ETBI Journal of Education - Vol 2:2 November 2020 (Irish-medium Education)

ETBI Journal of Education November 2020
https://beta.parliament.scot/-/media/files/
legislation/bills/previous-bills/islands-scotlandbill/stage-3/islands-scotland-bill-as-passed.pdf
In the meantime, they are activated and forging
ahead with their own developmental goals to
secure their future.
The central role of schools and education for
the viability of islands for the next generation is
well understood and widely appreciated. Such
recognition compels pincipals and boards of
management of the 11 primary schools and 5
post-primary schools, supported by their patrons
as school managers, local diocesan bishops and
ETBs respectively, to become actively engaged
with the government’s Interdepartmental
Consultation Process for the islands, to develop
appropriate policies for the Islands of Ireland,
with education as an integral component of public
services on each island.
Post-primary schools in particular, are proactive,
fostering engagement with the local school
community in a progressive way, making strategic
use of schemes and other opportunities to
increase student numbers in order to ensure a
future. They participate enthusiastically in the
Department of Education and Skill’s Scheme
for Recognition of Gaeltacht Schools https://
www.gov.ie/ga/eolas-polasaithe/polasaidon-oideachas-gaeltachta-20172022/#sceim-
aitheantais-scoileanna-gaeltachta. This work is
supported and underpinned in the post-primary
sector, by favourable testimonials from students
and parents and confirmed by the systems of
quality assurance and governance of the boards of
management, Education and Training Boards and
DES inspection reports. This community-active,
engaged positivity of island school leaders and
school communities, affords hope that a positive,
sustainable future for both schools and islands
is possible when all stakeholders work together
productively.
* The significant contribution of Áine Griffin, GRETB
Corporate Services, is acknowledged in facilitating
research for this article, and in assisting in addressing
the significant challenges experienced by GRETB island
schools.
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