Over one hundred post primary Principals and Trustees from Catholic Maintained Schools across Northern Ireland, are among delegates attending a special conference organised this week by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).
Over one hundred post primary Principals and Trustees from Catholic Maintained Schools across Northern Ireland, are among delegates attending a special conference organised this week by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).
The conference, which is taking place at the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown, will offer delegates an opportunity to discuss the main educational issues facing Catholic Post-Primary Schools. In particular the impact of the Bain Recommendations, the implications of the Department of Educations ‘Shared Future’ Policy and the Raising of Standards.
The Council, which is the largest employer of teachers within Northern Ireland, has taken the lead in planning for the future. Over the last 3 months Council Officers have been engaged in implementing a review of all Nursery and Primary schools in every Diocese and Parish. Developments in post-primary will be influenced by the Sustainable Schools Policy and on the creation of new post-primary structures.
The review, which is ongoing, will help to prepare Catholic schools for the challenges and opportunities, which lie ahead in a changing educational environment.
Speaking at the Conference, Mr Jim Clarke, Deputy Chief Executive of CCMS said:
Today’s conference for our Post Primary Principals and Governors is a natural extension of the work already undertaken by the Council in relation to the changing educational environment and in planning for the future of Catholic Post-Primary Schools within this.
I think that it is good that we are beginning to debate our Catholic School system. However, the problem I encounyer as a Catholic teacher is that it is the Principals who are not Catholic and are agressive to Church influence in 'their' schools.
The CCMS is the body entrusted with protecting the catholic education system. They must act in the interests of our faith and not be driven by monetary goals.