15 community colleges in Donegal to adopt new Ethos Framework for ETB Schools

Fifteen community colleges under the patronage of the Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) will be operating under the new Education and Training Boards Ireland Patrons’ Framework on Ethos for ETB schools.

ETB schools are state, co-educational, multi-denominational schools underpinned by the core values of excellence in education, care, equality, community and respect. 

The ETBI Patrons’ Framework on Ethos, which was launched at an event yesterday, (Wednesday) November 23 in Killashee Hotel, Kilcullen Road, Killashee, Naas, Co Kildare, was developed by ETBI and the Centre for Evaluation, Quality and Inspection at Dublin City University (DCU).

It will support all ETB schools in Donegal living out their ethos. The Framework will be adopted in each of the fifteen community colleges under the patronage of Donegal ETB.

Professor Anne Looney, executive dean of Dublin City University’s Institute of Education delivered the keynote speech at the event, and Carl O’Brien, education editor at the Irish Times, moderated a panel discussion on the theme ‘Ethos in Action’, featuring staff, learners and parents from across the ETB sector on the practical use of the ethos Framework.

Donegal ETB parent Geoffrey Browne featured on the panel discussion at the event.

Speaking about the launch, Anne McHugh, chief executive of Donegal ETB, said they welcomed the launch of the ETBI Patrons’ Framework on Ethos.

"It reaffirms the fantastic work that is happening in all of our schools, in particular the innovations in learning and teaching, our inclusive practices and most importantly our commitment to both excellence in education and equality.

“The Framework also provides our schools with a structured way of reflecting on their practices. I have no doubt that our ETB schools will find this Framework extremely affirming.

"However, the Framework will also enable our schools to identify areas where they could live out their core values more effectively. Donegal ETB and ETBI are fully committed to supporting our schools while they implement this Framework.”

Donegal ETB has appointed an ethos coordinator to support ETB schools across the county in implementing the Framework.

Speaking about the impact of the Ethos Framework, Donegal ETB’s ethos coordinator, Eamonn Ryan, added this Framework is the culmination of ten years of extensive national consultation, research and visionary policymaking.

"It articulates for the first time what it means to be an ETB school. Today is a historic day for the ETB school community.”