama students. The centrepiece of the event was the launch of the celebration original single. Our new song, ‘Building Tomorrow’ was unveiled and was also performed live by our newly established choir of Shimna Community Voices. The 127-voice choir is made up of students from Shimna IC and All Children’s Integrated Primary school, as well as staff and families from both schools. (more…)

Congratulations are due to Hazelwood Integrated College in North Belfast as one of the winners of this year’s Derrytrasna Awards. This scheme celebrates school communities who show exceptional pastoral care for the emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and their families. The scheme is run by the Department of Education and the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Presenting the awards today (08 April) at Stormont, Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, said:

“The quality of this year’s nominations is testament to the high level of pastoral care being provided in our schools and reflects the high regard local communities have for their schools. Young people, as they grow up, face so many challenges and it is reassuring that, for some, their school is a source of reassurance and support. (more…)

The Department of Education has announced an extension to the appointment of the Chairperson and the appointment of 12 members to the Board of the Education Authority (EA).

Eleven are current members of the board with one new board member being appointed.

Chairperson
Ms Sharon O’Connor previously served as Chairperson on the EA Board from April 2015 until 31 March 2019. She was formerly Chief Executive of Derry City Council. Ms O’Connor currently holds two other public appointments: member of the National Oversight & Audit Commission (ROI), for which she receives remuneration of €7,695 per annum and member of the Accounts Commission for Scotland, for which she receives £265 per day. She has declared that she has not undertaken any political activity during the past 5 years.
Members (more…)

The Integrated Education Fund has submitted a response to the Belfast City Council consultation on its draft Good Relations Strategy for the city, and would encourage members of the wider IE movement to submit their responses before the consultation closes on 11 April 2019.

The strategy has been developed to provide the framework for building better community and race relations during the period of the Belfast Agenda, which sets out a vision of the city in 2035.

The council states that the aim is to develop “A Shared City…delivering inclusive growth that leaves no one behind.” (more…)

Following the publication of the Department of Education document “Integration Works” – which presents guidance and information for schools considering becoming integrated, NICIE and the IEF held an information event on Tue 12 March 2019. (more…)