NICIE Annual Report 2010/2011 - Northern Ireland Council for ...

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NICIE ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011
NICIE/APTIS Spring Conference
More than seventy principals, senior leaders and governors from thirty-six schools and colleges
came together over two days to refocus on what it means to lead an integrated school and shape
the future for the students in this sector.
The theme of the conference was ‘Keeping the Child at the Centre’ and contributions from young
people from year 2 to year 14 enhanced the varied programme. An inspiring address from Tony
Macaulay reminded all present of the ethos of integrated education and its benefits to individuals
and the community. Other speakers included Peter O’Rawe from Joint Legal Services; John Reid
from Regional Training Unit (RTU), who reported on the ongoing NICIE/RTU leadership
programme; Joanne McDowell from the Big Lottery Fund; and Dr Eugene Young from the Ulster
Branch of the GAA, who outlined the various programmes undertaken by the organisation to
support the work of schools on sport and pupils’ wellbeing. This was followed by an informative
question and answer session facilitated by Aidan Dolan, NAHT, and Rolanda Markey of the Labour
Relations Agency.
On day two, the conference delegates welcomed an address by Catriona Ruane MLA, outgoing
Minister for Education who reflected on the significant changes implemented during her time in
office and lauded the work of integrated schools across the country, before being held to account
with some searching questions from the audience.